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I’M A FEMINIST... BUT The Guilty Feminist comes to the State Theatre
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HubNEWS
Residents in Pyrmont flight for more public transport after bus stops slashed (See p. 14)
‘Ukraine street’ renaming dropped
Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City.
BY AMBER GRIFFIN ullerton Street in Woollahra will not be renamed to ‘Ukraine Street’, after Woollahra council dropped the idea at a recent council meeting following push-back from residents. The proposed renaming is part of an effort by the Ukrainian Council of NSW to change street names where Russian Consulates are located to show solidarity for Ukraine in the context of war. During a Woollahra Council meeting last month, a report on the outcome of community consultation in relation to the proposed renaming of Fullerton Street was presented to council. The report revealed a high level of opposition to the proposal among those most directly affected by the street renaming, with some support demonstrated by respondents who are either not residents in the immediately affected area, or who did not provide an address with their submissions.
Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city.
DAMNING LETTER FROM UKRAINIAN COUNCIL
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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 Manager: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Erin Modaro Contributors: Amber Griffin, Sasha Foot, Lila Pierce, Erin Modaro Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Rita Bratovich, Mark Morellini, Jarrod Wolhuter, Swagatalakshmi Roychowdury, Christine Lai, Linc Jenkin, Renee Lou Dallow, Olga Azar, Shon Ho Cover Photo: Supplied. British-Australian comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-White brings The Guilty Feminist to Australia 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
The Ukrainian Council of NSW submitted a letter to Woollahra following the rejection of the street name change, saying they were “extremely disappointed” that the motion was dopped. The letter recognised the council’s decision not to go ahead following community resistance, but reaffirmed the need for global moral support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian council said that “psychological and moral support from other peoples and countries is invaluable to keep morale high.” They also identified issues with the nature of the community consultation process. “Council information about the name change on the website provided very little explanation about any assistance from the Council if the change happened.” They urged the council to ensure all those who submitted feedback in the consultation were confirmed residents of Fullerton Street. The Ukrainian Council affirmed that members of the Ukrainian community were in strong support of renaming Fullerton street, and compared the gesture to the renaming of a Glasgow square to Nelson Mandela Place during South African apartheid. The Ukrainian Council also added a section at the end of the letter detailing several extremist responses from residents in the Fullerton Street
Woollahra council has dropped a proposal to rename Fullerton Street to ‘Ukraine Street’. Photo: unsplash.com
Survey Report that were openly against supporting Ukraine. They noted that rhetoric in the submission comments reflected “disinformation which is commonly propagated by the Russian Government and propaganda outlets”.
89% OF RESIDENTS REJECT CHANGE
Only 11% of Fullerton Street residents supported the name change, as well as only 35% of Woollahra and Edgecliff residents. However, submissions through email or the ‘Your Say Woollahra’ page showed 57% in support of the proposal. Community engagement was open from May 13 to June 3 with local and Fullerton Street residents quick to share their objections to the proposed street name change. The council agenda detailing the submissions held 72 and a half pages of responses from the ‘Renaming Fullerton Street Survey’ in opposition to the name change.
misuse of local government resources An anonymous commenter on the survey shared their opposition to the proposed change: “This proposal is a tokenistic, symbolic gesture that will do nothing to help or improve (or even stop) the Ukrainian war. Although the Ukraine War is shocking and terrible, this war won’t continue forever and will end eventually. Why should we change the name of an historical street purely based on a whim and a thought bubble.”
Another anonymous commenter spoke out against the proposition: “The proposed renaming of Fullerton Street is misguided, inappropriate and a complete misuse of local government resources.” Residents noted that while they supported the sentiment of the name change, the matter wasn’t practical, and would result in difficulties for people who live on Fullerton Street. Submissions in support of the proposal were positive however, praising the council for showing support for Ukraine, with one survey respondent saying that “anything we can do to support Ukraine is worth it”.
COUNCIL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO UKRAINE
The Ukrainian Council of NSW explain the world-wide movement to rename streets with Russian Consulates, saying “we know it won’t stop the war.” “But this symbolic act will lift the spirits of Ukrainians, show Russia that Australia supports Ukraine, and further demonstrate to the world Australia’s support for freedom and democracy.” Woollahra Council unanimously passed a motion reaffirming their condemnation of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. The motion also calls for a letter to be sent to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to request that humanitarian visas for Ukrainians be increased. The motion calls for the council to look towards finding other ways of expressing support for Ukraine. CITY HUB JULY 2022
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HubNEWS
Inner West Pride Centre revisited by council BY ERIN MODARO nner West Councillors are revisiting plans for a Pride Centre to be established at Newtown Town Hall after the project remained untouched for over a year. The concept for an Inner West Pride Centre was originally brought forward over five years ago in 2017, however efforts to institute the centre stalled when a search for expressions of interest in administering found no “successful tender”. A motion for the Inner West Council to “reaffirm its commitment to establishing” the Pride Centre was tabled at a council meeting on June 14 by Councillors Mat Howard and Liz Atkins, who also proposed to be a part of an advising sub-committee, along with Deputy Mayor Jess D’Arienzo. At the meeting, the councillors unanimously recommitted and agreed to escalate the planning for the Pride Centre. “We’re a step closer to making this longstanding project a reality,” Cr Howard said in a post on social media. “There is so much excitement and need in the LGBTIQ community for the centre and after years of diligent planning from staff and work from volunteers, we’re putting the pedal to the metal.” The Councillor said that he along with Cr D’Arienzo, Cr Atkins, community leaders and members of the Inner West Rainbow Community would work to “review the steps taken so far, conduct a scoping study to really set out the vision for the Pride Centre.” Cr Howard said to City Hub that “there is so much
organisation reached out in an ‘expression of interest’ to operate the centre. The House of Pride and Empowerment organisation was deemed unsuitable by a selection panel, and movement on the centre has remained stagnant since then.
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Mayor's message NAIDOC Week Waverley Council invites you to join us for NAIDOC Week as we celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. NAIDOC’s origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians. We will be holding several NAIDOC Week events this month including the Natalie Bateman art exhibition at Waverley Library (until 27 July); The Tracker film screening and the Nib Presents Ellen Van Neerven in conversation with Luke Patterson (Friday 8 July, Waverley Library); NAIDOC at Centennial Parklands (also Friday 8 July) and an Indigenous music appreciation class (Friday 29 July, Waverley Library). You can also join the waitlist for the Aboriginal walking tour at North Bondi on Friday 15 July. To register for events, visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events/naidoc_week
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CITY HUB JULY 2022
We’re a step closer Public feedback on the idea for the centre at the time was positive, with 87% of survey respondents saying that it was important for a Pride Centre to be established in the Inner West. As noted in the newest motion, current census data reveals that the Inner West is home to some of the highest concentrations of LGBTQI people in Australia. The Newtown Town Hall is the proposed location for the Inner West Pride Centre. Photo: Inner West Council & unsplash.com
excitement, enthusiasm and need for an Inner West Pride Centre in the LGBTIQ community.” Cr Howard said that he is bringing the Pride Centre back into the agenda for the council to “reaffirm our commitment to it early in the term of the new council.”
NO ORGANISATION FOUND TO OPERATE
This affirmation follows a string of setbacks for the Pride Centre in the previous council term, as attempts to establish the centre were brought to a halt in May of 2021, when only one LGBTQI
Bondi Festival Bondi Festival returns this winter with immersive performances and experiences from now until 17 July. Held by Waverley Council in partnership with the Bondi & District Chamber of Commerce, the three-week all-ages event features performers, storytellers and creators from Sydney and beyond, sharing everything from the digital to physical, including new works in unusual places. From comedy in a barbershop and on-stage dating and theatrical séances to the famous Bondi Festival Ice Rink and the Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel, there’s an experience for everyone. Book your tickets now at bondifestival.com.au
NEWTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTRE RELOCATION
Establishing the Pride Centre in its planned location at the Newtown Town Hall also means relocating the Newtown Neighborhood Centre (NNC), a non-for-profit organisation that currently occupies the space. Cr Howard says that the council has been working closely to “assist the Newtown Neighborhood Centre in their plans to relocate to the Tom Foster Centre”, which is the intended location for the NNC to move to. Cr Howard said that the purpose of the Pride Centre will be to “recognise the importance of the LGBTIQ community in the Inner West and give them a place to connect, socialise and organise”.
Bondi Beach drive-through testing clinic On behalf of everyone at Waverley Council, I would like to thank St Vincent’s Hospital, operators of the Bondi Beach drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic, for their tireless work during the pandemic. The testing clinic has now closed and has been relocated to St Vincent’s Hospital at Darlinghurst. The clinic was one of the largest in NSW, providing testing seven days a week, rain, hail or shine. We cannot thank St Vincent’s enough for providing this valuable service to our community under challenging circumstances. Infrastructure set up for the clinic will remain in place till around October. A reminder that we are still in the midst of the pandemic, so please, continue to get vaccinated and tested to help prevent the spread of disease and serious illness. While no longer mandatory, wearing a mask also helps to provide protection against COVID and the ‘flu. To find your nearest testing clinic, visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/testing/clinics. Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley
Bondi Festival Ice Skating Rink
innerwest.nsw.gov.au
What’s on
From the Mayor – Darcy Byrne
innerwest.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn
Mystery Through Art Community who identify as women and girls can learn to paint delicate, lush Persian miniatures. Free 10week creative workshops, Community Refugee Welcome Centre Building, Lilyfield on Tuesdays, 19 July – 20 September.
First Council to be 100 percent renewable and divested from fossil fuels My Rembetika Blues film screening and discussion Mary Zournazi traces the journey of her forebears from Smyrna in Turkey to Sydney Australia in a documentary about love, life, and Greek music. Followed by the filmmakers in conversation by Lex Marinos. Marrickville Library and Pavilion, Wednesday 20 July, 6pm – 8pm
Author talk 2022 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Yvonne Weldon, discusses her seminal debut novel SixtySeven Days. Marrickville Library and Pavilion, Thursday 21 July, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Inner West is now 100 percent divested from fossil fuels and 100 percent powered by renewable energy. We are the first Council in the country to have achieved and combined these two important environmental milestones. Electricity makes up around three-quarters of Council’s carbon emissions, so going 100 percent renewable for electricity is a significant carbon reduction for us. The renewable electricity tender is just the latest in a
long list of climate initiatives by the Inner West. We have also committed to becoming 100 percent carbon neutral by 2025. We are taking serious action on climate change by thinking globally and acting locally. We are determined that the Inner West is a national leader in sustainability.
Darcy Byrne, Mayor
Customer Service Stall Next Customer Service Stall, Newtown Square, King Street (outside Newtown Neighbourhood Centre), Saturday 6 August, 9.30am – 1.30pm
IWC_CITYHUB_11/07_2022
Next Council meeting Council is in recess during July. Next Council meeting, Tuesday 9 August, Ashfield Service Centre. innerwest.nsw.gov.au/Meeting
Yoursay feature project
Supporting our local entertainers Local musicians and performers can apply for small grants as part of Council’s Pop Up Music Marathon. From July through to October, performances will take place across the Inner West – from Balmain to Ashfield to Tempe. The Pop Up Music Marathon will bring live music and entertainment to our high streets and villages. Go to innerwest.nsw.gov.au/ PopUpMusicEOI
Join a Local Democracy Group
Have your say on the Draft De-amalgamation Business Case
We want the Inner West to be the incubator where new policy solutions to big societal challenges are created. We’re inviting citizens with local knowledge and a passion for public policy to join our new Local Democracy Groups. Applications close 18 July. Find out more at yoursay.innerwest. nsw.gov.au
Council is preparing a business case for NSW Minister for Local Government to make a final decision on the de-amalgamation. Attend an online forum Thursday 21 July, 6pm – 7.30pm, and tell us your thoughts by completing a survey. Go to innerwest.nsw. gov.au/Deamalgamation. Comments close 31 July.
HubNEWS
E-scooter trial for Sydney’s inner city blocked qualify due to fragmentation of the city’s cycleway network” Cr Chan said. Cr Chan says council has a “responsibility to ensure rider and pedestrian safety by prioritising the appropriate infrastructure”. He notes that after a Brisbane e-scooter trial, hospitals began seeing a significant increase in e-mobility injuries.
responsibility to ensure rider and pedestrian safety
Sydney council decides not to go ahead with e-scooter trial. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
BY ERIN MODARO he City of Sydney council has decided not to go ahead with trialling e-scooters in the inner city, after safety issues and a lack of appropriate infrastructure were raised at a recent council meeting. A motion put forward to begin a trial was amended, meaning council will “monitor” trials in other locations before going ahead. Earlier in the year, NSW Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes announced the state government would be giving councils the option to partake in
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an e-scooter trial, as e-scooters are currently banned in NSW. In 2019, the City of Sydney Council said they would support the implementation of a trial if it did occur, but the motion also noted that there was “likely to be significant safety issues in the City compared to other locations”. Councillor HY William Chan, who raised safety concerns about the e-scooter trial, said that under the NSW government trial conditions, riding would only be allowed on bike paths and shared paths. “At the moment, most trips would not
“We need a sensible and comprehensive approach to city transport to ensure people can get into and around the CBD conveniently, cheaply, sustainably and safely.”
SYDNEY NEEDS TO LIVE UP TO ITS ‘GREEN’ NAME
Sydney Councillor Shauna Jarrett, who raised the recent motion to participate in the e-scooter trial, says that council needs to prioritise sustainable and green travel options. “By ‘observing’ for 12-18 months how
can the City label itself ‘green, global and connected’” Cr Jarrett asked. She says that council’s amendments to her proposal “relegates the Council’s claim to be a NSW, Australian, worldleading leader in combatting climatechange, enabling alternative forms of transport to mere works and pictures.” In regard to safety concerns, Cr Jarrett says that “as the leading Council in NSW”, the City of Sydney has the experience and resources necessary to mitigate risk. “With 1900 staff who are very experienced in risk management, public communications, community consultation and implementing programs… the expertise is there.” With every state in Australia now legalising the use of e-scooters, NSW is the only state in which it remains illegal. However, NSW residents are pushing for riding to be allowed, after popularity in other states has risen for alternative transport options. An online petition to legalise e-scooters in NSW says that “NSW needs to join the rest of the world”, stating that the use of e-scooters would “ensure a greener future for urban mobility”.
Essential Workers Deserve Better
GET IN TOUCH IF WE CAN HELP Ph: (02) 9517 2800 E: newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au W: jennyleong.org 383 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Thus regular column is authorised by Jenny Leong MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements 6
CITY HUB JULY 2022
Teachers, nurses, transport and public sector workers are at breaking point because their wages aren’t keeping pace with the rising costs of living and their conditions have been stripped down by this NSW Liberal government. We’ve seen wages and working conditions deteriorate over many years and now with the pressures of inflation rising exponentially, workers from key industries have had no option but to take to the streets to demand action. All public sector and essential service workers deserve fair wages and vastly improved conditions. For far too long these workers have been speaking out about extreme staffing shortages, safety concerns and inadequate resourcing across our public
services with no action from the government to address them. These workers have tried asking, they have tried negotiating but the government hasn’t listened. The 3% wage rise which was recently announced by the NSW Coalition government does not come close to covering the rising costs of living, nor will it fix the decades of underfunding of our schools, hospitals and public transport networks. The Greens stand firm in our support for these workers and we reject the unfair public sector wage cap. We support mandated staff to patient ratios in hospitals. We recognise the need to fix chronic staff shortages in schools, for urgent intervention to alleviate unreasonable workloads, and for
genuine investment to address long-standing safety issues. We know that improved conditions and wages aren’t won easily. It’s clear that when all else has failed, taking industrial action is the most powerful way to stand together and collectively advance our rights. The Greens will always support your right to strike, and we stand in fierce opposition to the NSW Liberal/National Government’s recent announcement to impose heavy fines on unions for taking strike action.
See NSW Greens statement supporting workers
Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown
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The 2022 City Suburbs Local Business Awards recognised the dedication and hard-work of local businesses, celebrating their contribution to making Sydney a vibrant and liveable city.
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HubNEWS
Inner West Mayor owes $15,000 to council Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne speaking at Marrickville Town Hall. Photo: Facebook
BY ERIN MODARO
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nner West Mayor Darcy Byrne currently owes council $15,000 in unpaid rates on a Balmain property he inherited from his mother, which was first reported by the The Daily Telegraph in June.
Cr Byrne told The Daily Telegraph he hasn’t paid the rates due to not being in possession of the deed, and therefore the property can’t be sold. Public property ownership records reveal that Cr Byrne took legal action to secure the title deed to the house through filing ‘letters of administration’ in 2018. City Hub has found that the title deed to the Balmain property was transferred to Cr Byrne on December 2 2020. As this information conflicts with Cr Byrne’s previous statements on his ownership of the property, City Hub reached out to the Mayor for comment. Cr Byrne repeated his claims from The Daily Telegraph, stating that he has “been trying unsuccessfully to obtain the deeds to her house which I am still not in possession of”. Councillors are required to disclose any pecuniary interests to council when they are elected, as well as annually when serving council. Cr Byrne has also failed to declare the rate debt owed to the Inner West Council in his most recent annual return, setting out his financial and non-financial interests. 10
CITY HUB JULY 2022
On his 2021 disclosures of interest form, under the heading ‘Debt’, Byrne wrote ‘nil’. According to Local Government Model Code of Conduct guidelines, all debts must be disclosed. City Hub asked both the Inner West Council acting General Manager and Cr Byrne personally for an explanation about the disclosure of debt. No answer was received explaining the circumstances of the non-disclosure of the debt from the Mayor or the acting General Manager. However, the Balmain property’s council rates remain unpaid, with Cr Byrne stating that he has begun a “payment plan” to pay down the debt and interest when the property is sold.
“HIT JOB” FOR REVEALING DEBTS There has been public debate about whether the information originally revealed by The Daily Telegraph was necessary for public interest, with several commenters on a local Inner West Facebook group referring to the news as a “hit job”. One commenter said the article was “a pretty low blow to attack the mayor on an issue regarding his deceased parents”. But previous Director of the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism, and former Senior ABC reporter Tom Morton, told City Hub that the Inner West Mayor has a responsibility to register financial interests.
“The property in question is plainly a substantial financial interest” Morton said. “If someone is a public figure then they must expect to be subject to public scrutiny.” In respect to Cr Byrne’s position as leader of council as Mayor, Morton said that “the more senior a public appointment, the greater the level of accountability the public should be able to expect”.
normal council process Inner West Councillor John Stamolis says that other Councillors have been asking questions about “why their Mayor does not pay rates on his property which has been vacant for several years”. Cr Stamolis agrees the public should know that “the rules which apply to them for payment of rates also apply to their elected representatives”. “Leaders of government, whether Prime Minister, Premier, Mayor or ordinary elected official know very well that there is intense scrutiny on them.”
“FAMILIES SHOULD BE OFF LIMITS” MAYOR SAYS
Cr Byrne said that the matter is private, saying that his payment plan to pay down the debt is “personal and private and protected by the privacy act”. “People’s families should be off limits, especially deceased parents” Cr Byrne said. Payment plans on unpaid council rates can be approved through financial
‘hardship’ programs provided at the discretion of councils. Cr Byrne has made no mention of a hardship claim, and there are currently no other public policies from the Inner West Council stating procedures on how to pay rate debt. Cr Byrne said that his payment plan is “normal council process”.
BALMAIN PROPERTIES JUMP IN VALUE When Cr Byrne does sell the property, he will likely receive more than what the property was valued at when he inherited it in 2017.
Balmain has seen a significant increase in median housing prices in alignment with trends across Sydney, with other properties near Cr Byrne’s valued at $3 million and $4.8 million. The average cost of properties in Balmain has risen by 23.8% in the last 5 years. Cr Stamolis said that housing affordability across Sydney is a worsening issue, stating that families in Western Sydney are seeing their “housing costs escalate”. “In the Inner West, housing affordability is a critical issue and people are doing it tough.” Cr Byrne was penalised for nondisclosure of conflicts of interest to council in 2021. He was docked 3 months pay after the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal convicted him of breaches to the NSW Local Government code of conduct.
Push the Sky Away Photo by Sebastian Grey.
Sometimes a photo can tell its own story without words. Like today, a little heavy with the likelihood of afternoon rain. A group of people standing together, pushing back against the mood of the sky. From left to right it’s an impressive gathering… Tu Le (Community Development Manager, Marrickville Legal Centre); Rosanna Barbero (CEO, Addi Road); Sally Sitou (ALP Federal Member for Reid); Dina Petrakis (CEO, Ethnic Community Services Co-operative); Mostafa 'Moz' Azimitabar (artist and human rights activist); and Vasili Maroulis (Managing Principal Solicitor, Marrickville Legal Centre). When he sees the photo, Maroulis calls it “beautiful”. “I know each person,” he says. “And they are fantastic people. Each of them is a champion out there in the community. Fighting the never-ending battles,” he adds with a laugh. At the Marrickville Legal Centre, he admits it’s not always easy to see the glory in that. It’s when he meets fellow travellers like this he gets a perspective on what the MLC has really achieved. “We do a ridiculous amount of work,” Maroulis says. “The output of our lawyers is way above any other community legal centre. But it’s not picked up by the media. We just continue to focus on our clients, as mundane as their needs might seem. I actually have this note written up on my whiteboard in the office – WITHOUT SONGS OR SINGER. I don’t want to lose that focus on what matters.” His co-worker at MLC, Tu Le, shares his coalface vision for Marrickville Legal Centre. “It’s great to be embedded in the community at Addi Road. People come to get food hampers or use other services and
they visit us for free legal advice. It’s really helped with our accessibility, which is what is so important.” Tu Le points to the photo: “If you look at the image I don’t think it’s too obvious who the politician is. It doesn’t feel staged. You know how those kind of photos look,” she says, arching her eyes. After having her own political career derailed in a high-profile ALP preselection battle for the seat of Fowler, she believes what happened to her actually helped Sally Sitou in Reid. Rather than feel melancholy about how things might have been, Tu Le says Sitou’s success is “inspiring for me. The nature of Australian politics is changing. Even if the progress is slow.” Mostafa 'Moz' Azimitabar is not without scepticism. Being identified as a refugee can create its own dehumanising and disempowering problems. Establishing himself as an artist with his recent entry into the Archibald Prize and continuing to be a human rights advocate is one antidote in a long struggle. “I want the politicians to know we must change the type of visas that I and many others need. We have to get a permanent visa. At the moment I can’t study or get a work qualification, after ten years of torture and being in detention. I look at this picture and hope it shows that politicians will begin seeking humanitarian solutions rather than punishment of asylum seekers like me. You know, when I come to Addi Road I feel safe. No, not safe, I am safe in other places too. I mean… I feel like I am visiting my family.” Perhaps that promise of intimacy and respect is at the heart of things today. Sally Sitou had come to
Marrickville to meet with CEO Rosanna Barbero and some of the individuals and organisations Addi Road collaborated with. Campaigns like #RacismNOTWelcome and Addi Road’s food relief work during lockdowns and the floods had impressed her: “Dedicated and committed people are what turn a place into a community, and that’s what Addi Road is – people who really look out for each other.” Rosanna Barbero echoed those sentiments. “I look at this photo and see people standing in solidarity with the community and with each other. In our society right now we are seeing rights taken away; people who just can’t afford to find any legal redress in their lives. It was MLC who got all the international students their superannuation. But it’s not just to do with what affects people’s pockets, it’s the mental health issues. Students not knowing if their visa will be extended. The endless nights unable to sleep, the stress and insecurity. Dina and ECSC (Ethnic and Community Services Co-operative) are doing similar work in another way, working with CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities, helping children, people in aged care, disability services. Getting vital information to people. A lot of whom don’t even know they have rights and support.” “I think when you look at this photo you can see hope,” Barbero says. “Things are still tough. We know that. But with the change of government there is a feeling all these stories will not simply disappear. Or never be heard. And that is what hope means. The chance to be heard. It’s what we are all trying to do in our own way and when we come together it feels another Australia is possible. That’s what Moz is working for and what we are all working towards.” by Mark Mordue
Creative Trails weekend at Addi Road
Sunday 14 August ONLY
Addi Road has joined forces with Inner West Council for the Creative Trails weekend this August. Thanks to funding from the IWCl, Addi Road is presenting open studio tours on site; an exhibition; music, craft and drawing workshops (children catered for); writers and artists in-conversation here at the centre in Marrickville. Note: some events must be booked.
Gumbramorra Hall / (Re)Creation Family Craft Workshops – Sally Cooper Family Craft workshop using recycled and simple supplies. Workshop 1 at 9:45am-11:15am. Workshop 2 at 11:45am-1:15pm Bookings Essential on Eventbrite. Hut 37A / Drawing Journeys – Capturing the World Around Us – Robyn Chiles 10:00am-12:30pm Bookings Essential. Email: bookings@drawntoseeing.com.au w/Subject: Creative Trails
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August, 10am-4pm Hut 24 / UPSPACE Group Exhibition – 11 artists Hut 24 / Open Artist Studios – Wayne Hutchins, Jenny Levitus, Robert Hawkins, India Zegan, Therese Kenyon, Tina Fiveash, Barbara Licha Hut 39 / Open Artist Studio – Graham Chalcroft Hut 41B / Open Artist Studio – Anita Shirley Hut 451D / Open Artist Studio – Tanya Ljubic Gumbramorra Hall / 11:00am-12:00pm Sounds of South America. Music Workshop. Bookings Essential on Eventbrite.
Talks at the Greek Theatre, 14 August 11:00am - 12:00pm Conflicted feelings: On art and motherhood Seila Ngoc Pham and Marikit Santiago in conversation 1:00pm - 2:00pm Archibald Finalist Mostafa (Moz) Azimitabar In conversation with Mark Mordue 2.30pm – 3.30pm Memory for Hunger – Paula Abood Performative Reading with Arabic Coffee
addiroad.org.au CITY HUB JULY 2022
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Sydney’s Mayor wants Cahill Gone
TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
HERE TO HELP As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.
STAYING IN TOUCH To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at tanyaplibersek.com.
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.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 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.
TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com to Help 2020 V1.indd HUB JULY 20221 12 SSO HereCITY
02 9379 0700
Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au 28/09/2020 1:23:20 PM
Lord Mayor Clover Moore took her vision for a Cahill-less Circular Quay to the Sydney Morning Herald Infrastructure Summit last month. Photo: visitsydneyaustralia.com
BY AMBER GRIFFIN ity of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore brought her vision for the removal of the Cahill Expressway in Circular Quay to the Sydney Morning Herald Infrastructure Summit last month. The infrastructure summit was attended by scores of the “major players” in infrastructure projects and policy makers, with speakers including NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minster for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes, as well as City of Sydney Mayor Clover Moore. During Cr Moore’s address, she brought her campaign to the summit, pitching her vision for a Circular Quay without the Cahill Expressway. She shared that she would like to “expand on the plans for three city squares – the large public open spaces – which are a key part of our long-term strategy for Sydney”. “Circular Quay is what we call the Water Square. Our vision highlights our spectacular harbour setting” Cr Moore said.
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INTERIM STEPS NEEDED
The City of Sydney recently released its long-term strategic plan, which includes public squares at Circular Quay, Town Hall and Central. Cr Moore has since met with NSW Treasurer Matthew Kean and Minister Stokes over the last couple of weeks. They share the long-term vision of a ‘Cahill-less Circular Quay’ but suggested an interim step would be needed.
The process will be to leave the trains in place at Circular Quay train station until they can be underground, but remove the Cahill Expressway as soon as the Western Harbour Tunnel is completed, eliminating the concrete divide at Circular Quay and creating an open ‘square’ setting. Cr Moore said at the Sydney Morning Herald Infrastructure Summit that “it’s a massive improvement that connects people to Country and Sydney to the world”. In his speech addressing the summit, the NSW Premier recognised the issues state government is facing in the infrastructure sector, including skills shortages and global supply chain issues, naming the current situation for Australia a “crossroads moment”.
Our vision highlights our spectacular harbour The Premier stated that moving forward through difficult conditions doesn’t mean “throwing caution to the wind”. “It means carefully navigating the complex challenges of this moment, and finding a way to keep building, and that necessarily means adapting to the circumstances to get the best results.” The Sydney Morning Herald Infrastructure Summit provided a snapshot overlook of the future of NSW’s infrastructure. Projects in the works for Sydney include new roads and metro services, the expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW, and Sydney Fish Market upgrades.
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Season extended to 14 August! CITY HUB JULY 2022
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Pyrmont residents fight for viable transport The Lord Mayor responded to the letter, sharing that the City of Sydney is not responsible for the location of bus stops, and that Transport for NSW introduced the changes as part of its South East Bus Plan, after consulting the community about the draft plan between April and June 2021. “Transport for NSW determines where bus stops are located, and works with bus operators to meet the needs of their bus routes and timetables” Cr Moore said. “Generally, we will advocate to keep bus stops that retain important transport connections for the community.”
RESIDENTS SAY THEY ‘RARELY’ GO OUT
Transport for NSW under fire from Pyrmont locals for decreasing stops on the 389 bus route. Photo: Sydney Expert and Wikimedia commons
BY AMBER GRIFFIN Pyrmont resident group says it has been ignored by NSW government about concerns over limited public transport options, after key bus stops were removed from an essential route early in the year. The Pyrmont Peninsula Public Transport Forum (PPPTF), a group of Pyrmont businesses and residents who advocate for improved public transport options, say that the government hasn’t done enough to address the decrease of viable public transport options in Pyrmont. The convener of PPPTF, Lesley Bentley, said that Pyrmont residents and businesses need more reliable buses, more bus stops, and more frequent services. “PPPTF is initially focused on achieving replacement of public transport/amenity which has been recently removed by the Government with minimal, or no, community consultation.” Bentley says that the community group has been repeatedly ignored by NSW Government about their concerns. “We cannot get the NSW Minister for Transport (David Elliot) to assist or take an interest in our 3 simple requests.” The PPPTF is calling for two extra bus stops along the 389 bus route, which
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connects many Pyrmont residents from the North of the peninsula to Town Hall station and Bondi Junction The groups also calls for the reinstatement of a Pyrmont Ferry stop on the F10 Ferry route. In January of this year when Transport for NSW changed the 389 bus route, residents spoke up about the loss of a key stop. Transport for NSW said in a statement that the changes were made to make “consistent bus stop locations within the Sydney CBD”, but residents say the change significantly increased travel time into the CBD. Bentley says PPPTF wants these key stops to be introduced back into the 389 route. “The Minister also fails to acknowledge that there is a perfectly good location for a bus stop in York St diagonally opposite to the former King St Stop” Bentley said. “This is very frustrating as we are only asking for a drop off.”
SYDNEY MP ASKS TRANSPORT MINISTER FOR ANSWERS
NSW Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich previously sent two separate letters to NSW Minister for Transport David Elliot, the first letter being sent in February of 2022.
Greenwich asked the NSW transport Minister about the government’s plans for public transport connecting Pyrmont with Broadway shops, The University of Sydney and The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The response was that residents could take the light rail to Central station, and use services via Parramatta road to get to Broadway shops. Greenwich sent an additional letter in May asking what the suggested route for those travelling from Pyrmont to the Western CBD on the 389 route would be, given that essential stops had been removed. Elliott said that Transport for NSW had explored the 389 route, but “due to operational reasons and limited bus stop opportunities in the Central Business District (CBD), no suitable bus stop locations were identified.” Transport for NSW also said that they would not be doing anymore formal community consultations on the routes.
BLAME PASSED TO TRANSPORT FOR NSW
Recently, the convenor of ‘Pyrmont Action Inc’ Elizabeth Elenius sent a letter to the Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore with concerns about changes to the 389 bus route and public transport links between Pyrmont and the city centre.
The PPPTF reports that a Pyrmont resident who has recently moved to the area noted that his prior perception of Pyrmont’s public transport didn’t necessarily align with reality. “It was really disappointing to learn the F10 ‘Me-Mel’ Ferry no longer services Pyrmont, and it’s infuriating to see it literally sail past you on its way from Glebe to the City” the resident said. Another long-term resident of Pyrmont commented on how difficult it has become to go out for appointments or social occasions due to mobility issues.
we rarely go out unless with family or by taxi “Our grandson loves to visit Darling Harbour, where he has fun at the children’s facilities.” “As we’re over 80 years old, it was very convenient on the way back to catch the bus at the Maritime Museum, but it’s become a trek to get back to Pyrmont. Now we rarely go out unless with family or by taxi.” The Sydney West Metro connecting the CBD with Parramatta and Western Sydney is expected to have a stop in Pyrmont, however the projected completion of the project is 2030. Bentley and the PPPTF urge MPs and councils to meet with them, and hear their concerns, asking for small public transport changes that will help residents and businesses now. “We can’t wait until the Metro opens” Bentley said. “We need the opportunity to undertake meaningful and timely consultation with Government and Council, and to have a real commitment to listening to the voice of the public, whom they serve.”
HubNEWS
Rocky path to de-amalgamation continues BY AMBER GRIFFIN business case detailing the process of deamalgamation for the Inner West Council (IWC) is receiving heavy criticism from councillors and residents, after it was passed for public exhibition at a recent meeting. Earlier in the year, the IWC General Manager Peter Gainsford commissioned consulting firm Morrison Low to develop the business case for the demerger of the IWC back to Ashfield, Marrickville, and Leichhardt Councils. A motion put forward by Inner West Councillors Mark Drury and Philippa Scott to put the draft business case up for public exhibition was passed 8 vs 7, with Labor councillors voting for, and Independents and Greens voting against. Independent Councillor John Stamolis says that he believes the business case contains data with large margins for error, and that it is unusable by the public. “Major decisions should not be made on the basis of this report” Cr Stamolis said.
tender, the IWC paid Morrison Low for what appears to be a hasty rework of its anti-demerger case from last year.”
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“Before any data like this is released it needs to be reviewed by experts, however, Council just tosses this report out to the public without any care.” Cr Stamolis says that a previous de-merger report prepared by Morrison Low was flawed, and its financial predictions proved to be inaccurate. “If ever there was a good reason to demerge, just
LABOR COUNCILLOR BACKS CASE
Labor Councillor Mark Drury, who voted in favor of the business case, said that the Inner West Council staff chose the Morrison Low to do the business case, not Councillors. “The staff have explained publicly that they chose Morrison-Low because it was a reputable organisation and they had done work for and knew Inner West Council and its predecessors” Cr Drury said. “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in the issue to read the business case and provide council with their comments.”
Inner West Councillor speaks against de-merger business case currently up for public exhibition. Photo: Facebook
look at the way Council is behaving, trying to ignore and dismiss the voice of its own community.” Member of local group Residents for Deamalgamation Pip Hinman also questions Morrison Low as the right choice for the business case.
RESIDENTS FIGHT FOR VIABLE DEMERGER
Residents for De-amalgamation is joining with the statewide NSW Demerger Alliance to hold a protest in front of NSW Parliament on August 9. Hinman says the protest is to “add pressure to the NSW government to listen to communities across the state who want to return the local to council”. The group announced in a Facebook post that Balmain MP Jamie Parker would be attending the protest in support. Hinman says that “pro-demerger MPs, councillors and affected residents” will also attend the event.
it needs to be reviewed by experts She says that Morrison Low needs to consult with “local government experts” to ensure the business case is usable. “Instead of putting the business case brief out to
ADVERTORIAL PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Call goes out for new wave of Job Coaches
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, Surry Hills NSW 2010 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 equipment and associated works as follows: equipment and associated works as follows: The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) of her experience with Asuria: “At Asuria we’re all a part of here’s a new employment services provider coming to • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Installation (3) new panel antennasthe (0.75m long)of Sydneysiders, something which we call Enterprising Heart, which really town,of three aiming to5Gtransform lives long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) and antenna mounts • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2. 1 m long) sums up what it’s like to be part of •theNew company.” and they’re looking for City Hub readers to join them. ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) and antenna mounts When it comes to what being an Asuria Job Coach/Mentor/ Asuria has been helping people to reach their job and career the equipment shelter • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within Indigenous Mentor, or Community Engagement Officer is all goals for over 25 years, and from July, they’re going to be • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room about, Cynthia says: “The way I help participants discover bringing their expertise to job seekers in Sydney. the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in their dream roles is by really sitting down and getting To make that happen, they’re opening up their doors to • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy to know them, building a rapport with them, people interested inOptus taking up new roles as Job Coaches/ Determination 2018and based on the description above Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above The proposed facility consists ofMentors, the addition ofand new 5G equipment staff and associated works as follows: establishing trust and understanding. Mentors/Indigenous support - helping Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) Pyrmont NSW 2009 Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, “As Job Coaches, when we’re able to do that and people to find and stay in work that matters. Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 • Job Installation of three (3)don’t new 5Geven panel antennas (1.35m Randwick NSW 2031 really get to the heart of who peopleOptus are, what they’re applicants need to havelong) any experience to • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G interested in, and what they love to do, that’s when get started in the employment services industry, with training equipment and associated works as follows: • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) 4. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G we get to make a real difference in •people’s provided to help them become part of a new wave of first-class Installation lives.” of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts equipment and associated works as follows: On what people in Sydney can get of aof career Job Coaches. of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • out Installation three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Reconfiguration • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) with Asuria, Cynthia says: “You’ll know whenof one you’ve makes a successful Job Coach/Mentor/ • Installation (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) • What The antennas are at rooftop level and there isAsuria a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) found to have fun Indigenous Mentor is aFacility, combination of empathy, the ability NSW Rooftop 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo 2011your dream job, when you’re• able • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panelyou, antennas (2.69m long) Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 with your team, when you feel that support behind to build relationships, a commitment to excellent customer • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) The proposed facility consists of the addition of newwith 5G equipment associated works as follows: and when you turn up every day wanting to put your best service, and everyday office skills, thingsand like Microsoft and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) foot forward for the people you’re there to help. I’m very Office, Word, or Excel. • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within en and antenna mounts o • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) t the equipment shelter es lucky because I’ve been able to find• that with Asuria.” More than anything though, Asuria is looking for people with er Reconfiguration of existing equipment on thesfacility li v vic and within • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) e h is a slight increase in es • The antennas are at rooftop level and tthere equipment shelter now. So Job opportunities with Asuria theare open a• passion forofhelping others. pr o Replacement three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long) f or m v idin s the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase n e a r r co m if you’re interested in seeing if you have what it exchange, the company promises for its • InNew ancillary equipment including remote radio units,ongoing cabling andsupport antenna mounts g t o t installation as Exempt Development i•n gOptus t o t oregards the overall scale of the facility thei nproposed w n, aim takes to be an Asurian, helping the people in your staff, combined with job security reach shelter their • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on theand facilitythe and ability within thetoequipment • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy to Planning find and thatwithmatters, visit (Low-impact Facilities) job career regard dreams by helping others to reach theirs. Optusand and Vodafone the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance withcommunity State Environmental Policy stay in work accordance the Telecommunications (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above (Infrastructure) 2007 based ona the description above www.asuria.com.au/careers. Determination 2018 based on the description above Cynthia Jennings, Community Engagement Officer, says Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/orCOACH comments shouldTODAY. be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: BECOME A JOB Learn more at: www.asuria.com.au/careers proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021. 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
Asuria is seeking staff to help people find meaningful employment
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Decade long fight over Bondi Road turn the commencement date to the schoolholiday period. TfNSW told City Hub that the ban was a “potential change” and that they are “currently working with local stakeholders” to conduct community consultation. At the end of May, TfNSW advised both schools about the plans to remove the right-hand turn.
Transport for NSW plan to remove a right-hand turn at a busy Bondi Road intersection. Photo: Transport for NSW
not informed the local community BY SASHA FOOT ransport for NSW has banned right-hand turns at the intersection of Wellington Street and Bondi Road from July 1, despite continued community and council opposition that halted the proposal nine years ago. The community maintains that removing the right turn will have detrimental impact on school time traffic, as Montessori East Primary School and Bondi Public School are both located on Wellington Street. Waverley Councillor Tony Kay who strongly opposed the plans in 2013,
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says TfNSW has failed to notify the community about the expected change. “Transport for NSW has not informed the local community about the works, and we are just over a week away from their commencement,” Cr Kay said. “At the very least, the government should be warning the residents about what’s going to happen and allow them time to make representations to their local members.” TfNSW informed Waverley council that plans would begin during the school term. Cr Kay took direct action to push
Cr Kay said the meeting was an “information brief” rather than an active consultation session.
WAVERLEY COUNCILLORS CONTINUE FIGHT
Waverley councillors voted unanimously at a recent council meeting to request a traffic management plan that would outline the ban’s impact on local streets. Councillor Ludovico Fabiano says the turn will complicate an efficient and safe westbound return up Bondi Road. “Parents who use Wellington Street to drop off their children at school will
have to turn left and attempt a U-turn somewhere along Bondi Road,” he said. “Another alternative is parents will have to take narrow back-streets to get back in the direction of Bondi Junction.”
PEDESTRIAN VS VEHICLE SAFETY TfNSW maintains that the ban aims to “improve safety for road users at this intersection.” In 2013 Waverley council endorsed a traffic light system at the Bondi Road and Wellington Street intersection. The council recognised that the ban would increase vehicle safety; however, an expected decrease in pedestrian safety led to its rejection. Cr Fabiano believes that installing a set of traffic lights – similar to the Penkivil Street system – at the corner of Wellington Street and Bondi Road, would allow pedestrians to cross the road safely and facilitate effective traffic movements. “While this is a more expensive option, money needs to be spent by Transport for NSW to accommodate a safer intersection,” he said.
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Let Lucas lead the way! This independent and curious feline likes to keep an eye on the world around him and is seeking a calm forever home with low levels of activity and no young children where he can explore at his own pace and enjoy his catnaps without interruption. He is a big fan of burying himself in blankets and as a shy guy Lucas prefers affection on his terms so he will need some space and time to adjust to his new surroundings. Lucas has previous experience around other cats and could enjoy the company of a feline friend in his new home. This green-eyed guy loves expressing himself with many meows and will happily chatter away to let you know how he is feeling. Lucas is looking for an indoor only forever home as his shy temperament means he spooks easily. Lucas can be aloof but with love, patience and the right person, he has the potential to be the purr-fect companion.
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Visit: http://catprotection.org.au/what-you-need-to-know-before-adopting/ Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000224
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CITY HUB JULY 2022
HubNEWS
Inner West soon to see 40km/h limits BY ERIN MODARO 0km/h speed limits could soon be implemented on all local roads throughout the Inner West as council continues to push Transport for NSW for lower limits. A motion was unanimously passed at a June council meeting calling for a letter to be sent to the Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward, to ensure Transport for NSW changes speed limits. The motion includes clauses to push NSW government to implement 40km/h limits on all ‘local roads’ in the Inner West, and ‘investigate’ 30km/h limits on roads with schools and other areas of high pedestrian and cyclist activity. The push for lower speed limits began in 2020, when the council adopted the Inner West @40 key project, however many speed limits intended to be lowered to 40km/h have not been changed by Transport for NSW 2 years later. Inner West Councillor Pauline Lockie, who tabled the most recent motion, stated that as speed limits can only be addressed by Transport for NSW, “council is unable to proceed with reducing speed limits on our local roads,
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despite significant community support”. She notes that Transport for NSW has cited a lack of funding and budget shortfalls for the delay in updating Inner West speed limits.
30km/h speed limits are safer Transport for NSW said in a statement to City Hub that they support “in principle” the implementation of 40km/h limits in areas of high pedestrian activity, local traffic areas and “where appropriate signs can be installed and markings applied to create a safe 40km/h speed environment” “Transport for NSW is working with Inner West Council to develop a staged plan to deliver reduced speeds on local roads in the Inner West Council LGA.”
COMMUNITY GROUP WANTS 30
WalkSydney, an organisation pushing for 30km/h speed limits across Sydney to improve pedestrian safety, says that the council should go beyond just lowering limits to 40.
The Inner West Council has been pushing for 40km/hr speed limits since 2020. Photo: Wikimedia commons
“Research shows that a fatal injury to a pedestrian is at least twice as likely to occur in a crash at 40km/h than at 30km/h, and at slower speeds, drivers have more time to react to the unexpected” WalkSydney said. “The international evidence is overwhelming that 30km/h speed limits are safer, make neighbourhoods more walkable and pleasant, and only marginally increase travel times.” Bridget Foley, spokesperson for SafeStreets-to-School Inner West said that
lowering speed limits is vital to the safety of Inner West residents and children. “Kids and parents want to be able to get to school by walking, scooting or bike riding in the Inner West, especially with their friends. To make this possible, we need safe speed limits on our streets.” “A car travelling 30km/h and 1s reaction time will come to stop after 13 meters. A car travelling 50km/h with the same reaction time will still travel 50km/h at that point and needs another 27 meters to stop.”
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CITY HUB JULY 2022
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HubNEWS
Inner West Council investigates contamination
St Peters Interchange is a section of the WestConnex M8, which has a site that’s been flagged as contamination hazard. Photo: WestConnex
BY AMBER GRIFFIN fter a City Hub investigation revealed that council had been left in the dark about the NSW government’s concerns over contamination at the WestConnex St Peters Interchange, the Inner West Council is taking action to gain transparency on the situation. A motion at a recent Inner West Council meeting requesting an “urgent briefing” from Transport for NSW on the report ordered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was raised by Inner West Councillor Pauline Lockie. The contamination of the site, which was proposed to be the development location of a park by Transport for NSW, was brought to Cr Lockie’s attention by the City Hub investigation. Cr Lockie expressed the urgency of this matter, stating that it’s critical for Transport for NSW and the NSW Government to have transparency about the WestConnex St Peters Interchange site. “St Peters residents have suspected for years that the site remains highly contaminated, but Transport for NSW has continued to try and push responsibility for managing its so-called
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‘parkland’ onto Council” Cr Lockie said. “When I heard that Transport for NSW did this while failing to inform Council about serious public safety concerns at the site, I knew we had to act.” Councillor Mat Howard seconded the motion to press for candor over the contamination concerns. “This is yet more secrecy and more contempt from Transport for NSW, the NSW Liberal Government and WestConnex who have ripped through our Inner West suburbs with no regard for residents or our communities” Cr Howard said at the June 14 council meeting.
The Saga of the World’s Worst Park Along with an urgent briefing from Transport for NSW about the EPA reports, the motion also calls for the council to write to the NSW Premier and relevant ministers with a series of requests. Cr Lockie shared her disappointment on behalf of the community during the Inner West Council meeting. “Given that there are literally thousands
of people that live, work or travel past that site everyday, I think it’s appalling that the council and our community have been kept in the dark about a matter of potentially serious public health and safety.”
COUNCIL LEFT IN THE DARK
This supposed parkland is essentially a mound of decomposing toxic waste, containing potentially explosive levels of methane. This toxic mound was covered with soil and deemed a park. The hazard is located near a busy intersection beside an unfiltered ventilation stack at the WestConnex M8 Interchange - an expansion of tolled roads and concrete bridges that stretches across an old landfill site. CPB Contractors, the contractors responsible for the site, have since plead guilty in the Land and Environment Court for failing to adequately manage the high levels of toxic pollutants. The NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s concerns about hazard risks at the site led it to require fresh reports and monitoring of the land that is part of the WestConnex Interchange. These requirements and concerns
were never passed onto Councils by Transport for NSW.
“WORLD’S WORST PARK”?
The WestConnex Action Group, supported by thousands of residents opposing the tollway, were sceptical of WestConnex PR videos, and dubbed the St Peters parkland the ‘World’s Worst Park’. During the Inner West Council meeting, Cr Lockie referred to the matter as ‘The Saga of the World’s Worst Park’. When asked by City Hub what will need to occur in order for the saga to finally be over, Cr Lockie shared how the NSW Government can right their wrongs. “It was always clear that the land around WestConnex St Peters Interchange was going to be the world’s worst park, but the mess we’ve been left with by the NSW Government is below even our lowest expectations.” Cr Lockie calls for the site to be remediated by the NSW government, “which they should have done years ago.” “They should work with Council to deliver the genuine parkland that they promised to deliver.”
HubNEWS
Cowper Street public housing demolished BY SASHA FOOT n existing public housing block in Glebe has been demolished by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation to make way for a $34 million social housing development, which community activists have described as an act of “vandalism.” Once completed in early 2024, the redevelopment of 17-31 Cowper Street and 2A-2D Wentworth Park Road will increase the allocation of social housing from 19 to 75 dwellings.
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An artist’s impression of the new social housing to be developed after existing building demolished. Photo: dpie.nsw.gov.au
A spokesperson for Hands Off Glebe, Denis Doherty, said that the loss of the building is detrimental to low-income groups previously housed on the site. “The government has destroyed a building that was specifically designed for people that were fragile,” he told City Hub. “Towards the end of the building’s life, it was used for emergency accommodation, such as those fleeing domestic violence.” Doherty is well-connected to social housing tenants in the area, noting that the Cowper Street site was previously home to “a seventeenyear-old mother being looked after by
post-natal services at Prince Alfred Hospital”. As a result of the planned construction, Doherty explained that “[the mother] was moved out to Richmond, a long way from support.”
NEW DEVELOPMENT 100% SOCIAL HOUSING
A spokesperson for the City of Sydney says the council approved the proposal presented by NSW Land and Housing
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BONDI BEACHSIDE INN, 152-162 CAMPBELL PARADE, BONDI BEACH NSW 2026 WITH 5G 1. Optus plan to upgrade the existing telecommunications facility below through the addition of new Optus equipment: S0363 – Bondi Beach-O: On the existing tower on rooftop at the above address. The proposal involves: • The installation of three (3) new Optus 5G panel antennas (measuring no more than 280mm in length) on the new mount • The installation of ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), cabling and other associated equipment necessary for the proper function of the proposed facility 2. Optus regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. The proposed infrastructures will be in compliance with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information requests and/or comments should be directed to Ventia: M. Community.Consultation@ventia.com N. Ventia, 80 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 Ph. (02) 9834 7229 W. www.rfnsa.com.au/2026001 We will accept comments on the proposed upgrade until 5pm Wednesday, 3rd August 2022.
Corporation last year, on the condition it was 100 percent social housing. “The residential development started as a mixed-use proposal before moving to 100% social housing,” the Council stated.
The government has destroyed a building The City of Sydney amended planning controls in 2020 to lift a 9 metre height restriction; the council spokesperson
says the final design meets the heritage requirements of the area. Secretary of The Glebe Society, Ian Stephenson, told City Hub that the design reflects “bad planning” and fails to “look at existing [site] opportunities.” Stephenson said that instead of updating the pre-existing dwellings, the NSW government has opted to “completely disregard heritage”. “[The original buildings] were carefully designed by the NSW Housing Commission to fit into the character of the St Philips Estate, which is a Heritage Conservation area.” A community housing provider will manage the Cowper Street development rather than the NSW state housing department. “Some of the community housing providers are good while some are not,” Doherty explained. “I have had terrible complaints about maintenance and the tenant relationship with the community housing provider at Elger Street in Glebe.” Construction on the public housing is scheduled to begin soon, with the Cowper Street development expected to take in approximately 130 new tenants when completed.
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS & VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION INCLUDING 5G AT University of Sydney, Carslaw Building, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown NSW 2050 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new Optus and Vodafone equipment and associated works as follows (including 5G): • Removal of six (6) existing panel antennas from the existing building rooftop • Installation of six (6) new panel antennas (no more than 2.8m in height) on existing mounts on the existing building rooftop • Installation of nine (9) new 5G antennas (no more than 0.81m in height) on new and existing mounts on the existing building rooftop • Installation of twenty-one (21) new Remote Radio Units on existing mounts • Installation of one (1) new Optus GPS antenna, Installation of one (1) new Vodafone GPS antenna • Reconfiguration of existing and installation of new ancillary equipment, and other items necessary for the safety and ongoing operation of the facility • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter Further information on this site can be obtained from the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au/2006001 2. Optus & Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: William McQuade – BMM Group Pty Ltd, by phone at 1300 260 834, email at submissions@bmmgroup.com.au, or by mail to BMM Group Pty Ltd - PO Box 430, Toowong QLD 4066 by 28 July 2022. CITY HUB JULY 2022
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HubNEWS
Councillors clash over arts recovery
BY ERIN MODARO wo arts recovery motions tabled by Greens Councillors at a recent Inner West Council meeting have been struck down, with both motions falling to an 8-7 vote against. Inner West Councillor Liz Atkins brought forward a motion that would push for the introduction of a fixed income support scheme for artists, after the idea was presented during the recent Inner West Arts Recovery Summit. Councillor Atkins said that “arts practice should be recognised and treated as a legitimate occupation by governments, deserving of the kinds of support that other industries rely on,”, as they pushed for the advocacy of artist wages to the federal government. The motion called for the Inner West Mayor to write a letter to both the Arts Minister and the Special Envoy for the Arts, calling for a fixed income scheme for artists to address financial insecurity in the arts sector. Fellow Greens Councillor Kobi Shetty raised a motion for an inquiry into the efficacy of council venues for hosting and supporting arts events in the Inner West, after inadequate spaces for arts events was flagged as a popular concern among summit attendees. “Greens councillors have taken immediate action in response to what we heard at the summit because we know our arts and music sectors don’t have months or years to wait for decision-makers to take action” Cr Shetty said.
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LABOR COUNCILLOR CALLS TO WAIT
Both motions were opposed by Labor Councillor Chloe Smith, who voiced concerns that the council was taking “preemptive” actions before the official report detailing the outcomes of the summit is released by council in August. “A piecemeal approach of councillors submitting individual motions based on their experience of the day doesn’t do justice to the Summit’s intentions or our commitment to the sector” Cr Smith said to City Hub. Cr Smith says she “wholeheartedly appreciates” other Inner West Councillors bringing forward motions that respond to concerns from the summit, but says “with respect to my fellow councillors, we don’t always know best, particularly with a sector as complex and varied as the arts”. “Given the enormity of the task at hand, it’s critical that we get this strategy and our short and long term responses right.” Cr Smith said that addressing the concerns raised at the summit “will require a long-term, comprehensive, and 20
CITY HUB JULY 2022
Cr Chloe Smith attended the Inner West arts recovery summit, and calls for analysis of official report before action is taken on arts recovery. Photo: Facebook
well-considered approach in partnership with government, business, and the arts.”
SUMMIT HAILED AS A SUCCESS
The Inner West Arts and Music Recovery Summit was hailed as a success by the Inner West Council, including Cr Atkins, who attended the event. As well as the wide turnout from politicians, musicians and council members, the structure of the summit provided a unique opportunity for discussion that has been praised. “The people in the room were a diverse group from the arts sector who are engaged with the subject matter and have been directly affected by COVID and lockdowns” Cr Atkins said.
arts practice should be recognised and treated as a legitimate “This is the way we should do policy.” Other attendees also praised the outcomes of the summit, as Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said in a statement that he has “real enthusiasm about what Tony Burke MP and the Albanese Government can do to breathe new life into Australian culture”. “The Inner West will be the beating heart of this change” Cr Byrne said. NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin, who was a keynote speaker along with the Inner West Mayor at the summit, tweeted that the event was an “important forum as we recover post-pandemic”. As identified by Cr Atkins, issues presented at the summit included
The Inner West Arts and Music Recovery Summit was held at Marrickville Town Hall last month. Photo: Facebook
improving the amount of viable spaces to conduct arts initiatives, as well as cementing financial security for artists and performers. Other discussions surrounded the concept of expanding Dine and Discover vouchers from the state government, as well as potentially re-zoning some red tape areas in the Local Government Area. Cr Atkins regarded the form of discussion as a viable way to approach de-amalgamation talks in the community, saying that including “something similar to the Arts Summit… could give us a lot of great input to be put to the Minister”.
Both Greens Councillors expressed disappointment about the council’s dismissal of motions created to directly address issues that were presented at the Arts summit, after the summit was deemed successful. “It is disingenuous to hold a summit and put out a media release, then oppose policy measures that artists and musicians have said they need” Cr Shetty said. “Voting against the [motions] sends a message that Labor Councillors are more concerned about appearing to be doing something rather than trying to solve any real-world problems.”
HubNEWS
Community venues “chronically underutilised” BY SASHA FOOT andwick Council will reduce the costs of hiring community spaces for arts and cultural purposes, while the City of Sydney will slash fees altogether by making council hiring premises free for community groups to use. Randwick Councillor Rafaela Pandolfini told City Hub that right now many community venues are largely vacant. “Council spaces are chronically underutilised: the Randwick Town Hall is being used just under 10 percent of the time, and that’s pre-covid,” Cr Pandolfini said. “It’s certainly not just an issue for Randwick Council, I’ve encountered it with the City of Sydney and the Inner West Council.”
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rental costs are ridiculous Cr Pandolfini, an artist herself, understands the difficulty in accessing gallery spaces at affordable costs. “One of the biggest issues for artists is income and the lack of spaces – especially in Sydney where rental costs are ridiculous.” Cr Pandolfini pursued a $1200 weekly hire rate for artists at the recent council meeting, yet the meeting resolved that fees be decreased to $500 for daily weekday use and $750 for weekends. The reduction only applies when used for arts or cultural activities.
Barrett House in Randwick is being investigated as a possible location for more arts and culture activities. Photo: Wikimedia commons
BOOKING SYSTEM FLAGGED AS ISSUE FOR SYDNEY VENUES
For the City of Sydney, the one-year fee waiver is about increasing community presence to match pre-covid visitor numbers. Sydney Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore said community centres “had less than 20 percent of visitors at the end of last year” compared to pre-covid levels. “Community halls are incredibly important in connecting
PUBLIC NOTICE Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No. 85204 being property situated at 1 Hornsey Street Rozelle NSW 2039, also known as 34 Victoria Road, Rozelle NSW 2039.
people – from knitting clubs, and choirs to political meetings – and the council wasn’t doing enough to support those activities,” she said. Cr Ellsmore said the booking system is one of the central reasons community groups were not using available spaces. The Coalition Caring for Community Centres approached the council with the issue. Group members of the coalition and conveners of the Friends of Ultimo, Patricia Johnson and Jean-Pierre Alexandre, expressed their support for the outcome. “People who were previously unable to afford fees or to take out public liability insurance can now return to community centres. Its expected attendance will rise quite considerably,” Johnson and Alexandre told City Hub. In May, Randwick Council commissioned a report to identify the feasibility of using the Randwick Town Hall and Barrett House for arts and cultural activities. The report revealed that just seven bookings were made for the town hall in 2019, one of which was noncouncil related. Cr Pandolfini acknowledged the report had an “extremely tight turnaround” as adjustments needed to align with the budget. Cr Pandolfini is hopeful that by “committing to investing in infrastructure, artists and art events”, Randwick Council will provide better opportunities for artists in the area.
WRITERS WANTED City Hub is expanding its coverage from Balmain to Bondi. Got a flair for news? Do you have good writing and reporting skills?
Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar General for an order terminating the above Strata Scheme and the consequent winding up of the Owners Corporation, pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW). Any person having any claim against the Owners Corporation of the above Strata Scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the Strata Scheme is required, on or before Thursday 4 August 2022, to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to The Secretary, The Owners - Strata Plan No. 85204 c/- Transport for NSW, Level 3, 27 Argyle Street, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Send a CV and writing samples to
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HubNEWS
Linda Burney kicks off Uluru campaign BY LILA PIERCE he Inner West recently held a packed forum addressing the Uluru Statement from the Heart at Marrickville Town Hall on June 18, with key speakers including Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney and Labor Senator Patrick Dodson. Hosting the forum was Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, joined by the Director of the From the Heart campaign Dean Parkin. Cheree Toka, who headed the campaign to permanently fly the Aboriginal Flag over the Harbour Bridge, also spoke at the forum. The forum aimed to encourage participants to become involved in the upcoming referendum to enshrine Indigenous voices into Parliament, as introduced by Prime Minster Anthony Albanese during his inaugural speech.
She pointed out that the packed event indicated “people are very interested, and they want to understand how they can get involved”. In speaking with City Hub, she emphasised the significance of the Inner West Council’s official Reconciliation Action Plan. Cr Da Cruz stated that “it’s time for the people to act, and the politicians will follow”. Cr Byrne pledged his support to train 1,000 members of the local community to advocate for the referendum campaign. He stated that “with the election of the Albanese Labour Government we now have a historic opportunity to deliver the Uluru statement in full” adding that “it’s time for voice, treaty and truth”.
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STANDING OVATION FOR LINDA BURNEY
Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney encouraged the audience to “be loud and proud” noting that the Statement from the Heart campaign marks “an incredibly generous invitation to the Australian people to walk together with First Nations people”. “The journey begins here in Marrickville” Burney said. Burney also highlighted the important role local government can play in ensuring a successful campaign by praising the “socialist republic of Marrickville” for hosting the event. She received a standing ovation at the closing of her speech.
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Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney addressed the Inner West on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Photo: Facebook
Parkin emphasised the practical applications of the Statement from the Heart. He implored event-goers to “Read it, and read it again”. “It’s the fair thing to do” Parkin said. “We’ve got to see a practical change in bringing the country together, to unify the nation around something, to genuinely move us forward as a nation”.
COUNCIL LENDS SUPPORT TO REFERENDUM
Greens Councillor Marghanita Da Cruz said she felt the evening represented “a very generous invitation, to which our community must rise”.
The journey begins here During the evening’s Q&A session, Senator Dodson fielded a commonly asked question: “How will the referendum work?” Dodson emphasised the long road ahead through reflections on historical progress. He noted that achieving a nationwide referendum is “not an easy task” while highlighting the conservative nature of the Referendum Act and the importance of garnering consensus across all jurisdictions. “What is needed is the majority of voters, in the majority of states”.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No.60318 being property situated at 2 Houston Road, Kingsford.
Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No.69749 being property situated at 3 Salisbury Road, Kensington.
Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar General for an order terminating the above Strata Scheme and the consequent winding up of the Owners Corporation, pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW).
Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar General for an order terminating the above Strata Scheme and the consequent winding up of the Owners Corporation, pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW).
Any person having any claim against the Owners Corporation of the above Strata Scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the Strata Scheme is required, on or before (a date not less than 14 days after publication of the advertisement), to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to
Any person having any claim against the Owners Corporation of the above Strata Scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the Strata Scheme is required, on or before (a date not less than 14 days after publication of the advertisement), to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to
J S Mueller & Co, Level 1, 240 Princes Highway, Arncliffe NSW 2205.
J S Mueller & Co, Level 1, 240 Princes Highway, Arncliffe NSW 2205.
CITY HUB JULY 2022
HubNEWS
Rosebery cycleway replaced by ‘quiet way’ BY AMBER GRIFFIN rom May 2023, Rosebery businesses and residents will be saying goodbye to the controversial Dunning Avenue Cycleway and saying hello to a new solution. The City of Sydney is removing the highly contested pop-up cycleway and replacing it with a new proposed cycleway plan named the ‘quiet way’.
oncoming traffic with the current cycleway are truly terrifying, and unfortunately it is still there until May 2023.” Rosebery resident Connie Attard spoke out about the danger of the cycleway, saying that no cyclist wants to use it due to the possibility of being “doored”, and that it was a bad idea from the start. “If the new ‘quiet way’ removes the blindspots and cyclists feel safer and more inclined to use it, that can only be a good thing” Attard said.
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The City of Sydney’s ‘quiet way’ project will utilise different traffic calming measure including new garden beds, new trees, changes to parking, changes to traffic priority and reduced speeds. “We also propose to reduce traffic through changes to access for local streets including closing Spring Street at Epsom Road and Primrose Avenue at Gardeners Road. Vehicle access to all properties is retained, sometimes via alternate routes.”
DUNNING AVENUE CYCLEWAY DEEMED UNSAFE
The original pop-up cycleway on Dunning Avenue was heavily opposed by the Rosebery community due to safety issues. Community members urged
blind spots to oncoming traffic
The City of Sydney is planning a new ‘quiet way’ cycleway in Rosebery, replacing a pop-up on Dunning Avenue. Photo: City of Sydney
the council to upgrade and widen the cycleway path. In response, the City of Sydney unveiled the plan for the long awaited ‘quiet way’. Several residents shared on the
Rosebery community news forum that the original cycleway was a ‘total waste of council rates’ and that they have witnessed cyclists almost get hit by cars coming out of their driveways. A commenter said that “the blind spots to
An interactive map was initiated by the City of Sydney for community feedback. By the 5 July cut off date, the map was full of community thoughts and suggestions. Suggestions from the community included stop signs, pedestrian crossings, more night-time lighting for intersections, loading zones, porous pavement to increase water retention, timed parking for non residents and reduction of trees that obscure line of sight.
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
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THE ACCIDENTAL FOLKLORIST
hen the presenters of the long running blues music program ‘Stormy Monday’ on 2MBS-FM discovered that the late American writer, record producer and ‘forensic musicologist’ Peter B Lowry had moved to Sydney, they immediately made contact and invited him on air. Peter was an encyclopaedia of the Afro-American music tradition and soon became a regular guest of the program. The current presenter Austin Harrison recalls, “I always loved the way he could name drop without the clang. He personally knew many blues musicians and could always be counted on for a great anecdote on air. I always joked when introducing him as our regular resident ethnomusicologist.” Sadly Peter died after a long illness in late June of this year aged 81, but left behind a wonderful legacy of writing, recordings and research. Born in New Jersey, he originally trained as a zoologist and became a highly qualified academic and lecturer. However, he soon found himself preoccupied with blues and jazz, forming his own record label TRIX in the early 70s and working extensively with UK folklorist Bruce Bastin. He later went on to join the renowned US ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax at the Folklife Archives of the US Library of Congress collaborating on the celebrated ‘Deep River Of Song’ project. A regular contributor to magazines such as Blues Unlimited and
Blues & Rhythm he also wrote for the Australian mag Rhythms and the Sydney Blues Society Newsletter. A lifelong friendship with B.B. King began in 1964 when he was possibly the first white person to interview the blues master, backstage at the Apollo Theatre in New York. As a shy young upstart he remembered the initial nervous encounter. “Expecting a gentle brush off, he then said, ‘Go out front, watch the show – then come back here… I’ll be yours for as long as you want.’ Thus began a half-century relationship with the person I always styled as the NICEST man in show business…” Austin Harrison remembers Peter as ‘a gentleman of the old school’ and recalls, “Gary deWall from the Sydney Blues Society would receive
articles and reviews for their newsletter, beautifully hand written and double spaced by fountain pen. Gary couldn’t ask Peter to email the copy and had to transcribe the copy to his computer, eventually buying a scanner to make it easier.” Peter also embraced his adopted country by becoming a dedicated supporter of the Sydney Swans and that strange Australian game called Aussie Rules. When the Swans broke a long drought by winning the premiership in 2005 he was overjoyed and rang me to let me know just how excited he was. He was a genuine fan but sometimes joked he only followed the team because their club song featured a banjo – forever the folklorist! As he once confided Peter moved to Australia with his wife Robbie and son Julian, largely to escape what he saw as the madness of right wing politics, racism and the gun culture in America. He gave up what could have been a highly successful career either as an academic or folklorist to make a new life for his family. Never one to beat his own drum, he kept a relatively low profile here and often described himself as ‘the accidental folklorist’. In 2016, Peter donated his recordings to The Southern Folk life Collection at UNC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for preservation and research purposes. For those who would like to learn more about Peter his blog Oddenda & Such at www.peterblowry.com is a fascinating and highly entertaining collection of photographs, reviews and interviews with not only some of the classic blues artists but the obscure and neglected. CITY HUB JULY 2022
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I’M A FEMINIST… BUT Host of The Guilty Feminist podcast Deborah Frances-White on bringing comedy to evolving feminist issues
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he Guilty Feminist Podcast is coming down under from the UK this July, to find both the ‘feminist’ and the ‘guilty’ Australians for a comedy show about shedding shame and finding humour in a modern world. Host Deborah Frances-White, a confessed guilty feminist herself, brings audiences laughter and banter while examining the feminist issues of our time. Coming off 90 million downloads in five years, The Guilty Feminist has been climbing podcast charts, but stands out from the rest with its interactive live shows. Deborah said to CityHub that The Guilty Feminist is “first and foremost” a comedy show. On what to expect, she put it simply; “you will laugh a lot”. Deborah and guest comedians have “deep dive conversations” into pressing feminist issues with some lighthearted fun, meaning audiences will leave feeling “empowered and energized”.
“AM I GOOD ENOUGH?”
Starting in 2015, The Guilty Feminist podcast was created during a wave of feminism in a changing era for modern women. In the times of the Me-Too movement and Trump era America, Deborah wanted in on the feminist action.
changing the architecture of the comedy space Deborah said she asked herself, “am I good enough?”, following her experience of missing a women’s march after being distracted by department store face cream. “I’m a feminist, but one time I went on a women’s rights march, popped into a department store to use the loo, got distracted trying out face cream. When I came out, the march was gone.” “I’m a feminist… but” was hence born as a mantra for The Guilty Feminist, as Deborah and guests on the show and explain their moments of feminist guilt when navigating the world.
While getting ready for touring Australia, Deborah’s priorities went somewhere she might describe as “guilty”, as she says she planned her sequined outfit before making content for the show. However, Deborah bears her selfconfessed faults with pride, so that other women can embrace how hard it feels to be a modern feminist. She said that other women also felt like they weren’t enough. “Thousands of women felt the same and were also like, thank god, I also have insecurities, hypocrisy. I’m also not perfect, but I want to have a go.” “They also want to be a force for meaningful change, without having to be perfect.”
FINDING HUMOUR IN EVOLVING TIMES
leg up on the discussion. “What we’re really good at doing is creating a space where we’re all in on the joke.”
After discussing feminist issues on the podcast for over 7 years, Deborah says that women’s issues are always changing. “I think things are evolving rapidly” she said. “You know, like when you look at Roe versus Wade being overturned in America, and now the Supreme Court are going after gay rights. They’re going after birth control. They’ve explicitly said the next thing they’re going to go after is the rights to birth control.” The Guilty Feminist’s Australian tour comes just weeks after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the right to abortion in America. Deborah also said that Australia’s change in government is bringing new topics to the forefront of feminist issues. She says that the podcast brings audiences together, and will “make you feel like you’ve found your army, you found your people”. Deborah Frances-White. It’s about making room Photo: deborahfrances-white.com for women to have the
Deborah says that The Guilty Feminist is “changing the architecture of the comedy space,” and evolving how women interact with the shifting global political landscape. “I think that’s why people are so drawn to it” she said. The comedian is also currently working on a book, which Deborah says she must keep changing to keep up with the pace of current events. “I’m revising it, because the world changes, and I need to respond to that.”
“EXCITING, ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE” IN SYDNEY
Hitting the State Theatre in Sydney, The Guilty Feminist’s live shows brings an animating atmosphere to podcasting. “Honestly, I absolutely love Australian audiences” Deborah said about touring the show down under. “I feel like I get very refreshed from the energy of Australian and New Zealand.” Sydney also stands out as a great place to perform, Deborah said. “I feel like The Guilty Feminist audience in Sydney is phenomenal. Like, it’s just there’s always such a roar from the crowd when we come out.” Deborah confessed that she often asks herself why she doesn’t live in Sydney, each time she visits. “I’m never sure why I don’t live there. And I always have this sort of crisis of maybe I should move to Sydney!” When asked whether Sydneysiders might be more guilty or feminist, Deborah said that Sydney audiences always bring “an exciting electric atmosphere”. “I feel like you know, Australia’s… fighting the fight.” Accompanying Deborah as guests at the Sydney show will be New Zealand comedian and “gifted amateur cat lady” Cal Wilson, as well as UK musician and activist Grace Petrie. Other local Sydney feminists will also be on the podcast to have some “deep dive chat conversations”. The Guilty Feminist is touring Australia and New Zealand from July 13- 27, wrapping up in Sydney at the State Theatre for a final Australian show.
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GEOFFREY ROBERTSON’S HYPOTHETICALS Hugely popular TV series is set to be revived for one night only in Sydney. (See p. 28)
REVIEW
CONTROL
BY RITA BRATOVICH merging playwright, Keziah Warner, displays an aptitude for dialogue and comedy with some light-handed social proselytising in her new play, Control. Comprised of three one-act stories loosely connected by situations, this play is a cautionary tale about climate, A.I. and celebrity culture. In the opening story, the action takes place on a spaceship headed for Mars with four passengers on board - two male, two female. Mars is now known as “New Earth” because Earth as we knew it has succumbed to climate change and other bad things. This crew is part of an experiment to populate the red planet. We soon learn that the crew is also participating in a type of reality show: a red light representing a camera hovers above the stage; a buzzer goes
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off if someone swears or mis-speaks; a deep, unnatural voice gives instructions or holds interviews at various intervals. The cast are in grey, drab tracksuits and the set is equally monochromatic and minimalist. There are some very funny lines an it’s an interesting premise, but this scene suffers the same fault as the two that follow - it goes on for just a bit too long. The second story is set in a sort of customer service department of “The Museum of Childhood Memories”. It is staffed by humans and androids who are custodians of a database that stores the memories of every single human being. People can be access a memory on request but memories can never be deleted. Authorised personnel may also view a person’s memories. There are some cogent issues raised
LA TRAVIATA
BY RITA BRATOVICH uiseppe Verdi’s beloved opera, La Traviata is a pretty much a permanent fixture in any reputable company’s repertoire. It includes some of the most recognisable melodies in the genre. It was the opera that reduced
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Julia Roberts’ character to tears in the 1990 film, Pretty Woman, and its signature aria was the soundtrack to Richard Gere’s gesture of gallantry at the end of the film. La Traviata was not a
here regarding storage of personal data and the threat of a past that can’t be hidden or erased. There’s also insightful humour in the juxtaposing of humans with nimble, nuanced intellect and androids who can only think within a limited framework. The final story is the most poignant. An android is being “trained” by a human to prepare it for its role as a school teacher. The android is a blank slate in terms of personality, and the trainer needs to keep tweaking emotional ingredients
to create a suitable temperament. This scene is quite moving and an astute observation of just how complex we humans are. An ensemble cast does a great job here, and though the play, performed without intermission, could definitely use some editing, overall, it is clever, wise, and entertaining. Until July 30. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $22-$35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.newtheatre.org.au
REVIEW random choice for the film; the opera’s tale of a reputable man falling for a courtesan is similar to the film’s plot about a ridiculously wealthy guy falling for a sex worker. Social mores in the mid-1800s were very different, of course, and the romance between Violetta and Alfredo in La Traviata is doomed from the start. Opera Australia has gone very traditional with this production, directed by Elijah Moshinsky. The costumes and sets are of the period and the show’s designers have thoroughly availed themselves of the opulence afforded by high society of 1860s Paris. The curtain rises on a magnificent scene:
a densely, elaborately furnished room crowded by exquisitely adorned, high spirited members of the bourgeoisie. This first act features one of opera’s most well-known tunes, The Drinking Song, a duet performed by Violetta (Stacey Alleaume) and Alfredo (Liparit Avetisyan). Both are in excellent voice, but Alleaume already stands out, tantalising us with the hints of the glorious singing to come. The role of Violetta is one of the most demanding for a soprano but Alleaume is up to the challenge. Her voice has a bell-like clarity that is captivating and wrought with emotion. At the other end of the pitch spectrum is Mario Cassi as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. He has a resonant, woody bass that is enthralling. This production is an utter treat for the ears and the eyes. You’ll like it better than The Pirates of Penzance! Until Nov 4, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. $40-$369+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com CITY HUB JULY 2022
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REVIEW
MADAMA BUTTERFLY BY RITA BRATOVICH hen Graeme Murphy first unveiled his new vision of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in 2019 it left audiences breathless. That may be because it was so radically different to the production that had prevailed for the previous 20 years, or because the smorgasbord of cultural and creative ideas on stage was overwhelming. The critiques ranged from “brilliant” to “abomination”. This reprised production somehow doesn’t feel as cluttered and confronting, although the metaphors still suffers from a lack of subtlety. The image used in the marketing materials is taken from the opening scene in which a large, web-like structure made from red velvet rope descends from above. At the centre, trapped like a butterfly in a web, is a woman. Near naked woman are scattered around the stage, bound with the same red velvet rope in the style of shibari - Japanese
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rope bondage. In another scene, a dancer dressed as a butterfly appears, literally pinned onto a wall like a captured specimen. The Bonze comes on wearing a large origami bird costume and there are girls in cutesy harajuku fashion in one scene. There’s a lot of American referencing too, with the stars and stripes frequently adorning the stage and a very conspicuous nod the a famous first lady’s pink Chanel suit. The set consists of a series of moveable suspended walls onto which various colours and images are projected. The centre stage is elevated and surround by what looks like serrated edging. It is also very slightly sloped towards the audience. When the set is lit subtly, with no projections or other extraneous detail, the minimalism allows focus on the powerful story and extraordinary performances. This is pretty much how Act II plays out and it is very moving and very absorbing.
Sae Kyung Rim is stunning as Cio-CioSan, with a vocal performance that at once delivers naïvety, despair, insolence, and pure-hearted love. Sian Sharp draws a multitude of emotions out of the devoted Suzuki. Diego Torre’s returns to this production as the spineless Pinkerton and Vergilio Marino is deliciously villainous as the slimy, nasty Goro.
It’s the second act of this production that really stands out. It has some very beautiful moments, which, depending on your view, are either enhanced or diminished by the relentless digital projections. Until July 30. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. $40-$369+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
REVIEW
CRUEL INTENTIONS - THE 90’S MUSICAL BY MARK MORELLINI ruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is a new show for theatregoers who would like to attend a musical which is completely different from conventional theatre – a musical unlike anything they have ever seen performed in Sydney. This is a jukebox musical based on the 90s hit teen romantic film by the same name. The story delves into the lives of two wealthy high school teenagers in New York and a pact they have made. Kathryn (Kirby Burgess) has asked her step-brother Sebastian (Drew Weston) to seduce a particular young lady. If he fails, she gets his vintage Jaguar. If he succeeds, she will have sexual relations with him. But can womaniser Sebastian succeed or will the love he feels for his ‘victim’ cause him to relinquish any unscrupulous power games? And so, the deceitful games commence! Quite a unique production there are many other sub-plots concerning romantic entanglements, drugs, discrimination, and a gay relationship. There’s an abundance of sexual
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innuendos – actually no innuendos as the nudity and sexual content unashamedly leave nothing to the imagination! Deliciously wicked and incredibly risqué this musical incorporates
iconic songs from the 90s to aid in the storytelling. Music from popular artists including Natalie Imbruglia, Christina Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys, Melissa Etheridge, Ace Of Base and Britney Spears.
Darkly comic and outrageously funny at times audiences may be forgiven for thinking this musical is actually a parody of the hit film. There are several over the top characterisations and storylines so extreme that at times it feels like an American daytime soapy performed as a musical on stage. Drew Weston and Kirby Burgess are naturals in the pivotal roles of the scheming Sebastian and Kathryn, the step-siblings, who are spoilt, immoral and merciless in their regard to other people’s feelings. Quirky, sexy, seductive, and very silly this is a dazzling production with an inventive set design. The music is loud, and audiences may find themselves toe-tapping to the music and feel like getting up and dancing in the aisles. But be warned! This musical is for open-minded audiences and is definitely not suitable for puritans! For audiences who lived the 90s this musical is a nostalgic trip down memory lane and for everyone else, they’ll wish they had lived the 90s! Until Jul 21. State Theatre, 47–51 Market St. $89–$149+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.cruelintentions.com.au
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JEKYLL & HYDE - THE MUSICAL BY MARK MORELLINI heatre-goers beware! The phenomenal Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical is coming to town! Based on the classic gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson this musical promises to be a thrilling theatrical experience, incorporating 18 pop rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double Oscar and Grammy winning Leslie Bricusse. Australian singer song-writer Brendan Maclean portrays Jekyll & Hyde and is excited to be performing in his first musical theatre production. “I’m so used to performing by myself just as a musician. To have this team around me and the talent from all around the world and the exceptional cast and crew that we have here is amazing. I’m absolutely enthralled to be a part of it!” This new production is loyal to the themes of the 1886 novella but is set in St Jude’s
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Military Asylum London,1947. “The story is basically an investigation of the duality of man, the good and evil being inside of us and seeing which will triumph,” explained Maclean. “It’s simply the choices that we make in our everyday lives that lead us to evil or good. If Jekyll had unpacked his trauma, he may not have needed to turn into Hyde to get through his life.” Featuring a wonderful cast of 14 actors and actor/musicians, Maclean is delighted to be working alongside Georgina Hopson and Brady Peeti. “I’m deeply inspired by both of them and to have their guiding inspiration is giving me a lot of confidence!” When asked whether audiences who frighten easily should come along to the show, Maclean paused momentarily. “With gothic musicals it’s often that the darkness is so dark that you must find the comedy! When Jekyll projects himself
into Hyde his evil comes out in comedy and laughter. I believe it’s actually more of a thriller than a horror.” Maclean warns audiences not to come along expecting to watch a plain documentary of Jekyll & Hyde. “We have heightened it. There are wild colours, incredible sets and allowing me to have a glorious time embodying Jekyll & Hyde is such a challenge!” enthused
ONCE THE MUSICAL
BY MARK MORELLINI he Irish romantic movie Once (2007) spawned an award-winning theatrical musical with productions continually being staged in many countries including America and the UK. Amongst its accolades the musical scored eight Tony Awards and an Academy and Grammy Award. The Darlinghurst Theatre Company production in Sydney was a critical and box office success when it played at the Eternity Playhouse in 2019 and now, after a successful season in Perth returns to mesmerise audiences in Sydney. The simplistic story set in Dublin, Ireland surrounds a 30-something busker named Guy (Toby Francis), an incredibly talented musician whose high hopes of making it in the music industry are stalled. By chance he meets ‘Girl’ (Stefanie Caccamo), a Czech immigrant
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who also has a passion for music. In five days, she rebuilds his love for the craft and his road to success has been pathed. It’s a therapeutic relationship for both of them, but will love inevitably flourish and possibly complicate their friendship? Once is an incredibly mesmerising musical experience in which the music is equally as significant as the dialogue in the storytelling process. Dramatic and comedic elements are interwoven, and the musical numbers alternate from electrifying to tender and poignant. There are 12 performers on stage who sing, dance, act and as an ensemble are also the orchestra playing instruments that include violins, the piano, and guitars – and one on roller skates! Mandatory to the success of this musical was the casting of the leads. Toby Francis and Stefanie
Maclean. “We’re looking at the story in a different way. We’re not going to allow audiences to switch off. You’re going to want to pay attention to all the little details. We’re bringing you close to Jekyll & Hyde. I want you to see every pore!” Jul 29 – Aug 27. Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $66-$89+bf. Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au
REVIEW
Caccamo portray Guy and Girl respectively, their charisma complementing each other’s performance. Their singing is breathtaking and when the signature melody Slowly Falling is performed there won’t be a dry eye in the house. The complexities of love and relationships are explored as is the healing power of music, but the resonating theme is how empty life would be without the inspiration to move forward and follow one’s dreams. This production of Once is faultless, remarkable, and unmissable five-star entertainment suitable for all audiences and quintessentially highlights the joy that quality live theatre brings to audiences. Until Aug 14. Darlinghurst Theatre Company, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $67-$119+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com
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GEOFFREY ROBERTSON’S HYPOTHETICALS
SYDNEY TO HOST SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST (SXSW) IN 2023 BY JAMIE APPS he iconic futurist conference and arts festival South By Southwest (SXSW) is set to venture outside North America for the first time ever when it arrives in Sydney in 2023. The renowned celebration of creativity and innovation will be coming to Sydney from Sunday, October 15 until Sunday, October 22, 2023. SXSW Sydney will gather the world’s most inspired thinkers, creators and innovators for an agenda-setting exploration of the best in Music, Screen, Gaming, Technology and Innovation. With keynotes and panel sessions to be revealed soon, SXSW Sydney will be 2023’s must-attend event for those seek-ing to discover and shape future trends, emerging technology, and access unrivalled international net-working opportunities. SXSW Sydney will become the official annual Asia-Pacific instalment of SXSW, which launched in 1987 in Austin, Texas and has included speakers and artists such as Barack Obama, Jordan Peele, Dave Grohl, Michelle Obama, Taika Waititi, Brené Brown, Steven Spielberg, Mark Cuban, Lady Gaga, Chris-tiane Amanpour, Esther Perel, Jennifer Doudna, Prince, Michelle Yeoh, Ava DuVernay, Maria Ressa, Amy Webb, Billie Eilish, Melinda Gates, Elizabeth Warren and Snoop Dogg. As Australia’s only truly global city
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BY JARROD WOLHUTER eoffrey Robertson AO QC is a barrister, author and one-time host of Geoffrey Robertson’s Hypotheticals on the ABC. He is founder and head of Doughty Street Chambers; now the largest human rights practice in Europe; where he has been mentor to Amal Clooney, Jen Robinson, Keir Starmer and others. Robertson’s hugely popular TV series is set to be revived for one night only in Sydney on Thursday, August 4. The revival will take place live on stage of the Darling Harbour Theatre at ICC Sydney. The legendary barrister and human rights judge poses hypothetical questions to a panel of high-profile guests. He guides them through scenarios with interrogative questioning. The storyline weaves through current topical issues with humour and thought-provoking intelligence. The ten panel members consist of politicians, judges, captains of industry, celebrities, and experts in a wide range of fields. Robertson was born and bred in Sydney. A Rhodes scholarship took him to England where he is now based, and he holds dual citizenship. He is a Master of the Middle Temple and a
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visiting professor at the New College of Humanities. His autobiography, Rather His Own Man – In Courts with Tyrants, Tarts and Troublemakers was published by Penguin/Random House in 2018. From his outspoken leadership of students in the 60s to his work fighting for the lives of death row inmates, Robertson’s career has been marked by courage, determination and fierce independence. He was involved in the prosecution of General Pinochet and Hastings Banda and in the defence of Salman Rushdie, Mike Tyson, Julian Assange and Lula (former president of Brazil). Among much else, he secured Yulia Tymoshenko’s release from prison in Ukraine, exposed the Medellin Cartel’s gun-running in the Caribbean and helped restore democracy in Fiji. He is credited with changing the way we think about human rights, notably through his book Crimes Against Humanity. This will be an excellent and humorous event that will draw in audiences with keen interests in moral conundrums and current affairs. Aug 4, ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney. $100.85-$198.65+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.iccsydney.com.au
and gateway for international arrivals, Sydney’s cultural diversity makes it the perfect incubator for creative ingenuity. Sydney continues to lead the way in techinnovation, boasting an eclectic creative footprint, ranking second in Asia for fintech development, and sixth globally. “Focusing on the creator industries in the Asia-Pacific region, SXSW Sydney will celebrate what’s next in culture, tech and the regions thriving creative economy. Sydney will play host to more than 1,000 ex-periences across the city encompassing keynote speakers, inspiring panels and summits, product demonstrations, artists performances, screenings, live gaming sessions and a myriad of networking events and parties. Sydney will be alive with future focused activities like never seen before,” said SXSW Sydney Managing Director Colin Daniels. Jann Baskett, Chief Brand Officer of SXSW Austin added, “The purpose of SXSW is to help creative people achieve their goals. When we’re able to connect people and provide content that celebrates emerging topics and industries, we are fulfilling this purpose. Sydney, and its future-focused culture, is the perfect place to extend that reach and share the inspiration and unexpected discoveries that make our event unique.” For more information & to register your interest in SXSW Sydney head to: www.sxswsydney.com
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BABY VELVET SET TO DEBUT AT THE VANGUARD
BY JAMIE APPS estarting a music career after almost a decade building your band into an international phenomena might sound crazy but for Hannah Crofts the experience has been exhilarating. Most people would recognise Hannah as one of the members of Australian folk group, All Our Exes Live In Texas. After forming All Our Exes Live In Texas Hannah and her fellow band members spent years growing the band into a global force which has toured alongside the likes of Midnight Oil, The Back-street Boys, Passenger, Megan Washington & Kate Miller-Heidke. Despite the immense success of All Our Exes Live In Texas each of the band members held onto their solo ambitions, so when the pandemic forced an immediate halt in touring the ladies seized the opportunity to work on their individual side projects. Under the Baby Velvet banner Hannah says she has “definitely tried to experiment” because for the first time ever she was able take music she had written herself and arrange how she
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saw fit. A process which she described as “very different, weird, and scary” but one which was inspired by the thought, “if you have one chance to make one record in your life, what do you want it to sound like?” Although the pandemic afforded Hannah the opportunity to create Baby Velvet’s debut album, Please Don’t Be In Love With Someone Else, it also placed some extra hurdles in her path. The biggest hurdle being the inability to travel to Los Angeles to work in the studio alongside her producer Kevin Ratterman. Ultimately Hannah is proud of the record she was able to produce remotely and is incredibly excited to finally be taking to the stage in Sydney to show it off to fans in a live setting. Although returning to the live stage is exhilarating for Hannah she explained that this is also the time where the transition to a solo act is most the most daunting. “Obviously I have a good starting off platform with Exes but this project is a baby... I always think about how in Exes
I am successful but in Baby Velvet I’m a baby band who has only just started... I feel like I’m 21 starting my journey all over again... Just because people like me in a band will they like me on my own? I still don’t really know the answer to that because I haven’t been out to tour yet.” Perhaps something which will calm Hannah’s nerves though is a small
perilous of serendipity with debut shows. When All Our Exes Live In Texas made their Sydney debut they did so at The Vanguard, which is where Hannah will now debut Baby Velvet. “When I was booking the tour my first Sydney Baby Velvet show it was really exciting to get to do it at The Vanguard.” Looking beyond the Baby Velvet tour Hannah reassured fans of All Our Exes Live In Texas that the band will return in the near future. “At some point Exes will do a second record - after 10 years we really should do a second record,” Hannah said with a giggle before closing our conversation. “Ideally the dream would be that we all release our solo records, go on tours independently then come back together for some time as a band and then tour independently again. Hopefully we can keep doing both until we are 90 years old on stage unable to hold our instruments anymore.” July 21. The Vanguard, 42 King St, Newtown. $17.33+b.f. Tickets & Info: wwwthevanguard.com.au CITY HUB JULY 2022
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SUNNYBOYS RETURNING TO THE FACTORY THEATRE BY JAMIE APPS unnyboys have been rocking Sydney stages for over four decades now. Unlike much younger bands still working to carve out their own spot in Sydney’s thriving music scene Sunnyboys have now transitioned into a mode where they simply play for the joy. Speaking to City Hub ahead of two backto-back concerts at The Factory Theatre the band’s bassist Peter Oxley reflected on the groups career. Coming in 1979 the power-pop band consisted of four friends; singersongwriter/guitarist Jeremy Oxley, bass guitarist/backing vocals Peter Oxley, drummer Bil Bilson, and lead guitarist Richard Burgman. At that time the band breathed freshness and vitality into the
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divergent Sydney scene. Sadly though just as the band was beginning to make bigger waves they needed to step back & take a hiatus. “We didn’t play for a very long time,” explained Peter. “We stopped playing 1984 & didn’t play properly again until 2012 because my brother Jeremy, who is the singer & main songwriter, suffers from schizophrenia & was very ill for a long long time.” Thankfully for fans of Sunnyboys this breakup wouldn’t be permanent. As Peter continued to tell City Hub, “When Jeremy was in a better place mentally & health wise in 2010 he wanted to get the band back together. So since 212 we’ve been getting back together & doing a tour every year.”
Given that Peter says the band is only performing when they “feel like playing” you might think that they would require a number of rehearsals before stepping onto the live stage. However, “It’s like we’ve all been married to each other since we were 20 years old... so it’s like nothing has ever changed,” said Peter. Over the years Sunnyboys have been afforded some incredibly rare opportunities to play some of Sydney’s most iconic music venues, such as the Sydney Opera House & Taronga Zoo. While Peter says the band realise they have been “very lucky” to have these opportunities the shows like
their upcoming concerts at The Factory Theatre are where they find the most joy. “We feel really comfortable in those smaller venues we’re you are closer to the audience,” Peter said excitedly. “You get sweatier & lose a few kilos every time you play... so it feels like it’s more rock & roll.” In terms of what fans can expect from these concerts Peter said, “You’ll hear all of the hits & we’ll be playing our little hearts out.” Jul 28-30. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $78.10+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au
MURDER AT YELLOWSTONE CITY
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPEN
three times under the guise of other golfers, hence his nick names ‘the great pretender’ and ‘phantom of the open’. Was Flitcroft living the dream or was he just a loser? Were his twin sons justified in stating that their endeavours in life could have been more successful had they had a different father? BY MARK MORELLINI The Phantom Of The Open is such a delight to watch. A wonderful selection t wouldn’t be a surprise if of hit songs from the 70s including audiences, while watching the Swedish band ABBA complement and British biographical comedy-drama add flavour to the time frame of the The Phantom Of The Open, whisper in film. It’s emotional, feel good viewing disbelief to the person sitting next to them in the cinema, ‘this can’t possibly and the comedy stems predominantly from the scenes where Flitcroft plays be based on a true story!!’ golf appallingly. The sequence where Maurice Flitcroft (Mark Rylance) was he makes his escape in a golf buggy a dreamer and became a legend upon being asked to leave the open of the golf world – he went down in is hysterical. His attitude also garners history, but for all the wrong reasons. many laughs – incredibly he couldn’t He had never held a golf club and yet managed to enter the 1976 British Open believe he wasn’t voted the ‘sports Championship achieving the worst score personality of the year’! Mark Rylance is likeable as Maurice imaginable in the most prestigious Flitcroft and Sally Hawkins delivers sport’s history. a splendid performance as his wife, He described his obsession as ‘a calling a woman who stood by her husband - it was destiny’. A reporter asked what made him enter the open, “was it a joke?” inspiring him to achieve his dream. The finale is unpredictably satisfying and Flitcroft instantly became a national folk there will be tears of joy. hero affectionately labelled ‘the people’s WWWW golfer’. In total he entered the open
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BY MARK MORELLINI esterns have been few and far in between in recent years, so Murder At Yellowstone City is a film that enthusiasts of the genre should not miss. Murder At Yellowstone City is set in 1881, Montana after the civil war. A prospector, who lives in a small town which has been economically crippled by the closing of the mines, finds a vein of gold and soon after is found murdered with his throat cut. The local sheriff accuses a black man of the murder and locks him in the jailhouse awaiting trial. When he is mysteriously released by an unknown intruder more murders eventuate and naturally, he is believed to be the culprit. But is he the murderer? When a local claims that he is not guilty of the crime the local sheriff abruptly states, “Justice must be seen to be done.” Is he insinuating that he doesn’t care who is held responsible for the crime
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as long as somebody is in the jailhouse? Will an innocent man go to the gallows? Directed by Australian Richard Gray this film boasts an excellent cast with Richard Dreyfuss in a supporting role. The picturesque Montana landscapes are beautifully captured on film, being one of the major drawcards for international audiences. What sets this western aside from those of a bygone era are the amount of explicit sex scenes and the ‘God fearing’ saloon girls living in the town’s whorehouse! When the murderer is finally revealed in this clever Western whodunnit a major climactic gun fight eventuates. Stereotypical mass killings occur as men fall off the roofs of buildings holding guns which seemingly have never been reloaded. Ultimately what would a Western flick be without a murderous gunfight where most of the town’s menfolk are shot dead? WWW
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SCANDINAVIAN
BAZ LUHRMANN’S ELVIS
BY JAMIE APPS here are few people in history with a name more recognisable than Elvis Presley. Known as the king of rock & roll Elvis’ revolutionised both music & the idea of modern celebrity during his lifetime. While his story is well known Baz Luhrmann’s new film, simply titled Elvis, looks to give Elvis’ story a new, creative & dazzling spin. In typical Baz fashion this film moves at a breathtaking pace as it sweeps the audience through three decades of the life & career of Elvis. In somewhat unexpected fashion though Elvis doesn’t use the tried & true biopic formula of viewing the events through the eyes of the subject. Instead Baz explores Elvis’ story from the perspective of “the man who gave the world Elvis” Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), Elvis’ manager & promoter. Viewing the life & career of Elvis in this fashion makes for a unique viewing experience that allows Baz to take some creative liberties with the film’s areas of focus. As mentioned, the film moves at a blistering pace which often means it feels like pivotal period in Elvis’ career are brushed over in an instant. Despite this though Elvis is incredibly compelling & emotionally affecting viewing. Elvis is so emotionally impactful thanks to mesmerising performances from Austin Butler as Elvis, Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker & Helen Thomson as Elvis’ mother Gladys. Taking on the role of the King must have come with an almost unbearable weight for Austin Butler but he manages to embody Elvis rather than come across as a cheap imitation.
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Baz’s use of archival footage alongside footage of Austin & the phenomenon sound mixing of Austin’s voice with Elvis’ original vocals further cement this embodiment of Elvis by Austin. Tom Hanks gives the world his sleaziest, conniving performance ever as the manager who pushed Elvis to the brink, all while profiteering in his own right. Hank’s was perfectly cast in this role as he manages to straddle that fine line between despicably evil & endearing, much as you would expect from a sleazy promoter who is really only looking out for themselves. Elvis’ mother, played by Helen Thomson, also plays a crucial role in this film as Elvis’ emotional anchor. As a young man Gladys Presley was Elvis rock when it felt like the world was out to get him. When that safe harbour in a world of storms is gone Elvis begins to lose his way. Visually the film is filled with Baz’s usually glitz & glam. From sweeping establishing shots, spinning cameras, frantic movement, a multitude of montages, flashy transitions & of course an incredible soundtrack. Overall Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is a truely remarkable piece of filmmaking. Whilst Baz’s style is sometimes more flash than substance, which may not be for everyone, Elvis is a film which deserves to be seen on a big screen. Plot wise the film glosses over some key elements of Elvis’ life I was still hooked & on the verge of tears as the film ended. Do yourself a favour & see The King in action before it’s too late. WWWW
FILM FESTIVAL 2022 BY MARK MORELLINI he 8th Scandinavian Film Festival arrives in cinemas boasting a wonderfully curated program of 22 of the finest films from Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Contemporary new films and retrospective titles including dramas and comedies should allure lovers of world cinema. From Denmark comes the Australian premiere of Margrete – Queen Of The North, the historical drama which opens the film festival. Set in 1402 the story centres on one of the most powerful women in Nordic history who unionised Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the union which was threatened by enemies. Directed by Charlotte Sieling and starring Trine Dyrholm in the titular role, this film should prove to be a crowd pleaser. The screening is preceded by an offering of Nordic
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snacks, wine, Carlsberg beer and lingonberry mocktails. The closing night event is the 50th celebration of the Swedish midnineteenth century epic The New Land. This is the sequel to The Emigrants which tells of the hardships a Swedish family endured trying to settle in the United States. Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann deliver impeccable performances. Nordic refreshments also included. The Scandi Sirens program presents 4 retrospective titles starring famous Scandinavian actresses all worth revisiting on the big screen for a special low admission price. Casablanca (1942) which stars Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, The Serpent’s Egg (1977) starring Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann, Swedish born Britt Ekland in The Wicker Man (1973) and Queen Christina (1933) with iconic actress Swedish/American Greta Garbo. Margrete - Queen of the North
HOT PICKS QUAKE – (Iceland). A psychological-mystery drama starring Anita Briem. A woman who loses her memory after suffering an epileptic attack tries to hide her condition fearing she may be considered unable to care for her young child. 70 IS JUST A NUMBER – (Finland). Popular Finnish singer Hannele Lauri plays the role of a woman who is reaching the golden age of 70. This romantic comedy deals with themes of love, aging and relationships. Laughter is guaranteed. NOTHING TO LAUGH ABOUT - (Norway). A stand-up comedian’s life couldn’t be any happier. He has a booming career and is in a serious relationship, until one day his perfect world collapses around him. Is laughter the best remedy when things go wrong? A humorous drama. Until Aug 7. Palace Cinemas. $19-$23+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.scandinavianfilmfestival.com CITY HUB JULY 2022
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CITY HUB JULY 2022