City Hub 21 September 2017

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city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

Skywriter stunt shows sky’s the limit

BY ALEC SMART A skywriter message bearing the words Vote No appeared in the sky in several locations above Sydney on Sunday 17 September.

Photos of the skywriting letters, declaring opposition to the national plebiscite on same-sex marriage reform, were immediately shared via social media before prevailing winds blew them away. While Vote No campaigners were ecstatic, Vote Yes campaigners expressed outrage at the publicity stunt, which was initially blamed on South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi of the Australian Conservatives.

Bernardi spoke at the launch of a No campaign in Sydney’s International Convention Centre the night before, attended by over 1000 people, many wearing T-shirts with the slogan ‘It’s Okay to say No’.

“We’re under assault because we’re on the right side of legal and moral history,” Bernardi declared at the event.

“Many of you know that I am a champion of freedom,” Senator Bernardi said. “If the state redefines marriage it also redefines how you can speak, think, advocate and believe about marriage…

It is a sign of what is to come unless we are vigilant and can defeat this vote in the weeks ahead.”

When City Hub contacted Bernardi, his office denied funding the aerial publicity stunt, replying, “I suggest you contact the Coalition for Marriage as they are best-placed to answer your questions.”

The Coalition for Marriage also denied involvement, declaring, “The Coalition for Marriage did not organise nor fund the skywriting in Sydney yesterday. It seems to be grass roots action. People are speaking out.”

The registration number on the wing of the plane involved was posted on social media – VH-SQZ - and when City Hub investigated FlightRadar24. com for details of light aircraft activity over Sydney on Sunday morning, the culprit was identified – a Cessna 182G Skylane four-seat, single-engine light aircraft, owned by Skywriting Australia.

Flight tracking information revealed the plane took off from Camden Airfield and looped in four locations over Sydney metropolitan area that were consistent with reports of the skywriting.

Vote Yes campaigners plan responding to Vote No’s skywriting publicity stunt

Skywriting Australia declined to comment when contacted by City Hub and they suspended their Facebook page.

A description of their activity on their company webpage states, ‘Skywriting Australia caters for mainly business advertising, however we also are available for private messages and have skywritten many marrage [sic] proposals, also skywritten for birthdays, funerals, and weddings etc.

“Our new high-level skywriting covers a viewing area of 3,000 square kilometres for a single message.

It can be seen by people in cars, buses & trains, people jogging, riding bikes and children going to school. Pretty much anyone outside!”

After the flight, it was revealed in the national media that Skywriting Australia was besieged with hate mail amidst urges to boycott them, and owner Rob Vance’s mobile number was posted on social media, encouraging Vote Yes campaigners to call or text him with their displeasure.

Further investigations revealed a GoFundMe campaign page financed the skywriting. The organisers solicited funds with the message, “It’s time for traditional Australians to take a stand!

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We have been bullied into silence, condemned for our views and ignored and vilified by the media.

“It’s time we all sent a clear message that we will not put up with our way of life being deconstructed any further!

“If you feel like us that it’s time finally for our voice to be heard, join us as we shout our message “Vote No” into the sky for all to see. This is your chance to help ensure our voice is ignored no longer, and take joy in knowing that our message will be painted in the bright sky for all to see!”

After the stunt, the anonymous group overseeing it posted a statement, “The GoFundMe site has decided to freeze our funds, until we give our names and locations.

“We are obviously keen to stay fairly anonymous due to the sheer amount of hate and threats we have received on this campaign by those who mask their hate with ‘Equality’.”

The crowd-funding page then revealed a Kat Klayton of Canberra, whose Facebook account includes a church-front photo saying, ‘God designed marriage between a man and a woman’, was managing it.

The GoFundMe page is still active, having raising over $5000 of its $4000 target towards the skywriter plane hire, which starts at $3990, and reveals plans to target other Australian cities.

“If the whole $12,000 is reached Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne will have our message in the sky!”

The Australian Electoral Commission received numerous complaints that the skywriting action violated democratic principles regarding the same-sex marriage plebiscite, launched last week with forms posted to 16 million voters across Australia.

However, an AEC spokesman told Australian Associated Press this week that laws passed by parliament to safeguard democracy did not apply to this type of communication.

“It is only material that is capable of containing authorisation details that is regulated by the Act,” the spokesperson said. “As the website [GoFundMe] is now compliant, the AEC does not propose to take any action.”

The origins of skywriting are disputed, but it is believed one of its first practitioners was a former British Royal Air Force pilot, Major Jack Savage, who ran a fleet of small planes that expelled smoke during flight.

Savage, who also operated in the USA after success in Britain, experimented with coloured smoke and most of his clients were businesses seeking promotion of their company name or advertising slogans.

A rival plan to skywrite ‘Vote Yes’ in the sky via a GoFundMe account was redirected to hire a giant rainbow banner trailing behind a helicopter instead. Explaining the change of plan, the organiser announced, “I found out today that there is only one company in Sydney that do Sky Writing and the people that run the business are active members of the Australian Christian Lobby. So prettly [sic] unlikely that they’ll write an alternate message...

“However, GOOD NEWS contact has been made with Sydney’s premier ariel [sic] banner advertising firm - Remarkable Media. They are very much in the Yes camp and they’re going to help us achieve a HUGE banner towed behind helicopter.

Please donate anything you can…“ The sky, it seems, is not the limit.

Proposed construction in Vaucluse creates uproar

BY TAYLOR MARTIN Shangjin ‘Jin’ Lin, billionaire managing director of property development giant Aqualand, has met with stiff opposition from the Woollahra Municipal Council after applying to demolish two Vaucluse mansions and rebuild them into one large megamansion.

Mr. Lin’s mother purchased 6 Queens Avenue (also known as Villa Igiea) and 8 Queens Avenue for a combined price of $52 million in late 2015. In November of 2016, Mr. Lin submitted a proposal to renovate and restore the historic 6 Queens Ave mansion, and demolish and replace 8 Queens Ave with a multi-story building.

Lin plans on merging the two properties into one via the ground and first floor levels in order to create a so-called ‘mega-mansion’.

The new property would reportedly feature 14 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms, and require the removal of 355 truckloads of dirt and debris.

The historic mansion, which boasts extraordinary harbour views, was used most recently as an exclusive short-term rental for billionaires and A-list celebrities, including Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Beyonce and Jay Z, Katy Perry, and others.

Lin’s family has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in the past several years acquiring and developing similar properties in Sydney and Perth. It is believed that Lin will use the mega-mansion as his primary residence.

The plans for joining the two properties

Vaucluse seen from The Gap. Photo: Charles H Curtis/Wikimedia

have faced severe disapproval and backlash from surrounding neighbors and Vaucluse residents who contend, among other things, that the development would cause an unreasonable loss of views for nearby properties and their wealthy inhabitants.

The development application, which received conditional approval from the Woollahra Development Control Committee on 7 August, failed to get full approval at the Woollahra Council at the 14 August meeting. The Council unanimously refused

the application for numerous reasons, including breach of maximum height, breach of maximum number of parking spaces, and for not being in the public’s best interest.

With total development costs exceeding $20 million, the final decision on the fate of the development application rests with the Sydney Central Planning Panel (SCPP).

The rejected proposal was initially set to go before the SCPP for consideration at the 7 September meeting, but has since been rescheduled to 19 October. city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

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Art not ads

BY JESSICA DE VERA A prominent mural in the inner west was painted over with a movie advertisement and the Inner West Council are likely to come to a decision on regulatory action sometime this week.

The community of Newtown displayed their outrage on multiple platforms when they noticed the iconic “It’s like a jungle sometimes” mural was replaced with a promotion for the Mother! film.

Jenny Leong, Greens MP for Newtown, said, “What’s happened here is we’ve seen an incredible community response to stand up against what is an attempt to commercialise our public space.”

The wall, situated on the corner of Bailey Street and Enmore Road, is privately owned and it’s unclear at this stage as to how the advertising agency, Apparition Media, were able to replace the mural without permission.

Elliott Routledge, Australian street artist, said, “I was frustrated and angry to hear the Newtown Mural was painted over by Apparition Media.”

“I was told by the owner of Apparition Media that they had gained permission to paint an ad over this wall, as a one-time only thing. That was not the case and they created an agreement with the owner to turn this public mural wall into a rotating billboard. This seems to be happening more and more these days, and companies like this need to be called out by councils,” he said.

There is a process that exists for third parties like companies and organisations who’d like to create or paint a mural on public spaces but sometimes, this isn’t always adhered to.

A spokesperson from the Council said, “Generally the installation of Advertising Signage in a Heritage Conservation Zone requires the lodgement and determination of a Development Application.”

Routledge said the process for them can be quite difficult. “Sometimes a DA [Development Application] is necessary but not so much anymore

in some council areas. The difficult situation we, as artists, now face is that these companies have big budgets and lots of money to pay the owners.

We do not. Money always wins,” he said.

The Council’s investigation into the matter has spanned over a week now and they are “empowered under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to take regulatory action (e.g. fines) against persons responsible for undertaking work without development consent,” a spokesperson said.

But what’s clear from this incident is that many of our diverse areas that are hubs for creativity are threatened by the commercialisation of public and free spaces.

“This is a relatively new situation that’s happening everywhere, not just in our city. It definitely seems to be increasing,” said Routledge.

There have been debates and hesitance around whether increased regulations are required over the governance of public spaces in the realm of street art.

Ms. Leong said, “We don’t necessarily want to see increased regulations and fines on people being able to express themselves creatively in our city. But we do need to make sure that those creative spaces and those public spaces aren’t used commercially just for profit or as free billboards for certain companies. We are seeing increased presence of paid-for advertising and promotional material throughout our inner city.”

From a street artists’ perspective, Routledge said, “I hope the council now regulates advertising that’s painted as murals. At the moment, it’s a loophole these companies have found to get the ads shown in even more spots. Our cities are already filled with enough advertising. Do we really need more?”

A spokesperson from the Council said, “It is not uncommon for persons or companies to go ahead and undertake unauthorised development. When Council is made aware of unlawful development,

Before: It’s like a jungle sometimes (original).

Photo: Ashley Rambukwella

an investigation is initiated and appropriate regulatory action can be taken.”

Scott Marsh, Sydney street artist, said, “The issue is Apparition Media are circumventing artists and taking public art space. They approach property owners and pay them to paint ads over the existing murals on their walls. They need to go find their own walls and own space to create their advertisements.”

Ms. Leong said, “It’s important for us to recognise that you don’t have, and you shouldn’t have to be part of an endorsed council program or company to be able to engage in the amazing street art that has occurred around our community.”

“The Inner West Council have a good tradition of working with street artists and owners of buildings that have walls to do that,” she said.

This relationship between Council, street artists and community members is facilitated through programs like Perfect Match.

“In a perfect world, advertisements would be limited. Count how many adds you see on your commute to work – it will be hundreds. They are plastered on everything. I’d rather see public art instead,” said Marsh.

With the decision from the Council pending, community members and street artists alike are hoping for a just resolution that will send a clear message that they were not happy to see the loss of an important mural.

“The community is savvy. They understand the difference between an incredible piece of street art and a piece of advertising that a sneaky PR company is attempting to get away with without having to pay for it,” Ms. Leong said.

Currently, Apparition Media has publicly reported that they are working with the original artist, Colin Bebe, and Lifeline, on a new design for the mural on the corner of Bailey Street and Enmore Road.

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Is sharing really caring?

BY ANITA SENARATNA Sydneysiders are some of the world’s biggest users of online home sharing platform Airbnb, which allows people to offer up their spare rooms and homes for short-term rentals to other users.

Areas like Bondi and Paddington have become hotspots for travellers looking for accommodation outside the city but still close to the beaches and tourist attractions.

But the company has faced some backlash in Sydney, where they have been accused of contributing to the city’s already inflated rental prices. There have also been reports of trashed properties and antisocial behaviour from residents living near Airbnb properties.

The NSW government will be conducting a review of existing rental laws later this year. One of the things they’ll be considering is the impact of short-term rental services like Airbnb and Stayz on the housing market.

According to Airbnb, their business model not only gives travellers more accommodation choices, but it contributes to the local economy by providing landlords with extra disposable income and bringing in more tourists. On average, Airbnb landlords in Australia earn around $4,800 a year.

“People have overwhelmingly voted with their feet and embraced home sharing. Our community is growing because people to experience a more authentic, sustainable and affordable form of travel,” said Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy, Brent Thomas.

Sydney is currently the fourth most

Short-term tenants are prepared to pay premium rent for sea views .

Photo: Anita Senaratna

popular Airbnb destination in the world.

According to Inside Airbnb, an interactive data map that scrapes and analyses Airbnb’s listings, there are over 24,000 listings in Sydney alone.

Although 75 per cent of the listings are outside the city, there are still high concentrations around the CBD, eastern suburbs and Parramatta.

“The biggest winners are the everyday people and small businesses that rely on Airbnb as their economic lifeline,” said Mr. Thomas.

“Already, our community contributes more than $1.6 billion into the national economy and creates 14,000 local jobs, with Airbnb guests staying longer, spending more and staying outside traditional tourist areas. Importantly, Airbnb spreads the benefits of the tourism boom to the place, businesses and places

that have traditionally missed out.”

Dr. Somwrita Sarkar is a researcher at the University of Sydney’s Urban housing lab which conducts research into housing affordability in Australia. According to Dr. Sarkar, Airbnb’s claims are “the good part of the story, but that’s not the whole story.”

“In the data what we can see is that properties are actually marked by entire home listings versus shared or private room listings,” she said.

Inside Airbnb data shows over 60 per cent of listings in Sydney are for entire homes, while 38 per cent are for rooms.

“There are two possibilities, one is that residents are happy to share their houses and that’s not a problem. But what could also be happening is that local residents could be actually losing out to tourists,” said. Dr. Sankar.

But Airbnb users aren’t always

‘everyday people’. The data also shows a high proportion of landlords with multiple properties listed. A search for the Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra local government areas showed almost a third of landlords in the area had multiple listings of entire homes on Airbnb, which would seem to point to users managing these properties as more than just extra income.

“If it’s a shared or private room, obviously you are making that dormant space available to others. But if you’re letting out entire homes, that’s clearly an indication that someone owns that property and they don’t live there,” said Dr. Sankar.

“Say you’re an investor and you own a property in Bondi. If you were to rent it out to a local resident then they stay there long-term. But say you were looking for tourists or short-term residents, your returns could be much higher. So that one property goes out of the local rental market and into the tourist market.”

Neighbours Not Strangers is a NSWbased community group who believe that mixing short term rentals with longerterm residents, particularly in apartment buildings, is “fundamentally incompatible.”

Group convenor Trish Burt says the term “sharing economy”, which is how Airbnb describe their business model, is misleading.

“There’s nothing sharing about it,” she said. “Instead of flat sharing or house sharing, they’re actually converting that space into a service department or they’re turning it into a hotel. They don’t want to

share because they’re not getting as much money as they can get out of short-term rentals. So for us, the sharing economy is first and foremost, a misnomer.”

The group also has concerns about the safety of the guests, as Airbnb properties are not subject to building codes or industry standards for commercial accommodation like hotels, particularly with regards to fire safety.

“When people go into housing, we owe it to them to ensure that they’re being accommodated in the most safe environment possible,” said Ms. Burt.

“If it wasn’t an issue nobody would complain, but there are the same issues around the globe.

“In NSW we’ve got excellent legislation, I’d call it world’s best. Our legislators must now step forward and enforce our world’s best legislation.”

Dr. Sankar said short-term letting services like Airbnb could be beneficial to an extent, in terms of their contributions to tourism and the economy. However, they do need to be regulated carefully to ensure the best outcome for everyone.

“If you’re a young person growing up in Sydney it’s just incredibly hard to have a good place to live, a place to call home,” she said.

“Obviously because Sydney is a tourist destination, it should project itself as a city that’s friendly to tourists, but at the same time if the local life gets completely disrupted….I think policy needs to not just look at the economics part of it, but ensure that everybody has a good living experience.”

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WestConnex opposition celebrates first anniversary

BY WENDY BACON Save Sydney Park WestCONnex protest camp is holding its first birthday celebration this Sunday, September 24.

The camp began as an early morning protest on September 19th 2016, the day WestConnex moved in to take sections of the park and knock down hundreds of trees. That protest ended in a decision to establish an overnight makeshift camp on the proposed worksite.

Since then, the camp has been constantly maintained 24 hours a day, although it has moved three times.

Today it’s a well-established woodenframed structure less than 100 metres from the original occupation, near the North East corner of the park.

On the first morning, Greens MPs Jenny Leong and Mehreen Faruqi, and City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, attended the rally and gave the community their backing for continuing non violent action.

Ms Moore told the rally, “We don’t want a 6 lane highways taking 60,000 cars into our congested city… We do not want Sydney Park impacted and destroyed.”

Later in the day, tents were erected.

City Hub’s reporter was present when a senior officer assured campaigners that the camp was lawful and they had a ‘right to protest’. Five protesters agreed to stay the night.

The WestConnex protest camp in Sydney Park is a year old. Photo: Alec Smart

One of those protesters was Colin Hesse who was elected as a Inner West Council Greens Councillor with the highest vote in the Marrickville Ward two weeks ago. Acting as a spokesperson for the WestCONnex Action Group at the time, he told City Hub, “The police assured us numerous times that we were camping lawfully on public land, therefore they wouldn’t be taking any action to remove us from the site.”

Mr Hesse said that he and other campers were shocked when “around seven heavily armed police moved in at 3am to drag us from our campsite. When we refused to leave the camp, citing the clear agreement we’d made with the police earlier that day, we were ignored.

“Then police moved in to physically drag us from our campsite in what appeared to be a planned and wellcoordinated action,” said Mr Hesse.

Another camp was established next to the original site, which was now a cage with two security guards sitting in it.

A tree report needed to be approved

by NSW Planning before destruction could occur. The Westconnex Action Group realised that there was no report and wrote to the NSW Planning Department. The NSW Planning Department responded that it had not approved a tree report, so work was stopped until a tree report was prepared.

Protesters agreed to monitor the site at all times.

This was a small but significant victory for the campaign. The camp was named Frogmouth Camp after a frogmouth owl that was nesting in one of the trees.

Eventually the tree report was done and, like all other WestCONnex tree assessments, recommended that the trees needed to be destroyed to make way for WestConnex. When removal crews arrived, scores of protesters sat down with linked arms on the road but were dragged away by riot police.

When it became clear that major work would begin demolishing buildings and trees at the South end of the park, the camp moved. There were ‘adopt a tree’ festivals and Christmas parties.

In early January, the NSW government overrode City of Sydney appeals against the removal of their land. This time scores of local and riot police patrolled the area while more fences were erected, facilities were removed and hundreds of beautiful trees destroyed. Early morning protests were regularly called but riot police dragged protesters from the site and 6 protesters were arrested. It took months to get heritage buildings and the trees down but the job was completed.

Through all these events, the camp remained, maintained by hundreds of volunteers from across Sydney. Many were deeply upset as they watched their lush green park campsite turn into a

devastated zone of stumps and rubble.

Disgusting odours and dust from the St Peters Interchange began to waft across the camp.

So another move was made back to the north end of the park. This time the campers sheltered in a remarkable wooden dome covered by tarpaulins, designed by artist and campaigner John Bartholomew. Solar energy is supplied by a community member.

Mr Hesse, who has continued to be an active anti WestConnex campaigner, told City Hub that he sees the camp as having “important symbolic value expressing the ongoing anger against a project that has been foisted on the community.”

Chris Nash, one of the camp organisers says, “We couldn’t save the trees or most of the homes targeted for demolition, but we have succeeded in making WestCONnex an absolutely toxic project that seriously threatens the re-election of the Berejiklian government in 2019.

The camp has played a key role in that fight, and to have kept it going for a year deserves a birthday party!

“All are welcome on Sunday 24 September for a picnic at the Sydney Park Camp (next to the Davidson Oval) from 12 – 4 pm.”

Wendy Bacon is a supporter of WestCONnex Action Group

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www.canterburyolympicicerink.org.au city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

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Lamb advert meats hostility

BY ALEX EUGENE Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) are being grilled again because of their latest “You never lamb alone” ad, which has caused deep offence to several religious groups, particularly Hindus and Indian Australians. The video depicted a barbeque attended by a group of religious leaders, prophets and Gods, and poked fun at various figures including Jesus, Buddha and the Hindu God Lord Ganesha.

The organisation has come under fire for its lamb ads before, first in 2016 for allegedly inciting violence against vegans, and again earlier this year with an Australia Day ad accused of trivializing colonisation.

The latest ad encouraged Australians to put lamb on the table because it was “the meat we can all eat,” but ironically, community leaders from Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism have come together to condemn the video.

A joint statement signed by Senior Greek Orthodox Christian Priest Stephen R. Karcher, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Buddhist Priest Matthew T. Fisher and Jewish Rabbi Elizabeth Webb Beyer said that “unnecessarily dragging religious figures, who are highly revered by the adherents of their respective faiths, to sell Australian lamb meat was very disrespectful, highly inappropriate and could be disturbing for some faithful.”

Mr Zed said Lord Ganesha is known to be vegetarian and that the ad could even go as far as affecting lamb sales internationally.

“Seeing the apparent stubbornness of [the MLA] continuing with its “You Never Lamb Alone” video ad...despite universal condemnation, Hindus may launch worldwide boycott of Australian lamb meat,” he said.

“Linking Lord Ganesha with meat was very disrespectful and highly inappropriate,” Mr Zed added.

Hindu God Lord Ganesh, a vegetarian, appears in the Lamb advert. Photo: supplied

The group statement urged the MLA to withdraw the ad immediately because it belittled important religious leaders.

The group also contacted the Australian Advertising Standards Bureau asking them to take action after several complaints were lodged about the ad, and the matter is now under investigation.

Anumpam Ghosh, a Haare Krishna (a religion which has its origins in Hinduism) said advertising should stay away from religion.

“It’s not right. If Krishna had been in the ad, I would be upset,” he said.

“Everyone gets upset when non-Christian religions are made fun of. But no one says anything when

Christianity is ridiculed,” said Antoinette Zeane, a Christian woman from the inner west.

But Jagraj Singh, a Sikh and an Indian national living in Australia, says people get too worried about such things.

“In Sikhism, we don’t have any Gods. Our leader said not to follow idols. So no one can hurt us,” he explained.

The ad also attracted a backlash on Australian social media.

“I for one will be boycotting lamb because of your offensive puerile ad,” said one poster.

“This is absolutely disgusting and very offensive. Please remove the ad,” said another.

One Buddhist also weighed in: “As a Buddhist, I find this ad considerably inappropriate and can understand why this has been upsetting and offensive to many who are vegetarian as part of their spiritual practice.”

President of the Council of Indian Australians Mohit Kumar said: “If Meat and Livestock Australia had consulted properly, they would have been told that depicting Lord Ganesha in this way is highly inappropriate.”

To make matters even more cringeworthy, the ad was released in early September, which fell at the same time as the festival Ganesh Chaturthi. Mr Kumar said the timing made the ad particularly hurtful to the Hindu community.

But the MLA has defended their position, claiming that the lamb ad campaign promoted “unity and inclusivity.”

“Our intent is never to offend, but rather acknowledge that lamb is a meat consumed by a wide variety of cultures and capture how the world could look if people left their differing views at the door and came to the table with open arms, and minds,” said a spokesperson for the organisation.

The spokesperson also said that they would be “taking up the matter at their next meeting” but did not provide a timeframe for when it would occur.

Nishit Vashisht, another high-profile Indian community figure, said: “I don’t think [the MLA] realise how revered a God Ganesha is within the Hindu community and by and large the Indian community.”

Mr Vashisht said the ad was extremely insensitive.

Despite the MLA making light of the situation, others have speculated that the organisation may have deliberately left the Islamic prophet, Mohammed, out of the ad, in case it sparked a backlash in the Muslim community.

The MLA did not respond when City Hub questioned them on whether they would issue an apology to the people offended by the ad.

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city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

FEATURE

George Clinton Godfather of Funk

George Clinton is undoubtedly a music industry legend. He ranks alongside Sly Stone, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix as a pioneer and major proponent of funk, soul and psychedelia. His career spans some 50 odd years, and at age 76, the vintage performer is still pumping the groove on stage.

Photo: William Thoren Photography Rita Bratovich In February this year, he and a contemporary line-up of his band, Parliament-Funkadelic embarked on the Mardi Gras Madness tour around the USA - and they haven’t stopped moving yet.

From September 22, Parliament-Funkadelic will begin yet another tour which starts in Rhode Island, USA then does a massive detour to take in Melbourne, Sydney and Uluwatu(Indonesia) before returning to do more dates along the West Coast of America.

If reviews of previous concert tours are anything to go by, fans are in for a crazy good time. Audiences have been on their feet and singing from the first familiar blasts of raw funk, and the demographics of the crowd prove Clinton is still garnering new devotees.

High energy favourites like Flash Light and One Nation Under The Groove have proven to be reliable show-stoppers, while the anthemic Give Up The Funk has just about evinced hysteria.

Clinton began his career as a staff writer for Motown before eventually forming his own band, The Parliaments (later just Parliament).

Issues with a record label forced him to adopt an alternative band name for a while Funkadelic. Over time, after recording and performing under both names they ultimately settled on Parliament-Funkadelic.

In his early days as a performer Clinton and his band were revolutionaries, defying conservative boundaries with outrageous behaviour on stage along with ostentatious and provocative costumes. Clinton developed

his own sound which he dubbed “P-Funk”. It was grungy, audacious and trippy. During the 70s, Parliament/Funkadelic dominated the R&B charts, with over 40 hit singles and three platinum albums. Clinton and his band were responsible for creating the riffs and motifs that would later be snapped up as samples by dozens of rap artists including Dr Dre, LL Cool J, Snoop Doggy Dog and MC Hammer.

During the 80s, Clinton was vehemently sought out as a producer, working with Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Bootsy Collins, Tupac Shakur, Ice Cube and Outkast among many others. He also appeared in several movies including House Party, The Night Before, Good Burger and a number of television shows. In 2015 at Glastonbury, Clinton shared the stage with Mary J Blige, Grandmaster Funk and Mark Ronson in a rendition of Ronson’s Uptown Funk.

Throughout the course of his esteemed career Clinton has received a Grammy, a Dove (gospel), an MTV music video award, has been recognised by Broadcast Music Inc (BMI), the NAACP Image Awards, and the Motown Alumni Association for lifetime achievement. Clinton’s Parliament/Funkadelic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

Don’t pass up this chance to witness Clinton play in Sydney for one night only.

Photo: Jenny Risher Photography

Sep 28, 8pm. Max Watt’s Sydney, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park. $100.85+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.maxwatts.com.au/sydney

INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Views of the world, beyond the classroom This term, the International Grammar School (IGS) community celebrated International Day 2017. International Day is an annual whole-school event where students develop their intercultural understanding and celebrate the ethos of our school through our motto, Unity through Diversity.

On the day, students take part in an array of workshops, activities and assemblies, whilst gaining a deep respect for the world in which we live.

IGS is committed to bilingual education. From Preschool through to Year 6, children spend part of every day in a partial bilingual immersion program in one of four languages: French, German, Italian or Japanese. As students progress into High School, either Chinese or Spanish is studied in addition to one of the aforementioned languages. Chinese is now available to study in Preschool and from 2019 will be an option in Kindergarten too.

4-8 Kelly Street Ultimo NSW 2007 t: 02 9219 6700 e: admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au IGS is a secular, co-educational school catering for students from Preschool to Year 12

city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Artwork by Hannah Cox

Horrible Histories: The Best of Barmy Britain

Cleansed Cleansed, written by Sarah Kane, probes flesh, bodies and the human psyche; tracing the experience of six characters in an anonymous institution who are manipulated and mutilated by the ever-present figure,Tinker.

Presented by Montague Basement at the PACT Theatre as part of the Sydney Fringe, the play, directed by Saro Lusty-Cavallari explores the physical and emotional costs of forcing individuals to meet social standards.

“That’s a story that’s always important to me and Cleansed, like the misfits it depicts, refuses to conform to our expectations.” Lusty-Cavallari said.

Traversing feelings of grief, love and despair and the inevitable pain that attaches to those emotions, the play acknowledges anguish but does not reject the value of pain.

“At its core Cleansed is about institution; about how they break us down and remake us according to their specifications, and that breaking down is quite literal in this play.”

While Cleansed deals with visceral, brutal and sometimes disturbing images, it also touches upon lyricism and humour.

“Kane contrasts grotesque violence with picturesque beauty; explicit sex with clumsy slapstick in a way that can’t be logically exposited but leaves an incredibly lasting impact.”

Cleansed plays with contrasts, but clear cut dichotomies are not always evident when good and evil is not neatly divided.

“Cleansed is dark. It’s extremely violent.There are a lot of naked bodies.Yet it is far from a nihilistic play, it shows a lot of warmth towards its characters and ends on a surprisingly hopeful note.” Lusty-Cavallari said.

Lusty-Cavallari’s production incorporates the use of cameras and live feeds to explore questions of voyeurism and the desensitisation of audiences to violent spectacles.Whilst it will be uncomfortable, it will no doubt be a provoking theatrical experience.

“Cleansed dares to let the actor’s body tell most of the story,” Lusty-Cavallari explained,“There’s an immense value to having real flesh suffer and triumph before the audiences eye, it’s ultimately what separates theatre from anything else.And I think that opens up an unparalleled opportunity for empathy, something that is always worth walking away with.” (SH) Until Sep 23. PACT. 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville. $25-$30+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.montaguebasement.com

Historical characters are often revered or loathed in books, TV and in the theatre. Horrible Histories: The Best of Barmy Britain is a hilarious children’s story that has been adapted in all three mediums telling the tales of notorious and dodgy characters from British history, covering periods such as the Victorian era and the Roman empire. The show was created as a collection of the best sketches from previous Barmy Britain plays and is a contrast between modern life and the way people lived a long time ago by placing historical events into contemporary settings.

The Horrible Histories series was originally written by Terry Deary as a collection of books that included

city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

for six years in London’s West End. It has also travelled to many international theatres.

The production returns to Australia for the third time and City Hub asked

Rosie Waterland - Crazy Lady Rosie Waterland is bringing the hilariously bizarre stories of her life to the stage in her national Crazy Lady tour.

Combining her roots as a writer and actor, she has created a show full of comedy, addressing her own life experiences through storytelling.

“I’ve been describing it as a funny show about mental health. I take a look at how my mental health has affected my life, and how I ended up having a nervous breakdown at 30.

But it’s still funny, I promise!” said the author, comedian, TV host and screenwriter.

Having spent months preparing and refining the show, Waterland explores strong topics in a funny way, including feminism, pop culture, body image and television.

“I’d say I’m a writer who tells stories on

stage… a certain reflection of society does come into it, just by talking about my sex life there ends up being quite a bit of material about sexual politics and body politics... I just get up and do it and hope for the best. But, each show is certainly different depending on the audience dynamic. I love that everybody reacts to and loves really different parts.”

Waterland hopes audiences will enjoy their night out and engage in her stories with continuous laughter throughout.

“I just want them to enjoy themselves!

Honestly, writing is such a solitary activity, so it’s really great to be able to tell my stories to a live audience. Let’s all just get a bit pissed and be proud of ourselves for leaving the house for once.” Waterland concluded.

(JM)

The Night Alive

John O’Hare, Darren Sabadina and Sarah Jane Kelly.

Photo: John Marmaras

a&e

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Barmy Britain nearly 25 years ago, it was later adapted into a sketch comedy TV series and then transformed into a theatre production that has been running

creator of the stage shows Neil Foster why Barmy Britain appeals to a younger audience.

“Terry Deary came up with the genius idea of concentrating the Horrible Histories’ books on the gory, disgusting, the rude, the crazy and the naughty sides of history.

It’s a wonderful introduction into history for children.”

This show will take you through an imaginative tale of history’s most eventful periods and characters where children and adults alike will laugh and learn at the same time. (DJ) Sep 26. The Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale. $27.50-$38.70+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.seymourcentre.com

12 STAGE 13 Sounds 14 SCENE 15 SCREEN

Sep 23. Concourse Theatre, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood. Prices: $49.90+b.f.

Tickets & info: www.ticketek.com.au

What happens when people on the fringes of society find themselves in a rundown Dublin flat?

Strife, questions, and the possibility of that last chance after so many. In Irish playwright Conor McPherson’s The Night Alive people are damaged and imperfect, but not resigned to personal oblivion – not yet. Central character Tommy, played by John O’Hare, is down on his luck, estranged from his wife and children, and broke. He’s moved into his uncle’s bedsit, sharing it with his sidekick, Doc. “It’s like a symbiotic relationship,” says O’Hare. “He almost works as a slave but is needed to keep Tommy company.” O’Hare, a veteran actor and director, describes The Night

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

Alive as Tommy’s journey from beginning to end.

Directed by Maeliosa Stafford in association with O’Punsky’s Theatre, the production marks yet another collaboration between Red Line Productions and the emerging force of independent theatre.

The Night Alive arrives with a rather grand pedigree, with numerous awards and productions in London and New York. McPherson has gained a reputation for defying easy categories, and it seems this production will continue to so. (OA) Until Oct 14. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street). $30-$42.

Tickets & Info: www.redlineproductions.com.au

Contributors: Alannah Maher, Alicia Sim, Athina Mallis, Barbara Karpinski, Caitlin Burns, Chantal Walsh, Craig Coventry, Daniel Jaramillo, Emily Shen, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Irina Dunn, Jade Morellini, James Harkness, Joseph Rana, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, Olga Azar, Peter Urquhart, Rita Bratovich, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Shon Ho, Zeiya Speede, Jade Morellini, Alex Eugene, Manuel Gonzalez, Tommy Boutros, Riley Hooper & Taylor Martin.

Spot On Children’s Festival

Riverside Theatre has assembled a group that features some of the best children’s entertainment from around the country for its sixth annual Spot On Children’s Festival, running during the upcoming school holidays.

The jam-packed program of theatre, film, music and free events, will provide a plethora of ideas, knowledge and inspiration to all children who attend.

The ticket not only includes performances, but also screenings of classic children’s films.

Including but not limited to; Beauty And The Beast and The Lego Batman Movie.

Program coordinator Amy Matthews said she, “wanted to ensure that our audiences are getting a great choice depending on what they’re interested in and that there are the opportunities for families to see multiple shows across the festival that are high quality but also very different.We’re basically trying to engineer a great and complete day out for every day of the festival!”

One of the focuses of the festival is its dedication to relaxed performances which sees the traditional rules of theatre dismissed to cater for young audiences with anxiety or additional needs; as well as Auslan Interpreted,Audio Described performances and Autism Spectrum guides.

When asked about what inspires the festival,

Amy Matthews said that, “there weren’t any arts festivals for children in the area at the time Spot On started, and so many other cities have them, why not have one in Parramatta?! Festivals are a great way to generate a wonderful sense of community and atmosphere- and Spot On with the mix of free events, movies and theatre provides a perfect place for friends and families to catch up and come together in the school holidays to experience some great arts programming and make memories.” (TB) Sep 26-30. Riverside Theatre, Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta.

FREE-$26+b.f.Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au or Ph: (02 ) 8839 3399

Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE Sydney

By Jamie Apps

Asha Jefferies: Powerhouse, indie-pop singer-songwriter Asha Jefferies brings maturity beyond her years in new single Coburg; a soaring, atmospheric track about stepping outside of your moral bounds.

Come celebrate the new single with her tonight.

Thu, Sep 21, Oxford Arts Factory Cloud Control: Sydney’s own enigmatic indie-psych-pop trio have returned with new single, Zone (This Is How It Feels), taken from their new album, ZONE. When the trio set out to write this record they expected 12 months would suffice but it took them three years so they’re definitely ready to unleash on stage tomorrow night.

Fri, Sep 22,The Metro Frances Madden: A rising star of the Australian music scene, singer, piano player and songwriter Frances Madden effortlessly spans a number of genres from jazz and blues to her own unique compositions. In the past twelve months, Frances has headlined at the JZ Club in Shanghai, drawn a crowd of over 1,500 people at Manly Jazz Festival and supported the legendary Dionne Warwick as well as Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter.

Sat, Sep 23,The Basement Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: VOX , the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs’ choir specifically designed for singers aged 18-30, brings together the talents of Sydney’s young choristers, under the effervescent leadership of Music Director, Elizabeth Scott. For this exciting show the choir will be bringing to life music inspired by the Northern Lights and bracing arctic air from composers such as

Arvo Pä rt and P teris Vasks.

Sat, Sep 23, St Mary’s Cathedral Crypt Global Rhythms Music Festival: Celebrate a kaleidoscope of world music when a diverse set of musicians hit the big outdoor stage at Glebe’s Bicentennial Park on Sunday. On the scenic waterfront, music lovers will hear top live performers - King Tide,The Strides, Alphamama,The Crooked Fiddle Band and San Lazaro, along with artists making their mark, like powerhouse blues diva,Alice Terry.

The musical smorgasbord spans reggae,Afrobeats, R&B, hip hop, jazz and blues to Latin, folk and more.

Sun, Sep 24, Bicentennial Park Angus & Julia Stone: Australia’s most prolific and loved siblings arrive in Sydney early next week.

They’ll be bringing their sundrenched melodies to warm up our winter blues. Joining Angus & Julia Stone is special guest Ruel. Quite literally the definition of ‘a natural’, at only 14 years of age Ruel has the soulful voice of a broken heart that had been smoking cigarettes and downing whiskey for the past 40 years.

Tue, Sep 26, Enmore Theatre Ferruccio Furlanetto: World-renowned bass Ferruccio Furlanetto is bringing his awardwinning voice to Sydney, performing an enchanting repertoire.

Glamorous divas and showy tenors are used to the spotlight, but it’s a rare performer who can take a sonorous bass and make it world famous. Ferruccio Furlanetto is that performer: a gifted singer-actor with a captivating voice.

Wed, Sep 27, City Recital Hall

Urban Kali It’s not every day the chance comes up to see a live performance depicting a terrifying Indian Goddess. This week, you can.

Rakini Devi returns to the Riverside Theatre with her fourth multi-disciplinary live art performance based around the Hindu Goddess Kali.

Devi describes the show as “tradition as transgression” – meaning she’s using traditional Indian dance as a tool to speak out against contemporary women’s rights issues, such as misogyny and female shame.

“The world is a terrifying place for women.

Terrible acts are on the rise in India and other countries. This is about human rights,” she tells City Hub. The Goddess Kali, who happens to be from Devi’s hometown of Bengal, was the perfect medium to address these themes, since she represents change, among other things. Kali is also likely to be familiar to many westerners.

“Unfortunately the Goddess Kali has been the victim of a lot of cultural appropriation.

Burlesque, cabaret, Halloween, kids products… it’s endless,” says Devi, who also says her performance is reclaiming the sacred Goddess’ iconography.

“This is my own offering to honour her position in spite of the fact that it is a contemporary work, and I’m drawing on classical and sacred themes.”

Photo: Karl Ford

However, Devi says she isn’t asking the audience to do anything but sit back and have their own interpretation of the show. It’s a mix of dance, visual art, video and sound installation, so there’s plenty of eye candy, regardless of what meanings lie behind it. (AE) Sep 22-23. Riverside Theatres - Lennox Theatre, Corner market and Church Street, Parramatta. $25-$35+b.f.

Tickets & Info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au or Ph: (02) 8839 3399

Dan Sultan

By Jamie Apps Earlier this year Dan Sultan released his new record, Killer, which was an exercise with experimentation and free thinking creativity throughout the process.

Speaking to City Hub prior to the start of his over month long tour in support of the record Sultan talked to us about how he keeps the creativity flowing, the process of writing music exciting and finally growing as an artist.

Coming off the back of Blackbird, which proved to be an incredibly successful record both critically and commercially Sultan says the key for this new record was to “simply clear the mind and push forward.”

Before Killer came to be what it is today Sultan was writing relentlessly, even without a clear target in mind. As he explained to us he does this in order to both improve his craft but also to keep the mind open.

“It’s good to write just for the sake of writing,” Sultan said, “Once I knew where the record was headed and what it was going to sound like then I could hone it in a bit more.”

This idea of simply letting the creativity flow was something Sultan also carried over to the production of the music videos for the album’s first two singles. For these videos Sultan collaborated with production company Dropbear, who Sultan says he essentially gave free reign to.

Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero

Photo: Luke Henery

“With someone like Dropbear you just let him go because he’s a bit of a genius and if I got too hands on it would just pollute the process.”

Taking risks like this was not unusual for Sultan with this record as he had already chosen to incorporate new techniques and ideas during the recording process. As Sultan described this decision was born both out of excitement and necessity. “I have a pretty short attention span so I need to keep things interesting for myself and that’s how I do it. Some bands have their formulae and they make great record after great record but this is my approach.”

Nostalgia for the 80s really has taken over the music world recently and Cut Copy’s new record Haiku From Zero continues down this path.That is not to say the record isn’t original or innovative, Cut Copy have managed to infuse that retro sound with a new twist.

Throughout the nine track offering the listener is greeted with a mix of new wave, disco and 80s synth rhythms as the foundations. Built upon this solid foundation are compelling lyrical compositions which traverse a wide range of topics and emotions.

Whilst musically Haiku From Zero has an uplifting pop sound there is a deep seeded grim, catastrophic subtext which is only fully discovered upon deep, focused listening. (JA) WWW

Although not intentional Sultan believes that subconsciously throughout this entire process he was reflecting on life and his journey through music.

“A few people have mentioned that this record sounds more reflective but that’s not something I ever really thought too much about but I guess as I get a little bit older I get a little bit wiser as well.”

Sep 30, Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney. $56.20+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.metrotheatre.com.au

Touch Sensitive - Visions

Michael Di Francesco (aka Touch Sensitive) has been working on this record for the best part of four years and that dedication to the craft certainly comes through in his new LP,Visions.

The opening interlude of Visions will be familiar to fans of Netflix’s Stranger Things and set’s the tone for the LP incredibly well. Lay Down is the first full track off the LP and is an immediate standout, though the quality never dips from there.

By blending R&B, funk and jazz into a new age electronic dance record Visions will make for the perfect soundtrack to quiet weekend drinks but also has the ability to get the listener up out of their seat, dancing and ready to party long into the evening. (JA) WWWW city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

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THE NAKED CITY

I WAS A TEENAGE ATHEIST! With Coffin Ed “I Was A Teenage Atheist” it sounds like the title of some obscure and totally weird 60s teen flick or even a warped Christian propaganda movie. In reality it was the dilemma I faced when I was a school boy back in the 1960s. With all the baloney pitched about religious freedom during the current same sex marriage debate, it’s appropriate to look back at an even less enlightened time.

During the 1960s many Australian

often left unsupervised and quickly became a somewhat rowdy crew – although nothing that would cause concern.

Nevertheless we soon found ourselves out in the playground, forced to pick up rubbish, much to the delight of both teachers and students, who surveyed us from their classroom windows. We quickly became the lepers of the school – the pagans, the infidels and the disbelievers. Although we were performing our penance, in the view of the majority we had just been given a one way ticket to hell.

Birdfoxmonster Carriageworks, Erth and Studio A have collaborated to present Birdfoxmonster, an intimate, multisensory dining experience brought to life by artists; Meagan Pelham, Thom Roberts and Skye Saxon; sound artist, James Brown and digital artist, Elias Nohra. “[Birdfoxmonster is] a surprise.

It’s quite a unique and mysterious work that is very enigmatic and entirely absorbing. All your senses are engaged and you don’t know what’s going to happen next,” says Gabrielle Mordy, the Artistic Director of Studio A and artist’s liaison for the exhibit.

“Over four years, the artists have been working together and realising their synchronicity, each bringing a different skill to the piece.”

Under the capable direction of Scott Wright, Birdfoxmonster is an immersive experience with audiences dining at long tables while masked performers and video projections delight and distract. Tantalising dishes reflecting each artist’s relationship with food will be served on bespoke MUD Australia crockery, each piece having been hand-painted by an artist.

Meagan Pelham

Birdfoxmonster is one of ten Carriageworks-commissioned exhibits underpinning the organisation’s ‘New Normal’ National Strategy, which aims to remove barriers to inclusion for people with disability in the arts.

“The importance of the ‘New Normal’ National Strategy is that it’s allowing excellent artwork made by artists with disability to

be seen in one of Australia’s leading arts platforms and be experienced by audiences,” says Mordy. “It’s framing it as art that is important to our cultural life rather than as letting people with disability ‘participate’.” (ES) Sep 21-30. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. $70.

Tickets & Info: www.carriageworks.com.au

MEET the locals

government high schools set aside an hour or two each week for so called religious instruction. I can’t remember exactly but I seem to recall it was evangelists from the Scripture Union who visited our school to spread the message of the Gospel and educate impressionable young students on the finer points of biblical interpretation.

The instructor who took our class of Christian indoctrination was a stern, humourless woman in her 60s or early 70s – physically a cross between the Governess on The Chaser and an elderly Magaret Thatcher (complete with the perm). Classes would begin with a prayer, then a reading of several passages from the Bible, followed by a ‘hands up’ if you have a question to ask.

After two or three weeks of Old Testament exploration, all of which I regarded as total mumbo jumbo, I began to assert myself during question time, challenging anything that was vaguely supernatural. The instructor quickly recognised a rat in the ranks and became increasingly annoyed with questions like “Does the Bible condone slavery?”, accompanied by quotations I had meticulously researched to suggest that it did.

Eventually I was unceremoniously yanked from the Scripture Union class and segregated along with a dozen other exemptees in a classroom where we were encouraged to sit and read in silence. There was one Asian boy, who may well have been a Buddhist and a bunch of other kids, mainly from foreign backgrounds who could have been muslims or the sons of Scientologists for all that I knew. Beliefs aside, we were 14

city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017

That was the stigma I carried through my high school education and I often became the target of the more religiously obsessed teachers. Luckily in my more senior years I discovered other students who preferred science over the supernatural and I was glad to graduate with an unofficial certificate in disbelief.

Many of today’s fervent objectors to same sex marriage cite the threat to religious freedoms and the danger posed by the LGBTIQ community pushing their agenda in schools and at large. Despite isolated incidents, it’s a paranoia not supported by the example of countries that have now legalised marriage equality.

It’s also a complete furphy and should a gay couple be knocked back for a marriage ceremony at a local church there are plenty of celebrants who would gladly fulfil the task. Bring on the Elvis Chapels like Las Vegas!

The reality is that if the law is changed the average Australian will notice very little change – the sky won’t fall in and the wedding industry will be given a healthy shot in the financial arms – yes jobs will be created! In the meantime I would be more worried about paedophiles still lurking in the catholic education system than a ban on school children referring to the parents as mum and dad as suggested by the increasingly nutty Pauline Hanson.

And finally when it does come to so called religious freedom, what safeguards are there in schools today to protect children who don’t believe, be they catholics, protestants or muslims? Forgive the oxymoron but God help the kid who stands up in class and declares that he or she is an atheist!

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Australia Day Bryan Brown returns to the screen in this gritty, raw and very powerful film which is sure to captivate and confront audiences.

Set in Brisbane, the city swelters in record high temperatures as celebrations advance on this iconic national public holiday.

However, the lives of three Australians from ethnic backgrounds (a Chinese girl, an Indigenous girl and an Iranian boy) are in turmoil, as they experience persecution, brutality and discrimination.

Bryan Brown is enthralling as a failed farmer who comes to the aid of an indigenous girl, an act of kindness

which has incredibly harsh ramifications.

Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires) is the standout performer as an Indigenous police woman, fighting hard for her community who is met with disharmony and asked by her people “are you blue or are you black?”

The story is set over twelve hours and the cultural tension builds steadily with so much anger and torment unleashed upon these pivotal characters which leads to a few shocks, a tragic climax and new beginnings. (MMo)

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In select cinemas Sep 21-Oct 4 and Premium On Demand Sep 27-Nov 14.

American Assassin An amateur with a score to settle, Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien), trains himself in the art of counter-terrorism. His efforts pique the interest of CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy (Sanaa Lathan), who recognises his potential. Cold War veteran Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton), under whose tutelage he is placed, sees more than just potential, however – he sees his weaknesses – namely making

it personal and the inability to follow orders. When Mitch and Stan are assigned to stop a maniac with access to a nuclear weapon, those weaknesses will be put to the test.

Based on the novel by Vince Flynn, Director Michael Cuesta has made a film that engrosses (and grosses out) at times, but follows a meandering path. (CCov) WW1/2

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie Bring it on Captain Underpants - it’s weird, but man is it fun!

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie follows two school kids (Kevin Hart & Thomas Middleditch) and their imagination, that somehow intertwines with reality to create a world that’s a delight to watch. Silly as it may be with jokes after jokes about bottoms, the film’s innocence makes it a must watch for any kid, and a parent willing to be a kid

again.

Kevin Hart (as a young student) is at the top of his game, and Ed Helms as the hypnotised school principal/ Captain Underpants also deserves kudos. It’s lighthearted with an unusually clear story line.

While this is a kid’s movie, there’s enough energy in it for the adults to indulge in some pure, unadulterated laughter.

It’s joyous, happy, perhaps too colourful, but touches all the right notes. (JR)

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“A place where every piece has a heart, a soul & a story to tell.”

lassic Furniture Gallery We promote the use of recycled teak whilst supporting villages in Indonesia. Our recycled teak timbers come from dilapidated houses, boats, old tree stumps and only fallen trees.

By purchasing our product you are contributing to their health and well-being & prevention of deforestation.

WAS $2,299

DINING TABLE

$1099

This versatile hand set is made from recycled teak floor boards that once used to be an old teak house in an Indonesia village. The planks are chosen and joined together to create the best effect of a truly well weathered teak timber with a rustic look for the dining table, benches and wine unit. Generally the solid legs are made from the roof beams this also is reflected in the carver dinning chair.

FOR THE TABLE

SpeciAliSt in UniqUe, exotic & hAndcrAfted fUrnitUre, ornAmentS USing beAUtifUlly reStored teAk timber

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WAS $1,599

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$850 $699

$120 WAS $250

WAS $1,299 A versatile unit to enhance your home with all your memorabilia on display this will remind you of your traveling’s at a glance, knowing that we used even the small pieces of the weathered teak in this unit.

Our selection of unique and most of them original ornaments that the villagers use in their homes for the purpose of wellbeing for the family and visitors alike. Most of them come as part of the house purchase as a sense of belonging.

You too can enjoy this by having them in the home or garden.

CLEARANCE SALE

$699

$699 WAS $1,399 Symmetric design of this unit can form part of a formal or casual look enhancing your living space. The unique weathered teak timber are the side panels of village houses, now is given another life to share in your space.

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city hub 21 SEPTEMBER 2017