City Hub 12 May 2016

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Demolition of Haberfield houses begins

BY WENDY BACON Demolition work stopped on the site of a massive WestConnex construction site in Haberfield heritage conservation area in Sydney’s inner west after residents complained about dust from asbestos and other waste produced in very windy conditions.

Despite two Stop WestConnex occupations, a vigil, daily picketing and the strong opposition of Ashfield Council, demolition began last week and

by Tuesday, three houses and some businesses had been turned into large piles of rubble and contaminated waste.

Scores of homes and businesses are slated for destruction in Haberfield, not because they are needed inside the tollway footprint, but because they are needed for the construction site.

WestCONnex Action Group (WAG) spokesperson Sharon Laura who lives nearby said she arrived to picket at around 7am on Tuesday morning to find work continuing in blustery conditions. By 9am, it was clear that small hoses used to dampen rubble could not control the dust and the fence around the construction site nearly blew over twice. Laura said that she unsuccessfully tried to make contact with Sydney Motorway Corporation’s (SMC) Westconnex team or construction company Leighton’s staff.

Eventually she finally got through to a community engagement manager.

While she was explaining what she saw as a dangerous situation, the temporary fence fell over altogether.

Work was then stopped for an hour. After the fence was secured, work continued in high winds.

City Hub later observed asbestos sheets being carried from a house by masked men just a metre from a pedestrian footpath in strong winds that continued during the afternoon. Asbestos is a dangerous substance which in tiny amounts can cause the deadly cancer mesothelioma. The front verandah of the house was covered with a sheet of plastic which was partially blown away. It finally fell to the ground. While Leighton had erected a small sign announcing asbestos removal, no warning had been given to residents who walk past the site. Asbestos removed from the houses is being carted across the road to the main construction site for temporary storage.

This latest episode with asbestos reflect similar concerns about SMC’s lack of warning and care in handling of asbestos voiced by residents in Granville, Auburn, Erskine Park and St Peters last year.

This week’s events are only a sign of what is around the corner for residents during the entire construction period of nearly three years, unless work can be stopped.

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While the odd truck might not seem much, three hundred heavy trucks -- more than from any other WestConnex site -- will travel to and from this site 24 hours a day for seven days a week after tunnelling begins. Rather than turn straight onto the main Parramatta Road, they will instead detour two kilometres up and down local Wattle Street before leaving the area to travel out to Western Sydney where thousands of trucks will dump their load each day. Although trucks are not supposed to travel down other smaller streets, City Hub observed that happening yesterday.

Independent heritage consultants and the National Trust strongly recommended against the destruction of such a large number of buildings in the heritage conservation zone. NSW Minister for Planning and Environment Rob Stokes nevertheless granted approval for the Westconnex M4 in February, but his consent included detailed conditions for the treatment of buildings in the heritage zone. But local groups, residents and the Council have not received clear information about what procedures are being adopted for the documentation and reuse of heritage materials. When City Hub visited the site during Saturday’s demolition, large earth movers were crushing materials together, creating dust and very loud noise. Residents complained and on Monday, residents observed some of the rubble was sorted.

Local historian Vince Crow, who was awarded an Order of Australia for his contribution to local heritage, has written to the SMC stating that “it appears that current demolition practices in relation to properties in Wolseley and Northcote Streets are not in accord” with the Planning Department conditions. He included photos of smashed tiles that could have been reused from the remains of one of the demolished houses.

WAG spokesperson Sharon Laura told City Hub, “It is appalling that now that this socially destructive project has been approved, it has been left to residents to monitor if there is compliance with conditions without any clear information, resources or lines of communication.”

On Tuesday night, Ashfield Council passed a motion asking Council officers to seek urgent legal advice on the possibility of obtaining an injunction from the NSW Supreme Court to have SMC cease all demolition works in the Ashfield Council area until SMC has demonstrated to Council that they are complying with all conditions of consent in regard to heritage items proposed for demolition to facilitate the WestConnex project.

The first of the demolitions was happening as Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong was holding a People’s Public Inquiry in NSW Parliament House. On Tuesday she told Parliament, “As we heard testimonies from

The candlelight vigil. Photo: Ngaire Worboys

health professionals, council transport planners, academics, residents, community campaigners and members of Parliament, we were informed that the Sydney Motorway Corporation were bulldozing heritage homes in Haberfield ... residents who were forced from their homes of many decades were left crying as their beautiful houses were destroyed and because their lives had to be rebuilt somewhere else. This story is repeated along the route of this proposed polluting private toll road. It is devastating.

WestConnex is not about finding a solution to Sydney’s traffic congestion; it is about the transfer of public money to private development and construction companies.”

She called on the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese and current member for Grayndler to “join with the community in opposing the allocation of any further Federal funding to this project until a public inquiry is conducted and an Auditor-General’s report is provided.”

Wendy Bacon is a supporter of the Westconnex Action Group.

Government process “callous”: RedWATCH

BY LUCAS BAIRD A convenor of a local community group has slammed the NSW Government’s treatment of the Waterloo community in regards to the suburb’s new metro rail station.

Many members of the community are furious with UrbanGrowth NSW. Last December they announced a new urban renewal project for the area.

Convenor of Waterloo community group RedWATCH, Geoff Turnbull said that people were frustrated because UrbanGrowth NSW has failed to keep the community in the loop.

“People don’t really have a sense of what is being talked about other than they are going to be upset and dislocated.”Mr Turnbull told City Hub. “So far people really know nothing more than when it was announced,” he said.

Mr Turnbull said that rumours began to circulate because of a lack of concrete information, which created uncertainty and nervousness in the community.

He labelled the entire process as, “callous.”

His comments come after UrbanGrowth spoke at a RedWatch meeting last Thursday. The meeting, held at the Factory Community Centre on May 5, drew many community members who were opposed to the new developments.

Mr Turnbull said that the crowd was a good mixture of private, social and public housing tenants from the area.

One resident at the meeting labelled the project as a, “social experiment,” and, “disrespectful to the community.”

While another said the whole project, “sounds like a joke.”

Much of the disapproval at the meeting surrounded the elimination of community facilities and job providers that currently stand on the project site.

A member of the UrbanGrowth team, Troy Daly said that the project would help create jobs in the area and promote greater

An artist’s impression of the development. Souce: supplied.

economic stability for Waterloo.

“There is 30 years of building to be done in the area,” Mr Daly told the meeting.

“There will be jobs in education at the university, health at RPA [Royal Prince Alfred Hospital] and more innovative fields that will pop up in Redfern.”

Despite the criticism, an UrbanGrowth spokesperson told City Hub that they believed the meeting was productive.

The spokesperson said that the meeting allowed them to better explain the master planning process and hear the community’s concerns. They also said that they will continue to work with RedWatch to help inform the community of the ongoing developments.

At the meeting, the UrbanGrowth team said that the environmental impact statement of the project would be available by the end of the month, with the master plan expected around mid-year.

UrbanGrowth also said that the draft urban transformation strategy will be released in the second half of the year. city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Current state of business roll unknown

BY LUCAS BAIRD “The number of The City of Sydney businesses in the local is unclear on how many government area with eligible businesses have enrolled nominees will be known once to vote in this year’s local the non-residential roll has elections. been verified by the NSW The election, scheduled Electoral Commission in for September 10, is the first early August.” since business voting reforms The City of Sydney is passed NSW Parliament last currently in the process of year. contacting those it thinks are The reforms were eligible for the nonresidential introduced by the Shooters roll. and Fishers Party and were The Sydney Business supported by the Liberal Chamber has also said it Party. The legislation made it is beginning to inform its mandatory for businesses to members about enrolling vote and gave them two votes. to vote in the next City of The Shooters and Fishers Sydney election.

Party argued that in most Executive Director of the households at least two people Sydney Business Chamber, vote and it would be more Patricia Forsythe said that equitable for businesses to get while they were not in the same value as the average support of the legislation, household. they will be informing At the moment, the City members of the chamber on is uncertain of how many the vote in the near future. businesses have enrolled, but “To date we have not been a spokesperson for the City active on this though we will told City Hub the numbers mention in future member would be verified in August. newsletters that businesses Businesses will receive two votes under the legislation.

“An extract of the nonbased in the City of Sydney residential register will be provided to the NSW Electoral should expect a letter from the City of Sydney with enrolment Commission on 1 August. The Commission will use this extract details,” she told City Hub. The City of Sydney has also planned several information to verify an electoral roll for the 2016 election,” the spokesperson nights about the new voting laws throughout the city. said.

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Greens have sights on Turnbull’s electorate

BY ALEXANDER LEWIS AND WILLIAM HUTCHINSON For the man who plans to unseat the Prime Minister at the federal election, the fight is personal.

And it’s a fight the Greens candidate for Wentworth, Dejay Toborek said he can win, even though the seat has been held by conservative candidates since Federation.

“He’s betrayed me and a whole lot of other people,” said the 36-year-old, who has lived in the affluent Eastern Suburbs electorate for 15 years.

“Malcolm Turnbull looked both my partner and I in the eye close to six years ago and said to us both that we could just settle for civil unions, or we’ll have to wait for marriage equality.”

“Well we’ve waited, he’s become Prime Minister, and we’re still waiting.”

Mr Toborek is sick of waiting and said so too were the people of Wentworth, whom he described as “incredibly diverse, incredibly engaged, and politically very intelligent”.

On the issues of climate change and marriage equality, some would say the Prime Minister and Mr Toborek think alike. But the difference, Mr Toborek said, was that unlike the Prime Minister, he had “the courage of his convictions”.

“Mr Turnbull is a person who doesn’t have the guts anymore, who doesn’t have the conviction to go through the bold ideas that everyone expected

of him, and instead it’s just buzzwords about innovation,” he said.

“I actually believe in what I say, and would be prepared to deliver it and have a party that’s prepared to deliver it.”

“Wentworth cares about climate change,” which is something Mr Toborek said Mr Turnbull had failed to adequately address.

“He’s got an Environment Minister who’s overlooked the Great Barrier Reef as destroyed (sic) and has opened some of the world’s biggest coal mines,” he said.

While admitting he saw eye to eye with Mr Turnbull on those issues, Mr Toborek said the two parties were fundamentally different.

“The Liberal Party has an ideology that the Prime Minister still leads with: individualism, a dog eat dog kind of world. Whereas the Greens are keen on fostering communities, and taking the community with them,” he said.

When Perth-born Mr Toborek is not running for the seat of Wentworth, he’s a professional theatre performer.

And that hasn’t just been limited to the stages of Lion King, Les Miserables and Georgy Girl.

He’s previously run for the City of Sydney council on the Green’s ticket.

Having been engaged to his male partner for over nine years, Mr Toborek has been a staunch supporter of same sex marriage and accused Mr

Turnbull of using the issue as a vote grab for the local LGBTQI community.

The electorate of Wentworth hasa large gay demographics, comprising much of the Eastern Suburbs. “[Malcolm Turnbull is] prepared to put the LGBTQI community under a bus just so that he can get the job he’s now gotten,” Mr Toborek said.

“He’s become a puppet for all those hard right people in the party who have the power at the moment. Malcolm Turnbull was a person in his party who was prepared to challenge the far right and under the guise of a broad church, say what he wanted to say which was popular in his electorate,” he said.

“Now that he’s Prime Minister, he’s doing the opposite.”

And that’s been reflected in the polls, with Roy Morgan revealing on May 2 that support for the Australian Labor Party was in front of the coalition 51 to 49 per cent on a two-party preferred basis.

“The electorate [of Wentworth] understands if somebody is giving them the runaround, when someone has flatly lied in order to get into a position of power,” Mr Toborek said, adding he believed the seat will ultimately come down to a contest between the Liberals and the Greens.

“We have a huge voter base in this seat, that’s a

Dejay Toborek

natural voter base,” he said.

“This is a seat that wants to vote Green, this is a seat that continually increases its Green vote and we’re committed to making Wentworth a Green seat.

“Labor’s not really in with a showing for this particular election in the electorate.”

But Mr Toborek’s dismissal of Labor could be premature. The Greens were more than 5000 votes behind Labor at the last election, securing only 14.6 per cent of votes, down almost 3 per cent from the 2010 federal election.

Regardless of the outcome of this year’s election, Mr Toborek is confident the Greens will eventually claim the blue-ribbon seat.

“Wentworth wants to vote Greens,” he said.

“However long it takes is however long it takes.

We’ve got the prize in sight and hopefully we’ll get there.”

Refund deposit scheme welcomed Locals urge council to rename park after Kemmis

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS A refund container deposit scheme announced last Sunday by the NSW Government has been welcomed by the Greens.

The scheme means most drink containers will be eligible for a ten cent refund at large scale depots, as well as standalone reverse vending machines.

The move to introduce a container refund deposit scheme was brought about by the government, but the Greens introduced a bill for one last year.

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi said that the scheme was welcomed as evidence based policy by the government. It has previously been opposed by the Australian Food and Grocery Council, who launched a campaign that would see sporting clubs be paid to pick up rubbish by putting it into a “cage” that was lent to them.

“The community has long been campaigning for NSW to introduce a container deposit scheme and it seems like the Government has finally listened. Thousands of submissions were made to the process demanding that the Government not cave in to the big beverage industry and reject the flawed industry proposal ‘thirst for good.”

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city hub 12 MAY 2016

“Of course and announcement and implementation are two different things so we must remain vigilant that the big beverage companies don’t sabotage the process over the next year.”

“The Greens are strong supporters of evidence-based policy and I have had a bill to introduce a container deposit scheme in NSW parliament since last year so it is encouraging to see this important waste management initiative moving forward.”

South Australia adopted a container deposit scheme in the 1970s. The NT recently adopted a scheme.

Premier Mike Baird said it fitted in with one of the government’s twelve priorities, the reduction of litter by 40 per cent by 2020.

“Giving people a financial incentive to do the right thing and recycle drink containers will help to significantly reduce the estimated 160 million drink containers littered every year,” the Premier said in his announcement on Sunday.

The bill for the Funding of the scheme will be footed by beverage companies.

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS The Glebe Society has written to the City of Sydney asking to name a park in the suburb after the late Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis.

They have suggested that the park currently known as the Franklyn Street playground be renamed to note the significant contribution the councillor made to the suburb.

The park would be named “Robyn Kemmis Reserve” and would keep her mission of supporting the disadvantaged alive.

President of the Glebe Society Ted McKeown said the park would sit near Glebe Primary School and the Glebe Estate, to both of which Robyn made a substantial contribution.

“Robyn was so involved with everyone in our community, and by naming this park after her, we can preserve both the memory and contribution she made to Glebe.”

The proposal is supported by Kemmis’s partner Lynne Hutton-Williams, and Glebe Public School principal Vicki Pogulis.

Federal Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, and Labor Councillor, Linda Scott, welcomed the proposal.

“Robyn’s public service extended beyond well beyond her work the on the City of Sydney Council,” Ms Plibersek said.

“She loved our community, and our community loved her. Robyn was a woman of great integrity, kindness, and warmth.”

Labor Councillor Linda Scott said that naming the park would be a fitting tribute because Robyn Kemmis spent her life serving her community as well as the City.

She said she was greatly missed by the people of Sydney.

“Robyn was a passionate advocate for her community, for social justice, and gender equality, and her work has had a profound and lasting impact on our City.”

Kemmis

“I strongly urge the City of Sydney Council to support the naming of Robyn Kemmis Reserve.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich paid tribute to Ms Kemmis in NSW Parliament on Tuesday last week.

“Robyn worked hard for inner city communities, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. She believed in community building and engaged with people on the ground, making herself accessible to everyone.”

“She wanted to empower people and worked on making community connections.

She brought Glebe resident groups together, linking public tenants with other local community groups. She would attend public tenant meetings and rough sleeper barbeques in Redfern and helped link rough sleepers and young people on the street with services including Aboriginal and community health services.”

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Ben Wheatley runs riot with his vision of J.G. Ballard’s dystopian novel about residents of a luxury tower descending into savagery, starring Tom Hiddleston and Sienna Miller.

Uncompromising rocker Janis Joplin, as you’ve never known her before: an eye-opening documentary featuring unseen footage, private letters and interviews with band members.

Ethan Hawke is superb in this radical Chet Baker biopic, which uses fact and fiction to reimagine the life of the legendary jazz trumpeter, his addictions, and unlikely comeback.

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Winner of the Golden Bear for Best Film at Berlinale: a striking Italian documentary exploring the tragic refugee crisis on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa.

In this charming comedy, a French-Tunisian teenager inadvertently becomes the face of the Arab Spring in Paris while trying to impress the girl he fancies.

The life and music of R&B queen Sharon Jones: a heartfelt documentary, directed by two-time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA; American Dream ).

A Brazilian rodeo worker dreams of designing fabulous frocks in this sensual and evocative Brazilian film: winner of a Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

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An uplifting doco about Ireland’s superstar drag queen, Panti Bliss, as she becomes the face of the marriage equality movement in Ireland ahead of the country’s historic referendum.

A rare and daring directorial debut from Saudi Arabia. This playful and sweet romantic comedy charts the perilous road to love in a conservative society.

Cult French filmmaker Lucile Hadžihalilovic’s dream-like world, inhabited by women and young boys only, is filled with social, sexual and metaphysical mysteries.

Jack White and friends explore the roots of American pop music and the untold story of how it was first recorded. With performances by Elton John, Nas, Taj Mahal and others.

Dubbed India’s answer to Bridesmaids ; a female buddy movie from acclaimed director Pan Nalin presenting a frank portrait of gender and sexuality in India today.

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Tree protection laws face the axe

BY KENJI SATO Farmers and developers will be able to clear more land under a proposed overhaul of NSW biodiversity laws, which would introduce more “flexible” land clearing regulations.

The proposals were outlined last week in the State government’s draft Biodiversity Conservation Bill and Local Land Services Amendment Bill, which would replace the existing Native Vegetation Act and parts of the Threatened Species Act. Under the new laws, biodiversity would be treated on a state level, rather than a local level, with a biodiversity offsets scheme. Farmers and developers would be able to remove trees and “offset” the biodiversity loss by planting trees elsewhere, paying money into a fund for biodiversity projects, or by trading “biodiversity credits” with other developers.

Dr Leigh Martin, ecologist from the Total Environment Centre, told City Hub that the new offset scheme was an attempt to replace irreplaceable ecosystems under what he calls an “apples and oranges, or apples and cash” deal.

“The crucial principle of offsets is that the offsets should be of a similar community type and similar quality in the area that is being developed or cleared. But under this policy, they don’t need to satisfy this strict like-for-like test.”

Dr Martin told City Hub that the new biodiversity credit system was “essentially meaningless” because head authorities, such as the Minister for the Environment, would have full discretion in deciding how many credits would be required to offset.

Shadow Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said the draft biodiversity bills would give too much power to government agencies, and that they were “biodiversity conservation bills in name only”.

“This process has been driven by an ideological obsession of some elements of the National Party whose only aim is to rip up the existing laws,” she said in a statement.

“Mike Baird has capitulated to the National Party and has extended his war on trees to all of NSW.” Nationals leader and Deputy Premier Troy Grant said that abolishing the Native Vegetation Act would protect the environment and gives farmers a “fair go”.

“For too long the burden of these laws has rested on the shoulders of farmers – and I am proud we are one step closer to repealing this

Country NSW. Source: supplied.

legislation and delivering on the independent panel’s recommendations to reform land management in this state.”

Derek Schoen, the Associate President for NSW Farmers, said that red tape around land clearing had been threatening the livelihoods of struggling farming families.

“The Native Vegetation Act has hampered efficient and effective farming practices for over two decades. There are groups that want to see even more restrictive new laws. Interestingly these people are not the ones bearing the costs of this flawed legislation, or dealing with the environmental damage it causes,” he said.

NSW Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi said that similar laws in Queensland, which loosened regulation around land clearing, proved to be “the ingredients of environmental disaster”.

“When the Queensland Government made it easier to clear land, there was a doubling of land

clearing and the removal of almost 300,000 hectares of bushland, 20 times the size of the Royal National Park in Sydney. On top of this there was the release of 35 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, further exacerbating climate change.”

“Expanding the deeply flawed biodiversity offsetting system in NSW is completely misplaced and will only lead to even greater environmental devastation.”

“Making clearing land easier will be an absolute disaster in a state where sixty-one per cent of the original native vegetation of NSW has already been cleared, thinned or significantly disturbed, most of it in the last 50 years.”

The government has promised $240 million over five years for private land conservation and $100 million for a “Saving Our Species program”. Farmers would also receive money for maintaining native plants and trees on their land.

But Kate Smolski, CEO of the Nature

Conservation Council of NSW, said that the Government was merely swapping legal protections for financial incentives, an ideological move that “will not compensate for the increased clearing that this bill will allow”.

“It is unacceptable to trade binding legal protections for funding promises that are not enforceable by law. Governments have a record of dishonouring funding commitments and raiding the budgets of environmental agencies when tax revenues decline. A funding promise is worthless without a legislative guarantee. We need both.”

“What this bill is really about is facilitating fast development, removing any impediment to development by lowering protections for native bushland and wildlife habitat.”

The Biodiversity Conservation Bill and Local Land Services Amendment Bill were put up for public display last week, and will be open for submissions until 28 June.

MEET the locals

Get the right pair of runners for a better run From Balmain to Glebe to Leichhardt, it’s no secret that people in the inner west like to run. At the twilight hour, the inner west is dotted with silhouettes of running bodies against the setting sun.

Now the Athlete’s Foot at Broadway is helping you take the run to a whole new level, with finding the perfectly fitting shoes for your run.

Well-fitting shoes not only make you run better, but can decrease your chances of injury.

“Each runner has a different running style, run a different route and need a different shoe. No two runs are the same, so we’re celebrating all the types of everyday runs you get out of perfect fitting shoes.”

Here are some running tracks not too many people know about and that you can have all to yourself. With hundreds of kilometres of beautiful coast and tranquil bushland available, why not swap the suburban and city streets for some of these stunning pathways and board walks.

Below are the Athlete’s Foot picks for top running routes: 1. Mt Coot-tha trails – Mt Coot-tha, QLD There is over 18km of tracks that are perfect for running and will take you all over the mountain.

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city hub 12 MAY 2016

it is certainly worth the drive from Perth, the 12km coastal trail has breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean and a multitude of places to cool off with a swim post run.

6. Manly to North Head – Manly, NSW Whilst the Spit to Manly run is pretty well known in Sydney, the continuation of this track is less populated. Start at Manly ferry wharf and run around the coastline into the national park.

7. Mentone Beach – Melbourne, VIC One of the best and most picturesque runs in Melbourne, but also one that few have heard of, let alone run.

2. Henry Head Track – La Perouse, NSW The lesser known cousin of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, the Henry Head trail begins at La Perouse in Sydney’s East at the end of Anzac Parade and follows the coast around to the Henry Head lookout for a 4km return run.

3. 1000 Steps Kokoda track Memorial Walk, Ferntree Gully – Mt Dandenong , VIC Located within the Dandenong Ranges National

Park, the 1000 steps are less a running track, more a challenge. The 2.8km climb to the One Tree Hill summit will test even the fittest runner!

4. Noosa National Park – Noosa, QLD For tourists and locals alike, Noosa National Park has a multitude of paths and trails suitable for running.

5. Halls Head Coastal Trail –Mandurah WA While Mandurah may not be local for many people,

8. Royal National Park Coast Trail – Sydney, NSW The Royal National park in Sydney’s south, is full of trails for all ability levels. The most iconic of these is the 26km Coastal Track that takes you from Bundeena all the way south to Otford.

Whether it’s a coastal, suburban or bush run, or an early morning treadmill run, night run through the city, or the challenge of a staircase, The Athlete’s Foot have the brands, the range, and the perfect fit to take you there.

Love the Run and Love the Fit, at The Athlete’s Foot Broadway.

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WANT ANSWERS ON NBN™?

JUST ASK A LOCAL. Want to get up to speed on Australia’s new broadband network? Your local Telstra Store Broadway is ready with the answers. Our nbn experts will talk you through all the things you can do with Telstra nbn bundles and happily answer any other questions you have.

For more information visit telstra.com/nbn

Telstra Store Broadway Broadway Shopping Centre, Level 1, 1 Bay Street, Broadway NSW 02 9280 4011 located on level 1 next to Harvey Norman facebook.com/TelstraSydneyCBDstores THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: nbn not available to all areas, premises, or customers. nbn™, nbn co and other nbn™ logos and brands are trade marks of nbn co limited and used under licence. The spectrum device is a registered trademark of Telstra Corporation Limited. ABN 33 051 556.

Lvl 1/1 Bay775 St, Ultimo.

9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Made In Italy

Guide

•Pizza, Pasta & Traditional Italian dishes •Dine in/Takeaway •Free Delivery •Catering Corporate Functions •Private Parties •Birthdays •Hens & Bucks Nights •Intimate Weddigns and much more

madeinitaly.com.au pyrmont@madeinitaly.com.au 55 Miller St, Pyrmont P: 02 9518 8182

city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

Adriano Zumbo Patissier

Antidote Cafe

Bartino

Bar Zini

Known for creating exotic and innovative desserts, Adriano Zumbo combines culinary skill and unique ingredients.The modern patisserie, which boasts cakes, tarts, pastries and even artisan bread, showcases Zumbo’s motto that food should be fun, and more importantly, delicious. It is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Using coffee and tea brewing techniques from around the globe, including pour over, trifecta and cold drip, Antidote Cafe offers $2 espressos every Tuesday. The cafe has light snacks as well as lunch meals. The bacon and egg roll is a must have. This cafe is the perfect antidote to a long week at work.

This long-running restaurant offers the best in Portugese tasting plates, which visitors can enjoy on a spacious terrace. Known for its succulent meat, this family run restaurant is all about simple food with a lot of flavour. Bartino also does a great sangria -- a fine accompaniment to their paella or one of their seafood stews.

Head chef Damian Kirgstein has created a relaxed and innovative menu that changes every night.

Inspired by classic, hearty Italian cooking using only market fresh ingredients. Bar Zini offers dishes from pizza to pasta to spiced lamb. The chickpea pie shows why this local restaurant is buzzing with locals and visitors from further afield.

1/80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 1800 858 611, www.star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/casualdining/adriano-zumbo-patissier

Level G,The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9777 9000, star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/ casual-dining/antidote

9 Union Street, Pyrmont, 9518 8000

78 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9660 5718 barzini.com.au

The Apprentice

Banh Mi Co

Biaggio Cafe

BLACK by Ezard

The Apprentice is a TAFE initiative, run and cooked by students. The restaurant offers delicious set menus for lunch and dinner at very reasonable prices. Throughout the year they also play host to guest chefs and special events to further challenge and nurture the students who cook here. The great city views further add to the experience.

Resembling a French bakery, Banh Mi Co mixes Vietnamese and French cuisines and offers interesting fusion sandwiches, soups, salads and rice. This canteen is vibrant and all about the flavour. Their signature pâté, made from a secret family recipe, is a must have. Banh Mi Co is quality food that is affordable and easy.

Across the road from The Star, this lively cafe is a favourite amongst Pyrmont locals, with ‘special of the week’ lunch offers, all made with seasonal produce. One of the latest additions operated by the Doltone House Group, Biaggio boasts breathtaking views overlooking the Sydney Harbour foreshore.

This steakhouse is inspired by the ever changing, modern cuisine that Australia has to offer. The menu includes many innovative flavour combinations from fresh seafood to Wagyu Steaks that are cooked over a wood burning grill and rested over smoke and heat. The stylish dining room also boasts fantastic views overlooking Sydney harbour and the city.

Level 7, Building E, Ultimo TAFE, 9217 5527 731-695 Harris Street, sydneytafe.edu.au/ make-booking/restaurants/apprentice

76 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9518 7907

Lvl 1/1 Island Bay St,Wharf, Ultimo.

5085,Rd, Pyrmont, Darling 489281 Pirrama broadwayhealthcare.com.au 8571 0606, biaggio.com.au

80 Pyrmont Street, Level G, Harbourside,The Star, Pyrmont, 9657 9109, blackbyezard.com.au

Blue Eye Dragon

Bombay 2 Mumbai

Cafe XXII

The Century

Owned by a mother-daughter team, this restaurant is a refreshing twist on traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Blue Eye Dragon is known for its pork and prawn dumplings, which have received rave reviews from critics. They are available to take home for dinner parties or to be enjoyed in cosy restaurant dining room.

For those after a hearty curry full of flavour, this restaurant is the right pick. The menu promises not just traditional Indian food, but also innovative specialties designed by the chefs. Bombay 2 Mumbai restaurant is a similar journey of taste to the wide array of cultures, experiences and flavours that India is known for.

Situated in a charming heritage cottage, Cafe XXII combines Mediterranean cuisine with exciting modern Australian flavours.The menu frequently changes to accommodate the freshest seasonal ingredients. Staff are well informed on the intricacies of the menu, and are able to recite it completely from memory, adding an impressive element to your dining experience.

The Golden Century Group introduced its newest addition in July, 2012. The Century at The Star captures the essence of great Chinese cuisine with modern signature dishes and classic favourites. It boasts fifteen double glazed aquarium tanks with an array of live seafood, specialising in lobster, abalone and crab.

37 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9518 9955 blueeyedragon.com.au/pc.php

42-44 Harris St, Pyrmont, 9660 9699 bombay2mumbai.com.au

6-8 Scott St, Pyrmont, 9518 8813, cultureatwork.com.au

The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, 9566 2328, thecentury.com.au

Brio

Cafe Morso

Crust Gourmet Pizza

Dunkirk Hotel

Around the corner from The Star, Brio boasts an impressive wine list paired with a selection of beautiful share plates. Open for breakfast and dinner, the plates range from pizza to marinated organic tofu in miso consomme. The perfect place to enjoy an exquisite meal and drink at the end of the day.

With a large al fresco deck, this quaint cafe on the historic Jones Bay Wharf boasts views over Pyrmont Point. It offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of delicious modern Australian dishes. The venue also hosts a private dining room for events including cocktail parties as well as weddings.

When choosing a takeaway option, the word ‘crust’ usually springs to mind. With successful branches all over Sydney, Crust proves to be continually easy, reliable and most importantly, delicious. Classics like Hawaiian, margherita and meat lovers are made with generous toppings, and additions like harissa, hummus chicken and biltong spiced lamb are a must have.

This Federation-era pub has several dining rooms as well as a patio. Patrons can enjoy a range of cold German beers as well as hearty pub meals including burgers, gourmet sausages and even tapas. Its close proximity to the city also makes it an ideal accommodation choice for visiting guests.

52 Harris street, Pyrmont, 8095 9585 briopyrmont.com.au 4

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108 Lower Deck, West Side Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road Pyrmont, 9692 0111, cafemorso.com.au

208 Pyrmont, 1933 Lvl Harris 1/1 BayStreet, St, Ultimo.

92819566 5085, crust.com.au/stores/nsw/pyrmont/ broadwayhealthcare.com.au

205 Harris St, Pyrmont, 9660 1038

Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Essen With hearty European dishes and a wide range of boutique beers, Essen brings an old world feel to modern day Sydney with its rustic decor.

If you want a real treat, try Essen’s classic apple strudel. Voted the Best Northern European Restaurant in Sydney seven times by the City Hub. It’s easy to see why.

133-135, Broadway, Ultimo, 9211 3805 essenrestaurant.com.au

Flying Fish and Chips The only licensed premises in the Star Cafe Court, Flying Fish and Chips allows customers to enjoy fresh Sydney seafood and a refreshing beer or wine. The menu caters for different tastes, with sushi and sashimi to a classic battered fish or poached fish with salad - it has something for every different seafood lover.

80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9518 6166 flyingfishandchips.com.au

Fat Noodle With one award winning restaurant, Red Lantern, under his belt, Luke Nguyen’s latest venture at The Star had high expectations.Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Malay flavours are wonderfully stirred together. Inspired by classic Asian street food, it promises a funky, fun and dynamic experience for patrons. It certainly delivers.

80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, 1800 700 700

Foundry 616 Foundry 616 is reminiscent of the chic jazz clubs found in New York, Chicago and Paris. Showcasing the best in contemporary jazz both past and present, Foundry 616 plays host to the cream of Australian jazz artists as well as a host of international guests.Visitors can also enjoy a delicious selection of entrees, tasting plates and pizzas to accompany the tunes.

616 Harris St, Ultimo, 9211 9442 foundry616.com.au

Guide

Gallon

Gourmandise 8Hotelsde Paris

The decor, courtyard and sandstone walls give this wine bar a truly intimate feel. There’s a range of tasting plates ranging from pizza, hummus, gozleme to N.Y. style buffalo wings.

Gallon also offers an extensive wine list, the perfect place to enjoy a Friday afternoon or lazy Sunday lunch.

This café and restaurant was started by a young French couple who fell in love with Sydney and who wished Sydney would fall in love with French cuisine (not the hardest task). Gourmandise de Paris specialises in healthy and natural crepes, as well as many French classics. The atmosphere is fresh, fun and most importantly, authentically French.

117 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 0404 799 557, gallon.com.au

Hari’s8Hotels Vegetarian

Harvest Buffet

Hari’s Vegetarian is all about tasty, healthy and fresh food, using the freshest produce, and cooked with a smile. Vegan and vegetarian snacks, mains and desserts are all made with raw and gluten free ingredients. With a delicious choice of soups, salads, pizzas, curries, cake and even homemade stuffed bread.

Buffet restaurants are often crowd pleasers, and Harvest at The Star is no exception. There is something for everyone at this all you can eat feast at the Star. Five food stations offer an array of cuisines from all around the world. Only the strong willed could steer past the desert station, with three large chocolate fountains and a self serve ice cream machine.

157 Broadway, Ultimo, 9212 1010 harisvegetarian.com

Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au 6

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186 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 8065 0078, gourmandisedeparis.com

Level 1, Astral Residences,The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, 9777 9000

Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

Balla Express Lunch

$25

PLUS

FREE

PARKING*

ONE-COURSE LUNCH WITH COFFEE & BISCOTTI WEEKDAYS 12–2:30 PM LEVEL 1, HARBOURSIDE ENTRANCE, 80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT | STAR.COM.AU Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au

Express lunch offer valid until 31 August 2016. *Free parking excludes Fridays, expires 28 July 2016. Offer subject to car park availability and venue opening hours. Payment must be made either by cash, by debit or credit card.

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

10 DAYS CELEBRATING THE BEST WINE, FOOD & ART FROM PYRMONT & THE MUDGEE REGION IN SYDNEY’S PREMIERE DINING PRECINCT

THE WEBSIT

Win

SIT VI

ET

O

MEET THE WINEMAKERS DINNERS MUDGEE WINE SPECIALS FOR 10 DAYS CALL & BOOK TO MAKE Zebra Lounge | Moothi Estate FRI Le Trader | Walter Wines 13 YOUR RESERVATION! Quarryman Hotel | Mudgee Brewing TO The Persian Room| Robert Stein SUN SUN Co & Moothi Estate Ovolo 1888 Hotel | Robert Stein Winery Winery | 9692 9299 15 22 Dunkirk Hotel | Petersons Wines The Apprentice THU & Gooree Park Wines SydneyTAFE | Vinifera Wines 19 Pyrmont Point Hotel | Burnbrae Wines

FRI 20 SAT 21

a 'reset your senses'

escape to

Mudgee valued at $2500

Guide

9217 5527 Signorelli Gastronomia Doltone House | Burnbrae Wines 8571 0670 Café Morso | Petersons Wines 9692 0111 Flying Fish | Manners Wine 9817 4618 Blue Eye Dragon | Bunnamagoo Estate Wines | 9518 9955 Bar Zini | Mudgee Ridge Estate 9660 5718

Brio | Vinifera Wines Gourmandise de Paris | Gooree Park Wines Made In Italy | di Lusso Estate

MUDGEE WINES IN PIRRAMA PARK The highlight of the festival will be SAT a two-day outdoor event at Pirrama 14 Park on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 & May 11am - 5pm.

SUN Entry is free with wine tasting packages 15

MUDGEE WINE TASTING AT THE ULTIMO CELLAR DOOR SAT 21 TO SUN 22

The Wine Society – Wines from Mudgee, cheese & charcuterie to match. From 1pm-7pm. Cost: FREE! 66 Bay Street Ultimo Porters Liquor with Walters, Mudgee Ridge and Manners wines Dunkirk Hotel with Huntington Estate

starting at $20. An event designed for the whole family, with live music, local artists, rides & children’s entertainment with around 100 stalls where guests can meet Mudgee winemakers, participate in tastings and sample a range of regional and local produce and fine foods. Mudgee Sculptures Park featuring more than 20 outdoor sculptures from Mudgee & Sculptures in the Garden artists. All works are for sale!

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

Jones Street Cafe

Le Trader

Made in8Hotels Italy Trattoria

Max Brenner

Jones Street is a hidden gem in Ultimo. Its off the beaten path location has meant word of mouth is key to clientele. But by using the freshest ingredients, hand grinding their beef for their legendary burger, and with delicious breakfast options and great coffee, it’s easy to see why word is spreading.

Le Trader’s trademark is haute cuisine from the South of France. The French are known for caring about produce, and Le Trader’s dedication to sourcing the very best in organic and fresh ingredients showcases this reputation perfectly. In an extension of the restaurant, Le Trader has a small organic store to take home some of the ingredients the chefs cook with.

Made in Italy Trattoria uses authentic Italian ingredients to create the finest in generous gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts. Made In Italy offers the option to eat in or takeaway, diners can enjoy a wide variety of traditional and genuine Italian cuisine, made promptly and without the price tag.

For the ultimate chocolate lover, Max Brenner has created a new chocolate culture, with popular branches all across Sydney. With pastries, fondue, milkshakes and coffee, as well as shelves of treats, it is the perfect place to indulge if you’ve had a hard day or to take that special someone.

99 Jones Street, Ultimo, 8959 2368

The Little Snail 8Hotels Restaurant and Bar Winning numerous awards for its quality and selection of produce, Little Snail has been a Sydney favourite since it opened in 1966. Famous for its signature dish, Escargots De Bourgogne – Herb infused snails, oven baked in garlic butter.

With the choice of a three course set menu, Little Snail also offers all the much loved French favourites.

50 Murray Street, Pyrmont, 9212 7512, thelittlesnail.com.au

196 Harris St, Pyrmont, 8041 1049 letrader.com.au

55 Miller Street, Pyrmont, 9518 8182, madeinitaly.com.au

175-179 Broadway, Ultimo, 9280 0911, maxbrenner.com.au

Lumi Bar and Dining

Mecca Ultimo

Mex I Can Eat

Head chef Federico Zanellato joined forces with his wife and sommelier, Michela, to create an intimate dining experience that showcases the best innovative Italian-Japanese cuisine. If you want to go all out, come for Lumi’s eight course degustation menu, with an impressive list of wines from all around the world.

The coffee community has embraced Mecca, and with good reason. Mecca prides itself on creamy, rich blends and emphasises the need for education and exploration of what good coffee really means. The cafe also builds relationships with local farmers which is evident in the quality of the produce and the beverages.

Mex I Can Eat isn’t just a clever title.This Mexican gem offers a range of creative Mexican dishes that bring a modern twist to classic flavours.They have creative mixtures like chicken breast drizzled in chocolate infused sauce. Large groups can book for a banquet style fiesta as well. For those who are wanting to experience the amazing and diverse flavours that Mexico has brought to Sydney.

56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, 9571 1999, lumidining.com

2/646 Harris St, Ultimo, 9280 4204, meccaultimo.bovalino.net/wp/

14/55 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 8386 9746

Cafe Morso, Jones Bay Wharf PyrMont Breakfast and LunCh 7 days a Week and for dinner your oWn Private dining rooM and exCLusive CoCktaiL Party venue find out More at CafeMorsoevents.CoM.au

Lower Deck Jones Bay Wharf, 26-32 Pirrama Road Pyrmont 02 9692 0111 info@cafemorso.com.au Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au

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Ultimo Dining Guide eXpreSS Pyrmont lunCh bY the ternarY Strapped for time but Still wiSh to dine? enjoy an express lunch with a complimentary beverage, two hours free parking and wi-fi every thursday and friday between 12:00pm - 2:30pm - perfect for celebrations, client lunches, or simply to enjoy a taste of what the ternary has to offer.

one Course - $39 two Courses - $49 three Courses - $59 fb/theternary | @theternary | #theternary

booK now - theternary.com.au

or phone 02 9288 7078 for bookings over 10 people. nb: please allow 60 minutes minimum for a three-course lunch. free parking covers two vehicles per booking. t&Cs - see website.

introduCinG the ternarY bar it’S Your muCh loVed bar,

onlY better! it’s 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

You’re looking for a place with delicious drinks, fabulous food, 5-star service & panoramic views. where does this exist, you ask?

the ternarY bar! above darling harbour, relax and unwind or get your night started!

theternary.com.au

fb/theternary | @theternary | #theternary

located in: novotel Sydney on darling harbour 100 murray St, pyrmont city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

Momofuku Seiobo

Osteria 8Hotels Balla Manfredi

Porters Liquor

Pyrmont Point Hotel 8Hotels

Head chef David Chang gained world wide praise for his unique approach to dining. With its exquisite Asian-European tasting menu that supports local and sustainable produce, Momofuku Seiobo is a culinary experience. With an inventive tasting menu that changes constantly, it’s no wonder this restaurant has two hats.

Chef Stefano Manfredi re-opened his doors last September to new and improved contemporary Italian restaurant. Osteria Balla Manfredi aims for sophistication and fun. The food is inspired by a village eatery, serving dishes from the local area and reflects Manfredi’s vast knowledge of traditional cuisine from his homeland.

The friendly staff at Porters Liquor have an extensive knowledge of quality wine, beer and spirits, and are always ready to offer a recommendation. They also have a wonderful selection of imported beers and boutique wines from all across the globe. Perfect for those who need a little assistance in choosing the right beverage.

In the heart of Pyrmont, the heritage listed venue is all about the ambience. With an enclosed Veranda and fireplace, diners can enjoy local craft and international beers, as well as a bistro with meals, tapas and share plates designed by Ashley O’Sullivan, a finalist in Australian Hotel Association chef of the year awards.

The Star/80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont, 9777 9000, star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/ signature-fine-dining/momofuku-seiobo

Retail Arcade, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont , 9657 9129, manfredi.com.au/restaurant/balla/

Ovolo8Hotels 1888 Hotel

The Persian Room

This boutique hotel is less than a ten minutes’ walk from the Sydney Fish Market and the Harbourside ferry station on Cockle Bay. The circa-1888 building has a rustic restaurant offering breakfast and lunch as well as a cocktail bar.

Guests also have free access to a nearby aquatic centre and Olympic sized pool.

Serving traditional Persian food from cooking enriched in five thousand years of history, the Persian Room sources spices from Iran and blends them with expertise in dishes like eight hour slow cooked meatballs and authentic Persian kebabs, marinated for 48 hours. Their delicious handmade ice cream is a must have.

139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, 8586 1888, ovolohotels.com/en/hotels/sydney

19 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, 9692 9299 thepersianroom.com.au

119 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9571 8555, portersliquor.com.au

Pub Life Kitchen 8Hotels For those after a hearty and classic pub meal.

Pub Life Kitchen offers favourites like mac n cheese, fries with gravy and fish tacos. It also has a range of gourmet burgers with salt aged ground beef and lunch specials every day.

265 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, 0484 848 400, publifekitchen.com

59 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9660 1908, pyrmontpoint.com.au

Sky Terrace Sydney Harbour is one of the most exquisite views in the world, and the prime position at Sky Terrace is a perfect spot to take it all in. Sky Terrace has a delicious menu including bourbon braised beef brisket and corn and zucchini fritters. It also offers sunset cocktail options and resident DJs who play a diverse range of world music to complete the experience.

Level 3, Harbourside,The Star, 80 Pyrmont Street, 9777 9000, star.com.au/sydney-nightlife/sky-terrace

Jones Street Café

ULTIMO’S ULTIMATE URBAN CAFÉ

• High quality, home-made food with the freshest, premium ingredients • Friendly, relaxed vibe with a cozy atmosphere • Professional staff • Ideal place to meet or work; Free Wi-Fi • Family friendly • 5 minutes from Central Station, UTS, TAFE, Broadway Shopping Centre

99 Jones Street Ultimo (between MacArthur and William Henry)

02 8959 2368 • 0411 77 4944 Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au

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The Dunkirk Hotel Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

A friendly pub in the heart of Sydney, offering a Bar & Bistro, Functions, Accommodation and A Bottleshop

205 Harris street Pyrmont • Ph: 9660 1038 • info@thedunkirk.com.au • thedunkirk.com.au

BisTRo

$10 Daily specials mon-Thurs FRiDay $15 luncH Deal end your week and kick off your weekend with lunch and a drink for $15 monDay To FRiDay Dinner + Drink Specials saTuRDay nigHTs FRom 5 Buy any main meal and get the second half-price sunDay RoasT Roast Pork or Lamb with all the trimmings $16

BaR

BoTTlesHop

Happy HouR mon-FRiDay 4-6pm $4 Schooners, $4 House Wines

Come check our our specials and grab yourself a bargain.

$5 Coronas ALL DAy eveRyDAy!

WeDnesDay nigHT TRivia starting from 7 $15 Bar Tab to win every round.

Winners go in the draw to win $2000 THuRsDay nigHT meaT TRays First Tray Drawn at 6pm

open until 10 every night Huge range of wines from Australia and abroad, craft beers and local favourites.

FuncTion Rooms perfect for functions from 20-100 guests.

We love hosting your parties, celebrations, AGMs and Training Days.

city hub 12 MAY 2016

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

Signorelli Gastronomia

Social8Hotels Brew Cafe

Tappo Osteria

Quarrymans 8HotelsHotel

‘Gastronomia’ is defined as “the art and science of good eating”, and this is showcased at Signorelli Gastronomia. This manifesto aims to provide an educational experience as well as a culinary one. Visitors can buy and taste a premium variety of local and international food and drink. There are also cooking classes available.

This lively hub is a favourite amongst Pyrmont locals, it has a sunny verandah and lively interior that transforms into an intimate setting complete with candles for dinner.

They also offer specialty cocktails and a range of tasty tapas and larger meals. If you’re wanting a quality breakfast, Social Brew offers a range of interesting options like bread and butter toast, burnt fig muesli and their specialty breakfast board that will definitely satisfy.

Think rustic-chic. The thin crust wood fired oven pizzas put Tappo Osteria on the map, but the family run restaurant also prides itself on authentic pastas, antipasti and an extensive wine list. They source their produce daily, to get the freshest ingredients, and the ever changing blackboard reflects this.

At Quarrymans Hotel, the staff pride themselves on a love and expansive knowledge of craft beers. Their 30 tap line up changes constantly to showcase the best in local and international beer, and has a delicious modern Australian menu to accompany it.

19-21 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, 8571 0616 signorelli.com.au

Sokyo 8Hotels

224 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9517 8792

1/2-14 Bunn St, Pyrmont, 9552 1509, tappo.com.au

214 Harris St, Pyrmont, 8710 3551, quarrymanshotel.com.au

Sydney Fish Market

Wine Society 8Hotels

Zebra Lounge

Sokyo channels the buzz of Tokyo by having its own resident DJ play for diners. Head Chef Chase Kojima has received praise for his craftsmanship and ability to create contemporary flavours in his dishes. All the classic Japanese favourites appear on the menu, or if you feel like indulging try the 600 gram +9 Wagyu Scotch Fillet.

The largest market in the Southern Hemisphere, SFM sources quality local and international seafood, which is traded in a bustling environment daily. It has a cooking school for those who wish to learn more about the craft of cooking good seafood as well as a range of restaurants, cafes and wine stores. Put simply, there’s something for everyone.

Regarded as Australia’s original not-for-profit wine club since its conception in 1946, the Wine Society is still one of the best. Since its inception it has scoured the country to source the best in wine from independent producers. Members regularly meet for masterclasses and dinners to share experiences and opinions on the vast array of wines available in Australia.

The stunning harbour location compliments the impressive selection of wine, beer and food perfectly. With delicious meals including oysters, coconut king prawns and soda battered fish and chips, it’s no wonder Zebra Lounge is a hot spot for locals. Zebra lounge also has a modern, chic decor and spacious outdoor setting.

Level G,The Darling The Star, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont, 9657 9161, star.com.au/sydney-restaurants

Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont, 9004 1100, sydneyfishmarket.com.au/home

76 Harris St, Pyrmont

(02) 9518 7907

oPen 6 DayS

66 Bay Street, Ultimo, 1300 723 723, winesociety.com.au

Delve into satisfying street food bites at Banh Mi Co canteen tucked into a block of double storey buildings on the corner of Harris and John Street in Pyrmont. Reminiscent of a petit French bakery, Banh Mi Co is a fusion of French and Vietnamese both in looks and in flavours, with a green and white striped awning shading the glass fronted entrance where a burst of vibrant colours awaits inside.

As the name suggests, tasty Banh Mi rolls are featured on the menu, incorporating fresh produce with meats like chicken and pork as well as a family secret recipe pâté to tantalise the tastebuds.

Those looking to deviate may enjoy Vietnamese rice paper rolls, lemongrass and chilli fried tofu sticks served with rice.

monDay - FriDay 10.30am - 7.30pm SaturDayS 11am - 6pm SunDayS - Closed 14

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1 Harris Street, Pyrmont, 9571 5503, zebralounge.com.au

Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au

Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

MUDGEE WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING CLASS Cheese and wine: it’s a combination that can bring people together like no other.

Seven delightful cheese and wine combinations

Relaxed and social approach to understanding how to taste and enjoy wine

Everything you need to know in just two hours

A fun evening for cheese and wine devotees

Wednesday 18 May 2016 6.30pm – 8.30pm The Wine Society Cellar Door, 66 Bay St Ultimo Tickets: $80 for non-members or $60 for members and trial members Bookings: www.winesociety.com.au/wine-events or call 1300 723 723

Scan code to book online

Can’t make the class? Redeem your free Wine Society trial membership during the Pyrmont festival and you’ll receive a $30 voucher towards your first purchase of $200 or more. www.winesociety.com.au/registertrial or call 1300 723 723 TWS0866-16 FP Ad 263x320 F2.indd 1

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Pyrmont Ultimo Dining

Guide

SPECIALIST ADVICE FROM YOUR LOCAL TELSTRA TEAM At Telstra Store Broadway, you can get face-to-face advice from our experienced team. Not only do we understand the needs of our local area and customers, we’re also here to help with any questions or advice on Telstra’s large range of products and services.

Stop by and see us today.

Telstra Store Broadway Broadway Shopping Centre, Level 1, next to Harvey Norman, 1 Bay Street, Broadway NSW, 2007 02 9280 4011 Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo. 9281 5085, broadwayhealthcare.com.au THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: The spectrum device and ™ are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited ABN 33 051 775 556.

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FEATURE

CHEERS! COUNTRY CUISINE AND FINE WINE COMES TO PYRMONT

By Greg Webster Now in its sixth year, The Pyrmont Festival kicks off this weekend, bringing the country charm of Mudgee to the ‘up-and-coming’ dining precinct of Pyrmont. It’s a sophisticated partnership between the providores in Mudgee (two hours west of the Blue Mountains) and the eateries of Pyrmont, two kilometres from the Sydney CBD.The highlight of the festival is a free, two-day headline event at Pirrama Park designed for the whole family with art, music, children’s entertainment – and of course around 100 stalls showcasing the best food and drink from the region.

Over 28,000 patrons attended last years event and expectations are just as optimistic for this year. Festival director Mike O’Malley admits to being surprised by the growth of the festival but sees the drawing power of the collaboration.“I suppose what we are doing is delivering a little snapshot of the Mudgee lifestyle. Bringing down good food [and] good wine that’s being served by friendly people who are passionate about their product.”

While most of us live in cities and usually near the coast, we Aussies have always enjoyed a nostalgic love affair with the country. The recent ‘slow-food’ movement typifies the current mood and given the growing trend for people wanting to ‘reconnect’ with their food sources, the attraction to the country has never been stronger.

Acting CEO of Mudgee region tourism, Leianne Murphy believes it is all about getting to the grassroots. “A lot of our producers pride themselves on where they source their products from and a lot of it is homegrown here in the Mudgee region.” Mike O’Malley is in total agreement: “Everyone is looking for authenticity. Here you’re meeting the people who grow and make the produce.That sort of passion and integrity comes through. I think that resonates with the Sydney audience.” Murphy is convinced of the region’s appeal and sees the festival as a starting point for a bigger reconnection. “We would like to convert [Pyrmont Festival-goers] into [Mudgee] visitors. To give them the opportunity to skip town for the weekend, leave behind the busy, scheduled routine of the city and indulge in sophisticated food and drink – a chance to relax and reset”.

This year 23 wineries from the region will support the event, as well as the Baker Williams Distillery and the Mudgee Brewing Company. A unique feature of the festival is the partnering of some of the high caliber dining outlets of Pyrmont with participating wineries. The more affordable end of the spectrum sees The Persian Room teaming up with

got an animal farm so city kids can come and pat ducks and lambs and feed them.” Special guests Hi-5 will kick off the family entertainment at 11am on Saturday, with the main stage giving way to some more mellow Jazz and Soul sounds as the weekend unfolds. Sydney based artists include Queen Porter, Stomp Marcello and Long Tall Fabby, while the Sunday music is courtesy of The Brad Childs, Arthur Washington and Virna Sanzone Quartets. A stunning sculpture garden with works from the Mudgee regions artists brings the feel of a living art gallery to the park.

Of course the main game is to sample a little of Mudgee’s food and drink offerings via the pop-up cellar doors and stalls scattered throughout the park.

Visitors can purchase tokens to taste wine and sample some of the local produce, taking a piece of Mudgee away to enjoy with family and friends. So you might try out the Wheat Vodka or Cumquat liqueur from the Baker Williams Distillery, or the lightly hopped Porter from the Mudgee Brewing Company.The Mudgee Honey Haven stall is always popular, as is chocolate from Spencer Cocoa, who source their product from family growers in Vanuatu.The High Valley Cheese Company provides a perfect counterpoint for Burundulla Wines 2013 Heritage Semillon or even Huntington Estate’s 2014 Special Merlot.The lists and combinations are endless.

“It’s a buzz,” said Murphy. “It’s such a highlight walking around, seeing our local producers so excited – talking so passionately about what they do and to share their story among the thousands of festivalgoers.” And for those who find themselves part of the very urban community of Pyrmont, there is no doubt something deeply reassuring about the parochialism of a close-knit community like Mudgee. “We often get feedback from festivalgoers saying, ‘wow, everybody is just so lovely and everyone knows everyone. The camaraderie is fantastic.’”

Locals enjoying the Pyrmont Festival atmosphere.

Photo: Fiora Sacco

Robert Stein Wines and The Apprentice showcasing Vinifera Wines.

Those whose budget stretches a little further might like to try Café Morso partnered with Peterson’s Wines or a four-course degustation courtesy of Flying Fish, beautifully matched with Manners Wines.

The marquee event is a free Wine, Art and Food Fair, this weekend at Pirrama Park, which is especially family friendly. “[You might wonder] why would you encourage kids to come to a wine and food fair?” said O’Malley.

“But there’s plenty of kid-friendly food, rides and entertainment – we’ve

PYRMONT FESTIVAL May 13–22, various venues in Pyrmont.

For information on participating restaurants and food, wine and arts events go to: pyrmontfestival.com.

HEADLINE EVENT: WINE, ART & FOOD FAIR

Sat 14–Sun 15 May. Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. Free entry (wine tasting packages from $20). Info: pyrmontfestival.com.au

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Review: Disgraced Although the story could be told anywhere, Disgraced opens in a New York loft apartment, with the hues of a Manhattan skyline softly filtering through the windows.The set by Elizabeth Gadsby and lighting by Damien Cooper is lush – showered in privilege, belying the toxic shards that lie below the surface.This could only be New York, where dreams are made and Amir (Sachin Joab) is living the dream.A high-flying lawyer in a prominent Jewish law firm, he’s happily married to artist Emily (Sophie Ross).

To climb this ladder,Amir has renounced his Islamic heritage, but it is not just a matter of convenience – his apostasy is both considered and deep, born of the bigotry he experienced as a child.

As the play unfolds,Amir’s internal cracks become more and more evident.An activist Islamic nephew, an Afro-American colleague and her Jewish art critic husband each apply their own pressure, and Amir is the fault-line. Disturbingly he finds the religious and racial bigotry he so loathes within himself, and so self-loathing follows. Its destructiveness inevitably becomes self-destruction.

Sarah Goode’s direction steers this play firmly through a series of revelations.As the pace quickens the sense of unease grows. Her attention to almost mundane detail, especially in the scene transitions, gives the audience time to ponder before the next twist.

This is a brave and troubling play, pushing past the cliché’s of correctness and probing the flaws in what we would like to call our ‘tolerant, liberal, multi-faith’ western democracy.The final image of Amir silhouetted against the New York skyline is uncomfortable and ambiguous, as are the intricacies of living in a post 9/11 world. (GW) Until Jun 4, various show times. Sydney Theatre Company, Wharf 1 Theatre, The Wharf, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $69-$116.

Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 02 9250 1777.

Montague Basement’s May showing of Telescope tells the story of Joss and Vic, two Australian parents who struggle to cope after their eldest child Photo: Hannah Cox comes out as transgender. Set in the same universe as writer Charles O’Grady’s first work, Kaleidoscope, Telescope subverts the concept of the traditional, heteronormative nuclear family.

“The reason why it’s important in Sydney theatre is that the nuclear family drama is such an integral part of Australian theatre and has been for years, and years and for one thing, I think it’s become stale and very much overused but for another, it doesn’t represent broadness and diversity,” said O’Grady.

“What I was trying to do was completely queer the heteronormative script of the Australian relationship drama and take that to the lens of coming out as trans and the negotiation between generations... I’m interested in a narrative where you can watch

the parents of a child deal with that when the child’s not there.”

In a striking move, two nonbinary actors, Shevvi BarrettBrown and Caillin McKay, will swap the roles and thus genders of characters Joss and Vic each night.

“I couldn’t see the story happening without trans voices,” said O’Grady. “I think it’s interesting when you have two young nonbinary actors who have dealt with these issues from the other perspective playing two 40-year-old, heterosexual people... We’re exploring gender as performance and gender as artifice.”

Telescope is a frank and funny approach to the impact of transphobia on the self, the family and one’s social world, and is sure to lead the next generation of queer and trans texts on Australian stages. (ES) May 12–21, 8pm. Leichhardt Town Hall, 107 Norton St, Leichhardt. $15-$20.

Tickets info: montaguebasement.com/tickets

Photo: Prudence Upton

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As We Forgive

Forgiveness is a tricky subject and always a perfect catalyst for discussion. As We Forgive

by Tom Holloway focuses on three individual stories revolving around the theme of forgiveness. Revered Australian actor Robert Jarman explains it as three different men with deeply personal stories. He performs all three monologues accompanied by a lone cellist in this original production.

“Each man has been deeply affected by an event, or a set of circumstances, and each of the men has to make a choice – to forgive or not to forgive,” said Jarman.

“But it isn’t that simple. There are grey areas. Sometimes forgiveness may be ‘right’ but it isn’t necessarily satisfying, it doesn’t automatically lead to ‘closure’. Sometimes ‘forgive and forget’ is not a workable answer.

So the play combines good stories and storytelling with complex moral questions.”

The first of the three is an elderly man who has been the victim of a brutal robbery, the second was abused when he was younger and the third shares a terrible story questioning the purpose of forgiveness.

Jarman has nothing but praise for

Photo: Marnya Roth

Holloway’s written work, saying: “All three of the monologues are quality, and the Second Man exceptionally so.”

“The very first time I read it, sitting with friends around the kitchen table, my first comment after the reading was that with the Second Man, my main job as an actor would be to ‘not get in the way of the writing!’ It really is a superb piece of dramatic writing.”

This is a perfect opportunity to watch one of Australia’s best acting talents in his zone.

(AMal) May 13–21, Mon-Fri 7pm, Sat 2pm & 7pm. SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross. $20-$43. Tickets & info: griffintheatre.co

Vital Signs

Have your emotions ever gotten the better of you, or are you more able to control when you get upset and withdraw from those who annoy you? Bare Productions present Vital Signs, a production made up of a suite of theatrical miniatures exploring how emotions affect ourselves and the people around us.

Producer and actress Donna Sizer says this is an interesting play about love, fear, frustration, passion and realisation. It’s ultimately the vitality and eccentricity of the human spirit.

Sizer says the play was inspired by the works of Jane Martin, who along with this play also wrote Talking With…

“Last year Bare Productions performed Talking With... and as we admired the writing so much we decided we would like to produce another one of Jane Martin’s plays in a way that encourages our actors to take their craft to a new level and push the envelope of the genre.”

Those who come to the show can expect to

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

rediscover their emotional side. Sizer explains this is an important play for people to watch because human emotion is so important in our lives.

“As human beings we are constantly told that our emotions should be hidden, that crying, shouting or showing how we feel is wrong,” she said. “Vital Signs shows that our emotions make us who we are and allow the audience to identify with a character.”

So if you’re in dire need of letting out a few emotions, or need no invitation to let loose with how you’re feeling, check out Vital Signs while you can. (AMal) May 12–20, 7.30pm. Exchange Hotel, 94 Beattie Street, Balmain. $17.50-$20.

Tickets & info: trybooking.com/KTKT

Contributors: Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Alicia Sim, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Shon Ho, Jacqui Rothwell, Emily Shen, Andrew Hodgson, Irina Dunn, Cindy Aravena, Jacob Aguilar, Caitlin Burns, Zeiya Speede, Rita Bratovich.

My Name Is Asher Lev

Photo:Thomas Hancock

Come Fly With Me Slide Lounge welcomes back a show that is something a little different to their usual strictly sultry offerings, but that being said, raunchiness is not entirely off the in-flight menu as Come Fly With Me prepares for landing.

This mystery flight is definitely more about the journey than the destination, as the popular burlesque and cabaret venue is transformed into ‘Slide Airways’ for an entirely camp and outrageous outing.

“It’s a really tidy Pan Am meets Little Britain… it’s cheeky, [but] it’s not over the top rude,” explained show creator Lesley Hancock. “I [play] Lyn Flight Service…and my senior flight attendant is Miles High, [played by] the fabulous Andrew Benson…

[The show features] marvellous songs intercepted with us interacting with the audience.”

Along the way some stowaways appear from the cargo hold, and things become rather psychedelic when an illicit substance is dropped into an aircraft air-con vent…

With her highly successful corporate entertainment company Leave it To Diva absorbing much of her time, it has been some time since Lesley, a cabaret

veteran, has put on a show for the public. Come Fly With Me made its first appearance at Slide in February and has been returning monthly due to popular demand, with the same talented cast in tow.

“I’ve managed to snatch all these fabulous little stars before they get too famous,” Lesley says of her cast. She seems especially enamoured with Slide Airways’ handsome captain, played by Andrew Bukenya, saying: “The voice on this man it is like liquid gold… he’s gorgeous.”

Come Fly With Me is certainly a passion project, breaking the mould of the tired old stereotype of cookie cutter ‘dinner theatre’. If songs along the lines of ‘I Like The Flight Life’, ‘The Rhythym of Flight’ and ‘Plane’ (to the tune of ‘Fame’, of course) combined with improvised humour, audience interaction and retro uniforms sounds like a delight to you, then you best pack your bags and get in quick to book a table – hurry, last call! (AM) Extremely limited tickets available to the May show.

May 18 & Jun 15, 7.45pm (7pm arrival for dinner + show). Slide Lounge, 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. $40-$89.Tickets & info: slide.com.au

“What do you do as a parent when a child has got an amazing gift in a particular area and you’re insecure about their future?”

That is actor John O’Hare’s summation of the major theme in My Name Is Asher Lev, the critically acclaimed off-Broadway play adapted for stage by Aaron Posner from the revered Chiam Potok’s 1972 novel.

O’Hare plays the title role, Asher Lev, a Hasidic Jew living in Brooklyn who from childhood has displayed prodigious artistic talent and feels helplessly in thrall to his creative instinct. This meets with caustic disapproval from the conservative Jewish community and in particular from his father, whose religious fervour extends to dedicated servitude to the Rebbe. Asher’s mother is torn between love and support for her son and allegiance to her husband.

Although the setting is very specific, the themes, dynamics and politics are universal.The tension triangle involving father, mother and son might almost be a trope if not for the meticulous writing of Potok. O’Hare, a long time admirer, says of the writer:“He never gets caught up in domestic melodrama.”

The story is told not as a sequential narrative but rather a series of flashbacks. Lighting and sound cues help with time shifts but O’Hare believes “the audience also needs to do some work to fill in the details”. He added: “It’s an intellectual arc with quite sophisticated art philosophy, but it’s done in a palatable way.”

O’Hare feels affinity with Asher Lev because of his own artistic journey. He was training to be a mechanical engineer but felt the irresistible pull to become an actor,

You’d have to be a stern utopian to refer to Russia’s history as heartening. No doubts about it they’ve had some dark days, the Russian Revolution and Operation Barbarossa spring to mind, but dark times can breed great characters and that’s the case with Motherland.

From the chaos of a Russian military coup, through the hell of Nazi-occupied France to a turbulent Brisbane in the throes of the Fitzgerald Inquiry, the intertwining of three different timelines is something that one would render impossible to pull off, but makes this production all the more intriguing – especially as each timeline follows events in the lives of three remarkable real women.

“It’s not linear at all, we kind of jump back and forth between times and also places because the play is set in Russia a little bit, but also in Paris and Brisbane. So we link all of those times and places together,” explained actress Kerith Atkinson.

Atkinson depicts one of the play’s two Australian characters, Nell BLONDE POISON Following a sellout season at the Old Fitz, Belinda Giblin brings Stella Goldshlag’s story to the stage once again. Only eighteen when war broke out, Goldshlag was Arian in appearance, but she was still Jewish, and not spared the Gestapo’s excesses. In order to save herself, she became complicit in the holocaust.An astonishing story and a wonderfully performed play. (GW) Until May 12,Tues–Sat 7pm, Wed + Sat 1:30pm.The Studio, Sydney Opera House. $49.90-$74.90.

Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse. com.au or 02 9250 7777 SPRING AWAKENING THE MUSICAL An electrifying fusion of rebellion, sexual awakening and rock and roll – this musical tells the story of teenagers who find themselves confused by their newfound sexuality and frustrated by the unwillingness of any of the adults around them to teach them anything substantial about ‘the facts of life’.An impressively seamless and emotive production from the

Australian Theatre for Young People, see this cast before they really hit the big time and brace yourself for raw, daring theatre. (AM) Until May 14, various show times.

ATYP Studio 1, Pier 4/5 Hickson Road,Walsh Bay. $35.Tickets & info: atyp.com.au or 02 9270 2400 THE BOY FROM OZ The Regals Musical Society resurrects this musical tribute to the extraordinary life of the late Peter Allen, the boy from the outback with a talent for music and performance who went on to become a star on the world stage. Performer Timothy Langan will be stepping into Peter Allen’s dancing shoes for this production, the young performer has “spent time working closely on each facet of Peter’s showmanship” including his supreme talents as a singer/ songwriter, dancer and comedian. (AM) Until May 14, various show times.

Rockdale Town Hall, 448 Princess Hwy (cnr Bryant Street), Rockdale. $29-$39.

Tickets & info: theregals.com.au

something his engineer father could not understand.

“It was something I just HAD to do,” said O’Hare.

And he has no regrets. (RB) Until May 29, various show times. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst. $34-$46.

Tickets & info: encounters.edu.au

Tritton, an affluent Brisbane socialite with a knack for being in the right place at the right time.

“She moved to Sydney to become a journalist, then moved to Europe to become a bit of a foreign correspondent and ended up working for ex-Russian Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky and eventually married him and became embroiled in all the Russian politics of the time,” said Atkinson.

The response from Australian audiences so far is something that the playwright and actors are extremely proud of.

Atkinson added: “Audiences are loving it, at the end of the play, we can hear lots of snuffles. It’s really moving people, there’s been a lot of passion around the historical aspect as well.” (AH) May 17–22. Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $16-$64.

Tickets & info: glenstreet.com.au or 9975 1455 GOOD PEOPLE Trapped in a cycle of urban poverty and with a disabled daughter, Margaret has little to show for life and few prospects. When she loses her meager job at the ‘dollarstore’, there is no money for rent and eviction beckons. With impeccable comic timing, Tara Morice is completely enthralling as Margaret, driving the play relentlessly forward.

An endlessly rewarding piece of theatre. (GW) Until May 21, various show times.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $65-$69.

Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au or 02 9929 0644.

THE CHERRY ORCHARD For her debut main stage production, director Clemence Williams has chosen Anton Chekov’s much adapted 1904 play. The Cherry Orchard deals with an aristocratic family’s dilemma to sell their beloved property. Even though more than a century has passed since it was first written, Williams believes the play’s themes of

class systems and real estate remain increasingly relevant. Acclaimed playwright David Mamet’s adaption resonated most with her: “I think [Mamet’s interpretation] is shorter, sharper, a little sexier and has its own distinct rhythm… My aim is to create onstage relationships that demonstrate the transient nature of the class divide.” (ASim) Until May 28. New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown. $17-$32.

Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au HAY FEVER So much of modern comedy owes to the wry slapstick of Noel Coward. Clever and droll, his characters are always ready for another dry martini or a classy misstep. The Sydney Theatre Company presents Hay Fever, first produced in 1925. For fans of Noel Coward, this tale of naughty people is among his earliest and also the best of his comedies. A wry take on the bohemian mayhem of the Bliss family, each member invites a suitably unsuitable guest for a weekend away. (OA)

Until May 26, various show times.

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $64-$104.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Sport For Jove’s production of The Taming Of The Shrew takes place in the early 1920’s. While remaining faithful to the original script, director Damien Ryan has managed to imbue Shakespeare’s play with dry wit and wry humour indicative of the silent screen era. Using rolling gags, caricatures and physical comedy, Ryan helps make the Bard accessible and entertaining. The story itself is a little prickly when it comes to feminine politics; however, dwelling on controversy would be to rob yourself of the sheer enjoyment of what is an innovative, witty, impeccably executed, roaring 20’s inspired sixteenth century rom-com. Stratford-upon-Avon meets Art Deco. Delightful. (RB) May 19–28, various show times.

York Theatre at the Seymour Centre, cnr City Road and

Cleveland Street, Chippendale. $35-$42.Tickets & info: sportforjove.com.au WE WILL ROCK YOU In Ben Elton’s musical based on the music Queen, a group of rebellious bohemians fight to reinstate free thought and the power of rock n’ roll in a dystopian future controlled by technology. Strong vocal performances and fun costumes can only do so much to distract from cheap gags and rough segways to inject the next song from Queen’s back catalogue. Much like WWRY’s original West End production in 2002, this turn will probably be cringed at by critics and musical theatre fanatics yet lapped up by paying audiences (AM) Until Jun 26, various show times.

Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont. $69.90-$139.90+bf.

Tickets & info: wewillrockyou.com.au or ticketmaster.com.au city hub 12 MAY 2016

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THE NAKED CITY

MEAN STREET MEANDERINGS

Steve Northeast – Fluidity

Melbourne native Steve Northeast returns to Australia for his first solo exhibition in Sydney. A capstone on 13 years of work in his New York studio as well as a showcase for work produced since, Fluidity gathers COLIN PENNOCK – MODERN RECLUSE Known for his production of emotionally driven landscapes, Irish-born artist Colin Pennock presents a new sequence of vigorous paintings. Pennock’s latest works come with an immense link to the sensationalism and dissemination that the major news corporations thrive on, and the vulnerability that the artist is feeling within a world that he is struggling to comprehend. Whilst his contemporary surroundings are a big influence, Pennock admits that he always needs to look back in order to move forward with his work.

(AH) Until May 14.Tues–Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Ave, Darlinghurst.

Info: arthousegallery.com.au

POTTS POINT: A woman was observed at 1.30am attempting to coax a small monkey up a drain pipe in Tusculum Street. When questioned by police she first claimed she was an animal trainer from a visiting Moscow circus. When five kilos of cocaine were discovered in her handbag she later confessed to being a delivery driver for a cartel of Double Bay drug dealers (aka Dial-A-Blow). The monkey had been trained to scale drainpipes and deliver straight to a client’s window, thus avoiding tell-tale apartment security cameras. Police arrested the woman and tasered the monkey – just to play safe.

together a range of Northeast’s paintings from the past 15 years.

Fluidity suggests a raw, direct easiness typical of Northeast’s work, who paints instinctively, from the heart. One gets the sense that his paintings explode with force: jagged, frenetic brushwork seems to cut through to something instinctive.

The idea of breaking free is a major theme in Northeast’s paintings, and perhaps not surprisingly his growling brushwork and his bold use of colour conjures coming storms, raging fires, and cold, abyssal backwood mornings. Indeed, nature is a major inspiration behind Northeast’s paintings, and it is in these dramatic pictures of landscapes blasted by fire or by wind that one can see Northeast’s Australian roots. (ZS) May 13–19, by appointment. Culture at Work, 6-8 Scott St, Pyrmont. To book a private viewing, contact Steve Northeast: stevenortheast.com or +61 413 837 883

Licence No. 173676c 12

“The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed”. Official Biennale sites – The MCA, Cockatoo Island and Carriageworks – have been rebranded as several different ‘Embassies of Thought’.The most revolutionary works however exist in public locations, the ‘InBetween’ Spaces.Although these works differ greatly, each casts a new light on its location.

City Hub recommends heading to Redfern to check out ‘We Built This City’ and ‘Making History’ before swinging around to Newtown to see ‘Fade Away, Fade Away, Fade Away’ in Camperdown Cemetery. (AM) Until June 5.Various locations. Free. Full program: 20bos.com

20TH BIENNALE OF SYDNEY In this milestone year, the Biennale and all its associated art works follow a topical theme:

THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC COMICS An exhibition built from Lego and based around comic book characters may seem

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This weekend will see Ambush Gallery play host to over 450 works from Sydney’s arts community in the inaugural Breakthrough Art Festival, which will help raise funds for the Cancer Council NSW. Each artwork has been created with only one restriction placed upon them, they must all convey ‘hope’. In terms of materials and medium however each artist was able to go in any direction they wanted, with the outcome being pastels, watercolours, oil paintings and photography all on display throughout the four day event.

One other unique feature of the festival is

SVEN MARQUARDT – FUTURE’S PAST For many people Sven Marquardt’s face has become synonymous with the legendary Berlin clubbing mecca Berghain, where he acts as the doorman. However Marquardt is also a renowned photographer on the German art scene, currently exhibiting his work for the very first time as part of Head On Photo Festival. Much of Marquardt’s work is shot in black and white on analog film, which he credits to his childhood (“It was really difficult to get colour film in East Germany…”). (JA) Until May 22. Ambush Gallery, Level 3, Central Park, 28 Broadway, Chippendale.

Info: ambushgallery.com

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KINGS CROSS: A man was charged with assault after stomping on a bouncer’s foot outside a well known Kings Cross strip club. He later claimed that he was a world renowned philatelist and had simply asked the 140 kilo Tongan doorman whether he collected stamps. When the doorman replied that he was a keen collector he stamped on his foot. After police tasered him six times he gifted the doorman a rare one penny Australian stamp and all charges were dropped.

DARLINGHURST: Three men all dressed in Panda suits were stopped by police and sniffer dogs on Oxford Street just after midnight. After a minute amount of MDMA was found on one man, they were charged with possession and moved to a large holding pen at Taronga Park. Following a hearty breakfast of bamboo shoots they were later released to face court in the coming month.

ELIZABETH BAY: A naked man and woman, covered in psychedelic body paint and writhing on a floating air mattress, were intercepted alongside the wharf at the Elizabeth Bay marina. Federal Police were called when they failed to produce any identification and they were taken to the Villawood Detention Centre. After two months they were released when it was discovered they were actually renowned French performance artistes here for the Sydney Biennale.

Deemed a floating hazard the air mattress was tasered and later removed by the bomb squad just for good measure.

that each work will be displayed anonymously and will be available for purchase for $150 each. Costeen Sekhas from the Cancer Council said the decision to display the work anonymously reflects that nature of how Cancer affects our community: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate, with one in two Australians diagnosed by the age of 85”. By displaying the works in this way it also meant that “buyers wont be influenced by the artists but instead select artworks that represent hope for them”. (JA) May 12–15. Ambush Gallery, Level 3, Central Park, 28 Broadway, Chippendale. Info: ambushgallery.com

juvenile in nature, but ‘Lego artist’ Nathan Sawaya’s sculptures are nothing short of mesmerizing. Comprised of many thousands of individual Lego bricks, these pieces are technical marvels. The exhibition pays tribute to the biggest heroes and villains of the DC (Superman, Batman, The Joker, etc.) but Sawaya also pays equal care and attention to more marginalised characters. You don’t necessarily need to be a DC fanatic to get a kick out of this exhibition; it will still ‘inspire the hero within’. (AM) Until Jun 13, 10am–5pm (last entry 3.30pm). Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. $16.60-$26 (family passes available).

Tickets & info: maas.museum or ticketek. com.au (or on the door)

HEAVY ARTILLERY Prominent themes in this group show are identity and tradition and the modernist impact on both. Furthermore (with all artists hailing from China and Taiwan) the restrictive atmosphere in which Chinese artists live results in work which is subtly subversive and intricately planned. For example: He Xiangyu’s contribution,‘Tank Project’ (2011–2013), is a life sized leather replica of a Chinese tank – the creator sneaked into an army base to obtain accurate dimensions.

Heavy Artillery showcases the craft, the cunning and the imagination of artists who need to navigate the perils of political indoctrination and censorship. (LR) Until Aug 7 (10am-5pm,Wed-Sun).

White Rabbit Gallery, 30 Balfour Street, Chippendale. Admission Free.

Info: whiterabbitcollection.org

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With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death Ever notice those ‘Street Watch’ reports which appear regularly in local newspapers as a summary of mainly ‘al fresco’ crime in your hood?

They are generated by the media arm of NSW Police or community conscious journalists, they are both alarming and comforting at the same time.

Alarming in the sense that they do occasionally detail vicious assaults, sometimes fuelled by alcohol or even the dreaded ‘ice’ – comforting in the sense that the local gendarmes are out there keeping the footpaths safe and clear of psychopaths. However some of the so called street crime reported falls into the category of the mildly absurd, with punters busted for some fairly petty infractions. Here at the Naked City we collect our own covert surveillance reports, delivered by a series of GoPros strapped to the heads of well trained cockatoos and compliant feral cats. Here’s just a selection of the stuff you seldom read about: WOOLLOOMOOLOO: A man has been charged in Cathedral Street with shoplifting after he was observed leaving Woolworths with a large pumpkin concealed on his body. When apprehended he refused to be searched and informed officers that the large bulge on his abdomen was simply the result of years of heavy drinking and a persistent hernia.

After a shakedown the pumpkin fell from under his jumper and smashed onto the pavement. Police waived the shoplifting charge and booked him for exploding a pumpkin in a public place.

• Small Demolition • Deceased Estates Mob:

0418 426 422

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentleman: Touted as the Balkan, Elvis Mikelangelo and his band have played everywhere from London’s West End to Budapest in their 15 years together.

Tonight they bring their new show to Sydney,After The Flood, inspired by the dark and troubled stories of the migrants who built the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.

Thu, May 12,The Vanguard The Harlots: Since 2010 this Melbourne six-piece has been cultivating their unique blend of space guitars, dreamy yet bold keyboards and gritty vocals to create their debut album, which they will be showcasing at their ‘High Roller’ single launch tonight.

Thu, May 12, Frankie’s Pizza Mark Wilkinson: Earlier this year Wilkinson released his Come With Me Tonight EP, a five-track teaser of his next studio album. Now before he heads abroad Mark will be playing tomorrow in Sydney. This will potentially be his last local gig for quite a while so don’t miss the boat.

Fri, May 13,The Basement Spyglass Gypsies: Presenting a modern, energetic and playful take on the traditional gypsy jazz style has seen the Spyglass Gypsies rapidly establish themselves as one of the leading ensembles in our country.

Fri, May 13, Django Bar The British Invasion: Between the 60’s and 80’s music went though somewhat of a revolution thanks to the counter-culture styles of the likes

of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd and David Bowie.

This weekend an Australian tribute show, comprising some extraordinary young talents and experienced world class musicians, will take audiences on a journey through the very essence of the music of those decades.

Sat, May 14, Sweaty Betty’s Bar at Diggers Miranda Julia Jacklin: Following a run at SXSW in Austin, where Jacklin was suddenly under the spotlight of multiple high profile media outlets, 2016 is quickly shaping up to be a huge year. Having kicked off her first Australian tour last month, this weekend sees her arrive in our town for one intimate show before heading to the UK. Sat, May 14, Plan B M83: With their highly anticipated album Junk hitting our ears last month, Australian fans were hoping for a show in Sydney and thankfully they have delivered really quickly.

M83’s provocative and nostalgic ambient synth-pop come 90s alt-rock leads to an enthralling live show.

Mon, May 16, Enmore Theatre Music In The House: Finally, to close out the week we have an event which honours members of the music industry who through charitable efforts have enriched the fabric of the broader community.This year’s honouree is Paul Kelly who along with Julia Stone, Urthboy and Thelma Plum will all be performing at the lunch gala.

Wed, May 18,The Ivy Ballroom

By Jamie Apps Creativity acts just like any of the muscles in our bodies, in that the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes, but if that exercise becomes too repetitive you begin to see diminishing returns from your efforts.Thankfully for frontman Henry Wagons, he has been able to avoid this exact situation by constantly challenging himself in new and exciting ways, the latest of which being a trip to Nashville to record his first solo album and then assembling an entirely new band to tour the record.

“It was great to work different muscles, it was difficult but in a very satisfying way. It’s like you’ve been working out doing pilates and then all of a sudden you go on a sprint for 15 minutes, that’s going to test. So I was a sort of sweaty embryonic mess but in a different way than I usually am [when] recording,” reflected Henry.

The recording process for new album After What I Did Last Night… was so different this time around because Henry took up an

Pierce The Veil – Misadventures

opportunity (that he described as a “one off the bucket list”) to travel to Nashville and record with a number of other musicians there.The biggest change in the process was simply the speed with which the record was completed.

“The whole thing was done from go to woe in about a month, which is a lot shorter [than usual],” said Wagons.“Recording in Melbourne is more of a social, organic activity where we get in the same room, have a few beers and the songs slowly form.Whereas working with the Nashville

guys, it’s more like being on an episode of Grand Designs, it’s a bunch of geniuses huddling around a table plotting how to make a grand artwork.”

In order to capture some of that magic from the recording process and bring it to the live show, Henry is flying out producer Skylar Wilson to act as musical director of the tour.“I’m expecting a slice of that Tennessee late night barroom haze to be transplanted to Australia,” he remarked.

The tour provides an opportunity for Henry to finally explore the other side of his “bipolar” life as he moves away from the “incredibly isolating internal creative mode” into the “travelling exterior motivated troubadour” side.

“I can’t wait to hit the road [and] play these songs live, I’ve made them [and] now it’s time to see how my little babies take to the rest of the world from the blood, sweat and tears of the stage.”

May 13. Newtown Social Club, 387 King St, Newtown. $25+b.f.Tickets & Info: newtownsocialclub.com

The Living End – Shift

Upon an initial play through, it would be easy to simply categorise the new record from San Diego post-hardcore group Pierce The Veil as simple pop-punk with occasional aggressive elements. However this record is much more deep and nuanced than it first appears.

The song writing throughout the album is much more emotive than it first seems, and therefore begs for repeated listens as you can pick up new narrative points with each replay.

Instrumentally the band is as strong as ever, easily flowing from poppunk to more aggressive punk when necessary.

While the four year wait between records was agonising for fans the outcome is well worth it. (JA) WWWW

This reviewer has been a fan of The Living End since high school, when their words were poignant and their energy uniquely fired up the limbs.

A few years and albums later, their lyrics and music still manage the mix of poetic and realistic that listeners have come to love from The Living End. This is a band whose musical maturation has not been quite so surprising as others, naturally progressing through rhythms that echo their style and yet are different album to album.

Admittedly it takes a couple of tracks before that echo rings loudly enough for the ear of a fan to pick it up, Shift is a nostalgic introduction to new music and it is a good one.

The energy of The Living End continues to play, and fans of the band should be joined by new listeners in enjoying their most recent work. (SP) WWW

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National Theatre Live presents: National Theatre Live has captured a performance of this award-winning English stage production in high definition and transformed it into a cinematic event for all movie-goers to experience on the big screen.

This comedy-thriller is primarily set in Oldham England in 1965, and the focal character is Harry, a middle-aged and married man with a 15-year-old daughter.

Harry was a servant to the crown as a hangman until the death sentence was abolished – two years on he’s a publican, and his former profession is detailed in the newspaper, which becomes the catalyst to all the drama. A young menacing stranger enters the pub amongst suspicions of the hanging of an innocent man, when Harry’s daughter mysteriously disappears.

This is world-class, cutting-edge theatre, set primarily in a pub

Hangmen

with an ensemble cast of English actors who deliver faultless performances playing vibrant characters led by David Morrissey as Harry.

Discussions arise concerning the justices and injustices of the penal system, alcoholism and racial slurs are intermittent. The darker elements surface through the comic sequences, revealing complexities in the characters which lead to a shocking eruption of emotions and actions on stage.

If moviegoers feel uncomfortable laughing in all the inappropriate places during this wildly funny and gripping black comedy, then this theatrical production has been a resounding success.

(MMo) WWWW Limited release, for participating cinemas go to: ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The First Monday In May Every year, on the first Monday in May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (the Met) hosts the Met Ball – the opening night party that launches the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition. Full to the brim with pop culture and fashionable celebrities, the Met Ball is a legendary affair with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour at the helm.

The First Monday In May follows Wintour as she pulls together the Met Ball and Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton as he brings to life one of the biggest fashion exhibitions the Met has ever run, ‘China: Through The Looking Glass’.

From the first discussions about the direction of the exhibition, to

FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS Only a versatile actress of Meryl Streep’s calibre could successfully portray 1940’s New York socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, a unique lady who pondered the pleasure derived from enchanting audiences through singing. Attempting to realize her dream, she hired a singing coach and piano accompanist and performed for the public – but she was justifiably labelled “the worst goddam singer in the world”. Based on a true story, this is an extremely funny film and the laughs abound.

Inspiring and cleverly written, audiences will deliberate whether Jenkins was delusional. (MMo) WWW1/2 BASTILLE DAY An unlikely partnership develops when American pick-pocket Michael Mason (Games of Thrones’ 14

city hub 12 MAY 2016

Richard Madden) picks the wrong pocket and is coerced into joining forces with disgraced CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba). They embark on an anti-terrorist mission in Paris on the eve of Basille Day. This crime-thriller is a welcoming 90 minutes of pure octane-charged and action-packed escapism, boasting an unlikely but riveting storyline with many twists which should captivate enthusiasts of this style of film. (MMo) WWW1/2 THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY Based on true events, this film tells the remarkable story of the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. Having lived in Madras, India, his whole life, Ramanujan (Dev Patel) has his world upended when he is invited

by Professor G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons) to Cambridge University to further analyse his bold new

theorems. Patel and Irons do well to highlight the complex relationship between the two men, combined with excellent cinematography and attention to historical detail, The Man Who Knew Infinity does justice to the important work they accomplished. (ASim) WWW1/2 AN Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) runs a non-profitable bakery, selling dorayakis (pancakes with sweet red bean paste – “an”) when Tokue (Kirin Kiki), a 76-year-old lady with crippled hands, applies for a part time job. Upon tasting her exquisite “an” he employs her and business booms until rumours emerge that she is suffering from leprosy. This visually stunning and beautifully written film from Japan deals with the crushing effects of ignorance and gossip. (MMo) WWW1/2

A MONTH OF SUNDAYS Anthony LaPaglia returns to the big screen in this Australian comedy about a real estate agent whose life has stagnated. Fate intervenes when he receives a call from a lady (Julia Blake) who claims to be his mother (who has passed on), which leads to an unlikely but therapeutic friendship. This film accentuates that an established cast doesn’t necessarily translate to quality cinematic viewing. The film seems contrived, lacks substance and moves at a laborious pace bordering on tedious. (MMo) WW1/2 PAWNO On an unassuming day in a dusty old pawnbroker’s store, world weary owner Les (John Brumpton) and his reserved employee Danny (Damian Hill) watch on as the very best and worst of human experiences collide and tangle around them. A

interviews with designers and fashion creatives, and the night that launches the whole event, it is a sneak peek behind the doors of the Met and a glimpse at what it takes to produce something that brings art and fashion together.

Up-close-and-personal interviews with Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier are highlights, and the insight into how Anna Wintour operates is fascinating. The First Monday In May is not only for the fashionistas and art buffs though – it’s a close look at popular culture, the history of Chinese fashion and film, and the merging of art and celebrity.

(LS) WWWW

love letter to the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, Pawno is a seemingly endless tapestry of scenery and people of all creeds and colours (including blue). While Danny’s bumbling, fledgling romance serves as the through line for this film, the peripheral love stories and heartbreaks provide a great, stewing depth of emotion. This is an unpolished gem of independent Australian cinema. (AM) WWWW MARGUERITE A wealthy woman with a lifelong passion for music sponsors and performs regularly in exclusive salons to rapturous applause and admiration. The trouble is – she is the only person unaware of her complete inability to hold a tune. A figure of ridicule to most and pity to some, she plans a public performance after receiving encouragement from a dubiously

favorable newspaper review. Inspired by the life of American Florence Foster Jenkins this touching film is set in 1920’s France. (CCov) WWW MIDNIGHT SPECIAL A tension filled chase movie come sci-fi thriller. Centred around the cross country odyssey of Alton (Jaeden Lieberher), his father Roy (Michael Shannon) and their loyal companion Lucas (Joel Edgerton) as they evade the clutches of a mysterious military task force and strange cult leader. As the action unfolds, we’re shown glimpses of Alton’s special abilities. As the film draws to a close a majority of the threads come together whilst many are left unraveled and unanswered. One worth seeing for sci-fi fans looking for a film which tells it’s story in a new unique way.

(JA) WWW1/2

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