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Property power shift (See p. 13)

Sharpe steps down over testing bill

ABN 52 600 903 348

BY ALLISON HORE senior member of the NSW Labor party resigned from the front bench in opposition to the party’s support of the controversial Mandatory Disease Testing Bill. In a letter to NSW opposition leader Jodi McKay, MLC Penny Sharpe wrote that she would be stepping back from Labor’s frontbench, and as deputy leader in the upper house, due to the party’s support of the Mandatory Disease Testing Bill which she was ardently against. Ms. Sharpe, the first open lesbian to serve in the New South Wales parliament, held the cabinet positions of shadow minister for disability inclusion and shadow minister for family and community services. She said while it was a “great honour” to serve in the shadow cabinet, her opposition to the bill which has been supported by Labor, made her position “untenable.” She said the decision to step aside is one of the most difficult she has ever had to make. “I resign from these positions with great sadness but I do so because I know that the decision to abstain from the final vote on the Mandatory Disease Testing Bill put me at odds with Labor’s position on this bill and in doing so made my position in shadow cabinet untenable,” she said.

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THE DEAL BREAKING BILL

A HubARTS: Once: The Musical Jay Lag’aia plays the father of a struggling musician (See p. 27)

PUBLISHED DATE 10 JUNE 2021 Published weekly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Managers: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Dan Kinsela 0480 362 148 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Allison Hore Contributors: Allison Hore, Daniel Lo Surdo, Liam Webster, Christine Chen, Kylie Winkworh, Merrill Witt, Georgia Robinson, Jane Hearn Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Rita Bratovich, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Olga Azar, Patrick McKenzie & Jarrod Wolfhunter Cover Photo: @digitalflavours. Natalya Alessi 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 proposed legislation, the Mandatory Disease Testing Bill, would enforce compulsory testing of people whose bodily fluids have come into contact with frontline health, emergency or public sector workers. Anyone over the age of 14 whose deliberate action led to bodily fluids coming into contact with a frontline worker, or was involved in an incident where a frontline worker feels they are at risk of contracting a bloodborne disease, would be ordered to provide a blood sample. Failure to comply with that order would result in a $11,000 and or up to 12 months imprisonment. While the bill is designed to protect frontline health and emergency workers, the necessity of the legislation has been questioned. There have been no cases of a health worker in NSW being infected with HIV after exposure in the workplace since 1994. The state’s leading LGBTQI health organisation, ACON, said the bill was not necessary and would further stigmatise HIV positive people and hepatitis sufferers

NSW Labor MLC, Penny Sharpe announced her resignation from the front bench. Photos: Twitter/Penny Sharpe

while providing no extra protection to frontline workers. “This Bill does not afford real protections for our frontline workers – our current policies and procedures do, as evidenced by the fact that there has not been an incidence of occupational transmission of HIV for emergency service workers in more than 15 years,” ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill said in a statement. “This current Bill hands decision-making and assessment of risk over to untrained, non-experts. It is not based on evidence and will only perpetuate fears, uncertainty, and anxiety about how to properly manage exposures to bodily fluids.”

This Bill does not afford real protections for our frontline workers NSW Health have also spoken out against the bill, with the department’s evidence suggesting it could even make health workers more unsafe. They said while frontline health workers coming into contact with bodily fluids is not uncommon, the risk of infection from such incidents is very low and forcing people to submit to blood tests could make them distrust health workers. “If people are discouraged from accessing treatment, then in fact the risk may increase, both to the people in the community as well as the workers that are looking after them,” said Michelle Cretikos, executive director with NSW Health‘s population and public health division. “It‘s likely to reduce people’s trust in the health services … and may reduce access to treatment and access to care.” Ms. Sharpe agreed. In her speech on the legislation, she said the bill would give

frontline workers the impression they were at a high risk of transmission if exposed to bodily fluids, even if they are not, and that testing need only be done where “there is an actual risk to that worker.” “If mandatory testing would guarantee that frontline workers could have peace of mind; if it would stop the need for them to follow risk management protocols after an incident; if it would prove that there is no chance that they had been infected then I would be more comfortable with this bill,” she said before parliament. “Mandatory testing does not do this.” She said the bill would impact vulnerable communities such as those with drug or alcohol issues, as well as people going through mental health crises. Voting with Labor for the bill, even with amendments, she said, was at odds with the work she had been doing to campaign for the destigmatisation of blood-borne infections. “I have campaigned with others to remove the stigma faced by those who have been infected with HIV and hepatitis. I remain committed to this work,” she said. Responding to Ms. Sharpe’s announcement she would be stepping down from the front bench, former NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay said she understood the decision was difficult and wished her well. “I wish Penny well and note she remains a valuable member of the Labor team,” she said in a statement. “She has committed to doing everything she can to help Labor win the trust of the people of NSW and be returned to government in 2023.” The bill, which has the support of Labor and the government, will return for a vote in the lower house when parliament resumes next month. CITY HUB JUNE 2021

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Jodi McKay steps down as NSW Labor leader BY ALLISON HORE ollowing a crisis meeting over the NSW Labor leadership, Jodi McKay has resigned as state Labor leader. The decision comes after a week of speculation over her position.

who wished I had stayed, but this is the only way that I know I can unite our party,” she said. “I have spent the last six days reflecting on how to achieve unity, and I believe that this offers the party the best opportunity to heal and to move forward.”

Ms. McKay had held the position of state Opposition Leader since 2019 but in an emotional press conference today, Ms. McKay announced she would be stepping back from the role on her own accord.

Leadership is about knowing when to step up but also when to step down

“I do this with a very heavy heart. I do this even though I have the support of our caucus,” she said. “No one has asked me to stand aside, in fact, colleagues asked me to stay.” Ms. McKay said she has the support of her party and felt if a ballot were to be held today she would retain her position as party leader. But she said though she “always tried to build consensus” within the party, there was always a faction “who have never accepted the outcome of that process.” Pressure on Ms. McKay’s leadership mounted following her party’s loss in the by-election in the seat of Upper Hunter. “For me, leadership must always be about the institution, and also about

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

Jodi McKay (right) on the campaign trail with Upper Hunter candidate Jeff Drayton (left). Photo: Twitter/Jodi McKay

how you respond to its successes and also its difficulties,” she explained. “Leadership is about knowing when to step up but also when to step down.”

A UNITING MOVE

Ms. McKay said over her short term as Labor leader she has worked hard to reshape the party’s message in the lead up to the next state election, but felt

stepping aside would be the best way to “unite” the struggling party. She said in order for the party to find success, she says there “has to be a future where there is no destabilising of the party’s leader from within.” “Success requires patience, it requires forgiveness and it requires constant dialogue with the community as well as ourselves. I want to apologise to those

“We have to work to win government in 2023, because New South Wales deserves no less.” Stepping in to replace Ms. McKay is member for Kogarah Chris Minns who was unanimously selected by the party in a meeting on June 4th. He was expected to run up against Michael Daley but he pulled out just hours before the meeting. “I am very humbled and very happy to be elected leader of the parliamentary Labor Party,” Mr Minns said in a press conference. “Now the hard work begins for the Labor Party.”

DO YOU RUN A BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF SYDNEY? ARE YOU READY TO HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR CITY’S FUTURE? You might be eligible to enrol and vote in the upcoming Council election if you: 1. Work from a space in the City of Sydney 2. Pay more than $75 per week for your work space and have been using it for three months or longer 3. You’re not enrolled as a resident in the City of Sydney local area 4. You are entitled to vote in Australian elections

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The energy transition is here - but who will be left behind? When it comes to climate change, public opinion and economic good sense are way ahead of Scott Morrison and his Liberal National Federal Government. There is an enormous and unstoppable economic transition that is already underway - if only the federal government would get out of the way and stop throwing down roadblocks, the transition might even happen fast enough to stop us reaching dangerous tipping points in the earth’s climate.

The speed and scale of the transition has exceeded all predictions, and is gaining pace, thanks in large part to the young people of this world who have taken to the streets in recent years to demand a rapid move away from fossil fuels. Climate activists have been sounding the alarm bells for years, but in recent years this movement has become an unstoppable force. 10 years ago when The Greens were campaigning for No New Coal, we were seen as the radical fringe. Now, mining giants, banks, insurance companies and fossil fuel companies agree with us. @jennyleong.newtown

Every state in Australia now has a target to achieve 100% renewable energy. Billionaires are funding an under-sea cable to export renewable energy from Australia to Asia. The recent announcement by AGL that they would be replacing the Liddell power station with a solar farm and pumped hydro for storage is another blow to the federal government’s nonsensical and ideological ‘gas fired recovery.’ Anyone with any understanding of long term capital investment can see that the business case for investment in new fossil fuel power stations does not stack up. The only reason these projects are viable and going ahead is because the federal government is funding them. Private capital is going where the profits will be - in renewable energy.

I have no doubt that in the not too distant future, there will be criminal prosecutions for people in positions of power who knew about the climate crisis and who have willfully failed to act. Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown P.S. Scan the QR code to watch Jenny making the case for a just transition in a speech to parliament.

By actively hindering the energy and economic transition, the federal government is putting at risk our economy, our long term security, and the right of future generations to have the same levels of prosperity and stability that previous generations have enjoyed. @jennyleong

@jennyleong.newtown

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HubNEWS

Students take to the streets for climate

BY CHRISTINE CHEN n Friday afternoon, thousands of students converged on Town Hall in Sydney as part of the School Strike 4 Climate movement. Protests calling for urgent climate action and a sustainable COVID-19 recovery plan were held across the country, for the first time since September, 2019. Undeterred by the pouring rain, protesters held up placards reading ‘Fund our future, not gas’, ‘Fossil Fools’ and ‘Planet over Profit’, and chanted “The oceans are rising, no more compromising,” to make their disaffection with the Government’s energy policies clear.

I can have a say in my future, even if the Government doesn’t think so With young people likely to bear the brunt of an unmitigated climate crisis, the need for urgent action was stressed by the rally’s speakers—most of them being young students themselves. Patrick Rudd, a high school student who organised his first climate strike when he was only 14, said the Government’s

Despite the rain, crowds of students turned out to call for climate action. Photo: Christine Chen

climate policy amounted to “intergenerational theft, sacrificing the future of young people.” He criticised political inertia and drew attention to the fact Australia was on track for only a 7% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 at its current pace. Rudd also spoke of his first-hand experience, living in a community affected by last Summer’s bushfires. “On some days the sky was blood orange and lights at school looked blue because our eyes had adjusted to a lens of red,” he reflected.

CLIMATE INEQUALITY

Human-caused climate change exacerbates the frequency, intensity, and impacts of extreme weather events. However, its effects are not felt equally—populations in island and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable. Samoan activist Pelepesite Matangi, from Pacific Climate Warriors, said “the climate crisis is affecting marginalised communities the most” and “the land that sheltered my ancestors is the same land my future grandchildren have a right to enjoy.”

The lack of consultation with First Nations communities was also highlighted throughout the speeches; speakers reiterated “There is no climate justice without First Nations justice.” Gamilaraay man Ian Brown inveighed against Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri Gas Project, which was given environmental approval by MP Sussan Ley. Brown lamented how would destroy his peoples’ land. “They deny our sovereign rights as First Nations people of Gamilaraay country. They don’t engage with us in proper consultation. They disregard our fears.” Last week’s Federal budget allocated a further $58.6 million to ‘gas-fired’ recovery measures, and the Government has not elucidated how it would meet Australia’s commitments to reduce pollution under international climate agreements. After the main demonstration, protestors marched through Sydney’s CBD to Prince Alfred Park. Ishara, a 16-year-old student from Pymble Ladies’ College, who attended the protest with her friends, said the atmosphere was “empowering.” “It shows me that I can have a say in my future, even if the Government doesn’t think so.”

NIGHT RAIDERS

THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING

A thrilling sci-fi tale of Indigenous resistance directed by Cree/Métis filmmaker Danis Goulet and executive produced by Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, SFF 2014). Selected Berlinale 2021.

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

WASH MY SOUL IN THE RIVER’S FLOW

ZOLA

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

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

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

ACTION!

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

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HubNEWS

Climate teens win class action

BY ALLISON HORE n a world first decision, the Australian Federal Court in Sydney has ruled that Environment Minister Sussan Ley has a duty of care not to cause harm to young people by exacerbating the effects of climate change. The class action against Minister Ley was filed by eight high school students in September last year. The teenagers called on the court to recognise the Minister has a duty to protect young people around Australia from future climate change harms. 17 year-old Ava Princi was one of the students behind the lawsuit. She said she was “thrilled” by the court’s decision. “I’m thrilled because this is a global first,” she said. “We understand it is the first time a Court of law, anywhere in the world, has ordered a government to specifically protect young people from the catastrophic harms of climate change.” The class action was triggered by the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s approval of an expansion of the Vickery coal mine in northern NSW last year.

The Australian Federal Court in Sydney has ruled that Environment Minister Sussan Ley has a duty of care not to cause harm to young people by exacerbating the effects of climate change. Photo: State Library of NSW

The judge heard evidence brought by independent experts that carbon emissions released from mining and burning fossil fuels will contribute to wide-ranging harms to young people.

This is a victory for young people everywhere Based on these accounts, he decided a “reasonable person” in the minister’s position could foresee damage from the expansion of the mine.

“The evidence therefore establishes an essential precondition for the law of negligence to recognise a duty of care owed by the minister to each of the children,” Justice Mordy Bromberg said in his judgement.

INJUNCTION NOT GRANTED

Despite the court’s recognition of the Minister’s duty of care, the teens failed in their bid to have an injunction put on the mine expansion. The expansion would allow for 25 percent more coal

to be extracted, resulting in 100 million tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years. Justice Bromberg said he was not satisfied by the evidence a “reasonable apprehension of breach of the duty of care by the minister has been established.” But for the students involved in the case, the recognition of the minister’s duty of care was more than enough cause for celebration. Laura Kirwan, 17, another student behind the class action, said she felt “elated” by the court’s decision “This is a victory for young people everywhere. The case was about young people stepping up and demanding more from the adults whose actions are determining our future wellbeing,” she said. “Our voices are powerful and I hope this case inspires more young people to push for stronger, faster and deeper cuts to carbon emissions.” Minister Ley is yet to comment on the court’s ruling. A spokesperson for her office told the ABC that the Morrison government was “considering the judgement” and would have more to say soon.

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Addi Road Volunteers Awarded

Addison Road Community Organisation was very happy to see our volunteers acknowledged at the Inner West Council’s 2021 Amy Large Volunteer Awards. The awards were one of the high points of National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on how much communities across the country are enriched by the generosity of individuals and groups who give their time selflessly all the year round. Without our volunteers we simply could not do the work that we do. This is especially true at our Addi Food Pantry Marrickville and Food Pantry Camperdown. It’s also what allowed us to start operating our Addi Road Food Relief Hub in the wake of Covid-19 from March 2020, supporting 120 charities and social justice groups who were under enormous strain and doing their best to help people in need. Not to mention our volunteers’ presence behind all the projects and events we create each year, from social justice activities to arts and culture evenings and more. In the last year this spirit of engagement has grown exponentially at Addi Road, with over 200 volunteers donating 6,000 plus hours to meet the needs of their community. Whenever we ask for help, our volunteers are there, making it happen – and making the experience all the happier and more positive for everyone involved. Our partnership with Craig Foster and his #PlayForLives campaign turbo-charged the number of volunteers supporting us over the past year, encouraging everyone from leading sports figures to local sports clubs to help us. As the name indicates, the IWC’s Amy Large

History Week 2021 – From the Ground Up We are honoured that the History Council NSW chose to go with the theme that we proposed for History Week 2021: ‘From the Ground Up.’ For us at Addi Road, both a heritage site and active community centre, ‘From the Ground Up’ is an inspiring and relevant theme. It’s a reminder of the importance of place and Country; of the fundamental connections

Volunteer Awards takes its cues from Amy Large, a legendary community figure who gave her time and energy as a volunteer over and again across the Inner West. It’s an honour to see Addison Road Community Organisation Volunteers recognised as a group – and in her name – with these awards. And to be in the company of so many other brilliant organisations like the Asylum Seekers Centre, The Reverend Bill Crews Foundation, Gunawirra and Dress for Success Sydney. The kind of night where everyone involved really is a winner – and mutually supportive. Along with the group recognition, three of our volunteers were recognised individually; in the ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ category, Joseph Hathaway-Wilson [photo above, left] for his work in the Food Pantry, restocking shelf items, bagging fruit and bread, and assisting the public who come here shopping. Thank you Joseph for being such an important and inspiring part of our team. Your presence here raises us up each time you arrive. In the ‘Adult Volunteer of the Year’ category, Mary Savva [photo above, right] was acknowledged “for going above and beyond”. Mary works at reception here at Addi Road, as well as training new volunteers and supporting our Food Pantry team. She often pitches in at events too. No matter the situation, Mary is always there, a loyal back-stop and a force you can depend on. We love her and feel lucky to have her here with us. In the ‘Senior Volunteer of the Year’’ category it was Robyn White’s [photo above, centre] turn to get some recognition. She’s a Team Leader for Addi Road Food Pantry. Without her the place just would not run. It’s a very big job when between specific environments and human endeavours. It also suggests people’s histories, local histories, community histories – stories from the streets and from the soil that provide the material and the momentum for the making of history. We can’t wait to see how other History Council members will engage with the theme. History Week takes place in September, but event planning and registration will open in June. Watch this space for details on events that we'll be hosting as well as a wide range of happenings across NSW, from the ground up!

you consider we have fed over 250,000 people in the last year, making around 16,000 food relief hampers during Covid, combating food waste and food insecurity while rescuing over 200 tonnes of food going into landfill along the way. Robyn is vital to that work and to every part of our mission. If you really look at those numbers, you can imagine how crazy things can get here – and how much we depend on our volunteers, and most of all Team Leaders like Robyn, to hold it all together. Her background in nursing brings a natural balance of organisation and compassion that has made the year so much better for us. It’s a measure of her contribution that Robyn was also nominated as a ‘Senior Citizen of the Year’. Robyn, you really do make a difference to what we do. Thank you once again to the Inner West Council’s 2021 Amy Large Volunteer Awards for specifically recognising all our volunteers and the amazing work they have done as a group, and for drawing attention to Joseph, Mary and Robyn for their very special part in making our community the force that it is today.

RacismNOTWelcome Support the movement and buy a T-shirt.

RRP: $19.95 plus $5 shipping and handling (Australia only). To find out more about the campaign, go to racismnotwelcome.com To buy a t-shirt, go to addiroad.org.au

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HubNEWS

Deliveroo driver wins unfair dismissal case “The whole world was struggling, and being kicked out of my job was really stressful,” he said. Unhappy with Deliveroo’s decision to kick him off the app, Mr. Franco, who was a member of the Transport Workers Union, took the UK-based delivery giant before to the Fair Work Commission. Deliveroo argued that the dismissal of Mr. Franco was justified as there was no employee and employer relationship, and he was an independent contractor who was permitted to work for other apps.

“HARSH, UNJUST, UNREASONABLE” Diego Franco was sacked by Deliveroo last year. Photo: Supplied via Transport Workers Union

BY ALLISON HORE food delivery driver who was kicked off the app he worked for at the height of the pandemic last year has won a landmark unfair dismissal case which could shake up the industry both in Australia and around the world. Diego Franco, a Brazilian man who lives in Sydney with his wife and young daughter, worked for Deliveroo as a food delivery driver for three years. His

job was the only source of income for his family at the time. But in April last year, Mr. Franco received an email saying he was being removed from the app due to slow delivery times. Despite claims from Deliveroo to the contrary, he said he was not previously notified of any performance issues. Speaking at a press conference after the Fair Work hearing, Mr. Franco said receiving the email was “very frustrating.”

However, Fair Work Commissioner Ian Cambridge ruled that the use of a uniform and a system that organised shifts and measured performance painted a picture of a traditional employer/employee relationship. He said Mr. Franco’s dismissal was “harsh, unjust and unreasonable.” “Mr Franco had every justification for being aggrieved by the callous and perfunctory termination of his services and any criticism of Deliveroo’s conduct was understandable,” he said. Commissioner Cambridge ordered that Mr. Franco’s job with the company be reinstated. When asked if he would go

back to work with Deliveroo, Mr. Franco said he would discuss it with his wife. “Justice was made today, and hopefully, we will have better conditions for all riders both in and outside Australia,” he said. “[This is] a big step towards the fairness of hard workers such as myself and thousands of other riders who provide a great service to those companies which make millions, if not billions of years” Michele O’Neil, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, also celebrated the win.

 Justice was made today, and hopefully, we will have better conditions for all riders “This is a great win for Diego and his union. Employers can’t simply tell workers they are contractors in order to strip away rights,” she said. However this isn’t the end of the line for Mr. Franco’s case. Deliveroo has already expressed their intent to appeal the decision, insisting that there is no employer and employee relationship between itself and its contractors.

First Indigenous Lord mayor candidate BY ALLISON HORE ith Dr. Kerryn Phelps stepping back from her election campaign due to the health of a family member, Wiradjuri woman Yvonne Weldon has announced she would be vying for the top job. She is the first independent, indigenous candidate for Lord Mayor. If elected, she will be the City of Sydney’s first Indigenous councillor. “We’ve had leaders in many walks of life,” said Ms. Weldon.

 This is not just about First Nations people this is about all our people “This is not just about First Nations people this is about all our people. I am very proud to be the first aboriginal person to be standing here before you to contest Lord Mayor.” Although she is a first time candidate, Ms. Weldon is not new to the world of politics. She has two decades of experience working in key government and Aboriginal organisations including the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land 10

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

Council where she was elected to be Chair. She has also served as Deputy Chair of the NSW Australia Day Council, a Board member of Domestic Violence NSW, and a Board member of Redfern Jarjum College. Her work through these groups makes her a familiar face around council and government events.

A CHALLENGING CAMPAIGN

On her short run for mayor, Dr. Phelps acknowledged that unseating the incumbent of almost two decades would not be easy. But she thinks Ms. Weldon has what it takes to step up to the mark and take on electoralpowerhouse Clover Moore. “Sydney is a world class city and we deserve to be number one but we’ve had the same leadership for 17 years and that leadership has lost touch. It’s time to place the City of Sydney in new safe hands,” she said. “Yvone has proven leadership skills to take on this job and a profound commitment to Sydney and its people.” Ms. Weldon, too, recognises her campaign will be challenging, but said it’s an “honour” to step into the ring and take on the Lord Mayor.

Yvonne Weldon announces her run for mayor at Redfern Park. Photo: Allison Hore

“Clover is certainly very popular and she always has been, and it’s a great honour to be up against her,” added Ms. Weldon. “I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy feat but there’s always ways to approach it and regardless of what the outcome is I will work with Clover, as I always have done.” In the coming weeks Ms. Weldon will be releasing more information on the policy platform she will bring forward

to the election as well as her “dream ticket” for council. Speaking briefly on policies at the campaign launch, she mentioned strategies to bring people back to the city post-COVID would be a priority as well as looking into “inclusive” affordable and social housing models. “I believe the best is yet to come. Together we can build a fairer, greener, more dynamic Sydney after COVID.”

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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.

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First aid facility for Bondi Beach

BY ALLISON HORE ondi is set to get a major safety upgrade with plans for a purposebuilt first aid facility on the worldfamous beach underway. Now, when a beach goer needs first aid they have to go to the lifeguard tower to receive it. But, when plans are approved, the space under the promenade to the north of the lifeguard tower will be transformed into a modern first aid and incident management facility.

These new facilities will play a key role in how we respond to emergencies Matt du Plessis, Manager of Lifeguard Services and Beach Safety, said a purpose built first aid facility, separate from the tower, would allow tower staff to be able to concentrate on surf rescues. “We never know when the next emergency will unfold, so to have a dedicated place for patients to receive first aid and for staff to respond to critical incidents means that our lifeguards in the tower can have all eyes on the water,” he said.

Matt du Plessis, Manager of Lifeguard Services and Beach Safety (left), and Bruce Hopkins, Team Leader, Waverley Lifeguard Service (right). Photo: Waverley Council

When there are strong rips and a big crowd, Waverley Council estimates Bondi lifeguards perform over 100 rescues a day. The space set aside for the first aid facility is currently an empty tunnel sometimes used for storage by the Bondi Rescue film crew. When the transformation is complete, it will include a reception window opening right out onto the sand, a private first aid space, storage and locker area, toilets and showers for staff and an accessible toilet.

“The facilities will also improve comfort and privacy for patients, and match the quality of our facilities with advances in the professional lifeguard services that Council provides,” said Mr. du Plessis.

BONDI TOWER UPGRADES

As part of the plan, the iconic Bondi lifeguard tower, built in 2001, will be refurbished to repair damage caused by coastal conditions. Works on the tower will include the replacement of window

glazing, awnings and the roof of the tower, as well as improvements to staff facilities. Five demountable structures have been set up on the sand to facilitate lifeguards while the revamp is underway. The upgraded lifeguard tower, and dedicated first aid facility, will make it easier for lifeguards at Bondi Beach to keep visitors safe. Even with a significant downturn of tourists as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bondi lifeguards carried out 600 rescues, 1659 first aid treatments and 10,877 preventative measures between September 2020 and April 2021. Mr. du Plessis said as the number of visitors to the beach returns to post COVID-19 levels, the new facilities will improve lifeguards’ emergency response capacity. “As we slowly return to normality, there will again be an increase in visitation to Bondi, and these new facilities will play a key role in how we respond to emergencies.” Once planning applications for the project are approved, Waverley Council estimates construction will take 6 months, weather permitting.

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HubNEWS

Property vacancies swinging power

BY DANIEL LO SURDO rior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inner-city property market could generally be understood in three words: fierce, competitive, and lucrative. Now less than two decades since the influx of high-density dwellings in the inner-city, it looks that change may be appearing on the horizon. In April, housing vacancy in the innercity reached 7.3 per cent - a figure that is expected to rise with the continued absence of temporary migrants and a steady rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now with an absence of inner-city tenants, Managing Director of SQM Research Louis Christopher understands that landlords have been divested of their leverage. “When the power was with the landlords, they definitely charged, they lifted their rents, and they were only looking for the best possible tenants,” Christopher told City Hub. “Things have changed - the market is definitely in the tenant’s favour for the CBD.” With inner-city property owners now scrambling to attract tenants to their dwellings, Christopher believes hardships may continue indefinitely for landlords starved of business. “We’re not seeing any evidence that there’s a market recovery now occurring - indeed it could get worse,” Christopher said. “We’re not seeing any of that underlying demand, yet on a supply side we’re still building units.”

AN OVERSUPPLIED MARKET

The Federal Government’s National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation released a report last year projecting the oversupply of Sydney dwellings to reach 60,000 across the next two years. It’s a number that has President of the Property Owners Association of NSW John Gilmovich concerned.

Apartments forming Sydney’s skyline have largely been vacated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Wayne Chew/Unsplash

“This market that we see now is likely to continue, and it will add pressure on rents, especially for the apartment market which is the product in oversupply at the moment,” Gilmovich told City Hub. “We just don’t have the numbers to fill these vacancies, so this market will continue.”

 Things have changed the market is definitely in the tenant’s favour But a shortage of tenants hasn’t worried everyone in the inner-city property market. The overwhelming tide away from the city fringes has left those still in the inner-city with largely unprecedented levels of purchasing power and leverage, whereby landlords have been forced to negotiate better conditions and cheaper rents with prospective tenants. It’s a pattern that has been welcomed by CEO of the Tenants’ Union of NSW Leo Patterson Ross. “We’re seeing a little bit of longer leases, so instead of 12 months it’s two years,

there’s been a few cases where I’ve heard people getting those slightly better conditions,” Patterson Ross told City Hub. “I think that some landlords and agents are more aware now that there is a risk in their investment, that they might not be able to get the rent that they’ve been expecting.” Despite the plunge in rental prices in the inner-city, Patterson Ross remains sceptical when discussing the true extent of power that tenants have been afforded throughout the past 12 months. “My test for a tenant’s market is one where the landlords are competing for the tenants to move in … and we really didn’t see that … the real experience of renting in Sydney even in the middle of the CBD really didn’t change very much,” Patterson Ross said. “People were being offered basically the same deal, just a little bit less expensive.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

With an eventual projected return stream of tenants, Patterson Ross believes only intervening policy will sustain the avenues of tenant leverage in the inner-city. “In COVID we saw possibility of a different way of working, of

understanding housing, but it all depends on government putting in place structures and systems to support that,” Patterson Ross said. “If we want to see long-term change it’s going to be at the structural level, either by regulation or by the government becoming an actual player in the market themselves, and having enough influence to keep prices affordable, to give landlords an incentive to act in a way that attracts tenants to them.” With the identity and sustainability of the inner-city Sydney property market strained throughout the last 12 months, a seemingly fated re-entry of migrants throughout the city fringes will shape as a boon to many landlords. But in an ever-expanding city now expected to toil through years of property oversupply, the opportunity for an equilibrium previously unheralded remains. And as tenants enjoy what many believe will be their remaining few moments of unquestioned leverage, there exists hope between all interested parties that following the effects of a bloodcurdling and unparalleled virus, will be a reformation of the inner-city market - one espousing regulation, competition, and enterprise.

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

HubNEWS

Al Fresco a “game changer” for hospitality

Net zero by 2030? BY ALLISON HORE n a bid to urgently tackle the devastating impacts of climate change, Waverley Council will investigate an ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2030. Currently, Waverley Council aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But this may soon change with council voting unanimously to support a Mayoral Minute calling on this target to be revised. Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos said achieving net zero carbon emissions was “a matter of urgency” which could not wait until 2050.

The impact of rising sea

Parking spaces transformed into outdoor dining outside Crown Street’s Dolphin Hotel. City of Sydney/Supplied

BY ALLISON HORE According to a survey by the council, 90 percent of businesses participating in ocial distancing in some of the alfresco scheme reported the new Sydney’s small inner-city cafes, outdoor dining options were beneficial, restaurants and bars is almost or even crucial, to their business. impossible, that is, unless the seats Almost half of the businesses, 45 take to the street. percent, say they have had to bring on Last year, to allow inner-city hospitality an additional two staff after opening for businesses to remain open, while outdoor dining. facilitating social distancing, the City of Sydney launched an outdoor dining scheme which saw al fresco permit fees FROM STREET TO EATS scrapped and a fast-tracked application NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet process. Lord Mayor Clover Moore backed the City’s scheme, saying it has said this was one of the council’s first “worked in tandem with the rollout of responses to the pandemic. the Dine & Discover voucher program” to encourage patrons back to inner-city Now, following the success of the city’s “al fresco revolution”, the City of Sydney venues. has announced they will be injecting an “The city is bouncing back from its additional $5.7 million forced hibernation and into the scheme and we’re making it easier  Covid is not over, waiving permit fees for more businesses until June 2022. to go Al Fresco, which and neither is our will give our economy “People have economic recovery another major boost,” really embraced it, he said. with participating businesses telling us The changes to al they’ve taken on extra staff and seen fresco dining policies also made it increased patronage – a crucial aid to easier for businesses to set up tables staying afloat in these difficult times,” and chairs in laneways, footpaths and parking bays. Where roadside parking said Mayor Moore. spaces are transformed into dining “Covid is not over, and neither is our areas, colourful concrete barriers economic recovery. So to support separate diners from traffic. business and keep people healthy, One business which has benefitted from outdoor dining will be free at least until the scheme is the Dolphin Hotel on the end of the financial year.” Crown street. Paul Burnicle, the hotel’s The fast-tracked approval process general manager, called the decision for al fresco seating was approved in to remove red tape from outdoor December last year. Since then, 204 dining areas a “game changer” for the al fresco dining permits have already hospitality industry. been granted across the inner city. 69 “It has really added another element to percent of permits were granted for the our venue and Crown Street as a whole. footway and 31 percent the roadway. And so far the businesses who’ve gotten It’s great to see Sydney coming back to life after the year we’ve all endured,” he on board are seeing considerable said. benefits from the changes.

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

levels will change our beaches

“Not keeping climate change within the 2-degree limit will have catastrophic consequences for Australia and our planet,” she said. At the 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit, experts warned that current global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions will likely lead to global temperature increases between 2.9°C and 3.4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

2019 declaration of a state of climate and biodiversity emergency. Council acknowledged urgent action across all levels of government was needed to avoid catastrophic climate change.

AN AMBITIOUS TARGET

Emissions are considered “net zero” when any greenhouse gases generated are counterbalanced by the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. While reaching net zero seems like a lofty goal, Mayor Masselos says some simple changes would allow the council to run its activities with net zero emissions. She says changes already in the works are a major step towards this goal. “Through the purchase of 100% renewable energy by 2030, which has already been endorsed by Council, the phasing out of gas and the rapid transition to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy, Waverley Council will be able to have net zero carbon emissions by 2030,” Mayor Masselos said. Some councils have already committed to more ambitious targets of net zero than 2050. In May this year the City of Sydney announced a “bold” new plan to achieve net zero by 2035. Across the Waverley local government area, the biggest contributing factors

Installing solar panels across the local government area is part of Waverley Council’s pathway to net zero. Photo: Waverley Council

This would have a devastating effect on our coastal city. “Extreme bushfires will become increasingly frequent, prolonged dry periods will impact agriculture, flora and fauna and for our coastline,” said Mayor Masselos. “The impact of rising sea levels will change our beaches, coast and result in significant damage.” However, scientists agree that decisive action now could limit warming to 2°C. The investigation of a pathway towards net zero emissions follows the council’s

to carbon emissions are electricity and transportation. Mayor Masselos says once new targets are investigated they will be incorporated into the council’s strategy and budgeting. “Council will also now investigate this new target becoming a key priority of Council’s activities and incorporated into our draft 2021-22 Operational Plan, and that the next Environmental Action Plan and Long Term Financial Plan budgets are updated accordingly to achieve this,” Mayor Masselos said. Council says a report on updated carbon emissions targets is expected “soon.”

HubNEWS

Parental rights and religious freedoms BY ALLISON HORE s a pair of “transphobic” law reforms proposed by One Nation’s Mark Latham make their way through the NSW parliament, community groups are amping up their rally cries for the bills to be killed. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered outside Town Hall in Sydney to make their opposition heard and raise awareness about the threat the changes pose to trans and gender diverse people. Teddy Cook, ACON’s Director of Community Health and creator of transgender health application TransHub, spoke at the rally.

Legislation Amendment (Parental Rights) Bill 2020 say it less about parental freedoms, and more about silencing gender diverse students and staff. “[The parental rights bill] is absolutely extraordinary, it tries to ban the teaching of gender fluidity in all schools in the state. And if a teacher attempts to do so, the teacher can be dismissed and banned from teaching,” explained Sydney barrister David Bernie, a member of the Committee of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties. “You hear a lot, often from people like Latham, about ‘cancel culture’. Well this is the ultimate in censorship.”

Every child in this state

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: SWORD OR SHIELD?

deserves an education

“The thing that keeps trans people safe and strong, it’s really simple: access to affirmation, access to community, living free and equally in society,” he said. “That’s it. And this education bill would seriously reduce access to these things which keep our trans kids protected and safe.” Opponents to Mark Latham’s Education

The parental rights bill isn’t the only looming Latham legislation protesters are concerned about. Protest organisers, Community Action for Rainbow Rights, say his “religious freedom” amendment to the NSW Discrimination Act would give schools, charities and private businesses the right to discriminate against LGBTQI+ people, women and minority religions if it was done under the guise of religious belief.

Member for Newtown Jenny Leong, Reverend Jospehine Inkpin and 78er Harry Charles lead the crowd up Park Street. Photo: Allison

The amendment was backed by the majority of the NSW parliamentary committee who investigated it. Speaking at the rally Reverend Josephine Inkpin, a transgender woman and minister at the Pitt Street Uniting Church said faith should be about “love, not exclusion.” She said while she supports the need for religions to be protected, Christians are not persecuted in Australia. “I urge other people of faith to stand up and join with us to make a difference,” she said.

As both bills sit on the table in parliament, more NSW politicians are speaking out against them and promising to block them. Speaking at the rally, Penny Sharpe, a senior member of the NSW Labor party, said Labor would also fight the education bill. “We are going to do this with you, and we are going to do this until it’s over. Every child in this state deserves an education, every child in this state is precious. And we will stand up for every single one of them,” she said.

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

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

4. 5. 6.

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) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) 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 (2.1m long) • New 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 the equipment shelter • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • 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 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 • 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 Determination 2018 based on the description above Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: 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, Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) Randwick NSW 2031 • 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 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 • Installation 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: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is 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) Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW 2011 • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 • 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 new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long) the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in • NewSupporting ancillary equipment includingpeople remote radio units,living cabling and antenna mountsHIV aged over 45, through with the the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy of aged care,asdisability, and withhealthcare services inaccordance NSW Optusmaze and Vodafone regard the proposed installations Exempt Development in accordance State Environmental Planning Policy with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Determination 2018 based on the description above 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. Contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 9206 2177 or 1800 245 677 (freecall) 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/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 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.

Ageing Support

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

HubNEWS

Opinion

Breaking up the Powerhouse Museum BY KYLIE WINKWORH he NSW Government has hacked away at the Powerhouse Museum for the last ten years, relentlessly cutting its budget, gutting the museum of expertise, competent leadership and good governance, undermining public trust, and making museum policy on impulse round the campfire. In 2011 when the LNP came to power MAAS had 284 staff, 20 conservators and 49 in the curatorial team. It ran an award winning Migration Heritage Centre and a highly regarded regional program, both since abolished. As at the last annual report, and not counting the team packing up the collection, the museum has just 178 staff, a drop of more than 50 percent. There are just 18 people in the curatorial team, and only 7 conservators, but 10 SES level directors. There are more artists occupying the Powerhouse than curators and conservators. That is the scale of their axe attack to dismember the Powerhouse. Philanthropist Gene Sherman has proposed splitting the museum’s collections and turning the Powerhouse into a fashion and design hub. Does the Government want crowd pleasing fashion exhibitions? They were shown at the once great Powerhouse Museum, before this Government started their hack attack.

 The city’s culture is carved up behind closed doors No one should be surprised at the latest idea for breaking up the Powerhouse because in Sydney this Government doesn’t do museum policy and planning, doesn’t do proper process, or genuine consultation. Instead, the city’s culture is carved up behind closed doors in secret meetings with lobbyists, insiders and influencers. That is how decisions are made in Sydney about how our taxes are spent on cultural projects, museums and public culture. This explains why we will soon have two contemporary art museums in the city, but no major public gallery between the city and Penrith, no museum of NSW, no Indigenous cultural centre, no museum of migration history, a bloated commercial Carriageworks West development at Parramatta, built on the rubble of Willow Grove, a vast collection store at Castle Hill, and no Powerhouse Museum. It will cost taxpayers close to $2b when it’s all over to downsize the real 16

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

The same spot Perrottet and Harwin smiled for the cameras for the announcement the Powerhouse in Ultimo would stay (Photo: SMH), is today a construction site. Photo:Tom Lockley

Powerhouse and reallocate its budget and resources to running events and accommodation at Parramatta.

BEHIND THE PHOTO-OP

In ten years this Government has relentlessly swung the axe at the Powerhouse, even as Perrottet and Harwin smiled for the cameras last July and said the museum would be staying in Ultimo. This photo shows where they stood to make that media announcement in what was one of the world’s great transport exhibitions, worthy of state heritage listing. You can see what saving the Powerhouse looks like in the wreckage of this exhibition, half demolished, the carpet ripped up, and not even a dust cover on the remaining objects of national significance. The demolition of this exhibition speaks to the profound disrespect this Government has for the culture and collections of the Powerhouse Museum, its deep connections to the history of Sydney and NSW, and themes of transport, trade, industry and working life. This is the former tram depot owned by the museum, with state of the art purpose-designed collection facilities. The secret master plan work kept going. The NSW Heritage Council did their bit with the debauched heritage listing of the brick shell of the Ultimo Power House, over dozens of objections.

The Heritage Council later refused to consider the nomination to list the whole museum site. Sydney’s largest and oldest tram depot has no heritage protection, not even on the City of Sydney’s LEP. The collection eviction work didn’t miss a beat. The Powerhouse is largely empty and exhibition galleries are now stacked with boxes of objects awaiting transport to Castle Hill. The plans for the unnecessary vast J Store development at Castle Hill were approved a few weeks ago, with reassurances from the ‘Applicant’, Premier and Cabinet, that the project “does not seek to replace existing operational and functional components of the Powerhouse.” Does anyone believe this when the Planning Minister declared in the media release announcing the project’s approval: “this means the entire 500,000 piece Powerhouse collection will be housed and cared for on one site”..?

TAKING THE “POWER” OUT OF THE POWERHOUSE

Gene Sherman’s pitch for a fashion and design centre risks undermining the mission and integrity of the Powerhouse, and the central place of the power and transport collections in the museum, which was purpose designed to exhibit them. No matter that the Premier promised last July that the Powerhouse would

continue to display technology, science, engineering and design. Of course philanthropy is important in supporting cultural institutions. But philanthropists are not picking up the tab for their ideas, it is the taxpayers of NSW, now funding two contemporary art museums, and a wickedly expensive museum demolition and downsizing project. If the fashion and design scheme goes ahead we will likely end up with a white box fashion showcase and party place at Ultimo, more taxpayer-subsidised fashion balls, no museum at Parramatta, and the PHM’s internationally significant power and transport collections exiled to a cluster of big sheds at Castle Hill. The Ultimo plans will be badged as a ‘cultural industries precinct’. This is not industry or culture. It is a euphemism for cultural erasure and amnesia, fronting a shameless scheme to evict and erase Sydney’s transport and industrial history, just as they have at Carriageworks and the ATP. And if any families want to see rail history after the Powerhouse is gutted of its defining collections, they will have to try and get to the rail museum at Thirlmere, perhaps the only railway museum in the world that you can’t get to by rail. Last month the Art Gallery of NSW celebrated its 150th birthday. It doesn’t look like the Powerhouse Museum will see its 150th in 2030 unless more people speak out.

BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY HUB’S 26TH ANNIVERSARY BEST OF SYDNEY EDITION

his August to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the City Hub we are producing our annual BEST OF SYDNEY edition. Since 1995 the Best of Sydney edition has been our most popular and soughtafter issue. Copied by many and duplicated by none, the City Hub’s BEST OF SYDNEY edition is an opinionated and quirky guide to the best our Harbour City has to offer.

the City Hub provides insider recommendations that our readers keep, refer back to and use throughout the year.

Each year we mark the City Hub’s anniversary by producing our annual BEST OF SYDNEY edition. To celebrate our 26th anniversary we are producing our best edition yet. It is one you will want to be a part of. Ask us how you can stand out of the From undiscovered restaurants to secluded crowd by participating in cafes; from top shelf drinking establishments to the City Hub’s BEST OF SYDNEY edition. Mark underground watering holes, from trendy retail shops yourself as one of Sydney’s BEST businesses by to outstanding professional and personal services, being a part of our 26th anniversary edition.

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HubNEWS

Opinion

Federal budget again fails the environment BY MERRILL WITT he Morrison government’s lack of interest in making the environment and climate change a priority in this year’s federal budget is at the same time depressingly familiar and difficult to fathom. Depressingly familiar because according to analysis by the Australian Conservation Foundation the proportion of the federal budget spent on the environment and climate change has fallen by nearly a third since the Coalition was elected eight years ago. Its research highlights that for every $100 spent in last year’s budget just 37 cents was spent protecting the environment and 16 cents on addressing the climate crisis, down from 50 cents and 25 cents respectively from when the Coalition was first elected in 2013-14. Difficult to fathom because Australia’s environment is in a shockingly poor state and because most of the world is moving in the opposite direction in response to what is now widely recognised as a climate emergency.

ECOSYSTEMS NEAR COLLAPSE

When Professor Graeme Samuel recently released his final review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), he warned that Australia would lose worldheritage icons like the Great Barrier Reef if fundamental changes weren’t made to how the environment is managed. Professor Samuel had ample evidence on which to draw his conclusions even before the publication in April of a landmark paper in Global Change Biology that documented how 19 important Australian and Antarctic ecosystems, ranging from the waterways of the Murray-Darling to the Shark Bay seagrass beds in Western Australia, are in a state of near collapse.

Australia’s refusal to let go of fossil fuels is leaving the country behind on the world stage. Photo: Wikimedia & Pexels

Prepared by 38 scientists from 29 universities and government agencies, the study details potentially irreversible environmental changes, including the loss of species and functions like pollination.

 Australia’s environment is in a shockingly poor state Whilst acute climate change induced “pulses” like heat waves, fires, floods and storms are contributing factors to the declining health of these ecosystems, the paper explains that their impact has been exacerbated by long-term chronic pressures from mining, agriculture, urban expansion, over extraction of fresh water, invasive species and over-fishing, The study’s lead author, Dr Begrstrom from the Australian Antarctic Division, believes that the costs of ignoring this unfolding environmental crisis couldn’t be higher.

Not surprisingly, leading disease ecologist Peter Daszak argues that pandemics like COVID-19 are caused by environmental degradation, telling The New York Times back in 2012 that “any emerging disease in the last 30 or 40 years has come about as a result of encroachment into wild lands and changes in demography.” Australia is in fact the source country for one of six new bat-borne human viruses that have been identified in the last 30 years and now include the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Scientists have determined that the emergence of Hendra in 1994, a deadly virus that jumped to humans via batinfected horses, was caused by the clearing of flying fox forest habitat for pastureland and urban development in south eastern Queensland.

AUSTRALIA REFUSES TO COMMIT

To date, Australia has resisted calls to join more than 100 nations that have adopted a target to reach net zero

Now playing for a limited season 8 Tony Awards 1 Academy Award 1 Grammy Award

- New York Daily News 18

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Three of these countries - China, Japan and South Korea - are Australia’s most important trading partners, and their commitment to a more ambitious timeline could have huge ramifications for Australia’s fossil fuel exports. Australia’s most important strategic partner, the United States, is also moving quickly to address climate change, with the new Biden administration viewing the climate emergency as an historic opportunity to unleash massive job and economic opportunities whilst improving the health of its citizens and the planet. The US has already pledged to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and funding for an ambitious green infrastructure bill, currently before Congress, will partly come from eliminating tax credits and subsidies for the fossil fuel industry. The lack of significant new spending on the environment and climate change would perhaps be less worrying if the Morrison government wasn’t so intent on devolving responsibility to the states for the approval of projects that impact matters of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act. To facilitate the transition to a speedier “single touch” state approval process $29.3 million has been allocated in the federal budget. Fortunately the new Australian Climate Service will receive $209.7 million to “bring together our best scientists to help us better anticipate, manage and adapt to climate impacts now and for the generations to come,” according to Environment Minister Sussan Ley. Anticipating, managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change is likely to become increasingly more important given the small steps Australia is taking to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the environment.

HubNEWS

Sydney in solidarity with Palestine BY ALLISON HORE housands of pro-Palestinian protesters filled George Street in Sydney in response to escalating violence in Gaza. Upwards of 2,500 people marched along George Street to mark what Arabs call “the Nakba,” that is the “disaster” surrounding the of establishment of Israel in 1948 and the mass exodus of Palestinians. The rally in Sydney was just one of a number of protests and vigils held across the country. As well as standing in solidarity with proPalestinian protesters around the world, speakers at the Sydney rally urged the Australian government to stop pursuing a potential free trade agreement with Israel and condemn the nation’s actions in Gaza and East Jerusalem. While Nakba protests occur frequently, as a result of escalating violence in the West Bank and a massive aerial bombardment of Gaza, this year’s rallies were particularly large. According to local media, since the start of recent bombardments at least 139 people have been killed in Gaza,

including 39 children and 22 women. On the same day the protest took place, an airstrike on a house in Gaza City killed at least seven Palestinians, the highest number of fatalities from a single airstrike.

AUSTRALIAN INACTION

Speaking on the steps of Town Hall at the Sydney rally, Greens senator, Mehreen Faruqi, said what was happening now is nothing new and is part of a much broader system of oppression facing Palestinian people. “What is happening in Palestine now is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern of destroying the lives and livelihoods of Palestinians,” she said. “It has been generations of secular colonial violence against the Palestinian people and it has to end.” In December 2020, 145 nations voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution on Palestine, which called for Israel to “cease altering the demographic composition of the occupied territories,” including East Jerusalem. Australia and the USA were

Protesters waved Palestinian flags outside Town Hall in Sydney. Photo: Allison Hore

among the seven nations which voted against the resolution. “We call on the Australian government and Labor opposition to demand Israel stops its attacks and condemns crimes against the people of Gaza and East Jerusalem,” said Sydney Stop the War Coalition. Following the speeches at Town Hall, the protesters marched along George Street blocking the light rail corridor in the CBD for hours and chanting “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

The slogan, popular with pro-Palestine activists, refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea encompassing both Israel and Palestinian lands. Despite the large and impassioned crowd, the protest was peaceful. One 20-year-old man was arrested following a stunt where he climbed onto the top of Town Hall to wave a Palestinian flag. He has been charged with a trespassing offence of “entering closed land without an excuse.”

West Notice of application for State Significant Infrastructure approval under Division 5.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: Supa Centre, 2 Todman Ave, Kensington NSW 2033 (RFNSA Site No. 2021014)

The NSW Government is delivering Sydney Metro West – a new underground metro railway which will double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, with a target travel time of about 20 minutes between the two centres. Sydney Metro West station locations at Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD are now confirmed. These locations join confirmed stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays. Work started on this cityshaping project at The Bays in 2020, with tunnel boring machines set to be in the ground in 2022. For the purposes of clause 193(4)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, notice is hereby given that a State Significant Infrastructure application under Division 5.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 has been lodged with the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for Sydney Metro West – major civil construction, including station excavation and tunnelling, between The Bays and Sydney CBD.

Application No: SSI-19238057 Proponent: Sydney Metro, PO Box K659, Haymarket, NSW 1240 Site Description The Bays Precinct to the Sydney CBD via Pyrmont. Project Description This proposal would involve major civil construction work between The Bays and Sydney CBD including: • Enabling works such as demolition, utility supply to construction sites, utility adjustments, and modifications to the existing transport network • Tunnel excavation including tunnelling support activities • Station excavation for new metro stations at Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD.

• 3 new panel antennas (0.82m long) at 23.1m in height

Components of this proposal are subject to further design, and changes may be made during the ongoing design which take into account the outcomes of community and stakeholder engagement and environmental field investigations.

• 3 new panel antennas (0.64m long) at 22.1m in height • 12 new remote radio units (RRUs) • Ancillary equipment including but not limited to; new mounts, new fibre and electrical cabling

A copy of the State Significant Infrastructure application is available on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s website (planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major–projects).

• Reconfiguration of existing equipment

The Project is subject to the environmental assessment and public consultation requirements under section 5.17 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Sydney Metro will now prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the project in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will display the Environmental Impact Statement for the project and invite public submissions. Details of the public exhibition period will be notified by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment following receipt of Sydney Metro’s Environmental Impact Statement for the project. Information on the environmental planning and assessment process can be found at planning.nsw.gov.au.

sydneymetro.info

2. Optus regards the proposed installation as compliant with the State Environmental Planning Policy Infrastructure 2007, based on the description above.

21061-WEST 05.21 SB2408

Application Details

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

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the 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 Daniel Prior of Ventia at daniel.prior@ventia.com or 18-20 Bowmans Road, Kings Park NSW 2148 by 5pm 25 June 2021.

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

HubNEWS

Finding community unity in Newtown BY GEORGIA ROBINSON hen I was jobless, it was hard to provide food even for my daughter. The food services we got from the Asylum Seekers Centre were a big help”, says Bala*. Bala and his family sought asylum in Australia as a result of religious persecution as Hindis in a Muslimmajority country.

Besides the support of the financial, employment and health services, they gained a sense of community at the Centre and met others like Sam, who Bala says “comforted me with his words.” “When I was talking to him, I could see that at the centre there were other people like me.”

“W

MEETING UNIQUE NEEDS

 I could see that at the centre there were other people like me However, arriving in Australia meant they were going to have to face a new set of challenges in terms of setting up a life in a new and unfamiliar country and beginning the process of gaining refugee status. They went to the Asylum Seeker’s Centre in 2019, initially for financial support, as their temporary visas meant they were ineligible for Centrelink support and Bala was struggling to find work. With financial support from the Centre, he

A family arrives at the Asylum Seeker’s Centre in Newtown. Photo: Supplied

was able to provide for his family again, and also work towards finding a stable job through the centre’s employment services.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION 161-165 Bunnerong Road, Kingsford NSW 2032 www.rfnsa.com.au/2032005 • The proposed upgrade to the existing facility consists of the following works; replacement of six (6) existing panel antennas (each no longer than 2.8m), installation of nine (9) new 5G panel antennas (each no longer than 0.81m) and associated ancillary equipment, including twenty-one (21) new Remote Radio Units and two (2) new GPS antennas, reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the new equipment shelter and removal of existing equipment shelter, Remote Radio Units and a GPS antenna. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as an Exempt Development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: BMM Group, 1300 260 834, submissions@bmmgroup.com.au by 28 June 2021. Further information may also be obtained from the website provided above. 20

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

The Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown was established in 1993 to address the unique issues facing asylum seekers in Australia initially through health and educational services. The variety of their services has continued to grow throughout the 28 years. “We started off very small, but we now support over 4000 people who are living in our communities, ever seeking asylum,” CEO Frances Rush told City Hub. Services range from financial and employment services, to health, education, accommodation, food and social services and in the years of

2019-2020 they helped 185 people find new jobs. During the height of the COVID pandemic last year, their numbers tripled, and they had to rethink many of their services. “We changed our service overnight to get food on the road to people, so that they had the very basics”, Rush says. They transformed their daily in-person lunches, to a food delivery service and by the end of June 2020, they had provided 15,732 bags of groceries to more than 1100 people. In addition to physical services, Rush says “the other really important part of our work is advocating constantly because you need to be vigilant in this space.” Bala’s refugee status was recognised in 2020 and with permanent residency he says he can think of the future now. “All these years, we couldn’t think of anything, only thing we were thinking was what will happen if we have to go back?” *Bala is not his real name, he has chosen to be anonymous. To support and learn more about the Asylum Seekers Centre, you can head to their website: https://asylumseekerscentre.org.au/

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT Rooftop Facility, 60 Harbourne Road, Kingsford NSW 2032 Optus Ref: S1757, www.rfnsa.com.au/2032002 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • The antennas are at rooftop level, and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above 3. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment 4. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 28 June 2021.

HubNEWS

Opinion

Talking the walk: A field guide to Sydney’s footpaths A BY LIAM WEBSTER bout two months ago now I embarked on a new chapter in the book of life – beginning a new office job in Pyrmont. Now, one of the bigger changes stemming from this has been the commute. Every day, about an hour door to door, with twenty minutes on foot. The commute I could give or take, but I enjoy the walk for what it is, a space for deciphering the thoughts of the day. In a word – the walk is meditative. A serene space to breathe before the beginning of another day. But this brilliant space of serenity was interrupted when I began to take notice of the other pedestrians. Whether we know it or not, we all have a style and cadence in which we walk. We all have a gait and a rhythm that we carry ourselves with. It just so happens that these rhythms, often, are shared. Now, I love to observe, so when I realised this, I became obsessed. I wanted to burrow as far as the rabbit hole would lead. It led me to one eternal question: What does our walking pattern say about us? Well wonder no more, over the course of these next paragraphs I’ll illustrate the five key types of walkers I’ve noticed on Sydney’s footpaths, and what type of people they typify.

1. SPEED WALKERS (GETOUTOF MYWAYVIOUS)

Let us begin at the most identifiable of the bunch. This creature makes itself known by its merciless pace. Nothing can survive in its path, with head and shoulders always squared forward, one’s only option is to stay out of its way. Now, this creature is unique in that it is not bound by conventional laws – no red light can slow it down as even traffic must bend to its will. It thrives off competition and cannot stand for anything less than breakneck speed. Keep a look out for its constant overtaking and casual eye-rolls at amblers.

2. GROUP WALKERS (INSEPARATUS LINEAUS)

Next on this concrete safari is a natural enemy of the speed walker; the groups of three or more that insist walking in a perfectly straight line is the only acceptable mode of navigating the city. If the footpath is a monopoly board, then these creatures look to purchase

In his daily commute Sydney pedestrian Liam Webster, has identified 5 types of walkers. Photo: Liam Webster

as much real estate as possible, encroaching on the space of all who dare enter their vicinity – and don’t even think about disrupting their line! Note their synchronicity and the negative correlation between their pace and the volume of their conversation.

3. BUSY WALKERS (MULTIOUS TASKOUS)

Now, the city is a busy place full of busy people, however, these creatures find themselves to be the busiest of the bunch. These multi-taskers seem to be constantly occupied with one facet of modern life or another – the true figureheads of life in the CBD.

 Whether we know it or not, we all have a style and cadence in which we walk Notable features include multiple (and often oversized) bags, takeaway coffee cups, and an over-active phone, into which they perpetually appear to be talking. One of the central mysteries of these creatures is what they are occupied with. Are the bags full? What about that coffee cup? It looks suspiciously light. And is the phone even on? In a busy world, it seems the other walkers have no time to ask these

questions, and the multi-taskers certainly do not have any time to answer!

4. TOURIST WALKERS (CANYOUTAKE OURPICTUROUS)

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not seek to slander the tourism industry, nor do I argue Sydney’s attraction to those far and wide. That being said, Sydney invites a special breed of creature to its sidewalks. They travel in packs, slowly traversing the asphalt plains in search of the perfect photo. These creatures carry themselves with a blissful indifference to the goings on of the regular city folk. To them, every day is a holiday, and every view is worthy of the classic camera fumble as they yearn for the ideal snapshot of a pleasant vacation. Keep a look out for erratic movements as these creatures are unpredictable in their picture-taking behaviour. In other words, ensure you leave them a sufficient amount of room, particularly when in groups. Whilst these creatures are currently in hibernation, be sure they will return to the footpaths soon enough.

5. DOTCOMMUTERS (HEARNOEVILIO SEENOEVILIO)

Finally, we arrive at the most curious, yet common of all. DotCommuters are simply the next evolution in the lineage

of the original walker. What defines them, and also sticks out as their most prominent characteristic, is their ability to manoeuvre the footpaths without sight or hearing. With headphones in, and eyes glued to their phone, like blind moles, the DotCommuters rely on touch and sensory cues to guide them to their destination. We all have experienced those moments of awkward dance with strangers as we each try and figure out our direction. DotCommuters have no problem with this as they drone onwards, akin to speed walkers in that they move other commuters out of the way with sheer determination. We can run, we can hide, but someday we will all be DotCommuters, like it or not. So, there you have it. As comprehensive a guide to the prominent types of walkers on Sydney’s streets and sidewalks as you’re ever going to get. I don’t expect people to fully appreciate the value of understanding these different creatures, but next time you happen to be strolling through Central, keep an eye out for any of the above. Who knows, maybe you can even identify with some of these creatures. Whatever the case, treat this as simply a handy guide to keep in mind on your next commute. CITY HUB JUNE 2021

HubNEWS

Opinion

Airbnb is eating the neighbourhood

Accommodation app Airbnb is fast taking over inner city apartment buildings, says Jane Hearn. Photo: various

BY JANE HEARN ast month the NSW “Airbnb Policy” was quietly gazetted by the Minister for Planning, Mr Robert Stokes MP. This is a major planning reform that permits all housing to be used for short stay tourism. It takes some chutzpah to give in to tourist Platforms in the middle of pandemic with housing prices soaring. The reality is Airbnb is concentrated in high rental areas. It is consuming housing, pushing workers further from employment and hollowing out neighbourhoods. The figures are daunting. By 2021, and despite the pandemic, there are 33,000 Sydney properties listed on Airbnb alone. This includes about 8000 for Sydney LGA; Waverley LGA 4500; and Randwick LGA 3500 (InsideAirbnb.com). Over sixty-two percent are whole properties and, in hot locations, whole properties are seventy and eighty percent of the listings. An independent study of Airbnb in Sydney and Melbourne found forty percent of listings are hosted by someone with multiple properties; and some Hosts have over 120 properties.

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

The impact on many residential strata schemes is severe, with seventy percent of listings in Sydney being apartments.

NSW GREENLIGHTS AIRBNB INDUSTRY

Around the world communities have been taking action. Investment apartments are being banned from listing on Platforms. Residents must get a permit, STR is capped as 60 or 90 nights and limited to “one property”. This is the model adopted by San Francisco. This is the kind of meaningful action Sydney needs, right now. Instead, NSW is throwing open our doors to the global Airbnb industry to meet some unspecified tourism goal. It is designating short stays a “residential use” and declaring it a “minor impact” in order to grant the industry “exempt development” status under the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EPA). Tourist letting will be part of a new Housing SEPP as just “another housing tenure”, disguising the loss of thousands of apartments to the tourist market. There will be no controls on the number of apartments in a single

building that can be converted to tourism and no threshold to trigger a “change of use”. The new policy permits whole apartments to be let for 180 days in a year. There is no minimum period, it could be an hour, a day, a week. In addition, short-stays of 21 days or more (up to 3 months) will not be counted at all. The experts agree that 180 days will not drive apartments back to the rental market. This volume of tourist letting is not a “residential use”, whatever the Minister might say. The 21 day + loophole cements STR as a full occupancy year-round tourist and visitor business. It will also undermine the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and Airbnb is promoting itself as a Netflix style landlord. The promised occupation cap of 2 persons per bedroom has vanished. This is despite evidence that overcrowding is the cause of nuisance and fire risk. Limits on the number of rooms have also been removed AND the “Host” may let to as many different Guests (unrelated parties) at the same time, without the Host present. This policy is not just permissive, it is reckless.

The protagonists of the “shared economy” make a lot of grand claims but rarely pay for the real-world costs of their business. In older blocks, tenants have been evicted without so much as a murmur. People have bought off the plan only to find their brand-new dream home is starting life as a “quasi-hotel”. In some apartment buildings, anecdotally, residents are coping with thirty, fifty and seventy percent of investment units that have gone straight to the “Airbnb market”. The pattern of domestic tourism is every weekend and every public holiday year-round 52 weeks of the year. It degrades the quality of life of residents, violates their security and privacy and raises their costs. There is also a slew of unlicensed “Airbnb managers” to contend with. They are taking the profit and handing over keys – even when it’s clearly illegal. Jane Hearn is the spokeswoman for the Owners Corporation Network, a not-for-profit organisation that exists to help strata owners navigate the complexities of strata living, from social and organisational challenges to financial and legal issues.

GLITZ & GLAM The Birdcage On York harkens back to the golden era of high end burlesque served with sexiness, sass, and a dash of pizzazz

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different but breathtaking in their own way. Bob Mackie will also always be a huge inspiration for my costumes and designs.” A lot of thought needs to go into the design and creation of each costume piece. “Every item of a burlesque costume has to be removed with ease. If it can’t be taken off seamlessly it can detract from the act and make the whole routine look clumsy, therefore, extra attention has to be made on the fastenings,” says Alessi. Rh ys Lig ht n

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BY RITA BRATOVICH ou used to have to dress up in your finest threads and take a carriage to the theatre to see entertainment like this. Now you just have to stroll up to Club York for an extravaganza of giant, colourful ostrich feathers, satin, sequins and dazzling jewellery. But it’s not all about facade. The talent is real and just as astonishing. Empresaria, Wendy Brown, is the show’s producer. With years of experience touring internationally acclaimed shows, Brown knows what people like, and she has the star power to give it to them. At her disposal is a pool of cabaret singers, acrobats, aerialists, striptease artists, dancers - pretty much every skill you can think of that’s worth putting in the limelight. Inspired by peak Hollywood glamour of the 1940s and 50s and Berlin cabaret, The Birdcage On York delivers grand spectacle in an intimate dinner and show setting. Each month features a different theme: Cirque de Flirt, Goes to Paris, Winter Wonderland, Great Gatsby, Hot Boogie Nights, and Belles & Balls Christmas. The acts that comprise the shows are varied and unique, providing a multi-faceted window into the world of burlesque. Among the marquee performers are Lara Love, whose signature act is the famous Girl In The Martini Glass. Rhys Lightning, who is as quick and luminous as his name suggests; and Miss Natalya, Miss Burlesque Australia 2019 Entertainer of the Year. Natalya Alessi, as she is otherwise known, is a classically trained dancer who fell into burlesque after auditioning for a touring dance/burlesque show. It felt like a natural transition and helped add some strings to her bow. Inspiration for her work comes from a variety of sources: fashion design; visual artists, photography, film, TV and music. “It’s always organic and often a few ideas will thread together to create something unique,” explains Alessi. “Stylistically, my all time dance idols would have to be Cyd Charisse and Sylvia Guillem. Both completely

I love performing intimate shows as it gives you an opportunity to connect with the audience in a way you don’t usually get to in a large theatre

“Though I love corsets and the silhouette they create I often feel my movement restricted, so my most recent creation is a 20s boho harem pant costume that I have absolute freedom in.” Alessi has performed on stages around the world, in big productions and festivals, as well as smaller cabaret clubs. Coming back to The Birdcage is a bit like coming home. “Performing at The Birdcage always feels like performing with family, and WB Productions and Club York are such wonderful companies to work for,” says Alessi. “I love performing intimate shows as it gives you an opportunity to connect with the audience in a way you don’t usually get to in a large theatre. The energy is palpable and you can see the smiles on people’s faces. It’s an exchange of energy that’s a lot easier to create with 150 audience members than in a thousand seat theatre.” Unlike traditional theatre with its strict etiquette, burlesque encourages audience participation. “We like you to cheer and applaud if you’re enjoying what you see. It encourages the performer, and the more you give, the more we do. It’s more fun for everyone,” says Alessi, who loves the adrenalin rush. “The high you are on after a show is unlike anything else. You’ve just brought joy to a room full of strangers.” Anyone can enjoy a burlesque show as long as they are over 18 (some acts can be a little risqué.) For many, the stunningly visual, slightly raunchy, often comical, and sometimes unbelievable elements of burlesque are a perfect indulgence to take them away from the real world temporarily.

Natalya Alessi. Photo: @digitalflavours

“Coming out of COVID people are desperate for live entertainment, something fun, light and somewhere they can feel joy again. These style shows offer that. They are accessible, affordable and still showcase Australia’s professional performers who would otherwise be touring internationally.”

Next show: Winter Wonderland - Saturday, June 19. $80 for 3 course dinner and show. Club York, 95-99 York Street, Sydney. Tickets & Info: www.thebirdcageonyork.com.au

CITY HUB JUNE 2021

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

STEAK KNIVES FOR THE VACCINATED

t’s been well publicised that many countries throughout the world are encouraging their citizens to get vaccinated against COVID by offering a range of free incentives. Here in Australia the somewhat shambolic roll out of the vaccine has come more with a set of disincentives - like queuing for an hour or longer at Olympic Park or trawling the internet endlessly for a GP appointment. There’s not even a cup of tea and milk arrowroot biscuit awaiting when you have finally had the jab. The Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has apparently not ruled out a series of incentives to persuade more Australians to front up for their shot, with even a possible lottery on the cards. The latter has worked really well in the US state of Ohio where this month there is a weekly prize of $1 million for one lucky adult selected randomly from their database of vaccinated people. Even the 12-17 age group get in on the Vax-Lotto with a prize of a four year scholarship to a state college or university. Elsewhere in the US and throughout the world, there’s an oddball collection of

goodies on offer for those who present for vaccination. It ranges from the somewhat miserable free donut or beer in some US states, through to two boxes of eggs in some parts of China to a gold nose pin in India. In Russia you might get a free scoop of ice cream (ideal in Siberia), in Israel a loaf of challah and in Dubai a discount on your restaurant bill.

On the other hand in some countries like Indonesia authorities have adopted for disincentives with people refusing to be vaccinated facing fines or having their welfare payments docked. In North Korea, reports suggest that mass vaccination is not on the public agenda at all, despite the country closing its borders and instituting strict public health protocols. Whilst state media has given considerable time to the worst aspects of the pandemic worldwide, virtually no mention has been made of the campaign for global vaccination.

There’s neither an incentive or disincentive to roll up your sleeve in the DPRK. Ignorance is bliss! It’s obvious from the recent lockdown in Melbourne that we need to greatly accelerate the roll out of vaccines and if that means offering a whole smorgasbord of rewards to get the public motivated, the sooner the better. Here’s just a short list of suggestions, that I am confident if instigated, will have even the anti-vaxxers queuing to get their bonus. WHEEL OF FORTUNE: Everybody loves an old school chocolate wheel, especially when it’s loaded with prizes like a set of steak knives, a Breville sandwich maker or even a Pete Evans BioCharger. Once that needle goes in, it’s your turn to spin and fingers crossed you don’t end up with that useless BioCharger. MR WHIPPY TO THE RESCUE: The Government should commandeer every Mr Whippy van in the country and set

up a roving mobile vax service. Get your jab and a free soft serve ice cream (hundreds and thousands extra). Let the sound of Greensleeves ring out in very Australian street as a reassurance that non-mandatory vaccination is only a street corner away. THE ALLURE OF MERCH: If you have ever attended a large scale rock or music festival you’ll know how attractive ‘merchandising’ is for many of the attendees. The Government could even subsidise the cost of vaccination with a whole variety of attractive vax themed merch – like badges, t-shirts, bumper stickers, coffee cups and stubby holders. Think of how valuable some of this memorabilia could be in 20 years time when we look back on the pandemic. MASSAGE PARLOUR ‘HAPPENING ENDING’: There are hundreds of massage parlours in Sydney and as we know the bulk of them are a tad more than just therapeutic. Instead of offering the traditional eleven finger massage, a registered nurse could be on hand to step in just before the moment of climax and offer a far more meaningful happy ending, a jab in upper arm.

URBAN HOUSE OF BREWS BY JAMIE APPS he iconic Hub Theatre in Newtown is set to be revived with a brandnew vision for the space. The historic venue in the heart of Newtown (directly opposite the station) will be reinvigorated by Michael Vale and Chris Vlattas, whose family has owned the building for over 65 years. One of Sydney’s veteran creators of unique and iconic hospitality concepts, Michael Vale says the redeveloped space will become Australia’s first Urban House Of Brews. When Michael first walked through the grand old doors of the historic Hub Theatre, he knew instantly this was the ideal location for his long-term dream of creating a multi-faceted entertainment space. For many years he has thought Sydney lacked an ‘elevated’ live music, food and beverage venue.

The size, atmosphere and location of the historic Hub Theatre in the heart of Newtown offers the ideal space for the new Urban House of Brews concepts. The ground floor will showcase five separate Australian craft brew bars each with ten taps and each representing their home brewing states:

Veteran Sydney hospitality consultant Michael Vale is spearheading the project. Photo: Supplied

• Murray’s brewing representing NSW • Urban Alley brewing representing Victoria • Spinifex brewing representing WA • Moo Brew representing Tasmania • Catchment brewing representing Queensland The 280-seat mezzanine level will house a unique artisan ‘Distillery’ bar. What will truly set Urban House Of Brews apart is that it will always remain a grand old 1913 built ‘Vaudeville’ theatre. The venue will offer every genre of live entertainment imaginable: Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Rock and Roll, Be Bop,

Hip Hop and everything in between, including live stand-up comedy, drag nights, open-mike and indigenous and cultural musical events. To add to the entertainment experience, Michael and his team will install a full sized “state of the art” digital theatre screen to showcase digital entertainment events as well. Apart from Black and White ‘Art-House’ and cult movies such a Clockwork Orange or Cassablanca there are plans for over 120 musical tributes to music legends. Patrons of the Urban House Of Brews will be able to purchase a package ticket, which will allow them to attend a show with a matched

partnering of food and alcohol. Imagine experiencing a twohour tribute to Bob Marley, with a Caribbean stout Beer or a spiced rum cocktail, and a three course authentic Jamaican/Caribbean dinner? Absolutely “ground breaking stuff” says Vale excitedly. The Urban House Of Brews have also secured the concept of ‘live streaming’ jazz, blues and stand-up comedy events directly into the theatre from New York City clubs and comedy houses. They call this the ‘hospitality’ version of the world famous IMAX experience. On the subject of food, Urban House Of Brews has appointed Mr. Con Dedes of the Dedes Group as the venue “Food Ambassador” to oversee the creation of no less than three commercial kitchens using a Paul Kelly Design. Tony Hayek will also be on-board representing HE 2020 equipment for use in the unique Argentinean built ‘revolving’ Bar-B Que featuring a ‘Dancing Fire’ hooked up to cameras so you can view your dinner being created while you are upstairs having a cocktail, out in the street or in the bathrooms. Vale insists that Sydney has never seen anything like this!

NEWTOWN - WATCH THIS SPACE | Urban House Of Brews 7-13 Bedford St, Newtown 24

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BRYAN ZHU, CHEF AT RICE PANTRY – OPENING JUNE 10!

more for marrickville Over 40 New Stores. New Dining. New Fresh Food and Coles! Open June 10. Find out more at marrickvillemetro.com.au

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TOAST TO A GREAT PERFORMANCE

Photo: David Li Photography

BY JAMIE APPS he curtains are being drawn back all over Sydney as theatres emerged from their forced slumber. Performers have once again taken to the stage and now is the time to treat yourself to a night out on the town. Beckett’s restaurant in Glebe is supporting the industry by bringing back the pre-theatre dinner and posttheatre nightcap. And it’s no wonder; Beckett’s co-owner is Wendy Beckett, one of Australia’s foremost playwrights and directors. Glebe has always played a special role for theatre-goers as it’s so close to the Opera House, Seymour Centre, Belvoir St Theatre, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Enmore Theatre and a host of other playhouses. Of the neighbourhood, Wendy says “Glebe is packed with artists, writers, theatre, and film producers. Beckett’s is our neighbourhood nook, and we invite

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locals to pop by for martinis and nibbles. It’s somewhere beautiful to dine and a reminder of Glebe’s former glamour. She’s a place to get a little dressed up for. A place of dining and drinking, where people talk to the sound of a tinkling piano.” Wendy has written more than 25 plays and directed more than 40 shows. Her reputation as a theatre director is vast and her plays have been produced in several different languages and cities around the world. At Beckett’s, Wendy has infused her sense of the theatre. Within the illustrious sandstone walls of this iconic space patrons will find touches of Wendy’s set design and personality speckled throughout the dining room and piano lounge. Upon entering Beckett’s patrons will be greeted with a lush interior which was designed by Wendy’s set designer, Halcyon Pratt.

When City Hub asked how they feel Beckett’s can elevate a night at the theatre co-owner chef Jeff Schroeter and bar consultant Charlie Ainsbury had some special suggestions. They notably spoke about the sumptuous pairing of champagne and caviar as a theatre experience tradition. “Beckett’s is currently pouring glasses of Gosset champagne for just $19. It’s perfect for a pre-theatre tipple. Paired with our Siberian reserve caviar [30g for $134] and buttermilk blinis with crème fraîche, well, you just have an unforgettable pleasure for the tastebuds”, says Jeff. Located just a stone’s throw from a range of theatre venues, the temptation to resist a post-theatre martini may be too much. Beckett’s ‘Chef’s Martini’ was developed in honour of Jeff by global award-winning bartender Charlie, and contains Widges gin, Mancino Secco vermouth and olive brine.

The Beckett’s Martini is dedicated to co-owner Wendy Beckett and crafted to her liking. According to Charlie: “It’s bracingly cold, with a London dry gin and a specific ratio of vermouth which leans towards the drier side. To finish, it’s garnished with olives.” Charlie also recommends the House Martini, “we use Citadelle Gin which is a great aromatic citrus-driven gin, alongside an Italian Bianco vermouth – which is semi-sweet. Then there is a little dash of verjuice in there which adds a little piquantness and sharpness. We wanted this to be an approachable martini that wasn’t just a glass of straight frozen gin.” Theatres are exploding with diverse and innovative programs so whether you love a large production or a small, independent play, now is the time to go and support the industry. We’ll toast to that.

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AMY SHARK:

“Lately I’ve been taking that time and realising just how far I’ve come” (See p.29)

ONCE: THE MUSICAL THE CHERRY ORCHARD

BY IRINA DUNN ucia Mastrantone plays the eccentric Charlotte in The Cherry Orchard, her first Chekhov role. She says, “She is the lost yet selfsufficient person who is unattached to land or family or bloodlines. She is adaptable, unlike the family she is working for, because she just moves on if she has to. However, she has a loneliness that is profound, but I think it’s Chekhov reminding us all that at the end of the day we come into the world alone and we leave the world alone”.

Mastrantone is a first-generation Italian-Australian who grew up in a littleItaly ghetto-like neighbourhood in an Adelaide suburb, which felt like a replica of her parents’ village, with all her extended family next door and across the road. She’s always had “an interest and love for dance and acrobatics,” and worked with one of Australia’s premiere bilingual companies based in Adelaide called Doppio Teatro, which brought some of Italy’s best Master teachers in Commedia Dell’arte to Australia. She says opera got her into theatre. “When I was young, I went to see the opera The Sleepwalker with my mother who was a cleaner and my father who was a builder. All my very rowdy, loud Italian family came with us to watch this high art show. This experience made me feel the transportive nature of live theatre. I could feel the power of music and storytelling by watching my gruff uncles be brought to tears as they watched the magic unfolding in front of them.” Until Jun 27. Belvoir St Theatre, 18 & 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $48-$83+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

FOLLOW ME HOME

BY JAMIE APPS ften theatrical performances are viewed as simple entertainment but in actuality they can be a poignant and eye opening form of education and awareness. The new production fo Follow Me Home, which is set to take to the stage of the Griffin Theatre in June, is the latter. Throughout a performance fo Follow Me Home audiences will be made aware of the staggering issue of youth homelessness afflicting New South Wales. Created in conjunction with the NSW Advocate For Children & Young People (ACYP) the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) has created a show which uses true stories to raise awareness of youth homelessness and the ways which it manifests in NSW communities. According to Director Fraser Corfield youth homelessness is a much bigger issue that we perhaps realise. “There are 18,000 young people in NSW alone that access homeless services. So it’s a massive issue that is present in every major metropolitan centre in the State.” Perhaps the reason we don’t realise just how big of an issue youth homelessness is relates to the ways it manifests in our

BY MARK MORELLINI he 2019 theatrical production of Once broke all box office records when it played in Sydney and now returns to mesmerise audiences all over again. Actor Jay Lag’aia who plays the father of a struggling musician in Dublin explained that it’s a story of hope. “This busker called Guy is also a hoover repair man living with his father and writes fantastic songs. You can have fantastic ideas but if you don’t have anybody to breathe life into those ideas, they’re just ideas. A Czech girl comes along with such vigour and lifts him up in five days, transforming this lackadaisical young man into someone who has direction.” Lag’aia is excited to be involved in this production which boasts 12 performers on stage singing and playing instruments. “When in my lifetime would I be able to play such a great character and also be able to go back to my roots as a musician and play these instruments?” It’s been said that Once is one of the most challenging musicals for all artists involved and Lag’aia agrees wholeheartedly. “As a veteran of 40 years I’ve done the big ones - The Lion King, Superstar and Star Wars - but the simplicity of this is, if you don’t sing

community, which is where Follow Me Home hopes to play a big role. “The thing that we latched onto very quickly with the show was that youth homelessness is generally not what people expect,” said Corfield. “We tend to think of homeless people as people who sleep on the streets or under bridges, they are very visible to us, whereas in NSW youth homelessness is overwhelmingly not that. The vast majority of young people who are considered homeless are crashing at other people’s houses or couch surfing and navigating their homelessness in other ways. So we created a series of different stories which looked at the myriad of different ways that people are homeless, even those people who don’t look at themselves as homeless or wouldn’t be identified as such by those around them are represented in Follow Me Home.” The Griffen Theatre production of Follow Me Home will be the second season for the show, and they are ”getting the band back together” because the cast and crew all recognise the importance of this piece. “This show really opened our eyes to an element of

Photo: Robert Catto

nobody is singing, if you don’t play nobody is playing, so you don’t only sing and dance, but you also have to perform and create these vignettes and stories.” Lag’aia is adamant that this show is suitable for all audiences. “Bring your four-year-old, bring your eight-year-old, it’s right across the board as it’s a universal story that young kids can also aspire to. Audiences should marvel at the technicality and watch these actors not only be the orchestra, but also be the performers. That’s the great thing about this musical, if it looks easy it isn’t and that’s our job to make you forget your lives for three hours.” Until Jul 18. Darlinghurst Theatre Company, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $72-$110+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com

Photo: Tracey Schramm

society that we may not have been aware of otherwise,” said Corfield. “Follow Me Home has a lasting impact on people and we hope that this show can normalise an understanding of the issue and normalise people speaking about it.” Jun 16-Jul 3. Griffin Theatre, 13 Craigend St, Darlinghurst. $25-$42+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.griffintheatre.com.au CITY HUB JUNE 2021

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SANDSONG: STORIES FROM CATHERINE THE GREAT SANDY DESERT HOURIHAN -

BY IRINA DUNN illian Banks never thought about dance as a career until her teacher from St Mary’s College encouraged her to apply for NAISDA, which accepted her as a student. After NAISDA, she auditioned for Bangarra and was enrolled as a Russell Page Graduate Recipient for 2018. She’s a Yawuru woman, a Kimberley girl, Yawuru being part of the Kimberley region, and this establishes her connection to SandSong. For SandSong, the dancers went “on country” to embed themselves in the culture and community. “Going On Country is always a highlight for me. Travelling to Fitzroy Crossing on Bunuba Country was particularly significant because I met a Bunuba Elder who, I found out, has family connections with me. After being On Country you experience the land and the spirit of it. I can now clearly imagine and embody the seasons, the wet and the dry.” She says having one-on-one time with the Cultural Knowledge Holders is a sacred experience. “The Wangkatjunga and Walmajarri Elders are so generous with their time and knowledge and their songlines and spirit will guide us each night we perform.” She wants audiences to learn about the history of the Kimberley region and the Wangkatjunga and Walmajarri people. “Experiencing our shows is learning history in a different kind of way. SandSong is a tribute to the late Ningali

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Bradley Smith, Rika Hamaguchi, Nicola Sabatino, Lillian Banks. Photo: Dan Boud

Lawford-Wolf, so I hope we’re able to tell the story the way she wanted. I’d like the audience to take the time to appreciate her contribution to the arts and beyond.” Until Jul 10. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $65-$109+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

LUNCH WITH BERNAYS

BY JARROD WOLFHUNTER amira Spring is the exciting, young Director behind the fascinating expressionistic account of controversial figure, Edward Bernays, the Grandfather of propaganda, and how his work has paved the way for

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data mining and other nefarious contemporary themes. Edward Bernays is the nephew of Sigmund Freud; he championed ‘alternative facts’ and pioneered the use of propaganda to control the ‘bewildered masses’ that make up governable populations. Bernays, a selfdescribed feminist worked closely to create the 1929 tobacco campaign promoting smoking amongst females by labelling cigarettes as feminist ‘torches of freedom’; he was additionally instrumental in overthrowing the democratically elected Guatemalan leader to install a US-friendly fascist dictator in 1954. Bernays believed that people needed to be controlled and a fabricated democracy was democracy nevertheless. Spring is only 24 and already has a few more plays and directing obligations in the works post Lunch With Bernays. Spring made her first short film at eight years old and was involved in her first major production by 10. Suffice to say that she has found her calling; Spring deeply credits the five members cast and speaks incredibly highly of the people at 180 Collective, the theatre collective behind Lunch With Bernays. So keep an eye out for, and be sure to follow 180 Collective. Spring’s take-home message: be empowered enough to apply critical thinking to our reality for positive societal outcomes. Spring urges audiences to be intelligent and have agency over their own decision-making. Jun 21-24. KXT Bordello Room, Level 4, 244-246 William St, Potts Point. $25+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.kingsxtheatre.com

rtist Catherine Hourihan has drawn on her background as a multimedia dance maker in Sydney and New York for her latest visceral and evocative photographic exhibition. Entitled Legal Tender this exhibition is a photographic investigation into the value systems surrounding love and money in a post pandemic world. Working with projected imagery and underwater photography Hourihan’s artworks juxtapose the two great motivating forces in modern society, love and money. Legal Tender allows the viewer to explore how our relationships to both of these aspects of existence has been impacted by COVID. Hourihan uses mysterious, semi-abstract imagery which is generated by projecting images of the body onto male and female models resulting in a series of photographs that are strange, sensual and of ambiguous gender. With tiles such as Embrace, Obsession and Attraction, these low-key images take the viewer into a dark, beguiling underworld while evoking a sense of physical intimacy. The works contained with Legal Tender reflects on a shifting public attitude towards touch, and the nature of connection in response to a world where social distancing has become the norm. Until Jul 2. Vandal Gallery, 16-30 Vine St, Redfern

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AMY SHARK ON OVERCOMING ‘IMPOSTER SYNDROME’

BY JAMIE APPS espite being a global superstar in her own right Amy Shark revealed to City Hub that she still has moments where the feeling of impostor syndrome can sneak into her mind. Imposter syndrome is that feeling which anybody can have, but certainly as an artist, where internally you don’t believe that you are as competent as others perceive you to be. According to Amy this hits her most when working with other musicians/artists. So obviously when the opportunity to work with both Ed Sheeran and Keith Urban on her song, Love Songs Ain’t For Us, the feeling came to the fore. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t intimidated a little bit,” Shark said. “I never thought I’d get that opportunity in my whole existence.” In order to overcome this Amy says she has to go into “another part of my brain” so that she can ensure she is “working at their level.” “I need to be able to shut off the fan part and show that I’m good enough to be there, which is a hard thing to balance and do. It’s always intimidating but I’ve had some practice now and I’m getting better at it.” While imposter syndrome is a horrible mental state to deal with Amy explained that she never wants it to stop arising, “I hope I actually never lose it because the minute you start thinking you’re all that, you turn into a bit of an idiot.” Amy believes it will never leave her because of her journey in music, “I think I’m always going to have a good 60-70% imposter syndrome, that’s just who I am. I’ve lived a really normal pedestrian life a lot longer than I have been Amy Shark, so it’s always going to feel weird for me to be in a room with Ed Sheeran or hanging out with Keith Urban. As much as I realise within 10 minutes they are normal people I’m always going to think they’re superstars.” Once she was able to overcome her imposter syndrome

Amy explained that she really enjoyed working with and learning from Sheeran and Urban. “The level of professionalism of both was incredible. Ed would get to the studio a lot earlier than a lot of people I had worked with previously. He’s also so quick at drawing out the artistry in people, the lyrics or stories. “Keith is Keith. I sent him the song and said ‘hey I’d love you on it’ without saying what I wanted. I just trusted that he’d do something great because he’s Keith Urban, and he did exactly that.” Naturally at this point of our conversation we transitioned to the topic of Amy’s new album, Cry Forever. “The album is another big step from my last album,” explained Shark. “I feel like I’ve just gotten better at my music. I’m more confident in my own skin, because now I know the direction I’m heading in, what songs to write, and what songs are going to resonate with my fans.” With this added confidence Amy says she was able to be “more fearless” by taking the album in a more guitar heavy and fun-filled direction. A move which has in turn created an added level of excitement for her June arena tour. “I’m looking forward to playing a lot more guitar on stage, plus when you add in my other songs from the back catalogue it’s going to be a fun filled set list.” For this tour Amy will be performing at some major arenas around the country. Given her experience with imposter syndrome Amy told us she had to double check with her team that this was actually happening. “I’m playing venues that I never thought I’d play. When I saw Rod Laver Arena in an email I asked ‘are you sure?’ That’s a very big venue and I’ve seen some fantastic shows there, so to think that I’m playing there is pretty wild. I haven’t really been doing this for that long so it’s a

massive achievement.” Headlining shows at these venues is just another special achievement on an already long list for Amy Shark. In just a few short years the young star has already won eight ARIA Awards, had several multiplatinum singles, a chart topping album, and even Australia’s highest selling album in 2018. All things Amy says she “never expected.” “I had lived a very pedestrian nine to five life, so just to get my song played on the radio once was a massive massive achievement for me.” Strangely COVID was actually beneficial for Amy in the sense that it gave her a chance to take the time to reflect on all of her achievements. “Lately I’ve been taking that time and realising just how far I’ve come. I need to do that occasionally and give myself a pat on the back for how everything has turned out. “There were so many years beforehand that were pretty dark. I thought the universe was telling me ‘you’re not meant to be a musician’ so to think that all of this has happened after jumping over all of these hurdles is wild. “Things are still scary, full-on, different and heartbreaking at times but now I know how to deal with those emotions. So now I’m just excited and looking forward to being on tour with my crew and band again.” Jun 12, Qudos Bank Arena, 19 Edwin Flack Ave, Sydney Olympic Park. $50.85-$91.60+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.amyshark.com

BY RIDA BABAR he future of soul music is bright, and we have Ngaiire to thank for it. Boasting a selection of future-soul sounds, Sydney and Papua New Guinea based artist Ngaiire is rising up the industry ranks, touring alongside the likes of Alicia Keys and Sufjan Stevens. She also has a range of awards in her repertoire including four National Live Music Awards and the inaugural Australian Women in Music award for Artistic Excellence. Ngaiire is set to perform a highly

anticipated show titled Ngaiire Takeover 2.0 at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on June 12, performing an array of her unique and tasteful tunes. Having previously performed a sold-out show at the Sydney Festival, the likes of the Sydney Morning Herald have praised the bold artist, describing her as “some kind of neo-soul Wizard of Oz.” As well as this, Ngaiire has recently been signed to Dot Dash Recordings and Remote Control Records, marking her place in the industry. Speaking on this exciting development in her

Photo: Daniel Segal

LOOKING FOR SOME NEW SOUL TUNES? NGAIIRE HAS YOU COVERED career, Ngaiire has said, “it’s really exciting to finally having a small but incredibly dedicated army of people to help carry this project. “What means even more is that Dot Dash came to the table really wanting this partnership and have already shown how fearless they are about taking on an artist that has never really fit the moulds. So you know we about to shift gears now.” Jun 12 (4:30 & 8:30pm). Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville. $38.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.factorytheatre.com.au

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PORTRAIT OF KATE CEBERANO WINS ARCHIBALD PACKING ROOM PRIZE 2021 BY JARROD WOLFHUNTER he 30th annual Archibald Packing Room Prize winner, as part of the 100th annual Archibald Prize, is Germanborn Australian painter, Kathrin Longhurst – as announced by NSW Art Gallery’s Head Packer, Brett Cuthbertson. This year’s Archibald Prize had 2144 entries, a close second to 2020’s recordsetting year. 2021 has set records for the highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entries, and it’s the first year that female finalists have outnumbered male finalists. Kathrin Longhurst grew up in Communist East Germany and has been immersed in the art scene since the age of 14. Kathrin is a well-respected member of the Sydney Arts Community and today’s Packing

Room Prize-winning portrait of musician Kate Ceberano will add to her already robust reputation. Kathrin spoke of working closely with Kate Ceberano shortly after Kate completed her quarantine period in a Sydney hotel. Kathrin went on to say how Kate was in a vulnerable place post quarantine and extended Melbourne shutdown period. However; her portrait has Kate as a strong and formidable muse, cutting an imposing figure. Strong women and women’s struggles are consistent themes throughout Kathrin’s extensive catalogue of works. Kate could not make today’s event due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation in Melbourne but is safely at home in Sydney after returning from Melbourne this morning.

Kate Cebrano by Kathrin Longhurst

THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT BY MARK MORELLINI e afraid! Be very afraid! This is the arresting and ultrafrightening second sequel to The Conjuring (2013) and the eighth instalment in The Conjuring universe, which should have horror film enthusiasts screaming and gasping for air while literally sitting at the edge of their seats! Unlike the first two films, this is not set in a haunted house but surrounds a man who claimed he committed murder due to demonic possession. Based on true events and a murder trial that took place in 1981, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are racing against time to prove

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demonic possession to prevent the young man from receiving the death penalty. The extremely unsettling opening sequence of the exorcism of an eight year old boy sets the mood and parallels the most terrifying scenes from the iconic 1973 film The Exorcist. An original story with chilling sequences evenly spaced throughout, the film only falters in that not enough screen time is given to the trial itself as it predominantly details the investigatory process. However, fans won’t be objectionable about this, as they’ve paid to see a horror flick and that’s exactly what’s on offer.

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MY NAME IS GULPILIL HEROIC LOSERS

BY JARROD WOLFHUNTER y Name Is Gulpilil is the life story of, and narration by legendary Indigenous actor David Gulpilil as he struggles in his senior years against seemingly terminal lung cancer and its debilitating effects and treatments. This documentary is an unvarnished account of David’s life starting out as “full-blood” boy hunting, tracking, and dancing in Arnhem Land, to his ‘discovery’ by a British filmmaker and subsequent tour of Europe - after starring as lead role in the groundbreaking film, Walkabout at age 14; meeting the Queen of England; smoking

ganja with Dennis Hopper, and a litany of many other exciting experiences. Gulpilil is vulnerable, charismatic, hilarious, and captivating in this intimate memoir as he candidly contemplates his own death, and importantly, his wishes to be buried at his home country in Arnhem Land amongst his ancestors; an underscored theme throughout the film. My Name Is Gulpilil is hard-hitting and unapologetic; David Gulpilil is an Indigenous trailblazer and Australian icon, and this will be his magnum opus legacy. WWWW1/2

LAPSIS

BY MARK MORELLINI his is quintessentially a low budget film which audiences will either love or hate – there’s no in between. The story follows Ray, a delivery man who takes on an unprotected gig economy job (contract jobs performed by individual operators) cabling to support himself and his sick brother. Initially prosperous he soon learns that multi-billion-dollar corporations take advantage of their workers, eventually replaced by robots. Best described as a darkly comic parable, this film makes a relevant statement about wealthy companies and the exploitation of the working class. Also explored are healthcare scams, the

BY MARK MORELLINI rom Argentina comes this heist caper reminiscent of American feature film Ocean’s 11, which stars Ricardo Darin heading an ensemble cast of Argentine performers unrecognisable to Australian audiences. As a financial crisis shatters the country’s economy, a corrupt counsellor steals the money of a group of up-andcoming co-operatives, hiding the stash in an underground vault. They devise a plan to retrieve what is legally theirs from watching the classic 60s Audrey Hepburn film How To Steal A Million. Will these heroic losers remain losers or become heroic winners and outsmart the antagonist by regaining their cash?

Can their dream of creating a cooperative that would employ over 50 workers and breathe life in a small town become a reality? Captivating with surprisingly high production values that rival any quality film from the US, Heroic Losers suffers only from an excessive running time of just under two hours and cheesy comedic scenarios which felt irrelevant and failed to evoke much laughter. The dramatic elements were well engineered and the shock death of one of the most likeable characters early in the film may draw a tear or two. As a whole, this is enjoyable viewing and should appeal to audiences who adore world cinema. WWW1/2

COUSINS

incredibly high cost of medical care and the unification of the workforce. Underneath the absurd and underwhelming exterior of this satirical oddity lies a universally relevant cautionary tale, a deeply hidden message about social injustice which may only be realised by an extreme thinking audience. Curiosity is initially evoked, but quickly fades owing to the extremely slow-paced and bizarre style of storytelling and the abrupt and perplexing conclusion. Lapsis may have captured the hearts of most critics and may possibly in years to come achieve cult status, but it’s sure to be snubbed by mainstream audiences. WW

BY MARK MORELLINI iwi produced dramatic motion pictures have always intrigued Australian audiences, notably because of their culturally diverse themes and dramatic elements. Cousins is their latest offering, adapted from the classic novel penned by the highly praised Maori author Patricia Grace. The story centers on three young female indigenous cousins who are separated shortly after World War II, one ‘stolen’ and forced to live in an orphanage and later on in the white community. Detailed are the hardships they encounter as the years go by, wondering whether they will ever be reunited.

The story unfolds in a non-linear format, flashbacks revealing their turbulent experiences as children and the further tragedies that await them as they journey through to adulthood. Performances from a predominantly indigenous cast and significantly the remarkable portrayals by the younger three child performers are nothing short of brilliant. Relatable themes of family relationships, the stolen generation, racial discrimination, and the social injustices of ‘white man’s law’ upon the Maoris resonate profoundly, ensuing a poignant, thought provoking and provocative film that should stay with audiences long after leaving the cinema. WWWW CITY HUB JUNE 2021

DINNER & SHOW $80 The Birdcage on York offers that very special touch of OH LA LAAAAAA including audience participation, interaction, and an array of performers and vocalists each night. Enjoy a 3-course dinner and a glass of bubbles on arrival as you are guided by our MC and delve into a magical world of highly acclaimed international burlesque artists intertwined with the added thrill of Circus Artistry. BOOK NOW

www.thebirdcageonyork.com.au 99 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 | ph: 9290 1155 | www.clubyork.com.au 32

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