City Hub 24 September 2015

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

Millers Point residents fate still uncertain

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Millers Point residents are still uncertain about their fate, more than a month after NSW Housing Minister Brad Hazzard said there could be possible exceptions to the forced evictions.

In correspondence with Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, the minister wrote he was “actively considering the question of whether there should be exceptions, extensions or alternative measures for tenants in particular extenuating circumstances”.

But this potentially positive sign has so far failed to amount to any certainty for elderly community members.

Mr Hazzard met with the Millers Point Community Working Party on September 17 and September 22.

The residents reported that the minister had been given more ‘flexibility’ from cabinet following discussions.

One person from the area who felt let down was John McInerney, president of the local resident action group.

He said he believed the support of Christian Democrat and balance of power MP Reverend Fred Nile could mean the tide had turned for the social housing residents.

“We would like to see him get us a meeting with the Premier,” Mr McInerney told City Hub. “We believe the minister has been given more flexibility to retain social housing.”

But Mr McInerney was not optimistic about the political processes.

“I’m afraid to say that there hasn’t been any real action. While Brad Hazzard has made encouraging noises, there hasn’t been any change of policy,” Mr McInerney said.

“We hadn’t received any replies from Brad Hazzard. All that’s happened is he has met up with us, and what we have proposed is a modified program which would let residents live in the Sirius building and the workers’ houses.”

But that idea is in doubt, following a government announcement that the 79 apartment building Sirius in The Rocks could be demolished and replaced with a complex containing 249 luxury apartments by NewsCorp last week.

President of the Save Millers Point group, John Dunn, posted on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon expressing anger at the over development of the area and the loss of social housing.

“Sirius is a monument to the Green Bans and the survival of

The Save Millers Point group outside the opening of Barangaroo. Source: supplied.

a community. If the Millers Point community is destroyed, Sirius sold off and the site redeveloped, there will be a new tower that will forever stand for Mike Baird’s vision of central Sydney as a place only for the rich. In years to come when people ask what was Mike Baird’s contribution to Sydney, the answer will be, ‘Remember Sirius?’” he wrote.

Mr McInerney took advantage of the opening of Barangaroo on August 22, and set up a stall asking for signatures for a petition to lobby the government to stop evictions.

He said he was pleased with the support from the general community, and that the petition had hundreds of signatures.

While Mr McInerney was lobbying the community, Mr Greenwich had been lobbying the government and had been in discussion with Mr Hazzard.

Speaking with City Hub, Mr Greenwich said the minister must take the idea of possible exceptions to a cabinet meeting where it must be discussed.

“The minister has responded to my repeated requests for a rethink of government plans for Millers Point,” he said.

“I will continue to push for retention of some social housing in Millers Point and work with the community to reduce the personal impacts as much as possible.”

Trees to go in Ashmore plan Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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BY ALEXANDER LEWIS FOE tried to have the trees listed on the City of Sydney’s They want to be seen as “green, global and connected”, and register of ‘significant trees’, which would have protected them, but they’ve said they’re creating an “urban forest”, but the City of the application was rejected.

Sydney has given its blessing to developers sharpening their axes in FOE president Darren Jenkins said the trees were iconic and part Erskineville. of Erskineville’s environmental heritage.

Up to 40 historic trees are marked for destruction as the “If we keep chopping down trees just because they’re in a controversial Ashmore Precinct Development rolls ahead. developer’s way, then it shows the complete lack of respect that And the Central Sydney Planning Committee, the council we’ve got for our environment, the lack of respect we’ve got for committee responsible for Ashmore project, has given no sign it natural habitats, and we will never maintain established trees in the will protect them. area,” Mr Jenkins said.

The plans have raised a furore among locals, with a petition Clr Scott said the removal of the trees would increase the risk of “strongly opposing” the removal of the trees presented to City of flooding in the area.

Sydney Council on Monday September 14.

“We’ve seen two really significant devastating floods in Labor Councillor Linda Scott, who tabled the petition, said Erskineville in recent months and we’ve seen significant damage to previous council decisions had doomed the Ashmore trees. even some of the properties within the Ashmore estate,” she said.

“Under the development control plan, these trees are slated to be “So for the good of the residents potentially moving in, as well as removed,” Clr Scott said. the existing residents, it’s really important we maximise the green She said she hoped the developers would modify their space and it’s really important we keep the trees that are going development application so the trees would be spared. to suck up that rain water as the effects of unpredictable climate “What I and the community wants [sic] is for those trees to be change happen over time.” saved in any application that is lodged,” she said.

However, a City of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub that the Ashmore Precinct will actually “significantly increase” the trees in “They’re really important to the character of our suburb, and I the area. just hope that the developers don’t knock them down.”

“Around 600 new trees will be planted in Among the potential trees to go is the the new parks and streets,” the spokespersons group of mature Figs on the corner of said.

Ashmore Street and Mitchell Road.

“Sometimes the City has to remove Large gum trees behind the terraces established trees that have died, or stand on 48-56 Ashmore Street are set to be on the site of proposed roads, footpaths or replaced by a shadeless bitumen alley. housing.”

They would become part of a growing The controversial Ashmore development list of arboreal casualties at the hands of is expected to double the population of the the City of Sydney. suburb, as more than 6000 people will move As stated in a letter from community into the area over the next decade. action group Friends of Erskineville The Central Sydney Planning Committee (FOE) to councillors, “31 native trees have is expected to make a decision on the already been cut down by developers at development at 57 Ashmore Street next the western end of Ashmore Street, with TheAshmore Estate. Source: Friends of Erskineville month. council’s full approval”. city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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Plan for the homeless evicted

BY RYAN QUINN A City of Sydney councillor’s plan to ‘intercept’ homeless people at Central Station before they reach the CBD was shut down in a council meeting on Monday September 14.

Liberal Councillor Christine Forster’s plan was in reaction to the rising number of homeless people who had come to camp in parks in the inner city.

But council thwarted her plan to intervene with the movement of homeless people, and voted seven to three against the plan.

Clr Forster said that Central Station was often the main entry point to the city.

“I think the homeless intervention on the ground is a good idea. It’s low-cost. It hopefully would engage with people before they get established in camping sites, in Belmore Park or elsewhere,” Clr Forster told City Hub. “It was my thinking that if we could have a visible presence of somebody in Central Station that is saying ‘if you’re coming to Sydney, you don’t have a house or a bed for the night, come and speak to us,’ then we might be able to prevent a lot of these people getting established in a pattern of rough-sleeping,” she said.

The number of those sleeping adjacent to Central Station in Belmore Park had recently doubled to 50, with council papers blaming a lack of affordable housing and appropriate support services for the homeless.

Clr Forster’s motion was opposed by Independent Deputy Lord Mayor Robyn Kemmis, who won an alternative motion to restart the successful ‘Common Ground’ project.

The Common Ground project, which started in 2011, saw 104 affordable and social housing units provided to homeless people in Camperdown through a partnership between the council and Mission Australia, in addition to state and federal government funding.

Clr Kemmis described The Common Ground project as a “fabulous service”, and said it was the best solution for Sydney’s housing crisis.

“It has social support and that’s really what’s important. It provides that social infrastructure that you need to tackle the problem,” Clr Kemmis told City Hub. “People often when they’re placed in temporary

Liberal Councillor Christine Foster.

accommodation, they’re on their own and they feel isolated and I think that’s probably why numbers of people go back to sleeping rough,” Clr Kemmis said.

But Clr Foster said the council needed to consider the costs associated with the homeless population.

“In an ideal world, we would have the projects all over the shop, but it’s an issue of who’s going to provide the money.

Now, I would argue that council has enough money to build its own Common Ground. Why wait for Federal or State funding?”

Felicity Reynolds of Mercy Foundation, an NGO tackling poverty, said she supported both an outreach program like homeless intervention at the station and affordable housing.

“I think the City of Sydney are right in doing what they do to support outreach efforts in the city as well as perhaps look at projects that are going to create more affordable housing in the city as well,” she said.

A February street count saw a 5.5 per cent increase from last year in those sleeping rough in the city, according to Clr Kemmis, with Haymarket being the most disadvantaged.

However, over 30 people have already been supported to exit Belmore Park with the assistance of agencies and City of Sydney’s homelessness unit, according to council documents.

The Lord Mayor will consult with NSW Minister for Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard to pursue funding for the Common Ground project.

Abandoned hospital site to be brought back to full health

BY KENJI SATO City of Sydney are set to turn land surrounding the abandoned South Sydney Hospital into public parklands.

The park will be part of the $8 billion Green Square project, which aims to transform the southern part of the city centre into a “green, urban environment”.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that this project was necessary to accommodate the inner south’s rapidly growing population.

“Green Square is one of the fastest growing parts of Sydney and we’re spending more than $400 million building important new community facilities,” she said.

“That will include an aquatic centre and library, as well as numerous parks and gardens to make sure this village remains a great place to live.”

Ben Avely, Co-convener of the Alexandria Residents Action Group, told City Hub that for local residents, more green space was better late than never.

“We’ve been promised open spaces for a long time,” he said.

“We have one of the lowest ratios of open space to population in Australia, and that is getting worse as we get more residents. So more park land will be good.”

The parkland will provide children’s playgrounds, seating areas and trees.

The park will link up to another

park currently under development, the Matron Ruby Grant Park, and together they will form around 5,500 square metres of open space around the former hospital.

Clr Moore said the disused hospital buildings would be renovated and turned into cultural facilities, creative spaces, a childcare centre and meeting rooms.

“These parks will be designed to complement the heritage value of the hospital buildings and provide a wonderful place for everyone to relax and for children to play,” she said.

Plans for the parklands are still being reviewed, and the final designs will be made in consultation with the local community.

Royal South Sydney Hospital was disused for a number of years. Source: Wikicommons

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More scrutiny needed for Bronte House

By RYAN QUINN Waverly Greens Councillor Dominc Wy Kanak has sought to reveal confidential documents relating to the tenancy of a large council owned property in Bronte.

‘Bronte House’ is owned by Waverley Council and is rented out every three to five years to tenants who must allow the house to be open to the public six times a year and carry out upkeep on the property.

Clr Wy Kanak raised concerns at a council meeting on Tuesday September 15 about secrecy surrounding the tenancy of the NSW heritage listed property.

“There is a high level of public interest in council’s management of Bronte House as an important NSW heritage listed property, so the Tenancy choosing procedures should come under detailed scrutiny to ensure a concomitant level of public accountability,” he said.

However, Clr Wy Kanak’s motion to reveal the first seven pages of the confidential documents came under opposition from other councillors, including Liberal Councillor Andrew Cusack.

“It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that Dominic Wy Kanak would love everything to be in public, but sometimes there is stuff that is confidential, that relates to individuals, to tenders, or there is stuff in there that is not appropriate,” Clr Cusack told City Hub. “There was financial information, there was information about applicants, about individuals and information that should not be public because it would then breach the confidentiality of the individuals and council’s financial situation,” he said.

Clr Wy Kanak said that he brought the amendment because he felt that the first seven pages of the documents do not reveal any confidential information.

“It mentioned procedural stuff and it also just mentioned a bit of general history that is already

MayOr‘s Message Re-elected as Mayor of Waverley

Greens Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak. Source: Supplied

on the public record, or could be publicly found and accessed by normal freedom of information processes,” Clr Wy Kanak said.

“Given that there have been legislative amendments to the Local Government Act seeking councils to be more open and transparent, council could operate with a lot more rigor when they compile a report to separate the confidential and the non-confidential parts, and I don’t that rigor was applied,” he said.

Clr Cusack said that the bid to reveal the documents was a “rogue motion,” and that councillors do not have power to make or overturn confidential documents, only council officers and directors.

“To accept that, in my humble opinion, would have been unlawful or at very best out of order, because it’s not the councillors that determine that it’s confidential,” he said.

Clr Wy Kanak said he didn’t think the debate is over, despite his amendment being struck down in council due to the Freedom of Information process.

On September 1, Waverly Council chose Wes and Anna van der Gardner and family as the private tenants for the council-owned property for a five year lease.

Park saved, community rejoices

BY LYDIA WATSON-MOORE The political and community campaigners who fought to save High Cross Park in Randwick from light rail destruction got their wish late last week.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced on Thursday September 17 that the light rail terminal previously planned for the park would now be in a new High Street Plaza, saving numerous trees and a war memorial.

Liberal Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith had campaigned consistently for the change, and told City Hub he was “ecstatic” about the minister’s decision.

“I never believed that locating the terminus at High Cross Park was a good idea. It’s an iconic little park, it’s treasured by the locals,” Mr NotleySmith said.

“It’s been a stressful couple of years trying to get this outcome, so I’m very, very stoked with the way it’s gone,” he said.

Mr Notley-Smith and Randwick City Council had worked together to propose the High Street Plaza alternative, which will be at the intersection of High Street, Avoca Street and Belmore Road.

Coogee MP Bruce Notley Smith with Randwick Mayor Ted Seng and Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

Source: Randwick council (supplied).

Council News

However, Greens Randwick Councillor Murray Matson said it was mainly community and council hard work that had salvaged the park.

“The story of the saving of High Cross Park is one of an organised community campaign underpinning its local council putting money and resources into working positively with the state government,” Clr Matson said.

Clr Matson commended councillors Lindsay Shurey and Scott Nash on their successful motion to fund a proposal for an alternative site.

Liberal Councillor Harry Stavrinos said the move was a victory for the “three c’s- common sense, the community and the council”.

Clr Stavrinos told City Hub that preserving green space was important, and that this change was cost effective.

“The project will be saving $25 million, so not only financially is it a benefit, it’s socially a benefit,” he said.

Mr Notley-Smith said that the park was important, and that he was “pleased to have played a role” in preserving the environment.

However, while community members praised the decision on Facebook, several said that more work was needed to preserve the other significant trees marked for removal.

One Facebook user, John Reid, said Mr Notley-Smith needed to stop the “removal of the magnificent Moreton Bay Figs along Anzac Parade”.

Spokesperson for community group Keeping Randwick’s Trees, Rickie-Lee McLaurin-Smith, told City Hub that while the decision was a win, the stakeholders needed to push for more environmental protection in the light rail plans.

“We should celebrate this great start in the right direction,” she said. “[But] we’re looking forward to having our local member and council continue to advocate for the hundreds of heritage trees along the route that remain threatened.”

It is a great honour to have been re-elected as Waverley Mayor.

Thank you to my team and in particular Councillor Tony Kay, who I should also congratulate because he was re-elected as Deputy Mayor. Also thank you to the many residents who have phoned and emailed to say congratulations. It is much appreciated.

We have a very busy year ahead of us and some exciting projects including the upgrade of Bondi Park, Beach and Pavilion, work on Waverley Cemetery and our transformation of Bondi Junction.

Sculpture by the Sea: 22 October–8 November This year will be the 19th annual Sculpture by the Sea. It will once again transform Waverley’s beautiful coastline into a striking outdoor art gallery.

The event is more than just a visual feast. The inspiration and imagination of the artists challenge our perceptions, tease our senses, and even transport us to other worlds.

Sculpture by the Sea is now, without a doubt, one of our nation’s most progressive and well known outdoor art exhibitions. It is a focal point on Sydney’s cultural calendar, which is why Waverley Council is very proud to play host. I am looking forward to this year’s exhibition and hope you also enjoy it.

Bronte House has new tenant Congratulations to Wes and Anna van der Gardner and family as the new tenants of Bronte House. Wes and Anna have two young children and bring experience and expertise in restoring heritage buildings, landscape design and interior design.

They will be partnering with Council in providing open days to the public at least six times per year, the up-keep of the property and its grounds. We wish them every happiness living in our beautiful house.

Sally Betts, Mayor of Waverley

Events

October 2015 In conversation with authors Eva Novy and Elana Benjamin An Eat, Pray, Naches Project Event facilitated by Susan Bures AM Thursday 8 October, 7–8.30pm Waverley Library Theatrette From Hungarian family secrets to spicy Iraqi tales, these delightful young local authors talk about their personal Jewish heritage that drove them to write two very different books.

Free but booking essential via eventbrite.com.au.

Dads Read Saturday 17 October, 10–10.30am Waverley Children’s Library Stories, songs and movement especially for 0–5 year olds and their male carers. Dads, granddads, uncles, big brothers and male caregivers/mentors are encouraged to come along.

Mums, grandmums, aunts and sisters also welcome.

Free but booking essential via eventbrite.com.au.

For more event info visit our website waverley.nsw.gov.au.

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE 55 Spring Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 PO Box 9, Bondi Junction NSW 1355 PHONE 9369 8000 WEB waverley.nsw.gov.au

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

5

All smoke but no fires, yet Martin Place to receive French facelift

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS AND PETA GILBERT No fines or prosecutions have been issued under new smoking laws introduced in NSW on July 6 this year, according to the NSW Department of Health.

But that doesn’t mean the implementation of the new laws has everyone happy, with businesses having to police smokers and apologise to disgruntled customers because of the legislation.

The health department inspected 633 venues during the month following the introduction of the ban.

“Only 14 venues were found to be noncompliant, which is a 98 per cent compliance rate. Two of these venues were in the inner city,” a department spokesperson said in a statement to City Hub. “These venues were provided with education to support them to comply with the new laws. They have since been reinspected and all found to be compliant.”

Independent City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas said that she did not support smoking at all, but questioned the way the state government had rolled out the new laws.

She said that in her capacity as a small cafe owner in the CBD, it was difficult to comply with the new signage requirements.

“One of the issues with the smoking ban is that they haven’t supplied signage to all the venues, and not having signage means you can get fined for non-compliance,” she told City Hub. “Why hasn’t there been a marketing assistant working with small businesses?” she questioned.

She told City Hub that the policing of smoking is left to small business owners who have to bear the economic burden of

supervising, as well as paying fines for non-compliance.

“It hasn’t changed things for the better as far as the economic impact goes, and I don’t think people have Source: Wikicommons stopped smoking,” Clr Vithoulkas said.

A number of businesses around the city had successfully adapted dining areas to accommodate smokers under the new laws.

But Clr Vithoulkas said it unfairly affected small business owners, who did not have the space for smoking and non-smoking sections, and had therefore lost customers.

Five Boroughs Café on Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross made their footpath dining area smoke free after the new laws came into effect.

But only weeks later, the area was designated as smoking and no eating because the cafe had lost a large proportion of the business’s smoking clientele.

Across town in Balmain, manager of Dicks Hotel, Michael Nemeth, said he made plans before the laws came into effect, and divided outdoor dining space between eating and smoking sections.

Mr Nemeth said the establishment had been able to manage the implementation of new laws reasonably smoothly.

“Some people can get fired up about it but we have the area heavily signposted and when they order food we tell them where they can’t sit and most people are fine with it but there’s always going to be people that have issues with it but we just tell them it isn’t really our fault, it’s just what the laws are,” he told City Hub

BY KENJI SATO Restaurant patrons may soon be able to dine outdoors in Martin place under new plans to redevelop the area.

Last week, the City of Sydney Council revealed draft policies that will cut red tape and allow businesses to serve food and drink outside.

The plans will also introduce more outdoor lighting, trees, landscaping, and public seating areas.

Restaurants will also be required to use “french bistro” style chairs outdoors, with other styles of chairs needing approval from the council.

Greens Councillor Irene Doutney said she hoped the An artists impression of a revitalised Martin Place. Source: City of Sydney (supplied) changes will bring life into the “drab” and “barren” walkway.

However, Urban Planning academic, Associate “Martin Place is one of the most important public Professor Catherine Bridge, told City Hub that disability spaces in the CBD and at the moment it’s a very cold and access should be a priority. unwelcoming place,” she said.

“When we’re talking about memorial functions, “If you go there during the weekend there’s nobody we need to be thinking about veterans – many of our there. The City is trying to humanise, pedestrianise, and veterans are disabled,” she said. revitalise the area.”

“If we fail to consider that in the overall plan, then Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla told City Hub that these changes should have happened a long time ago. we are designing a space which excludes the people for “It’s unbelievable that it has taken the City until 2015 whom it was intended.” to wake up to the potential of one of Sydney’s most Professor Bridge said that she wants to see more people under-utilised assets, Martin Place,” Clr Mandla said. in Martin Place.

“Instead of fast tracking Martin Place outdoor dining, “Maximising public space is part of what makes a the City has been preoccupied with banning smoking, welcoming and active space, and dining is a good way to something which is effectively unenforceable.” make Martin Place an active space,” she said.

The council is discussing whether or not to allow “But the problem with dining is that it’s a for-profit dining near the Martin Place Cenotaph, a monument activity, which only people who can afford to pay for dedicated to World War I veterans. dining can participate in. I think that dining shouldn’t be The RSL has said that they are willing to allow dining the top priority.” near the Cenotaph, provided that restaurant staff are “We should be seriously thinking about making trained to “respect the significance of the monument”. seriously inviting public spaces,” she said.

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Marrickville council raises alarm over asbestos-ridden WestConnex site

BY WENDY BACON Marrickville Council is seeking urgent legal advice as to whether it can issue a stop work order for the Alexandria Landfill site in St Peters.

Since August, the WestConnex Delivery Authority (WDA) has removed hundreds of truck loads of waste from the site. This is despite resident concerns that trucks have not been properly covered and are travelling outside designated roads, and that there is inadequate dust control on the site.

The WestConnex Action Group (WAG) has also accused the WDA of excavating and remediating the site before approval from the NSW Planning and Environment Department has come to build the massive interchange for the M5 duplicate tollway on the site. At the earliest this approval would not be given until 2016.

Marrickville Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore, who had unsuccessfully tried at an earlier meeting to move a motion stopping work, moved a crucial amendment on September 15, calling again for a stop work which was supported by nearly all other councillors.

The council also confirmed its “absolute opposition to the WestConnex project” and called again for the immediate release of both a WestConnex business case and Environmental Impact Statement.

Independent Councillor Mark Gardiner said the council could not understand the reasoning of the project.

“Council is deeply disappointed that the state government has seen fit to announce who is the preferred contractor for the construction of the New M5 tunnels and St Peters interchange, while we all wait for the justification of this mad project,” Clr Gardiner said.

Marrickville Council also called for the Environmental Protection Authority and WorkCover Authority to regularly monitor the site works, to communicate fully and effectively with affected residents, and to provide council with regular works updates and status reports.

Clr Gardiner said it was council’s responsibility to “take appropriate action” for residents.

“Local residents have told us that they fear that excavation activities are taking place....As well, we know that the site was historically licenced to receive and handle asbestos and other contaminated material, and residents are adamant that removal of material from the site has not been managed properly,” he said.

“They are quite rightly very worried about the health impacts of this.”

WDA have agreed with a demand from council that Saturday work finish at 1 rather than 4pm.

However it has not complied with a demand that the WDA immediately implement an alternative heavy vehicle entry and exit point to the site, away from residential properties.

Rather than comply with council’s request or respond to resident concerns, WDA has, if anything, escalated its work at the site this week.

On Tuesday, a St Peters resident told City Hub that he had observed large number of trucks leaving the site without the safety measure of tyre wetting being applied. After he took out a camera, a water truck turned up close to the gates. This has been reported to the EPA. Spokesperson for WAG Pauline Lockie spoke at the council meeting, and called on the council to take responsibility for the site.

“We congratulate Mayor Mark Gardiner for working with the Greens councillors to make amendments that reflected community concerns, and Marrickville Council for passing this motion,” she said after the meeting.

The Alexnadria Landfill site in St Peters. Source: Wendy Bacon

But the group is still frustrated that despite the motion and numerous calls to the WDA and NSW Environmental Authority about safety concerns, WDA continues to conduct unsafe and apparently unlicensed remediation work at the site, which is full of asbestos.

Residents have successfully staged three peaceful protests which have prevented trucks leaving the site. They have said they will continue to stage protests until the legality and safety of the work can be established.

The group has now sought assistance from the Environmental Defender’s Office (EDO) who wrote to the WDA seeking information about the legal basis for its actions which require planning approval. The WDA claims to be relying on old approvals for a Waste Disposal Facility. The old Dial a Dump Waste Disposal Authority shut down last December. City Hub has read these approvals and they do not appear to provide any legal basis for the current work.

The WDA is yet to respond to the EDO.

Greyhound racing in the firing line LEXY AKILLAS A petition opposing the greyhound racing industry has gained significant momentum across Sydney.

Ultimo resident Eva Deli, who started the petition, has gathered almost 1500 signatures and the attention of a number of different animal rights groups.

“I started this petition because I thought that if Australians knew about what was going on with these dogs and that this type of cruelty was being funded by the government, they would be against it,” Ms Deli told City Hub. Ms Deli took action after discovering that The Select Committee on Greyhound Racing in NSW released a report in October 2014, outlining that the government would contribute approximately $154 million to the greyhound racing industry through differential tax rates.

Emma Hurst, Campaign director for Animal In 2012-13 over $1 billion was wagered on greyhound racing in New South Wales. Source: Wikicommons Liberation NSW, said that abuse within the greyhound racing industry was often hidden from the public.

Greyhound racing at Wentworth Park occurs every Friday and Saturday night, with ten races “It is really quite terrible and confronting to see money going into an industry that has had being held per day. allegations of doping, money laundering, corruption and animal cruelty,” Ms Hurst said.

Ms Hurst said the dogs were treated inhumanly, and as “disposable”.

However, Minister for Racing Troy Grant said that the NSW Government was committed to “There is no benefit to grey hound racing and any abuse of animals for the purpose of “cleaning up the industry”. City Hub understands that a differential tax rate to support the industry entertainment should be ceased,” Ms Hurst said. was one option tabled in a 2014 parliamentary select committee report before the live baiting Caroline Hoetzer, committee member for Greyhound Rescue NSW who have been rescuing scandal earlier this year. greyhounds since 2001, said that she hoped the industry would be shut down like in the US. “The NSW Government acted swiftly to protect the welfare of animals by establishing the Animal Liberation NSW, Greyhound Rescue NSW and a number of other national and Special Commission of Inquiry, with the powers of a Royal Commission, and took immediate steps international greyhound groups are joining together to hold a candlelight vigil. The groups will to remove the board and CEO,” Mr Grant said. protest the alleged cruelty inflicted upon Australian greyhounds that are exported to the Canidrome Ms Deli said she was concerned about the impact the Wentworth Park track in Glebe has on her dog track in Macau, China. local community.

Approximately 30 dogs are euthanized each month at the Canidrome, whilst the others are “The Glebe community is especially good with taking care of human and animal issues, so it forced to live in brutal conditions while racing five days a week. would be contradictory for us to have this industry right in front of our faces,” she said.

The service will begin at 6pm on September 30, at Victoria Park, Broadway in Sydney.

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

ARTS FEATURE

The Show Must Go On: Sydney Independent Theatre

BY JAMIE APPS As one of Sydney’s independent theatre companies celebrates a momentous milestone, some others are evolving their offers and even further as some unexpected new players enter the scene.

Over it’s history, the Sydney theatre scene has undergone some very dynamic changes to the environment, in terms of the type of shows performed and more recently to the type of spaces available to producers of these shows. The biggest of these changes recently has been the shift towards smaller independent theatre companies producing shows for smaller venues due to financial constraints. As the Director of Venue 505 and 505 Theatre, Kerri Glasscock has witnessed first hand this shifting dynamic throughout her twenty-plus year career: “Certainly when I was starting out there wasn’t really an indie scene at all. It was starting to be created by the Darlinghurst Theatre and Glenn Terry in a more formulated way, as opposed to having a divide between professional and amateur theatre.”

For many people outside looking in on the theatre scene, this idea that ‘amateur’ theatre is ‘indecent’ is probably the biggest misconception that needs to be overcome, because that simply isn’t the case. The indie scene is often where many young actors, producers and writers hoping to make a career out of their art form cut their teeth and get noticed by the big end of town; where they can make a living following their passion.

“There simply isn’t the work available in the major companies, if you’re a young actor or dancer there aren’t the ensembles paying 12 month contracts for you to work, so it’s not a career option…often that’s why a lot of young actors head to LA to get training and an opportunity for a few years before returning,” explained Kinetic Energy founders/directors Graham Jones and Jepke Goudsmit.

With this exact problem in mind, many of the independent companies, such as Pulse Group Theatre, are opening up their own spaces to outside companies, or as is the case with 505 Theatre and Blood Moon Theatre opening up brand new fresh spaces for performances. In the case of Pulse Group Theatre, they have had their own space for what is approaching 20 years and have been primarily using it as an acting school, which has meant that past students often enquired about using the space to put on new shows. For Artistic Director Billy Millionis, this is very exciting and a proud moment: “100 percent because I was once those guys and it’s hard. So we’re always trying to help other companies and people that don’t usually get opportunities.”

In the cases of 505 Theatre and Blood Moon Theatre, they have both gone a slightly different route by opting to open up two entirely new spaces: a 70 seat theatre by 505 and a new performance space at The World Bar for Blood Moon Theatre. In regards to The World Bar and Blood Moon Theatre, the partnership arose after a long period of cooperation with small theatre groups by World Bar management, who often allowed their function rooms to be utilised as rehearsal spaces during the day. As those groups and General Manager Greg Purton continued to work together, a constant issue with the scene was persistently a major topic of conversation. “They said there was a real shortage of those small to medium sized venues in Sydney and that a number of them had closed recently in the area, so they asked if we ever thought about using the space that we’ve got in the nightclub and it blossomed from there really,” said Purton.

For 505 it was much more a case of them out-growing their old home base, which they still have but use more as a development space now, and wanting to offer a fresh new

space with the most appropriate capacity. When asked about the influx of new spaces into the scene, Glasscock said: “It’s great. The more the merrier, but people shouldn’t think that because lots of theatres are opening it’s all ok in the independent sector. There is still an absolute lack of venues and it’s very, very difficult for venues to maintain their existence and be financially stable.”

As these companies and venues look to the future, often the biggest hurdle is that challenge of remaining financially viable with zero or very limited government funding. Due to this, we often see groups looking to collaborate on different works to help share that burden. This ensures that the scene remains dynamic because, as Glasscock explained, “[Often this sector of theatre] is where the most exciting work happens and people are able to push boundaries of storytelling, form and genre. It’s the cultural heart of the city and where that buzz that people can’t put a word to comes from.”

Each of these theatre companies have some passionately crafted and truly dynamic shows just over the horizon. If you haven’t already, isn’t it time you saw the gripping energy of Sydney’s small theatre scene for yourself?...

A Property Of The Clan: Sep 29–Oct 17.

Blood Moon Theatre, 24 Bayswater Rd, Darlinghurst. $20-30+b.f. Tickets & info: eventbrite.com.au We, the lost company: Oct 13-31.

Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza St, Newtown. $22-33+b.f.

Tickets & info: old505theatre.com

Kerri is Glasscock in the new 505 Theatre space

Illuminate: Sep 25-26. St Luke’s Hall, 11 Stanmore Rd, Enmore. $15-25+b.f.

Tickets & info: 9665 6489 Tune In - A One Day Kinetic Jazz Event: Sep 27, St Luke’s Hall, 11 Stanmore Rd, Enmore. $20-30+b.f. Tickets & info: 9665 6489

city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Yayoi Japanese Teishoku Restaurant Ryan Kennedy There is a wonderful elegance to the brand new Yayoi Teishoku Japanese Restaurant, and it’s all about balance.

Light wood panels divide up the space, surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, with iPads on every table.

In a few design choices there’s a balance of privacy, snazzy modernity, and convenience of technology—it’s

ROCKS & CBD William Blue Dining If meals at most fine dining restaurants seem pricy, I’ve found the fancy, whitetablecloth restaurant for you. Located in the old Rockpool site, your inexpensive three-course meal is prepared and served by students (overseen by industry professionals). Sure there might be some at-the-table-training if you choose the cork-stoppered but well-priced 2008 Wiltinger Braune Kupp Kabinett Riesling Mosel ($68/bottle), but it’s a small price to pay. Expect standout Aussie produce from Pepe Saya butter to Alto oil to pleasantly pink Milly Hill Lamb ($18) with saffron fondant potatoes, asparagus, pickled turnips and flavoursome jus. Kingfish Ceviche ($11) is nicely presented, and my

By Alex Harmon A level-by-level revamp is occurring in After a tough week of personal attacks due to his ‘no high vis.’ dress code, Leeroy Petersen was keen to show me what his new venue should be known for – good food. He has completely gutted a ‘durty’ old Irish bar, giving it new life, natural light, wooden floors and smatterings of taxidermy on the walls.“We’re going down the gastro pub route,” says Petersen.“Forty per cent of takings NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS The Cross Eyed Dog A level-by-level revamp is occurring in Zanzibar, with the first floor bar summoning the 1920s and turning out a surprising range of bespoke whisky cocktails.The Jam and Smoke ($19.50) standout tames Bruichladdich Port Charlotte with Grand Marnier, lemon, egg white and marmalade, without losing the whisky’s peaty intent.Their Hunter Valley wine focus means you can accompany your tender, char-grilled Hanger Steak ($22) with juicy red 2014 Chambourcin ($11/glass).

It’s decked out with house-made chipotle butter and teamed with brilliant chips, crisp onion rings and smoked jus. I’d return just to eat it again.And while it’s hard to top, Mushroom Raviolo ($17.50) puts up a good fight with toothsome pasta and Vegemite-enhanced filling.

Level 1, Zanzibar, 323 King Street, Newtown (02) 9519 1511 zanzibarnewtown.com.au Pub Bistro $$ 12

all really quite Japanese.And what do you know, that balance also extends to the food, delivered in a series of brooding, earthenware vessels.After all,Teishoku is about providing, amongst other things, rice, miso soup, and pickles, with your choice of protein, and all in the name of a nutritious and varied meal.The Wagyu Sukiyaki ($25) meal-set combines slippery udon noodles, shredded beef, cabbage and mushrooms in a sweet and umami rich broth. Miso Pork Loin Katsu ($18.80) is the sort of crispy deep fried and sweet-sauced action that is dangerously more-ish. It’s also a lot of fun to eat, picking across the various nibbles and deciding how best to utilise the 62 degree egg both dishes come with—as dipping sauce, or broth enhancer? Finish with some Matcha Anmitsu ($6) a.k.a. green tea ice cream and strange jelly bits, and you’ve uncovered one of the better ways to spend a CBD lunch hour.

Level 1,The Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney (02) 9283 4835 yayoi.com.au Japanese $$

crosshatched slab of Swordfish ($18) was cooked precisely as requested.

107-109 George Street,The Rocks (02) 9492 3290 williambluedining.com Modern Australian $$ Bar at the End of the Wharf My date’s late, so I’m nursing an Old Fashioned ($20), gritty with undissolved sugar. Sitting in a theatre bar surrounded by urbane theatre types, it strikes me as incongruous to be tucking into Dip Boards ($22/2 people) and Meatballs ($14) in tomato marjoram in front of a world-class view. More balls arrive – this time Spicy Chorizo and Pea Arancini ($12) – punctuated by drinks: a nicely tart Tommy’s Margarita ($18) and a summery Sippin’ By The Sea ($18). It’s an easydrinking companion to lightly battered Calamari ($16) with smoked paprika aioli.

The Village Inn

Yet maybe there’s something to be said for pre-theatre food being egalitarian and accessible, down to Cauliflower ($9) with paprika and tahini.

Pier 4, Hickson Road,Walsh Bay (02) 9250 1761 Bar, Bar Food $$

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES The Dandylion Bondi The demise of movie rentals has seen Chitti Lardi open a fully-fledged vegetarian diner (with vegan options) in an old Bondi DVD store. Popular dishes include Caramelised Tempeh, Shitake Mushrooms & Kale Dumplings ($18) with chilli and sweet miso sauce, and brie-stuffed Portobello Mushrooms ($19). Pumpkin

are food, which is rare for a pub,” he admits.The Underwood ($18) has many fans with its braised, pickled beef, honey carrots and mustard served on toasted soy linseed bread – I don’t think it’s a House of Cards reference but this sanga certainly holds a lot of power.The Pet Two Four ($17) wins the game for best tasting pun: a ham hock terrine with duck rillette (because ducks have two legs and pigs have four – get it?).While on the lighter side, the Nordic ($17), cured salmon with smoked baby potatoes and delicious cr nchy capers, pairs nicely with a glass of Pfeiffer Pinot Gris ($12). But don’t listen to me; you can still get your Guinness on tap.And call it a snazzy ‘tradies’ doughnut’ if you will – but the Chocolate Churros ($8) goes down a treat.

9-11 Glenmore Road, Paddington (02) 9331 0911 thevillageinn.com.au Pub Food $$

Ribs & Burgers Zetland With a smile that could light up a thousand service stations, we were greeted at the register by an enthusiastic attendee who wholeheartedly put the ‘zeal’ into Zetland.Taking a seat after ordering, I noticed the long queue of locals lining up for large brown paper bags to take away.The Old School Cheese Burger ($10.50) could have used a higher ‘patty to bun’ ratio, as the meat was its only decent feature. Pork Spare Ribs ($28.50) were a little on the dry side, but the smoky BBQ sauce was a savior, albeit thinly spread. Surprisingly, my standout were Chicken Wings ($9.50) with sticky soy.We also had a kick-ass Vanilla Malt Thick Shake ($7).

Tenancy 1 APEX Building, 6 Defries Avenue, Zetland (02) 9697 0888 ribsandburgers.com/au/ American $$-$$$ Lucio Pizzeria Venture into Tomorrowland –

city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

otherwise known as Zetland.

Swallow down a portent dose of the future, where you can purchase an Audi as easily as you can order a name brand Lucio pizza. Grappling with the location over Birra Ichnusa ($8), I volunteer: it’s Shanghai without the chaos. “Hence Singapore,” our neighbours at the cheek-tojowl tables, helpfully supply. By contrast, the artisan pizzas are imperfectly perfect – complete with bubbling, chewy crusts and minimal toppings, like Speck ($21) with mozzarella and Fontina, or paper-thin prosciutto, rocket and cherry tomatoes, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan on Filetto ($21). Cold cuts also feature on Il Grand Tagliere ($36.50) a heaving antipasto board won by superfresh buffalo mozzarella.

Shop 34, East Village, 2-4 Defries Avenue, Zetland (02) 9697 3028 luciopizzeria.com.au Pizza, Italian $$

Hotel Palisade

By Alex Harmon With a convict-cum-chic menu, craft beers and views of the coat hanger, one of Sydney’s oldest pubs has reopened with a vengeance. Overlooking Barangaroo, it still has a certain quietness, with a whiff of potential;

Ravioli with Goats Cheese ($24) are out of this world - testament to there being an Italian chef in the house.The Dead Man’s Chest ($16) – containing Sailor Jerry, Cointreau, orange and passionfruit = entices you to batten down the hatches and make a night of it at the bar.The dandiest dessert ever goes to the Peanut Butter and Orange Tiramisu ($13), served with a flower and a smile.

277 Bondi Road, Bondi (02) 9365 1567 dandylion.com.au Vegetarian,Vegan $$ Acme While the much-lauded ACME’s Macaroni, Pig’s Head, Egg Yolk ($18) is undeniably delicious, you might be left wondering: where’s the rest of it? Engaging staff do give adequate warning duos need three pastas, three entrees, salad and probably

and with plans to open a penthouse bar upstairs, the owners are surely banking on this. Grab yourself a Feral Hop Hog ($6.50/$11), a pale ale that packs a punch of hops from the Swan Valley and pull up at the bar, or for a little speakeasy elegance, take the Governors Gimlet ($16), a petite cocktail with gin, celery liqueur and lime, into the parlour room and find a cosy, dark nook.The food is very working class English, with a side of Sydney sophistication, like the Potted Chicken Liver Pate ($12) topped with cider jelly, or the Chicken and Tarragon Pie ($22) with minted peas and potato mash. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a gastro pub a stone’s throw from The Rocks, full of revelry, even on a Sunday night.

And if you want to stick to historically themed revelry, you simply must end with smashed Toffee Cheesecake ($10) and a Spiced Negroni ($17) – the sweetness of the former will caress the bitterness of the latter nicely.

35 Bettington Street, Millers Point (0421) 001 474 hotelpalisade.com.au Pub Bistro $$

dessert. Gnawing on a fistful of raw baby Turnips in Bottaga Butter ($12), it’s hard not to contemplate food costs - especially as a snack-sized half roasted Beetroot on Macadamia Butter ($14) lands, accentuated by grated coffee bean.The winning aspect is Chef Mitch Orr’s imaginative combinations: Beef Tartare, Prawn and Burnt Onion ($24) and Spaghetti ($24) with calamari and Korean bolognaise. Foamy Coconut Rice Cream ($10), hiding a treasure trove of caramelized white chocolate, nails dessert.

60 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay (02) 8068 0932 weareacme.com.au Modern Australian $$$ GREATER SYDNEY Lan Yuan Genius glossy wasabi mayonnaise in Lan

FOOD NEWS

Yuan Angus Beef ($26) makes it an easy favourite in Top Ryde’s new bamboo garden. Seek haven in Taoism or Buddhism - Tsing Tao ($8) or Lucky Buddha ($8).

Peering through Chinese bamboo at the giant outdoor TV screen feels very Hong Kong.The chefs are also from the former British colony, meaning they’re great at making Southern Chinese dishes for those who don’t tolerate heat, like gentle Live Pippies in XO ($30/500g). For those that do, there’s Szechuan Chicken ($22). Lan Yuan Fried Rice ($18/small) proves worth the spend, with tender scallops, king prawns and crab roe; and the Egg Yolk Tofu ($20) here is addictive.

Shop 4005, Level 1,Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Devlin Street, Ryde (02) 9808 1030 lanyuan.com.au Chinese $$$

By Jackie McMillan

My Farmers Market Table Farmers’ markets are basically some of my favourite things.When weekend availability permits, I’ll click up the kilometres in order to check out locally grown or produced food offerings from areas including the Canberra district, the Southern Highlands and up north as far as Newcastle and Blackhead.When I heard about Christiana Stergiou’s new business, My Farmers Market Table, I saw it as a unique opportunity to extend my range (without so much wear and tear on my vehicle). Christiana, a woman after my own heart, is hand-selecting monthly (or one-off) Discovery Boxes ($149/month) made up of non-perishable items (think: nuts, dried fruits, honey, nut butters and oils) from farmers’ markets in different food regions across the country.This month her Tasting Box ($99/month) allowed me to unpack produce from the Byron Bay hinterlands, including two products I now can’t live without: Grumpy Grandma’s Infused Wood Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and their Au Naturale Sun-Dried Olives. I also appreciated the opportunity to try locally grown Nashua Valley Organics Arabica coffee beans. Christiana will tailor any

bar fly

coffee she includes to the style you prefer to use at home, be that beans, or a particular type of grind. She can also accommodate vegetarians and vegans in her boutique box selections. www.myfmt.com.au

By Amie Barbeler

Grain Bar 199 George St, Sydney (02) 9250 3118 grainbar.com.au If you can’t afford a room at the Four Seasons, spend the night at its swanky hotel bar that coolly juts off the side instead.While my date was no stranger to whisky, Grain Bar’s comprehensive Scotch menu left me cross-eyed somewhere in between the Glenfarclas and the Glenfiddich. Luckily I was rescued by the bar’s ‘Whiskipedia’, Daniel, seconds before I was about to shut my eyes and make a random selection. As my date nosed her way through a Whisky Tasting ($30/4), it was the Swipe Right ($18) from Grain Bar’s new spring cocktail menu that caught my attention.While the focus might be on whisky at this artisan bar, this tart mix of gin, Cointreau, lemon and sugar shaken with mango and pepper, is what I’ll remember most.While our personalised whisky masterclass continued long into the night, we shared a trio of juicy beef, crispy chicken and pork’n’pineapple sliders ($21).

EAT & DRINK Rosie Campbell’s

Bright, sunshiny colours and a cosy, welcoming interior transform this difficult corner space into the type of spot you’ll probably enjoy spending time in.Throw in a waitress with a Caribbean grandmother, and you’ll soon have the toasted coconut topped Bowl of Corn ($8) and vibrant, soupy Callaloo Greens ($8) on your table, with some idea about how to eat them. Hint: they’ll brighten $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

INNER WEST Damda The first thing you’ll notice at Damda, beyond the strong design aesthetic, is the monstrous, smoke-belching oven and tattooed, Korean coal-master.

This modern reinterpretation of Korean barbecue - the name means ‘resemble’ – is doing things differently. Instead of cooking at your table, sit back and enjoy cocktail carafes like delicate Green Seoul ($25) with mint, grape and lemon. Sticky-sweet chilli rice cake skewers, Ddeok Ggochi ($8/10 pieces), are great against Korean Cass ($6) beer.

By Jackie McMillan up your Grilled Jerk Chicken ($18), but are also good enough to simply say: hell, hand me a spoon! Snapper Ceviche ($20) accentuates lovely fresh snapper with hot sauce.Another hot sauce highlight is their housemade habanero guava – fruity, hot and exciting – and for everyone else there’s jerk mayo. Smother ‘em over the fries that come with your Soft Shell Crab Burger ($18). It ain’t first date material, but it’s a juicy blast of deep fried crustacean barely contained between two soft, golden buns.The kitchen outpaced our rum-based cocktail selections, so get a Red Stripe ($8) to tide you over. If I’m truthful, beers may make the better eating companions.

The aptly named Campbell’s Sip ($19) with Pampero dark rum; Floyd’s Old Fashioned ($22) made on Ron Zacapa 23 year old, and even the Kingston Sour ($18) with Appleton Estate V/X, all functioned better as postdinner sip’n’savour drinks to me.

320 Campbell Street, Surry Hills (02) 8356 9120 rosiecampbells.com Caribbean, Jamaican $$

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

Outstandingly tender and smoky Kalbi Beef Ribs ($35.50) arrive in a large metal tray, laden with gochujang noodle salad, cornballs, lotus root chips and house-made kimchi. Add on more meat – like Bossam ($17) (pork belly) – and apply the three accompanying sauces.

166 Norton Street, Leichhardt (02) 9560 0527 facebook.com/ damda2015 Korean $$ Majestic Harvest Despite some hipster trappings - Edison bulbs, cold drip, and dishes presented on boards and in frypans - the food is remarkably

$$$$ - mains over $30

honest and free from (much) pretension. The aforementioned, slightly unwieldy frypan, dubbed The Majestic ($19), is loaded with well-handled kale, supple Serrano ham, a trio of poached eggs with rich golden yolks, baked beans and black pudding. Taleggio and basil have been softly folded through Scrambled Eggs ($12.50) offset by roasted Roma tomatoes. For those who cringe at butter, a board bearing Bircher Muesli ($11) with blueberries, walnuts and coconut, is made compelling by blackened apple compote. Allpress Coffee scrubs up well as a Latte ($3.50) despite the machine running flat chat.

NILS

No Interest Loans Scheme

FOOD NEWS

By Amie Barbeler

Smooth Festival of Chocolate I approached this month’s Smooth Festival of Chocolate like I would if I were shopping while starving: I literally threw anything that looked remotely delicious into my trolley (aka: mouth). After avoiding breakfast, so I could have as much room available for edible decadence as possible, I started my cacao journey at Chocolate Del Mondo, where I dived face first into a Volcanic Chocolate Eruption ($10). Imagine a soft pyramid of chocolate cake erupting pure Belgian milk chocolate... I was off to a solid start. Next, I hit up Black Star Pastry for a slice of their summery White Chocolate Strawberry Watermelon Cake ($9). In between, I cleansed my palate with ‘3 Bean’ Coffee Tim Tams. After burping a marshmallow back up, I knew I’d hit my limit, so I valiantly rolled myself back to Black Star Pastry in the name of Pastry Tacos ($10/3). No 49 New Canterbury Road, Petersham (02) 8097 2222 majesticgourmetgrocers.com.au Breakfast, Café $ DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Dragoncello Chef Roy McVeigh marches to the sound of his own beat – and to be honest, it’s refreshing. In an unpretentious upstairs room, enlivened by vibrant Tapestry Girl pegboard murals, he defies expectations with a Sydney Rock Oyster, Burnt Leek, Potato Skins and Citrus Leaf Gel ($3/ each) presented without any visible bivalve. Toffee Beetroot,

regrets; although my pants may beg to differ. My pants also say: if you are really serious about eating the most out of the third Smooth Festival of Chocolate next year, it’d be prudent to invest in some weekly practice at festival standout - Black Star Pastry - who began their journey in Newtown. www.smoothfestivalofchocolate.com.au

Boudin Noir, Crackling and Apple ($18) utilises sweetness to wellbalanced effect; ditto my dish of the night: Pea Mousse ($28) set under a tangle of its own leaves and flowers, with candied bacon and poured-at-the-table Parmesan broth. Geranium Panna Cotta ($17) deftly juggles intense floral sweetness with tomato soup cake and two forms of rhubarb. Nope, haven’t seen that before.

Level 1, 466 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills (02) 8399 0907 dragoncello.com.au Bar, Modern Australian $$$ Master Breaking ranks with the ‘simple food done well’ trend everyone seems to be following, Master

takes some risks in a reasonably priced menu. What looked like tuna sashimi turned out to be Watermelon in Preserved Mustard & Nori ($10), and tasted like nothing I’ve tried before. Roasted Squid with Snow Pea Sprouts ($20) convinces you the noodlelooking things are noodles, but they’re squid. Burnt Cabbage with Fish Sauce Butter ($18) is the best cabbage I’ve had. Period. If you go here and don’t order it, we can’t be friends. Trying to explain the flavour of Congee with Pear and Coriander ($10) would be like trying to describe a colour you’ve never seen, so I won’t bother.

368 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 8065 0838 masterdining.com.au Chinese $$

Annandale Interiors

TIMBER, TEXTILE, LEATHER, WINDOW TREATMENTS AND CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE

www.nilsnswfindascheme.org.au

NILS is a community managed small loan program developed by the Good Shepherd Mirofinance designed to assist low income people, i.e., receiving income support from Centrelink.

Loans for around $1,000 are for new essential household items, medical goods and other worthwhile purposes.

Phone 1800 509 994

8:30am to 12:30pm & 1:00pm to 4pm MoNday to FrIday except public holidays for information/eligibility/schemes in your local area.

NILS is not for emergency relief, bond or rent, living expenses or debt repayment.

For advice on credit & debt difficulties, please call the

Financial Counselling Hotline 1800 007 007.

ORLANDO SPRING PACKAGE 3.5 seater + 2.5 seater + Ottoman Sofabed

Normally $4,348 Now Only $2,999 Pre-Christmas Delivery (Fabric Options Available) 38-42 Parramatta Rd Stanmore 2048 Tel: (02) 9565 1275— annint1@optusnet.com.au www.annandaleinteriors.com.au - www.facebook.com/annandaleinteriors city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ALL THE DIFFERENCE All the Difference, a new play written and directed

by Paul Gilchrist and starring Kathy Schuback, is a witty and exciting take on life choices. Playing through to the end of this week, it tells the story of Flik, who is living a ‘chose your own adventure’ life where choice is a first world problem and denial is a first world solution.

An incredibly interactive play, it requires audience participation. Like every good ‘choose your own adventure’ story, at certain points through the story Flik will require help from the audience in choosing which way she should go.This makes the play an incredibly unique experience each show.

Presented by Subtlenuance as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, it is original theatre at its best. Expect a lot of twists and turns as you decide Flik’s fate.

Following on from Paul Gilchrist’s previous onewoman show, Blind Tasting, which was both critically acclaimed and loved by audiences;All the Difference is expected to be the same.A welcome addition to the Sydney Fringe Festival. (LB) Until Sept 26, 7pm. Old 505 Theatre,

505/342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. $18–$24 (group of 6 or more $20).

Tickets & info: sydneyfringe.com

City Of Angels City of Angels, the current production by Rockdale Musical Society, has nothing to do with the movie of the same name that starred Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage. It is a musical that was first performed on Broadway in

1989, and is one of the acknowledged greats of twentieth century musical theatre.

Set in LA in the late 1940’s, this film noir musical comedy was the winner of six Tony Awards including best musical, score and book.With a cast of 20 and a live big band with a jazz flavour of no fewer than 13 musicians, this production is an enjoyable two and a half hours filled with variety - talented singing, dancing and acting, ample use of a smoke machine, swirling lighting, shadow play, voice over, tap dancing, flashbacks and violence with plenty of intrigue and mystery.

Basically, this City of Angels has two plots - a Hollywood comedy and a detective drama - that become more and more intertwined until they merge into one.Alaura Kingsley (Steph McKenna), a socialite married to a 74-year-old in an iron lung, is ushered into private detective Stone’s (Craig Davidson) office by Oolie, his Girl Friday.Alaura hires him to find her stepdaughter, Mallory Kingsley.

The man at the typewriter is Stine (Lachlan O’Brien), author of popular detective novels, one of which he is now adapting for his first screenplay for Buddy Fidler (Simon Ward), a Hollywood director who is claiming cowriting credit.

City of Angels is complicated, the plot has multiple layers. If you can follow its twists and turns, you’ll certainly find a sense of achievement. (MS) Until Sept 27. Rockdale Town Hall, 448 Princes Hwy, Rockdale. $29-$34.

Tickets & info: rockdalemusicalsociety.com or 0448 064 749

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

14 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 Sounds 18 SCREEN

Matt Okine – The Other Guy Comedian and Triple J Breakfast co-host Matt Okine launches his fourth national tour, The Other Guy, starting mid-September and ending in November.

According to Okine, the ‘other guy’ in the name of the tour isn’t a person per se, it’s a figurative way of saying ideals and “the fertilizer that always makes the grass look greener.”aHis fourth show will be different from the others; it’s a personal one.

“This show is completely different, and super personal. I go deeper on this show than I ever have. I drop a lot of bombs that were super painful to go through at the time, but super funny in hindsight.”

Most importantly, Okine wants the audience to laugh their way to rock hard abs.

“If you want to get your beach bod ready for your next shopping mall catwalk fashion show, then this one’s for you.” (AMal) Sept 25. Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Road, Newtown. $35.58.

Tickets & info: ticketek.com.au.

Make IT With JMC The JMC Academy has just launched an exciting new initiative for their student body which brings together students from their different courses involving music, business management, animation, game development and TV production to work on collaborative commercial projects - and in doing so get real world experience. You may have already heard their first efforts, a series of commercials for ARN and Austereo. The second project has students from game development, animation and digital design creating a bespoke line of t-shirts for the merchandise store.

Integrating real world skills and experience, particular an understanding of how each creative stream plays a role in producing an end product is something that the JMC Academy puts a high value. “We felt the best way to give our students this opportunity was to involve them in pitching concepts for a series of real commercial projects we had on scope. Instead of financially rewarding external providers, we were able to remunerate our students for the same work with potentially more honest and better outcomes” said Head of Marketing and Branding Karen Markakis.

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

With the valuable and tangible skills that the students learn from this initiative you can expect to see them head out into the real world creative space and become valuable members of the arts community in any manner of genres from television, stage, music or technological creative industries. (JA)

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Alicia Sim, Nyssa Booth, Lauren Edwards, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olga Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Jemma Clarke.

The Gondoliers Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Sydney showcases The Gondoliers from this Friday. If you want to see an opera without drama but full of lively music and humour, this is your best bet.

It focuses on two gondoliers, Marco and Guiseppe, who must disappoint their new brides Tessa and Gianetta when they not only find out they’re not brothers, but that one of them is a king and was promised in childhood to Casilda, daughter of the eccentric Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro.

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE MATILDA THE MUSICAL Roald Dahl’s story of a remarkably clever little girl with magical abilities has finally received the musical treatment.

Matilda’s magical powers are downplayed in favour of her other abilities – her brilliant storytelling and astonishing academic finesse, her piercing wit and the devious pranks she plays on her neglectful parents.With a mesmerizing combination of music and staging to play up these devices – the lack of magic tricks is hardly a bother.The characters in this adaption strike a

Directed by Gordon Costello with musical director Rod Mounjed and choreographer Elizabeth Lowrence, this joyful opera stars Dean Sinclair, Michael Bond, Anthony Mason and Spencer Darby. (AMal) Sept 25 – Oct 3, 8pm. Smith Auditorium Lyric Theatre, Shore School, William Street, North Sydney. $35-$40 (group and family rates avaliable).

Tickets & info: gsosydney.com.au

perfect balance between comic and authentic.This is a show with something for all age groups. Fans of Dahl and Tim Minchin’s music alike should be satisfied. (AM) Until October 25. Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont. $50-$150.Tickets & info: au.matildathemusical.com or ticketmaster.com.au SCREAMERS! This comic cabaret takes aim at the current state of Australian politics. Described as Mad Max meets Wizard of Oz meets Question Time - the show features many camp cabaret moments mixed in

amongst sharp and saucy satire as the cast moves along the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ to Parliament House to confront the not-so-wonderful Lizard of Oz in their quest for fairness, recognition and equality.The production makes a powerful statement about domestic violence, accompanied by a rocking live rendition of The Divinyls’ Boys In Town.

Red Cross donations will be collected at the shows, with all money raised going towards related causes. In a celebration of fluidity and liberty, Screamers! will have you laughing and cheering as the cast drags it all up in the name of democracy. Starring Joseph Chetty as Dorothy and Jackie Vance as

Auntie Em. (ES) Until Sept 24. Giant Dwarf, 199 Cleveland St, Redfern.

Sept 25–26. Imperial Hotel, 35 Erskinville Road, Erskinville. $25–$35.Tickets & info: sydneyfringe.com KINSKI & I Klaus Kinski lived his life to the extreme. He was also one of the most successful onscreen actors of all time. Kinski’s thrilling autobiography, which was initially banned due to the brash content, is brought to life through a multimedia smorgasbord of wickedness in Kinski and I by CJ Johnson–movie critic, ABC host of

Movieland, playwright and filmmaker.

Johnson presents the banned writings of Kinski through a theatrical fantasia of humour and obscenity.The production explores Kinski’s extreme encounters and it not a show for the faint-hearted.

(NB) Until Sept 27. Venue 505, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. $22-$33.

Tickets & info: kinskiandi.com or sydneyfringe.com MOTHERS AND SONS Twenty years after her son’s untimely death from AIDS, Katherine (Anne Tenney,The Castle) is facing old age alone, bereft and desperate following the recent

death of her husband. She fronts up unexpectedly at the New York apartment of her son’s former lover, Cal, who lives there with his new partner and their six-year-old son.

Katherine still harbours the same old fear, anger, disapproval and bitter prejudices – and her visit makes some attempt at coming to terms with her loss. Issues of gender and monogamy abound in this modern day family drama that brings private lives out into the open. (MS) Until Sept 27. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $30-$69.Tickets & info: ensemble. com.au or (02) 9929 0644

Kinetic Energy Celebrates 40 Years Kinetic Energy Theatre Company celebrates 40 years of contributing to creation and performing arts in Australia with a program carefully curated over two weekends.

Presenting across three segments, the celebrations reflect the company’s deep commitment to cultural innovation and experimentation in theatre.

Kicking off last weekend (Sept 18–20), Kinetic Energy presented the musical theatre production Home, with a uniquely cast ensemble of 10 performers. Critiquing the growing gap between rich and poor, Home placed its characters in a filmic soundscape to portray a multidimensional perspective on homelessness in Sydney.

Over the second weekend, the theatre company introspectively looks back on its body of work in Illuminate, presenting both live and filmed excerpts from its

40 year history. Kinetic Energy also presents Tune In, a jazz event featuring four live bands performing unique arrangements as well as improvising on the day.

“Our endurance comes from our ability to rediscover our inner drive, from maintaining our practice, and from our quest for truth, which is neverending,” explained Graham Smith and Jepke Goudsmit, the co-directors of the company.

“We have had to reinvent ourselves and create new audiences a few times over the years.”

The troupe’s versatility and willingness to explore new initiatives means we’ll be seeing them for at least another forty years to come. (ES) ‘Illuminate’ September 2526. ‘Tune In’ Sept 27. St Luke’s Hall, 11 Stanmore Rd, Enmore. Tickets & info: kineticenergytheatre.org city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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T H E NA K E D C I TY

TALLY HO AND OFF THEY GO!

By Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death Oscar Wilde described it as “the unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible”.

Traditional fox hunting involving horses, riders and packs of blood thirsty hounds is considered barbaric these days – but is it ready for a much needed renaissance?

Maybe it is, if you believe recent newspaper reports that a plague of foxes has beset the Eastern and Southern suburbs of Sydney, savaging chickens, terrorizing native fauna and generally freaking out the landed gentry.The move is now on for Councils and residents alike to confront this feral menace, recording their movements on a dedicated website called Foxscan and eventually driving them from the urban landscape.

Considering the success rate in controlling other feral critters like cats, the prospects of ridding the burbs of the elusive and innately cunning red fox seem rather dim. Foxes were first introduced into mainland Australia around the 1870s, some say as early as 1833 in Tasmania.They were brought here primarily by hunters, no doubt homesick for a bit of good old English bloodsport.Today we are lumped with numbers approaching seven million, and it’s not surprising they have migrated from the rural to the built up urban areas.

These days traditional fox hunts still take place in many parts of the world, but often a lure is substituted for the live animal. Live fox hunting has been banned in the UK since 2005, following years of protests, but still survives in parts of Australia, especially Victoria where hunt clubs supposedly dispose of about 650 foxes a year.

It might seem outrageous to some, but perhaps Sydney should consider

a traditional fox hunt (possibly the last one ever), staged as a NSW ‘big event’ complete with the blessing of the State Government. Mike Baird has always dreamed of a formula one grand prix race across the Harbour Bridge, but why not a fox hunt instead?

The event would not only draw attention to the problem of feral foxes in suburban Sydney, but create a spectacle worthy of Cecil B DeMille.

Hundreds of riders, horses and bloodhounds would take part, pursuing the hapless fox from North Sydney to Watsons Bay.The route would cut a swathe through the CBD, down through the Domain and into the mean streets of Woolloomooloo.Tally ho – away we go, up the Brougham street rat run into William Street and onwards towards Double Bay, trampling anything in its way.

Thousands would line the roadside, equally divided in their support for either the fox or the furious hunting posse of hounds and horses. No doubt there would be animal rights protestors, but their presence would only add to the spectacle with choppers hovering above to film this historic and appropriately symbolic occasion.Yes, it would be Australia’s way of saying “we are not going to let feral animals get the better of us, be they cats, camels or foxes – long live the potoroo and bugger the wild dog!”

Of course we would love to see the newly anointed Malcolm Turnbull, regardless of his equestrian ability, lead the charge of wily foxhunters, aristocratically resplendent in top hat and red coat. As the yapping, salivating pack of hounds closed in on the now exhausted fox,Turnbull could heroically intervene, snatching the trembling animal from the jaws of death and later having it compassionately euthanized.

Streets of Papunya Streets of Papunya presents a fascinating look into the history of modern Aboriginal art, delving beyond the examples of tourist shop knock-offs we are so often presented with.

This exhibition unearths the tumultuous history of Papunya, a Western Desert town regarded as the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal painting. Curator Vivien Johnson also authored the meticulously researched accompanying book, Streets of Papunya:The re-invention of Papunya painting. Johnson tell’s the history of Papunya painting through artwork examples dating back to Albert Namatjira’s final paintings, executed in 1959, through to examples from the 1970s

Doris Bush Nungarrayi painting a version of Tjurrpinyi (Swimming at Haasts Bluff) at the new Papunya Tjupi art centre, c.2012. (Photo courtesy Papunya Tjupi Arts)

NEAR KIN KIN As part of the newly revamped Art & About program, this soaring bamboo tower stands over 20 metres tall, situated in the high thoroughfare location of the forecourt of Customs House Square.This structural achievement has been a huge feat for design collaborate Cave Urban, based off a previous 12-metre construction for Sculptures by the Sea. The tower’s ties to nature reflect upon the many layers of Sydney Cove’s history, and encourage bustling city commuters to step inside and be 16

city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

and 80s when the town was simultaneously experiencing it’s ‘glory days’ and dark times as the ‘carpetbagging capital of the desert’, and on to the modern renaissance.

In particular, this exhibition showcases the remarkable art of the present day women painters of Papunya, including those who joined the movement in the 1980s (regarded as the first women painters of the desert) and a celebration of the reemergence of Papunya painting maintained by present day female painters as part of the Papunya Tjupi Arts Centre established in 2007.

These artworks are accompanied by other materials including short films and an extensive family tree mapping the artist families of Papunya (the exhibition takes it’s name from the streets of the town, named after famous artist families), allowing visitors to not only grasp the beauty and technique of the paintings, but also the whole history.

An exhibition that treats Aboriginal art and it’s history with the regard and respect it deserves, this is not to be missed. (AM) Until Nov 7,Tues–Sat, 10am-5pm.

UNSW Galleries, cnr Oxford Street and Greens Road, Paddington. Free.

Info: artdesign.unsw.edu.au

reminded be absorbed in the visual and acoustic tranquillity. (AM) Sept 18–Oct 11. Customs House Square forecourt. Info: caveurban. com or artandabout.com.au ZERO CONCERTO One of the leading artists of our generation, Jim Lambie brings a curated selection of his diverse body of work to the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery under the united title Zero Concerto. An instillation artist also working in the expanded field of painting, Lambie is regarded as one of the most significant artists to have

Virtual Voyage These school holidays Marrickville Metro is offering their customers a completely different experience with Virtual Voyage.Through Google and Samsung headsets powered

by Google Nexus and Samsung Galaxy respectively, the user is exposed to a virtual reality experience.

The headsets will have a custom built app, which when peering through the headset will bring to life an immersive new world.

“There will be a series of iconic Australian environments [allowing you to] go flying with native Australian birds and swimming with native Australian sea life,” explained Katey Young, Marrickville Metro’s Marketing Manager.

After the technology had its debut at Amplify Festival (a technology conference with AMP at the helm), Virtual Voyage had stints at

emerged from his home city of Glasgow.The exhibition is a wild kaleidoscope cocktail featuring a psychedelic palette of vinyl tape, multicoloured potato sacks, and bicycle wheels. (AM) Until Sept 26. Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, 8 Soudan Lane, Paddington.

Free. Info: roslynoxley9.com.au INSPIRATION BY DESIGN: WORD AND IMAGE For the first time in Sydney, audiences are able to see one of Pablo Picasso’s art books,

Casula Mall and the Way Out West Festival.The response was overwhelmingly positive, which led to Marrickville Metro jumping on board.

For a whole week during the school holidays the Metro will play host to this cutting edge technology that will inspire awe not just in children but adults too.

According to Young:“It’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, and the purpose is to bring imagination to life.” (ASim) Until Sept 27.

Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Rd, Marrickville.

Free. Info: marrickvillemetro.com.au fashion sketches by Dior and Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations.This exhibition from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is now at the State Library.This international collection celebrates over 150 years worth of the world’s finest and most talented artists, illustrators and designers. Over 100 designs, illustrations and images will be on display.The State Library has taken this opportunity to also showcase Australian Design. Illustrations of the original Blinky Bill by Dorothy Wall are featured, as well as a Jørn Utzon’s

The great fox hunt would come to a politically correct (albeit somewhat anti-climactic) end. No blood would be spilled and no animals would be harmed in the making of this epic, apart from the odd ibis trampled beyond recognition in the Domain. Hopefully the fox population of Sydney would then take the hint and return to the more rural areas to join their brethren cats, camels, water buffaloes and cane toads. In the meantime if you spot a sneaky fox in your hood, do your bit for the local fauna and let the authorities know at feralscan.org.au/foxscan/

Ryoji Ikeda – superposition Returning to Sydney by popular demand, renowned Japanese electronic music/visual artist Ryoji Ikeda brings his latest state-of-the-art film and sounds installation to Carriageworks; superposition was labelled as ‘one of the best concerts of the year’ by The New York Times at it’s NY opening.

Ikeda implements human performers for the first time ever in his work; exploring the conceptual world opened up by quantum theory.The two performers complement a varied a combination of 10 synchronised video screens, real-time content feeds and digital sound sculptures.

The audience is provoked to question how they process information in their everyday lives, as abstract visualisations of digital data develop predominantly in black and white, accompanied by sounds, with flashes of primary colours. Physical phenomena, mathematical concepts, human behaviour and randomness are simultaneously arranged and rearranged in this intriguing performance installation. original sketch of the Sydney Opera House. (JC) Until Sept 27. State Library of NSW, Macquarie St, Sydney. Free.

Information: sl.nsw.gov.au PEOPLE LIKE US This varied and excellently curated collection of works exploring the interrelationships between art, technology and the human experience; implementing video, sound and sculptural installations.

Interaction plays a key role in this exhibition, from George Poonkhin Khut’s Brighthearts app that invites you

“Ryoji continues to fascinate audiences globally with his unique interpretations of mathematics, symmetry, design, light and sound. Part installation, part music performance, superposition is a remarkable feat of engineering and artistic ingenuity,” said Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah.

“Of the many achievements at Carriageworks in recent years, we are especially proud to have introduced Sydney to the mastery of Ryoji Ikeda.

His installation two years ago (test pattern [N°5])was a high point of contemporary art in this city in recent years.” (RM) Sept 23–26, 8pm. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. $35.

Tickets & info: carriageworks.com.au to control beautiful moving images through your heartbeat; Su-Mei Tse’s aurally immersive purring cat portraits; Veloscape, an installation by Laura Fisher and Volker Kuchelmeister that takes you on a self-guided virtual bike tour through Sydney; and Inside – Topologies of Stroke, John McGhee’s virtual reality animation work that invites the viewer to explore the inner world inside our brains. (AM) Until Nov 7. UNSW Galleries, corner of Oxford Street and Greens Road.

Free. Info: artdesign.unsw.edu.au

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps LIVE AtThe SLY: If you haven’t already heard, there is a new weekly band night in town that has been creating a lot of noise recently and keeps going from strength to strength.This week the lineup features three rising Sydney bands in Smaal Cats, Easy Street and Swords - each with their own sound but all tied together by their captivating live performances.

Thu, Sep 24, SLYFOX Hotel E^ST: Following the recent release of her second EP,The Alley, this 17-year-old native of the New South Wales Central Coast travels down to our fine city to kick off the EP tour schedule. Blending urgent electronic beats with nostalgic pop, this young artists is rapidly growing into a force to be reckoned with.

Fri, Sep 25, Goodgod Small Club The Stiffys: Coinciding with the release of the Melbourne duo’s new EP,Art Rock One, the pair arrive in Sydney this week. Bringing with them some of the heaviest material of their careers but still maintaining their much loved experimental art rock sound.

Fri, Sep 25, Brighton Up Bar DustinTebbutt: Nearly two years after his debut record The Breach set the music world alight,Tebbutt finally returns home after spending some time huddled away during a bleak Scandinavian winter.This show will act as somewhat of a teaser for an upcoming mini-album.

Fri, Sep 25, FactoryTheatre Slum Sociable: Before they release their debut EP, Slum Sociable have given fans a

Buried In Verona By jamie apps Over the past 18 months Buried In Verona has really gone through the ringer, both individually and as a group, so much so the future of the band was called into question. Old members departed before new faces were brought into the fold, which has put the band in their strongest position and mindset to date.

The group has never tried to hide the problems they were struggling with from the fans, this has never been more evident than in their latest release Vultures Above, Lions Below which inadvertently became a surrogate therapy session of sorts.“One hundred percent it was a very cleansing time to get a lot of crap off our chest lyrically and musically,” said frontman Brett Anderson.“It was our way to express all of the crap that’s happened and also tell the story about the positive changes we’re making both personally and as a band.”

Obviously with the addition of new members to the group there was an injection of new personalities and creative directions that influenced the new record, which still retained a lot of the original Buried In Verona sound. For Anderson, he believes that while the new members certainly played a part, it was more the fact that the band “never write the same record twice”, but they “write about where we are in our lives emotionally and musically, so I think that determines what comes out.”

If welcoming new members wasn’t a big enough challenge for the

little glimpse into the records direction with the first single,All Night, and will continue this slow-drip method of releasing the record with a performance in Sydney this weekend for their fans.With a stunning mixture of jazz influences and electronic sampling, they have a unique sound that has seen them rocketing up popularity charts and has the internet buzzing.

Sat, Sep 26, Goodgod Small Club Emma Pask: this Bondi resident and all-around Sydney girl will be celebrating the upcoming release this Friday of her latest album, Cosita Divina, by performing a free Latin-Jazz crossover show on Saturday afternoon with the help of a 10-piece live band.This will be one of the last live music performances you’ll have the chance to catch at Art & About’s temporary rooftop bar.

Sat, Sep 26,TheTerrace, SydneyTown Hall Antagonist A.D: The New Zealand hardcore outfit jumps across the divide this weekend for a run of headline shows, joined by Adelaide’s Reactions on support duties.The guys have earned high praise and respect for their outspoken, honest and sincere songwriting and lyrical work fused with modern hardcore produced under an old school approach. For Reactions, this tour is a fantastic opportunity to spread their metal influenced hardcore that has made a gigantic impact on the local scene since their inception in mid-2011.

Sun, Sep 27,Valve Bar

Ali Barter – AB-EP

Last Dinosaurs – Wellness

WWWW

WWW1/2

Talk about the ultimate in perfect timing, Melbourne songstress Ali Barter has released her third EP right as the weather syncs up 100% with the musics vibe.

Throughout the EP,Ali shows just how much she has grown in confidence in both her own voice and also her musical sound. She does this by not being afraid to switch things up and to try new things. Prime examples of this are the distinct shift in tempo and sound from dreamy synth infused opener Blood, to the indie-pop gem Hypercolour and finally to the slower emotional ballad style I Ask For So Little.

Closing out the EP with Ode 2 Summa perfectly wraps AB-EP into a nice little package that will have listeners singing along as they daydream of relaxing under the warmth of the upcoming summer sun. (JA)

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group, they decided to carry the weight of this record entirely on their own shoulders by discarding with producers and simply writing and recording Vultures Above, Lions Below with zero outside influences.“It definitely was a challenge logistically, managing all of these new responsibilities, but in another way it also unlocked a lot of creative doors for us and let us explore ideas a lot longer and push a lot harder than we normally should because of time limits and simply having a producer there guiding you through,” said Anderson. Obviously with this extra challenge and responsibility comes extra pride and fulfilment when looking back, so they are very proud of this record.

Ahead of the live shows Anderson said fans can expect to see “a revitalised, rejuvenated Buried In Verona who are on top of things in their personal and musical lives so we really want to show that.We’ve had a decent break now from touring because we were in a bad space but with a new vibe, new lineup and new attitude we’re just ready to go and can’t wait to play these songs live.”

Sep 24–25. Bald Faced Stag, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt. $24.80+b.f.Tickets & info: baldfacedstag.com.au

• Small Demolition

We Load • Deceased Estates

The last dinosaurs latest album,Wellness, sounds very healthy indeed, at least in a musical sense. Rich in texture and well rounded, this album is almost bursting with flavoursome sound.

This album is a delicious cake you eat with your ears.

Chocolatey bits of music, strung through with caramel, a solid yet spongey cake and the whole thing covered with a mousse like ambient cream, unifying and filling your ears without filling them up so much that it makes them say enough is enough.You can’t have too much of the Last Dinosaurs, they’ve weighed and measured every ingredient so that your ears would be happy to only consume the resulting deliciousness for the rest of their lives.

Take a few bites of Wellness, spoon it directly into your brain, it’ll make you feel pretty good. (SP)

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATIONS AT: Bondi Beachside Inn 152-162 Campbell Pde BONDI NSW 2026.

Glebe Island Wheat Silos. 1 Sommerville Rd, ROZELLE NSW 2039.

As part of a national infrastructure project Vodafone propose to upgrade an existing telecommunications facilities as detailed below: 1.The works at Vodafone site 2928 Bondi Beach and site 1543 Balmain South, will include; Installation of three (3) new antennas & associated infrastructure & the removal of three (3) existing antennas.

2.Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 based on the description above.

3.Further information can be obtained from Ben Brown 0413 329 094 and at www.rfnsa.com.au site number 2026001 (BONDI), site number 2039003 (BALMAIN) 4.Written submissions should be sent to High Force, PO Box 120, Virginia, Qld 4014 by no later than 09/10/2015

Mob: 0418 426 422 city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015

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MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival Glen Street Theatre presents The 18th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival in Sydney.

Every year the festival unites over 100,000 people in more than 300 cities, gathering in their respective cinemas to celebrate ten of the greatest short films of the year from all around the world.

Not only do the attendees get to view these critically acclaimed short films, they also vote for the Best Film and Best Actor, with votes from all across the globe being counted and winners being announced on Monday October 5.

With entries from Germany, USA, France, Turkey and many more, this years finalists range from bleak comedies and social commentaries to abstract art simulations and animated tales.

From a film following the friendship of two boys

during the Kosovo war, to one about two young sisters hearing moans from behind their parents’ door at night; this film festival really does have it all.

“This is by far the strongest show we have ever had. From the first scene to the last, these films will command every second of the audience’s attention,” said Founding Director Nicholas Mason.

For more information on MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival, or to watch trailers and read detailed interviews with the ten finalists, visit manhattanshort.com. (ASha) Sept 27, 3pm. Glen Street Theatre, corner Glen Street and Blackbutts Road, Belrose. $20.

Tickets & info: glenstreet.com.au or call 9975 1455

BLINKY BILL THE MOVIE

Australia’s iconic Blinky Bill, the adventurous koala affectionately regarded as something of a national treasure, returns to the silver screen in his latest big adventure.

When his father vanishes whilst on an exploration trip, Blinky Bill leaves his home in Green Patch on a quest to find him.

FILM ODDBALL Along the lines of Babe and Red Dog comes the inspiring true story of a farmer who, with the help of his dog, saves an entire colony of dying penguins and revives tourism in his small seaside town.This ‘magical’ (the narrator reminds us repeatedly) tale involves an eccentric chicken farmer (brilliantly acted by Shane Jackson) and his clever granddaughter (Coco Jack Gillies), alongside a mischievous dog (Oddball), cute fairy penguins and sly foxes.There is enough heart and humor to please both young and adults alike. Director Stuart McDonald brings depth to the characters, Oddball is Australian cinema come of age. (JR) WWW1/2 HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD The 70s was a period of great change, brought about from the clash of the conservative order with emerging progressive social and political values.Amidst the chaos and upheaval Greenpeace was born, adding environmentalism to the agenda. How To Change The World chronicles the 18

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A fine cast of Australian acting talent including Ryan Kwantan,Toni Colette, Deborah Mailman, Barry Humphries and Richard Roxburgh provide the voices in this mammoth CGI feature and bring a strange array of animated animals to life.

Mesmerizing, colourful and a delight to watch, this film showcases the beauty of the great Australian outdoors and should be irresistible to overseas audiences.

Scary scenes and dark characters could potentially have evolved a frightening film experience for the much younger children, but these elements were cleverly negated by the zany characters, humorous sequences and dialogue.

Perfect holiday entertainment for the entire family, this film delivers important life lessons to the young and more impressionable viewers. (MMo) WWW

rise of the organisation, drawing on unseen archival footage, voiceover excerpts from Greenpeace founder Bob Hunter’s writing and interviews with fellow activists including his wife Bobbi Hunter.There are some poignant scenes to be found in Greenpeace’s first expedition to stop Russian whaling vessels off the Californian coast in 1975. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance that Greenpeace’s work accomplishes.

(ASim) WWW1/2 KILL ME THREE TIMES In more ways than one, this movie offers nothing new.This said, from the moment Simon Pegg says that loved yet despised four letter word that thou-shall-not-say-to-your-parent, the movie offers a unique element which defines good cinema: entertainment!

Kill Me Three Times is a blood-soaked, darkly comic-action thriller that tells the story of an assassin (Pegg) who is hired to kill a woman (Alice Braga) of a sun-drenched Western Australian town, but finds himself in the middle of mayhem, chaos and blackmail. It is told thrice from different perspectives and

time-frames; not genuine, but amazingly fun to watch. (JR) WWWW GAYBY BABY This extraordinary Australian documentary delves into the lives of a few same-sex couples with children, and asks whether they can simultaneously provide both the mothering and fathering skills to raise a family.These families’ lives are put under the microscope as cameras follow them, their parenting skills showcased and open for public scrutiny. Revealing interviews, notably with the the children (who have been told their parents have “sinned against God”) are thought-provoking, effectively illustrating their concerns for their families. (MMo) WWW1/2 LIFE Based on the true story of photographer Dennis Stock’s (Robert Pattinson) encounters and experiences working with the iconic and mysterious movie star James Dean (Dane Dehaan); Life unfolds just as Dean’s film East of Eden is about to be released.What follows is the tale of a friendship that developed between one of the most famous names in

CUT SNAKE

This gritty and violent Australian psychological crime-thriller is set in Melbourne in the mid 1970’s, and centres on a man who is drawn back to the dark world of crime.

Sparra (Alex Russell) has closed the door on his past, works an honest job and is engaged to his girlfriend (Jessica De Gouw), but his dark secrets resurface when Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) an ex-con, shows up at his doorstep.

There’s a strangeness between these characters which permeates throughout.

Their relationship is awkwardly pretentious and Sparra is quietly terrified.

Mystery and suspense accelerate, and through flashbacks the audience learn their daunting secret which spirals out of control, leading to an unpredictable and shocking climax.

This is not a great film, but Stapleton’s performance as the unnerving psychopath is praiseworthy and Hollywood and an awkward but pushy photographer who is commissioned

by LIFE magazine in 1955 to take pictures of Dean. Featuring some amazing shots, Life does justice to Stock’s interpretation of Dean.This is a different perspective on Dean’s life, which is touching to watch. (JR & JRoth) WWW1/ 2 A WALK IN THE WOODS Not since 1993’s Grumpy Old Men has there been such a delightfully cast comedy/drama starring two endearing and veteran actors. Based on the book by travel writer Bill Bryson, the story surrounds Bryson’s (Robert Redford) actual experiences as he, along with peculiar and estranged friend (Nick Nolte), decide to hike the rugged 2100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.They have many misadventures, but it’s a therapeutic experience as they ultimately reconnect and learn many life lessons. Redford and Nolte’s comic flair astounds and a funny script surrounding the quirky characters they encounter on their journey arouses continuous laughter. (MMo) WWW

should lead to greater roles.

With the release of many Australian films in recent months, this low budget feature may find it difficult to make a dent at the all-important box office.

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INFINITELY POLAR BEAR This is an inspirational true story which delves into the sensitive subject of bipolar disorder. Cam (Mark Ruffalo), who is diagnosed with the disorder, resides in a halfway house. Living on the poverty line, his wife (Zoe Saldana) decides to move to New York to attend business school for eighteen months, and Cam reluctantly agrees to look after their two teenage daughters. Ruffalo’s portrayal of a man suffering from this condition is commendable, and most of the fun and humorous one-liners are provided by the boisterous daughters.This is an enriching and feel-good dramedy which deserves more accolade on home entertainment than it received upon its theatrical release. (MMo) WWWW HOLDING THE MAN An endearing love story based on the memoirs of Tim Conigrave, which centres on two teenagers who met in a catholic boy’s high school in Melbourne in the 1970’s, and their romance which kindled a fifteen year relationship.This heart-breaking story

deals with the prejudice and disapproval Tim Conigrave (Ryan Corr) and John Caleo (Craig Scott) experienced and the promiscuity which led to their ultimate battle with aids. Corr delivers an intense and highly emotional performance, supported by veteran actors Anthony La Paglia, Guy Pierce and Geoffrey Rush. (MMo) WWWW1/2 RICKI AND THE FLASH Meryl Streep plays Ricki Rendazzo, leader of the band The Flash. Ricki’s dreams of stardom didn’t work out the way she planned after her marriage disintegrated and she left her children in the care of their affluent father (played by Kevin Kline) and his caring new wife.There are few surprises in the script or storyline, but the actors make it work. Pleasantly surprising is Rick Springfield’s performance as Ricki’s tortured love interest and lead guitarist of The Flash.The scene-stealer, however, is Mamie Gummer, Streep’s real-life daughter–her character’s struggle with mental health lends some needed weight to this comedic drama.

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Kings Court Massage Kings Court is the only place to have twenty two massage rooms and eleven hot tubs, spas, and bubble baths.

Wall to wall beautiful ladies, pool tables and luxurious leather lounges. You can have a coffee and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage.

There is a fair queing system and no hidden charges or credit card fees. We are just along from Central Railway at 261 Broadway, (Parramatta Rd) Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037. GPS tracking works best when you use 261 Broadway, Glebe.

Phone 02 9660 0666 Its a $10.00 Taxi Ride from the CBD Visit our web site at

www.kingscourt.com.au We are open 9 am to 1 am and 24 hours on Weekends. There is a 20% discount from 9 am to 12 noon & FREE ENTRY before 9 pm each day.

After 9pm there is a $20 entry fee that protects the massage ladies from dealing with men who have no intention of being polite.

Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe.

Check out the website for information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy. We don’t provide full service.

Also check out Big John’s Facebook to see a mixture of really funny pics, photos, stories and links to the best pages of our website. This is updated regularly:

www.facebook.com/Kingscourtmassage

Kings Court Massage: Where the first time customer can meet the first time massage girl!

VACANCIES Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work

with us part time or casual. We can arrange shifts to accommodate students or young mothers. We have off street parking for ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entry at 18 Grose Street Glebe 2037 with three hours free parking. The Grose St address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting - Ring us on 02 9660 0666 - Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is www.kingscourt.com.au

Hi, this is Big John the owner of Kings Court Massage.

This week the cartoon advertising pays homage to the TV program “Lost in Space.” This is a recurring story where St James who is a rich bastard tries to figure out where the boys are going for fun. Each week you can see how things don’t work out for him due to his personality of being nasty. Naturally the guys do not want him to mess up things for them at Kings Court.

VACANCIES We are currently looking for new ladies who would like to do a massage with a happy ending. It is a safe place to work. We have a number of European and Canadian travelling girls here at the moment.

Everyone can handle a discrete financial boost.

It is ideal as a part time or casual job and you are paid cash daily. When you start we get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage.

We do have the bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is: www.kingscourt.com.au When you get to the home page click on “is this your first time” as this will take you to a page of ten tips that helps our customers to know how to behave towards our massage girls and a clear idea of exactly what we do.

The best social media we have at the moment is all the really funny stuff on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Kingscourtmassage

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Sparkling High Tea Launch at ABODE Bistro & Bar

Join us on Sunday 27th September 2015 and let your taste buds explore a menu featuring a selection of savoury bites, delectable desserts and traditional high tea favourites, completed with exquisite Villa Jolanda prosecco and Jansz sparkling wine. location & time:

price:

ABODE Bistro & Bar 150 Day Street, Sydney 2000 PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney 12:00pm - 3:00pm

$85 per person To book, visit ABODEBISTRO.COM or contact 02 9260 2945.

Bookings essential.

Following the launch, sparkling high tea will be available every Friday from 2:00-5:00pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 11:00am-2:00pm & 2:30pm-5:00pm.

Mention this ad and receive a $10 discount per person abodebistro.com

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city hub 24 SEPTEMBER 2015