CITY HUB October 2021

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Sydney’s bars and cafés have reopened, but not without doubts of a smooth return

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Dear Premier,

odate Sydney’s population growth.

As you know, the NSW Government imposes housing targets onto local Councils to accomm cture needed to support this And in turn, our communities rely on our Councils to deliver the essential facilities and infrastru growth, and make people’s lives and local environments better. netball courts, to playgrounds, pools This infrastructure includes everything from roads and footpaths, to sports fields, parks and and libraries. y developers to help fund them.

We can only deliver these facilities because we are able to collect contributions from propert ion of these developer contributions However, the changes now being planned by the NSW Government will divert a large proport rency of how it will be spent. away from Councils and into a Treasury-controlled fund, with no clear accountability or transpa And the Government is proposing Councils raise rates to make up the revenue we are losing. threatens the ability of every Council This breaks the nexus between where contributions are made and where they are spent. This ers. to deliver much-needed new community facilities, and transfers that burden onto our ratepay this is at a time of pandemic-induced Premier, you are forcing us to choose between cancelling projects and raising rates. And financial hardship for many people in the state. ent.

On behalf of our communities, we urge that you withdraw the changes currently before Parliam Yours sincerely

CUMBERLAND CITY COUNCIL

Read more at saveourcommunities.com 2

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HubNEWS

Peace activists rise up against AUKUS (See p. 11)

Residents protest hard lockdown

BY EVA BAXTER AND DANIEL LO SURDO ission Australia’s Common Ground social housing facility in Camperdown was placed into lockdown from 8AM on Thursday 2 September for 14 days until Wednesday 15 September after four tenants tested positive to COVID-19.

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HubARTS: Come From Away Reopens

The show that has been enchanting audiences finally reopens in Sydney (See p. 21)

PUBLISHED DATE 14 OCTOBER 2021 Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City.

Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city.

Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677.

Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Manager: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editors: Daniel Lo Surdo, Eva Baxter Contributors: Daniel Lo Surdo, Eva Baxter, Hall Greenland, Katelyn Milligan Cartoonist: Sam Mcnair Arts Editor: Jamie Apps Contributors: Irina Dunn, Rita Bratovich, Madison Behringer, Mark Morellini, Renee Lou Dallow, Rida Babar, Olga Azar, Jarrod Wolfhunter, Lucinda Garbutt-Young, Tessa Pelle, Mark Mordue, Aston Brown Cover Photo: Facebook/Taylor’s. Sydneysiders returned to bars and restaurants as Sydney reopened on Monday Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: cityhubsydney.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

Common Ground Action Group criticised the lockdown rollout as over-policed, heavy handed, intimidatory and demeaning.

“The people of Common Ground have a history of being treated differently with regards to our social status as being ‘vulnerable,’” the group said.

“We are a vulnerable group coming from diverse backgrounds, many with a history of trauma however we also see this as a position of strength, versatility and as a group we identify as proud survivors of institutional trauma.

“We will not tolerate harassment or disempowerment by anyone including Mission Australia, local Police authorities or RPA hospital staff.”

Mission Australia CEO James Toomey said in a statement, “we know the experience of a lockdown is very challenging for everyone living and working at Common Ground. Mission Australia is fully engaged with tenants and is providing support to them within the parameters of NSW Health and Police guidelines.”

UNCOMMON GROUND

Ms Saffaa, an artist and resident of Common Ground told City Hub intimidation tactics were used to inform residents they were locked down through a leaflet slipped under their doors which warned residents not to leave the building or police would be called.

“They are treating us like suspects, like criminals. They are not giving us the benefit of the doubt. If this building was in an affluent area, I guarantee you this would not happen, the lockdown in the first place would have never happened,” she said.

“You have to understand how upset we are, this is completely classist, and they are just doing this because we’re poor essentially, that’s what it comes down to.”

She said it was imperative that the residents receive proper support.

“A lot of these people have been previously either incarcerated or homeless or institutionalized and for them to be dealing immediately

Common Ground social housing residents called on the community for support. Photo: Facebook/Aman Kapoor & Matilda Fay

with NSW Health or the police, that’s traumatizing for them.

“These people who have gone through institution after institution, have been victimized by these institutions and not treated well by these institutions and end up in homeless shelters, and Mission Australia has relinquished all of their power over the building, and they handed us over to NSW Police and NSW Health without consulting us.”

FOOD FUMBLE

Mission Australia’s CEO James Toomey said Mission Australia has been coordinating food hampers, delivery of food including fresh food boxes and frozen meals, providing supermarket gift vouchers, meal delivery gift vouchers such as Uber Eats, complimentary pizza, and other items.

“We have also called tenants to understand their dietary needs and have been providing access to gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and lactose free food deliveries to meet these needs,” he said.

Ms Saffaa said she received a box which she said was not appropriate for her to eat.

She said she called them about a different resident’s food requirements and was told they are not providing any cooked meals because too many residents in the building have dietary needs that cannot be met.

She said they were also told there are only three time slots that deliveries will be brought to them.

Residents revealed that the NSW Police, under the direction of NSW Health, were confiscating alcohol and

searching packages delivered to the towers whilst tenants are in lockdown.

This was confirmed by the Sydney Local Health District, which noted that some deliveries of alcohol were restricted to ensure the safety of health staff and residents.

SHOWING SOLIDARITY Residents asked those living within five kilometres of the building to show solidarity by bringing a rainbow or an Aboriginal flag to the protests and to exercise underneath the Common Grounds estate wearing purple or white. During the protests, tenants hung banners demanding an end to over-policing in their homes and the suspension of rent payments.

This is completely classist On September 10, an open letter signed by legal and human rights groups including Amnesty International and Shelter NSW condemned the “inappropriate policing and unlawful searches imposed on residents of Common Ground.”

The legal and human rights groups called on all relevant authorities to “communicate proactively, clearly, frequently and respectfully with residents in this and any subsequent lockdowns”, to “respond to any reasonable demands from residents” and “work with communities to ensure that the lockdown is carried out in an appropriate way that is responsive to their needs and supports the public health objective.”

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HubNEWS

Fireworks back on after backflip

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ydney’s traditional 9pm New Year’s Eve fireworks will now go ahead after Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore reversed her decision to cancel the event this year.

The fireworks will now proceed with extra provisions from the NSW Government and a guarantee that the government would take control of the event should health orders be altered.

“The Lord Mayor broke Sydney’s heart by cancelling the majority of Sydney’s 2021 New Year’s Eve celebrations,” City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott said. “I’m glad that she has heard my calls and will be reinstating the 9pm fireworks.”

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We still have concerns about

the potential ... impact of crowd gatherings

The initial decision to cancel the 9pm fireworks came after uncertainty regarding mass public events while the state emerges from its COVID-19 lockdown. There was also concern with the attraction of young families to the fireworks, with many children most likely to be unvaccinated on New Year’s Eve.

The 9pm New Year’s Eve fireworks will be back this year after being cancelled in 2020.

Photo: Creative Commons

A HELPING HAND

Per The Sydney Morning Herald, a letter from Lord Mayor Moore addressed to NSW Jobs and Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres confirmed that the City of Sydney would hold the event “in a similar way to prior to the pandemic”.

The decision to stage the 9pm fireworks was put to an extraordinary council meeting last week after the initial move was broadly condemned by local businesses, residents and councillors, the latter of whom was not consulted before the decision was made.

The motion to “work towards delivery” of a New Year’s Eve event including the 9pm fireworks was carried unanimously at the meeting. The items moved by Clr Scott regarding the New Year’s Eve festivities were withdrawn, as the matter had been dealt with earlier in the meeting.

The Lord Mayor hopes the support of the State will ensure the safety of the event.

“We still have concerns about the potential health impact of crowd gatherings at New Year’s Eve,” The Lord Mayor told the Herald.

“The state government has assured us it will take responsibility for the event or cancel the 9pm fireworks should public health conditions deteriorate.”

The New Year’s Eve celebrations inject up to $133 million into the City of Sydney economy and is a valuable opportunity for city businesses to embrace activated streets and laneways while supporting local employment.

The NSW Government’s roadmap to reopen the state indicates that from December 1, vaccinated and unvaccinated people will be permitted to move freely around the state and participate in large public events.

Waverley Council Update Mayor’s Message Thank you Waverley As Council prepares to enter caretaker mode later this month ahead of NSW Local Government Elections on Saturday, 4 December, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Waverley community for supporting me during my two years as Mayor. It has been an honour representing you during these most challenging times, and working alongside our dedicated Council officers to help make Waverley an even better place to live, work, visit and do business. In spite of the pandemic, Council is delivering the biggest capital works program in Waverley’s history including the restoration of the iconic Bondi Pavilion and the Boot Factory building, and much-needed upgrades to our local parks and playgrounds area – all with a balanced budget. We are committed to supporting our resilient community during this period of recovery and are continuing to help keep our community safe. From my family, to yours: thank you again for your compassion and kindness. I look forward to representing the people of Waverley for many more years to come.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

COVID-19 update

Waverley Cemeteries

As we begin to exit lockdown, Council is reminding the community to continue to follow the current Public Health Orders (PHOs) and health advice. At time of print, the number of active COVID cases in Waverley was stable at 118, and we continue to encourage people to get vaccinated and tested. Council activated its Summer 2021-22 Outdoor Public Spaces Operational Management Plan this month to help Council manage its beaches and open spaces in a COVID-safe way over summer in line with PHOs and health advice. Our Summer Plan will be reviewed regularly as required throughout the pandemic to ensure consistency and compliance with the relevant PHO restrictions and to promote public safety. We also welcomed the return of our COVID Ambassadors to Waverley’s beaches, beach parks and Coast Walk. Our COVID Ambassadors help keep groups COVID-safe by encouraging spacing in our public spaces through education and crowd management. Our Rangers are also working to extended summer hours and patrolling later into the evenings. We remind everyone that Waverley’s beaches and beach parks are alcohol-free zones and Rangers will ask you to tip out any opened alcohol.

Waverley Council is gearing up to launch its new Waverley Cemeteries website. The website heralds a new era of discovery at Waverley Cemeteries where every grave tells a story. The website includes interactive maps of Waverley Cemetery, Bronte and South Head General Cemetery, Vaucluse as well as a new stories section compiled with the help of Gregory Ross from the Friends of Waverley Cemeteries. Waverley Cemetery is of state heritage significance for its association with a number of high-achieving, famous and notable people from across NSW, Australia and the world. Operating continuously for almost 150 years and the final resting place for over 100,000 people, it has buried and interred a diverse selection of notable people from literary, business, arts, political and sporting backgrounds. See Council’s website for updates.

194 Oxford St, Bondi Junction– DA Submission The DA for 194 Oxford St Bondi Junction has been submitted and people have until 10 November to submit their objections. The determining authority is the Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel. Go to council’s website for more information.

Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley

over-policing issues. There’s a lot of pressure inside the house; and a lot of pressure outside on the streets.

Deadly Good

He also explains that “food shortages and economic difficulties are not just a COVID-19 lockdown thing for us and our communities. It was there before for Aboriginal people – and it will be there after all this is over, even more so.

So it’s what happens after the lockdowns and food relief efforts fall away that we worry about.

What’s coming next? We really hope we can keep coming here and working with you because we will need it.”

Keenan Mundine, Carly Stanley and Dean Lloyd from Deadly Connections load up at the Addi Road Food Relief Hub. Photo Mark Mordue.

Keenan Mundine, Carly Stanley and Dean Lloyd are here from Deadly Connections, picking up hamper boxes from Addi Road’s Emergency Food Relief Hub. They’re using two vans to do a big delivery run to Glebe, Waterloo, Redfern, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.

lot of good things happen this way every day here, right at the edge of where community organisations and civil society groups are working together to feed the city. It’s really the only way any immediate action can kick into gear and be meaningful.

Deadly Connections work across those areas and throughout the Inner West with the local Aboriginal community, particularly those impacted by child protection and the law. Their aim is to break through the intergenerational cycles of trauma, loss and disadvantage, and support people to create a new path for themselves and their families.

Despite the pressure on Deadly Connections as a small organisation, Carly says she likes being out there doing the deliveries. “I do get a big cagey with the lockdown. And it’s good to see more of people and what is going on.”

They could use more hands on deck, they reckon, to help with their food deliveries. Right now, they’re doing everything as best as they can. Carly is the CEO and Founder of Deadly Connections, Keenan the Co-Founder and Ambassador, Dean their Criminal Justice Specialist. Back at the office they have two more staff. Everybody pitches in.

When Rosanna Barbero, CEO for Addi Road, hears Carly talking, she steps over to discuss how Addi Road can help Deadly Connections take some weight off themselves and make use of Addi Road’s volunteer network of drivers. A

Field Work “Good job,” a parent says, giving people the thumbs up at a pop-up clinic happening at Addi Road this morning. “Really appreciate it, especially after all the hassles trying to get my daughter vaccinated.”

Pfizer shots are being delivered to around 100 people by Aspen Medical Australia. All with a little help from the Exodus Foundation, working with Addison Road Community Organisation to get the pop-up clinic down here and happening for ages 12 and up today.

Our local member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, has swung by to offer his support for the morning. It’s an important moment in his eyes, part of the many small, but necessary community actions that can make a world of difference to everyone.

In a private conversation with a member of the public, Albo can relate to the parental concerns being voiced. He mentions how his son works at a supermarket, and the natural worries that it brings. It leads to a broader conversation about low-income workers doing a ton of essential work … not only doctors and nurses, but the cleaners and health admin, your local garbos,

“We are just too busy, though,” Keenan says, in a half-worried, half-happy way that indicates he is likewise glad they are connecting with their community. Today is a special day, he notes, as it is “a chance to touch base with people that have not had any food deliveries before. More and more people are reaching out to us.”

“The feedback we are getting every day, nothing can describe it. People are at home and feeling very vulnerable. There is no one that they feel they can speak to and trust but us.”

Dean listens to all that Carly and Keenan say and adds that it gets more complicated because many families and homes are suffering from overcrowding and corresponding

Keenan maintains the optimistic balance as all three turn from the boxed hampers stacked in their two vans to loading up pallets of bread on top. They’re doubly pleased people in their community are asking for fruit and vegetables that they can now supply to keep everyone at home, happy and healthy.

“We just love our partnership with Addi Road,” Keenan says. “You can shine that up any way you like for a media release.”

On a practical level, he explains that because Addi Road has been supplying Deadly Connections with food hampers, it has freed them up to do more in other ways for the Aboriginal community. “We were spending our money on food relief to keep families going.

Now we can keep that money and use it to reach even more people.”

As for any pressure he, Carly and Dean might be feeling day-to-day themselves, Keenan breaks into that worried-happy laugh of his again. “If we don’t do this, man, who will? Who will provide the hope? So we do it. It’s crucial … the food, the conversations we have, and human connection we bring.”

“The trick is not to show you are tired,” Keenan says, bearing himself up even taller than before.

“We have to be the change we want to see. And give people the hope I’m talking about. It’s about more than the food; it’s about the energy they see in us when we arrive.”

the people who keep your supermarket open and functioning… so many good people keeping things on an even keel.

Spilling over into the car park, the pop-up Pfizer clinic takes on a field hospital appearance: chairs spread out and socially-distanced; doctors, nurses and health care workers clothed in full PPE moving from patient to seated patient.

But the real ambience is one of camaraderie as people chat freely to one another and fill out their vaccination permission forms in the morning sunshine.

Looking around, it’s a genuine multicultural and multi-generational gathering as parents attend to their children, and adult children watch over their parents.

Albo deals with a press conference to welcome the event as a very positive action in his electorate. Exodus Foundation arrive in a van and set up a table with water, coffee, tea and muffins for people while they wait.

As a thank you to everyone for coming along, Addi Road is giving out loaves of sourdough bread and pastries to take home, as well a free shop at our Food Pantry here in Marrickville.

Rosanna Barbero, Addi Road CEO, and Anthony Albanese, Federal Member for Grayndler welcome Aspen Medical Australia to Marrickville.

Photo Mark Mordue.

For today at least, the world seems lighter, less anxious to those who have come here. A woman helps her elderly father to stand and leave. No dizziness. First Pfizer shot done. He’s ok. A young man nearby nursing a baby is next for his shot. A boy rolls up his sleeve.

Generations and different cultural communities coming together as one. We’ll be doing it again at Addi Road.

Words and Images Mark Mordue

addiroad.org.au

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HubNEWS

Pedestrians concerned over cyclists conduct should pay attention to who is on the footpath, especially kids, older people, or pets,” she said.

TREACHEROUS TRACKS

Pyrmont resident Jennifer Fenech Kennedy criticized the Council’s Saunders and Miller streets Cycleway improvement works, a major link in the NSW government’s strategic bike network.

Pedestrians have priority

The inner-city has seen a boom in cycling over the past two years, causing concern for safety among pedestrians. Photo: KennG

BY EVA BAXTER ome residents of the inner-city have complained about the behaviour of cyclists on City of Sydney streets.

The City of Sydney Active Transport Survey released in June found there are more people riding more regularly.

An Ultimo resident who chose to remain anonymous said she feels she must protect the safety of her child by

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standing in front of her when a cyclist is approaching.

She mentioned Wattle Street in Ultimo and Pyrmont Park as places of particular concern.

She told City Hub the Council should enforce the law to disallow cyclists from using pedestrian footpaths.

“When cyclists ride a bike, they need to know that pedestrians have priority over them to use the footpath and they

The route between the Anzac Bridge and the city centre is a major commuting link for bike riders. There are almost 1,500 weekday bike trips between Anzac Bridge and the Union Street cycleway during peak hours.

There are 3 shared intersections along the new cycleways marked with a different surface treatment, plus a ramp for vehicles entering and leaving the intersection.

The improvements also include 3 new paved intersections at Saunders Street and Quarry Master Drive, and Miller and Mount streets and Miller and Jones streets.

Jennifer told City Hub the paving obscures the street entrance on Jones Street and could lead to an accident.

“It’s confusing and there are no stop signs or instructions for who has the right of way. Bike riders just go flying across my street.

“For a short street we have a lot of traffic, especially with the Fish Markets, so you either get the cyclists who come racing off the ANZAC bridge, they’ve got a lot of momentum speeding down Saunders Street, and then turn into Miller Street, they come racing up Miller, crossing Jones without concern or looking for traffic.

“The cyclists coming from the city are coming downhill at Miller Street and again, either don’t realise it’s a street or don’t care,” she said.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said reported bike crashes have been slashed by more than one-third.

“We now have over 25km of separated cycleways in the City of Sydney area, with more planned for 2022,” the spokesperson said.

“When it’s not possible to build separate cycleways, shared paths are there to help less confident riders like children and families ride safely.”

Inner West Council candidates’ forum

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

Sunday 14 November from 3pm to 5pm To celebrate the City Hub’s 26th anniversary, we will host a forum for candidates in the upcoming Inner West Council elections.

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

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Co-educational and secular

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Early Learning to Year 12

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Central location near Sydney CBD

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Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

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Celebrating diversity and personal achievement

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Join our local school with a global outlook

Find out more and book a tour: igssyd.nsw.edu.au | 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au 6

Uniq lang ue uage s prog ram

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

Special screening of Rats in the Ranks Sunday 14 November 5:30pm Following the candidate’s forum, we will have a special screening of Rats in the Ranks Shot and screened around the time of the City Hub’s launch in 1995, Rats in the Ranks is a classic look at local politics in the Inner West.

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

SCAN:

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

Love it” Margaret Pomeranz

SPONSORED CONTENT

TURNING UP THE VOLUME IN MARRICKVILLE

BY JAMIE APPS ver the last few months working from home has become the norm, and you’ve probably realised blocking out noisy distractions can be tough.

Like most of us you’ve probably resorted to using headphones more often and longer than you should.

While this is great for productivity, it’s not so great for your long-term hearing health. Luckily for Inner West residents you are about to get a brand-new hearing hub in Marrickville to quickly diagnose any hearing problems you may be having, which could help prevent any long-term damage.

Hearing Australia is opening a new hub in Marrickville,

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bringing 70 years of trusted expertise and extensive hearing care option to the Inner West.

Hearing loss is more common than many people realise. One in 6 Australians is impacted, including almost 4500 local residents in Marrickville alone. The use of masks during the current pandemic means that people impacted by hearing loss are disproportionately effected. Since they can no longer read lips for visual clues, they are now finding it even more difficult to communicate with friends, family or retail staff.

The introduction of a hearing centre is great news for Inner West residents. As local Hearing Australia representative, Sherilee McManus states, “throughout

the lockdown, we’ve seen the benefits of good hearing for helping families and friends keep in touch and stay connected virtually. The introduction of a new major service hub in Marrickville is extremely timely, bringing trusted expertise and tailored hearing care options to the local community and for those who require more convenient access to services. We’re proud to offer local Marrickville and surrounding residents’ access to our range of innovative services that are trusted by over a million Australians.”

Hearing Australian also hopes to improve the local rates of hearing assessment. Currently one in four (25%) older Australians don’t recall ever having had a hearing test and more than one in five (22%) haven’t taken a hearing test in over five years.

“The Hearing Australia centre in Marrickville will provide a range of services to help local residents manage their hearing health, including hearing assessments, counselling, the latest in hearing technology and hearing aid fittings,” said Sherilee McManus. “We’ve listened to our clients and have made it even easier for them to get the information and support they need. We have bilingual support staff who can offer consultations from Greek, Vietnamese and Arabic. Anyone who is worried about their hearing or the hearing of a loved one, can call us or visit our website to make an appointment.”

The Hearing Australia Marrickville hub is located at 326 Marrickville Road, Marrickville.

If you’re interested in booking a hearing check, or if you’d like to chat to the friendly Hearing Australia team about your hearing health, please call (02) 9269 3500 or visit www.hearing.com.au.

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HubNEWS

Art Deco architecture proves the Cross has potential P

BY EVA BAXTER otts Point and Elizabeth Bay were some of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs in the mid 1800s to 1970s.

Author Peter Sheridan encompassed Sydney’s Art Deco buildings for the first time in his 2019 book Sydney Art Deco.

In doing so, he realised how significant the number of Art Deco buildings in the Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay area are compared to its size.

people coming to drink and rage, but actually coming to enjoy live theatre, would bring a whole new type of demographic or input into this area which would see the restaurants improve, and the whole area would be benefited by one live theatre being restored,” he said.

ARCHITECTURE AS ART

Making the book a walking guide proved timely due to the rules across Sydney which prohibit any real activity besides outdoor exercise. Peter said the idea for the book didn’t have anything to do with COVID. “Creating a walking booklet gives people that impetus to maybe see all these things together in real life, rather than just a whole series of pictures.

His new book Sydney Art Deco and Modernist Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay Walks is a 2–3-hour walking guide of the one-square-km precinct.

Peter told City Hub that the architectural profile of Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point is unique to the rest of Sydney. The book celebrates low-rise apartment blocks with a maximum of 12 or 14 storeys, which are not the standard Sydney high rise.

“This is a sequence which allows you bit by bit to follow that in real life, walking around, looking up, enjoying the actual area itself and the buildings in their location as they exist,” he said.

“What you’ve got is 18,000 people in one square kilometre, of which 98% live in apartments, and most of those are not high rise.

The lifting of the 5km rule means all Sydneysiders can travel to the Cross for the walk, and see Sydney’s built heritage in real life.

“Not only is it completely upside down in terms of where most people live, but the type of apartment block they live in is not your modern 50, 60 storey high rise,” he said.

“I think COVID does give people an opportunity to re-evaluate their city in a different way and the walking booklet for those who can access the area would be an opportunity that they might take advantage of,” said Peter.

Peter said people overlook architecture as a form of art in a number of ways.

One of Peter’s favourite buildings highlighted in the book is the Macleay Regis, which was one of the last of the grand Art Deco apartment blocks completed before the start of World War 2.

The Macleay Regis had a New York style, and catered for wealthy clientele with 87 apartments, a penthouse, a live-in concierge, maid service and internal telephone system that connected occupants to the pharmacy, cobbler, hairdresser and florist located in the small shops on the ground floor at street level.

Peter told City Hub the Macleay Regis was an upmarket apartment that was top of the line and exemplifies the type of person who was living in the area at the time.

PRESERVING THE METRO/ MINERVA

According to the introduction of the book, “the history, architecture and cosmopolitan lifestyle make this one of Sydney’s special places to live in, to visit and most importantly, to preserve.”

The Metro/Minerva theatre is highlighted as an important Art Deco 8

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

“I think it becomes sort of hiding in plain sight.

The Macleay Regis was described in Decoration & Glass April 1939, as “a mammoth block of luxury flats”. Photo: Supplied

icon, and perhaps the best remaining commercial example of the Inter-War Functionalist Style which emerged in Australia in the 1930s.

The Metro was heritage listed in December 2020, and Peter makes clear his hopes this will forestall damaging redevelopment and escalate the possibility for its ultimate reinstatement as a live theatre venue.

“The conversion of the Metro back to its original state would not be a huge thing to do, and yet it is quite possible and more than likely that this building will be converted into something quite different, a hotel,” Peter told City Hub. “That’s unfortunately the possibility with any building in Sydney and always

has been. I think a lot of other places in Australia and in the world are much better at preserving their heritage.”

 I’m convinced this area is a national treasure The preservation of the Metro/Minerva is key, according to Peter, to try and create in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay that exclusivity and interesting, vibrant nature for both residents and visitors.

“There is so much potential at the Cross.

“At the moment, the whole area is blighted, and the possibility of bringing a sophisticated audience that is not

“The Art Deco architecture in Australia is significant, of good quality and it was the first global style movement. One of the things about Art Deco was it wasn’t just in architecture; it was in almost every aspect of life. In industry and consumer goods and so forth.

“Once you appreciate what Art Deco represents, architecture is just another form of art utilizing this design motif or design aesthetic.”

Another of Peter’s favourite buildings in the book is 17 Wylde St. He said it shows the transition between the Art Deco style and the Modernist style.

“I’m convinced this area is a national treasure and it isn’t being appreciated in totality for what it is.”

Peter intends to bring out another walking book on the CBD and another on pubs, each highlighting specific areas of Sydney’s Art Deco and how it differs from anywhere else in Australia.

HubNEWS

Vaccination hubs supported

COVID-19 SUPPORT

STAY HOME

IF YOU CAN

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

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

The City of Sydney has prioritised pop-up vaccination hubs as the inner-city looks to reopen.

Photo: Abril Felman/City of Sydney

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ity of Sydney councillors have unanimously supported pop-up COVID-19 vaccination hubs to be prioritised as the inner-city reopens this month.

At a September Council meeting, councillors unanimously supported a Mayoral minute that sought to continue supporting vulnerable communities through the Sydney lockdowns.

“Many people say that this lockdown, which has now stretched for three months, has been harder than the restrictions imposed last year. Whilst necessary to protect us from COVID-19, it is taking its toll,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore told the meeting.

“I remain concerned that many of our most vulnerable community members will be left behind.”

The City of Sydney Local Government Area (LGA) has recorded lower vaccination rates than comparable areas of Greater Sydney and has been tormented by COVID-19 outbreaks in Redfern, Waterloo and Darlinghurst, resulting in strict lockdowns for vulnerable residents, including those in social and Aboriginal housing.

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COUNCIL CONCERN

Recent meetings between Lord Mayor Moore and the Sydney Local Health District resulted in the opening and extension of vaccination clinics across Ultimo, Redfern, Zetland and Woolloomooloo until December.

Councillor Kerryn Phelps expressed concern about the city’s reopening.

“The City of Sydney is one of the financial hubs of the country … I think we need to have a discussion of to what

extent we put in mitigating measures in the City of Sydney LGA until vaccination rates are over the 80 per cent of vulnerable groups,” Ms Phelps said.

“If the city opens and doesn’t put in those mitigations or public health orders don’t consider the fact that the city is likely to become a fairly concerning hotspot if we open up too soon and without enough restrictions … we are going to leave a lot of people behind.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully stressed the importance of catering for all innercity residents.

I remain concerned that ... our most vulnerable ... will be left behind “We are home to double the average of the highest income communities and double the average of the statistically lowest-income communities, we are a community that represents the polarisation of Australian society and we do need to make sure that people aren’t left behind, particularly at this moment of crisis,” Ms Scully said. “[Having] consistent pop-up hubs, particularly centred close to social housing hubs, that is going to make a world of difference in communication, and people actually being able to get there and get vaccinated.”

The motion was carried unanimously by councillors, which will mean that Council’s Chief Executive Officer Monica Barone will be requested to prioritise access to inner-city facilities for vaccination clinics until the end of the year, and as necessary beyond 2021.

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

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

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

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

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney

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

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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HubNEWS

Less cars for Moore Park

BY DANIEL LO SURDO SW Minister for Planning & Public Spaces Rob Stokes announced that cars will no longer be allowed to park on the northern section of Moore Park to revitalise the area for the community.

Car parking will also cease on the southern end of Moore Park in 2023.

The announcement comes as Mr Stokes declared a new village precinct for Moore Park, whereby there will be more space for the community.

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“We’ve seen how important green open space is to people during the pandemic and at Moore Park alone, there has been a 20 per cent increase in patronage in the last 12 months,” Mr Stokes said.

“Increasing and improving public space such as Moore Park is part of the NSW Government’s vision to create a city within a park.

“It’s also a huge day for the tireless advocacy of Saving Moore Park and demonstrates the ability of Greater Sydney Parklands to deliver the parklands our community needs.”

Saving Moore Park embraced the decision.

“Moore Park has been the poor relation of Centennial Park for far too long with areas such as Moore Park north severely degraded,” a Saving Moore Park spokesperson said.

“So the Minister’s announcement also foreshadows a new era and new attitudes – where green space and associated facilities are valued for their benefits for the health and welfare of the community.”

PROTECTING MOORE PARK

Additional protection for Moore Park will be provided through the “upcoming Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Exposure Bill” that will make it an offence to park on the relevant sections of the Moore Park grass.

Late last year Saving Moore Park released a survey to gauge the community’s feedback on the organisation’s vision for the park.

Of the 372 people who responded to the survey, almost half used Moore Park either daily or several times per week.

95 per cent of respondents believed that cars should be permanently removed from Moore Park. 83 per cent said they would use the park more if there were shaded picnic and BBQ facilities, while 61 per cent supported Aboriginal and landscape interpretation.

“What our survey highlights is that people in the rapidly growing suburbs around 10

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

Areas of grass parking will not be permitted at Moore Park. Photo: Saving Moore Park

Moore Park need, but are currently being denied, a first-class, properly maintained parkland, a place to relax with the kids, kick a ball, and play community football and cricket,” Saving Moore Park President Michael Waterhouse said.

Upon news of the announcement, Saving Moore Park said that they were looking forward to working with Greater Sydney Parklands to ensure the provision of facilities that reflects the community’s views. They plan for Moore Park to become a first-choice go-to option for the community.

LOOKING BACK Mr Stokes last year announced a new super agency, the Greater Sydney Parklands (GSP) agency, which would absorb 6000 hectares once managed

by Centennial Park and Moore Park, Parramatta Park, the Western Sydney Parklands Trust, Rozelle’s Callan Park and Fernhill Estate. Mr Stokes said the aim of the agency was to find better ways to manage, restore and expand Sydney’s parks.

While the announcement came in July, the new agency was shrouded in mystery, with very little information offered to the general public. Stokes’ announcement was accompanied by a 50-year vision for the Sydney Parklands, created from community consultation concerning their values for the parklands.

The vision document offered minimal detail to the operations of the agency.

Plans to hand over Moore Park parklands to large Australian sporting organisations were revealed in 2016 when the ABC obtained a promotional video made by the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as part of a pitch to the NSW Government to obtain all of the parklands around the SCG.

 The Minister’s announcement ... foreshadows a new era and new attitudes First hints of developments to take place at Moore Park came through the installation of the Tibby Cotter walkway, which suggested a bigger plan was at play. The walkway appeared to be a way to activate pedestrians from Moore Park West to the SCG. While the walkway remains today, most SCG patrons avoid ‘the Bridge to Nowhere’, preferring instead to use the traffic lights that allow pedestrians direct access to the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS).

The next stage of construction was the destruction of dozens of Moreton Bay fig trees to make way for a light-rail extension.

The final extension of the Sydney light rail network opened in April last

year, with patrons now able to ride the L3 extension from Moore Park to Kingsford.

The Moore Park light rail station was largely constructed to serve the precinct and its amenities, including the Entertainment Quarter (EQ), the SCG and the Moore Park golf course.

The establishment of the GSP agency was met with heavy scepticism in Moore Park and Centennial Park, where various community members and organisations, including Saving Moore Park, have worked to protect their parklands.

The announcement also came after a faction of businesspeople led by Gerry Harvey and John Singleton signalled their interest in a billion-dollar investment for the EQ in 2017.

Mr Harvey purchased the leasehold over the EQ in 2014 as part of a consortium including Mr Singleton and spoke of his optimism for the site.

Plans as part of the park’s 170-page 2040 masterplan document included an underground carpark next to the SFS, with that particular development being confirmed by Mr Stokes in his announcement.

Proposed new carparks also will aim to improve Upper Kippax, so that works can begin immediately. These works will transform the damaged field into “a community green with a central sports field, shaded walkways and picnic amenities.”

HubNEWS

Australian peace movement against AUKUS

BY EVA BAXTER ustralian peace, environmental and other activists and organisations are opposed to the Morrison government decision to join the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) and the development of nuclear submarines.

The Australian peace movement is preparing to form a national coalition against AUKUS which establishes a position highlighting the risks of nuclear weapons proliferation, distracting from the threat of climate change and the financial costs to the Australian community.

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 This whole thing is madness Dr. Hannah Middleton, Australian AntiBases Campaign Coalition (AABCC) Chairperson told City Hub the peace movement was horrified by the decision and quickly began to develop a campaign.

She said the French deal over dieselpowered submarines could be argued as defensive but described the US nuclear submarines as “killer.”

The Australian Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition put together an emergency remote meeting of peace activists. Photo: Facebook

PEACE PRESSED

Dr. Vince Scappatura, professor of Politics and International Relations at Macquarie University said in an emergency remote meeting of peace activists on August 18 the decision is an indication of where the US sees Australia in its global ambitions.

Dr. Scappatura referenced a report released in 2013 by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments which offers an American perspective on the U.S.-Australia military alliance and

calls Australia’s geographical position a gateway to the Indo-Pacific.

The report said, “for the first time since World War II, Australian and American areas of strategic priority overlap. The strength of this rekindled convergence suggests that the U.S.-Australia relationship may well prove to be the most special relationship of the 21st century.”

The report “explores Australia’s current airpower and submarine debates and argues in favor of longer-range air capabilities, both manned and

unmanned, as well as for Australia ideally to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles, and submarine tenders.”

Dr. Middleton is expecting that the demonstrations taking place in parts of Australia not currently under lockdown will get bigger and hopes to call a National Day of Action. She encourages people under lockdown rules to write to the government, write to their MP, write to local newspapers.

Dr. Middleton lives in Glebe.

“My hospital for all my medical problems is RPA. With the covid pandemic, it is stretched to the limit, it needs far more funding, so we can have more doctors, more nurses, more ancillary staff to meet the kind of demand they’re facing at the moment.

“I don’t want to see royal Prince Alfred Hospital collapse under a nuclear attack, and yet a place like Sydney is going to be a nuclear target if this standoff dominated by the Americans continues.

This whole thing is madness, and it is criminal madness.”

A petition by the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network has reached over 20,000 signatures.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

11

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE SEVEN TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS WITH 4G/5G IN BELLEVUE HILL, PYRMONT, SURRY HILLS, MILLERS POINT, DARLINGHURST AND ZETLAND 1.

HubNEWS

Lockdown causes waste collection delays

The proposed works consist of: Tiffany Towers, 13-17 Bellevue Road, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 www.rfnsa.com.au/2023001 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The removal of (1) panel antenna • The installation of (1) 4G/5G panel antennas 2.68m long on a replacement mounts • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Remote Radio Units • Internal upgrades in the existing equipment room 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The removal of (4) panel antennas • The installation of (4) 4G/5G panel antennas 2.065m long within the existing shrouds • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers • Internal upgrades in the existing equipment shelter 1-19 Oxford Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024

Residents have reported that their waste collection has been delayed. Photo: City of Sydney

The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The removal of (4) panel antennas • The installation of (2) 4G/5G panel antennas 2.68m long wall mounted on the facade • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers and Remote Radio Units • Internal upgrades in the existing equipment shelter

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28-36 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 www.rfnsa.com.au/2010013 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers • Internal upgrades in the existing shelter 22 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000 www.rfnsa.com.au/2000443 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers • Internal upgrades in the existing shelter The Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 www.rfnsa.com.au/2000024 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers • Internal upgrades in the existing shelter 757-761 Elizabeth Street, Zetland NSW 2017 www.rfnsa.com.au/2017008 The proposed works on the rooftop consist of: • The reconfiguration of existing equipment • The replacement and installation of ancillary Tower Mast Amplifiers • Internal upgrades in the existing shelter 2.

Telstra regards each of the proposed installations as either Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) or a Maintenance activity under Telecommunication Act 1997 Schedule 3 Part 1 Division 4, 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 proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au

by Friday 29 October 2021. Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

BY EVA BAXTER ome residents in the City of Sydney Council area have reported that the collection of their waste, recycling, and garden organics has been delayed.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said given the changing requirements of public health orders restricting movement of people across greater Sydney and in cases where workers have had to isolate, some delays to services have occurred.

Cleanaway, the waste management provider which collects bins in the City of Sydney area said they are grappling with challenges faced due to the pandemic, including employees contracting COVID-19 and bringing it into the workplace.

“We have very strong COVID-19 plans in place to deal with this including isolating close and casual contacts. In these circumstances, although we have a number of contingencies, there could be potential impact to operations,” a Cleanaway spokesperson said.

The compliance of garbo’s getting vaccinated has been good, according to Cleanaway.

“Our employees are rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab to keep their families, colleagues and the community safe.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Ultimo resident Alex McDermott contacted City of Sydney Council customer service in August regarding his green garden organics bin and his yellow recycling bin, both of which were not picked up on schedule.

In correspondence seen by City Hub Alex wrote to the customer service officer,

“yellow bin is overflowing … it has been out since last week when it was not picked up and people are dumping their own rubbish in it. Green bin is still not collected.”

The yellow bin was then collected on the usual day, but a week late.

On Friday September 3 the Council customer service officer sent what would be his final email to Alex, in which he said he would follow up regarding the green bin.

Green bin is still not collected From September 3 to September 22 Alex sent five emails to the same customer service officer, all of which went unanswered.

UNFAMILIAR ROUTES

The City of Sydney spokesperson said the City of Sydney is a tricky area for waste collection, with multiple laneways on routes.

“As a result of the health orders, there has been the need to reallocate workers in order to meet the collection schedules.

“Some of these crews are servicing new routes they are not familiar with, which means we are more likely to receive reports of missed collections.

“When we receive these reports, we return to collect the waste as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.

City of Sydney said throughout the lockdown the collection of general waste and recycling as per the normal schedule has gone ahead with minimal disruptions.

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BURNING

DRIVE MY CAR

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SAT 6 NOV 3:15PM STATE THEATRE MON 8 NOV 6:00PM HAYDEN ORPHEUM Focusing in on the 2019-20 bushfires, Oscarwinning filmmaker Eva Orner (Taxi to the Dark Side, SFF 2018) interrogates Australia’s woeful record on climate change action.

FRI 12 NOV 9:00PM STATE THEATRE SAT 13 NOV 9:30AM STATE THEATRE SUN 14 NOV 8:30PM DENDY NEWTOWN The prolific Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Cannes Competition contender takes a Haruki Murakami short story as the basis for an intricate and potent drama of secrets and lies.

SUN 7 NOV 6:00PM STATE THEATRE MON 8:00 NOV 3PM STATE THEATRE SAT 13 NOV 4:00PM RITZ CINEMA A thrilling documentary fusing animation and archival material to tell the story of a gay Afghan refugee in Denmark who kept his painful past a secret for two decades. Winner, Sundance Grand Jury Prize: Documentary.

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MON 8 NOV 6:30PM PALACE CHAUVEL FRI 5 NOV 6:15PM PALACE CHAUVEL NOV 12-21 STREAM ON DEMAND Volunteers work tirelessly to rescue Europe’s marine life from pollution and violent weather fuelled by climate change in this poetic documentary. Berlinale 2021.

MON 8 NOV 8:30PM HAYDEN ORPHEUM SAT 13 NOV 9:45PM STATE THEATRE Palme d’Or winner Jacques Audiard’s (A Prophet, Rust and Bone, Dheepan) tale of Parisian young love and sex is a vibrant adaptation of Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel Killing and Dying.

FRI 5 NOV 9:30PM STATE THEATRE SAT 6 NOV 12:05PM STATE THEATRE SUN 7 NOV 5:15PM HAYDEN ORPHEUM Straight from the Cannes Competition, Thai auteur Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s mystical and mysterious new film stars Tilda Swinton as a woman visiting Colombia who is haunted by a loud sound.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED IN THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED IN THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA

Telstra plans to upgrade the following telecommunications facility at the following locations:

Telstra plans to upgrade the following telecommunications facility at the following locations:

1. 70 Murray Street Sydney NSW 2000 RFNSA No. 2009013 (PYRMONT 70 MURRAY – HIEH) Telstra proposed the installation of NR850, NR26000 and NR/LTE2600 (5G) technologies.

Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of three (3) existing panel antennas and three remote radio units (RRUs), the reconfiguration of three (3) existing panel antennas and three (3) existing RRUs, the installation of six (6) new panel antennas, including three new 5G panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment

1. 3-19 Missenden Rd CAMPERDOWN NSW 2050 RFNSA No. 2050004 (RYDGES CAMPERDOWN – 40893) Telstra proposed the installation of M700, NR850 (5G) & NR/LTE2600 (5G) technologies.

Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of three (3) existing panel antennas, the reconfiguration of three (3) existing panel antennas, the installation of three (3) new panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment.

2. 432-450 George St Sydney NSW 2000 RFNSA No. 2000170 (SYDNEY 450 GEORGE ST – SYHQ) Telstra proposed the installation of NR850, LTE/NR2600 and NR26000 (5G) technologies.

Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of four (4) existing panel antennas and four (4) existing remote radio units (RRUs), the installation of four (4) new panel antennas, including two (2) new 5G Air panel antennas, the installation of two (2) new RRUs and associated ancillary equipment 3. 122-126 Bronte Rd Bondi Junction NSW 2022 RFNSA No. 2022011 (WAVERLEY EXCHANGE (NSW) – WVLG) Telstra proposed the installation of NR850 and NR/LTE2600 (5G) technologies.

Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of five (5) existing panel antennas, the reconfiguration of three (3) existing panel antennas, the relocation of one (1) existing panel antenna and two (2) existing remote radio units (RRUs), the installation of four (4) new panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment

2. 131-137 York Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 RFNSA No. 2000023 (SYDNEY 131 YORK ST – 43145) Telstra proposed the installation of NR850 (5G) and NR/LTE2600 (5G) technologies. Proposed works at the above site will involve the removal of three (3) existing tower mounted amplifiers (TMAs), the reconfiguration of nine (9) existing panel antennas, the installation of six (6) new TMAs and associated ancillary equipment.

3. 5 Wentworth Park Road GLEBE NSW 2037 RFNSA No. 2007003 (ULTIMO WENTWORTH PARK – 43357) Telstra proposed the installation of M700, NR850 (5G) and NR/LTE2600 (5G) technologies.

Proposed works at the above site will involve the reconfiguration of six (6) existing panel antennas associated ancillary equipment.

• All panel antennas measure less than 2.8m in length, works include the installation of ancillary equipment inside the facility equipment shelter

• All panel antennas measure less than 2.8m in length, works include the installation of ancillary equipment inside the facility equipment shelter

• Telstra regards the proposed installation as Exempt development under Schedule 3A of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, based on the above description

• Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the above description.

• 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 written submissions should be directed to Tim Beck, Aurecon Australasia via email to: Timothy.Beck@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Tim Beck, Aurecon Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 331, Brisbane QLD 4001 by COB 28 October 2021.

• 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 written submissions should be directed to Tim Beck, Aurecon Australasia via email to: Timothy.Beck@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Max Peel, Aurecon Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 331, Brisbane QLD 4001 by COB 28 October 2021.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT ALEXANDRIA, GLEBE AND LEICHHARDT INCLUDING 5G

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT MAROUBRA, MASCOT AND ST PETERS INCLUDING 5G

2165 Alexandria: 21 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 (RFNSA 2015003) 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 fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 2253 Glebe: 75A St Johns Road, Glebe NSW 2037 (RFNSA 2037001) 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 the existing headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the existing headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 2947 Leichhardt: Leichhardt Bus Depot, Balmain Road, Leichhardt NSW 2040 (RFNSA 2040001) 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 the existing headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the existing headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 1. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), or as Exempt Development under the SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007, 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 29 October 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2015003, www.rfnsa.com.au/2037001 and www.rfnsa.com.au/2040001.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

2166 Maroubra: 7-23 Amour Avenue, Maroubra NSW 2035 (RFNSA 2035002) 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 the existing headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the existing headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 2114 Mascot: 265-275 King Street, Mascot NSW 2020 (RFNSA 2020004) 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 a 5m extension to the existing monopole • 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 fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 2957 St Peters: 310 Princes Highway, St Peters NSW 2044 (RFNSA 2044002) 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 the existing headframe • Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the existing headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling 1. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), or as Exempt Development under the SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007, 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 29 October 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2035002, www.rfnsa.com.au/2020004 and www.rfnsa.com.au/2044002.

HubNEWS

Inner-city welcome emissions cut

BY DANIEL LO SURDO nner-city leaders have supported the NSW Government’s decision to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 50 per cent by 2030, with City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore labelling it “exciting news”.

The new target aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 50 per cent by 2030, rather than the previous 35 per cent goal made 18 months ago. This will be a 50 per cent decrease from the levels recorded in 2005. “[This] sets our state on course for genuine climate action this decade – to cut climate pollution and create clean jobs and energy,” Lord Mayor Moore said.

The move has given NSW the highest emission target of any state and has also received the backing of then Deputy Premier John Barilaro, whose party at a federal level has failed to be convinced of an effective net-zero target.

State Member for Newtown Jenny Leong praised the decision but reiterated that work must be continued to fight climate change throughout the state.

“This is a great start and much better than where we were,” Ms Leong said.

“But let’s be clear – anything less than

I

net-zero by 2030 is falling short.”

Ms Leong has long been opposed to Australian climate change targets, having petitioned for greenhouse gas emissions to be cut to 75 per cent before 2030.

NSW Environment and Energy Minister Matt Kean declared that Australia “should lead the world” in tackling climate change.

”[This] sets our state on course for genuine climate action this decade “As global demand for low-carbon products and investment grows, the fortunes of the state are increasingly tied to the fortunes of our planet,” Mr Kean said.

LOOKING AHEAD

The revised NSW target is the most ambitious climate plan in the country barring the ACT, which has set a goal of 65 to 75 per cent by 2030.

Then NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that the Net Zero Plan expects to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW, support

The NSW Government now plans to halve the state’s emissions by 2030. Photo: Creative Commons

more than 9000 jobs, save each household $130 on electrical bills and help NSW become the first “trillion-dollar state” by 2030.

Since 2019, all councils in Greater Sydney have been funding a climate adaption plan that has identified heat as the most pressing climate threat to Sydneysiders.

In 2017, the City of Sydney published their first climate adaption strategy

Anti-trans bill condemned PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW 2011 Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002 3.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment works as follows:fluidity in NSW. If enacted, One Nation’s Parental Rights Bill 5G would ban and theassociated teaching of gender • Ted Installation Photo: Eytanof three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long) • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) three new panel antennas (1.83m long)

BY KATELYN MILLIGAN thewith rights of4Gthe LGBTIQ+ community, • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) withthe threeEducation new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long) with Legislation n anti-transgender education bill • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts Amendment (Parental Rights) Bill Oneequipment Nation’s Mark • proposed Reconfiguration by of existing on the facility and within the equipment shelter 2020 being criticised for discriminating Latham and endorsed NSW as Exempt Development 4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposedby installations in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy against the trans and gender diverse Parliament has been as a (Infrastructure) 2007 based condemned on the description above community. war on trans andundertaken genderin diverse young 5. Notification is being accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment people.

6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite to provide written commentsRights about the If enacted, OneyouNation’s Parental proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: Bill would ban the teaching of gender Latham recently introduced two bills toand post: PO 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.

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NSW Parliament that call into question

fluidity in NSW.

Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street,

which sought to raise the issues and opportunities that adapting to climate change presents. The City has set targets for a 70 per cent reduction from 2006 greenhouse gas emission levels for 2030 and net-zero emissions for 2050.

From 2006 to June 2020, natural gas usage has more than quadrupled in the City of Sydney LGA.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2,

Teachers, counsellors and2010 other school Centre Eloise Brook said that this Surry Hills NSW 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 staff would be prevented from affirming recommendation is particularly Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001 a1.student as transgender without advice problematic.

The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G 3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment associatedfirst worksand as follows: from their and parents the rights equipment associated as follows: “Add onand the extraworks burden of the stigma • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) of trans students to seek confidential • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) associated with that young person • Replacement three (3) school existing 4G environment panel antennas (2.68m support withinof their • New ancillary equipment remote cabling having to front up including in front of radio theunits, entire long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long) and antenna mounts would be removed.

• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling school year, and that every single parent • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts Just.Equal spokesperson Dr Charlie Burton of every single student is to be informed. the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within said the bill will be enormously damaging “It such an unnecessary level of • adds The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room to an already vulnerable community and the overall the facility serious problem,” toscale an ofalready • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in misery increase the with discrimination, stigma, and • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development accordance the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Brook told City Hub. in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy harm Determination they face.2018 based on the description above (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, It is extremely disappointing “The biggest impact of that change, if Pyrmont NSW 2009 Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, it’s Optus enacted, will be on the mental health Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001 Randwick NSW 2031 Committee, NSW Parliament’s Education and we have to be frank about this, Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G chaired by Latham, endorsed the whether some of these are alive or equipment and associated works kids as follows: 4. Parental The proposed facility consists Rights bill. of the addition of new 5G not,” Burton told City Hub. • Dr Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) The only members that opposed the • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long) “Really, our political leaders should be • Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long) report were Labor MLC Anthony D’Adam • Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long) promoting respect, understanding, and • Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) and Greens MLC David Shoebridge.

• Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) support for vulnerable populations, with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) • New Member ancillary equipment remote Jenny radio units, cabling especially young trans kids. Instead, State for including Newtown Leong • Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long) and antenna mounts • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, they’re supporting and advocating for cabling says One Nation’s bill is nothing short of • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within and antenna mounts It’s a complete failure fear and distrust. disgraceful. the equipment shelter • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within of political leadership and yet cast to be • is The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in “It extremely disappointing that a the equipment shelter condemned.” the overall was scale ofgiven the facilityto One Nation, a • The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in platform the overall scale of the facility • Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development party that routinely spouts racist, sexist, • Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy PERSONAL PUBLICISED homophobic and transphobic rhetoric to accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above The bill further states that if a student get attention, to hold this inquiry.

Determination 2018 based on the description above is5. inNotification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. the process of transitioning, all “It’s even more disappointing that members parents of other children in the same of the Liberal/National Government and 6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the yearproposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: will be notified of the change. the NSW Labor opposition supported 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.

Spokesperson for The Gender these views,” Leong told City Hub. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: 93-97 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000 (RFNSA Site No. 2000396) 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of three (3) new 5G antennas (0.279m long) at 34.2m in height • Installation of three (3) new 5G antennas (0.81m long) at 33m in height • Installation of three (3) new 5G antennas (0.59m long) at 33.9m in height • Installation of three (3) new 5G antennas (0.75m long) at 32.2m in height • Installation of twenty one (21) new remote radio units (RRUs) • Ancillary equipment including but not limited to: new fibre and electrical cabling, new mounts, replacement of one (1) GPS antenna with two (2) new GPS antennas and reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and in the existing equipment room 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as compliant with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007, Part 1 Exempt Development, Item 2, 18 & 19, based on the description above and Council development consent is not required.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Russell Carman of Ventia at russell.carman@ventia.com or Locked Bag 4001, Moorabbin VIC 3189 by Thursday 28 October 2021.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS WITH 5G AT TWO SITES Rooftop Facility, 25 Wolseley Road, Point Piper NSW 2027 Optus Ref: S1759, www.rfnsa.com.au/2027002 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of one (1) new 5G panel antenna (0.56m long); • Installation of two (2) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long); • Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (between 1.33m and 1.6m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long); • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts; • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter.

The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility.

Overhead Road Signage, Southern Cross Drive, Rosebery NSW 2018 Optus Ref: S1262, www.rfnsa.com.au/2018004 2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Installation of two (2) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length) above the existing signage post • Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (1.61m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long) adjacent to the signage LED display • New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter 3. Optus regards the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 and low-impact in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the descriptions above.

4. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.

5. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed works, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposals. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 5:00pm 29 October 2021.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G ON ROOFTOP AT 401 SUSSEX ST, HAYMARKET NSW 2000 The proposed upgrade to the existing facility includes: • Installation of four (4) new 5G antennas for Vodafone and eight (8 new 5G antennas for Optus • Replacement of four (4) existing 4G Vodafone antennas with four (4) new Vodafone 4G antennas. Each replacement antenna will measure no more than 2.8m in length • Reconfiguration of existing 4G Optus antennas • Reconfiguration of existing and installation of new ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, RRUs, GPS antenna, cabling and other items associated with safety and operation of the facility • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter.

Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low impact facility under the Telecommunications (Low impact facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

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

Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Kelvin Tang from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0406 001 832 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com

by Monday 1 November 2021.

Further information may also be obtained from: www.rfnsa.com.au/2000022.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT ULTIMO Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 390-422 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 www.rfnsa.com.au/2007005 1. Telstra are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of NR850, NR/LTE2600 technologies at Ultimo locality and surrounds.

2. The proposed upgrade comprises of the removal of three (3) panel antennas and the installation of three (3) panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long). The proposal also includes the installation of three (3) remote radio units (RRUs) and the installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment outdoor unit located on the rooftop. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

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 written submissions should be directed to Kirsty Mondovski, Aurecon Australasia via email to: Kirsty.Mondovski@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Kirsty Mondovski, Aurecon Australasia PO Box 23061, Docklands VIC 8012 by 5pm on 28/10/2021.

HubNEWS

Vale Jack Carnegie

BY HALL GREENLAND ack Carnegie, who died earlier this month, was a champion of the inner city environment. He will be forever immortalised as the leader of the campaign which led to Green Bans Park in Erskineville. His role in that battle is recognised with a plaque at the entrance to the park.

Another successful battle was the preservation of the public housing in Erskineville when it was threatened with a private/public makeover. Of course he wasn’t always successful – the Erskineville Post Office was sold, for instance, despite local opposition in which Jack played a key role.

But whatever the outcome, you could always depend on Jack Carnegie whenever it was an issue of social justice or protecting the environment.

Jack was born and raised in Rozelle – his father worked as a wharfie, his mother as a cleaner. After the death of his mother when he was 15 he ran away to sea. His spell in the navy came to a relatively quick end when he was derated for bringing alcohol on to the base in Western Australia.

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A RADICAL LIFE

After a series of odd jobs in Sydney he travelled to London in 1973. Initially he worked as an account executive at an advertising agency (for which he was spectacularly unqualified - beyond his sheer audacity) and living the Barry McKenzie life in Earls Court. After six months he travelled to Marrakesh and Amsterdam, then the drug and counter-culture capitals of the world, and returned to London to work in the Roundhouse, a rock’n’roll and cultural Mecca of that time. He settled in a squat in a Hampstead mansion.

He returned to Sydney in the fateful November of 1975 determined to live a radical life. He gravitated to Annandale, living in shared or ‘communal’ houses as they were called then, and joined the Annandale Branch of the Labor party – then arguably the most leftwing and activist branch in Australia.

He met Margaret Eliot, Tony Harris and Hall Greenland who introduced him to the legendary Balmain Councillors Nick Origlass and Issy Wyner. He was inspired by their ideas of participatory democracy and quickly became a practitioner of their style of community and direct action campaigning.

Expelled from the Labor party in 1984 for his support of Origlass and Wyner and opposition to uranium mining, he was part of the trio who organised the public meeting in Glebe Town Hall in August 1984 that launched the Greens

in Australia as a registered political party.

Jack’s great gift was that he always managed to combine his critical support for the Greens with an ability to work with people from across the centre-left spectrum in community and industrial campaigns. Some of those people were notoriously difficult to work with, but Jack’s unsectarian charm and democratic instincts worked a treat.

TROUBLEMAKER

Almost all his jobs were with community organisations, including a comms and organiser job with his union, the Australian Services Union. Some of the warmest tributes have come from his former comrades at that union, including Sally McManus, now secretary of the ACTU.

 Jack Carnegie is a legend of the ASU ‘Jack Carnegie is a legend of the ASU and much loved part of our ASU family,’ Natalie Lang, the current NSW secretary, said on learning of his death. ‘Jack’s commitment to fighting for justice was unwavering - as a member, as a staff member, as a life member – and as a troublemaker. Never seeking the

Jack was part of the trio who organised the public meeting in Glebe Town Hall in 1984 that launched the Greens in Australia. Photo: Supplied

who he met in Annandale and later with Jane Rogers who he encountered when running an inner-city community transport service in the late 1990s.

Jack’s politics may have been based in the inner city but his concerns were global. He was a strong supporter of the rights of Palestinians and democratic insurgencies wherever they arose – Hong Kong, Bangkok, Minneapolis, Chile, Kashmir or Kurdistan.

Jack will be forever immortalised as the leader of the campaign which led to Green Bans Park in Erskineville.

Photo: Supplied

spotlight but always deserving it. He made us all stronger, more considered, more unwavering.

‘A friend to all. He made us laugh.

He made us stand up. Words cannot describe the loss that we feel as a union or the loss that I feel as his friend.

‘Jack was kind, fun, supportive and inspirational – all wrapped up in a famously un-ironed shirt.’

EASY-GOING EGALITARIAN

Jack was one of those men who always made friends and comrades with women very easily. I think they recognised the absence of any trace of superiority or condescension. It was the most admirable part of his easy going egalitarianism. Unsurprisingly, he was lucky in love. This meant that in his activity he came as a package, in partnership first with Susan Kennett

As a founder of the Greens he was naturally a climate justice activist. He often went to Newcastle to participate in the coal blockades and help the Bulga community in the Hunter resist the extension of the open-cut coal mine that threatens their valley. Despite a certain pessimism about whether humanity can rise to the challenge of curbing climate change, Jack drew much hope from Greta Thunberg and the school student climate strikes of the past two years.

In his last months, suffering from an advanced case of cancer, it was typical of Jack Carnegie that he proposed travelling to Glasgow to join the protests around the COP26 climate change conference in November. Right to the end, his life was a political one, in the best sense of the word, in the service of fellow human beings and the planet.

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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HubNEWS

Councillors support Women’s Refuge

Inner-city refuges, including King Cross’ Lou’s Place, will be placed for greater support following Council’s decision. Photo: Lou’s Place

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ity of Sydney Councillors have unanimously supported a motion that will increase services to communities affected by Family Violence. The motion, which sets to establish a publicly-funded Women’s Refuge in the City of Sydney Local Government Area (LGA), was moved

by Councillor Kerryn Phelps in direct response to the rising Domestic Violence rates in the past three months.

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most in our community and be able to assure them that their suffering is not going unheard.”

THE BIG ISSUE

Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully, who seconded the motion, recognised the multiplicity of the issue.

“It is tragic to know that an increase in domestic violence often follows hot on the heels of any crisis,” Ms Scully told the meeting.

A report released by Domestic Violence “It’s not just housing, NSW detailing the  We need to show solidarity it’s crisis services, impact of the 2021 it’s financial support, with our ... most vulnerable Greater Sydney it’s material support COVID-19 lockdown [and] it’s the ongoing casework that’s revealed that 73 per cent of recorded required.” services have seen an increase in Ms Scully characterised these demand, with 50 per cent of services resources as “wraparound services,” seeing an increase of 75-100 per cent.

It was also conveyed that the complexity and conveyed that “sector leaders” understand that the cost of housing is of cases had grown during the equalled by the costs of wraparound lockdown, while waitlists for services services that are necessary for people had increased by almost half (48.5 per “through the most difficult moments of cent). their lives.”

An immediate recommendation made The motion requested that Council’s was to “increase the base funding for Chief Executive Officer consults with key specialist domestic and family violence sector services in the LGA to determine services so they are equipped to cope the most impactful and “appropriate with the ongoing demand” caused by way for the City of Sydney to continue to COVID-19. provide support for women experiencing “As little as $50,000 would go a long crisis” given the increased demand way to give dozens of terrified women throughout the lockdowns, and to and children protection, a safe place use this consultation to investigate to live and a chance to rebuild their establishing a refuge. It was also lives,” Ms Phelps said at the September requested that the City writes to the NSW Council meeting.

Government to enquire how Council can work in partnership to support “In times like this, we need to show women and children escaping abusive solidarity with our community’s most situations. vulnerable more than ever … but it means we need to urgently find ways The motion was carried unanimously by where we can support those struggling councillors.

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CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

City of Sydney progresses harbour swimming vision

BY EVA BAXTER ity of Sydney has partnered with Sydney Water on an expression of interest to engage private recycled water operators across the city to supply recycled water to city buildings and parks.

This partnership will help the City focus on the long-held vision for a clean and swimmable Sydney Harbour.

“This new approach will be critical to strengthen Sydney’s position as a leading waterwise city and also to protect and clean up our Sydney Harbour,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said in a Lord Mayoral Minute last month.

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He said they could not officially make swimming available but created steps down to the harbour which has become a popular swimming spot.

QUALITY CONCERNS

The state government does not currently monitor water quality in the harbour west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully said the reintroduction of more harbour swimming in the western part of the harbour will depend on and more consistent and ongoing monitoring of the safety of the water quality.

The Millers Point Community Resident Action Group has been campaigning for This new approach will be critical a swimming hole at Barangaroo since February 2020.

“Public spaces, both parks and “Our industrial past has left us with swimming opportunities, are more an unwanted legacy of pollution and important than ever with the advent contamination, the focus on water recycling and stormwater management is of COVID-19 and lockdowns,” Vice a key ingredient of improving the quality President of Millers Point Community Resident Action Group Yasmina Bonnet of water in our harbour.” told City Hub. The possibility of swimming was future“The Lord Mayoral Minute is a wonderful proofed in the design and construction and significant step forward, taking a of Pirrama Park in 2005.

The Council built the footprint, ghost or echo of a harbour pool at Pirrama Park. Photo: Paul Patterson, City of Sydney

Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully said she has seen more than one brave swimmer emerge from the footprint, ghost or echo of a harbour pool built at Pirrama park.

Councillor Philip Thalis was involved with the project to build Pirrama Park and said that it effectively has an Olympic sized swimming pool under the lawn which takes all the water from the catchment and treats it to irrigate the park.

holistic look at the City of Sydney’s work on water quality and recycling across the City.

“Hopefully, one day soon we’ll be able to throw our towels over our shoulder and walk down to the harbour for a rejuvenating dip!” she said.

The Lord Mayor was requested to write to the Premier to advocate for a whole of government approach to making swimming possible in iconic parts of Sydney Harbour.

SYDNEY REOPENS

AFTER 106 DAY SLUMBER The city’s small businesses have breathed a sigh of relief this week after Sydney reopened from its 106-day lockdown, but many shop owners contend that there is a long road back to normality.

BY DANIEL LO SURDO ith NSW surpassing 70 per cent double-dose vaccinations last week, fully vaccinated Sydneysiders were permitted a multitude of new freedoms, including travelling to any part of Greater Sydney, allowing up to 10 visitors in their homes and returning to pubs and restaurants.

Taylor’s rooftop in Pitt Street welcomed back patrons this week after being forced to close during the lockdown.

The reopening was also welcomed by Nick Maglis, the owner of Redfern’s Fernside Coffee Shoppe, who had to pivot to a takeaway and delivery business model during lockdown.

“We had to decrease our trading hours because the beginning and end of the day were very quiet so it was pointless for us to be open,” Maglis tells City Hub. “Thankfully I have not reduced my staff at all … and we’re back to normal hours, so it’s just the preparation of getting everything cleaned up, dusted off and ready to get back out there again.”

Maglis - like many others in the hospitality industry - has been troubled by dwindling business in the past 18 months. The closure of the Surry Hills Shopping Village and the working from home revolution saw a sharp decline in foot traffic through Redfern, and spelt real trouble for Fernside’s survival.

“Some days we were doing less than half our usual turnover,” Maglis says.

“There was nobody around, so we’re not getting the workers coming in here getting their coffees, snacks or sandwiches … [and] a lot of the locals are being asked to stay indoors and not leave unless it’s necessary, that impacts as well.”

dining areas and laneway art programs would be supported by council to inject new life into the city’s nighttime culture and hospitality venues.

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In partnership with the state government, the City has also begun its $43.5 million project to create greater space for outdoor dining and physical distancing.

Last month the first section of the George Street South pedestrian boulevard was unveiled, which has created wider spaces for walking and for businesses to operate.

“We need to start getting the money coming back in and paying our bills,” Maglis says.

would have survived,” Maglis says. “I wouldn’t have been able to pay all the bills, pay all the staff’s wages … it’s helped me keep my doors open and keep the staff on as well.”

Further COVID-19 support is on its way for the hospitality industry this summer, with NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes declaring that the government would be “taking emergency measures” to revive the restaurants, bars and cafés across the inner-city. Part of the reforms would include expanding last year’s al fresco reforms to prioritise outdoor, naturally ventilated spaces as new or extended hospitality venues.

City of Sydney councillors last month unanimously supported a motion that would transform a series of inner-city lanes and underused space to lend further support to businesses postpandemic. Under the plans, new bars,

With the state now predominantly vaccinated against COVID-19, the government has begun their trial of vaccine passports in areas of regional NSW, which will allow people to simultaneously check into a venue and confirm their vaccination status.

Customer Services Minister Victor Dominello has described the passport trial as “seamless”, and hopes that the program can be launched to the rest of NSW as early as October 18.

Despite doubts about a swift return to normality, Maglis is relieved that he can start welcoming customers back into his café.

Sydneysiders returned to bars and restaurants as Sydney reopened on Monday.

Photo: Facebook/Taylor’s

 [To] get back on our feet would be a positive thing 

BREWING ISSUES

“[To] get back on our feet would be a positive thing.”

Photo: Facebook/Taylor’s

“Helping the city centre revitalisation by bringing workers back to the city, opening up retail outlets and attracting visitors to our city streets is a vital step in Sydney’s economic recovery,” Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said.

But despite the measures being taken to revive the Sydney economy, there is a belief that it may be a while before the inner-city will return to business as usual.

“The people come back reluctantly after lockdown,” Maglis says. “It took quite a while for the people to come back into the offices, so it was actually a very slow, gradual increase after the lockdown of last year, and I’m suspecting something similar will happen this year as well.”

PUBLIC SUPPORT

During lockdown, the NSW Government introduced the JobSaver payment to provide cash flow support and retain employees. Businesses that could prove a 30 per cent fortnightly decline in turnover from 18 July 2021 received equivalent to 40 per cent of their weekly payroll.

“Without [JobSaver] I don’t think we

Restaurant bookings have risen 253 per cent since NSW’s roadmap to freedom was announced.

Hospitality across the inner-city reopens with density limits for up to 20 fully vaccinated people per booking, with those either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated only able to access takeaway options.

Staff will be required to ask patrons for their proof of vaccination, which can be accessed through Medicare, MyGov and the Australian Immunisation Register, and must be displayed before being served.

“You may get some people, some customers getting agitated about getting asked for proof of vaccination in order to sit down and dine, so I have a bit of trepidation around that,” Maglis says.

“70 per cent of our dining customers are regulars … so once they show it, we know who they are, they don’t need to show it again … it’s now the random walk-ins that we get, that we’ll have to be asking them, so some of the staff are feeling a little bit anxious about it.”

From December 1, it is expected that there will be no limits on people in hospitality settings, however, density limits will still apply. Singing and dancing will be permitted, while drinking may be seated or standing both indoors and outdoors.

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

Mark Mark Dickson. Deep Field Photography

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COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

THIS SPORTING STRIFE

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s the last white dove is released and the lingering strains of John Farnham’s That’s Freedom reverberate through the playlists of commercial radio, we can put so called ‘Freedom Day’ to bed and get ready for the largely abnormal return to pseudo normalcy – if that makes sense. Looking back on the months of lockdown we have just escaped it’s pertinent to reflect on the role sport has played during the pandemic and in Australian society at large.

When Brisbane held the rugby league grand final a few weeks ago, Premier Palaszczuk announced that everybody attending the game should wear a mask during the game, unless they were drinking or eating. It was clear from the TV coverage that this mandate was totally disregarded in a Mexican wave of mass disobedience. Whether it was the fervor of the event or an act of defiance, well over 90% of the crowd chose to not wear masks.

When quizzed about this after the game Queensland’s chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young, renowned for her usual hard line approach in dealing with

COVID, chose not to comment stating that she was not at Suncorp Stadium on the night. Needless to say she only had to turn on the TV to see what was happening.

Premier Palaszcuk was at the game, where perhaps she could have taken control of the situation, but chose to sidestep the issue by stating that most patrons were wearing masks as they entered the stadium. It was a substantial coup for Queensland hosting the NRL final and no amount of post-match party pooping was going to diminish the triumph.

Whilst community sport shut down completely during the various lockdowns, both the federal and state governments bent over backwards to keep professional sport alive. There’s no doubt that for many people, the Olympics, footy, basketball, horseracing and many other sports provided some welcome

psychological relief during lockdown. The major TV networks were heavily invested in sporting programs and the pandemic actually provided a boost in their advertising revenue, particularly from the global bookmaking conglomerates like Ladbrokes and Sportsbet.

Whilst many Australians remain stranded overseas and border closures keep families separated, sport is held as almost sacrosanct. If you are an Australian stuck in the UK and desperately trying to get home for Christmas, your chances might be rather slim. Then again if you are a rugby player from Argentina, the door is well and truly open, even if you spend most of your time here in Queensland.

When Melbourne hosted the Olympics in 1956, it was perceived as a massive international achievement with Australia

firmly asserting its place on the world stage. Yet if you had driven from Sydney to Melbourne for the games, the crumbling, largely two lane Hume Highway, complete with rickety old wooden bridges, would have tested your best driving skills.

Whilst countries throughout the world invested heavily in the post-war period, building road and rail infrastructure, in Australia we did bugger all. It took decades after 1956 to bring the Hume Highway up to scratch and the Pacific Highway is still very much a work in progress. Japan, France and Italy, countries that were ravaged in WWII, all managed to build extensive highspeed rail, with enormous economic benefits. Travel on one of our interstate trains between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and it’s like an outing for a Rail Transport Museum.

Certainly we can’t blame this lack of insight entirely on our preoccupation with sport and there are many other factors involved. But it does become a familiar digression when ever we need to push reality into the background. Who the hell cares about COVID, when it’s only 10 years to the Brisbane Olympics?

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Cabaret, comedy, music, good vibes & more From 28 October at the Eternity Playhouse + Book your work or social Christmas Party at Darlo and celebrate the silly season in style!

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FLORIAN: Sydney’s synth pop artist Florian waits eagerly to perform live once again

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DARLINGHURST THEATRE UNVEILS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AS 30TH ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES

BY TESSA PELLE arlinghurst Theatre has promoted former Co-Artistic Director Amylia Harris to sole Artistic Director as the company restructures ahead of its 30th anniversary. Previous Co-Artistic Director and founding CEO Glen Terry will be taking on the newly created role of Executive Director as he announces plans for early retirement, labelling Harris as his successor.

When it comes to COVID lockdowns, the performing arts industries have been hit hard by restrictions and capacity limits.

Still, for Harris her new appointment is an opportunity to rebuild and grow.

“It’s a funny time for it all to happen but I actually think it’s quite a glorious time because our company and the industry as a whole has been flattened again

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BY MARK MORELLINI he show that has been enchanting audiences finally reopens in Sydney now that the COVID-19 lockdown has been lifted.

This musical is based around the events which followed 9/11 when 38 passenger jets on their way across the Atlantic on September 11 were diverted, to a small Canadian town on the Island of Newfoundland called Gander, owing to the closure of the US airspace Actor Phillip Lowe who has impressive theatre credits including The Producers, Showboat, and Mary Poppins, has been a cast member since last summer and explained that this is one of the most satisfying productions he has been involved in.

“It’s very touchy and immensely satisfying in terms of the audience reaction which is universally spectacular.

With what’s going on in the world right now this is the most meaningful show with resonating themes including kindness to strangers and taking responsibility for other people’s wellbeing. The comparisons are endless.”

Lowe said he can’t wait to return to the show. “You do this job for the love and

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by this second wave of lockdowns, so if you’re going to rebuild, now is the time,” she says.

2022 will be a year of recovery for Darlo Theatre as the company uses the current pause on live performances to reflect on their values and culture.

“We’ve kind of used this opportunity as a pause to really drill down on who we are and what that identity means to us and our community. We’ve been doing a lot of workshops internally on access and inclusion and we’re actually about to release a statement with a lot of vast commitments as well that we’ll be holding ourselves accountable to,” Harris says.

Diversity and social inclusion are a crucial part of Darlo’s DNA and Harris plans to maintain that legacy under her

Amylia Harris. Photo: Clare Hawley

new leadership. She hopes to embrace new ideas and artists who have yet to be discovered.

“I think what I’m most excited about is finding new pathways and creating opportunities for the vibrant, buzzing community of art makers in Sydney who don’t usually get the chance to see a main stage. I’m really excited to work on finding ways to connect audiences with those artists and have really

‘COME FROM AWAY’ RE-OPENING

Photo: Jeff Busby

when you do what you love you don’t work a day in your life. I’m having a whale of a time and I can’t wait for the new cast taking over to come along on

the joyride with us because it’s such a good experience. I can’t wait not to be the new kid on the block!”

Broadway veteran Dan’yelle Williamson,

great conversations about who are the changemakers of tomorrow,” Harris says.

From an extensive career stage managing, producing and being an artistic leader, championing diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of Harris’ passions.

“I think the most rewarding part is being able to create opportunities for excellent artists. It drives me, it really does. It’s being able to find the funding and putting exceptional teams together.

The moment all that work pays off and the joy that comes with that is extremely rewarding.”

“I feel so blessed and lucky I get to do a job that I love. It’s rare, I would say.”

With restrictions now easing Darlinghurst Theatre Company will fling open its doors and invite audiences back to its home at the Eternity Playhouse for Fling Festival.

“We’re all desperate to break up with lockdown and enjoy some non-committal spring fun,” Harris says. “Our community needs to find joy, but on its own terms.

Everyone’s been told what to do for so long and now it’s time to curate our own post-lockdown experience. You be you!” Fling Festival will transform the Eternity Playhouse into a vibrant cultural hub that combines live entertainment with indoor and outdoor dining in a truly immersive experience. who starred in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, has just joined the cast and is thrilled to be performing in such an important and much-loved show.

“This is my first ever international tour and it’s really an honour and a privilege to be part of such a beautiful show that centres around kindness, compassion and human beings coming together to help one another in times of crisis.

That’s how I like to live my life as well and not just in time of crisis.”

But is the pressure on joining an established cast of a show mid-season?

“No. This is not the first time I’ve come into an already established company, so this is a process I’ve experienced before in my career. I’m so excited and the cast are so wonderful and bring their A-game. What I love more than that is the fact that everyone is really affirming and supportive of one another which is so important in any environment but especially in this industry.”

Reopens Oct 20. Capital Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $59- $185+b.f.. Tickets & Info: www.comefromaway.com.au CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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SYDNEY ARTIST FLORIAN PREPARES FOR“UNAPOLOGETIC POP” SHOWS Photo: Georgia Wallace

lockdown at The Vic On The Park in just a few short weeks.

“We’re super pumped, it will be really good to play live, I’ve released three songs in lockdown.”

With Seventeen Florian takes her music to a much more personal place, “with that Florian façade”, as she reflects on her youth and looks to the future.

“It’s about dealing with the mental side of ageing, and being able to be like, f*ck it, being older is fun.”

The track was recorded at Camperdown’s FED Studios following Sydney’s first lockdown last year.

“We were so excited to play music, we spent

BY ASTON BROWN the whole week in the studio doing this song ydney’s synth pop artist Florian has and the three other ones from the EP.” released her latest track Seventeen Florian is set to release the final track of as she waits eagerly to perform live once the EP, expected to drop in the coming again. months.

Seventeen is the third instalment in Florian’s latest EP following Yours And Mine “The last song is pretty different… there might even be a cheeky saxophone solo… and Patrick Swayze that were realised earlier this year, each featuring a nostalgic it’s pretty fun.”

As summer approaches and the promise of and refreshing hit of 70s & 80s pop.

In a conversation with City Hub Florian spoke opening up withstands, Florian is looking forward to the months and years ahead as about the challenges of lockdown as a solo an artist. artist and how much she is looking forward “I think it will be positive that we’re coming to doing what she loves most - live shows. into summer and people just want to see “That’s my favourite part of it, so having shows, I’m hoping every just gets out and that stripped away is very… you know, goes and supports people.” sometimes you feel like you’ve lost your purpose.

“I think my next releases after this EP is “When you’re just relying on yourself it’s done will definitely be a bit more dancy and really hard to stay focused, stay writing and a bit more fun, I really want to do some complete stuff, I feel like I’ve got about two concerts.” thousand unfinished songs since lockdown “When it comes down to it, I really just started.” enjoy making people happy, making people Florian is set for her first show post dance.”

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SARAH YAGKI’S LATEST SINGLE BECAME HER “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL’’

BY LUCINDA GARBUTT-YOUNG or Sydney-based artist Sarah Yagki, music has always been a way to articulate experiences. The alternative pop artist has explored songwriting since she was just a child.

“I started out in music from a really young age, but I didn’t come from a musical family. The way I connected to music was through listening to other artists, understanding what they were saying in their music and wanting to do that myself,” she explained.

Yagki’s sixth single, Rewind, shows how music has carried her through life. It’s a delicate balance of personal lyrics and complex music.

“I’m really trying to collaborate, write and do my best to share music that inspires others the way that it’s inspired me my entire life.”

Studying a Bachelor of Music with Arts Management at The Australian Institute of Music, Yagki felt like selfreleasing singles was the right way to get started.

“I wanted to be across the whole process [of creating a song]. I wanted to understand it not only from an artistic perspective, but also everything that actually comes with music - whether it’s the release, the publications, the process of doing that.

“As a young female artist, it was really important to me to... know how to stand on my own two feet,” Yagki said.

Yagki now has a management team who approached her for the most recent singles, but she reflects on her time of self-releasing with pride.

It gave her an opportunity to explore creative autonomy, making music on her own terms.

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“Through that [self-releasing], I was able to really connect with my music and find others who are part of my team now.”

And it’s Rewind that has taught Yagki more than ever to advocate for herself. Poignant lyrics were written throughout a “toxic relationship.”

“For me, Rewind became the light at the end of the tunnel... this song for me became that little bit of strength that I held onto. I worked on it as I grew in myself and grew the power to get out of that relationship.”

Yagki doesn’t shy away from such a hard topic. She knows it’s an important one to share. The simple chorus of the song is designed to reflect emotions at various times through hard relationships.

“When people are listening to it.. I want it to be immersive. You can close your eyes and put yourself in headspace to explore what the song is.”

Reflecting on the power of her words, Yagki is excited to share her newest single with a live audience at The Vanguard on November 10.

Nov 10. The Vanguard, 42 King St, Newtown. $14.89+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.thevanguard.com.au

RUDE WAITERS BAD TABLE SERVICE, KAREN’S DINER IS DEFINITELY MEMORABLE

BY KATELYN MILLIGAN t’s everything a restaurant shouldn’t be, with rude waiters and terrible table service – Karen’s Diner is sure to be a memorable experience. Enjoy the tongue-in-cheek style restaurant where diners will be served by angry Karens in Sydney’s latest experience launching on October 30 in World Square.

Viral Ventures is the company behind Karen’s Diner and is well-known by Sydneysiders for its other immersive experiences including The Wizards Den and Wonderland Bar. Viral Ventures

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your tables. It’s going to be a whole load of different things going on to bring the room to life that are very COVIDsafe but very anti-normal restaurant experiences,” Levin told City Hub. “It’s a space where they can take themselves not too seriously, they Co-Founder Aden Levin says their latest can let loose. If they want to stand on concept pokes fun at the stereotypical their tables and shout at the waiters they can, if they want to speak to the ‘Karen’ in today’s ‘cancel culture’. manager then [that will] be a whole “We want to create one of the most memorable dining experiences beyond experience in itself.”

From spinning Karen’s Wheel of just having the banterous service at

Fortune that may challenge tables to perform a karaoke song or take part in a dance off against a waiter, to birthday guests receiving the most underwhelming birthday cake they’ve ever seen, there’s plenty of activities to look forward to.

Whilst the service might be horrible, Levin assures that the 1950s style US diner menu will be great.

World Square, Unit 6, Level 1/644 George St, Sydney.

To make a reservation head to www.bemorekaren.com

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‘THE OLD WAYS’ IS A SOUTH AMERICAN SPIN ON AN EXORCISM

BY JAMIE APPS irected by Christopher Alender The Old Ways presents a classic tale of possession, both demonic and personal, with a fresh South American twist. In the film we follow Cristina Lopez (Brigitte Kali), a Mexican-American journalist, who decides to travel back to her home town in order to do a story investigating ancient spiritual practices. Upon her arrival Cristina is kidnapped by a group of locals who fear that she has become possessed after entering a sacred site, which she was warned to avoid.

Upon waking up after being captured

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Cristina comes to learn that her main captor is a bruja, female witch who specialises in exorcism. It is at this point where the horror elements ramp up in intensity as the bruja attempts to exorcise Cristina’s many demons. As the viewer we quickly come to learn that Cristina is fighting more than just spiritual demons, as she also has to battle emotional demons and drug addiction.

Given the films low budget it focuses on drawing out the fear though simple means - blood, snakes, creepy children lurking in the shadows and an unsettling soundscape. There are very few big set pieces or over exaggerated jump scares, which gives the film a visceral and intimate feeling and heights the horror.

Overall this is an enjoyable film, which could have pushed the exorcism genre to new heights had it simply dug a little deeper and delivered a more substantive payoff to conclude the story.

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KOREAN FILM FESTIVAL 2021 For cooking buffs, The Wandering Chef is Paper Flower a documentary not to be missed.

“Throughout this film audiences will marvel at a large variety of delicious Korean dishes prepared by decorated chef Lim Ji-ho which they’d never find in an ordinary Korean restaurant in Australia. Also, because the camera follows the chef everywhere, audiences should be mesmerised by the beauty of

BY MARK MORELLINI the South Korean scenery.” he Korean Film Festival returns to the Lee raved about The Swordsman which big screen this year, with a program of he claimed is a must for enthusiasts of 22 of the finest films from small arthouse fast paced action flicks with high body films to action packed thrillers. counts. “Hyuk JANG is one of the most Francis Lee, Festival Programmer, explained popular action heroes in Korea and stars that Korean films are produced by world in this film which showcases Korean standard high-quality filmmakers and have sword action which is very distinctive such a distinctive character compared to from Chinese and Japanese sword those from Hollywood or Europe. action.”

“Whichever Korean film you watch, Somewhere In Between is the closing whether it’s an action blockbuster, a night film which surrounds a young comedy or drama we embrace a variety of man who returns to his dull hometown genres within the same film.” existence after he abandons his life Paper Flower is an Australian premiere changing goals. With the help of family and opens the film festival. Focusing on and friends he rediscovers himself and the ups and downs within a family headed learns the true meaning of life. by a funeral director, it’s a touching and “If moviegoers want a special movie meaningful film which evokes themes experience please come along and watch including the value of life, death, hope a Korean film at this festival!” and community goodwill. The resounding During October. Event George St. message delivered is to cherish each $16-$40+b.f. Tickets & Info: moment as our lives pass us by. www.koffia.com.au

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2018 THAI CAVE RESCUE COMES TO THE BIG SCREEN IN ‘THE CAVE’

BY MARK MORELLINI n 2018 the real-life rescue of a young soccer team in the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand made headlines all over the world and now the first film produced depicting the gruelling rescue mission is available to watch on digital platforms.

Soon after the announcement was made; “We have a problem… some kids have disappeared in a flooded cave!” the whole world watched and prayed.

Everyone was inspired by the courage and resilience of the rescue team and stunned by the extreme challenges involved in bringing these children to safety.

As film director Tom Waller watched the tragedy unfold, he immediately thought this story of courage and hope had possibilities as a motion picture.

“I wanted to know more about how these kids were rescued and how they came out alive.”

The film was produced on a small budget with no Hollywood stars which ultimately compounded to the authenticity of the film.

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“We based the film totally on the true story, taking the accounts of the real rescuers and dramatising events closely following their own experiences. The simplicity of using some of the real participants in the rescue, blended with actors and non-actors alike, felt more real than having Tom Hanks in the film”.

Waller sincerely hopes that Australians will watch this film which resonates that in times of tragedy communities will unite.

“It’s a story about ordinary people who become heroes.”

Read our full interview with film director Tom Waller on our website now.

SCI-FI FILM FEST 2021

Tales Of Tomorrow

BY MARK MORELLINI eam me up Scotty! The 12th Sci-Fi Film Festival has finally arrived in Sydney and lovers of quality science fiction and fantasy films should be delighted with the curated program.

Owing to the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and the uncertainty as to whether cinemas would be reopened in time to host this film festival, it was decided that it would best be presented digitally, an indirect advantage being that it would potentially be available to a much larger audience.

“The Sci-Fi Film Festival is about showcasing the latest in bold, provocative and ground-breaking cinema,” explained Sci-Fi Film Festival Director Tom Papas. “We’re so excited to be able to bring this festival to a national audience this year, presenting

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an online program of films from across the globe.”

The program boasts 13 features and 67 shorts from 28 countries including Japan, China, Canada, America, Russia, Sweden, Spain and Brazil. All the films are Australian premieres, and each will be followed by the screening of a short film. After screening in many festivals all around the world several of these films have received much accolade.

Proudly announced is the world premiere of Say Yes Again, a Taiwanese film which rivals popular American 90s flick Groundhog Day. A young man relives the day he proposes to a lady, reliving the day over and over again until she accepts.

Oct 15–31. Online. $8-$30+b.f. Films & info: www.scififilmfestival.com CITY HUB OCTOBER 2021

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