City Hub 10 August 2017

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Railing against all the disruption

BY ALEC SMART Last Thursday a public forum was held at Vivo Café on George Street in the city, for people adversely affected by Sydney’s light rail construction.

The forum was hosted by cafe owner, City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas, whose business has been negatively impacted by the light rail project.

Cr Vithoulkas announced that legal action seeking financial compensation from the NSW Government would be launched.

“The reason we called this meeting was because the NSW State Government has consistently said they’ve never heard anyone complain,” she said.

“I have had two forums before this, and the NSW Business Commissioner was present at both to take details of people’s stories to the NSW Cabinet. I don’t know if that happened, because they refuse to tell me. However, the Premier was here three weeks ago and she reiterated that no one has ever complained to her about problems with the light rail.”

Radio 2GB’s Alan Jones addressed the meeting, attended by over 100 business owners and residents who live and trade along the new CBD and South East Light Rail Route.

Mr Jones said: “There can never be something wrong with listening to the people, but unfortunately on this occasion, it’s something the Government hasn’t done.”

Cr Vithoulkas announced the launch of the ‘Save Small Businesses and Communities Fighting Fund’ to support the class action. The initial legal work will cost at least $50,000. T-shirts are being sold as part of the fundraising campaign.

“We have been living in a construction zone for two years, with two more to go… we do want compensation,” said Cr Vithoulkas.

“The class action is down the track, but the legal mechanisms are awfully complicated,” said Mr Jones.

“In the meantime, there has to be a commitment by the NSW Government to appropriately compensate people that have been damaged irreparably. They need to form a panel to hear

Locals held a meeting to discuss a class action against the government over light rail construction, which has negatively impacted businesses and residents. Credit: Alec Smart

representations. The people affected can present their case with their bank or accountant, so that no one will cheat the system. This would not run into a lot of money and the goodwill would be enormous.”

“There needs to be appropriate compensation as a result of the damage that’s been done by a decision of government. It’s a simple and unarguable proposition,” he said.

The forum heard numerous accounts from shop and restaurant owners who have ceased trading or are facing closure, due to a variety of issues linked to the light rail construction work.

Some of the worst grievances include barricades inhibiting access to premises, excessive noise, road and foot traffic diverted away from retail areas, and significant financial losses.

Several residents claimed that Transport for NSW had repeatedly said that the shortfall in customers during the construction phase would be offset by a significant increase once the light rail begins operating. But with the works already

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running close to a year over schedule -- not to mention billions over budget-- the promise is too far away to be any consolation -- as well as the loss in business growing more each day.

Many residents whose homes adjoin the light rail construction complained of dust, fumes, noise, bright lights at all hours, restricted movement for people with disabilities, heavy machinery operating overnight and long detours around work sites.

Among those who addressed the forum was Randwick resident Andrew, whose home fronts the construction work on Anzac Parade.

He said: “They often work overnight until 4am, stop, then start again at 7am. I’ve documented it and taken photographs. I bought a noise level meter and recorded over 100 decibels in my living room from jackhammers - equivalent to standing a metre away from a lawnmower.”

“They set up a generator under my window that flooded my place with diesel fumes, a clear breach of OH&S Laws, but when I called the EPA they claimed it was safe,” he said.

Amelia, who owned and managed a café in Surry Hills for seven years, said she had to close her business when the light rail construction work reduced customers to an unsustainable level.

She said: “We had 1200-1500 people coming through our doors every week, most of those locals and regulars. As soon as the contractors put the barricades up, we were down 40% in the first week. Second week was 50%. And when I was told that all our outdoor seating would be taken away the week after, we had to let go 12 members of staff.”

“We adapted our business to try and get us through, but there was no foot traffic, they blocked it off. We were completely invisible. The day I met the business liquidator was the day I finally felt in control of what was happening to me,” she said.

Construction on the 12km CBD and South East Light Rail route began in October 2015, and is being staged across 31 construction zones.

The project will result in a light rail service from Circular Quay along George Street (with a newly pedestrianized section between Hunter and Bathurst Streets) and through Surry Hills to Moore Park, where it diverts into two forks to Kingsford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.

On completion, there will be 20 platforms, including interchanges at ferry, bus and railway stations.

However, completion is not expected until 2019.

It was revealed in July this year that the new trams – a fleet of sixty Citadis X05 trams from France, each 67 metres in length (the first of which arrived on August 1) are incompatible with the existing inner-west line between Ultimo and Dulwich Hill. This means that passengers travelling light rail from the inner west to Moore Park for sporting events and concerts will have to change trams at Central Railway Station to continue their journey.

The forum was also attended by Jody McKay, Shadow Transport Minister; City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott; and Randwick City Councillor and former Mayor, Tony Bowen.

Liberals could face backlash in Waverley Council elections

BY ANITA SENARATNA Located in Sydney’s leafy eastern suburbs and home to one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, Waverley Council is traditionally Liberal party heartland. But the failed merger with Randwick and Woollahra councils and the deeply unpopular Bondi Pavilion upgrade have left a bad taste in voters’ mouths, and this could translate to a swing away from the Liberals at the upcoming local government elections on September 9.

Earlier this year, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that the State Government would no longer be forcing local councils to merge with each other. The proposed mergers, which were initiated by the Baird government, were controversial with voters and the councils themselves, with many councils declaring they would challenge the mergers in the High Court.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts supported the merger with Randwick and Woollahra.

She recently told the Wentworth Courier that she was “disappointed” that it was no longer going ahead, and that it had “wasted” her staff’s time planning for it.

“I believe supporting a possible merger was in the best interests of Waverley, certainly from a financial perspective but that’s no longer the government’s position so we need to move forward and continue working for our residents,” she said.

The Bondi Pavilion is a heritage building

Greens councillor Dominik Wy Kanak with Bondi residents. Credit: Supplied

that is currently home to a theatre, art gallery, music studios, art and pottery studios, a screening room and halls available for hire. While the proposed upgrade would retain some of these facilities, it also involved changes to the first floor to allow for a cafe or restaurant overlooking Bondi Beach.

The proposal led to a ‘Save Bondi Pavilion’ campaign, started by locals who objected to privatising a heritage building and the loss of a creative space for emerging artists and musicians. The campaign, which has almost 5000 supporters, has several high-profile members such as the Hoodoo Gurus and The Castle actor Michael Caton.

Labor Councillor Paula Masselos has criticised the lack of community consultation in the proposal’s early stages, calling it “cynical and disingenuous.”

If she is re-elected, Cr Masselos says she and the other Labor councillors will work to stop the “overdevelopment feeding frenzy” currently happening in the area.

Greens councillor Dominic Wy Kanak has also opposed the Bondi Pavilion upgrade. Cr Wy Kanak said that the community “responded with thankful sighs” and “heartfelt relief” to the news that the merger with Woollahra and Randwick was no longer going ahead.

Despite being a safe liberal seat, the area did see a swing towards the Greens in last year’s federal election. Cr Wy Kanak says he is hoping the trend will continue at a local level as well.

“Our community is certain that the Greens increased votes in the Prime Minister’s federal electorate of Wentworth will transfer to strong support for local council Greens Candidates come the September 9 Local Government Elections,” he said. city hub 10 AUGUST 2017

3

Town Hall secrecy leads to distrust

BY ALEX EUGENE City of Sydney councillors now have so little faith in the Lord Mayor Clover Moore and her constituents, that they were led to believe a chain email claiming city buildings were up for sale had genuinely been endorsed by the Mayor.

The Mayor’s lack of transparency has been decried constantly by several councillors on a number of issues, from financial accountability to council’s refusal to live stream its meetings -coming to a head in June when the Deputy Lord Mayor, Kerryn Phelps stepped down from her position in the Clover Moore independent team, after claiming she was being stripped of duties and pushed further and further to the sidelines for questioning financial matters. Though in her announcement she said she did not have any concerns about honesty, she said she could no longer tolerate the closed-door policy of the Mayor.

Arguments broke out at Monday’s council meeting over the four city buildings allegedly being put on the market for sale, after Independent Councillor Angela Vithoulkas moved a motion to launch an urgent full commission enquiry into the matter. Cr Vithoulkas took the email at face value and alleged the sale of the buildings was a breach of conduct by the council.

The document, which had been circulated to thousands of Sydneysiders on an email list presented the four buildings as “open for expressions of interest”.

The email was accompanied by an alleged quote from the Lord Mayor, saying: “these properties are in a strategic location and have enormous potential, but they need significant capital investment that would place a huge strain on the City’s financial resources.”

Cr Vithoulkas said: “imagine my shock when I discovered that the buildings were for sale,” referring to the email which was the first time she had received the information.

The list sent included the Taylor Square building - 1-5 Flinders St; 110-122 Oxford Street; 56-76 Oxford St; and 82-106 Oxford St. All are enormous public buildings which in the past have housed queer nightclubs, art galleries, restaurants and idiosyncratic shops, but which all fell victim to the struggling patronage of the area since lockout laws killed nightlife and the vibrant culture of the area.

Cr Vithoulkas began giving out copies of the CBRE email, but was asked to discuss the matter further in private, and a break was announced by the Lord Mayor.

The Taylor Square building was alleged to be up for sale this week, to the horror of City of Sydney councillors. Credit: Supplied

When the meeting was reconvened, the City of Sydney CEO fumbled to defend the allegation that the buildings had been put up for sale, saying “I wish it hadn’t happened, but we didn’t instigate this.”

“We have used CBRE before, but no one has been engaged to do anything. People misinterpret committee meetings all the time; we try to tell them,” she said, claiming that the agent must have got the information from a committee meeting and “misinterpreted” the matter of council’s investment strategies, which may have been discussed, but not confirmed.

Other councillors played down the incident, saying it was “just real estate agents” and that the behaviour was to be expected.

Cr Linda Scott spoke to the matter pointing out that the information circulated made the City look as though it had certainly put its buildings on the market, and that it “smacked of endorsement that we are selling”, especially given that it was signed off by the agent saying “if you have any further questions...do not hesitate to contact me directly.”

“This does matter, because we need people to know that we do not lie to our public,” she said.

The City CEO said she would write to CBRE telling them they “should not have written the email.”

Councillor Scott has also recently expressed concern that the real reason Council is looking to profit from city buildings is to top up the cost of the budget-blowing light rail works, which are running hugely over the schedule to the tune of almost $100million.

At Monday’s meeting, Cr Scott also asked for an explanation about $55million that was not spent last year on infrastructure projects, and was rebuffed again by the CEO who claimed the money was simply being “rolled over” to future years budgets for when projects would be completed. When asked exactly which projects were covered by the $55million in question, the CEO replied that Cr Scott should look at the quarterly budgets she was sent previously.

Cr Vithoulkas withdrew her motion to launch an enquiry after speaking privately to the Mayor and CEO during the meeting break. The original motion to continue with the City’s property investment strategy, which currently only includes leasing buildings, was passed.

CBRE claimed not to have any record of the buildings on sale the next day when contacted by City Hub.

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Homeless stand their ground at Martin Place

BY TOMMY BOUTROS The dwellers of the homeless camp in Martin Place are refusing to move on despite Lord Mayor Clover Moore announcing on Monday night that she had come to an agreement with the camp leader, Lanz Priestly, that they would do so.

Ms Moore promised an immediate safe space would be provided within 24 hours, but after homeless campers realised that no accommodation would be provided, they revoked their side of the agreement, on the grounds of returning to worse conditions.

Ralph*, one of the people living at the camp said: “It is enjoyable here, nothing flash but we have what we need-- food, a place to sleep and some companionship.”

The camp is supported by volunteers who provide food and bedding, but it has come under fire in recent months for being a “public nuisance” and claims that the site is unhygenic.

Ralph said: “These suits that walk past at all hour of the days don’t even give us a second of their time, and it’s such a small difference between us in my opinion, but we seem worlds apart.”

“So many of us were just like these corporate guys once upon a time, we have just fallen on harsher times. A wrong investment here or there, it’s that easy to lose it all.”

“We still have families, we clearly need it more than they do. If it doesn’t affect them directly then they shouldn’t have a problem with it, or a say in the outcome,” he added.

The push to move the camp out of the busy thoroughfare came to a head with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warning the City of Sydney early Monday morning that if Council took no action, the State Government would be forced to intervene.

Homelessness NSW understands the situation at Martin Place is not ideal, but back the sentiment that it is more important for people to have somewhere to sleep and be safe, instead of worrying about how they city may looks as a result.

Lanz Priestly, spokesperson for the Martin Place homeless camp, telling reporters on Monday night that they will not move until accomodation is provided.

Credit: AlexEugene

A spokesperson for Homelessness NSW said: “Communities such as Martin Place are not a satisfactory answer to homelessness, however no action should be taken to evict people until a suitable alternative is in place.”

“People sleeping rough are some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community, many of whom have disability, mental health and other support needs,” they said.

Jenny Leong, the Greens member for Newtown commented on the issue in parliament.

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“To have the Premier trying to blame the Lord Mayor, Clover Moore for not ‘moving people on’ demonstrates her complete lack of understanding and compassion when it comes to this issue.”

“There’s a tried and tested solution to addressing homelessness and that is using the Housing First model - an approach which provides permanent housing to those who are homeless as a priority,” she said.

Ralph feels strongly about the possibility of securing housing, saying: “It would be great to finally have somewhere to stay. But in truth, it’s not as easy as that. We are used to a sense of comraderie here, a sense of hand built infrastructure that keeps us secure. It’s not easy to find that when you’re living alone in a tiny apartment.”

Tom Webster from the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), said that his staff has successfully moved some people out of their Martin Place residency.

“FACS staff have been to Martin Place on more than 35 occasions over the past few months to offer accommodation and support to people sleeping rough. In total, more than 135 people who were previously sleeping rough have been placed in temporary accommodation in recent months,” he said.

While Ralph understands that the various organisations are doing their best to try and improve the situation he believes it should be left alone: “When you’ve been on the streets, you begin to understand the gritty details of the struggle and you do with what you can get,” he said.

Jenny Smith, Chair from Homelessness Australia said: “We need significant Federal, State & Territory Government investment in social and affordable housing and urgent changes to tax structures so that low income earners aren’t forced to choose between paying the rent and putting food on the table.”

“Homelessness can be fixed by providing adequate housing. 100,000 new public and community homes

would make a real difference to housing the elderly, families and single people on low incomes.”

Lord Mayor Moore said: “I will not support moving homeless and vulnerable people from public spaces without being sure they have the support and housing they need to get back on their feet.”

Last week Ms Moore wrote to the Minister for social housing, Pru Goward proposing several strategies for addressing homelessness including re-opening the Sirius building (previously a social housing building); a 24/7 safe space in the Sydney CBD that provides food, showers and laundry facilities with support and links to homelessness services; and planning approval to be given for the extension of the City’s affordable housing levy across the entire local government area.

Ralph said he was happy with what the Mayor had proposed: “It’s tough out here, even when it seems like we have everything we need, we don’t get to see our families, and of course everyone who walks past assumes we are either drunks or drug addicts.”

“It’s not ideal being homeless, but we have to get by however we can. We get cold too, especially now, in the winter season. Sleeping out in the cold has never been fun. I just hope the government actually follows through this time.”

But Lanz Priestly, the spokesperson for the camp, has stuck fast to the final word that no one would move until accomodation was provided as part of the agreement.

On Tuesday, the Premier held a joint press conference with Minister Goward announcing that the State Government would seek to change the law, giving it the power to send in police to dismantle the homeless camp in Martin Place.

The Premier described the plans a “course of action I wish I didn’t have to take” and expressed that the government’s tough response was a result of inaction by the City of Sydney. *Names have been changed to protect identities

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7

Camperdown to get controversial new hospital

BY GEORGIA CLARK A legal loophole enabling developers to proceed with developments even if consent was received decades ago has caused concern that community consultation could be bypassed.

The warning comes after a landmark decision in the Supreme Court was struck, ruling that a 20-year-old development consent received by Macquarie Health for a private hospital had not lapsed.

The landmark decision now means that Macquarie Health’s Dr Thomas Wenkart can proceed with the development of a 7-9-storey private hospital and metered-carpark in Camperdown near Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

But the million dollar project, which has been in the works since its approval in 1997, was thwarted when the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) sought to challenge the validity of the approval in court.

However, the Supreme Court found that the developer was entitled to continue works despite the lapse of time, with the SLHD ultimately ordered to pay damages to Macquarie Health, including a portion of the prospective cost of the hospital development and forecast profits from the carpark.

City of Sydney Councillor Linda Scott is rallying for immediate legislative reform, saying that the loophole enables developers to shortcircuit community consultation.

She said: “The development of this new private hospital was approved 20 years ago and through a loophole of the NSW Planning

There may soon be a Camperdown private hospital, the DA for which was approved 20 years ago.

Credit: Wikimedia commons

Act the developer has been able to bypass further community consultation and legally build on the site.”

Although two decades had lapsed since the development consent was received, because $6.3m was spent on works on the site within 5 years of the consent, the Court found that the relevant requirement under the Planning Act

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was satisfied. But Cr Scott says that this loophole opens the door to exploitation.

Cr Scott said: “The State NSW Government should move to close this loophole immediately.”

“Members of the community have raised significant concerns with me about the impact of this development on their environment and their community, and I share those concerns.”

In their submissions to the Court, Macquarie Health argued that relevant and material works had been undertaken on the site, which meant that the development approval was still valid.

But the SLHD disagreed, arguing that because the construction of the hospital had not yet been undertaken, the consent was invalid.

The Court ultimately found in favour of Macquarie Health, arguing that there was a substantial relationship between the physically commenced work and the activity to which the development consent relates, being the development of the hospital and carpark.

The consent requires a pedestrian crossing to be built in close proximity to the site and for the 960-space carpark to be operational prior to the hospital’s opening, with development work only permissible between 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, and 7am-3pm on Saturdays.

But Cr Scott argues that such safeguards do not suffice.

She said: “I’m deeply concerned about the private hospital development, which includes over 900 commercial car parking spaces. The impact from the traffic and overshadowing on neighbouring Camperdown and Newtown residents will be significant - and yet no new public health services will be added to our community as a result of this development.”

“The NSW State Government must step in and protect our inner city residents from developers exploiting loopholes in the NSW Planning Act to the determent of local residents.”

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Australian universities still linked to Palestine

BY SORAYA PEREZ MOHAMMED Academics say Australia is endorsing the violence in Palestine by keeping open channels with Isreali universities-- at least when compared to our international counterparts on the global stage.

Thousands of academics all over the world have boycotted Israeli universities and academics for their role in promoting the Israel-Palestine conflict. Now, they’re calling on Australia to do the same.

Leading the cause is the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions group (BDS), a global, Palestinianled movement that focuses their attention on large corporations and institutions rather than governments, whom they view as having failed to act to protect the Palestinian people.

The BDS recently held a two-day conference at the University of Sydney, called ‘Driving Global Justice for Palestine’. The conference was supported by the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network to show solidarity with Palestinian university communities. One of the keynote speakers was the US-Palestinian political analyst and writer Yousef Munayyer.

Munayyer discussed how the politics that brought US President Donald Trump to power would now be supported and amplified by the highest levels of government, and how this will impact the movement for Palestinian rights.

According to Munayyer, the movement needs to rethink its approach in light of the new political climate in the US, asking the audience to consider the questions: “How does the movement for Palestinian rights adjust and adapt during America’s Trumpian moment? What does operating in this new political context look like and how do we carry

Activists are calling on the Australian community to unite against human rights abuses in Palestine.

Credit: Martinvarsavsky (Flickr)

our work forward toward our goals in this new environment?”

But not everyone agrees that boycotts are the way to go. Australian teacher Nicholas Rowe, who attended the conference, thinks the BDS should be clearer about what they want to achieve with the boycotts.

“In this corporate climate university world, in this shift from civic university to corporate university, are we simply supporting that shift when we make our

focus of a boycott on the very tangible performances of the boycott? If we are going to be living in a future society, and we do want to support something like the BDS, what is the responsibility of artists to show and reunite in what that future will be once that has been achieved?” he said.

He agrees, though, that something needs to be done.

“We do need this, and we need it to be manifested and acknowledged. And that’s as important as other

BDS actions in order for people to see what direction BDS is headed towards and for our society to achieve equality.”

Universities are often seen as progressive hubs of knowledge and culture, but this isn’t always the case in Israel. According to the BDS, Israeli universities are “major, willing and persistent accomplices in Israel’s regime of occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid,” helping to develop weapons and doctrines used to promote the conflict.

Chris Anderton, who is Global Solidarity officer on the university’s Student Representative Council, said student activists also play an important role in the international Palestine solidarity movement , and in the BDS campaign specifically.

“Students are capable of providing and almost constant source of organised protest, keeping the issue of Palestine in the public sphere in a way that does not suffer from the weaknesses of working within and institutional framework”, he said.

“However, because of their often prominent protests and activities, they are also the regular target of political repression from both governments and university managements, facing discrimination for their support of the Palestinian cause.’”

Munayyer said that in the Trump era, it’s more important than ever for citizens to get involved with causes they believe in because they’re unlikely to see any action from governments on this issue.

“We’re working for freedom, justice and equality for Palestinians and that’s why it’s very important to pressure Israel until it complies with international law”, he said.

“We want to end international support for Israel’s policies of oppression.”

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FEATURE

2017 ARAB FILM FESTIVAL

By Mark Morellini all I can say is that the film definitely carries a positive human message Gaza Surf Club The highly anticipated 14th Arab Film Festival comes to through a story full of racism, intolerance and prejudice.We tried to be Sydney and audiences should be captivated by the diversity bold enough to self-criticise, to look the problem in the eye, something and high quality of films screening at this prominent annual our societies are not really used to doing.” cultural event.

Sophie Boutros is adamant that her film will correct Australian audience’s The program consists of six features and five short films from Lebanon, misconceptions of Arabic lifestyles:“There have been long years of wrong Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Tunisia and Australia, with festival propaganda about Arab societies. For the west, it is the “Middle-East”, one director Fadia Abboud saying that quality is paramount to quantity. entity, one colour, one nation which in reality is far from being true. Unlike “This is a boutique film festival, every film honestly says something what a lot of people still think, we do not have old souks (Arab about us that is important and if you went to all of the sessions you marketplaces) full of dust and we do not ride camels or even donkeys. I would love each and every film. Because we have so much to choose would be happy if my film contributes to giving a more genuine image TO manageable WIN UP and TOrunning 1 MILLION from and we 8tryCHANCES to keep our festival year to DOLLARS. THAT’S. . . about my society, my people and about our culture.” year, we just try to bring you the best”.

“All audiences including our non-Arabic friends should attend this Photos: provided by Arab Film Festival The opening night film Mahbas is a Lebanese comedy about what festival. A lot of people do because they find the films are something transpires when a young man arrives with his family at his Lebanese to be proud of and the festival itself is a fun event and a great hangout girlfriend’s home to announce their engagement. The hilarity for four days,” concluded Abboud. accelerates when her mother discovers he’s Syrian.

For the full interview with Sophie Boutros see www.altmedia.net.au “This film is like Meet The Fockers, but in an Arab world Lebanese MAHBAS is screening on August 17th at 8:00pm $42 (includes usually see themselves as great (and I can say that because I’m opening night gala) Lebanese!) and we’re usually the snobbiest but I’ve never seen it in an Arab film where a Lebanese family is trumped by a snobbier Syrian treat their domestic workers and I STILL HIDE TO family – I’ve never seen that combination and I really love that!” sends a message that change is SMOKE (Algeria)– laughed Abboud. required in society’s attitudes to A great feminist film Australian audiences will learn that Arabic people are a religious and eliminate this appalling treatment about women rising up 3 AUGUST 2017 culturally diverse group who have 7 theJUNE same fears,–desires and the Directors of of those less fortunate workers. against their society and need for a better life for their families. These films also demonstrate Train To Peace challenging each other to be that Arabic people are good storytellers, but do they also attempt to ALI’S WEDDING (Australia)– independent and supporting change the Western world’s perception of Arabic people and Islam in These are probably the main purposes and also to share those stories in a Should a young Muslim man follow each other and not reinforcing light of the Islamophobia evident in today’s society? room full of other people that might be connected to those is a really his heart and be with the girl he men’s ideals and expectations of “The festival exists for many reasons. We want to address the powerful experience”. loves or marry the woman his them. parents have chosen for him? An misconceptions of Arab people in Australia. Arabs have a collection of Mahbas expresses that regardless of nationality or religious beliefs, audience favourite at the recent A MAID FOR EACH (Lebanon) religions and one of them is Islam – we do aim to address the communities all share the same human frailties – people have Sydney Film Festival, this hilarious - A daunting but important misrepresentations and the way we do that is by hopefully not prejudices, mothers may deceive and scheme for their children and home-grown Muslim film is sure introspective documentary which perpetuating them, but by not being afraid to show our people and our there may also be infidelities within marriages. details how Lebanese communities to delight audiences. experiences and by presenting alternative stories,” explained Abboud.

When Sophie Boutros, the director of Mahbas, was asked whether this And what is the main purpose of this film festival apart from the was the underlying theme of the film she replied:“Since the film’s release, I Aug 17-20. Riverside Theatres. Crn Church & Market entertainment value? did my best not to tell people what they are supposed to think once they Streets, Parramatta. $42 (opening night) $22-$88 “Why? Can’t we just be entertained by our own stories?” laughed watch Mahbas. In the story and screenplay, we tried our best not to Package). Booking & Info: Abboud,“We’re allowedWe’re to enjoy our stories on the big and toopportunity see convey directto messages and I would like to leaveevery it up to week for 8(Marathon giving you a screen golden win nor uppreachings, to 1 million dollars, weeks, a sumptuous www.arabfilmfestival.com.au or 8839-3399 ourselves reflected in ways that are authentic, challenging and entertaining. the audience to come up with their own understanding and feelings. But

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Emma Matthews

Melba

Opening at the Haye’s Theatre Co, Melba traces the life of Dame Nellie Melba, the powerhouse Australian soprano who rose to fame at the turn of the 20th century.

Described as our first cultural export, Melba was internationally acclaimed and lauded as the most celebrated opera singer of her generation - if not ever in Australia.

“The musical weaves her traditional arias with a contemporary score and

Craig Reid. Photo: Tony Virgo

Studio 54 nightclub, Boogie Wonderland and an eclectic cast of talented performers including the Marcia Hines herself… need I say more?

The Aria nominated, award winning hit Velvet is glittering and shinning it’s way to Sydney to heat up the cold winter months.

It is a classic coming of age story with all the right ingredients. It will shock, surprise and gleam at every single moment.With an array of dazzling costumes, exhilarating acrobatic performers and a powerful set of vocal chords it is sure to be an incredibly spectacular show.

focusses on the backstage story of her climb to the top as a working mother.” said the writer Nicholas Christo and composer Johannes Luebbers of Melba in a joint statement.

Directed by Wayne Harrison with Emma Matthews playing the titular lead, the show follows Melba’s humble beginnings in Melbourne (thus emerged her derivative stage name Melba); her rise to fame; and the lesser known tales behind her stellar career.

“We are really paying tribute to her rebellious drive and determination and her dizzying triumphs that lasted for decades.”

Based on the biography I Am Melba by Ann Blainey, the musical tells the story of a woman determined to pave her own way in a conservative world.

“Melba is a celebration of a modern woman in an antiquated age.” Christo and Luerbbers said.

“Audiences will be blown away by lush, epic, music sung by the incomparable Emma Matthews and a wonderful cast.”

“It’s a story of hope and family with a strong, and dearly beloved, female protagonist reinvigorated.” (SH) Aug 11-Sep 9. Hayes Theatre Co. 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $50$65.Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre. com.au or Ph: (02) 8065 7337

“Firstly, I was an audience member in Melbourne. A mate of mine came in and said, ‘I’ve just seen the best show ever!’ After that I went and saw the show and I just fell in love with it,” said Tom Oliver, who plays the lead male character in the show.

The story tells of a young man who steps into a nightclub and is guided on a journey of self discovery by a variety of unusual individuals.

Each of the musical numbers and performances tells a different tale and takes audience members on their own individual journey.

“It’s up to audiences to understand its meaning. What I first took from it is probably completely different to another person. It’s really hard to explain unless you’re there” said Oliver.

Velvet is sure to sparkle, glitter, shimmer, twinkle and wink its way through Sydney, so be there or be bland! (EB) Until Aug 20, Various performance times., Roslyn Packer Theatre, $45-89,Tickets and Info: www.roslynpackertheatre.com.au

a&e

13 STAGE 14 SCENE 15 Sounds 15 SCREEN

REVIEW: Kindertransport In the nine months prior to the outbreak of WWII the British Government orchestrated a mass transfer of Jewish children from Germany and other countries to Great Britain, where they were to be temporarily fostered until it was safe for them to return. The operation was known as The Kindertransport and accounted for the rescue of some 10,000 children.

Diane Samuels’ play, Kindertransport is a fictionalised family drama built on historical facts. Eva (Sarah Greenwood) is a nine year old German Jew who is sent to England by her parents and is fostered by a childless couple, Mr and Mrs Miller. She strives to stay in touch with her parents and even find work for them in England, but over the length of the war, her hope wanes. Meanwhile, she develops affection for her foster parents and assumes a British sensibility to the extent that she anglicises her name to Evelyn and is eventually naturalised. When her mother, whom Eva had presumed dead, shows up unexpectedly after the war to take Eva to New York it causes a crisis of conscience and emotion for all concerned.

The story is told in three time frames: Eva with her mother, Helga (Emma Palmer) at home prior to the war; Eva in England with her foster mother, Lil Miller (Annie Byron); and Eva/Evelyn (Camilla Ah Kin) as an adult with her daughter, Faith (Harriet GordonAnderson) and an older Lil Miller. Faith, a teenager about to move out of home, discovers a trunk that reveals her mother’s true, hidden past.

Christopher Tomkison plays incidental male

Photo: Philip Erbacher

characters (German soldier, postman, station master) but it is otherwise a female cast exploring emotionally complex mother/daughter relationships. Each mother in each scenario allows her protective instinct to guide her judgement, only to evoke thankless anger for her good intentions which is sometimes heart-wrenchingly painful to watch.

The performance are all extraordinary. Greenwood is stirring as child Eva; Ah Kin has a commanding presence as adult Eva; Byron is endearing and shows great skill in pivoting between scenes as younger and older versions of her character.

It is a very moving production, with some genuinely funny moments and a refugee story that is, unfortunately relevant today. (RB) Until Aug 20. Eternity Playhouse (Darlinghurst Theatre), 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $38-$54.

Tickets & Info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com

Aaron Chen – The Infinite Faces of Chenny Baby Having recently found “internet fame” Aaron Chen returns for his second encore performance by popular demand. This encore performance relays the success of his debut solo show which has taken Australia by storm, winning him the Best Newcomer Award at both the Melbourne International and Sydney Comedy Festivals this year.

Not a stranger to winning awards, Aaron was part of winning comedy trio Zanzoop who took home the Director’s Choice Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and had previously been a grand finalist of RAW Comedy in 2013 and won Class Clowns in 2012.

Bringing his never ending charm to the forefront of his career Aaron Chen reveals how he feels about his current comedic position, “I am frightened. I’m too tired and there are a lot of haters out there and tall poppy syndrome and most of the comedy scene want to cut me down.”

The reason for Aaron Chen’s recently found “internet fame” falls upon the video of himself broadcasting from a Sydney FC soccer game, shown on ABC. It went somewhat viral on Facebook, shared

Arts Editor: Jamie Apps For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

through the purveyors of meme culture. However, he remains adamant that it was intentional, “I knew it went viral. I orchestrated it. It made me feel upset that I could sway mass media so easily. Mass media is a broken branch on a dying oak tree.”

When asked directly about how he feels about being able to tell jokes as a part of his work life, he said “I don’t know any other life. Unfortunately. It is killing me.” It is evident that Aaron Chen is humorous in all walks of his life, whether that be during an interview or up on the stage. (TB) Aug 12, 7:15pm.The Comedy Store, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. $25+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.comedystore.com.au

Contributors: Alannah Maher, Alicia Sim, Athina Mallis, Barbara Karpinski, Caitlin Burns, Chantal Walsh, Craig Coventry, Daniel Jaramillo, Emily Shen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, James Harkness, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Peter Urquhart, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Zeiya Speede, Jade Morellini,Vanessa Powell, Olivia Lyle, Alex Eugene, Ellouise Bailey, Manuel Gonzalez, Tommy Boutros. city hub 10 AUGUST 2017

13

After The Dance

emotion,” Giles states.

They have been rehearsing for six weeks and it will be the first time this play has been performed in Sydney. “It was only most recently rediscovered in the UK.” Giles shares.

“The characters often find it hard to communicate their true feelings for fear of being ‘boring’ to others - often Photo: Bob Seary with disastrous consequences.

This is more honest, in my This play was first written by Terence Rattigan opinion. In life we are much more likely to keep and performed in 1939, six weeks before the things bottled up for fear of judgement.” outbreak of WWII. It is a time that has been lost A solid cast of 14 actors, and a story filled and forgotten. After The Dance reminds the with richness and history is very compelling for audience just how relative the past is and does the Sydney stage. Giles finishes with, “Listen for so with the truths and boldness of love and the details. There’s a lot going on beneath the redemption. surface on every page.”

Director Giles Gartrell-Mills says, “I’ve not It’s important to listen, observe and possibly directed a play from this era before and it’s a experience something from the past. This will long time since I’ve worked on a show without add more depth, growth and compassion for music or ‘numbers’ in it.” humanity today. (OL) It’s intense, it’s brutally honest and the passion Until Sept 9. New Theatre, 542 King Street, Giles has for Rattigan’s writing is clearly shown Newtown. $20-$35.Tickets & Info: on stage. “The actors experience a full range of www.newtheatre.org.au

REVIEW: The Telescope

The Telescope is a feel good play that will keep you smiling from start to finish.

Literally, the play begins with a man on stage that has the most mischievous look on his face that immediately makes the crowd burst into laughter.

The entirety of the play is filled with hidden jokes and little quirks, left, right and centre!

The Telescope is inspired by the real-life case of China’s Guizhou Province, where over 9,000 people were forcibly removed from their homes in 2015 in order to make way for construction of the world’s largest radio telescope, designed to search for extraterrestrial life.This is a story that could be taken so seriously but is done in such a playful way.

It shows the audience that no matter what your circumstance is, there is always a light hearted approach to it.

The actors in the play are perfectly casted.The mother has the most dramatic, eye catching face that is constantly changing.The father is quick witted, boisterous and basically puts on a broadway

THE NAKED CITY

KITCHEN COP KILLER! With Coffin Ed Channel Seven labelled it one of the TV events of the year.Well they do say that about all their new ‘franchise’ shows and Hell’s Kitchen on Sunday night was a classic piece of rehashed formula entertainment.Take a concept originally pioneered by the potty mouthed Gordon Ramsay, import yet another celebrity chef in the shape of Marco Pierre White and cast the show with a disparate collection of local celebs – and bingo you have yet another reality style cooking show.When will they ever end?

We all know that this type of entertainment depends on a strong degree of theatre, played out as the supposedly tyrannical chef orders his hapless trainees around the stoves and benches, often humiliating them in the process.

It’s an almost totally contrived soap opera that nobody really takes seriously. However it does make a case that workplace harassment, where the boss continually badgers the employees, is somehow acceptable – even when it amounts to whether the goddam fish are properly cooked or not.

That said, this type of confrontation in the cook house is nothing new and Arnold Wesker hit upon it as 14

city hub 10 AUGUST 2017

way back as the late 1950s with his play The Kitchen. Set in the busy and at times hectic kitchen of a London restaurant it’s a mixture of drama and black humour, permeated by a theme of the workers being constantly dehumanised, all in the name of serving up a respectable meal. Does that sound familiar? Later made into a movie in 1961 the film version carried the catchy advertising slogan, “Where life simmers and sometimes boils over”.

Hot on the heels of Hell’s Kitchen downunder, Seven screened the first of a two part sequel to the original Blue Murder series, starring Richard

Roxburgh as the notorious Roger Rogerson. The two shows were packaged together as a Sunday night ratings behemoth, although you would be hard pressed to find a connection between the two.

Or would you?

Maybe Seven missed the mark by not including selected members of the criminal milieu amongst the cast of Hell’s Kitchen. Commercial TV loves that endless segue of one show into the next and a few colourful characters in the kitchen would have been the perfect entrée for the psychopathic exploits of Roger the Dodger.

The late Mark “Chopper”

Read, who always loved a media moment, would have been a natural and a fitting adversary for the short tempered Marco Pierre White. Whilst Chopper would no doubt have been kept well away from any kitchen utensils bearing a sharp edge, his mere presence would have been foreboding, let alone his extensive vocabulary of expletives (putting Gordon Ramsay to shame!).

Eddie Obeid has a strong restaurant background and surely day leave could have been secured to include him in the cast along with his good buddy Ian “Sir Lunchalot” McDonald. It’s all theatre after all and whilst many of our best known criminals are no longer with us, Hell’s Kitchen could easily have looked to actors playing the roles of Ned Kelly (hey, his beard is back in fashion), Chow Hayes and even a reborn Tilly Devine.

After a while just about everything you watch on commercial TV these days morphs into one another, with the boundaries between reality and fiction often indiscernible.

Cross promotion amongst a wide variety of shows is certainly the accepted norm.

There are of course those who would argue that all reality TV is a crime against culture, if not humanity at large so maybe Seven has come up with the ultimate package. Happy viewing!

musical show for the audience time and time again.

The Old Fitz Theatre, the venue for The Telescope, is cozy, warm and filled with character.

You know you’re going to have a good time when you walk in there, especially when you go to see The Telescope; a story that will make you wonder “Is there something else out there?” (OL) Until Aug 12. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Sydney.Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au or Ph: 02 9356 3848

Water Stories Mustafah Abdulaziz

For the first time, an international exhibition of images from 31-year-old US photographic artist Mustafah Abdulaziz will make it’s way to Australia. The Water Stories exhibition features 70 large scale images which encourage the audience to consider how we use water, how it is linked to every part of the prosperity of our lives and how clean safe water, and protected waterways, are critical to our future.

Mustafah has been capturing images to tell this story across four different

continents since 2011.

Having now secured a partnership with WWF, Earthwatch and WaterAid this enchanting exhibition will be making its Australian debut.

Water Stories will be on display in the unique outdoor location of Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, incidentally overlooking Sydney’s most famous body of water Sydney Harbour.

(JA) Aug 15-Sep 5. 7am-8pm.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Waterfront, 1c Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney. FREE

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney

Duets with Georgie Parker & Todd McKenney

By Jamie Apps

Crooked Colours: Crooked Colours burst onto the scene in 2013 when they were handpicked

by Triple J Unearthed to perform at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. Now though after four patient years the group has released their debut album which demonstrates a diverse and layered approach to production, proving themselves as one of Australia’s hottest rising acts in electronic music today.

Thu, Aug 10, Oxford Art Factory Flynn Effect: Surfacing as a live band in 2014, Flynn Effect have established themselves within their scene as a force to be reckoned with – delivering music with a theatrical flair, dramatic poise and a sound that hits like a hurricane.

Fri, Aug 11,The Factory Floor Way Out West: One of Australia’s most widely travelled jazz exports, Way Out West’s utterly unique sound has earned them invitations to play at some of the largest music festivals in the world.

Led by daring trumpeter and composer Peter Knight, Way Out West’s latest album features Sydney-based koto virtuoso Satsuki Odamura, building on the band’s long history of integrating Asian instrumentation. Watch as they infuse these influences with irresistible West African influenced grooves and jazz-inflected melodies.

Sat, Aug 12,The Sound Lounge - Seymour Centre Pete Allan: Sometimes you can just tell the artists that grew up on the coast. Their music and their lyrics all seem to reflect the smoothness of the sea breeze, or the relaxed pace of coastal life, transporting the listener from wherever they are to wherever they would rather be. For Noosa’s Pete Allan this is never more evident than in his new EP Ripples which he will be performing in Sydney this weekend.

Sun, Aug 13, City2Surf Latin & Jazz Open Mic Jam: Sail the silky seas of jazz and fuel the flames of latin fever every Monday night with the soulful cats and kittens at the Latin & Jazz Open Mic night at The World Bar. Recent and past visits from professionals including Deva Permana, Robert Susz, Dale Barlow, Steve Clisby, Gary Honor, Vince Martin, Jeanne Bastos, Dahlia Dior and Sally Street. Entry is free with cocktails and canapés served until late to help encourage everyone to join in the fun.

Mon, Aug 14,The World Bar Rock-n-Roll Karaoke: Head on down to Frankie’s Pizza after work on Tuesday for a slice of pizza and rock out to some good old fashioned loud, live karaoke.

Tue, Aug 15, Frankies Pizza

By Jamie Apps Todd McKenney and Georgie Parker, two of the most revered and respected names in Australian entertainment, unite for their first concert tour next week.

The gifted pair shares a mutual love of music and dance and have nurtured a strong friendship, encompassing 32 years. Meeting initially in a dance class, their careers took off in different directions, denying them the chance to work together until they starred in the musical production, Crazy For You more than 20 years ago. Duets is their first opportunity to take the stage together in their own standalone concert tour, singing, dancing and performing a wide range of their favourite duets.

Having not performed a musical or singing role in 20 years Georgie Parker said,“it’s interesting getting back into it for this show,Todd and I both said before we started though it would only be worthwhile if it was fun.”

With Todd and Georgie being friends for so long

The Bombay Royale – Run Kitty Run

Run Kitty Run is a spicy mix of exotic integration.

The third studio album of The Bombay Royale packs an array of culture and musical techniques into each song, jamming them with psychedelic fanfare and juxtaposition.Each track thrusts into the listeners mind, stamping fantastic, fun, fabulous and other exciting words into the listener who is defenceless against the intensity hurling towards them.

Each track is catchy, lusting after movement and instilling the listener with new musical experiences.A spacey vibe weaves its way through, placing the listener on their own frontier ready for the jump.

Experimentation extends through the energetic power punch flinging out vibes in all directions, pushing with no break or avail. Listeners are advised that their ears and their eyes may be opened in sampling the most recent offering from The Bombay Royale. (SP) WWWW

Wind River

Moviegoers who enjoyed the slow-moving but highly acclaimed films Sicario and Hell Or High Water won’t be disappointed in the final of the trilogy.

Oscar nominated Jeremy Renner plays the role of Corey Lambert, a town’s veteran game tracker who aids an FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) in the investigation of the rape and murder of a young woman who resided on a Native American reservation.

Audiences aren’t offered any clues as to who committed the crime, but merely follow the tedious and drawn out investigation which leads to an unpredictably violent and justifiable finale, where the law

that has certainly helped foster that sense of fun in the lead up to the show, with both having very positive things to say about each other.

“When Georgie and I get together, we have so much fun – we laugh and laugh! We’ve been itching to get together for a tour and can’t wait for these shows. Whilst Georgie is widely recognised as an incredible actress, she’s actually one of this country’s best-kept secrets as a singer, she has the most amazing voice.” said McKenney.

“We’ve worked together before and trained together so working with him has always been a very pleasurable thing. Todd is enormously talented and a very intelligent guy. We just get on and work so well together so it’s a pleasure to do.” said Parker.

Looking ahead to the show Parker explained that audiences should expect a night filled with an “enormous amount of energy and a lot of songs that you can singalong to and enjoy.”

Obviously jumping back into a music focused

of man relents to the law of nature.

Inspired by true events, the tragic and violent death of the woman unfolds through flashbacks and the film gives an astonishing insight into the horrors American Indian women experience while residing on these reservations, where drugs, alcohol and crime are prevalent.

It’s unknown exactly how many America Indian women are currently missing and this film, which boasts mesmerising cinematography of snow-filled mountainous landscapes and an evocative musical score, is a tribute to these lost souls.

(MMo) WWW1/2

Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets In an enduring era of Hollywood white-washing, Valerian truly nails its opening sequence.

Multiple teams of astronauts are seen meeting each other in space, shaking hands like noble comrades - with every major ethnic group represented as groups of scientists who have all made it to the “city of a thousand planets”.

The film continues its political commentary with a storyline that doesn’t shy away from genocide, sexism, or racism.

But first and foremost, Valerian is sassy and fun.

Dane DeHaan is the ever arrogant, preppy Valerian; but paired with Cara Delevingne’s kick-ass Laureline, the two hotties play a gratifying game of lust and rivalry throughout the film.

Likewise, Rhianna is intelligent and witty as

Bubble, but her character acknowledges the fact that black women are still sidelined and turned into sexualised objects.

Though thoughtful and impeccably made,Valerian is cheesy - but it’s an alien movie based on a comic book, so no one’s complaining. (AE) WWW

show after 20 years Parker is confident but also slightly apprehensive as she explained with a self-deprecating giggle that the show has “an amazing band and there’s going to be some great singing, hopefully some of which will come from Todd and myself.”

Aug 19. State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney. $69-$99+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.statetheatre.com.au

Shaman’s Harvest – Red Hands Black Deeds

First impressions aren’t always true.This album from Shaman’s Harvest; Red Hands Black Deeds, held a musical mix with plenty of surprising tones against its darker presentation.

Unorthodox instruments from differing origins go into the musical brew, it simmers and bubbles adding subtlety and fun to some of the stronger tones. Shaman’s Harvest reach out from their rocking base, pulling in a number of ideas and working them together, sparking a warm response in the listener while creating something new and interesting.

The listener has room to move in the album, sampling the healthy sized tastes on offer without having to endure an hour-long meal.The band doesn’t stick very strongly to a single genre in any of these tracks, ending up with a playful blend that would find a home in a variety of ears. (SP) WWW1/2

The Wall

One of the often forgotten elements in the portrayal of war in film is the tactical cat and mouse game that ensures between enemies, The Wall however leans into this aspect heavily.

Set in 2007 shortly after the war in Iraq is officially declared over, The Wall introduces us to Army Sniper Staff Sergeant Shane Matthews (John Cena) and his spotter Sergeant Allen “Eyes” Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

The tandem are investigating a distress call from a gas pipeline construction site when they are suddenly picked off by a sniper and pinned down behind the titular wall.

Whilst the enemy pinning Isaac down is never seen his voice is heard throughout the film via radio. As both the audience and Isaac come to learn the voice may be of the infamous Iraqi sniper Juba, who is rumoured to have killed 37 American soldiers.

Now pinned down by Juba behind the flimsy wall Isaac must keep Juba talking over the radio in the hopes of hearing clues that might betray Juba’s location and thus turn the situation in his favour.

The Wall is a simplistic, tense and deliberate film that fans of the genre will enjoy but others may find a touch preachy and long winded. (JA) WWW city hub 10 AUGUST 2017

15

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city hub 10 AUGUST 2017