City Hub 1 December 2016

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city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

Westconnex labelled Baird’s Big Lemon

BY WENDY BACON If Premier Mike Baird had hoped this week’s announcement that tunnelling and home demolition are beginning at St Peters would quell protests against his 34 kilometre Westconnex tollway project, he will be disappointed.

On Wednesday morning, protestors lined Princes Highway holding aloft a giant Baird’s Big Lemon. Other signs highlighted ongoing corruption allegations against Westconnex’s main contractor CIMIC. Not long afterwards, the Minister for Roads, Duncan Gay, arrived for a PR conference to celebrate the tunnelling.

There is no doubt that this is a blow to antiWestconnex campaigners, but there are no signs they are going away. Previously, campaigners managed only one protest against drilling a day, yet now they’ve managed two or three a day in Newtown, Annandale and Leichhardt this week.

The Save Sydney Park protest camp is now in its third month and more than a hundred trees have been adopted by Sydney residents who have pledged to help save them from destruction by WestCONnex.

Within hours of Westconnex’s announcement that tunnelling would begin, the WestCONnex Action Group (WAG) issued a statement labelling the move to begin tunnelling as “disgraceful when so much of the project’s design and impact remain unknown.

“It is disgraceful that they’re now gearing up to destroy large parts of St Peters and waste even more taxpayer dollars on expensive tunnelling when they are still making WestCONnex up as they go along, “ said WAG spokesperson Pauline Lockie.

“The Baird government still hasn’t released a final design for the WestCONnex New M5.

And the recent removal of the WestCONnex Camperdown interchange means that the traffic, air quality, noise and financial projections for the New M5 must be wrong.

“The effects of this are going to be especially severe for the St Peters Interchange, as drivers who use WestCONnex will have to enter and exit there if they want to go to and from the CBD and south west.

Activists rally against Westconnex on Wednesday morning. Photo: Lorrie Graham

“That’s going to have a huge impact on traffic congestion and pollution on St Peters and the surrounding suburbs, and threatens the vibrant businesses in Newtown. But the Baird government hasn’t released any updated information about how this will affect residents or road users.”

Ms Lockie said the community would not stand by and watch another part of Sydney destroyed, especially given the intensity of the destructive impacts already being experienced in Haberfield, Ashfied and Concord.

On Tuesday evening, a broad coalition of campaign groups released an open letter addressed to Premier Mike Baird, Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Planning Minister Rob Stokes to halt work on the St Peters Interchange and conduct an urgent review into WestCONnex.

As City Hub went to press, signatories to

the letter included Westconnex Action Group, No Westconnex Public Transport, Nature Conservation Council, Total Environment Centre, Save Newtown, Rozelle against Westconnex, the Newtown Business Precinct, Ecotransit and the Alexandria Resident Action group.

Significantly, the Labor Shadow Minister for Roads has joined Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong, Balmain Greens MP Jamie Parker and Labor Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen in signing the letter. Greens MLC Mehreen Faruqi, Senators Lee Rhiannon and Janet Rice are also supporting the open letter. More politicians, current and ex Councillors are expected to join key signatories in coming days. Within hours of the letter’s release, hundreds of members of the public had signed the online version.

The open letter highlights the out of date modelling for the New M5 following the cancellation of the Camperdown Interchange.

The letter states, “significant changes made recently to the proposed M4-M5 Link mean that the traffic and air quality modelling, financial projections, and other key elements of the environmental impact statements for WestConnex Stages 1 and 2 will now be incorrect.”

“The effects of these changes will be felt across the route, especially around the proposed St Peters Interchange. Even the current figures for the New M5 show this interchange would significantly increase traffic and pollution in the surrounding area, which is the most densely populated in Australia and growing rapidly.These and other impacts will be even more severe due to the removal of the Camperdown off-ramps, as the St Peters Interchange will now be the closest entry/exit to many parts of the city for drivers travelling to and from the south west.”

The letter calls on the NSW government to halt the construction of the St Peters Interchange and associated works before the widespread destruction of properties, parks and trees in this area takes place, and provide updated traffic, air quality, financial and environmental studies for this section of WestConnex.

“We believe it is a dereliction of your duty of care to actively increase the toxic pollution that so many residents, particularly children, will be exposed to with this section of WestConnex.

“We also reject the proposed location of the Interchange next to Sydney Park, the inner city’s largest green space, and the assertion that green space under a massive interchange can be considered an acceptable ‘replacement’ for trees that will be destroyed there.”

Following an occupation of NSW Parliament by residents two weeks ago, Premier Baird has agreed to meet with Newtown MP Jenny Leong and representatives of WAG and NoWestconnex PT on Thursday this week. City Hub will report the results of the meeting next week.

Wendy Bacon is an ex Professor of Journalism at UTS. She has signed the Open Letter.

Parramatta Action Group Steps up opposition to Powerhouse move Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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

Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677.

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

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Group Editor: Jordan Fermanis, Lani Oataway Contributors: Lucas Baird, Charlotte Grieve.

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Advertising Managers: Mark Barnes, David Sullivan Cover Photo: Kai Leishman: So Frenchy So Chic In The Park event Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: altmedia.net.au

If you have a story you’d like to tell us: news@altmedia.net.au

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BY LUCAS BAIRD The government could be planning to acquire lots surrounding the previously chosen David Jones Car Park including the Willow Grove Heritage site, according to Save the Powerhouse.

The North Parramatta Resident Action Group has stepped up the fight against the Powerhouse Museum’s move as rumours circulated that the government would acquire the key heritage site, Willow Grove.

Built in the 1870s, Willow Grove is a former hospital that backs onto the David Jones Carpark that the Premier, Mike Baird, tapped as the preferred site for the Powerhouse’s relocation.

However, the Save the Powerhouse group has claimed that the State Government could now have their eyes set on the car park’s neighbouring lots to provide more space for the Museum’s move, as negotiations between Parramatta Council and the Government drag on.

North Parramatta Resident Action Group President, Suzette Meade, told City Hub that if the government were to acquire and demolish the Willow Grove site, it would be indicative of the “disrespectful” attitude taken to their heritage items.

“It is an all too common thing in Parramatta at the moment. That our heritage is not being respected and being demolished,” she said.

“They are not maintaining the fabric of what was the cradle of our nation in Parramatta and there doesn’t seem to be any respect… It is a developer’s dream because everything is just

New corporate visual identity “MAAS, Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences” on Stage 2 exterior of Powerhouse Museum building on Harris Street.

Photo: Supplied

being given the green light with no availability for the community to oppose anything.”

Arts NSW were tight lipped on whether negotiations now included the surrounding area like Willow Grove but did say “heritage issues will be considered as part of the government’s decision making process”.

“Negotiations are ongoing and no deadline has been set,” said an Arts NSW spokesperson, “it is important that the process considers the best interests of the community of Parramatta as well as the Government’s.”

The Save the Powerhouse group have extended their support to the North Parramatta Resident Action Group. A spokesperson said they are concerned that a heritage significant building could be threatened by these developments.

The North Parramatta Resident Action

Group have been a long time supporter of the Save the Powerhouse movement. Ms Meade said that they do not support the removal of another community’s cultural assets and that Parramatta has enough heritage to support its own museum.

The Willow Grove site has most recently been used for the recent Parramatta Lanes Festival event in October, but spends most of its time occupied by the Aloe Vera distributor, Forever Living Australia.

Ms Meade, who is on the heritage advisory committee at Parramatta Council, has submitted a request to the council to make clear their position on Willow Grove’s future in regards to the Powerhouse move and expects a response at the next meeting on December 14.

The Parramatta Council were contacted for comment, however, they never replied. city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

3

Westpac Held to Account

BY NINA KEMPSTER A group of local activists protested against banking giant Westpac’s climate commitments last week.

Starting on Monday the 21st of November, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition haunted the headquarters of Westpac outlets, handing out flyers and chalking slogans while chanting “Save the Reef!”

James Dagher, a NSW State Coordinator of the AYCC said the group is determined to, “hold Westpac to account on their climate commitment and rule out funding the Adani project.”

CEO of Westpac, Brian Hartzer, claimed in 2015 that the bank would be “operating, both directly and indirectly, in a manner consistent with supporting an economy that limits global warming to less than two degrees.”

According to the AYCC, Westpac has refused to publicly rule out funding Adani’s $21.7 billion Carmichael coal mine in Queensland. The mine, which will have an estimated total production of 2.3 billion tonnes of thermal coal, will generate an estimated 4.7 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Another NSW State Coordinator of AYCC, Mika Moriyama, told City Hub, “Bank week is about holding Westpac to account. They’ve committed to doing what they can to keep global warming below 2 degrees, and to do that, scientists have said that Australia can’t have any new fossil fuel projects.

Nemo and an AYCC volunteer campaign on behalf of the reef. Photo Nina Kempster

“We’re asking Westpac to prove their commitment and their reputation as Australia’s ‘most sustainable bank,’ and publicly rule out funding Adani’s coal projects in Queensland.

“It’s important to be keeping the pressure on them until they do so, and the management really cares about their employees - so we want to make sure the employees are getting their say!” He said.

2016 has been the hottest year on record, and the Great Barrier Reef

has just been through the worst coral bleaching event in history.

A volunteer of the AYCC for several years, Lucy Chen, told City Hub, “Bank week isn’t just about pressuring Westpac to make a promise. It’s about shifting the power to the people and showing the world that young people do care and that we can make a difference.”

Ms Chen spent the day asking Westpac employees their opinions’ on the Adani Coal mine and handing out cards with a link to an anonymous online poll created by the AYCC, allowing Westpac employees to “have their say in Westpac’s role in creating the future we all deserve.”

Mr Dagher argues that Westpac committing to their sustainable image is important. “We are already seeing the impacts of 1 degree of warming, meaning that the Great Barrier Reef is dying. To stay below 2 degrees of warming means we cannot open any new coal mines.

Having conversations with Westpac is a great way to empower young people to make the change they want to see.

“The day was a great success with many volunteers engaging Westpac staff in fun and creative ways.

Westpac talk the talk by committing to limit global warming to 2 degrees but they continue to lend to fossil fuel projects. They can’t do both.

They need to stop funding fossil fuels and climate destruction,” he said.

Cartoonist: Peter Berner @peter_berner

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city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

5

Activism and refugees: what we can do

BY STEPHEN LANGFORD Omid was the Iranian refugee who set himself on fire in Nauru on 27 April this year. He died in a Brisbane hospital two days later. After Omid’s funeral in Iran his family issued a statement. It reads, “Our hope is gone! Omid is gone forever.

He was only 24.

‘Omid’ means ‘hope’ in Persian. We lost our Omid, our hope. Who has made this life so bitter for us?”

Whenever I read this, I am shocked at the reality of what we are doing to the 1600 asylum seekers locked up on the prison islands of Manus Island and Nauru, and other detention centres across Australia. Their lives are in limbo.

How did it ever come to this; that refugees are subjected to this kind of sadism by Australia?

This is the same Australia that takes in 200,000 business migrants per year. It seems you’re okay if you have money, but if you come here looking for human help you’ll find yourself locked up and subject to what the United Nations rightly calls torture.

This is no mistake, it is part of the deterrence policy of this Government and supported by the so-called Labor opposition. Even the Greens would like to lock up people coming by boat if only for a month. This way of thinking is ingrained in our political system. After all, we have been locking up innocent asylum seekers who have come by boat since 1989.

I still have a letter my father wrote in 1943 for the New Zealand paper the Dominion. In it he equates the persecution of refugees to fascism.

While thoughts are good, actions are better. Photo: GetUp Australia

He was an Austrian refugee himself. As a Jew he faced what all Austrian Jews faced after Hitler’s army marched into Vienna in 1938. My father served in the New Zealand Air Force and could not believe the hostility refugees faced in coming to New Zealand.

The very people who had been fighting fascism, were advocating for brutal measures against refugees.

This makes me wonder: who is going to stop

the brutal policies of this government, loyally supported by the opposition? It has to be us.

I would like to praise the hard work of refugee solidarity groups, particularly the Refugee Action Coalition. They organise rallies and vigils. Their work is necessary but it almost feels insufficient.

I have first hand experience in campaigning and activism from the East Timor solidarity struggle that we won in 1999. We won not only because of what we did. A lot of hard work and

discipline came from the East Timorese; they are the real heroes resisting the horrific and illegal occupation by the Indonesian army. I do not want to say the struggle was enjoyable, but it was full of interesting work.

We hassled the media, especially the ABC. That time of struggle taught us some interesting things about the ABC’s coverage. Firstly, if the ABC thinks it can get away with not reporting on ‘controversial’ human rights issues, they will avoid it. We have to be the countervailing force. We have to hassle the ABC into doing the reporting they should be doing.

We have to use every means available to pressure the ABC. This is why I am the Spokesperson for Real Friends of the ABC and we demonstrate outside the ABC in Ultimo every final Thursday of the month from 4:30pm, demanding proper human rights and environmental reporting. Sometimes people from the ABC come out and congratulate us for what we are doing.

It is the ABC and the other networks that are keeping people ignorant. They need to be hassled.

How can we keep 1600 people indefinitely imprisoned without it being heavily reported?

When the US Embassy hostages were held hostage in Tehran, it was news for every one of the 444 days they were held captive.

When Omid died so tragically, I felt that we were not doing nearly enough to stop these human rights abuses. Sadly not much has changed. We need to act - in ways that make real change.

We’re giving business the recognition it deserves.

As a proud sponsor of the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards 2016, the City of Sydney offers sincere congratulations to all winners in the State Awards.

Business Leader – Michael Slater, Newcastle Permanent, Hunter Employer of Choice – Sitback Solutions, Sydney City Excellence in Business – Transforce, Central West Orana Excellence in Business Ethics – Evolve Housing, Western Sydney Excellence in Export – Blackmores, North Eastern Sydney Excellence in Innovation – HE Silos, Central West Orana Excellence in Small Business – Ivory Coat Companion Goods, Sydney City Excellence in Sustainability – Stone and Wood Brewing, Northern Rivers Local Chamber of Commerce – Shoalhaven Business Chamber, Illawarra Young Business Executive – Imogen Hayes, DMG Fine Wines, Sydney City Young Entrepreneur – Edward Staughton, Cool Off, Murray-Riverina

Let your business shine in 2017.

Entries for the Sydney City region are open to all businesses operating in the City of Sydney area (local government area).

For more information and to sign up for the 2017 program, contact us: (02) 9265 9333 citybusiness@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/business

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city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT TUESDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2016, 6-8PM

O H W H AT F U N 20% O F F STA R G I F T CA R D S F RO M 6 P M^ Up to 50% discount at our designer stores, complimentary treats and Chandon sparkling, plus live entertainment.

5 LU XU RY P R I Z ES TO B E WO N * Spend $100 or more in one transaction between 6pm and 7:55pm on the night at The Star’s retail stores or Café Court to earn an entry.

Draw is at 8pm. You need to be present with valid ID for your chance to win.

STAR.COM.AU

^Only at the gift card desks in the Retail Arcade. Card sales limited to $295,000 on the night to a maximum of one (1) gift card to the maximum value of $2,000 per adult per transaction. Purchase in following denominations only until sold out: $2,000, $1,000 and $500. Valid until 26 December 2016 and valid in the following stores only: Adriano Zumbo Pâtissier, Ribs & Burgers, City Essentials, Havana, Pulse Express, Din Tai Fung, Flying Fish & Chips, D Grill, Pop Up, Gelato Messina, G-Star, Calvin Klein Jeans, Chanel Fragrance & Beauty, IM Lingerie, Salvatore Ferragamo, Kennedy, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Moda Emporio, Star Hair & Beauty, Floral Design and The Century. *Terms and conditions apply, see star.com.au for details. Prizes include a Cartier watch, YSL clutch, Bottega Veneta wallet, IM Lingerie voucher and a Chanel cosmetics pack. Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/16/08689. The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.

city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

7

White Ribbon Day at Redfern

BY MICHAEL FORNO At the Redfern Community Centre on November 25th residents and police gathered to mark White Ribbon Day. Commemorated worldwide as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Redfern community stood in solidarity against domestic violence.

Bronwyn Penrith spoke on behalf of the Mudgin-Gal organisation. Mudgin-Gal, which means ‘women’s place’, is an Aboriginal organisation based in Redfern and is run by Aboriginal women, for Aboriginal women.

Ms Penrith knows firsthand how devastating domestic violence can be for victims and their families.

“It was this time last year, and I’ve probably mentioned it to you all before, that I lost a relative to domestic violence and it was a raw time for me and my family, a very raw time indeed.

“So it’s great to have a focus day, but we need to remember this every day of the year, and every day of our lives. Today is also the beginning of 16 days

Annandale Interiors

Safety and Access Improvements on Wilson and Burren Streets, Newtown The City of Sydney invites your feedback under Section 116 of the Roads Act 1993 on a proposal to improve safety and access on Wilson and Burren Streets, Newtown.

The proposal includes restricting access to Brocks Lane for traffic travelling northbound on Burren Street and westbound from Wilson Street The proposed works will improve safety and connections for people walking and riding bikes between popular destinations.

This includes: • Safer pedestrian crossings • Better lighting and traffic calming measures • Wider footpaths at intersections • More garden beds and planting • A continuous separated two-way cycleway on Wilson Street • A separated one-way cycleway on Burren and Pine Streets The new cycleway will provide safer bicycle access to Macdonaldtown Station and Wilson Street. It will also link directly to the future Lawson Street cycleway, which will connect Redfern and the City centre.

Feedback can be provided by email to crryan@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au by post to Craig Ryan, City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney NSW 2001 or online at sydneyyoursay.com.au Submissions must be made by 6pm on Wednesday 28 December 2016.

Submissions may be made available to the public if the City receives a request under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

You can also view a printed copy of the proposal and make a submission at: • One Stop Shop (CBD) • Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre Level 2, Town Hall House, 158 Redfern Street, Redfern 456 Kent Street, Sydney Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm Monday to Friday: 8am–6pm Saturday: 9am–midday If you would like further information on the proposal, contact Craig Ryan on 02 9265 9333 or email crryan@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Sydney2030/Green/Global/Connected

Volunteers stand up in support of White Ribbon day in Redfern. Photo: White Ribbon Foundation

of activism against gendered violence,” she said.

CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Nathan Moran, was one of the men invited to speak at the event.

“It’s a great honour to be here to support the White Ribbon event and in particular our aboriginal women, who we can proudly say as a community have done some amazing work,” he said.

Travis Robertson is a young man who was born and raised in the Redfern and Waterloo area, he attended the event and is a strong supporter of the White Ribbon movement.

“White Ribbon is a global movement that aims to end men’s violence against women. The movement has been active in Australia for 15 years now, and today is the second White Ribbon event held here at Redfern Community Centre,” he said.

Mr Robertson was joined at the event by his mother Christine.

“We’re here today for a really important issue, violence and in particular violence against women; in our community, in Australia and all over the world,” she said.

Ms Penrith believes that Aboriginal people have been unfairly represented in the media in regards to domestic violence.

“I have seen a fair bit of stuff in the media saying ‘why aren’t aboriginal people owning up to violence’ and so on, but of course if you’ve been around this area and this movement for the last few years then you would know that we are all trying to do a lot, and we are all trying to do a lot on very little,” she said.

White Ribbon Day encourages anyone – with a focus on men – to take a pledge, promising to act in preventing violence against women.

Almost 200,000 oaths have been taken nationally.

Public Exhibition

For more information call 02 9265 9333 or email council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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9

Wayside story

BY ELIOT BARHAM The son of Shirley Smith, one of the five iconic Aboriginal activists depicted on a mural at the Bondi Wayside Chapel, believes the building has been sold to developers for a substantial sum.

Peter Smith, son of the humanitarian and social justice campaigner, says he’s been told the decision to destroy the mural is based on the sale of the building.

“I’m hearing around the traps that Wayside has actually sold the building for development for a very good price, and if that’s true, they’d be moving somewhere else,” he said.

The mural depicts activist Coleen ‘Mum Shirl’ Smith; land rights activist Vincent Lingiari; founder of the freedom ride Charles Perkins; indigenous leader Eddie Mabo; and Faith Bender.

The Wayside Chapel has described the artwork as ‘deeply disrespectful’ to the indigenous community. The chapel believes that permission was not sought from the relatives of those depicted in the mural. However the mural’s artist Etienne Cohen says any suggestion that relatives weren’t contacted is ‘crap’.

“The suggestions are totally unfounded.

We told Wayside that all approvals were sought from the descendants and agreed upon in person.

“Their only concern seems to be about the redevelopment. In our consultation with the Wayside Chapel the cultural

significance of the mural was not discussed at all,” she said.

But it’s the symbolism of erasing the artwork that matters as much to its supporters.

“Aboriginal history and culture are still regarded as disposable by too many people,” said David Keig, communications strategist and active supporter of the mural.

“Imagine the outcry if some Anzac memorial were to be scheduled for development without proper consultation.

“The mural is such a potent symbol of reconciliation and the endeavours of the indigenous social justice movement that it’s a crime to even consider removing it,” he said.

Mr Keig told City Hub that The Wayside Chapel have “swallowed a copy of public relations 101” by refusing to acknowledge the issue. He also believes the chapel is discrediting those who are against the mural’s removal, such as Ms Cohen.

“The problem with this approach is that it can inflame people. The stonewalling of any queries only compounds the problem.

In the age of social media, this is facile.

“By trying to control the problem they have made it even worse. Astonishment has turned to exasperation and now to anger,” he said.

A Spokesperson for The Wayside Chapel told City Hub they were unable to

speak about the mural. The organisation’s management consultant, Julia Bowen, also gave little insight into the state of the mural’s removal.

Ms Bowen said planning for the new mural was in the very early stages, while the Spokesperson said the organisation would ‘provide more information on the replacement mural in the next couple of weeks.

Mr Smith said the Aboriginal community ‘treasured’ the mural and looked forward to seeing it when they walked past.

“A picture like that gives them warmth and comfort,” he said.

He believes that Mr Keig “hit the nail on the head” with his analogy of indigenous culture being regarded as “disposable” by some.

“It doesn’t mean much to them but it means everything to me,” he said.

“I sent an email for the painting to be approved on behalf of my brother and sister, and then all of a sudden once it’s painted and looks nice, they want to tear it down and say it’s disrespectful,” said Mr Smith.

“Well it’s a bloody lie because I gave permission, so did Charlie Perkins’ daughter and I assume the rest of the families did.

“It’s a beautiful picture that deserves to be saved and stay where it is - observed in the richness that it shows.”

Glenice Grieve of the Lingiari family (left) and Peter Smith (right).

Photo Eliot Barham

Opinion

The pedestrian’s power of one

BY ANDREW WOODHOUSE THE NSW Roads and Maritime Services, known as the RMS, should re-think its existence.

Just what, pray tell, is it designed to do?

Move traffic faster, apparently if you believe or understand any of its gobbledy gook.

Try this website extract for starters: “The Roads and Maritime Services is a NSW government agency established on 1 November 2011 under s.46 of the Transport Administration Act 1988.

Roads and Maritime is a delivery agency within the Transport cluster. Transport for NSW is at the centre of the Transport cluster with responsibility for setting the strategic direction and guiding an extended network of public and private service delivery agencies to provide improved transport outcomes. Roads and Maritime is the delivery agency providing agreed outcomes across the road and maritime networks within the context of an integrated transport strategy.

We deliver projects and programs to reliably and safely improve the movement of people and goods by various transport modes, including through the road and freight network, NSW waterways, the public transport network and active transport such as cycling and pedestrian networks.”

Phew. My English Master would have marked them down with his thick red pen for verbosity and poor felicity of expression.

So the RMS is a delivery agency within the “transport cluster”. At its nucleus is Transport NSW which improves transport outcomes. And the RMS delivers those “agreed” outcomes - but I haven’t agreed to anything anywhere, let alone “to safely improve … pedestrian networks” How are they doing this and who is measuring results?

Well, now you know – I am. I’ve measured them and, guess what, my score is 1/10: 10

city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

Sydney needs more feet in the street. Jez Spinks

must try harder and do prescribed research homework.

I couldn’t find any improvements but gave one mark for attending the exam, even if in absentia.

RMS is not keeping up with public opinion. RMS really means Root My Street: it deliberately disrupts my footpath walking schedule by stopping me at various points for no reason.

And since I am a member of the public my opinion is paramount, at least to me.

I walk because I don’t own a motored vehicular carriage, commonly abbreviated to and known as a car, and because I relish a good walk.

Sydney Council’s former Euro design guru, Jan Gehl, was partly right: “Sydney’s heart

needs a major re-arrangement to … rescue pedestrians from clutter and an over-reliance on cars”.

I agree, we should “forget mucking around with a dysfunctional bicycle boulevarde like Bourke Street and build more awnings and balconies over footpaths providing shelter from the rain and shade from the sun. Encourage hanging gardens in laneways to provide sheltered, scented passages away from the ratrunning sewers of motorbikes and cars. Make a fleet of bicycles freely available for inner-city public use and let visitors get something for their parking-metre money - not just fines,” as others have said.

Pedestrian crossings were a key RMS criterion for success in my exam.

Is this because I love those buttons? Yes, and

not just on my double-breasted jacket (am I the only one still wearing these?) but also at ATMs (thank you, Ms Money).

It is the power of one finger.

Pedestrians want that power. We want the power of touch, and we want it for all walkers. For all who’ve stood endlessly at traffic lights in freezing, Hobart-cold conditions in horizontal rain. For all those blown away

by Mawson Base-force winds or hot Saharastrength sciroccos while people in their cocooned cars nonchalantly shuffle through intersections, with windows wound up and air-con, heaters, stereos and mobile phones blowing, blasting, bleating and texting.

Now is the time to take back our streets from the RMS. We want more space and more pace. We want higher-energy pedestrian traffic flows and more maneuvering on our personal compass of daily activities.

We do not like waiting at our intersections or pressing a button which have a minimal effect.

So when I arrive at intersections I am Moses.

Cars will part like the Red Sea. I have absolute right-of-way just like shared zones in European cities. There, pedestrians are as important as convulsing cars, with their space-consuming inhabitants of one.

And I achieve all this with just one finger. I press that intersection button.

Electronics whirr. Lights wink. Cyclopean cameras nod in obeisance and buttons genuflect as that little, green-lit, stylised walking man beckons me forward. Systems monitor my safe arrival on the other side and then anticipate another pod of pedestrians.

I’m not Goebbels, Hitler’s repeat-the-samemessage media führer, but I will repeat this once more: A City Is Its People, people.

Let’s take it back. And let’s start at intersections.

Andrew Woodhouse is President, Potts Point & Kings Cross Heritage and Residents’ Society

FEATURE

The Hottest Events of Summer

BY JAMIE APPS Sydney Burlesque Gala: Get your summer started with a bang and burlesque.This event is a great way for you to explore burlesque, even if you’re shy but intrigued, as it is all inclusive and welcomes everyone with open arms and twirling tassels.

Dec 1-4.Various venues.VIP Weekend Passes available for $100.

Tickets & info: www.sydneyburlesquegala.com Moonlight Cinema: See this summer’s best films in a truly unique outdoor environment. Some of the new films on the slate include Star Wars: Rogue One, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Assassins Creed, Office Christmas Party, and La La Land along with timeless classics such as Grease and Back To The Future.

Dec 1-Apr 2. Belvedere Amphitheatre Lawns in Centennial Park. $14.50-$35.

Tickets & info: www.moonlight.com.au Royal Croquet Club: A brand new festival has joined the scene in Sydney, and with three more days to go, some of the most exciting acts are still to come. Royal Croquet Club brings Sydney not only music from the likes of Hayden James, Bag Raiders and Kilter but also pop-up bars, fashion stalls, markets and health and wellness events.

Dec 2-4. Bondi Park, Fri & Sat $20, Sun FREE. Tickets & info: www.royalcroquetclub.com.au SIMA’s End Of Year Celebration: Come and celebrate what has been a excellent year for SIMA with the success of the Berry Jazz Festival, the Winter Jazz Series and the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival plus numerous other initiatives. Performing for this celebration will be The Catholics along with a special solo spot from Chris Cody on piano.

Dec 3. Foundry 616, Harris St, Ultimo. $15-$72.

Tickets & info: www.foundry616.com.au Christmas Celebrations: Right across the city there will be an abundance of events for adults and children alike to indulge in the Christmas spirit and

Moonlight Cinema. Image: courtesy of Moonlight Cinema. celebrate the joy of giving gifts and spending time with loved ones.Whether it’s the fun filled extravaganza of rides and the North Pole Experience at Rosehill Gardens or the simple joy of taking in the light and sound show of St Mary’s Cathedral in the inner city.

Dec 8-27.Various venues & prices.Tickets & info: www.sydneysantaspectacular.com or www.lightsofchristmas.com.au Woodford Folk Festival: Rather than simply offering a music festival setting, artists from across the globe will conduct art, craft, design, theatre, dance, comedy and cabaret seminars, installations and performances in a complete cultural experience.

Dec 27-Jan 1. Woodfordia, 87 Woodrow Rd, Woodford, QLD. Single Day: $25-$177 or Season Tickets: $571-$713.Tickets & info: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com Sydney Festival: An annual cultural celebration that transforms Sydney every January, delivering the highest quality art and big ideas, comprised of 150 events, a staggering 73 of which are free. 454 performances will take place across 46 venues,

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featuring 1021 artists from 15 countries. With 16 world premieres, nine Australian premieres and 14 Australian exclusives, summer in Sydney is not to be missed.

Jan 7-29. Various venues & prices.

Tickets & info: www.sydneyfestival.org.au FOMO: A boutique, all-inclusive festival experience bringing together a carefully curated line-up of international and local artists. This year’s “all killer no filler” lineup features Flosstradamus, Empire Of The Sun, Pekin Duk, Slumberjack and Desiigner.

Jan 8.The Crescent, Bynes Avenue, Parramatta Park. $109-$119+b.f.

Tickets & info: www.fomofestival.com.au Parkes Elvis Festival: What started as a small get together between likeminded Elvis fans back in 1993 has today grown into an internationally renowned event endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley. Over the course of five days, this year’s program is jam-packed with more than 120 events.

Jan 11-15.Various venues & prices in Parkes, NSW. Tickets & info: www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

SIMA Summer Jazz: SIMA is proud to present the inaugural Summer Jazz series, a program of 10 outstanding concerts than span a whole variety or musical styles and influences within the broad church of jazz. Some of the highlights throughout the series include Peter Dasent, Finnland and the Divergence Jazz Orchestra.

Jan 14-Feb 25.The Sound Lounge, cnr City Rd & Cleveland St.Various prices (average $30).

Tickets & info: www.seymourcentre.com So Frenchy So Chic In The Park: Friends, music, food and wine. This special event brings together all of life’s simple pleasures for one glorious summer’s day picnic in the park. This is a family friendly event which welcomes children 12 and under for free, which makes this the next best thing to getting off to the south of France for a day.

Jan 21. Bicentennial Park, Glebe. $83.

Tickets & info: www.sofrenchysochic.com.au Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras: Bust out the glitter, glue down those fake lashes and oil up the leather chaps – because Australia’s biggest celebration of love and diversity is set to electrify our city once again. With a wide range of events ranging from celebratory dance parties, to a comedy festival to the Queer Screen Film Festival and of course the world renowned parade.

Feb 15-Mar 5. Various venues & prices.

Tickets & info: www.mardigras.org.au Byron Bay Bluesfest: Australia’s premier contemporary blues & roots music festival showcases music from around the world annually on the Easter long weekend on 120 hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay. This year’s lineup is highlighted by Barry Gibb, Billy Bragg, Beth Hart, The Doobie Brothers, Mary J Blige, Santana and Neil Young.

Apr 13-17.Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. $179-$620.

Tickets & Info: www.bluesfest.com.au

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Mack and Mabel The Hayes Theatre Company ends its 2016 season with Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel.

Directed by Trevor Ashley (coming off the success of Heathers The Musical and Liza’s Back!), the Hayes’ Mack and Mabel will be Sydney’s first full professional production of the Tony Award nominated show.

“The show itself comes beautifully off the page so we are trying to be as true to that as possible,” said Scott Irwin, who joins a cast of

Lighten Up John Green is an Anglo-Indian Australian actor who dreams of being cast in his favourite soap, ‘Bondi Parade’. However coloured contacts don’t hide that he is more brown than sun-bronzed. “...All the while his skin-bleaching mother is trying to get him to procreate with a white, blonde woman to cleanse the ethnicity out of their bloodline – and all hell breaks loose when he falls in love with an Aboriginal girl!”

city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

Sydney Dance Company teams up with Carriageworks to celebrate emerging choreographers in the third instalment of New Breed.

“For almost half a century, Sydney Dance Company has been the home of contemporary dance in Australia, with a strong dedication to nurturing the next generation of Australian choreographic artists,” said Sydney Dance Company’s Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela.

“We are proud to further contribute to this legacy through a unique program, and to invest in what we believe is the very foundation of the future of Australian contemporary dance – its creators.”

With the support of The Balnaves Foundation, New Breed, which launched in 2014, seeks to nurture new choreographic talent by developing a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills.

“This partnership provides a commitment to ensuring that supportive creative pathways exist

Lighten Up (sort of) brings Bollywood to Griffin Theatre. Leading man and co-playwright Nicolas Brown doesn’t deny that this farcical comedy is in part semi-autobiographical, borrowing from antics of his own larger than life mixed-race family and awkward (often racist) audition room experiences.

While this play is inherently political, it is first and foremost a comedy, and Brown credits cowriter Sam McCool with taking it from “quirky” to “laugh-out-loud”.

“Sam [McCool] is a brown comedian and I’m a brown actor and writer, so I think the fact that it’s coming from us and its coming from a truthful place…hopefully people will identify with that,” said Brown. “I think what happens in Australia, if there are non-Caucasian characters…they’re often written by white writers who don’t really understand the complexities of what its like to be nonCaucasian.”

“At the end of the day, it really is a celebration… and it’s a way to laugh at ourselves and how ridiculous we are – white Australians are trying to be brown and tan themselves, while Indians are trying to bleach themselves to be white. It...takes the piss out of it all!” (AM) Until Dec 17, Mon-Sat 7pm.

SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross. $30-$38 ($20 Monday rush).

Tickets & info: www.griffintheatre.com.au

a&e

12

New Breed

triple threats in the role of Mack Sennet.

Ashley’s rendition of Mack and Mabel promises plenty of laughs, slapstick, and energetic tap numbers without shying away from drama.

“Trevor has a great sense of the visual side of things as a director, and coupled with his own musical ability and love for comedy, he uses those strengths to create a bare bones, very stylised Mack and Mabel.”

The production charts the tempestuous real life love affair between movie director Mack Sennet (Irwin) and delicatessen delivery girl turned movie star, Mabel Nommad (Angelique Cassimatis) and will feature classic tunes including, ‘I Wont Send Roses’, ‘Wherever He Aint’ and ‘Movies were Movies’.

Framed through the lens of Hollywood’s nostalgic golden age, the show spans the years between 1911-1938 through a series of flashbacks, and recalls the bygone era of movie magic and silent film (think Keystone Cops, Bathing Beauties, piesin-the-face and damsels tied onto rail tracks).

“Audiences will be transported to another time,” Irwin said.“They’ll hear some fabulous Jerry Herman songs, some hilarious jokes, see some great physical comedy and incredible dancing (seriously) and be moved by what is ultimately a timeless, albeit flawed, love story.”

“I think Angelique singing ‘Time Heals Everything’ is worth the ticket price alone,” he added. “She is a knockout, and her rendition of this classic song will be one of the things people will go home talking about, that is for sure!” (SH) Until Dec 18, evenings and matinees.

Hayes Theatre Company, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $70-$80.Tickets & info: www.hayestheatre.com.au or (02) 8065 7337

Photo: Peter Greig

Scott Irwin and Angelique Cassimatis.

Photo: Kurt Sneddon

12 STAGE 13 Sounds 14 SCENE 15 SCREEN

for independent artists,” said Victoria Balnaves of The Balnaves Foundation.

“We are delighted that the previous performances of New Breed have been so well received both on a local and international platform and we are confident that this year’s selection of choreographers will enjoy equal success.”

New Breed will feature four new pieces by next generation choreographers from across Australia; Rachel Arianne Ogle, Shian Law, Jesse Scales and Richard Cilli.

Dynamic and diverse works from some fresh new talent should make for an excellent night of dance fuelled by some of Australia’s best contemporary dancers.

Shian Law’s piece Epic Theatre will see members of the public share centre stage with the dancers of Sydney Dance Company. (SH) Until Dec 10. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh.Tickets & info: www.sydneydancecompany.com

Sammy J and Randy Land

Roll up, roll up! Australia’s most formidable comedy duo is back on stage together as Laughing Stock presents Sammy J and Randy Land!

The pair took a little break after the success of their ABCTV sitcom Rickett’s Lane, with Sammy J launching his hit series Playground Politics, while Randy was nominated for the biggest comedy award at the Edinburgh Fringe – now the dynamic duo are back and at it again, but this time with a theme park.

When asked what surprises can be expected of this totally new show, Sammy J and the purple puppet himself, Randy, had a lot to say: “This is an entirely new show, which is refreshing. Because it’s a narrative show it didn’t really work to wedge old material in, which meant we had to… what’s that phrase again Randy?” said Sammy J. “Work hard,” Randy answered SJ: “Yeah, ‘work hard’. But the result was worth it. There are some pretty ridiculous costumes.”

R: “And Sammy J does an amazing maraca dance at the end of the first act.”

SJ:“Which sounds like a joke, but is entirely true.”

With many solo projects coming their way in

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

2017, now is a good chance to go and see the hilarious act that these two have conjured up.

With the likes of Velociraptor Petting Zoos and Haunted Ghost Trains, why wouldn’t you want to attend? (KH) Dec 4, 8.15pm. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $35-$42.

Tickets & info: www.enmoretheatre.com.au or www.ticketek.com.au

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, Caitlin Burns, Zeiya Speede, Rita Bratovich, Chantal Walsh, Raffaele Piccolo, Barbara Karpinski, Taylah Felice, Georgia Fullerton, Bobby Stephenson, Olga Azar, Kaiti Haviland, Daniel Jaramillo, Nina Beeston.

Rhys Nicholson at The Unicorn Hotel

The Hannibal Montanabal Experience

“We’ve heard that The Unicorn has worn many gowns over the years, from a punk spit pit to being a distinguished host to many a leather party back in the Oxford Street heyday. The stand-up comedy was the one that stuck out, that brought the most fond memories flooding back to our punters,” said The Unicorn Hotel’s part-owner, Kenny Graham.

“We felt it was the next obvious step in our mission to bring the mythical beast back to its former glory! The fine people from Happy Endings Comedy Club used to pack the place out in its previous run here and they have brought the magic back once again.” (ES) Dec 5, 8pm.The Unicorn Hotel, 106 Oxford St, Paddington. $15 on the door. Bookings: enquiries@theunicornhotel.com.au

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney

By Jamie Apps

Lanks & Hein Cooper: Melbournebased multi-instrumentalist and producer Lanks joins forces tonight with Milton singer-songwriter Hein Cooper for a night filled with captivating vocals and beautifully produced music.

Thu, Dec 1,The Basement Smoking Martha: Like the smouldering heat from a well-tended fire, this Brisbane rock/punk outfit have the intensity to scorch your best shirt but the discretion to spare your eyebrows.With the release of their latest single ‘Say You’re Mine’ they’re now in the midst of an east coast tour with the Sydney stop-off tonight.

Thu, Dec 1, Frankies Pizza Jack River: This show ill be just the second headline show for Jack after her much hyped debut at this year’s I OH YOU BIGSOUND annual after party, to a capacity room full of fans and tastemakers alike. If the BIGSOUND performance is anything to go by, this is certain to be spectacular.

Fri, Dec 2, Hudson Ballroom Keyim Ba: This brilliant eight-piece band has an intoxicating upbeat sound, bringing the influences of reggae, funk and rap to West African grooves. Led by the ever charismatic, Sibo Bangoura from Guinea, the group has enormous energy, giving tradition a modern twist that never fails to fill the dancefloor.

Fri, Dec 2, Camelot Lounge Garbage: In celebration of their acclaimed sixth studio album Strange Little Birds, alt-rock pioneers Garbage are returning to Sydney tomorrow night for the first time since 2013.

Joining them on support duties

especially for Sydney are Olympia and Tiny Little Houses.

Fri, Dec 2, Horden Pavillion Brazil & Beyond: A charming and exotic night of passion, music and fun not to be missed. It is a captivating brew of gorgeous bossa novas and ballads, irrepressible samba, playful swing, cool jazz and enchanting choro – songs of beauty, sorrow, irreverence and joy.

Sat, Dec 3, South Sydney Uniting Church Matt Andersen: This weekend sees the Canadian soul/blues/roots musician make his welcome return to Australian shores following a hectic year which has seen him receive critical acclaim and tour the world.

Sat, Dec 3,The Basement Tyne-James Organ: Having just taken the next huge step in his career by releasing his uplifting debut single ‘In My Arms’, the rising Wollongong singer-songwriter now makes the trip up to Sydney for a celebratory headline show.

Sun, Dec 4, Metro Lair Cass McCombs: Over the past decade, McCombs has established himself as one of our premier songwriters. Diverse, cryptic, vital and refreshingly rebellious – just when you think you have him pinned down, you find you’re on the wrong track.

Tue, Dec 6, Newtown Social Club James Kenyon: Melbourne based singer-songwriter James Kenyon is rather appropriately taking his latest album Imagine You Are Driving on the road for a national tour, which arrives in Sydney this week.

Wed, Dec 7, Gasoline Pony

Photo: Courtesy of Comedy Central

Emerging comedy superstar Hannibal Buress brings his on-stage antics to Australia, stopping at the Enmore Theatre tonight for anyone lucky enough to snatch up a ticket.

Following three previous highly rated hourlong stand-up specials, The Hannibal Montanabal Experience sees Buress at his pure, unadulterated best.

You may recognise this velvety-voiced American from his numerous appearances in film and television comedies – indeed, fans of Comedy Central’s Broad City may believe Christmas has come early as the man who brought Lincoln Rice (zen dentist and Ilana’s not-quite-boyfriend) to life

makes his way to the land down under.

But there is much more to this dynamic funny man, with writing credits for Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock and his own weekly variety show. With continuous hard work, Buress has over the years seen himself rise from obscure cult-favourite to a celebrity who is constantly recognised on the street.

Here’s hoping that the unique observational comedy style that has seen him rise to stardom is still as sharp as ever as he headlines in Australia. (AM) Dec 1, 8.30pm. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown. $79.90.

Tickets & info: www.ticketek.com.au

Liam Gerner & The Sunset Pushers

By Jamie Apps After spending 10 years abroad performing and recording, Liam Gerner has returned home and he couldn’t be happier with his life and music now.

Whilst abroad Liam begun to feel the pull of his heartstrings to return home, which pushed him towards playing more of the music he loved, reading books about the concept of home and finding a place of belonging. So when he finally made the decision to come home, he described it as a truly liberating and exciting emotion.

“It was funny actually I got back to Melbourne, which is a great music town, but people just wanted to know why I would give up everything overseas.Whereas I said,‘hang on a sec, I’m more excited to be here because there is an awesome music scene in Australia’.”

Simply being a part of the Australian music scene, which Liam described as having “a great depth and history as well as great new bands”,

Colin Lillie – Glass Homes

Photo:Tobias Tit

One of Australia’s premier young comedians will perform at The Unicorn Hotel in Paddington, following the relaunch of weekly live comedy at the iconic venue last month.

Originally from Newcastle, Rhys Nicholson is now a fixture in the Australian comedic scene, having regularly performed at the Sydney Comedy Festival and appeared on shows such as GayCrashers with Joel Creasey and SBS’ The Feed.

Infamous for his razor-sharp wit, Nicholson’s Monday night appearance (accompanied by rising comedy stars Becky Lucas and Emma Zammi) joins a weekly line up including Trivia Tuesdays and live music on Thursdays and Sundays from The Unicorn as it refreshes its offerings to bring back a quintessentially Australian pub vibe.

Hannibal Buress –

was a reward in itself, but also having the opportunity to produce music without a commercial cloud hanging over his head made it an exciting endeavour.

“While I made incredible music connections overseas there was always this sense of not being on solid ground, because you’re constantly being sponsored by record labels and therefore you have that need to write a hit hanging over you,” explained Liam.“Whereas here I could just come together with old mates and new friends to jam for a bit of a laugh over a few

Within this rhythmic rocking album is a sad soul. Sombrely, Lillie pulls out the darkness inside – the forgotten, the unheard, the deep things that flow in the undercurrent in all blood streams.

These are things that listeners pretend are not there because they are difficult.

His soothing voice takes the listener into his soul and navigates them through the restless waters there.

Sadness runs deeper than water, deeper than blood, deeper even than consciousness, but does not disappear for lack of notice.

Instead, under the surface tension grows until it must come out in music, such as this album. Glass Homes lets the listener see through to the issues, garnished with beats and patterns that make it an easier form to take.

Settle into the water listeners, let it rise around you and fall back, leaving you unharmed but a little wiser. (SP) WW1/2

beers in a really natural process.”

By implementing this method and mindset, Liam and the band were actually somewhat surprised when they all realised “oh shit, we’ve got five or six songs here” – and decided to head into the studio to record them.

For a band that is new in terms of name, but has been playing together for four years, the passion was shared and the process was a truly natural one, and one which they are all incredibly grateful for.

As they now head out on tour they’re all really excited, because they are simply “jumping in the car and having lots of fun”. Liam added:“I remember on the last run Steve [Hadley] wore the same clothes for six days, so I wonder if he can beat that during his three weeks, and then maybe we can auction off his shirt at the end.”

Dec 2, 8:30pm. LazyBones Lounge, 294 Marrickvile Rd, Marrickville. $15 on the door. Info: www.lazyboneslounge.com.au

Tiny Little Houses – Snow Globe

Angry and sad, this EP is purely these things and nothing else. Snow Globe is so full of inward rage that the instruments bristle with it.

A short release, with narratives of understanding and provocation all wrapped up in three to four minute parcels.That is enough.

Harsh and selfish but necessary, the brooding conveyed in this EP is a blessing when it is brief, but it is too tempting to drown in it since there is no upward direction. This music sucks the listener in with such force that a sudden break is needed to let go. Like “living in a snow globe”, the listener can see beyond himself, see outside of the music, but they can’t push through the sound barrier, it speaks to such a forceful part of its human listeners, freshening old pain.

Dark but short, listen with caution. (SP) WW1/2 city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

13

THE NAKED CITY

THE GRUMPY AFTER GUIDE TO THE ARIAS!

With Coffin Ed If you are inherently cynical (like me), music award ceremonies have always had a very hollow ring to them. The Grammys – so what! Billboard Awards – who cares!

MTV Awards – horrible! And then there’s the ARIAS – for some three decades the Australian music industry’s so-called night of nights. Okay – mmm!

Sorry, I’m not enthused because every year there’s an awful predictability about the ARIAS and just who gets the pyramid-like gongs. These days what’s left of the so-called ‘record industry’ is controlled by an ever decreasing number of global conglomerates and their featured artists invariably scoop the pool – sadly an indictment of the lack of diversity in Australian popular music. In previous years it was Powderfinger and Gotye – this year it was Flume scooping the bulk of the pointed booty. Incidentally, the number he performed at the awards sounded an awful lot like Kate Bush having a panic attack – or am I just out of touch?

Throw in your token big name overseas artist, this year it was Robbie Williams, assorted X Factor or The Voice winners and runners up, a couple of heritage artists like Farnsey and Barnsey, a cheesy set, a bunch of hand picked sycophants in the mosh pit and you have the

standard, Groundhog Day, ARIAs recipe.

There are of course minor awards for Best World Music and Best Jazz Albums, but these are usually excluded from the televised hoopla of the night. Ironically this is where the real diversity in Australian music lies, but these artists don’t sell numbers so it’s the mass produced iTunes fodder that takes priority.

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Write For Rights While present-day mass political action may seem to have overwhelmingly depleted to clicking and ‘signing’ online petitions as they float through cyberspace, the value of community action and letter writing cannot be lost.

At this time of year, Amnesty International groups join together to write letters condemning human rights abuses by overseas governments. This Sunday, Amnesty International Eastern Suburbs invites locals (and Sydneysiders from further afield) to join them for an informal gathering where you can write your own letters, and sign template letters and petitions to overseas governments. There is also the option to write a note of support to an indi vidual from a small pool of politically active or at-risk people whom Write For Rights are supporting this year.

Causes being brought to the table this year include the welfare of the Indigenous people of the Peace River, Canada, represented by Helen Knott (pictured). The impending construction of a government approved dam threatens to permanently harm the culture and way of life of the Indigenous peoples of the Peace River Valley. Letter writers are encouraged to write to the Prime Minister of Canada and send messages of solidarity to the people of the Peace River.

Other causes include the plight to free Ilham Tohti, a well-respected university professor,

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In Sydney, it doesn’t snow at Christmas. So the folks at the Darlinghurst Business Partnership (DBP) have been wondering: “So...why all the reindeers and snowmen?

Why not Santa in a pair of sunnies instead?!”

That’s why Stephan Gyory of the DBP asked renowned street artist, Lister, to design some gift labels that better reflected the Aussie experience.

“The idea for the stickers just came about because I love street art…and I hate the

Christmas stickers I get with my wrapping paper because they’re all so naff,” Gyory says as he describes the sheet of eight stickers that feature artwork by the local artist.

The stickers are a promotional concept that was initiated last year. Participating retail businesses in Darlinghurst will be given a bundle of sheets to be distributed to customers who make a purchase during the Christmas season. Gyory hopes it will encourage shoppers into the area.

“We figure that once people realise they can get Lister stickers, they’ll be all over it because he is very popular and they are very cute,” he explains.

Lister is a local identity who has painted murals on a number of Darlinghurst walls, including the side of Gyory’s own record shop. “He gets what we do and he’s really supportive,” says Gyory.

The DBP, along with business groups from Potts Point and Surry Hills (collectively known as Eastside) want to attract tourists to the area as an alternative to visiting Harbour-oriented landmarks. (RB) The Christmas sticker sheets will be available from Dec 3 from selected outlets while stocks last. For a list of participants go to: www.dbp.org.au

retro, tarted up with technology but offering very little in the way of anything new.

And what of the actual ARIA ‘after’ parties, that back in the 1990’s were legendary for their top shelf boozing, white line snorting and shameless debauchery, much of it at the record company’s expense. Well they’re not entirely gone, but these days the post-ARIA flings are reportedly a far more sober affair, with record companies loathe to indulge the kind of gratuitous largesse that defined previous decades.

Now here’s a suggestion: unleash the turpitude and bring back some of the unmitigated bacchanalia of the 80’s and 90’s.

Rather than televise another Groundhog Day of boring ARIA gongs, scrap the awards ceremony altogether and take the cameras into the riotous ‘after party’, a three-to-four hour extravaganza of celebrities, frustrated lesser recognised musicians, X Factor cast-offs and Of course there’s nothing wrong with good top record company big boys, all behaving badly.

40 pop songs, but despite all the advances in Television ratings would soar as this ‘Don’s Party’ technology, the music world seems to have meets ‘Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf’ of the stalled. Unlike previous decades that delivered music industry strips bare all the ugly tensions, dynamic new genres, there’s little these days to underhanded manipulation and rampant greed truly inspire like the emergence of soul, funk, that define today’s recording scene. punk, reggae, hip hop, alt-country and even disco.

Really – some people are just too goddamn A lot of today’s popular music is in fact rehashed cynical!

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from a lifetime jail sentence, punishment for peacefully challenging the Chinese government’s policies towards ethnic minorities; and Máxima Acuña, a peasant farmer from norther Peru who is in a legal battle with one of the world’s biggest gold and copper mines and has braved violent attacks for refusing to leave the land where she lives with her family.

Last year, Amnesty International Australia supporters contributed 110,000 actions, which led to the release of five people and made a real difference to their lives. This year, you’re invited to be part of similar change. (AM) Dec 4, 3–5pm. Berkelouw Bookshop, 19 Oxford St, Paddington. Free.

Info: www.amnesty.org.au Register at: aia.esgroup@gmail.com

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The Good Dog! International Film Festival

By Mark Morellini Dogs have always been referred to as man’s best friend, and now a film festival returns to Sydney where dog lovers can spend the night under the stars watching films with their canine friends.

Now in its fifth year, this festival is an original Australian event which screens 21 dog-related films from around the globe over two nights. The festival intends to screen Australia wide in 2017 and internationally in 2018.

“The purpose of this film festival is to celebrate both dogs and film and to encourage all ages to write and produce stories, films and entertainment with animals, especially dogs as central characters,” explained festival director Anny Slater. “We only have well behaved dogs – it’s a criteria! – and they have a great time being able to share a happy outing with their owners.”

For a nominal entry fee attendees can enjoy the night away watching doggy films, and this year the festival has teamed up with Green Square Markets “Paws Day Out” to offer day and night markets alongside the film screenings.

Lady B’s First Winter

The Fencer

but successfully manages to captivate audiences through its simplistic and very meaningful human story.

The film boasts extremely high production values with superb performances and a nicely intertwined romantic subplot which showcases the acting prowess of little known Estonian actress Ursula Ratasepp.

History enthusiasts should also be enthralled by the film’s treatment, which details a small European country’s survival under occupation.

(MMo)

A recent hit at the Scandinavian Film Festival in Sydney, this film was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 2016 Golden Globe and Academy Awards and was awarded Best Film & Cinematography at the Finnish Academy Awards.

The true story centres on Endel Nelis (Mart Avandi) a young man who flees Leningrad, Russia in the early 1950’s to escape Stalin’s secret police and hides in a small Estonian coastal village, teaching fencing skills to schoolchildren. He must soon make a life changing decision – whether to return to Leningrad so the children can participate in a national fencing tournament or stay safe, which would ultimately disappoint the children.

This touching and beautifully scripted story of self-discovery, friendship, honour and life choices has no action or excitement,

Gehenna: Where Death Lives

From the opening credits, audiences will quickly realise that this is a low budget, run-of-the-mill independent horror flick which resembles a late night, made for television movie.

The story surrounds five people who whilst scouting a secluded island for the construction of a five star resort, discover an abandoned Japanese WWII bunker which was originally a sacred burial ground. Upon entry, a curse is unleashed which leads to irrational behaviour and the realisation that only one person in the group will survive.

The film succeeds in cleverly utilising the usual scare

tactics and devilish effects to frighten audiences, notably the segments which are seemingly borrowed from the 70’s classic The Exorcist.

A little known cast deliver satisfactory performances as they search for a way out and encounter genuinely scary creatures and apparitions which unquestionably steal the show.

This ‘C’ class horror film which contains blood-curdling effects and storylines which deal with voodoo and time travel has been successful in various international film festivals and should find an audience when it screens nationally on FanForce. (MMo) WW1/2 Screenings available from www.fan-force.com

“This is a perfect film festival for cinephiles, dog lovers, families (kids and pensioners attend free), singles to be enjoyed with friends and those wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. Profits are donated to charity Young Diggers Dog Squad which trains ex-pound dogs as service dogs for returned service persons suffering from PTSD.” With an impressive program of films on offer there is bound to be something for all tastes. War Dogs of the Pacific is a heart-warming documentary which centres on the Marine Dog Platoons of WWII and the bond which develops between the marines and their dogs.

Okpik’s Dream is another mesmerising documentary, which tells of a man’s childhood dream to enter his dogs in the annual Ivakkak dog sled race.

Something About Molly, Detectives of Noir Town and If The Cuckoo Don’t Crow are other highlights not to be missed at the film festival.

“If you love film and love dogs this is the event for you!”

Dec 2-3, 7pm–11pm. Joynton Park, 21 Gadigal Ave, Zetland. $10 entry fee.Tickets & info: www.gooddogff.com

WWWW

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

This war drama set in 2004 surrounds a group of soldiers known as the Bravos who have briefly returned home from Iraq and are touring the country. They are the face of American military and their final performance is at a sporting event’s halftime show in Dallas, which is to be televised to 40 million viewers.

Unknown actor Joe Alwyn plays Billy Lynn, a psychologically scarred soldier who heroically saved a fallen sergeant and is a decorated hero.

The producers took a risk casting unknown Alwyn in the lead role, but he delivers a memorable performance where his facial expressions

strongly convey the horrors he has experienced at war.

Strangely, the two biggest stars (Steve Martin and Vin Diesel) have smaller roles and actress Kristen Stewart, who delivers a standout performance as Lynn’s sister, continues her reign with roles in smaller films.

The story is told in flashbacks and graphic war action sequences are minimal, which may disappoint enthusiasts of this style of films.

Ultimately audiences will question the validity of these young men’s reasoning for going to war and will also be horrified when they hauntingly describe returning to war as ‘going back home’. (MMo)

WWW

SIMA PreSentS

SUMMER JAZZ

3 DECEMBER 2016 – 25 FEBRUARY 2017 WWW.SIMA.ORG.AU city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016

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HAYMARKET

FLEMINGTON

WED 14TH DECEMBER

FRI 16TH DECEMBER

THUR 15TH DECEMBER

SUN 18TH DECEMBER

10am-6pm: Old To New Mural Painting 10am-6pm: Old To New Mural Painting

FRI 16TH DECEMBER

10am-6pm: Old To New Mural Painting

SAT 17TH DECEMBER

12pm-2pm: Santa Signers

11am-4:30pm: DJ Elf Spinning Christmas Tunes 1pm-1:30pm: Christmas Elves Hip Hop Style Show

10am-6pm: Old To New Mural Painting

1:15pm-3:15pm: Picture With Santa

SUN 18TH DECEMBER

1:15pm-3:15pm: Elf Face Painter

WED 21ST DECEMBER

12pm-2pm: Santa Signers

10am-6pm: Old To New Mural Painting

FRI 23RD DECEMBER

12pm-2pm: Soulfood Acapella Group

FRI 23RD DECEMBER

12pm-2pm: Soulfood Acapella Group 2pm-4pm: Picture With Santa 2pm-4pm: Elf Face Painter

free xmas events

WWW.PADDYSMARKETS.COM.AU - 2016_XMAS_TRADING_TIMES_CITYHUB_EVENTS_261x320_FA.indd 1 city hub 1 DECEMBER 2016 16 PAD0366

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