CITY HUB July 2021

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Andrew Pippos on finding his muse in the city fringes

J U LY, 2 0 21

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From L to R: Justine Langford - Midjuburi (Marrickville), Dylan Griffiths - Djarrawunang (Ashfield), Marghanita da Cruz - Gulgadya (Leichhardt), Jamie Parker - Member for Balmain, Liz Atkins - Damun (Stanmore, Jenny Leong - Member for Newtown, Kobi Shetty - Baludarri (Balmain)

YOUR GREENS TEAM FOR INNER WEST

VOTE 1 

T S E W R E N N N FOR THE I

OUR PLA

• Make Council a national leader on climate action • Real action on affordable housing • Better public spaces, green spaces, pedestrian and cycling routes • Stop profit driven over development and defend heritage • Support arts, entertainment & live music • Caring for people through quality services • Open and democratic council

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ECTION L E L I C N U O C INNER WEST

1 2 0 2 4 P E SATURDAY S

Visit greensoncouncil.org.au/inner-west for all of our policies Authorised by Sylvia Hale for The Greens NSW, Suite D, Level 1, 263-275 Broadway, Glebe, NSW 2037

HubNEWS

Forest Lodge saved from redevelopment (See p. 11)

Yvonne Weldon on NAIDOC Week

BY DANIEL LO SURDO nfortunately for Yvonne Weldon, the COVID-19 outbreak means that she will be forced to observe NAIDOC Week this year much the same as the last: indoors.

Dreary aesthetics aside, Weldon contends that no lockdown could dampen the community spirit that remains at the core of NAIDOC Week, which will run from 4-11 July this year.

“I will continue to commemorate the Friday of NAIDOC Week as I did [as] a young child,” Weldon tells City Hub. “I will remember those I walked alongside of looking up to not just because I was tiny but because they were trailblazers making a difference, making a difference for me and for everyone in this country.”

Weldon first knew NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week as National Aboriginal Week. On the Friday - A-Day, as it was called - Weldon would march alongside her family from the first Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern, and fondly recalls the day concluding in Alexandria Park.

“We celebrated together through dance, food, rides, races and games,” Weldon says. “This was the early days of my people coming together celebrating A-week and who we are, sharing our diverse practices and traditions.”

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HubARTS: Art Habits

With casual humour and mixed mediums, Michael Lindeman is making audiences think (See p. 21)

PUBLISHED DATE 8 JULY 2021 Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City.

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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 Managers: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Dan Kinsela 0480 362 148 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editors: Daniel Lo Surdo, Eva Baxter Contributors: Daniel Lo Surdo, Eva Baxter, Gemma Billington, Tessa Pelle, Katelyn Milligan, Kylie Winkworth, Sasha Foot, Elysia Cook, Andrew Woodhouse Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Rita Bratovich, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Olga Azar, Patrick McKenzie & Jarrod Wolfhunter, Lucinda Garbutt-Young, Tessa Pelle Cover Photo: Supplied. Andrew Pippos 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

WELDON’S CANDIDACY

Now a fully-fledged adult, Weldon is heartened by NAIDOC Week transcending throughout all corners of Australian society.

“It is encouraging to see that these events are held across many facets of organisations, businesses and communities both non-profit and large for profit.”

For Weldon, NAIDOC Week takes on greater meaning this year, despite the stay-at-home orders lasting the period’s duration.

The Wiradjuri woman grabbed headlines in May when she announced her independent bid as a candidate for the Lord Mayor of Sydney, making her the first Indigenous Australian to run for the position.

“The next generation is missing out on the opportunities that our city gave me when I was growing up.”

Weldon currently sits as the elected Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, is the Deputy Chair of the New South Wales Australia Day Council, a Board member for Domestic Violence NSW and for Redfern Jarjum College, a centre accommodating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are struggling in mainstream primary schools.

Weldon has also worked for the State Government in multiple capacities aimed at finding stronger outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

I will continue to commemorate ... NAIDOC Week as I did [as] a young child “I’ve lived and worked [in Sydney] for over 20 years and for all of that time, I’ve always worked to improve the lives of all.

My focus has always been working to improve outcomes for marginalised children, youth justice and survivors of domestic violence,” Weldon says.

“But in those 20 years, I’ve seen my own kids priced out of the city … I want to see a Sydney that is vibrant and humming with opportunity - and accessible to all Sydneysiders.”

Should she be elected, Weldon’s first order of business will be tackling the housing crisis sweeping the inner-city.

“We cannot afford to price ordinary, working Sydneysiders out of our city,” Weldon says. “If we shut down opportunity, Sydney will become closed to the young, to the entrepreneurs and to the hard-working people who make our economy and communities tick.”

State-led affordable and social housing projects to elevate levels of stock have largely been labelled insufficient by inner-city representatives, who are seeing pockets of disadvantage and inequality continue to emerge in their communities.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Weldon’s campaign centres around restoring opportunity to the next generation of innercity Australians. It’s an issue that Weldon feels is particularly important within her personal community service.

“I had the benefit of attending Redfern Public School and then St Scholastica’s where kids from a broad range of backgrounds attended,” Weldon says.

Yvonne Weldon will be celebrating NAIDOC Week from home this year. Photo: Supplied

While her campaign stands on creating immediate change, Weldon recognises the long-lasting impact that her potential rise to Lord Mayor may have for the inner-city.

“It’s taken 233 years for an Aboriginal Australian to be nominated to run for Lord Mayor of Sydney,” Weldon says.

“A council that is not representative cannot deliver a legislative agenda that delivers for the needs of everyday Sydneysiders.”

And put quite simply, Weldon hopes to inspire the next generation of inner-city leaders, the same way she was as an impressionable child marching past the old Aboriginal Legal Service on A-Day. “I hope that my ascension will bring hope to others, of multiple generations and change the way my people are viewed and accepted.”

The City of Sydney elections will be held on September 4 this year.

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HubNEWS

Creatives ostracised by COVID-19 Grants

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ember for Sydney Alex Greenwich and Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney Jess Scully launched a joint Parliament petition on July 1 to extend financial support to the creative sector as part of the NSW Government’s Small Business COVID-19 Grants.

The petition has called on the State to reduce the $75,000 turnover eligibility criteria for the Small Business COVID-19 Grants, with Greenwich understanding that the threshold made most businesses in the creative sector unable to access government support.

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these small businesses and sole traders have had their income eliminated “I’m deeply concerned that the requirements for these grants, which are supposed to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, have actually locked out thousands of small businesses and sole traders who need them the most,” Greenwich said.

Enforced COVID-19 restrictions throughout Greater Sydney has been especially difficult for the creative sector.

Photo: Creative Commons

“Creative businesses have already been devastated by this pandemic.

I urge the government to make sure financial support is available to them now, so that Sydney still has a cultural sector to enjoy when lockdown ends.”

LEFT VULNERABLE

The grants package, announced earlier this week, divided financial assistance into three categories. Businesses who had suffered a 70 per cent decline in revenue would receive $10,000, businesses with a 50 per cent decline would be given $7000, and those with a

30 per cent decline would be entitled to $5000 in financial assistance.

The stipulation to the package remains however that businesses or sole traders must have recorded over $75,000 turnover per annum as of 1 July 2020. It’s a requisite that Greenwich believes has left those in the creative sector increasingly vulnerable to continued financial turmoil.

“The 2017 Australia Council report ‘Making Art Work’ found that professional artists earned an average gross income of $48,400,” Greenwich said.

“I’ve already been contacted by many sole traders including actors, DJs,

musicians, technicians, and designers, who tell me their pre-pandemic income was well under $75,000.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Scully recognised the importance of the creative sector and its vulnerability to the recently-imposed lockdowns.

“The restrictions hit the creative and personal services sectors first, and overnight these small businesses and sole traders have had their income eliminated and forward bookings wiped out,” Scully said.

“I’ve received dozens of personal stories from people who have found their incomes shrink to zero due to the restrictions introduced by the NSW Government, effective immediately, and all future projects postponed … we ask the NSW Government to throw these businesses a lifeline.”

In the City of Sydney alone, there are approximately 20,000 businesses with a turnover of $50,000 per annum or less, making inner-city trade particularly vulnerable to the lockdowns.

As of 2 July, the NSW Parliament petition has amassed over 1700 signatures and is expected to close on the 8th of July.

GETTING HELP FOR ISSUES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

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Addi Road Volunteers Awarded ANOTHER VISION ANOTHER COUNTRY

by Mark Mordue There’s an old saying: in dreams begin responsibilities. The Irish poet WB Yeats made reference to it, as did the American writer Delmore Schwartz, who named a short story after it. There are many ways to interpret this saying. But the most obvious would be that our dreams require serious effort if we are to make them come true; and should they start coming true, well, then we owe them something very important.

Looking at Julian Meagher’s portrait of Craig Foster with his eyes closed, it’s easy to imagine the hopes – and the weight – such dreaming can bring once you are well along the path of your life’s journey.

Moving from a childhood in Lismore, Craig enjoyed a stellar football career, playing for and captaining Australia. He then became well known as a sports commentator and football analyst under the wing of Les Murray at SBS. Now 52 years of age, Craig has emerged as one of the most important social justice voices in Australia. An arc as seamless, and yet difficult, as a child’s dream of scoring a goal playing for their country.

Craig’s picture is all over Sydney at the moment, fluttering on pennants to promote the Archibald Prize. The portrait by Julian Meagher depicts him with his eyes closed. Meagher first tried painting Craig last year. “It didn’t get into the Archibald and I am glad. I know Craig better now and this second picture is a small work,

Expressions of interest sought for two special spaces at Addi Road Addison Road Community Organisation is inviting expressions of interest from not-for-profits, charities and social enterprises to use two different spaces that are becoming available for rent in the new year.

Long-term tenants Reverse Garbage and The Bower are moving on to larger purpose-fitted spaces elsewhere in the Inner West, making two special buildings available for new initiatives for the first time in decades.

Addi Road is currently seeking expressions of interest from organisations that would like to find a new home in this unique community of charities and creatives.

intimate and more vulnerable, when he was feeling tired and asking me, ‘What do I need to do to get people to listen?’”

“But Craig always keeps playing. He keeps a cool head through what is a very difficult fight.

He’s such a steady and inspirational figure. It can give you a lot of strength watching him. It’s hard not to want to be on his team. There’s so much love and so many good people in Australia. But we need the right people at the microphone and on the front pages. Painting Craig was something tangible I could do to help with things I felt helpless about, just by getting him in the Archibald and giving him another microphone.”

Craig found inspiration in Meagher’s painting.

He calls it “a powerful work … allegorical and open to interpretation. There are so many ways our eyes have been closed … to racism, to human rights abuses, to refugees, to climate change, to sexual assault, to the disabled, to our indigenous people and something as significant at the Uluru Statement From the Heart. Rather than share the portrait over and over, I’ve been sharing little pieces online. Each piece of the painting refers to a social justice issue I’ve just described. The pieces point back to the larger portrait.

“We’ve normalised our ability in Australia to look away and get on with ‘life’. So, the painting asks people to pause and think about the human rights abuses we have perpetrated and contemplate the issues. Deep down I think the underlying driver in it all is racism. It began at The buildings are a 350 square metre straw bale store and a 1000 square metre World War One-period drill hall in need of major repair and restoration. If you are capable of taking on such a project and adapting the spaces for your purposes, please get in touch with your expression of interest. Send an email to operations@addiroad.org.au

Announcing the inaugural exhibition for the Addi Road NAIDOC Artspace Award Addison Road Community Organisation (ARCO) is based in Bullanamming (Marrickville) on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. As part of our commitment to

colonisation, and it has never been dealt with, never even been adequately discussed or explored. That’s why the lens of the #RacismNOTWelcome campaign has been so important to me.”

Craig began working on the campaign when he became an Ambassador for the Addison Road Community Organisation last year. He says, “Addi Road is like a second home to me, a spiritual home. It became the heart of multicultural Australia at the same time as the demise of the White Australia Policy under Gough Whitlam. I could relate to the multicultural community feel of Addi Road after my time at SBS. When the #RacismNOTWelcome campaign started I knew I wanted to join in.”

Rosanna Barbero, the CEO of Addi Road, appreciates the relationship. “I just love working with Craig. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. And I love the way he navigates the most controversial things and gets to the other end unscathed and brings people with him. People can see he is genuine. He does not do it for the glory. He is someone who believes, when given this level of privilege, that you have to use it for the benefit of others. So yes, I hope people vote for the painting of Craig for the Archibald People’s Choice award. It’s really about people voting for something bigger than the portrait.

It’s the message we all have to vote for. We all have to open our eyes.”

acknowledging and supporting the ongoing struggle for justice, rights and recognition by Indigenous Australians, we are dedicating our 80-square-metre exhibition space, the StirrUp Gallery annually for use by Indigenous artists through the Addi Road NAIDOC Week Artspace Award.

We thrilled to announce that the artists exhibiting with us in 2021 are Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing. The artists will exhibit work inspired by stories of local waterway known as Gumbramorra Swamp and the NAIDOC 2021 theme, “Heal Country”. Their exhibition is titled We used to dance here.

Exhibition dates: July 17th – 28th Location: StirrUp Gallery, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville

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HubNEWS

More shots to get the shot

BY GEMMA BILLINGTON he AstraZeneca vaccine has been made available to every Australian upon consultation with their GP. Jamie Apps, Arts and Entertainment Editor at City Hub, received his second and final dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine last month, though his underlying health conditions meant he was eligible sooner.

“At the first dose, there was no discussion about the risks. Although I heard about the small number of clotting reports, I wasn’t concerned given the rate of occurrence was so low,” said Mr Apps.

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The benefits of being vaccinated far outweighed the risks for me “When the federal medical advice had changed, I was required to speak to a GP before receiving the shot. Given it was my second dose and that I had no complications from the first dose, I wasn’t concerned at all,” “I was comfortable with the risk and the advice I received. Having an underlying

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced all Australians are now able to receive the Astra Zeneca vaccine, as long as they consult their GP. Photo: Johaehn

[respiratory] condition, the benefits of being vaccinated far outweighed the risks for me personally.”

In a statement made last month, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) outlined the benefits and rare risk of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“ATAGI acknowledges the difficulty in balancing the small risk of a clinically significant adverse event related to vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca against the need to protect

individuals and the community against the ongoing threat of COVID-19.”

The estimated risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) per 100,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses is as low as 3.1% and of that portion, the fatality rate is 3%.

With adverse reactions minimal and Pfizer vaccine eligibility distant for many young Australians, the Federal Government decided to modify vaccine advice.

ASTRAZENECA ENCOURAGED

The announcement comes after an emergency National Cabinet meeting was held last month.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the amendments to the vaccine scheme and announced the implementation of a “no fault indemnity scheme” for GPs administering the COVID-19 vaccines.

“The ATAGI advice talks about a preference for AstraZeneca to be available… but the advice does not preclude persons under 60 from getting the AstraZeneca vaccine,” Mr Morrison said.

“If you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP and we’ve already made announcements to support those additional consultations with the GPs so you can have that conversation.”

People over 60 will remain a priority for the AstraZeneca vaccine, but younger Australians are now able to receive it.

Mr Apps said the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine far outweighed the risks and agreed with the importance of offering the vaccine to everyone.

“I feel it is a good idea to open up the eligibility so that we can avoid future lockdowns,” said Mr Apps.

Inner West Council candidates’ forum Sunday 22 August from 3pm to 5pm To celebrate the City Hub’s 26th anniversary, we will host a forum for candidates in the upcoming Inner West Council elections.

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Meet select candidates from across all four wards • Bring your questions • Participate in the democratic process

Special screening of Rats in the Ranks Sunday 22 August 5:30pm Following the candidate’s forum, we will have a special screening of Rats in the Ranks Shot and screened around the time of the City Hub’s launch in 1995, Rats in the Ranks is a classic look at local politics in the Inner West.

“An astonishing combination of suspense and humour.. Five stars” David Stratton “I agree. Five stars from me also. It is about democracy and the flaws of human beings. Love it” Margaret Pomeranz

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT SCAN:

Cat Boutique For all your cat care essentials including cat food & litter, flea & worm treatments, health supplements, bedding, toys, scratch posts and more, plus gifts for cat lovers.

Our Cat Boutique is open 7 days, 10am to 5pm 85 Enmore Road Newtown 9519 7201

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT 255 BROADWAY, GLEBE NSW 2037 The proposed upgrade to the existing facility involves: • Installation of three new Vodafone and five new Optus 5G antennas (eight in total) to be located on the existing and new mounts • Replacement of existing panel antennas with new panel antennas for Vodafone and Optus (six in total) on existing and new mounts.

Antennas will measure no more than 2.8m long • Reconfiguration of existing and installation of new ancillary equipment, including steelwork, RRUs, GPS antennas, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility; and • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as Exempt Development under Schedule 3A of 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.

www.catprotection.org.au

Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Jessie Zhao from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com by Monday 26 July 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2037010.

CITY HUB JULY 2021

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HubNEWS

Working out from home

Local businesses welcome government support

BY TESSA PELLE he NSW Government has announced a brand-new grants package to assist small businesses due to Sydney’s stay at home orders.

The ongoing pandemic has seen multiple small businesses shut their doors due to COVID restrictions and significantly less trade.

Guy, the manager of Simply Hummus in Darlinghurst said going into lockdown again has “killed” business trade.

Simply Hummus has been operating within COVID guidelines, but Guy said it has been important for the business to remain open during lockdown.

“It’s hard, we’re trying to do whatever we can, we still have to pay rent and pay staff.”

“Most of my staff at the moment are not rostered on. At the moment, it’s just myself, the owner and one more person.

There’s just no need for more people, unfortunately” he said.

Guy said that rent payments and wage subsidies are the business’s

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Body flow classes focus on managing overall wellbeing with an additional meditation segment. Photo: Matthew Henry

BY TESSA PELLE that sense. But my clients are so supportive, so I know I’ll be okay” he closure of gyms and fitness she said. centres during Sydney’s twoweek lockdown forced personal trainers to find other means of MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT keeping their businesses afloat.

With lockdown underway, Lauren The NSW government limited says it’s more important than ever to outdoor exercise to groups of no focus on mental and physical health. more than 10 people, meaning most “Winter is challenging. People community sport has not been able don’t want to be in class at 6am to go ahead in Greater Sydney. when they could be in bed so that But this hasn’t stopped owner of aspect makes it hard but then Body Flow Pilates, Lauren Burns adding a lockdown in, people are from offering her services, “let’s unmotivated. That’s why I’m trying to take control of what we can control, boost online classes so they can do our health,” she said. something for themselves physically and mentally” she said.

Due to the current restrictions, Lauren is providing Body Flow classes at-home Zoom focus on managing  It’s more important overall wellbeing Pilates classes for individuals, than ever to focus on with an additional families, and meditation segment to mental and physical further relieve mental groups. She said this has impacted stress. health the way she “Meditation is usually delivers her fitness seated, and you focus sessions. on your breath. It really helps people “[Over Zoom] the classes are not as with anxiety, it helps lower blood pressure and basically just calms hands on. I like to be quite tactile you down” Lauren said. with helping people, like lifting their hips up because they don’t realise The lockdown has already begun they’re dipping during a plank. Not impacting business like Body being able to physically help people Flow. The NSW government has makes it a bit harder, but you just announced a Covid-19 Disaster get better at explaining things when Payment available on July 1 on Zoom.” for eligible people and will be announcing support for small After starting her business midbusinesses in the next few days.

2020, she is no stranger to operating in a pandemic.

“Obviously I have been impacted by the lockdown and clients have left “It’s a bit scary because you don’t unfortunately so I’ll definitely try and know if clients are just going to call it quits, so it’s a bit uncertain in access whatever is available.”

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$75000 per annum is required to access the grants.

Vice President of the Surry Hills Business Partnership Board, Mike Galvin said that the new government grants are vital for local businesses.

Many businesses are still

recovering and rebuilding after 2020 “The grants will be very much welcomed by the business community. There’ll be many businesses however, that won’t be eligible due to their turnover of less than $75000. Many of these businesses are still recovering and rebuilding after 2020.”

“So, I encourage the community to be mindful of this and get behind businesses in any way they can,” he said.

Guy hopes that businesses like Simply Hummus will continue to be assisted through the uncertainty of the current

Businesses such as Simply Hummus located on Liverpool St, Darlinghurst have welcomed the grants package. Photo: Google Maps

biggest expenses. He is happy there will be assistance for this, “business has dropped around about 30% since lockdown.”

$75000 PA ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD

Depending on the decline in revenue experienced by businesses in lockdown, three different grants will be made available from July 1. $10000 for a 70 per cent decline, $7000 for a 50 per cent decline and $5000 for a 30 per cent decline. A turnover of more than

lockdown. The new grant proposals will have a large impact, “if [the government] is making the decision to lock everyone down and affecting our way of trade then yes, we need the help.”

In a press release, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, “The current restrictions are in place to protect people and keep the community safe, unfortunately businesses continue to incur costs such as rent, power and lost produce, and this will go some way to lessening that financial pain.”

HubNEWS

Sydney lockdown strikes NAIDOC week HEAL COUNTRY!

BY EVA BAXTER ne of the biggest annual events of NAIDOC week invites Sydneysiders to Hyde Park for a day of festivities.

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This year’s theme ‘Heal Country!’ calls for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage.

Stay-at-home orders makes 2021 the second year in a row that restrictions have altered NAIDOC in the City’s original format.

“It’s important to reflect that we stand on Mother Earth every day and we have to look after that country,” said Clague.

“A lot of Indigenous mob are always caring for country in some way. It’s not just about healing country, but it’s about looking after and healing ourselves, because without our wellbeing being looked after, then country can’t be looked after.”

Pauline Clague, associate professor at Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, one of the event organisers, told City Hub, “it’s a harder one this year because it’s two years in a row we’ve had the hit of COVID around NAIDOC.” This year NAIDOC in the City will be held online to support Indigenous artists and stall holders. Photo: City of Sydney

Without our wellbeing being looked after, then country can’t be looked after “NAIDOC is usually a great time for our mob to earn a lot of money, it’s a big event in our calendar, so we decided instead of postponing that we would take it online.”

“We’re trying to make sure that we’re

still giving the artists the best out of the day, so that they’re not feeling the pinch of the cancellations or postponements that have happened across the city during NAIDOC,” she said.

Troy Russell and his band Gii, which means heart in the Gamillaroi language, were set to play the event. All the gigs they had planned over NAIDOC and this period have been cancelled.

“We love to play music, we love to play

for audiences and what goes along with that is an income as well, but that’s not a big disappointment, it’s more about the playing, it’s not about the money,” Russell told City Hub. He said performing over NAIDOC week means a lot to him, “being able to perform for those audiences because the songs, even though they don’t particularly say that they’re First Nations issues, the story tells of that.”

“We’re still gonna have some fun and try to engage with people, so they feel like their voices are heard within this week,” said Clague.

NAIDOC week was linked to the Day of Mourning held from 1940 until 1955 on the Sunday before Australia Day and was shifted to July after deciding the day should not be a protest, but a celebration.

Clague said for her, “it’s a time for our mob to celebrate that we’re still here, always was, always will be.” naidocinthecity.sydney goes live July 10th.

We can get through this together As Greater Sydney adjusts to the news of an extended lockdow to deal with a new outbreak of COVID-19 in our community, it is so important that we take collective responsibility and do what we can to limit the spread. In addition to adhering to all the advice from NSW Health, let’s all stay safe by staying home if we can, checking in regularly on our loved ones and supporting our local businesses with takeaway and delivery where possible.

As the situation evolves, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest information on restrictions.

You can always find the most up to date information at www.nsw.gov. au/covid-19/rules If you have questions about these restrictions or need support during this time, please feel free to contact us on 9517 2800 or newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au. @jennyleong.newtown

We know that some people will be doing it tougher than others, and our office will be advocating strongly for financial support for those who need it - particularly casual workers and those working in industries where working from home isn’t an option.

Many of the small businesses, creatives and sole traders who have been hardest hit by COVID and this current lockdown are not eligible for Government assistance and that is just not good enough!

Scan the code to sign the petition to get much needed help to those who need it now.

SCAN ME

@jennyleong

If you require specialist assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may find this information helpful.

Health Advice: 1800 020 080 Health Order Info: 13 77 88

Mental Health Help: 1800 011 511

Disability Services Help: 1800 643 787

Domestic Violence Help: 1800 656 463 Homelessness Hotline: 1800 152 152 Tenants’ Advice: 1800 251 101

Remember - wear a mask, if you have symptoms get tested, and be sure to follow the NSW Health advice to keep yourself and our community safe. And if you are eligible for a vaccine, register now.

Together, we can get through this.

Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown @jennyleong.newtown

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT Rooftop Facility, 263-265 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Optus Vodafone Ref: S8767, www.rfnsa.com.au/2000307 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of two (2) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of two (2) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of two (2) new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) • Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with two new combined 4G and 5G 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 will be contained within the existing shroud; ancillary equipment will be installed adjacent to the existing shroud 2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above 3. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 4. 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 23 July 2021.

TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

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

STAYING IN TOUCH

Coulson Street, Erskineville

closure

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

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

8pm Friday 16 – 4am Monday 19 July 2021 Coulson Street will be closed between Eve Street and Devine Street, Erskineville, due to maintenance work on Coulson Street Rail Bridge.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

During this time, parking on Concord Street will be affected. Traffic controllers will be in place to direct motorists.

My office offers Justice of the Peace (JP) services on Mondays (2pm-4.30pm); Tuesdays (10am-1pm); and Thursdays (2pm-4.30pm). Please contact my office to make an appointment.

For more information, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/sydtraincommunity

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TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 10

CITY HUB JULY 2021

1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com SSO Here to Help 2020 V1.indd 1

02 9379 0700

Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM

HubNEWS

Sydney’s brightest shining again

Artist James Hancock’s One Big Backyard will be showcased at Vivid. Photo: Vivid Sydney

BY GEMMA BILLINGTON ivid is set to shine on Sydney’s streets this August as the city continues to recover from closures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival at this stage has the green light following Sydney’s June/July stay-at-home orders, with restrictions lifting July 10th.

James Hancock was one of the artists effected by Vivid’s cancellation last year.

His piece in this year’s festival responds

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to the 2021 themes of resilience and diversity.

“One Big Backyard” explores what it means to live in Sydney and is set to shine against the Unwins Stores in the Rocks.

Alongside collaborators Bim Ricketson, Ashley Diamon and George P. Johnson Australia, the instalment celebrates unity and togetherness, which Mr Hancock says is a reflection of Vivid itself.

“I think what is amazing about Vivid is that it brings people from all over Sydney and beyond. I love that we’ve created a piece that talks to that,” he said.

“Our piece is all about different lives and families around the city. I think it’s important to show this to people, to share that everyone’s lives are different, families take a lot of forms and the thing that is amazing about the city is that we all seem to be able to live together.”

“To be a part of such an amazing event and be able to bring [together] people’s lives from across the city is really a great thrill… to be able to project onto the very fabric of the city with stories about the cities varied inhabitants is a perfect opportunity.”

Mr Hancock will join hundreds of other artists, musicians, and creatives when Vivid hits the streets from August 6-28 this year.

ECONOMIC BURST

In 2019, Vivid attracted more than 2.4 million attendants, the highest turn out recorded since it began in 2009. The event generated $172 million for the NSW economy.

In April, the NSW Government announced the return of the festival

which showcases local and international talent across the Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour.

Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres hopes this year’s program will drive NSW’s economic recovery, attract visitors, and support the artists and creatives of the arts and cultural sector, which has been one of the hardest hit industries since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 To be able to project onto the very fabric of the city with stories is perfect “Vivid Sydney also supports the NSW Government’s new 24-Hour Economy Strategy which will help Sydney realise its potential as a thriving global city, and create more employment opportunities in the arts, entertainment, cultural and hospitality sectors.”

Despite the strain on NSW’s arts and cultural sector and continued restrictions, there remain high hopes this year’s festival will shine brighter than ever.

Historic Forest Lodge home saved

BY KATELYN MILLIGAN wealthy couple has bought one of Forest Lodge’s oldest homes, saving it from re-development.

It is believed that the new owners of the $4.62 million home intend to restore the Victorian Regency structure for use as a private home. This comes as a relief to the inner-city community after previous attempts have been made to subdivide and include additional structures to the site, diminishing its historic value.

Built in 1859, the house is over 160 years old, and one of the oldest in Forest Lodge. Heritage houses, such as the one on Hereford Street, are considered an important community asset, with their rich local history providing a positive contribution to the character of the surrounding region.

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PROTECTING THE PAST

Since 2018, the City of Sydney Council has rejected two development applications for the home, as the plans did not ‘adequately conserve the existing heritage-listed dwelling’ or reflect ‘the existing or desired future character of the subject locality’ and were ‘inconsistent with the desired development for Forest Lodge’.

Selling agent for the property Ben Southwell understands the previous rejections for subdivision and redevelopment deterred developers from buying the property.

“I had no developers looking at it,” Southwell told City Hub. “It had been tried and tested previously to subdivide the land and the Council will just never approve to subdivide the land bank. They allowed the previous owner to subdivide the front of it off about 20 years earlier, in which under with a lot of records in Council, they regret the decision.”

 our planning controls ... have protections in place for certain development Protecting the heritage of Victorian buildings is a priority for many members of the local community and is an aspect of historic significance that the City of Sydney aims to upkeep for its constituents.

“The City values our heritage precincts and properties, which have a special character that reminds us of our

The inner-city community has rejoiced after a Forest Lodge home was saved from redevelopment.

Photo: Domain

architectural history and the way the city has changed over time,” a City of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub. “Heritage is maintained through our planning controls, which have protections in place for certain development.”

This cultural heritage was a key attraction for buyers.

“People buying over here are wanting to buy something with some old nostalgia

to it … but to have something that was built coming out of the colonial period and then in the very early days of the Victorian era, they’re not very readily available … and to have so much of the original structures still intact … that was the attraction”, Southwell said.

It is now hoped that the integrity of one of Forest Lodge’s oldest dwellings will be preserved and respected for the indefinite future.

CITY HUB JULY 2021

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HubNEWS

NSW Budget won’t fix housing crisis, sector says AFFORDABLE VS SOCIAL HOUSING

BY EVA BAXTER hose who work in the sector call for dramatic expansion and clearer terms following the 2021-2022 NSW Budget’s $800 million commitment to the state’s housing crisis.

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Cathryn Callaghan, Senior Policy Officer at Shelter NSW, told City Hub, “you’d expect to see billions, not hundreds of millions.”

You’d expect to see billions, not hundreds of millions Victoria announced $5.3 billion in 2020, and Queensland $2.9 billion this year.

A report analysing contemporary social housing in NSW by UNSW found that the state government has delivered or committed 9,000 social housing properties in a decade, while there are over 50,000 applicants on the NSW Housing Register.

The government forecast in its February half-yearly review that stamp duty revenue would total approximately $8

Affordable Housing available in Willoughby. Photo: WelcomeMat

billion, however it now expects $9 billion due to Sydney’s soaring residential property market.

Cathy said it was “disappointing” that the money wasn’t directed back into supporting those the housing market is failing. $57 million is being given over two years to build on the successful Together Home program, which assists rough sleepers into accommodation.

Together Home was created during the initial emergence of COVID19. Homeless

people were quickly identified as at extreme risk of infection, and it then taking off in the community.

Sydney’s two-week June/July lockdown has seen the same results at this stage.

A tweet by Labor MP Jason Clare in June said, “just heard the NSW Gov is putting homeless Aussies into hotel rooms in the CBD.” Critics tweeted in response that this is the second time in 18 months a government has decided to end homelessness.

Understanding the difference between social and affordable housing could help people around NSW to be more demanding of their government and of their councils.

Mark Khoo is the CEO of Welcomemat, a digital platform that matches the providers of affordable rental properties with eligible applicants. He says many people describe social and affordable housing collectively.

Mark told City Hub, “part of the issue we’ve faced is that there has been a very low awareness as to what affordable housing is within the community, so it’s often confused or mixed up with social housing,” Affordable housing is a category of rental housing that is offered at 20-25% less than market rent and is designed specifically for those in low to moderate income brackets.

Many Sydneysiders may be eligible for affordable housing, but not realise it.

Eligible groups range from key workers, people on award wages, lower paying jobs such as hospitality and retail, community and social workers, those working in the arts, single parent families, domestic violence family survivors, older senior women, university students.

NIGHT RAIDERS

THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING

A thrilling sci-fi tale of Indigenous resistance directed

by Cree/Métis filmmaker Danis Goulet and executive produced by Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, SFF 2014). Selected Berlinale 2021.

Essie Davis (The Babadook, SFF 2019) and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) shine in a powerful social drama about a single mother battling the system and her troubled past.

WASH MY SOUL IN THE RIVER’S FLOW

ZOLA

A cinematic reinvention of Archie Roach and the late Ruby Hunter’s 2004 award-winning concert – a fertile music collaboration with Paul Grabowsky and the Australian Art Orchestra.

Based on an infamous 2015 tweetstorm, this exhilarating girl gaze stripper saga stars Taylour Paige (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom), Riley Keough (American Honey) and Nicholas Braun (Succession). Sundance 2020.

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

ACTION!

A SNEAK PEEK AT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL’S FIRST 22 FILMS. FULL PROGRAM ANNOUNCED 21 JULY.

SFF.ORG.AU 12

CITY HUB JULY 2021

HubNEWS

Opinion

Powerhouse Museum transformation a ‘broken promise’

BY KYLIE WINKWORTH fter almost a decade of Liberal Party mismanagement of Ultimo’s Powerhouse Museum, NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced a $500 million transformation of the precinct into a hub dedicated to fashion and design last month.

It comes as another chapter of epic waste, stupidity and policy incoherence from the NSW Government, with the poor Powerhouse Museum still remaining yoked to the Government’s museum blunder at Parramatta.

Harwin is doing for the friends of the Powerhouse Museum what he’s done at Parramatta – breaking a promise made just a year ago, not consulting the community, not listening to expert advice, and disregarding the unique culture and collections of the museum particular to its history, design and context in Ultimo since 1893.

This Government has learnt nothing since November 2014. This is yet another museum policy by thoughtbubble.

It is $500m the NSW Government doesn’t need to spend on shrinking the Powerhouse to be something other than what it is: Australia’s only museum of applied arts and sciences, and a museum of wonder and inspiration for generations of families.

The Powerhouse doesn’t need to be the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

It is silly to claim it has the most important design collection in Australia, especially since so many donors have lost confidence in the direction of the museum and have gifted their collections to museums in Canberra and Melbourne. And certainly, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet doesn’t want to pay for the required staffing establishment on the lines of the NGV. This is yet another broken promise from the NSW Government, given it said last year that the Powerhouse Museum would retain its remit for technology, science, engineering and design. The Government said the Powerhouse Museum was saved. Instead, the mission and facilities of the Powerhouse are being downsized and amended without consultation, explanation or even a veneer of museum planning.

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A CHANGED IDENTITY

No thought has been given to the impact of turning the Powerhouse into a fashion and design museum when it’s traditionally attracted family and education audiences. The real waste

Ultimo’s Powerhouse Museum is set to undergo a $500m transformation. Photo: Flickr/OZinOH

is that we will have a hollowed-out Powerhouse, without the power and transport collections for which the museum was purpose-designed to display those great collections in conceptually resonant spaces. What is the Powerhouse Museum without power and transport? I think this is a form of cultural cleansing, and that Sydney is at risk of turning into a monoculture, all artist studios, contemporary art and function spaces instead of actual collections.

 It’s just another chapter in the Powerhouse demolition saga In the 10 years since the LNP came to government, the Powerhouse Museum has had four directors and lost nearly 40% of its staff. Its highly acclaimed regional program has disappeared, along with the Migration Heritage Centre. Over this period the Government, the MAAS Trust and successive directors have problematised the Powerhouse building as cover for failings of museum governance, competent management and programming. The Powerhouse building has already had one round of disastrous, ill-conceived alterations.

Is it possible the problem is not the Powerhouse building, but government cuts, incompetent leadership and policy incoherence?

The Powerhouse Museum does not need a $500m building project. The architect of the Museum Lionel Glendenning appraised a program of maintenance

and exhibition renewal at $200m. Add another $100m to rebuild the museum’s expertise and staff and cancel the wasteful and unnecessary $200m Castle Hill development so the museum keeps its library and state of the art collection facilities on-site at Ultimo, and the Powerhouse might just survive as a much-loved family museum.

LOOKING BEYOND ULTIMO

How can the Government justify $500m in unnecessary capital works on the Powerhouse Museum when there is no funding for museums in regional NSW, no funding for new museums in major cities such as Campbelltown, Penrith and Wollongong and no museum policy for NSW? But bizarrely the NSW Government has gifted a cultural institution to the very needy Hills Shire Council at Castle Hill. How is this a museum policy priority except as a cover for the unexplained, unnecessary, and reckless eviction of the collections from the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo?

The Government’s policy laziness is entrenching museum inequality and short-changing communities in Western Sydney and regional NSW. Ten years of museum cuts have left NSW mired in museum deficit and policy incoherence. Sydney will soon have two museums of contemporary art in the city, but no major public gallery between the city and Penrith. There is no Indigenous cultural centre for the city that claims to be Australia’s international tourism gateway. Sydney is at the bottom of 30 global peer cities for its number of museums. But there is no museum

of NSW history, no migration heritage museum to celebrate our cultural diversity, and no gallery of Asian and Indian cultures, just for starters. There was once a nice museum in the Mint on Macquarie Street, now closed. And what of Perrottet’s idea for a museum precinct in Macquarie St east? Is it one thought bubble replaced by another?

Of note: • The Powerhouse has never had any difficulties hosting international blockbuster exhibitions.

• The current CEO has stated she does not want to see the Powerhouse presenting international blockbuster exhibitions.

• The current management of the Powerhouse Museum has not yet demonstrated it can present a popular program of exhibitions, let alone run three concurrent major museum capital projects.

Reading between the lines I think the Powerhouse ‘transformation’ is likely to be more artist studios and commercial event spaces than exhibitions. All the NSW cultural institutions are sweating is their real estate because they know the Government doesn’t want to fund the recurrent budgets. That is why Parramatta is not a museum but a commercially focussed Carriageworks West, the State Library is building a new café, venue hire spaces and a rooftop bar, and Sydney Modern is a function centre. That is why Sydney will never equal Melbourne for cultural vibrancy.

It’s just another chapter in the Powerhouse demolition saga.

CITY HUB JULY 2021

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HubNEWS

Waterloo social housing upgrade insufficient

BY SASHA FOOT lanning Minister Rob Stokes has approved revised plans for Waterloo South’s redevelopment, but concerns remain that the amount of social and affordable housing is insufficient.

The proposal has allocated an extra 98 social housing units to the development – an increase from the site’s 789 existing residences.

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The proposal seeks to

redevelop public housing ... in [a] housing crisis Member for Newtown Jenny Leong opposed the plans.

“This outcome is an unacceptable destruction of our public housing,” Leong said. “[The Government] should at the very least be using it as an opportunity to significantly increase the public and social housing in our city to address the crisis in homelessness and affordable housing in this state.”

The Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and the City of Sydney endorsed the development of 920 social housing

Planning Minister Rob Stokes has approved new plans for the redevelopment of Waterloo South. Photo: City of Sydney

units and 613 affordable renting housing units, yet approved plans comprise 237 community housing units, making up just 10% of the site’s residences.

“By the time it’s done only 27% of the site will be social housing – that’s more than 60% turned over to the private housing market,” Leong said.

AN ONGOING ISSUE

The City of Sydney is also concerned that the number of housing units is insufficient.

“The proposal seeks to redevelop public

housing, on public land, in the middle of a housing crisis. The redevelopment of Waterloo South must deliver more social and affordable housing, permanently,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore told City Hub. Moore understands that the number of social housing units is an ongoing issue.

“We will continue to work closely with the State Government to ensure more needed social and affordable housing is part of the mix,” she said.

“The demand for social and affordable housing in the city has never been greater.”

The Waterloo estate consists of three separate precincts: Waterloo North, Waterloo Central and Waterloo South.

Waterloo South takes up 65 per cent of the entire estate.

In 2017, the Minister of Planning and Public Spaces declared the Waterloo South area as a State Significance Precinct, meaning the State was able to overrule the Council’s planning processes.

Ongoing deliberations between the LAHC and the City of Sydney resulted in the Department of Planning intervening in March. The Department of Planning became both the Planning Proposal Authority and the initiator for the Gateway process, with an advisory group also working with the Department.

The City of Sydney signalled their support for the determination.

“The Land and Housing Corporation’s proposal had height and density even greater than development in the CBD,” Moore told City Hub. “[The] Gateway Determination will result in far better-built form and amenity as it supports the City’s improvements”.

The release of the determination will place the proposal on public exhibition later this year.

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CITY HUB JULY 2021

HubNEWS

Affirmative consent Councils welcome Electric reforms enacting in NSW Vehicle investment

BY ELYSIA COOK ast month the NSW Government announced that the state’s sexual consent laws will be reformed.

The changes will see the adoption of an ‘affirmative consent’ model, requiring the accused to have actively obtained consent.

The reform comes after recommendations were made by the NSW Law Reform Commission’s Report to ‘strengthen’ and ‘simplify’ consent law in November last year.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said that the government will implement all 44 of the Commission’s recommendations and reform the ‘reasonable belief’ defence.

This is one of the two key reforms that shift the legal onus from victim to accused.

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will be assessed fairly and impartially,” Speakman said.

The reform in NSW reflects Tasmania’s sexual assault laws, renowned as the best in the country.

The changes respond to the campaigns of sexual assault survivors and activists Saxon Mullins, Brittany Higgins and Chanel Contos. In March this year, a NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report recorded a spike in sexual assault reports, attributed to growing public conversation around consent and rape.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

In response to the doubling of sexual assault reports in the inner west and inner-city doubling between February and March this year, Inner West

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of will threereflect (3) newTasmania’s 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)laws, known as the best in Australia. Photo: Unsplash/ The reform in NSW sexual assault Installation three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) Tingey• Injury Law of Firm • 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) The • mental, reasonable grounds Council elections candidate Kobi Shetty New ancillary equipment including remotetest radio now units, cabling and antenna mounts sets• forth that “an accused person’s belief welcomed the reforms.

Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter in consent will not be reasonable in the • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in“The the overall scale of thereforms facility consent are well overdue,” circumstances unlessRooftop they did or said Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSWHub. 2008 Shetty told City Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 something to ascertainOptus consent”. that if the reform doesn’t 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment “I andwould associatedhope works as follows: The • other major reform specifies Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) have an effect on reducing the amount of that• “aInstallation person does consent to a(1.35m long) sexual assaults that at least the victims of three (3) not new 5G panel antennas sexual activity unless they said or did (2.69m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas with three 4G panel antennas (2.1mjustice.” long) would be new more likely to get • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) something to ascertain consent”.

Greens Member for Newtown Jenny • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts Leong also welcomed the affirmative • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter reform.

• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase inconsent the overall scale of the facility Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, NSW 2011 on the alleged “TheWooloomooloo focus [is] squarely Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 perpetrator of the sexual assault – not 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: on what the woman did or didn’t do, • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) what the woman did or didn’t wear, nor onwith what woman did (1.83m or didn’t Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) threethe new 4G panel antennas long) drink,” The • reform clarifies the definition Leong said.

• Replacement three (3)and existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long) of consent as aof free voluntary • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts “The time for perpetuating rape myths agreement that can be withdrawn at • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter – and allowing them to infect our laws – any time. The reforms also bring into 4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy must come to an end.” place five new2007 jurybased directions thatabove can be (Infrastructure) on the description used by judges dispelinmisconstrued 5. Notification is beingtoundertaken accordance with Section 7 of Industry Codeannounced C564:2020 Mobilethat Phonethe BaseBill Station Deployment It was will narratives 6. Members ofabout the publicconsent. may obtain further information on the proposed and we invite you provide written comments about the bework, introduced in tothe next session proposal.

Further information comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: “These directions willand/or support of parliament, sometime between 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.

 The time for perpetuating rape myths ... must come to an end

complainants by ensuring their evidence

September and December this year.

The NSW Government announced this week plans to incentivise electric vehicle use.

Photo: Unsplash/Michael Fousert

BY SASHA FOOT charging to happen away from innercity roads. he NSW Government’s announcement to incentivise “Electric vehicle charging should take electric vehicle (EV) use has been place primarily off-street, through a positively received by Inner West and combination of charging facilities in City of Sydney Councils. residential, shopping centres and commercial buildings,” a City of The Inner West Council has declared Sydney spokesperson said to City Hub. their particular support for the Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.

A major part of NSW’s scheme will be the removal of stamp duty on electric “Council is now keen to work with the vehicles that cost less than $78,000 NSW Government to encourage EV from September 2021. uptake in the Inner West,” a Council spokesperson told City Hub. This means road charges will take precedence over stamp duty once 30% The Inner West Council’s Electric TO are UPGRADE of PROPOSAL new car sales electric.OPTUS Vehicle Encouragement Policy will MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G come later this year.

The of a road user charge ATintroduction THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS concerns Griffiths.

“Council appreciates that [the NSW Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, Government]Surry areHills moving in the same “This 2-26 will hurt the poorest in our NSW 2010 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 direction.” community … it would effectively make Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 every road a toll road,” he said.

1.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G Inner West Council election candidate equipment and associated works as follows: equipment and associated works as follows:government Dylan Griffiths Another • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) echoed similar incentive is putting infrastructure • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas the (2.68m • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling sentiments. giving $3,000 long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) and antenna mounts in place will now help • New are ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling rebates to the first “There some • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts 25,000 electric accelerate the market great things in the the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within vehicles sold from • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in NSWthe equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room package to September, eligible for vehicles the overall scale of the facility incentivise EV uptakes … committing • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development costing less than $68,000. accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) to putting the infrastructure in place in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy Determination 2018 based on the description above will now help accelerate the market in The(Infrastructure) City of Sydney has already 2007 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, NSW,” Griffiths told City Hub. invested in electric vehicles since going Pyrmont NSW 2009 Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, carbon neutral in 2007, their Optus Ref:Government’s S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 The State EV strategy Randwick NSW 2031 fleet including 19 electric cars and one fully Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 considers accessibility asthe crucial 2.

The proposed facility consists of addition for of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: electric truck. the transition.

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: “These incentives will make electric Lord Mayor Clover Moore passed a • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) vehicles accessible and affordable for motion on Monday night that all new • Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) all • NSW residents,” Treasurer Dominic Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) commercial and residential buildings • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) Perrottet stated. will require mandatory charging • New ancillary equipment including EV remote radio units, cabling • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) infrastructure. and antenna mounts Ultra-fast chargers will be available for • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within everyandfive kilometres on Sydney’s major antenna mounts The Inner West Council have the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within roads, with car parks in Sydney also to recognised “the growing demand for • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in equipment shelter havethecharging stations. electric vehicles” but remain in the the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in preliminary stages of electric vehicle 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 CHARGING CONFLICT uptake, sayingwiththe vehicle in accordance Stateelectric Environmental Planning Policy accordancewith with theinsufficient Telecommunicationsaccess (Low-impacttoFacilities) encouragement (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Residents policy will align with Determination 2018 based on the description above off-street parking will benefit from ultrathe Integrated Transport Strategy.

5.

Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. fast chargers within a five-kilometre A motion delivered by Mayor Darcy 6.

Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the radius of their homes.

Byrne will address the transition to proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: The City of Sydney however wants 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021. electric vehicles on July 6th.

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HubNEWS

2021

AWA D S R

City Suburbs Local Business Awards

Vote for your favourite local business

Nominations Close Soon For Local Business Awards 2021

BY JAMIE APPS ith the financial year coming to an end it is now time to start thinking about this year’s best local businesses.

Time is running out to nominate your favourite businesses for recognition in this year’s City Suburbs Local Business awards. The Local Business Awards is the most comprehensive business awards program covering a wide variety of industry categories such as, Automotive Services, Bakery, Hairdresser, Jewellery Store, Pharmacy, Restaurant, Florists etc. Individual awards are also open for Business Person Of The Year and the Youth Award.

If there is a business that you feel provides outstanding service or products, then taking a few moments to nominate them for a Local Business Award is a perfect way to reward them for their efforts - particular after the difficult year they have all endured.

“Year after year we see just how much it means to people to be nominated for the Local Business Awards, the City Suburbs program is no different,” said Precedent Productions Managing Director (and Local Business Awards founder) Steve Loe. Not only is a local business award a morale boost it can also have a significant positive financial impact for small businesses explained Loe, “A nomination can also make a huge, very tangible difference to their business lives, as potential new customers or clients are often influenced when they see that the business has been nominated for these prestigious awards.”

The local Sydney community have always been incredibly supportive of local businesses & Loe expects nothing different this year.

“The City Suburbs community always rallies behind its local businesses, and this year is no exception,” he said. “Given the difficulty of the past year, it is wonderful to see the City Suburbs community is making such a big effort to support its local businesses by putting them forward for the Awards.”

Will your favourite local business be Sydney’s Business Of The Year 2021? Only you can make it a possibility!

Nominations close on Thursday, Aug 19 & can be made at www.thebusinessawards.com.au

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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

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HubNEWS

Opinion

Juanita Nielsen murder set to unravel?

BY ANDREW WOODHOUSE uanita Nielsen is synonymous with injustice, allegations of police corruption/negligence, developers’ tactics and the 1970s Kings Cross underbelly.

Nielsen published her fashion newspaper, NOW, from her home at 202 Victoria Street, Potts Point, now heritage-listed.

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The developer was bleeding big money. Nielsen was not popular NOW became more rabid after Sydney Council started implementing schemes without adequate community consultation. Council’s schemes included “upgrading” Oxford Street, altering Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, with an above-awning monorail, demolishing swathes of Woolloomooloo for $40 million high-rise office towers and permitting massive apartment towers in Victoria Street, Potts Point.

She called in the BLF to implement Green Bans but then imposed grey bans, cutting of water and sewage to the site, and corralled bank shareholders to angrily demand at its AGM it scissor the developer’s funding.

The developer was bleeding big money.

Nielsen was not popular.

Corrupt police enforced the developer’s evictions in Victoria Street. It became a war zone. Buildings were boarded up, residents kidnapped and physically threatened with one dying in a suspicious fire.

“I don’t care whose toes I step on … residents have a right to live in their chosen environment,” Nielsen said.

On a wet, drizzly Winter morning of Friday 4th July 1975 Nielsen arrived at Les Girls Carousel Club, owned by Abe Saffron, on the corner of Roslyn Street and Darlinghurst Road for a 9:30am meeting.

She never left alive. Her body has never been recovered. Murder was alleged.

Within 24 hours her home and office were ransacked. Research papers vanished, and the new copy of NOW heralding her exposé of the events.

Police were slow to react and did little in their original investigations.

THE FALLOUT

Mr Eddie Trigg, a bouncer at the Les Girls nightclub, had allegedly wrote a “deathbed” manuscript revealing the

Juanita Nielsen (left) was last seen at the Carousel Cabaret in King’s Cross on the 4th of July, 1975.

Photo: NSW Police

facts. It “named names”. NSW Police thoroughly searched his apartment but refused to comment.

A tokenistic $10,000 reward was offered but only to find her body, not the murderer.

Some said police were involved.

Last month, the NSW Government increased the reward to one million dollars for information into Nielsen’s suspected murder.

They admit that despite extensive investigations over the years, no-one has been charged in relation to Nielsen’s [sic] ... suspected murder … and that her body has never been found, claiming

that “investigations continue”.

This is despite evidence from Mark Taylor, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Justice, stating equivocally on 2nd June 2020 that “the case is not currently active.”

Que? The latest reward is welcomed but a full independent judicial enquiry should pursue all leads and the Coronial Inquest re-opened. The public don’t need another tendentious police-lead enquiry into police.

Justice needs to be done and seen to be done.

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

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TONIGHT I’LL BE EATING

ay Martin, Lee Lin Chin, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, Lleyton Hewitt, Magda Szubanksi, Anh Do and The Wiggles – just a few of the celebrities and sporting personalities who have featured in recent television commercials for UberEats. All have no doubt been very well rewarded for their endorsement in what has been an advertising blitz by the global behemoth. Whether any of them have been aware of the criticism and controversy surrounding Uber and other food delivery companies over the treatment of their scooter riders, remains to be seen - and they may well have been blissfully unaware.

If they were familiar with the situation prior to signing up with Uber, you might enquire if they actually faced any ethical dilemma at the time. That is something you would have to ask each of the celebrities individually, as well as the agents who advise them. In the meantime Uber, and other food delivery brands continued to be embroiled in a constant battle with their lowest paid drivers over insurance and their status as either contractors or employees.

A few weeks ago the ABC highlighted the

case of Burak Dogan, a Turkish student working for Uber, who was killed last year whilst riding his electric bike in Sydney’s inner west. Even though Dogan was logged onto the Uber app at the time, the company refused to acknowledge his death as a workplace fatality, claiming his shift had finished some 15 minutes earlier. Their insurer then rejected a claim worth around $400,000. Dogan joined three other Uber riders, Dede Fredy, Bijoy Paul and Ik Wong who were killed during 2020.

Whilst Uber has introduced free insurance for its riders and various safety initiatives, it has fought hard globally to maintain its workforce as

contractors, as opposed to employees who would qualify for holiday pay and workers compensation. The fact remains that its poorly paid riders are placed under constant pressure to fulfill their orders, navigating Sydney’s often hazardous traffic aboard a small motor scooter which offers little protection if they are involved in an accident.

Apart from the four deaths in 2020, SafeWork NSW documents tabled in NSW Parliament documented some 74 “serious notifiable injuries” to UberEats riders in the same year.

The pandemic and the various lockdowns have seen a surge in the demand for home delivered meals and no doubt providers

like UberEats, Menulog and DoorDash are cleaning up. If all deliveries were restricted to actual motor vehicles, rather than scooters and bicycles, the industry would be a lot safer. It could even be a selling point for some companies, with patrons prepared to pay a little extra for their food arriving by car rather than risking the life of a scooter rider.

We live in an age where influencers have run amok on the internet and celebrity endorsement has never been stronger.

There is a long list of dodgy products that the big names like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow and 50 Cent have put their name to, all in the name of financial kickback. Maybe some of our own celebs and Instagram stars need to be a bit more cautious and ethical in their choice of consumer items to endorse.

Perhaps if the commercial TV networks, who benefit greatly from Uber and Menulog advertising, gave more time to highlighting the problems of the industry (rather than leaving it to the ABC) the general public would be better informed.

Who wants to put somebody’s life at risk or cause them serious injury just because you have an ache in your belly for a home delivered meal?

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ANDREW PIPPOS’ INNER-CITY INSPIRATION Erskineville based author Andrew Pippos was thrust into the top echelon of Australian writers this year, but not without the help of his inner-city muse, writes Daniel Lo Surdo.

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ndrew Pippos takes a moment to ponder when asked on the creative influence that the inner-city holds over him. He gathers his thoughts, then speaks.

“The city has always done something to my imagination,” Pippos says to City Hub. “I see Sydney as this kind of beautiful, too-bright, menacing place with the echoes of many different types of ancient cultures in it.”

The Erskineville writer credits Sydney as the birthplace of much of the fictionalised characters readers discover on the page, and as the muse for the ideas and themes that grow embedded in his brain. But it was his years of perfecting his craft that now places him amongst the elite of the Australian literary landscape.

The author published his debut novel, Lucky’s, in November last year, a story spanning across 80 years that grapples with ideas of failure, deception and the pursuit of love. With a large period to cover, and a convergence of themes to hit, the structure of the novel proved a hurdle that Pippos initially found challenging.

“I just needed to make sure that everything was plugged in the right way, that everything was connected,” Pippos says. “[It] was a matter of plot and also a matter of bringing out themes that united the different storylines.”

Playing central to the world of Lucky’s is the Greek-Australian café, a nostalgiainfused national establishment that saw its birth and demise on either end of the 20th century.

It’s an aesthetic that has struck Pippos with particular resonance much before he ever began writing.

“That’s the world I knew as a child, that was my community,” Pippos says. “That was a fascinating milieu for me for all sorts of reasons.”

A younger Pippos did not have much of a choice when it came to the Greek-Australian café. Throughout his childhood, he would often visit family whose business - and as an extension,

his creation edge into public view. And it was met with acclaim.

Lucky’s was announced as one of six books shortlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award last month, an honour which Pippos doesn’t take lightly.

“The Miles Franklin was probably the first literary prize I had, [it’s] the most high-profile book award in Australia,” Pippos says.

“For a long time Lucky’s was a private world, and sometimes it felt like an extension of the daydream that I had as a child, so for my writing to be recognised so publicly, is very special.”

The nominees for the Miles Franklin Award are judged by their literary merit and presentation of Australian life in any of its phases. The winner will be announced on the 15th of July and will pocket $60,000 in prize money.

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Andrew Pippos.

Photo: Supplied

lives - were in the cafés. Pippos’ grandparents had one of their own: an alluring diner in the small NSW town of Brewarrina.

Berthed and sustained within the backdrop of assimilationist Australia, those who would dine at the cafés like Pippos’ grandparents would never see Greek food - no one would expect such a cuisine, nor would there be any interest for it.

A GOOD FRIEND

With the institution rendered obsolete for many decades, and with Australians now seemingly clutched to the allure of European cuisine, Lucky’s has reawakened an era that - even to Pippos’ surprise - evoked strong sentiment within a variance of readers.

“I realised that since the book has been published … a lot of people have fond memories of these cafés,” Pippos says. “I’ve met people in their 80s who remember the cafés, and people in their 40s, there is some nostalgia for them.”

But despite any idolisations that has arisen in readers, Pippos maintains that

A LITERARY GEM the novel is far from an observance of the establishments.

“The book is not a celebration of the Greek-Australian café institution … [or] of that immigrant history, it’s a more complex and darker story.”

It was a good friend to me through some years of real upheaval As is the case for most novels, the writing process for Lucky’s was a long haul. For Pippos, his novel was the project that stood beside him for eight years of his life; a period where he laid his father to rest, welcomed his daughter into the world, and earned his PhD. Pippos admitted looking to Lucky’s as a piece of comfort and companionship throughout some of the most turbulent moments of his life.

“Letting it go was hard because it was a friend,” Pippos says. “It was a good friend to me through some years of real upheaval.”

But in October last year, Pippos finally let

While Pippos welcomes the praise, he feels more indebted to the long creative process that formed Lucky’s.

“Writing is a big part of my identity, I’ve worked in other jobs while I’ve pursued my writing,” Pippos says. “You need to commit to it if you really want to get somewhere.”

Throughout the years of work that made Lucky’s, Pippos considers the process to have been a challenging clash with his personal life - but one that remains intensely rewarding today.

“When you’re working on big projects, you can’t just stop everything and be completely obsessed with your project, you don’t want to put your life on hold, or be outside life too much.

“You want to be in the current of things.”

Now with the announcement of the Miles Franklin award just days away, and a $60,000 prize awaiting the victor, Pippos remains committed to the tide of the present.

But still enamoured by his muse, Andrew Pippos’ stream of inspiration is assured to never be far from reigniting once more.

TELSTRA IS PLANNING TO RELOCATE THE FOLLOWING PAYPHONES Reference No.

It is proposed that a coin and card payphone be removed from:

And a coin and card payphone be installed:

45477

The bus shelter outside 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007 (Payphone ID: 02921107X2)

Outside 15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007

approximately 45 metres Outside 15 Broadway, away from the payphone that Ultimo, NSW 2007. is proposed to be removed. (Payphone ID: 02921139X2)

45479

The bus shelter opposite 145 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (Payphone ID: 02926741X2)

Outside 86 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Outside St James Railway approximately 62 metres Station, away from the payphone that 118 Elizabeth Street, is proposed to be removed.

Sydney, NSW 2000.

(Payphone ID: 02928331X2)

45480

The bus shelter opposite 8 Carrington Street, Sydney NSW, 2000 (Payphone ID: 02927940X2)

Outside 60 Margaret Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

approximately 80 metres Outside 2 Carrington Street, away from the payphone that Sydney, NSW 2000 is proposed to be removed (Payphone ID: 02929904X2)

45481

The bus shelter opposite 11 York Street near Margaret Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (Payphone ID: 02929913X2)

Opposite 42 Margaret Street approximately 28 metres Outside 2 Carrington Street, near York Street, away from the payphone that Sydney, NSW 2000 is proposed to be removed (Payphone ID: 02929904X2) Sydney, NSW 2000

45482

The bus shelter opposite 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (Payphone ID: 02929914X2)

On Erskine Street adjacent to 39-41 York Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

The relocated payphone will be located:

approximately 40 metres away from the payphone that is proposed to be removed

Currently, the next nearest payphone is located:

On Erskine Street adjacent to 66 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 (Payphone ID: 02927937X2)

Telstra intends making a final decision on the above proposals by: 24th August 2021 To assist us in making a final decision, we invite your comments on these proposals.

Please send us your comments in writing to: Telstra Payphone Siting Manager Locked Bag 4850 Melbourne Vic 3001 or by calling us on 1800 011 433 selection Option 2 or by email to Payphones@team.telstra.com Note: The relevant reference number must be quoted on all correspondence.

For more information on payphone services (including, any applicable payphone consultation document) see: www.telstra.com.au/payphoneservices/index.htm

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HubARTS

THE TEN TENORS:

Luckily for us The Ten Tenors are trapped in Aus & hitting the stage (See p. 22)

WHAT’S HAPPENED TO OUR INDEPENDENT THEATRE MAKERS?

BY LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG t’s been over a year since independent theatre companies had to close their doors for the first time.

After the stickiness of job loss dried up, it seems we almost stopped talking about the struggles of Sydney’s smaller creatives.

Perhaps we forgot the 12% job loss that occurred between March and September last year (ABS Payroll Jobs and Wages Index). More poignantly, were we ever told that the cooperative set-up of independent theatre left most companies without Jobkeeper, government-induced cashflow or recovery loans? We’ve lost valuable shows as a result.

“For us, we had five shows happening in 2020 and they’ve all been cancelled,” said Green Door Theatre Company’s Co Creative Producer, Leila Enright.

“We were three days from bump out, so we’d spent a considerable portion of our budget already, and are now not putting on a show,” Eye Contact Theatre Company’s Co-Founder, Emma Wright added.

But despite the sentiment of grief echoed across the independent sector, creatives are navigating huge pivots to revitalise their companies. Many theatremakers are seeing merit in taking it slower.

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CITY HUB JULY 2021

“Something I’ve come to know over COVID [is that] creativity is loose. Yes, I have a checklist but I know that part of creativity is living. You can’t create for others if you’re not experiencing life itself,” said actor and writer, Laneikka Denne.

There’s an anecdotal trend of increased emphasis on theatre development, championing new Australian works. “[My Co Creative Producer Bernadette Fam and I said] Let’s strip it back, let’s balance it so we are equal parts development and production company, rather than mostly production and a bit of development,” Enright said about Green Door’s new game plan.

Though Darlinghurst Theatre isn’t strictly independent, they’ve tapped into a crucial question: why we do theatre?

“What our audiences expect of us is to give space and agency to changemakers... what we deliver to those audiences will be a much better answer than ‘because we always have [made theatre],” said Co Artistic Director, Amylia Harris.

On this front many independent companies have tried new feats online, even after lockdown.

Wright, with co founders Jess Davis and Simon Thomson, has used Instagram to show audiences the detailed steps of

producing a play. It’s made theatre more accessible.

Rogue Projects pivoted their production process to create two seperate works that would be able to withstand COVID lockdowns. Firstly they turned a short work called Refused Classification into a short film. Secondly they partnered with Australian Theatre Live to create a fulllength filmed production of You’re Not Special, with a view to having a COVID back-up as well as a wonderful new way to reach audiences with our work.

“Ideas around ‘what is the product that a theatre company makes now?’ have really changed. It isn’t just a live show that dies after two weeks and becomes a thing that disappears,” Rogue Projects’ Co Executive Creative Producer, Erica Lovell said.

“The hybrid model is something that isn’t going to go away,” Lovell’s work partner Robbi James added “Although there was a slight decrease in people watching online theatre after things opened up a bit, we had successfully trained a population to watch live productions online in 2020.”

Suggesting independent companies are newly playing with the “big boys” in recordings and cinema, James said it “now seems like any of us can tap an audience there.”

COVID-19 has clearly offered a shift to

independent theatre companies; their national and international recognition has been catalysed by digital work modes. Yet, they’re keeping a uniquely experimental edge. The emphasis on increased development work proves this.

“I think we need to really scrutinise the way we interact with major theatre companies. Ten years ago we were seen as a pipeline into major theatre and in some aspects that’s still really true, but now I think we’re kind of a seperate industry that is almost an experimenting ground,” Enright said.

As ‘creative funding’ fluctuates in its status as a media buzz term, there’s an ugly paradox hanging over independent Australian theatre. They’re fierce and ready to give us what we want. They’re also scandalously underfunded.

“It’s bizarre to me that the companies that are often taking the most risks and experimenting the most, and progressing our art form and the way it interacts with society, are the companies that have no funding and are often running on 10k budgets.”

You can continue to support independent theatre by viewing works from Green Door, Eye Contact, Rogue Productions and other companies operating through Sydney.

HubARTS REVIEW

WHEREVER SHE WANDERS

BY TESSA PELLE The play centres on the rape culture riffin Theatre Company will present that often happens within Australian universities, however it also grapples Wherever She Wanders written with digital activism; especially in by award-winning playwright Kendall an age where everyone who has a Feaver until Saturday, August 14. smartphone can have a political voice.

The play follows an aspiring student “It’s intergenerational, it’s between the journalist, Nikki, who is on a collision course with Jo Mulligan, the first female internet and it’s between real worlds.

It’s all about those in-between lines and Master of one of the country’s oldest what is okay and what isn’t okay and residential colleges. how to talk about that,” Julia says.

When a serious allegation is made “I think Kendall’s writing has done against a fellow resident, loyalties such a beautiful job of representing so are divided as these emerging and many different perspectives and really established feminists find themselves exploring them without judgment.” entangled in an online media storm.

Until Aug 14. Griffin Theatre, Now, it’s anyone’s game.

13 Craigend St, Darlinghurst.

Julia Robertson plays Paige Hudson, $20-$62+b.f. Tickets & Info: a fresh out of high school and first www.griffintheatre.com.au year college student finding her feet. She says the play delves deeper into the Photo: Brett Boardman disconnect between the politics of old and new feminism.

“There are all these nuances in the discussion of feminist theory and how we move forward whilst also recognising that nuance,” she says.

“It’s got a whole range of perspectives to do with so many things that women especially are having to interact with every day in today’s world.”

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

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Garth Holcombe.

Photo: Daniel Boud

BY RENEE LOU DALLOW he Woman In Black is a gothic mystery thriller set in and around a haunted house in the early 20th century.

It is not the usual fare for the Ensemble Theatre where playwrights Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Neil Simon have always been the popular choice. Director of the Ensemble and of this play, Mark Kilmurray, has ventured into unknown territory with, The Woman In Black, and has given it the Ensemble touch. More a play within a play that celebrates the art of the two hander, this production, advertised as spine chilling, is more of a journey through the illusions and delusions of memory.

The main character, Arthur Kipps, (Jamie Oxenbould), consults an actor, (Garth Halcombe), rather than a therapist, to help him unlock the secret of the mysterious woman that haunts his dreams. So the art of storytelling takes centre stage through the eloquent word play of the actor bringing Kipps story to life in order to help him revisit

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and re-evaluate his memories of his experience. Kipps himself takes on many of the characters from his own story, to support the actor in the telling of it. As they bring the events to the audience, with Halcombe clicking his fingers at the lighting box to direct lighting and sound cues, the audience cannot forget for one moment that they are part of the play. The Woman In Black wanders in and out of the shadows and through the audience. Always present and always a mystery until the final unravelling.

The story is really that of a woman, The Woman In Black. Both Kipps and the actor have been merely players.

All in all a wonderful night of theatre with eerie lighting by Trudie Dagleish, set against a minimalist stage design. The gauze scrim was particularly effective as were the random sound effects to complete the illusion.

Until July 24. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $38-$79+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ensemble.com.au

ART HABITS: MICHAEL LINDEMAN ON CREATIVITY AND CHEEKY PHILOLOGY

BY LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG ith casual humour and mixed mediums, Michael Lindeman is making audiences think.

Most of his work examines personal identity in the wake of artistic commodification. Mixed medium works usually have text as the central subject, prompting audiences to disrupt conventional thinking.

But look at his work and you’ll see it’s not just serious social critique: it’s funny. Lindeman uses humour as an essential ingredient in conversation.

“I think we’re [artists] kind of obligated to be subversive, challenge authority and question what’s happening... We

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kind of act as a touchstone for the wider community. Humour can be an entry point,” he said.

The upcoming Art Habits exhibition has four bodies of work designed to give a laugh (after we’ve considered our social compass, of course).

In one, all of Lindeman’s rejection letters are covered in vinyl, moulded to the shape of migrantry gang signs from after the US civil war. They symbolised vital communications amongst travellers.

“I just thought it would be a really interesting way of appropriating these symbols for my own needs… to create a visual language,” Lindeman said.

The piece is homage to Lindeman’s experiences as an artist.

“For me it’s about creating work and being kind, generous, and funny. [It’s] poking fun at people, but also poking fun at myself. There’s a lot of self-

deprecating humour in the work as well… It’s about connecting and being open.”

July 8 (COVID-pending). Sullivan & Strumpf, 799 Elizabeth St, Zetland.

Info: www.sullivanstrumpf.com CITY HUB JULY 2021

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HubARTS

THE TEN TENORS

BY RENEE LOU DALLOW arred Newell, one of The Ten Tenors in this year’s line up, is bursting with excitement at the opportunity to perform the amazing repertoire for 2021. It is the 25th anniversary show for The Ten Tenors and if this tour is anything like their last, we can expect sellout shows, packed out at every performance.

In 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic the show was about to embark on a sold out tour of Brazil. After months of taxiing back and forwards, COVID alerts and a 14 day quarantine on arrival the tour was cancelled and the tenors were turned back.

Apparently, according to Newell, they simply rebook every six months so that when it is deemed safe for them to resume their Brazilian tour, they’ll be ready.

Anyway, it’s lucky for us, the tenors are locked into a national tour instead. The repertoire will revisit the catalogues of 15 of their albums which they have previously shared in over 4,000

Photo: Dylan Evans

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Jul 29. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $95-$145+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au Jul 31. Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill. $96.90+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.sydneycoliseum.com.au

live performances including at The Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and even at a private party in Petra for the King of Jordan way back in 2007.

“It’s a little like being part of a football team,” said Newell.

“The guys come and go. This year we have two new guys from Melbourne and from New Zealand who have had to quarantine in Coffs Harbour. I joined The Ten Tenors in 2011 after watching one of their performances and my agent organised an audition.

Some though, are simply spotted in other shows by our talent scouts, agents and social media.

I’m just as excited now as I was when I first joined. In rehearsal the walls have been shaking with the reverberation of our harmonies.”

One of the show’s highlights is a six part harmony of Bohemian Rhapsody. Always a winner. In all there will be 29 performances across 22 cities Including two in Sydney before they head off to the United States.

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL IMPLEMENTS FURTHER COVIDSAFE MEASURES

BY MARK MORELLINI he Sydney Film Festival is scheduled to return in August and the SFF Director Nashen Moodley wants to assure all readers that it will be safe to attend in spite of the recent lockdown in Sydney.

“We will reduce the amount of screenings at the festival because of COVID-19 restrictions, for the need to clean the cinemas deeply in between sessions and to make it more comfortable for patrons to enter and exit and to have more space and time to do so. So it will be a smaller festival in terms of the program and the amount of screenings by 25%, but we still hope that the cinemas are as full as possible and we’ll be monitoring all the health advice and regulations.”

With a program that is still being finalised, it’ll be difficult to select what to watch as most films should be quality and mandatory viewing.

Filmed in glorious black and white Dear Comrades! is a Russian film directed by Andrei Konchalovsky for

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discerning audiences that examines a historical massacre. From the US comes Shoplifters Of The World, a tribute to the music of iconic rock band The Smiths. When the band broke up a fan rebelled by hijacking a radio station.

Based on true events. Also from the US comes Swan Song, a film that follows a hairdresser who has escaped from his nursing home and travels to Ohio in order to grant a dying client’s wish.

And why should moviegoers who have never attended this festival come along and watch a film or two?

“I think once you come you’ll keep coming because you’ll see something surprising, something which in many cases you’ll never get a chance to see again. Also, what the festival does is by bringing films together from so many countries, it really gives you a sense of what’s happening in different corners of the world. If you’re curious, if you’re open then to come to the festival for the first time will be a very rewarding experience.”

Look out for our next issue for more stories on the Sydney Film Festival!

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ENVOY: SHARK CULL

BY MARK MORELLINI ociety is taught to be terrified of sharks, but the more we learn of these ‘mankillers’ the more the fear subsides. There is a misconception – are sharks actually the victims?

Marine biologists agree that sharks are not out hunting for humans and on the rare occasion when there is an attack it’s owing to what is known as a ‘mistaken identity bite’. Sharks serve a purpose – they keep the ecosystem alive and in Queensland they’re regarded as the ‘doctors of the reef’.

The NSW and Queensland governments have had coastal shark control measures in place for years, including drumlines and nets that capture and kill passing sharks.

But how effective are they? These measures kill turtles, dolphins and

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whales but do they also inadvertently attract sharks providing a false sense of security?

This is controversial and thoughtprovoking viewing that incorporates insightful interviews with environmentalists and marine biologists who explain that endangered species are dwindling ‘in the name of safety’. Narrated by Eric Bana, this documentary should spread awareness of these ignorant government approved

EDGE OF THE WORLD

BY JARROD WOLFHUNTER dge Of The World tells the very interesting story of Indian-born, British soldier, Sir James Brooke who became Governor then Rajah of Sarawak, the largest state of Borneo, in 1841.

The film is engaging from start to finish and is punctuated by a series of unexpected events that helps to capture audience attention.

Cringe-worthy at times due to the benevolent Englishmen civilising noble savage narrative, Edge Of The World does struggle with its execution of clearly conveying Brooke’s remarkable account.

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However, the movie does achieve at sustaining interest with its drama, action, adventure, and gruesome beheading scenes.

Edge Of The World acts as a great preamble and conduit to a fascinating read about Sir James Brooke, and his achievements in assisting the Sultan of Brunei to put down a rebellion attempt, build a modern nation, and suppress widespread piracy and headhunting throughout the Malaysian archipelago.

Edge Of The World echoes Conrad’s Heart Of Darkness, and other iconic stories of this ilk.

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measures, when 70% of the population don’t believe that sharks should be culled.

Distressing scenes of captured and dying sea creatures and the idiotic law that prohibits environmentalists from rescuing entrapped whales and other non-shark fish should evoke anger amongst animal lovers.

Ultimately this is disturbing but mandatory viewing. Audiences who anticipate responses from

governmental bodies will be disappointed - it’s really no surprise they declined to be interviewed!

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**Note: Screening includes Zoom In Conversation** July 21. Event George St, Miranda, Tuggerah, Bondi Junction. $15$21+b.f. Tickets & Info: watch.envoyfilm.com.au

LITTLE JOE

BY LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG n dynamic scenes of absurd twists, Jessica Hausner’s new film calls audiences to consider their own desire for quick-fix happiness.

Little Joe, follows the production of a mystical plant, bred by Alice Woodard (Emily Beecham) to make people happy. Through interaction with enigmatic characters, Alice comes to understand her plant is more than it seemed. It may be changing people.

This film holds a beautiful pace.

Bongo drums and high-pitched music as audio motifs carry scenes with eeriness, yet fluidity. A sterile, blue canvas is pierced with warm objects;

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a red chai, pink gloves, the deep crimson of Little Joe plants, mirroring how Little Joe may penetrate our own ideas. Do we have fears laying dormant?

Costuming is a nod to the 70s, as is the interior set design. This is fitting, given the film’s deeply postmodern ending. (No spoilers, but you’ll definitely be left to figure out the role of the plant on your own).

Overall, this on-the-nose piece is thoroughly artistic, yet leaves the audience working hard to evoke meaning. It’s beauty is easy to identify; it’s implications perhaps more veiled.

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