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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

Construction begins on controversial Leichhardt skate park (See p. 13)

Light rail class action goes to court

BY ERIN MODARO

C HubARTS: The Tempest Richard Roxburgh is back with a vengeance (See p. 25)

PUBLISHED DATE 10 NOVEMBER 2022

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Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677.

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oncerned business owners, residents and locals impacted by the construction of Sydney’s Light Rail network are heading to court in a class-action lawsuit against Transport for NSW. Plaintiffs allege their businesses and livelihoods were negatively impacted by the construction of the light rail, with insufficient mitigation attempts made by the government to reduce these impacts.

The case began in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday November 7.

Founder of the Small Business Party and small business owner Angela Vithoulkas said that participants in the class action “want to be heard” on how their businesses and lives were affected by the transport overhaul.

“Any and all levels of governments need to know that some decisions that are made can have massive long term and often irreversible impacts financially on businesses and residents,” Vithoulkas said.

Mitry Lawyers, who is representing the class action group members, states that residents have “suffered significant psychological impacts” from construction on the CBD and South East line.

“The impact of this construction on businesses along the route of the project has been widespread and devastating” their website says.

A statement of claim was originally filed in 2018 with first plaintiff Rosa Colagrossi, but was amended to include information from a Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of the light rail on residents and businesses.

The inquiry found that the damage to businesses and residents was significant.

The current statement has the first plaintiff as Hunt Leather Pty Ltd, a family owned leather goods store that operated since about 1975. Second plaintiff Sophie Hunt has been the CEO of Hunt Leather, which has leased space in the Strand on George Street, since 2013.

Rick Mitry from Mitry Lawyers, says that those involved are simply “relieved the case is going to begin”.

“It will be a relief to them that the matter is going to finally be concluded,” Mitry said.

Small business owner Angela Vithoulkas joins with other Sydney residents in a class-action lawsuit against Transport for NSW

CONSTRUCTION FRAUGHT WITH DELAYS

After construction on the light rail began in 2015, deadlines for completion were repeatedly pushed back by the NSW government. Large swaths of Sydney’s CBD and eastern suburbs were transformed into construction zones for years at a time.

Gladys Berejiklian, who was Minister for Transport in 2012 when the project was first announced, predicted the final cost of light rail construction as just half of the $2.9 billion it ended up costing.

We can’t get back our financial losses Large delays to the completion of the light rail network meant businesses lining the construction zones along George Street and into Randwick suffered huge decreases in foot traffic, accessibility issues, and difficulty meeting rent requirements.

“Businesses lost 50% - 70% of trade for years through no fault of their own.

They increased their debt just to keep the doors open, losing money on a daily basis – for years” Vithoulkas said.

Also previously embroiled in the

controversy was a legal dispute between the NSW government and Spanish subcontractor Acciona, who settled for a $576 million payout in 2019 after delays and “misconduct” caused them to push for a court actioned $1.2 billion. A Swiss watch retailer also took legal action against Transport for NSW over negative impacts to business, and settled for an undisclosed amount in 2019.

The legal battles threatened to extend the delays that already plagued the light rail construction.

COURT DATE PUSHED BACK

The date for the class action to begin has been delayed several times, and was pushed back further after last minute amendments were put forward by the lead applicant, Lawyerly reported.

As for what the plaintiffs are seeking, Mitry Lawyers write that at this time it is “difficult to assess the size of the potential claim”.

“Speaking generally and not specifically about anyone person or member of the class, we have always maintained that we want fair financial compensation and justice,” Vithoulkas said.

“We can’t get back our financial losses and forget our pain that went on for all the years of Light Rail Construction.”

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

Planning Minister scraps “eye-sore” Barangaroo development

BY AMBER GRIFFIN SW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts is set to cut a highly controversial proposal to increase building heights in the final section of the Barangaroo developments.

On behalf of development partner Aqualand, Infrastructure NSW pursued a planning modification that would allow for taller buildings at Central Barangaroo. Included in this proposal was a new 20-storey residential “tower”, with apartments potentially going for a starting price of approximately 5 million dollars.

If the modification plans were accepted, in addition to the tower, buildings on Hickson Road would have been allowed to be between 34 metres and 44.5 metres tall – the original limit was 35 metres.

Roberts told the Sydney Morning Herald that a planned luxury apartment tower served no public benefit, and he could see no way that approving the Barangaroo development would be in Sydney’s best interests.

“I would expect any proposal on a scale such as this, potentially impacting public space, to provide substantial social, economic and environmental benefits

N

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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

about the killing off of the proposal. Kelly said on 2GB radio that the developers chose the worst targets for their development.

“They picked on Sydney Harbour, they picked on the Millers Point Conservation Area, and they picked on Observatory Hill. Three classic Sydney icons that have thousands of years of history.”

Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she “strongly supports” Robert’s comments on the development.

Community members are celebrating a decision by Planning Minister Anthony Roberts to scrap highrise residential plans for Barangaroo.

Photo: Facebook/ Anthony Roberts

Beautiful public spaces with iconic views

to offset the loss to the community,” Roberts said.

“Right now, I believe this proposal cannot achieve those benefits.”

SYDNEY COMMUNITY CELEBRATE

After a three-year fight opposing the 2019 established proposal, locals are celebrating the rejection of a “20 story eye sore” that would have blocked iconic views from the Anzac Bridge and Observatory Hill.

Secretary of Milsons Point Residents Action Group Candice Murphy told City Hub that it wasn’t just the local community opposing this development.

“We have supporters from all over Sydney and beyond. Beautiful public spaces with iconic views (which belong to everyone) would have been permanently blighted should this modification have been approved.”

President of Milsons Point Residents Action Group Bernard Kelly was ecstatic

“There are still a number of issues to be addressed – the lack of affordable housing, loss of public space and huge floor area are just a few. I call on the NSW Government to listen to the valid concerns of the community and formally reject this proposal” Cr Moore told City Hub. The proposal hasn’t been formally rejected yet. Roberts’ rejection of the proposal as it stands has left Infrastructure NSW and Aqualand with little choice but to either drastically redraw the plan or withdraw it completely.

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

Byrne acknowledges failure to declare debt the property on the market so that he could pay his debts.

So why does he state, “On Feb 3 …the general manager of Inner West council sent me a copy of the most recent rates notice.

“This was the first time I had seen a rates notice for the property.”

TRANSPARENCY ISSUES ARISE

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has responded to his failure to disclose rate debts. Photo: Darcy Byrne/Facebook

By WENDY BACON

I

nner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has acknowledged that he failed to declare a financial debt of unpaid Council rates in his annual disclosure of interests.

Byrne’s explanation for his failure to disclose the debt is attached to his 2022 Disclosure of Interests that was tabled at a Council meeting on October 25. Byrne declares the debt in his 2022 return but his explanation raises further questions about his understanding and approach towards accountability measures.

According to an ‘IWC spokesperson’, Byrne has sent his new disclosure to the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG).

BACKGROUND OF RATES DEBT

City Hub revealed in June that Byrne had failed to declare a $15,000 rates debt owed to Council for a Balmain property that he inherited in 2017.

The title of the property and its rates debt was transferred to Byrne in September 2018 (Rates debts always transfer with property).

On December 2 2020, the Inner West Council received a transfer notice showing that the Balmain property had been transferred to Byrne on September 11, 2018. From this point on, Byrne owned the property. Byrne states that he was not informed by his solicitor that the property had transferred to him.

Rates notices were sent but apparently not received.

In his recent disclosure, Byrne explains 6

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

that he now understands that the Inner West Council has been issuing rate notices to his unoccupied property since December 2020, but that he didn’t receive the notices and therefore was not aware of them. On March 10 2021, Byrne states that he wrote to the Inner West Council General Manager, who at the time was Brian Barrett, informing him that he was not in possession of the deeds to the property. Given that deeds only apply to very old title properties and ownership of this property could be proved by an electronic search of the title, the significance of his reference to “deeds” is not clear.

million in October, and the debt has been paid.

In his statement, Byrne explains that he didn’t understand that the debt of his mother’s estate would transfer to him.

A substantial part of the debt, however, accrued after his mother died.

He states that it didn’t occur to him that a rates debt needed to be disclosed.

He thought it was covered by other exemptions in the Local Government Model Code of Conduct.

There is one glaring omission in Bryne’s account of why he failed to declare the debt.

Byrne does not explain what motivated him to write that letter to Barrett. The fact that he did write it suggests that he had been told his ownership of the property was an issue of interest to Council staff.

Mayor Byrne has a duty to explain

Byrne then states, “On February 3, Peter Gainsford, the general manager of Inner West council sent me a copy of the most recent rates notice. This was the first time I had seen a rates notice for the property”.

“Mr Gainsford advised me that I needed to enter a repayment arrangement with the council to commence paying the rates debt and to pay the outstanding rates and interest once the property was sold. That arrangement is in place, and with the property selling in September 2022, I will pay the total amount due when the property settlement occurs on 20 October 2022.”

According to Domain.com, the two bedroom property was sold for $1.65

He fails to mention that he received an email on official Inner West Council letterhead from the then Acting General manager Brian Barrett in March 2021.

On March 31 2021 Barrett wrote, “I advised you in one of our briefings that you will be receiving an outstanding rates notice for the property you own at nine Creek Street Balmain. You informed me it was your parents’ home and you will be concluding at sale and which time you will be clearing the rates outstanding.”

This suggests that Byrne was aware of the debt because he had conversations with Barrett in which it was mentioned. Despite this email, it took Byrne more than a year to put

His statement may be technically correct but fails to meet high standards of transparency expected of Councillors.

Byrne’s explanation raises the issue again of the Mayor’s grasp of accountability issues. In 2021 he told the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal that he had struggled to understand some aspects of conflict-of-interest and blamed this on a lack of training.

Independent Councillor John Stamolis told City Hub that “Mayor Byrne has a duty to explain what has been going on... We still don’t know what policy or arrangements the Mayor was covered by and the General Manager has failed any transparency on this.”

City Hub submitted questions to the General Manager about what actions he had taken to address questions raised about Byrne’s disclosures. We received a response from a spokesperson. It stated: “Disclosures of interest operate as a transparency mechanism regarding council decision making and similar to conflicts of interest are the responsibility of the individuals required to lodge them under the Model Code of Conduct, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.”

“Any Complaints about breaches of these requirements are to be referred to the Office of Local Government (OLG).”

In other words, the only role of Council staff is to make sure the disclosures are lodged, not to inquire into whether they are accurate or not. If residents do make complaints, they are expected to keep them confidential.

The Inner West spokesperson also said, “As you can appreciate all conversations regarding a person’s Council debts, be it residents, staff or Councillors will not be disclosed unless Council is obligated to do so and as such I will not be discussing any person’s personal debt information, conversations had or actions taken.”

So unless there is an OLG investigation, many questions raised by City Hub and other Councillors cannot be answered.

Before publishing this story, City Hub sent questions to Byrne and gave him an opportunity to comment on any aspect of the issue. As with previous stories in this investigation, he has neither acknowledged or answered questions.

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HubNEWS

Western Distributor changes spark concern

BY SHARLOTTE THOU

T

he NSW government is proposing big changes to the Western Distributor, raising concerns from the community that car-centric options are being supplied to an area where pedestrian accessibility is waning.

The changes to the Western Distributor involve the construction of a new ramp connection from Fig Street, the modification of the intersection at Allen Street and Harris Street and the Pyrmont Bridge Road and Bank Street intersection. The project also aims to change the Pyrmont Bridge Road off-ramp to two lanes and to enhance visitor amenity by refurbishing the two Anzac digger sculptures on Anzac Bridge.

However, concerns from local community groups highlight how the changes will take options away from pedestrians and potentially remove public transport options.

Lesley Bentley, convener of the Pyrmont Peninsula Public Transport Forum, said that changes to the Anzac bridge offramp mean that a bus route connecting Parramatta with the CBD via Victoria Road will be affected.

“One of the issues that is most distressing to Pyrmont residents is the fact that changes to the Anzac Bridge off ramp will mean that the 501 bus service will no longer be able to turn right into Bank St and right into Miller St,” Bentley said.

Bentley said that currently community members are asked to provide feedback to the government with their ideas on how public transport options can be preserved.

Proposed changes to the Western Distributer, including changes to ramps on the Anzac Bridge, have caused concern about pedestrian accessibility.

Photo: Wikimedia commons.

distressing to Pyrmont residents A Transport for NSW spokesperson told City Hub that the proposed changes to the Western Distributor “aim to improve safety and reduce congestion to produce a more efficient road network”.

The proposed amendments are aimed at increasing safety by creating “improved, more consistent traffic movements between the western suburbs, the CBD and Sydney suburbs in the east and north”. In particular, the access ramp is “designed to…provide a new direct, safe access lane”.

“OUTDATED” IDEAS FOR REDUCING CONGESTION However, community group Friends of Ultimo believes these changes will “drastically worsen” the living conditions of locals. They maintain that contrary to the aims expressed in the NSW Government’s Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy – to repair damage done to Ultimo and Pyrmont by the construction of the Western Distributor in the 1970s – the proposed changes would “only magnify it”.

“It would transform Allen Street into a four lane ‘vehicle sewer’ and increase

traffic along Harris Street…establish a construction site compound for two years at the northern end of Fig Lane… and add a new flyover spanning Cockle Bay, further overshadowing the iconic site and require the removal of several palm trees”, a spokesperson said.

The community group also opposes the “’upgrade’ of urban freeways based on the now outdated idea that increasing traffic lane numbers alleviate congestion”.

The proposal is on public exhibition until late November.

Reimagining the Newtown Tram Sheds From the late 1800s to the mid-20th century, Sydney had one of the biggest tram networks in the world. Electric trams criss-crossed the city from La Perouse in the south to Lane Cove in the north, following the varied topographies of Sydney’s suburbs, city, and seaside.

GET IN TOUCH IF WE CAN HELP Ph: (02) 9517 2800 E: newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au W: jennyleong.org 383 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

This regular column is authorised by Jenny Leong MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements 8

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

The trams are long gone but a relic of this golden era of mass investment in public transport remains in the form of the Newtown Tram Sheds. Nestled into the very heart of our neighbourhood, between Newtown and Erskineville, the Sheds once housed trams connecting Newtown to Glebe, Canterbury, Earlwood and Tempe.

After these services were replaced by buses in late 1957 the Newtown Tram Sheds were shut and entered a new era of demolition by neglect. Over the past 65 years they’ve been gutted of trackwork and tramway fixtures and

served a range of uses from bus parking and railway support services to private tenancies.

Despite massive community energy to transform them into a creative or cultural space the Tram Sheds have sat unused and in a growing state of disrepair, overlooked even during a major facelift for Newtown Station in 2012 that saw the forecourt of the former depot adaptively reused as shops.

We know what happens to large, centrally-located public assets like this under the NSW Liberal-National Government: they’re sold off to the highest bidder and redeveloped for private interests. We’ve seen it happen to public housing, public buildings, and public foreshore -- we don’t want to see it happen to the Newtown Tram Sheds next.

We'd love to hear what you want to see the site transformed into, whether that's an arts hub, public and affordable housing, or a community space.

Your comments will help shape a community-led vision for the future of the site -- and build a grassroots campaign to make it happen.

Share your thoughts:

Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown

innerwest.nsw.gov.au

What’s on

From the Mayor – Darcy Byrne

innerwest.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn

New council grants for festive fun Council is offering grants of up to $500 to help local community groups celebrate the 2022 festive season.

Community groups or not -for-profit organisations looking to host free inclusive events and activities this festive season are encouraged to apply.

Christmas carols or any non-denominational events or activities that encourage community spirit and involvement are eligible.

For more eligibility criteria and to complete an expression of interest, visit: innerwest.smartygrants. com.au/FestiveGrants22 Applications close 2 December.

Have your say on the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan Comment on our suggested approach to making Inner West more accessible and inclusive place for everyone.

Last day to provide feedback is Friday 16 December – yoursay. innerwest.nsw.gov.au

IWC_CITYHUB_13/11_2022

Next Council meeting Ashfield Service Centre, Tuesday 6 December, 6.30pm. innerwest.nsw.gov.au/Meeting

Pub culture to be protected

St.Anmoré Music Festival

A bumper crowd enjoyed a beautiful summer day and blissful sounds at the St.Anmoré Music Festival in Stanmore Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne was joined by the Gill family in unveiling a plaque to honour the late, great music educator and composer Richard Gill. It will be set outside his home.

The Inner West has some of the oldest and most beautiful pubs in greater Sydney.

It’s my great hope that we don’t lose any of them and we are taking steps to ensure that the most architecturally, historically and socially significant ones can be protected for all time.

There are 27 pubs which have been identified across the entire Inner West area for heritage listing.

They weren’t chosen randomly, but were identified during an exhaustive study done by respected heritage consulting firm GML Heritage.

It means the facades of the buildings have to be protected as well as the interiors such as the bars and other features which are unique to pubs.

We will soon begin a consultation process with the owners and operators as well as the patrons who will be able to make comments about the pub which they frequent.

Our pub culture in the Inner West is like no other part of Sydney and it’s my desire as Mayor to make sure we maintain it.

Darcy Byrne, Mayor

Perfect Match applications more than doubled

Make a splash in aquatics

We’re recruiting for lifeguards, learn to swim and other support staff across Inner West Council’s five aquatic centres. If you’re interested in working in an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle, teaches children the value of water safety and offers great flexibility, then why not apply?

Find out more at www. innerwest.nsw.gov.au/Aquatics

Inner West Council’s Perfect Match street art program has gone gangbusters.

More than double the number of applications from property owners and artists have been received this year.

This year, Council received 112 applications from artists and 85 applications from property owners across the local government area.

In response to the overwhelming demand, Council will increase funding for the program by 20%.

Perfect Match is a unique Council initiative tackling unwanted graffiti and fostering legitimate creative expression and art in public spaces.

The program brings artists,

residents, businesses, property owners and community partners together to collaboratively create fantastic new street artworks in public places.

The next round of Perfect Match applications will open 1 July 2023.

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

New life for the Newtown tram sheds?

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 contact my office at Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au if you would like to subscribe to my e-newsletter.

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

TAX HELP 2022 My office in Redfern will be facilitating Tax Help again this year. Tax Help is free and helps people earning $60,000 or less lodge their tax return online. If you need help lodging your tax return, you may be eligible for assistance through this program.

Please contact my office on 02 9379 0700 or Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au to book an appointment.

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Newtown MP Jenny Leong is calling community feedback for what to do with the old Newtown tram depot.

Photo: Wikimedia commons

BY TILEAH DOBSON reens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong has made a call for community insight into how the currently empty Newtown tram sheds could be transformed. The century old heritage-listed tram depot on King Street could soon see a revamp along the lines of the Carriageworks in Glebe if the campaign is successful.

Leong raised the call on Facebook, stating that the tram sheds “have sat empty and in a worsening state of disrepair, despite their huge potential for transformation into a community, cultural, or arts space”.

A community meeting is being held in the main hall of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on November 14, with Leong encouraging residents to attend and “share [their] vision for the future of this incredible public space at the heart of our community”.

“The Newtown Tram Sheds are a relic of a golden era of massive investment in public transport but have been in a state of limbo and disrepair since they closed 65 years ago,” Leong told City Hub. “As a large public space in the very heart of our community, the Tram Sheds have incredible potential as a community, recreational, cultural or creative hub.

We don’t want to see them go the same way as so many other public assets have under the NSW Liberal-National Government – privatised and sold off to the highest bidder.”

G

GLEBE TRAM SHEDS GIVE HOPE

Residents might be familiar with the successful transformation of the tram sheds in Glebe. A decade ago, the

site was purchased by Mirvac and transformed into a foodie’s paradise.

Back in 2016, Mirvac Development Manager Mark Zanetic praised the engineering of the building’s structure, despite being empty since the 1950s.

“Restoring a heritage building of this nature was not without its challenges, more so, because we strived to keep as many distinct features as possible including old staircases and the brick facade,” he said as reported by the Daily Telegraph.

huge potential for transformation City Hub spoke with Glebe local and frequent traveller to the Glebe tram sheds, Liz, who praised the location’s transformation.

“I frequent the tram sheds at least once a week for either a midweek coffee catch-up,” Liz said. “The redevelopment of both Carriageworks and the Glebe tram sheds are a testament to how much inner-city folk are looking for family friendly destinations, particularly of a Saturday/Sunday.”

While she encourages the Newtown tram sheds to follow suit, Liz is aware of a potential concern.

“The only concern would be potential congestion given the location of the Newtown Train Depot,” she said.

Newtown residents who wish to speak on the issue are encouraged to go to the community meeting and have their say on the future of the Newtown tram sheds.

Wil Anderson joins Addi Road for Hamsters Hampers Of Hope Stand-up comedian Wil Anderson (left), AFI award winning actress Kerry Armstrong (centre), Aussie rock icon Mark Seymour (right) and Andrew Denton (below)

“Have they thought of giving people hamsters?”

Wil Anderson is confused, not about the importance of Addi Road’s 2022 Hampers of Hope donation drive, he’s crystal clear about that, no, more about, well … when you watch his video on our Facebook page, it’ll become clear.

The star of ABC TV’s ‘Question Everything’, mega successful stand-up comedian, author and all round pretty top bloke has added himself to a very special list, along with media broadcaster Andrew Denton, AFI award winning actress Kerry Armstrong and singer/songwriter Mark Seymour who’ve all signed up to help Addi Road reach out to their community this year.

Let’s face it, this is the end of what was for many, another very tough year. For some, tougher than others.

The festive season should be a love fest, but for some, it can be very difficult. Rising cost of living prices, food insecurity, a rental and social housing crisis, and that crippling behemoth, Covid, have all joined forces to add serious pressure on so many communities around Australia.

The statistics around these pressures are staggering, here’s just a few; one in six Australians can now be categorised as being severely food insecure, and over the past year, median rent prices increased by 8.7%, while wages only rose by 2.1%, plus the price of food, gas, petrol and rent have skyrocketed thanks to the inflation rate rising to 6.1 per cent in June – a 21-year high.

“People are feeling the crunch in our community, particularly the vulnerable ones, and everyone needs to understand that these are truly hard times” commented Addi Road’s Chief Operating Officer, Melissa Holmes.

December 2022 sees Addi Road’s fourth offering of Hampers of Hope to the community, boxes of serious goodies; chocolates, luxe soaps and skin lotions, gourmet cookies…the list goes on.

Businesswoman, climate change activist and gender equality advocate, Sam Mostyn AO, wants the message to our most vulnerable to be very clear “The hampers will include a note to let people know that we’re with them, and we don’t want anyone to miss out this festive season” But these gift boxes need to be paid for. In an effort to encourage donations to fund the mammoth giveaway, Addi Road have taken a slightly different promotional angle this year.

“There are so many passionate, brilliant people out there in our arts and entertainment community,” Holmes says, “we thought we might reach out and see if they might like to help with the donation push. The results have been astounding.”

Humour and love, pure and simple, that’s the message in short, sharp video pieces from Anderson’s ‘Hamsters of Hope,’ to Denton’s ridiculous own merchandise promotion, to Armstrong’s overzealous acting lesson and Mark Seymour’s anthemic ‘Throw your Arms Around Me’.

Over the years, Addi Road has received generous support that’s helped them create over 1,000 hampers per season. That’s a lot of good vibes going out there! This year they want to push that figure higher, and include as many folks as possible to share in the joy.

“Sometimes it’s the only gift the families who receive them will get,’ Wil reminds us in his video. Sadly true. (but to be clear Wil, they’re hampers … H A M P E R S ) Please visit addiroad.org.au and make a donation to the 2022 Hampers of Hope.

addiroad.org.au

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

National Trust condemns new CBD skyscraper the secrecy and lack of community consultation has raised flags for Labor Councillor Linda Scott.

Cr Scott said community members have spoken up about a lack of meaningful consultation surrounding the large developments at Central Station.

“Communities tell me they feel increasingly removed from City and State Government planning processes” Cr Scott said.

While the concerns don’t materialise in direct opposition to developments, even high-density developments, a loss of local voices in the decision making process is being noticed by community members.

COMMUNITY GROUPS OPPOSE DEVELOPMENT

Artist’s impression of the 40 storey ‘Central Place Sydney’ skyscraper recently approved by Sydney Council. Photo: SOM

BY AMBER GRIFFIN nother addition to the state government’s development overhaul around Central Station in Sydney’s CBD has been given a green light, prompting questions over the impacts on the area.

‘Central Place Sydney’, a new skyscraper adding 130,000 square metres of commercial space to the government’s $3 billion ‘Tech Central” initiative, was recently approved by the City of Sydney Council.

The multibillion-dollar plans outline that the NSW government’s future ‘Tech Central’ will eventually cover six local areas including Haymarket, Surry Hills, Ultimo, Redfern, Chippendale, and Eveleigh. The development’s expansion from the Central Station area to outer suburbs will skyrocket expenditure from $3 billion to approximately $12 billion.

in the Central Precinct developments.

The National Trust is opposing the plans that will demolish part of a historic postal building near Sydney’s Central Station to develop a 45-storey commercial tower.

NATIONAL TRUST SPEAKS OUT

“If this proposal is accepted in its current form … then the entire rationale and value of heritage listing in NSW

A

The National Trust has spoken out against another skyscraper included 12

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

The National Trust’s objection to developer TOGA Group’s $383 million plans to build above the historic postal building is based on conservation. The leading conservation organisations state that the development would cause “irreversible, detrimental impact” to Central Station and Sydney’s heritage”.

Recognising the consequences and impact of the plans that would build over the heritage-listed site, The National Trust’s NSW conservation director, David Burdon, wrote to organisations and members of the public for “help in saving the iconic Sydney Central station”.

must seriously be reconsidered,” Burdon said.

Burdon stated that the National Trust was not entirely opposed to the redevelopment of Central Station, but that they believe the plans can be improved.

“There are many ways it can and should be improved, including helping to heal the enormous scar between Surry Hills and Ultimo, and making it a safe and enjoyable place for all who visit or pass through,” he said.

lost opportunity to enhance public trust Sydney Council has approved ‘Central Place Sydney’, just metres away from the TOGA development over the post office, after previously condemning the state government’s secret sell-off of large blocks of land surrounding in Redfern, Eveleigh and Newtown.

While council has been supportive and involved in the plans for developments around Central Station for years,

Redfern and Eveleigh supporting community group ‘REDWatch’ told City Hub that the group is not opposed to highrise and increased density in the inner city, as long as it goes along the services and amenities needed for the increase in people, and is sympathetic to the surrounding community.

“10+ storey buildings opposing a conservation area is not a good start” REDWatch spokesperson Geoffrey Turnbull said.

“Everyone admits the Central Station site needs to get developed in some form the question is what and how it fits with the surrounding area – and this discussion should not just involve the government landowner.”

Cr Scott said that the Central developments represent a “lost opportunity to enhance public trust”, as well as a loss of “transparency” in the planning process.

“Just as the State Government has an obligation to return planning powers ripped from councillors, so too does the Lord Mayor have an obligation to increase community engagement in future major developments.”

The project director for spokesperson, Kimberley Jackson, stated that the development has been designed to create a place “where work and lifestyle can blend seamlessly”.

“Central Place Sydney’ will set the benchmark in sustainability for commercial developments of this scale in Australia,” Jackson stated.

Designed by architects ‘Fender Katsalidis’ and ‘Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’ (SOM), the artist impressions of the future Sydney development appear to look modern and green, but residents living within radius of the towers are concerned about the ‘eye sore’ and a potential overdevelopment of a landmark Sydney location.

HubNEWS

Trees removed for new Leichhardt Skatepark

BY ERIN MODARO onstruction on a Leichhardt skatepark that has been in hot water for years has begun with the removal of 45 trees.

Over a decade ago plans for a skate park in the area were submitted to the state government, however they never materialised due to heritage disputes among other roadblocks.

After the adoption of a Leichhardt Park management plan, the skatepark was approved by the Inner West Council before the plans were then rescinded after Independent, Greens and Liberal Councillors voted for a location change due to local resident and environmental concerns.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne labelled the project being voted down as a “betrayal of local children and young people”. After Labor gained majority on council this year, designs were placed on public exhibition in April before being approved by council in May. The state government is also backing construction, as this year former chief executive of the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust, Suellen Fitzgerald, sent a letter to Inner West General Manager

the skate plaza that 32 additional trees will be planted within Leichhardt Park to offset the proposed tree removal”.

Cr Stamolis said the resolution was “nonsense”.

“Why couldn’t we have 79 trees (45 + 34)?” he asked.

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shocking to see Council bulldoze a... community park

Construction has begun on a highly debated skate park in Leichhardt. Photo: Unsplash

Peter Gainsford showing support for the skate park.

As construction has begun, Independent Councillor John Stamolis has spoken out against the loss of existing parkland, as well as the removal of trees.

Cr Stamolis said it was “shocking to see Council bulldoze a well-used community park on the foreshore, cutting down 45 trees”.

“Inner West Council claims that it is committed to the environment,

sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and green space but demonstrated that all of this was expendable” he said.

COUNCIL RESOLVES TO REPLACE TREES

Along with approval for the park, the Inner West Council has resolved to replace all removed trees. The motion passed in May says that “in addition to the 10 trees to be planted around the perimeter of

Cr Stamolis also cited a previous community consultation report which revealed that 86% of respondents were against the location of the skate park.

The engagement outcomes report received 86 local submissions, 74 of which were “broadly against the project in the proposed location”.

Respondents said that their concerns were centred around environmental impacts, noise impacts and its proximity to the Le Montage function centre, which is a popular wedding venue.

City Hub reached out to Cr Byrne for comment, but has not yet received a response.

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INTERESTED IN ADOPTING? Call the Cat Protection Society of NSW on 02 9557 4818 or visit www.catprotection.org.au Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000224 CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

13

HubNEWS

Waste company fights for ‘disaster’ incinerators Hanson asserted the need to dispel myths regarding the environmental benefits of incinerators, saying, “there is no such thing as burning waste as part of a circular economy”.

“I just find it incredible that a company can be refused now three times and they still continue to employ barristers and a legal team, trying to overturn it,” Hanson said.

Hanson also said that TNG is pushing the “myth” that burning waste is “recycling it”.

“You do not recycle anything by burning it very simply because once you burn it, it’s gone. You can’t ever use it again.

It’s not valid to say oh we burn it, make heat, and therefore generate electricity and call it recycling. That is also rubbish”, Hanson said.

GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN Ian Malouf’s The Next Generation are fighting EPA guidelines to be allowed to build controversial incinerators in suburban Sydney areas. Photo: Linkedin and Renew Economy.

BY CHRISTINE LAI

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atraville residents have been angered by company The Next Generation (TNG) for challenging the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) guidelines in its plan to build waste incinerators in Sydney.

In late August this year, a controversial proposal for an incinerator to be built in Matraville was withdrawn after the introduction of new EPA guidelines which prohibited waste company Veolia from continuing with their plans.

TNG contested the new EPA guidelines at the NSW Land and Environment Court on October 18. If their case is successful, the long contested Matraville incinerator could be back on the table.

TNG, started by Ian Malouf who was behind Sydney waste management giant Dial a Dump, has contested the EPA regulations so that the company can legally process waste to generate electricity through incinerators.

According to TNG’s website, the waste to thermal process is the “next untapped renewable energy source”.

TNG previously filed a development application to build an incinerator in Eastern Creek, which was strongly opposed by residents in the area. The

Independent Planning Commission denied the application in 2018, leading TNG to appeal to the Land and Environment Court in 2019.

The current legislation would allow TNG to obtain the development proposal for an incinerator, however the new Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Amendment (Thermal Energy from Waste) Regulation that came into effect on 8 July 2022 prevents them from going ahead with the project.

it would be a disaster for Sydney This inconsistency has been used to form TNG’s argument that the regulations are invalid so that the company can go ahead with building incinerators.

An independent report by journalist Wendy Bacon stated that TNG’s argument stipulated that the government had used “inappropriate use of power” in the way they were making the regulations, and that the “regulation would be invalid because it would be ‘ultra vires’ of the PEO Act”.

Currently, no further hearing on the case has been set.

NO MORE INCINERATORS SPEAKS OUT Community Group No More Incinerators have been organising to stop proposals of incinerators being built in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, including the latest challenge by TNG. No More Incinerators Campaign Manager Chris Hanson described hearing the news as “not unexpected but very disappointing”.

“TNG continues to try and find loopholes in the legislation to beat it and if that happens it would be a disaster for Sydney- an environmental disaster”, Hanson said.

There is a map on the No More Incinerators page that shows how far the pollutants would spread under a waste incinerator plant which Hanson described as a permanent living situation if it came to fruition.

Hanson attended the recent hearing at the Land and Environment Court and described TNG’s challenge to the EPA as one that was initiated on the basis that existing legislation regarding development applications and planning assessment conflicted with new thermal energy from waste regulations.

Hanson highlighted the importance of having a grassroots campaign that was driven by residents, where “putting the pressure on politicians” would ensure change.

He spoke about the support No More Incinerators was giving to other groups like Western Sydney Direct Action who are also fighting against proposals for incinerators to be built in their local communities.

“Our residents have written objections to TNG’s incinerator at Eastern Creek, I’m providing technical support in terms of expertise in management of retractable waste and my submissions were centred on that area”, Hanson said.

Currently, NSW EPA regulations allows an incinerator to discharge up to 7.2kg of dust an hour, 24/7.

Hanson asserted that there was a danger in the potential of incinerators being brought to Sydney.

“While dust is a problem, what is on dust is another issue too. Some material is so fine and can go into the bloodstream into your lungs then whatever is on that dust goes into your bloodstream. While levels are low, you’re suffering a chronic exposure.”

The community campaign against the Matraville Incinerator held a celebratory picnic organised by Randwick City Council on November 5.

C L A R I F I C AT I O N In our October 2022 story ”Coogee heritage mansion to become apartments”, City Hub published a comment from a local resident which may have given the mistaken impression that Randwick City Council employs heritage architects being ‘paid off by developers’. We wish to clarify that this was not the intention of the comment, and there is no implication that this is occurring or that there is any wrong-doing by Randwick Council. We apologise for the misunderstanding.

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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

HubNEWS

Cashless card debate stirs up NSW Parliament

BY JOHN MOYLE t’s been a turbulent past couple of weeks in NSW parliament, and all for the right reasons, as independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich pushed for the introduction of a cashless gaming card to be implemented across NSW. Backed by the Greens and fellow independents Greg Piper and Joe McGirr, this call put the Perrottet government and the Labor opposition on the spot as there are under ten sitting days left this year before a state election in March 2023.

The calls came as the NSW Crime Commission was about to hand down its report into an extensive inquiry into money laundering through Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in NSW pubs and clubs.

“The lack of traceable data collected

by EGMs means the exact scale of this criminal activity is impossible to determine, but it is clear from our investigations that it involves many billions of dollars a year,” NSW Crime Commissioner Michael Barnes said.

The report was made with the input of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority NSW, AUSTRAC and the Australian Criminal Intelligence PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS Commission.

MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS NSW currently has 95,800 poker machines, the highest numberOPTUS in PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AND Independent VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE ExistingPerrottet Facility (Level 10),Photo: 1-19 Oxford Street, Greenwich Rooftop Lakes Business Park, Building 2, MP Alex Greenwich (left) and NSW Premier Dominic (right).

Twitter/Alex andFacility, Facebook/Dom Perrottet Australia and globally second to THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Surry Hills NSW 2010 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 STATION WITHonly 5G AT Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: Dominic S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 Las Vegas. much to deter money laundering or opposes their aims Premier Perrottet did an about Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris parliament Street, Pyrmont who NSW 2009 1.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3.

The proposed facility he consists of thepush additionfor of a new 5G Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 Approximately $95 billion in cash is criminals having a large cash splash in and are also highly litigious, having face and said would equipment and associated works as follows: equipment and associated works as follows: 1.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: gambled annually in NSW pubs and the•clubs. threatened a defamation suit against cashless gaming card to be introduced 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) clubs, making them “effectively mini Andrew Wilkie and later sued former by the next election.

• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m The other suggestion is for the • 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) casinos, and as such they need to be employee Stolz for(2.breaching the introduction of facial recognition and antenna “I am verymounts clear that should the • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three newTroy 4G panel antennas 1m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling controlled,” Alex Greenwich said. confidentiality clause his long) contract • Reconfiguration ofnot existing equipment the facility and look within • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennasof(1.83m software. government act this onyear I will and antenna mounts when released information that 95 equipment shelter • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antennahe mounts at atheprivate members bill in the next • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in perequipment cent shelter of registered clubs were not • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the the equipment shelter;to the be antennas are at level 10 plant room parliament,” Greenwich said. they need controlled CLUBSNSW the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase incompliant the overall scale with of the facility money laundering laws.

• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in PUSHES BACK Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Through alltheofproposed this,installation Labor’s Chris • Optus regards as Exempt Development accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Way back in 2004, former Labor MP Despite calls for gambling reformRef: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 “Poker operators areonso scaredabove of a in accordance with State Environmental Determination 2018 based the description Optus Vodafone Minns has been rather mutedPlanning in hisPolicy Garrett across manyfacility years, it ofhas always (Infrastructure) 2007has based vacillated on the description above mandatory gambling that they’ve 2. The proposed consists the addition of newbeen 5G equipment Peter and associated works asrecalled follows: that before Existing Monopole,card 19 Harris Street, response and on the stymied by the efforts ClubsNSW, • Installation of three (3) new of 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) the election he was contacted by Pyrmontand NSWinconsistent 2009 turned to invasive Rooftop Facility, 65-71 was Belmore Road, subject.

Chris Minns contacted Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) a representative of ClubsNSW and Randwick NSWnot 2031respond. a body representing over 1200 clubs facial recognition technology instead,” for comment but did • Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with threeanew 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 handed large envelope.

2. TheFaehrmann, proposed facility consists of theNSW addition of new 5G across the state, and has 4G been one of(2.69m long) Cate Greens, That three independents and the equipment and associated works as follows: Replacement of three lobby (3) existinggroups 4G panel antennas with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) 4. Greens The proposed facility consists of theaaddition the •most effective in the(2.68m long) Legislative Council said.

ClubsNSW were contacted for this can bring about shift ofinnew 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: state which has a MOU with both major article but did not respond. the premier is heartening but also a “ClubsNSW desperately attempting • Installation ofisthree (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) parties effectively means they • Installationas of one (1) new 4Gthey’ve panel antennasolved (2.69 m long) sign that ofthe are facing • Thethat antennas are at rooftop level and therethat is a slight increase in“The the overall scale Government of the facility to appear though the NSW takes the • Installation three major (3) new 5Gparties panel antennas (0.81m long) will not oppose the industry.

• Replacement of two (2)their existing 4G panel antennaswithout (2.53m long) a• very different landscape at the Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo 2011very seriously,” a problem plaguing industry findings of this NSW report Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 Records show that inOptus 2020 the group coming election will beradio even having to undergo genuine reform.”

NSW government spokesperson said.

• New ancillary equipmentthat including remote units, more cabling • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) 3.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: donated nearly $50,000 to political amplified by the expected wave of teal and antenna mounts Alex Greenwich agrees, calling facial The spokesperson then went on to • 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 parties, including $33,000 to federal candidates. and antennaamounts recognition “red herring” and saying • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) outline the trialling of a digital wallet the equipment shelter Labor.

• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within “clubs already have surveillance in onwith 36three gaming machines at West Both major parties have had many • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter In 2021 ClubsNSW gained access to (2.53m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas with three newthat 4G panel antennas (2.78m their venues”.

Newcastle “allows for along) Bluetooth years to address this issue and have the overall scale of the facility • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts between a patron’s mobile then• Deputy Premier John Barilaro connection done that is effective, the overall scale of the facility • Optusnothing regards the proposed installation as Exempt while Development • Reconfiguration existing equipment on the period, facility and within the equipment shelter thirteen times inof an eight month • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in phone and the machine. they introduced perceived harm in have accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy PERROTTET 4. Optus Vodafone regard the proposed as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above“lock while inand the same year, Victorinstallations Dominello minimisation laws such as the This will let patrons transfer money (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above SWITCHES DeterminationGEARS 2018 based on the description above was ousted from his gambling portfolio outs” to protect society. directly from the gaming on their 5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Basewallet Station Deployment Shortly after the release of the 5.

Notification is being undertaken in accordance withreport Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. after running afoul of ClubsNSW. phone the society that is relying on gambling 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, andonto we invite you machine.” to provide written comments about the and facing a public private members bill on the proposed“Any 6. Members of the may obtain further information work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the ClubsNSW have threatened to should be directed to Optus’ proposal. Further information and/or comments c/- James McIver, ONE Pty addiction theMcIver, proceeds ofPtycrime Thisrepresentative technology can beCatalyst useful forLtd;aphone: from Greenwich, with the support of c/- James Catalyst ONE Ltd; phone:is proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representativeand 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021. campaign against any side of troubled 4022 9533;and email:other consultation@catalystone.com.au 1119, Crows Nest NSWplace,” 1585 by 26Greenwich February 2021.said. problem gambler but it dosen’t do the02Greens independents,and post: PO aBoxvery

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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

Consultations continue on Waterloo Estate concerns about the community consultation are fully justified.

“In the consultation report for the planning part of the redevelopment, community concerns were not noted, nor an explanation as to why they were not considered.”

CONSULTATION “TICKING A BOX”

The Land and Housing corporation is engaging in more rounds of community consultation over the redevelopment of social housing in Waterloo. Photo: Daniel Lo Surdo

BY AMBER GRIFFIN he Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is continuing community consultation to involve the community and residents in the redevelopment plans of Waterloo Estate.

Just as other council and government community consultation campaigns have come under fire recently, the LAHC’s campaign is in the same hot water.

Waterloo Estate residents feel as though the community consultation is a “shallow gesture” after hundreds were evicted from their public homes that are

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set to be demolished.

“It takes years to build community cohesion in a new community. Currently that cohesion is there but it will be broken by the redevelopment and a significant injection of at least 70% new private residents” Community group ‘REDWatch’ spokesperson Geoffrey Turnbull said.

“REDWatch’s role is to try and influence the process to reflect the diversity of community voices, irrespective of if government agencies want to seriously consult with the community or not.”

Turnbull told City Hub that the resident’s

There were approximately 2500 submissions from individuals, agencies, and councils calling for a Social Impact Assessment on the redevelopment plans. This assessment would involve a process for the management and monitoring of the potential social impacts of the redevelopment project, both positive and negative – it has not been done. The Department of Planning assessment report did not mention these requests or respond to them.

It takes years to build community cohesion “Why would the community believe that the consultation was seriously interested in what they thought, rather than just a ‘tick the box’ that the government goes through?” Turnbull asked.

LAHC and consultants aim to use the community consultation to introduce a ‘People and Place guiding framework’ to the community and Waterloo Estate stakeholders.

The framework is being developed to be utilised in the next stage of the over-sixyear Waterloo redevelopment process.

It will be used to influence decisions about the Waterloo redevelopment, including what is included in its contracts.

Key outcomes that LAHC hopes to achieve with the People and Place guiding framework include connecting with country, place making, future human services, tenant relocations and support and engagement.

REDWatch believes that LAHC is rolling out the same process used for other redevelopments that are much more ‘tick the box – done that’, rather than showing understanding community concerns.

“REDWatch is much more concerned with what has been learnt from other developments, how do we avoid the problems of some other large redevelopment and how do we deal with the issues in the likely outcome that the developers does not deliver the outcomes required.”

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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

HubNEWS

Bushland at risk from Little Bay development

BY ERIN MODARO development application for a 4-storey mix of apartments and townhouses in Little Bay has recently been granted approval by the Land and Environment Court, after developers appealed Randwick council’s dismissal of the application in 2021.

The application for 45 new residences at 11 Jennifer Street was knocked back by Randwick Council due to concerns over damage to native vegetation, notably the critically endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub.

The developers, Auspat International No.2 Pty Ltd, appealed council’s dismissal to the LEC and were granted approval to submit an amended proposal in March 2022. In May, when the application was back at the LEC, the developers were given time to respond to expert opinion on the damage to native vegetation that the building would pose.

The amended proposal hearings were wrapped up LEC in September, and the development was granted approval on October 19. Amendments were made to the size and scope of the development, as well as splitting the north building

limit. Residents in Little Bay have been campaigning to keep the village-like feel of the suburb in the face of large developments for years. “[The development] will destroy the views of the immediate neighbours on Jennifer Street” Bettington said.

While Randwick Council has been fighting development on Jennifer Street for years, a spokesperson said council respects the decision of the court.

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destroy the views of the Kamay Botany Bay National Park sits next to the development site in Little Bay. Photo: NSW National Parks

into two separate buildings with a 12 metre gap between.

NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA STILL AT RISK

The updated application also included the preservation of certain areas of banksia scrub on the site, however, community groups say these mitigations are not enough to protect local vegetation.

“The judge has ordered that some parts of the [Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub] in the building footprint have to be dug

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 66-70 Regent Street, CHIPPENDALE NSW 2008 with 5G RFNSA reference: 2008005 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows; The installation of three (3) new panel antennas (0.81m long) onto the existing rooftop facility The installation of three (3) new panel antennas (2.50m long) onto the existing rooftop facility The installation of one (1) new GPS antennas onto the existing rooftop facility Add Ancillary items including six (6) new remote radio units and in shelter works 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Blessing Nhliziyo of Genus at Feedback@Genus.com.au , or 3/5 Hartnett Cl, Mulgrave VIC 3170, by, 4pm on November 28th 2022.

up carefully and translocated to another part of the site” Claire Bettington from Friends of Malabar Headland told City Hub. “Our opinion is that this won’t work” she said.

“The translocated vegetation is likely to die, as it has when this has been tried before”.

Bettington also said that the 4-storey development will set a precedent for overdevelopment in the area, as majority of surrounding residences fall within a one or two storey height

immediate neighbours “While the amended proposal has addressed some of the planning and urban design contentions, Council is still concerned about the impact to biodiversity including threatened species such as the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, as well as impact on the heritage conservation areas and public interest,” the spokesperson said.

“Council respects the Court’s decision and will continue to work with the developer to ensure all conditions of consent are implemented.”

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT ALEXANDRIA INCLUDING 5G 27341 Alexandria -O: 70-74 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 (RFNSA 2015006) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: • Removal of existing Vodafone antennas and equipment • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 2.7m long, on a new headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including nine (9) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 1. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Exempt Development under the SEPP (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, based on the description above.

2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Vanessa Wan at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday 25 November 2022. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2015006.

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubNEWS

UN investigators refused Parents condemn dangerous Newtown school drop-off access to NSW prisons

BY ERIN MODARO arents from Newtown Public School are calling on the state government and the City of Sydney Council to urgently upgrade street safety in the busy streets surrounding the primary school. A petition to increase safety at a popular drop-off spot on Whitehorse Street in Newtown is steadily gaining signatures.

The petition comes after a near fatal road accident involving a child occurred at the location.

“In light of a near fatal accident involving a child, we call on the City of Sydney Council to urgently improve the pedestrian safety of Whitehorse Street, off King Street,” the petition reads.

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Human rights groups and the Australian Human Rights Commission have criticised NSW’s refusal to allow UN OPCAT investigators into prisons. Photo: negativespace.co

BY ERIN MODARO been working towards making sure investigations by the SPT are benefitting SW has refused United Nations people from the ‘bottom-up’, and officials’ entry to a state ensuring that detained Australians are detention centre, in a move that able to work directly with officers. has been condemned by human rights and justice organisations.

Collins said that “the only way” that conditions in prisons and detention Prisoners’ rights activist Brett Collins centres are going to improve is through from human rights group Justice Action “continual monitoring from the bottom”. says that he is “not surprised” by the state government’s decision to block In a submission to the OPCAT this access to its prisons. year, Justice Action outlined four key areas of concern in Australian prisons.

“We were really concerned about… and not surprised about, the behaviour of the The submission reported that actions breaching human rights standards New South Wales Government” Collins outlined in the treaty are currently said. happening across Australia, but are The UN officials’ visit is part of an particularly common in NSW. investigation by the United Nations Solitary confinement, Subcommittee on the forced medicating Prevention of Torture If NSW has nothing and strip searching (SPT). Australia is to hide, why wouldn’t it were all behaviours bound to comply reported by Justice open up its prisons? with SPT visits after Action to occur within former prime minister NSW’s justice system.

Malcolm Turnbull ratified an UN protocol designed to “New South Wales has been the only prevent torture in prisons and state jurisdiction that has refused access to detention facilities in 2017. the inspectors” Collins said.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention “If NSW has nothing to hide, why Against Torture, or OPCAT, allows for UN wouldn’t it open up its prisons, and officers to investigate prisons and is allow the international inspectors to see specifically designed to prevent torture what’s happening?” in state detention through working The Greens have also condemned the with government to adopt prevention state government’s secrecy about the measures. conditions of its prisons.

NSW has so far been the only state in Greens MP Jenny Leong said that Australia to refuse to co-operate with the “United Nations inspectors have been SPT. granted access to prisons in every other jurisdiction in Australia”.

OPCAT AN “OPPORTUNITY” “Given the failures of the NSW FOR CHANGE Government to implement the full Justice Action has been involved recommendations from the Royal in OPCAT’s adoption in Australia Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in since 2009, when they represented Custody and track record of mistreating imprisoned Australians at a Human people in prison, it is deeply disturbing Rights Commission Seminar. Collins they think they are above the scrutiny of said that the human rights group has the UN torture watchdog” Leong said.

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President of the P & C at Newtown Public School, Helen Paterson, told City Hub that on busy 9am mornings the drop-off area on Whitehorse street is “chaos”.

Paterson said the “dead-end” road is “madness” as cars drop children off and need to do a u-turn to exit the nothrough road.

“It’s not safe” she said.

COUNCILLOR CALLS FOR ACTION

The dangerous nature of the intersection has been investigated for several years, as in 2019 line marking and enforced parking controls were introduced following a safety audit by the City of Sydney council.

It’s not safe A site visit was later conducted by Transport for NSW, City staff and and the principal of Newtown Public School in February of 2020, which determined that the location was in dire need of safety mitigations, including widening the footpath.

In March of 2020, Cr Scott submitted a motion to council to address the safety concerns, which passed unanimously.

The motion noted the “numerous serious incidents” that occurred at the intersection.

“Parents of Newtown public schools have been raising safety concerns with the state government and the City of Sydney for years” Cr Scott said.

Newtown Public School students standing in front of Whitehorse Street, after a petition has been started to improve safety at the drop-off location. Photo: Supplied

Parents are are calling for the footpath on Whitehorse street to be widened, as well as the construction of a ‘kiss and ride’ drop-off spot where parents can safely let their children out of cars and into school. They also call for powerlines to be moved underground.

“It would be possible to make that footpath wider and have a kiss and ride spot” Paterson said.

However, two years later, parents are still campaigning for adequate safety measures to materialise.

Cr Scott agreed that council and government “urgently” need to take action on widening the Whitehorse Street footpath.

“It is well overdue for public spaces to be made more pedestrian friendly and safer for our children.”

HubNEWS

Historic mural on Sydney’s “unsung heroes”

BY ERIN MODARO his month, the Maritime Union marked its 150th anniversary, and in recognition of its long history, the Maritime Museum in Sydney is displaying a historic mural painted by union members in the 1950s and 60s.

Painted over several years by 9 union artists, the mural decorated the walls of the canteen at 60 Sussex Street where ‘‘wharfies’, or dock workers, would eat and socialise. Significant faces, events and ideas of the 20th century are boldly featured across its 9 panels.

The canteen mural, formerly located in the heart of Sydney’s docks where Barangaroo is now, was started in 1953, with additions being added for over a decade after. Workers sat under the mural throughout the 20th century, until the building was set to be demolished in 1991, and the paintings were carefully removed from the walls and placed in storage.

Paul Keating, Secretary of the Maritime Union Sydney Branch, said that he can imagine what it would have been like to see the mural in its birthplace.

“I can imagine the moms and the dads the waterside workers, their wives, and children coming into the canteen and seeing that picture, seeing that mural and understanding how profound it was” Keating told City Hub. “It’s a masterpiece for historical reasons” he said.

The brushstrokes of the mural tell the story of dockworker’s optimism, their dedication to improving the lives of working-class Australians. Painted in the style of Soviet art, as a revolution swept through Russia and spread Marxist culture and politics across the globe, the figures in the mural display the soul of Australian revolution.

The Socialist Realism style of the mural was “intended to depict historical events from a worker’s perspective and to evoke the spirit of solidarity,” said exhibition curator Holly Williams.

“As an artwork, it speaks to the aims and aspirations of the union at the time it was created.”

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THE HISTORY OF THE MARITIME UNION

Trade unions began forming in Australia in the late 19th century, with the official formation of the Waterside Workers’ Federation (WWF) coming in 1902. The WWF was the first maritime union ever established.

The aspirations of the union included the adoption of the 8 hour work day, which is depicted on one mural panel next to the formation of the Australian

The Maritime Museum is displaying a historic mural to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Maritime Union. Photo: Australian National Maritime Museum

Labor Party in the 1890s. In 1917, as oceans away Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace overturning hundreds of years of Romanov rule, Sydney’s workers were striking for their rights in Eveleigh train-yards.

The despair and poverty brought on by The Great Depression is also illustrated, next to panels marking the shift of world powers throughout the 20th century. The atrocities of the Holocaust are displayed as the Dachau concentration camp is pictured adjacent to a scarlet Nazi armband.

it speaks to the aims and aspirations of the union The toiling workers of the mural reflect the harsh physical labour that characterised working on Sydney’s docks.

“Several sections address the physically harsh and dangerous working conditions for wharfies” Williams said.

An island nation, shipping routes marked the connection for Australia to the rest of the world, and massive amounts of labour were needed to keep the industry running.

The overturning of exploitative conditions was integral to the union’s fight.

Keating recognised the end of the “bull system”, in which the strongest men would get the most work, as a

significant achievement for the union.

“Usually only the strongest and more compliant workers were chosen, leaving the others to go hungry” Williams explained. The hunger of workers under the “bull” system led to the long walk down the Darling Harbour docks being deemed ‘The Hungry Mile’.

WATERSIDE WORKER’S FILM UNIT The Maritime’s Union was not only a facilitator of politics, but also of culture.

Sixteen cultural groups formed within the union to nurture socialist ideas, push for social change, and express the experiences of working class Australians.

During the height of the cold war, when anti-communist and anti-worker rhetoric was broadcast through mainstream media, three union members collaborated to form the Waterside Workers’ Federation Film Unit in 1953.

The Film Unit’s works would go on to be a lasting monument to the union, as their most influential film, The Hungry Mile, is referenced in the mural.

Norma Disher, Keith Gow and Jock Levy would produce three films in the 1950s, with one more film produced in 1981 by their successors in the Wharfies’ Film Unit.

Lisa Milner, a Labor historian and author, said that the visual medium of film made it a powerful conduit for sharing ideology.

“It’s important that the history of a very important union in Australian political

and industrial history gets to be seen on screen” Milner said.

“The film unit has had a lasting impact on both the political and cultural history of Australia.”

Today, the films produced by the Wharfies’ Film Unit are looking-glasses into the past experiences of the working class.

“Because the films have been digitised we get to enjoy that legacy for a long time to come” Milner said.

The art, culture and history of the union is held in high regard today.

The exhibition of the mural marks the first time it has been on display since the mid-1990s. Celebrated by the Maritime Union on it’s 150th anniversary, the Union’s National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said that “we are proud of what we have achieved”.

“We are proud of everything we’ve stood up for. We are proud that we are providing a strong base for working men and women to live better lives, just as we have for 150 years.”

Keating said that the mural has modern-day political significance in addition to its historical ones.

“It has a relevance today with the… rise of nationalism and, and fascist parties that are a scourge across the world” he said.

“Everything that enriches out lives… comes through on boats across the world by the unsung heroes.”

The Wharfies’ mural is currently on exhibition in the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.

CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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Just For Laughs Sydney celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year with a cracker line-up of local and international acts and new, exclusive events.

BY RITA BRATOVICH f ever we needed a good laugh it’s now. And while the world plays out the final verses of the Bible and society becomes more tik-toxic, it’s a relief to know there are real heroes out there whose only goal is to make people feel good.

That’s what Just For Laughs is all about.

Launched in Montreal in 1983, Just For Laughs is now the

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biggest comedy festival on the planet, with events taking place in many major cities. The Sydney edition launched ten years ago and featured a gala event at the Sydney Opera House which has become a mainstay of the festival.

Featuring a star-studded line-up of the very best comedians here and from over-seas in a curated program, JFL Sydney 2022 will be a unique event.

“You’ll never have these comedians on stage altogether ever again,” assures festival producer, Alana Bohm. Bohm has been in the comedy business for two decades. She’s helped bring out

some of the biggest international names and helped local acts become big international names.

The program for this year’s JFL Sydney is particularly exciting for Bohm as it includes some brand new, Sydneyexclusive shows.

Musical Comedy Gala is an innovative concept that puts musical comedians on stage. Hosted by the absurdist comedy trio called Aunty Donna and co-produced by Georgia Mooney (All Our Exes Live In Texas), it is untried territory.

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a first. It will be a sort of a test, so it’s going to be fun,” says Bohm.

Then there is The Alternative Show, hosted by an extremely alternative comedian - Randy Feltface.

“He’s amazing!” says Bohm. “He’s the funniest non-human comedian. He’s huge over in the States, he’s just done so well.”

You’ll never have these comedians on stage altogether ever again

Joining Randy will be human comedians Anne Edmonds, Sam Campbell, Scout Boxall, Dan Rath and Frankie McNair.

Comedy favourite and TV personality, Wil Anderson will host two live shows with special guests, based on his popular podcast, Wilosophy.

Big international acts include: Sandi Toksvig, Rob Beckett, Jay Pharoah,

ERIC IDLE

Alan Carr, and recently confirmed, Eric Idle who will talk about his battle with pancreatic cancer.

The centrepiece of the festival, as ever, is the All-Star Gala, hosted this year by Tommy Little (co-host of The Project) and held in the refurbished Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. Expect A-list performers, glitz and mayhem.

“It’s our ten year anniversary - there’s definitely going to be surprises!” says Bohm.

An exciting innovation this year is First Nations Funnies, a collaboration between JFL and comedian Steph Tisdell’s company, First Nations Talent Agency. Tisdell approached JFL expressing a desire to increase the prestige of Aboriginal comedy and create an international footprint for it, and their response was positive.

“They said: ‘this is absolutely the sort of thing we should be doing. This is exactly what the role of an international festival is, is to show people the best and show people new stuff that they haven’t looked at before. It shows the integrity of the festival , it show the integrity of the company and their willingness to change the status quo to suit the reality of a changing society,” recounts Tisdell. “So they’ve been unbelievable!”

SANDI TOKSVIG

NURSE BLAKE

ROB BECKETT

Tisdell leads a diverse line-up of Aboriginal comedians - Dane Simpson, Janty Blair, Andy Saunders, Kevin Kropinyeri and Jay Wymarra - each with whom she has a special connection.

Andy Saunders and Kevin Kropinyeri taught Tisdell how to be generous with her art.

“You have to always see your artform as a way to share love with people,” says Tisdell, describing the advice Kropinyeri gave her. “As soon as you step out with this attitude … it will transform how you perform and transform how your audience feels about you. You get to feel like you’re doing a good deed instead of just performing, you know.”

Tisdell has a palpable respect for Saunders and Kropinyeri, whom she considers mentors, though both have very different types of humour.

“Andy’s so sarcastic and very dry, whereas Kevin is like this bouncy, bubbly ball of energy.”

Then there’s rising star, Jay Wymarra.

“He’s a conundrum. He’s so many different things…he’s a queer drag queen from the Torres Strait Islands but he’s also like a massive nerd. He’s a very intimidating-looking man but then he’s very soft and giggly and animated.”

Janty Blair was a mid-wife for 30 years and gives off a maternal vibe but is very cheeky and youthful in her stand-up.

Dane Simpson is fast making a name for himself as a line-up must-have.

Tisdell came to comedy by accident. She was studying law and journalism and was dared to do stand-up. She not only loved it, she discovered it could be more affective in changing social attitudes than law or journalism.

She created her company and inaugurated First Nations Funnies at JFL to champion Aboriginal talent - which is often better received overseas.

we’re just there to make people laugh “We don’t have that same presence in Australia because I think a lot of people think that Aboriginal comedy is for Aboriginal people, and it’s not. And this is about showing that. We’re at the Sydney Opera House, this is the best of the best of our performers in comedy and we’re just there to make people laugh, you know.”

A lot of people are introduced to Just For Laughs via the live shows broadcast for many years on Channel 10. Nath Valvo certainly remembers watching live shows from Montreal growing up, although at the time he was much more into sketch comedy.

His first comic venture was doing a sketch show with some friends. He then

started dabbling in stand-up and never looked back.

“And I love it! I think it’s really hard and challenging and exciting and Aussies once you go and do Edinburgh Fringe, once you go and do Montreal, you realise that Australians are excellent at stand-up and we have a very high standard,” says Valvo.

Valvo is hosting the Just For Laughs Australia Live! shows at the Sydney Opera House, which will be broadcast on TV. There are six shows, each with a different line-up of comedians - more than 30 overall.

It’s a mix of established and emerging, local and international artists but Valvo can’t hint at any names - because he doesn’t know any yet.

“They’re being very coy. Even me, you know - the host, they’re keeping names from me!”

It’s hard to imagine it doesn’t get competitive with all those comedians vying for laughs from the same crowd. Valvo says yes it does, but not really.

“You want everyone to be great because then the audience has a great time and everyone gets a piece of that really fun, buzzed up audience because it’s a great atmosphere.

We always want everyone to do well.”

However, he confesses: “but then you’ve got this tiny, tiny evil comedian voice in your head going ‘eh, but not better than you!’”

One good thing that’s happened in comedy, according to Valvo, is that there are a lot more rooms as well as opportunities online, so comedians can be more niche and find broader audiences.

“The other really good thing that’s happening with comedy is people are just getting a lot better at it. People don’t punch down anymore. People have learnt you can’t just be lazy… comedy’s too competitive to be lazy or racist or sexist, so I just think, it’s really fun.”

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POST PANDEMIC PROSELYTISING

issionary zeal has been a driving force in numerous religions for hundreds of years. Whether it’s the conversion of heathen savages or the more subtle recruitment techniques of the Hillsong Church, constantly expanding the congregation is a major priority. Covid has put a temporary halt to urban door knockers like the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses but look out - proselytising is making a big comeback!

We have probably all experienced an untimely visit at some stage from a couple of evangelists, out to offer us the keys to salvation. Like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, they never declare their church affiliation first off and there’s usually a seductive intro like “have you ever thought what the real meaning of life is?”.

Needless to say they are well accustomed to hostile reactions, like doors slammed in their faces or being told to bugger off.

Whilst the missionaries are slowly returning, despite some houses now displaying the sign “NO JUNK RELIGION”,

our letter boxes have become the target of a number of extreme religious ideologies. I recently received a glossy twelve page booklet titled ‘The Final Crisis’ which asked the question ”Living in the Earth’s last days. What does the future hold?”.

The main gist of the literature was a familiar one: that “never before has our world faced such a time of turmoil and fear” – that the day of judgement is closer than the Brisbane Olympics.

It’s a prophecy embraced by many religions, often defined by the term ‘eschatology’ which deals with things like the end of life and the world itself.

Hollywood has dished up many versions of the apocalypse and Armageddon, most of them free of any religious connection or significance, save for a number of low budget Christian features. Nevertheless propagandists like ‘The Final Crisis’ clearly draw on these scenarios to create a climate of fear, luridly illustrated with

images of countless meteors crashing to earth and the planet erupting in flames.

It’s enough to scare the bejesus out of any small child who happens to pick up one of their pamphlets.

Dig deeper into the message of ‘The Final Crisis” and you read “Dark Forces are using Covid-19 and the global climate emergency to introduce new systems and laws which ultimately lead to what they are now calling the ‘New World Order’”. Nothing like a bit of conspiracy to ram home the message.

There’s also a distinct anti-Catholic content, illustrated with an image of the Pope underneath the numerals ‘666’ and criticism of Catholicism’s influence in the world.

This is hard core proselytising, coming to a letterbox near you or your junk email.

It almost makes you long for the cheery faces of a couple of young Mormon lads from Utah, even though you might politely tell them to piss off. Having said all that, next time you fly, you might gain some reassurance by confirming that the flight crew upfront are all card carrying atheists, Muslims, Buddhists or any denomination bar evangelicals.

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SYDNEY MODERN A new iconic building and art centre for Sydney (See p.26)

THE TEMPEST STORMS INTO THE STC

BY JOHN MOYLE hakespeare’s The Tempest, his play about all aspects of life, storms into the Sydney Theatre Company in November for a short run with two of the leading lights of Australian theatre: director Kip Williams and actor Richard Roxburgh.

Williams’ last triumph for the STC was The Picture of Dorian Gray, much lauded for its innovative approach to technology and casting, while Roxburgh is returning to the STC for the first time in years after thrilling us recently on the TV series

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Rake, Bali 2002 and the upcoming film Shantaram.

The Tempest is regarded by many to be Shakespeare’s final large text and contains elements of both tragedy and comedy, overlaid with magic and a subtext of colonialism and identity politics and the notion of letting go of previous lives and concepts.

“Being such an imaginative play, it gives me a huge amount of license. It is a play that has magic in it, it is a play that speaks directly to the process of making art and theatre, so within the text there

THE LOVERS

have had the benefit of having lived and experienced things,” Roxburgh says.

Nov 15 – Dec 17, Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, www.roslynpackertheatre.com.au

BY MARK MORELLINI heatregoers who enjoyed Trevor Ashley’s hilarious parodies The Body Bag & The Lyin’ Queen should not miss his upcoming Christmas pantomime Moulin Scrooge!, which he describes as a ‘piss take’ on everybody’s favourite Baz Luhrmann’s movie/musical Moulin Rouge!

“I play Saton a showgirl from King’s Cross whose strip club is in danger of closing and she’s trying to do anything she can to keep the club open. She falls in love with a young composer named You-In McGregor who just wants to get his new musical heard at the Hayes Theatre and then the Duke of York shows up to invest in my new production.

Naturally a love triangle develops.”

The multi-talented Ashley not only stars as the ever gorgeous Saton but he’s also credited as producer, director, co-writer, and set designer.

“The costumes are simply gorgeous.

Carlotta who plays the role of club-owner Astrid Zeneca is wearing all the feathers in the world. I have five costume changes during the show and I’m quite excited. In the opening scene I’ll be wearing my black and silver corset with feather bustles.”

Ashley describes his style of humour in this show as very naughty and less pop culture than The Lyin’ Queen was and also delves more into the story itself.

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Richard Roxburgh in STC’s The Tempest.

Photo: Rene Vaile

MOULIN SCROOGE!

REVIEW

BY RITA BRATOVICH he is so much to love about this musical! It’s brand new; it has all original songs; it is an Australian work and is spoken/sung with Aussie accents; the composer/writer is a woman; it interprets Shakespeare for a young audience in a language they understand; and it is f*cking awesome!

The Lovers is based on William Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays but also one with a very convoluted plot. The Lovers focuses in on just one aspect of the play: the criss-cross infatuations of four characters and the clumsy meddling of two fairies.

It is the first time Bell Shakespeare has produced a musical version of the Bard’s work, and it is also a stage debut

is license for us to develop a rich and exciting theatrical universe,” Kip Williams, director, says.

Roxburgh, who is playing Prospero, agrees and adds: “It has to speak to us in a way that we understand its deepest meanings, and there is a strong theme of colonisation in the story of The Tempest, which obviously when doing it in 2022 in Australia is something that has to be addressed.”

Williams has taken an open approach to casting, with Biripi man and multiHelpmann award winner, Guy Simon, in the role of Caliban, the only native inhabitant of the unnamed island.

“In this production we are also looking at reframing Caliban somewhat and there are some textual interpretations within the production that might give a different idea to how Caliban evolves within the process,” Williams says.

Roxburgh feels that this is the time in his career for him to take on the complex role of Prospero.

“You need quite a heft of life experience under your belt, and it really helps to

for Laura Murphy as a writer/composer.

The music is deliberately mainstream and derivative; the lyrics, witty and cleverly crafted with perfect comic placement of the pay-off lines.

It’s an all-star cast of brilliant young performers who prove that Australia has an exciting pool of talent in this industry.

Natalie Abbott is Helena, Blake Appelqvist is Demetrius, Stellar Perry is Oberon, Monique Sallé is Puck, Brittanie Shipway is Hermia and Jerrod Smith is Lysander.

This is high energy, funny, entertaining quality talent that doesn’t dumb down Shakespeare but rather is an intelligent retelling of him.

The Lovers is a show for those who like to Bard hard.

Until Nov 20,The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, www.bellshakespeare. com.au/the-lovers

Trevor Ashely in Moulin Scrooge!

Photo: John MacRae

“It includes all the panto stuff with plenty of local references. It’s a very Sydney centric show and we reference everywhere in King’s Cross and Potts Point. The gags will be updated in performances depending on what happens in the local areas daily.”

This pantomime should appeal to all audiences who enjoy a good laugh.

Dec 1 – 18, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale, www.seymourcentre.com CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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HubARTS

Sydney Modern artist impression. Image: AGNSW

SYDNEY MODERN - A WORK OF ART FOR WORKS OF ART

BY RITA BRATOVICH he eagerly anticipated grand opening of Sydney Modern has been announced for December this year with week-long, free events to celebrate the occasion. The impressive addition to the Art Gallery of NSW is the city’s most architecturally and culturally significant new building since the Sydney Opera House.

The Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) has been the city’s preeminent art gallery for more than 150 years, and has had several homes before settling on its current site opposite The Domain in

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the late 1800s. The familiar, purposebuilt heritage sandstone building with Corinthian temple-inspired facade, has been the home of AGNSW for more than a century, but its capacity has been surpassed by the city’s cultural needs.

Sydney Modern will double the AGNSW’s exhibition space and facilities. Sitting only metres away from its historic predecessor, the new addition is light years away in terms of design and features. It is a vast and airy complex with cascading levels, indoor and outdoor art gardens, sweeping architectural lines,

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CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

and a predominantly glass exterior that takes advantage of its scenic position overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay. Opening celebrations will take place across nine days and include workshops, displays, live performances, and talks and all events are free. The art gallery will extend its hours during the nine days and be open from 10am to 10pm each day from December 3 to 11.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Art for All: a free concert on December 10 in The Domain featuring British singer,

Ellie Goulding, Australia’s Meg Mac and the electronic duo Electric Fields (Anangu and Zaachariaha Fielding).

• Art Up: a nightly drone show over Woolloomooloo Bay created by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. Featuring 400 drones creating aerial artworks set to a soundtrack.

• Art Exchange: a series of public conversations between artists, thought leaders and creatives from around the world. Panellists include artists Lisa Reihana, Reko Rennie, Howie Tsui and Adrián Villar Rojas; curator, writer, co-founder and executive director of The World Around at the Guggenheim Museum in New York Beatrice Galilee; director of M+ in Hong Kong Suhanya Raffel; comedian Steven Oliver; chefs Adam Liaw, Christine Manfield, Matt Moran and Clayton Wells; former Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce; and human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson.

• Performances: a series of special performances at the Art Gallery include GABAN by Brook Andrew, an interdisciplinary artist of the Wiradjuri Nation; RITUAL, a powerful and engrossing choreographic work by actor, filmmaker and martial artist Maria Tran; and Animate Loading, a site-responsive, disability-led choreographic work by Riana Head-Toussaint.

• Workshops: A weaving workshop led by artists from Milingimbi Art and Culture centre in northeast Arnhem Land. The workshop is a response to a series of naturally dyed woven artworks displayed in the Yiribana Gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the first gallery that visitors encounter in the Art Gallery’s new building.

Dec 3 - 11, For full program and details visit: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

HubARTS

THE POWERHOUSE OF ZAMPATTI

Carla Zampatti. Julia Gillard. Photo: Ryan Hernandez

Zampatti Powerhouse.

Photo:Powerhouse

Carla Zampatti. Tina Arena. Photo: Ryan Hernandez

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played a small part in moments of significance in the lives of many Australian women,” says Zampatti’s son and CEO of Carla Zampatti, Alexander Schuman.

The exhibition will be complemented by a series of events including evening talks and performances, and late-night presentations. A special publication is also being released. It features archival collection fashion shoot starring Zampatti’s granddaughter Brigid Schuman, and portraits of luminaries such as Dame Quentin Bryce and Ita Buttrose by Hugh Stewart.

Nov 24, 2022 – June 11, 2023, FREE, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Pyrmont www.maas.museum/event/ carla-zampatti

Carla Zampatti graphic pants 1973. Photo: Ryan Hernandez

BY RITA BRATOVICH arla Zampatti was one of Australia’s first haute couture designers and a pioneer of the fashion industry in this country.

Her designs have been worn by celebrities, dignitaries, and even royalty. Now, for the first time ever, Zampatti’s entire collection has been curated for a special retrospective at the Powerhouse Museum.

Zampatti Powerhouse celebrates the life and work of Carla Zampatti across a career spanning five decades. It features 100 designs loaned from 50 sources and includes iconic pieces that became part of the history of the people and events in which they appeared.

Highlights are: Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s jacket worn when she addressed US Congress in 2011; the white jacket worn by Christine Holgate when speaking at the Australia Post Inquiry in April 2021; the red pantsuit worn by Linda Burney for her official parliamentary portrait in 2019; Tina Arena’s jumpsuit, personally fitted for her ARIA Hall of Fame induction in 2015; and her own blue jacket frequently worn by daughter, Allegra while campaigning for the federal seat of Wentworth.

Other highlights include the gown worn by HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark for her official royal portrait in 2015; personal items worn by Zampatti; a 1985 Ford Laser she codesigned; and two large bronze busts

by Dame Elisabeth Frink.

“It is an incredible honour for Mum’s design legacy to be showcased in a major exhibition at Powerhouse Ultimo. Mum loved the magic of fashion, the big runway shows as well as hearing her customers’ personal stories and how her designs often

★★★★ The Guardian

Playing now until 19 November Written by Jack Thorne, the BAFTA-winning writer of Skins, Shameless and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Learn more at darlinghursttheatre.com

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OPERA AUSTRALIA BRINGS CARMEN TO COCKATOO ISLAND

BY RITA BRATOVICH pera Australia is expanding its footprint and claiming another iconic location with an inaugural performance of Carmen on Cockatoo Island. The innovative arts organisation has already taken opera from its cosy home in the Sydney Opera House to the great outdoors in The Domain, and on the water in Farm Cove. This new venture will bring the centuries old art form to a diverse, modern, mainstream crowd.

Cockatoo Island is the largest of Sydney Harbour’s thirteen islands, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been used as a penal colony, girls industrial school and reformatory, and a shipyard. More recently, it has been repurposed as a cultural, entertainment and tourist venue.

It seems an unlikely setting for an opera, but it’s actually perfect for the concept director Liesel Badorrek and set designer Mark Thompson have for this production. The title character of Carmen is a rebel with streetsmarts. She works in a cigarette factory and lives among the disenfranchised.

The hard lines, concrete-facades, rusting iron beams and austere ambience of Cockatoo Island are ideal for Badorrek’s vision of a contemporary, subversive, rebelculture inspired Carmen. Expect fireworks (literally), motorbike riders, leather jackets and a whole lot more.

It ain’t gonna be easy, though.

The stage, seating, bars, dining and other facilities will be built from scratch on Bolt Wharf. Everything - building materials, technical equipment, costumes, everything - has to be taken across by barge. Then it

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needs to all be removed at the end of the season. But it will definitely be worth it.

“We’ve waited two years for this,” says Danita Weatherstone who plays Micaëla in this production. The original scheduled season of Carmen on Cockatoo Island was interrupted by Covid.

Weatherstone performed in the national tour of Carmen last year and is very excited about this upcoming outdoor event, in particular, Badorrek’s direction.

“I love Liesel Badorrek’s vision for this.

She doesn’t want any weak characters.

In this production she’s given my role strength and ambition,” says Weatherstone. “ [Micaëla] just feels so much more real, with more human wants and needs, rather than just a cardboard cut out of what a good girl should be.”

Weatherstone performed in the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (HOSH) production of La Traviata last year, so she already has experience in singing among the elements. It’s very different to performing in the House.

“Firstly, the size of the stage is just incredible, like, you feel like you’re performing on a football field…you feel so small, under the stars, on this massive space and you’ve got about three thousand people in the audience.”

Everyone on stage needs to scale up their performance to match the expansive setting. It requires a lost of energy. It also involves a bit of re-training.

“We’re not used to singing into microphones,” Weatherstone laughs. Opera singers train to project their voices without the aid of mics, but then they normally

November 25 - December 18. Tickets $79-$149 + booking fee.

Bolt Wharf, Cockatoo Island. For more information visit: www. opera.org.au/carmen 28

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sing in a closed room with good acoustics.

Outside, they need to rely on equipment and sound engineers.

In the cool night air, a singer’s voice dries more quickly so they need to ensure they are hydrated. Then there’s the chance of over-hydration, otherwise known as rain.

“It feels kind of nice singing in the rain,” Weatherstone says unexpectedly.

Lighting is extremely important as well for this show. With such a large stage, lighting will be key in highlighting relevant characters and moments during the performance. It’s also being used as a narrative device to provide clues to the audience.

Carmen is arguably the most popular opera in the world with some of the most recognisable melodies. It is one of the most accessible and this augmented experience on Cockatoo Island should appeal to aficionados and novices alike.

“I think maybe if you’re new to opera, this is a fabulous way to start out with it, particularly if you’re more used to other kinds of concerts or festivals, it’s gonna have that vibe, it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” says Weatherstone. “You’ve got a ferry

ride out on Sydney Harbour and drinks and nibbles on the island. You can go the full hog experience and camp out there.”

Overnight campingis available on the island with a full range of facilities on hand. Weatherstone’s own aunt and cousins are planning to camp out.

Despite the challenges, Weatherstone believes these outdoor presentations are a postive thing for the arts, for public spaces, and for potential new audiences.

“I would love to see more different venues. And, you know, as a country I’d love to see opera more exposed and available to people.”

Tickets can be purchases with optional dinner and drink packages and optional chartered ferry. Public ferries run a regular service to Cockatoo Island from Circular Quay, Barangaroo and other wharfs.

Water Taxis can also be booked privately.

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UNLIKE ANY OTHER THEATRE EXPERIENCE

BY RITA BRATOVICH t’s the sort of play that encompasses so many facets of the human experience, in particular, the experience of growing up and finding oneself in the world … finding connection when the world essentially tells you you don’t belong.”

That is director, Alexander Berlage describing the Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Let The Right One In, which is now midway through its season at Eternity Playhouse.

Let The Right One In first came into being in 2004 as a novel written by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Its main characters are a 12-year-old boy, Oskar, and a one-hundred-yearold vampire, Eli who presents as a pre-teen child. Acclaimed writer, Jack Thorne wrote the stage adaptation of what has already become a Nordic noir classic.

For Berlage, putting this story on stage was a rare and exquisite challenge.

“With theatre, you don’t often get an opportunity to work on shows that exist within the genre space, and in particular, the space of horror and the supernatural,” explains Berlage, “so it was the fact that we were able to, you know, work on a piece that was deeply human but also so theatrical and supernatural that got me so excited.”

The original book has spawned several film and television adaptations and that means there are people in the audience who have experienced one or more interpretations of the narrative, as well as those coming in fresh. Then there is the plethora of vampirethemed media in pop culture. It all sets expectations, preconceptions.

Berlage advises leaving those at the door. This is different.

Let The Right One In is really an exploration of visceral and universal human experience. At its core is the ever-deepening connection between Oskar (Will McDonald) and Eli (Sebrina Thornton-Walker).

Both live on the outer rims of social interaction. Oskar is bullied; Eli is enigmatic, different.

Around them, the world is hostile, but between them, it is filled with potential beauty.

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Until Nov 19

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Alexander Berlage Photo: Jasmin Simmons

Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst

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There is a lot of violence, blood and horror in the story, and much of it is depicted on stage, though not gratuitously. Berlage’s aim is to create empathy between the characters and the audience.

“Going to the theatre is an invitation to walk inside someone’s shoes and to see the world through someone else’s eyes. That’s the invitation you give to audiences.

Some people won’t like the time in that person’s shoes or like the time in that person’s eyes,” says Berlage. He wants the audience to enter another realm, be absorbed into the fiction.

“I’m a very big believer that theatre, at its core, should be a place of very big theatricality, of boldness, of helping to transport audiences to worlds and places that you wouldn’t go to in your day-to-day life.”

And for two and a half hours, Let The Right One In does indeed take audiences out of the Eternity Playhouse and into a desolate, stark, cold suburban Swedish ghetto. The set is sterile somewhere between industrial and clinical, always dimly lit, usually covered with swirling mist. An originally composed soundtrack sustains the mood.

But it is the two young leads who give this production its soul.

“What Will and Sebrina both bring to the stage is the most incredible heart and intensity and emotion, and it has been such a joy to work with these two young performers.

The chemistry they have between them is unlike anything I’ve ever seen; they manage to encapsulate the loneliness, the heartbreak and the desperate desire for connection in a place of darkness so beautifully.”

Let The Right One In will not be for everyone - as is true of any play.

For Berlage, it is a personal tour de force and a production he feels very proud and enthusiastic to share with a willing audience.

“I’d say, come if you want to moved, come if you want to experience the theatricality of the supernatural on stage, but if you’re wanting a stale living room drama, save your money.”

www.darlinghursttheatre.com/lettherightonein CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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WOODWARD RETURNS TO CHATSWOOD

BY RITA BRATOVICH cclaimed pianist, Roger Woodward AC will return to his home ground in December to perform with the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO) in their 50th anniversary celebratory concert.

The one-off show at The Concourse, Chatswood, will see KPO’s artistic director, Paul Terracini brandishing the conductor’s baton.

Arguably one of Australia’s most renowned musicians, Woodward grew up on Sydney’s lower north shore and even performed in The Concourse when it was a more humble building - as a child.

“The Concourse has always been close to my family,” says Woodward. “When it was the Chatswood Town Hall it was the place where my brother and sisters went for our Chatswood Primary School speech day and concerts with the Kuring-gai Male Voice Choir - in which my

A CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS IN THE CITY

BY LINA NAFIE ever is a platform that operates in cities around the world, providing information on local events as well as booking and ticketing facility. Founded in 2012 in Madrid, Fever now has headquarters in Madrid, New York and London and is available in more than a hundred cities globally.

While it usually promotes events by other organisers, this time the entertainment platform is the one planning the candlelight concerts.

“Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Sydney,” it says on the Fever website, describing the atmosphere of the events.

Several performances have already taken place and attendees expressed their enthusiasm on the website : “Such a calm cosy beautiful experience.

The classic sounds floating through the

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candlelight venue were amazing. A must do.”

“The show was absolutely amazing. I recommended it to all of my friends and family! I will definitely be attending another candlelight event!”

Future concerts in November include A Tribute to Jay Chou at Sydney Masonic Centre and at The Concourse Chatswood; A Tribute to Queen at Sydney Masonic Centre ; A Tribute to Adele at St Stephen’s Uniting Church.

For those who’d like a little starlight with their candles there are two openair performances in The Calyx, Royal Botanical Gardens : Best of Hans Zimmer at The Calyx and Film Scores at The Calyx.

Several classical performances are also on offer including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s ballets and the best of Chopin.

For full details and to book tickets visit: www.feverup.com/sydney/ fever-originals

dad sang in the tenors. My first large public concert was there when I was 10, although I accompanied the school choir there as well.”

Across a career spanning decades, Woodward has collaborated with the most esteemed musicians, composers, and artists. He has performed in concert halls and on stages around the world and received recognition as one of the greatest exponents of Chopin, Bach…in fact, simply, one of the greatest pianists ever to touch an ivory.

The profits from the KPO Anniversary concert are being donated to the Sisters of Charity Foundation, supporting scholarships for young people from foster care to undertake tertiary studies.

Roger Woodward Celebrates KPO’s 50Th Anniversary, Dec 11, 3pm, Concert Hall, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, www.kpo.org.au Photo: LIMELIGHT

TEXAN TRIO AND OTHER TREATS Photo: Jackie Lee Young

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f you listen to the music of Khruangbin without any accompanying visuals, you might imagine this esoteric band 30

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comprised several musicians or at least several instruments. But the ethereal, psychedelic sound you hear is being

created by a drummer (Donald J Johnson Jr), a lead guitar (Mark Speer) and a bass guitar (Laura Lee).

The three-piece hails from Houston, Texas but their sound comes from all over the world as well as from a mix of genres. Formed just over a decade ago, Khruangbin have released four studio albums, five EPs and 15 singles, but it is their live performances that has really won them a following internationally.

Their musical aesthetic is hard to pin down: traces ‘60s surf guitar group, The Shadows; elements of French ambient electronic duo, Air; some Art of Noise characteristics; a bit of Massive Attack; lots of culturally diverse influences including traditional and indigenous music, jazz, country, funk,rock. Truly eclectic.

Khruangbin’s three live shows in November in the Sydney Opera House’s newly refurbished and largest auditorium have completely sold out.

However, you can buy a virtual seat through SOH’s streaming platform and enjoy this incredible gig from home.

The live stream ticket will provide you with a window view of the Sunday 27th November concert and access to the recording for seven days.

This is just one of a whole host of events available through the SOH’s streaming service, including performances, exhibitions, talks, art events, tours, and much more.

To book your ticket for Khruagnbin and browse other offerings, visit: stream. sydneyoperahouse.com/browse

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SISSY REVIEW

BY MARTIN FABINYI verything In Between is a sweet movie infused with feelings of life and death, with an ending that is anything but rom-com.

Jay, played with a brooding intensity

by Jordan Dulieu is brought back (literally) from a cliff top where he’s contemplating ending it all. Riddled with massive self-doubt, and a large dollop of parental infighting, Jay doesn’t know what to do with his life or his possible death.

It’s only when he meet-cutes Liz (Freya Benjamin) that his life seems to have some meaning. Liz, who loves and imbues life, is a new age traveller from San Francisco, but when she is diagnosed with a life-threatening

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EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN disease Jay has to deal with his pain, her possible death, and parents (Gigi Edgley& Martin Crewes) who are pulled together in helping Jay put his life back together and confront grief.

Everything In Between is a small film with a big heart. Dulieu is perfectly cast as a teen who can’t stand being himself in a sensitive and restrained performance, while Freya Benjamin, in her feature film debut, carries the weight of her impending death with just the right darkness and light. Both Gigi Edgley and Martin Crewes are terrific as the warring couple who come together to heal Jay. Filmmaker Nadi Sha’s film hovers close to the teenage angst genre, but the performances of the four characters and the understated dialogue create a film about the essential need to live life.

The cinematic feel of Sydney’s water makes this a good-looking movie.

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In cinemas October 20

REVIEW

BY MARK MORELLINI his small Aussie flick, best categorised as a black comedy horror thriller, is the surprise film of the year that should not fail to find an audience in cinemas.

The story centres on a young woman named Cecilia who was nicknamed Sissy by bullies at school. She reconnects with Emma, an old school friend whom she hasn’t seen in 15 years. Emma invites Cecilia to her hen’s night in an isolated country cabin and this chance meeting rekindles traumatic memories of her being dumped as best friend by Emma during her early school years.

It’s time to avenge the bullying she received from the arch bitch who is also in attendance and so the killings commence, initially by accident but as the old traumas rapidly resurface, they become premeditated.

In the tradition of And Then There Were

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None, this film contains many graphic murder sequences intertwined with a quasi-comedic style of storytelling, yet simultaneously chilling and haunting.

“You can’t connect with anybody Sissy!

You’re a psychopath!” yells one of the girls as true colours emerge fuelled by excessive alcohol.

Flashbacks feature heavily in the process of storytelling and notably, quality performances by a small and fresh young cast are praiseworthy. The unpredictable finale should leave audiences in shock, a small twist that detracts from the ideology that ‘crime doesn’t pay’.

Underneath the murder, gore, and mayhem of this neatly packaged low budget feature film surfaces the realistic theme that mental health is fragile and can be adversely affected by the most distant of childhood memories.

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In Cinemas October 27

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ARMAGEDDON TIME

BY MARK MORELLINI rowing up is never easy for 10 year old children, especially when living in a traditional three generational Jewish household, as young Paul discovers in this coming of age drama.

The film stars Jeremy Strong and Anne Hathaway as the strict parents and legendary Anthony Hopkins in a supporting role, as the grandfather who holds the extensive family unit together and also navigates his grandson through the childhood traumas he encounters.

Set in 1980, Queens in New York, this is quintessentially the study of a Jewish family unit that follows their trials and tribulations as they chase the American dream of being financially secure, sending their children to college and finding acceptance within the community as equal American citizens.

Paul is regarded as being slow and

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abnormal by his father for the sole reason that he dreams of being an artist.

A majority of the film follows Paul’s endeavours and his close friendship that builds with a young black school friend, not realising the harsh lessons that await him as he slowly ventures towards the doors of adulthood.

It was disturbing to note, that considering the religious persecution this Jewish Family suffered during the Nazi regime of WWII which led to the extermination of their loved ones, they too were racist; their very own blatant discrimination towards the blacks was vastly evident.

Chasing the American dream for this Jewish family is ultimately harrowing, clouded by past dark memories of persecution, tragedy, racism, and adverse encounters with the law.

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In cinemas November 3

MARGRETE: QUEEN OF THE NORTH

BY MARTIN FABINYI his is actor/director Charlotte Sieling’s third feature film.

A sumptuous story of palace intrigue, the machinations of power and the complexities of family, Margrete: Queen Of The North is one of the largest productions in the history of Danish cinema, with the highest budget ever for a Danish-language feature film.

And the kroners are well and truly up on the screen. The film opens on the gory 1361 Battle of Visby where Denmark and its neighbours fought with bloodthirsty passion, before moving 40 years on to inside the lavish court of the queen who, behind the throne, would rule not only Denmark but also Norway and Sweden in a union that lasted over a century.

A fictionalised account of the ‘False

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Oluf’, an impostor who in 1402 claimed to be the deceased son of Margrete I of Denmark, the film pits mother against (her presumed) son and her adopted son, now King Erik of Pomerania, Margrete: Queen Of The North is a tense thriller where the corruption of absolute power is set against the age-old story of the to-death struggles of family.

Trine Dyrholm plays the titular role as a complicated mother still grieving her lost son, and willing to believe that Oluf is the son returned to her after fifteen years presumed dead.

Margrete: Queen Of The North is a gripping slice of medieval majesty set on an epic canvas drawn not just from the history of Denmark but all of Scandinavia. Not to be missed.

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In Cinemas Oct 13 CITY HUB NOVEMBER 2022

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