City Hub 28 July 2016

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Mandla’s menstrual motion “Because toilet paper serves his needs, he doesn’t know every woman has a story.”

Clr Mandla said he had “got it wrong”.

He refuted that notion that the City already provided free and accessible sanitary items for the homeless, admitting that some agencies “might” hand out pads “here or there”.

He said that homeless people used libraries and other Council facilities and that they should be made available there as well as council pools and sporting fields.

He estimated that providing sanitary items would cost $7.74 per staff member per year.

Source: Youtube

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS A motion to provide sanitary items to staff as well as the homeless was called out as a political move but was unexpectedly carried by council.

A general sense of unease came over the City of Sydney Council chambers on Monday night, as Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla moved a motion to distribute hygiene products throughout the City.

The motion, which was seconded by Independent Angela Vithoulkas, had the aim of making tampons and menstrual pads available in all City bathrooms, to the homeless, as well as available in Council libraries and facilities for free.

The motion was amended by Councillor Jenny Green and was successfully moved.

Councillor Mandla gave a rousing speech, in which he invoked his domestic household with eight children to implore the council to introduce free sanitary pads.

Councillor Mandla He denied he was motivated by an imminent Liberal Party Council preselection, which is understood to be scheduled for Wednesday July 27, but rather by personal experience.

“My household has pads everywhere – from shoulder pads, to breast pads which I trip over, to sanitary pads.”

Councillor Mandla said that the City of Sydney should take a leadership position, by providing free and easily accessible sanitary items for all City of Sydney staff.

He said in this instance it was appropriate for government to be a leader. He said he could imagine bank executives seeing free and accessible sanitary items in all bathrooms, and could encourage them to replicate the scheme.

He critcised the City’s preliminary response, which came from the Lord Mayor’s male communication manager.

“This is about a leadership position we could take for other large organisations across the country.”

But that was not how the Council’s CEO viewed the issue.

Chief Executive Monica Barone seemed personally offended by Clr Mandla’s motion.

She said that female staff found the idea “a bit patronising.”

She said that she kept something in her drawer, saying “it’s just what we do”, and said we certainly don’t need a notice of motion for it. She said the nearest chemist was a two minute walk away and staff were perfectly capable of managing the issue themselves.

Councillor Green moved to make the supply of tampons for the homeless, and not for the staff.

Councillor Green said she was surprised by the motion moved by Clr Mandla, as well as the “detail” it was moved in.

The motion was amended by Councillor Jenny Green and was successfully moved.

The move follows that of New York City Council, which has jurisdiction of jails and schools. She said that Clr Mandla could advocate the State Liberal Government as well as the Federal Government. She said that the Federal Government could abolish the GST on women’s sanitary products.

She said she was not willing to accept Mandla’s analysis of the cost of products as $7.75.

She said part of the issue was the publicity for preselection.

She said that the Council did already provide funds for homeless organisation that do provide women’s sanitary items.

Councillor Vithoulkas, who seconded the motion, said it was important for the government to be a leader on the issue.

Clr Vithoulkas, who has owned numerous hospitality establishments over the years, told chambers that she had continued in the tradition of her mother when it came to feminine hygiene.

She said that in every business she owned there was always what she termed a “community cupboard,” stocked with things one might need.

Councillor Vithoulkas said she provided these things “Because stuff happens and this is a part of life.”

She outlined that feminine hygiene products were a necessity and not a luxury. She said the City should lead the way.

Liberal Councillor Foster requested that Clr Green’s motion be amended, saying the amended because it was overly critical of the Federal Liberal Government.

She said that the gender pay gap was not the sole responsibility of the Liberal Government, but was something that had evolved throughout history.

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BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Simon Hunt, also known as Pauline Pantsdown, has said that it may be time to head back to the studio because Australia may need another dose of Pauline pop parody.

The two time pop star told City Hub that he was hesitant to fan the fiery Ms Hanson during the election campaign, but said now it was time to start challenging the tenability of her position.

Pauline Hanson’s election into the Federal Parliament of Australia this month coincides with the 20 year anniversary of her first election to the house in 1996.

Now she has been elected for the second time, with a vote from four per cent of the population, he believes it is time for One Nation Voters to see her fail, and her personality to once again implode.

For Simon Hunt, the return of Hanson to public life is a double edged sword. The political consequences of Hanson for minority groups could be devastating but the artistic potential for work akin to songs like his 1997 hit Backdoor Man and 1998 follow up “I Don’t Like It.” Now, he says that the time has come for Hanson to receive a proper grilling over her policies which says are copied from Wikipedia pages and extreme websites from the USA. “Nobody has grilled her on what she said back in 1998 when she said they would be swamped by Asians, and we would have ghettos of Asians. It hasn’t happened. Nobody has asked her why you were wrong?”

Hanson was voted out of Parliament in 1998, and was subsequently jailed for electoral

fraud (a conviction that was subsequently quashed).

During the noughties, Hanson appeared in a litany of Woman’s Day stories, as well as a number of television appearances. Pauline’s reputation recovered from electoral defeat and reached new heights of populism.

According to Hunt, the success of Pauline has a lot to do with her ability to play the role of ‘the battler’.

“I think it has got a fair bit to her success, she has managed to grasp the mantle of the battler, no matter what she does she is under attack, she has been in jail, and it has had nothing to do with her politics. For example she was on Dancing with The Stars,” Hunt said.

He believes Hanson’s frequent appearances in the mainstream Pauline Pantsdown in the 1990s media have lent support to her notoriety, as well as continually casting her as are made. He cites the example of her listening the victim. to dairy farmers and promising that she is going “My approach was always about, if you to fix a problem, but according to Hunt, she shout back, that feeds her.” “doesn’t have an idea”.

He says his approach was not about “We need to avoid treating her as a popular shouting, but something more clever than that. culture figure, and feature her in Woman’s Day Watching Pauline in the lead up to and specials, and perpetuating the artifice of what following this year’s Federal Election, Hunt she is, and talk about the fact her climate change says that she hasn’t changed.. He believes the policy is copied from a Wikipedia page.” things that were the One Nation Party’s undoing Hunt is not sure when, or if, another song is at the 1998 Election will haunt Hanson again. on the cards.

He says he doesn’t believe she knows how “I’ll back a bit longer, it is much easier to government business is conducted and how laws gather material these days with social media.” city hub 28 JULY 2016

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Islamophobia rocks the University of Sydney

BY CHARLOTTE GRIEVE On Monday, July 25, a footpath located on the grounds of the University of Sydney was littered with Islamophobic messages.

The chalked message on Manning Road called for the “stopping of mosques” and declared that “Islam is not a race.”

This incident is part of a wider string of assaults against Muslims on the grounds of the prestigious Sydney University.

Earlier this year in March, a Muslim prayer room located in the Old Teacher’s College at the University’s Camperdown campus was broken into, The graffiti from last Monday vandalised and trashed. Hate mail was left addressed to the Sydney University Muslim Students Association (SUMSA).

“We’re disappointed that these sorts of things are happening at a university that is usually quite accommodating” said Shahad Nomani, member of the SUMSA. These assaults have been reported and monitored by not-forprofit organisation, Islamophobia Watch Australia (IWA). The group has developed a smart phone application whereby incidents of religiously-motivated violence or discrimination are able to be reported, verified and recorded online.

“This has been going on for a while, last semester they [Islamophobic incidents] were pretty regular” said Mr Nomani.

The IWA considers the “under-reporting” of such incidents as a “serious problem.”

“There is this opinion that this stuff is confined to the

Sutherland Shire or the Northern Beaches but there are physical assaults [against Muslims] happening in the city all the time” said Oishee Alam, a volunteer research for Islamophobia Watch Australia.

“Some of my friends have been attacked, or spat on or have had their scarves forcibly removed,” she said.

Ms Alam believes that while the mainstream media continues to be saturated by images of Islamic extremism, the rise of far-right groups is often overlooked.

“Research in New South Wales has shown that far right, white supremacist groups are increasing at far more greater rates than extremist Muslim groups.”

“These groups [far-right] don’t tap into the ingrained social anxieties that targeting Muslims do,” she said.

While members of the SUMSA are unsure as to whether these attacks have been instigated by an individual or part of an organised group, steps are being taken by the University to prevent further attacks.

“They have upgraded the lock system for the prayer room and there are plans to install a security camera in the Old Teacher’s College” said Mr Nomani.

Despite such efforts, these incidents raise questions about the University’s management of on-campus racism as well as the increasingly hateful climate prevalent in Sydney towards Muslims.

The University was not available for comment in time for publication.

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5

Nanny State frustrates visitors to Sydney

BY NINA BEESTON Sydney seems to be a choice destination for young professional migrants from the UK. Lured in by the sun and the laissez-faire lifestyle, last year 43 thousand Britons migrated to Australia. But how accurate is the “chilled out” conception of Aussie life that us Brits chase across the globe?

One fundamental element of Sydney life we struggle to comprehend is the lock-out laws. Introduced to the Sydney CBD in 2014, the NSW Government introduced 1.30 a.m. lockout and last drinks at 3 a.m. across hotels, clubs and karaoke bars to curb drug and alcohol-fuelled violence. Also affected are takeaway alcohol sales after 10 p.m.

Sarah, 25 from London, told City Hub said that Sydney’s clubbing scene was lacking.

“I miss being able to go for drinks and then onto a club/venue in the early hours of the morning. You constantly feel like you have to be checking the time and then rushing to get into places.”

Once inside a venue the Brit said she faced more difficulty with strict laws on alcohol consumption.

“I’ve been refused shots after midnight, but told I can have them topped up with a dash of water. I don’t understand how that is remotely different, it just infuriates the customer. I feel like a child who can’t be trusted to monitor my own intake.”

Admittedly, statistics do appear to show a reduction in assault in the Sydney CBD and most dominantly the Kings Cross precinct since the laws were introduced. The Bureau of Crime and Statistics Research found a 32 per cent reduction in Kings Cross and 26 per cent decrease in Sydney CBD. However, these statistics should not be taken at face value. Whilst these results could be due to a drop in alcohol consumption, they could also easily be a consequence of a change of traffic in these areas.

The Government tells people how to drink. Source: Getnoticed

Indeed, Sarah, 25, said that social scenes were less focused on nightclubs.

“We have more house parties than we used to. Or we go out in areas unaffected by the laws, like Newtown. We also pre-drink more before we go out, and start earlier.”

Another source of irritation for European guests were NSW smoking laws. In 2012, it became illegal to light up in a range of outdoor places, including transport stops and stations, entrances to public buildings, near children’s playgrounds and near spectators at sports grounds. We are reasonable enough people to agree that these

enforcements are in the benefit of public health. Lily, 23, also from London, comments, “whilst it is annoying that I have to walk away from the entrance to work when I have a cigarette, I do understand wanting to keep second-hand smoke away from non-smokers. It must be quite disgusting to smell and breathe in.”

However, what Brits abroad can’t fathom are the laws introduced in July 2015, banning smoking in outdoor areas and footpaths outside pubs and cafes. Smoking is illegal within 4 metres of these areas. Lily told City Hub, “It’s bizarre that I can’t eat outside and smoke in the same area.

Especially since there are always designated smoking and non-smoking outdoor areas, smoking whilst you eat wouldn’t affect anybody. Surely it’s my decision whether I want to, not the government’s?” Indeed, it is difficult to justify legislation that takes away our right to choose when the only affected parties are ourselves. Unhealthy such a choice may be, but a personal decision it should remain.

In fact, figures do little to support the stringent laws on smoking.

Admittedly, in 2014-2015, the number of adults aged 18 years classified as daily smokers was down from 16.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 14.5 per cent.

However, this decline is in fact a perpetuation of falling numbers over the past two decades. This suggests that preventative laws do little to curb unhealthy habits and education and cultural influences prevail. Perhaps the government ought to trust their citizens more to respond to available information concerning health risks and safety? Introducing such restrictive laws has an undeniable air of an overbearing parent telling a child “no” – and we all know what that leads to…wanting to do the forbidden act even more.

Whilst no Brit planning to migrate to Sydney should be deterred by the stringent laws on recreational activities they may take for granted in the UK, they should be prepared for a little more government supervision than they may be used to.

Woollahra to continue the fight against amalgamations

Scott seeks to capitalise on Pokémon Go popularity

BY CHARLOTTE GRIEVE Woollahra Council has decided to appeal the judgement handed down by the Land and Environment Court last Wednesday, July 20.

The 104 page judgement dismissed the claim that the State Government failed to conduct a proper inquiry into the proposed merger of Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick Councils as required under the Local Government Act. Greens MP David Schoebridge considered the judgement as a stain against the justice system.

“If that is the true state of the law then the entire public inquiry process can be a sham from start to finish” he said in a media statement.

Phil Jenkyn, a retired barrister and spokesperson for the Save Our Councils Coalition (SOCC), believes there are some “serious issues” with the judgement and there are “reasonable prospects for an appeal.”

Woollahra Council was the first of eleven municipal councils to launch legal action against the state

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Councillor Linda Scott moved a motion to create stickers to alert the crowds of people playing Pokemon Go in the City of Sydney where it was welcome.

The motion, which would see the council manufacture stickers that it would then distribute to businesses that welcome players of the game, was not carried.

Later, Councillor Scott took to Twitter saying that Lord Mayor Moore had voted down her motion.

Clr Scott said the game could be leveraged to create more patronage. She said that the game was an opportunity for local businesses, and more fun for residents.

The signs would make it clear where Pokémon players were welcome in their local business.

“I urge you to support the proposal,” and design and print welcome zone signs.

“Really sad @CloverMoore voted down my motion for @cityofsydney to be a #PokemonGO welcome zone [...]

We need more fun!” Clr Scott said.

After Councillor Scott had explained the intricacies of popular game, including “Pokestops” where users could get potions, and “gyms” where players battle one another’s Pokémon, the motion was debated.

Councillor Green said it was not a good idea, or use of ratepayers funds, to print stickers because they would be redundant by the time the council had printed them.

Woollahra Council. Photo: Jim Barr

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city hub 28 JULY 2016

government’s move to amalgamate local councils.

The decision to appeal has come amidst strong community support.

“The decision to appeal was made on the same basis as our original legal challenge. This is just a further way of demonstrating how serious we are about protecting the democratic rights of our community and serving their best interests” said the Mayor of Woollahra, Clr Toni Zelter.

Carolyn Corrigan from the SOCC claims they will “take it all the way to the High Court” if necessary.

There has been tension surrounding the legal costs involved in such extensive court action.

“We feel we have the community behind us. The costs of fighting will not outweigh the democratic and financial independence in the long term,” said Ms Corrigan.

Although it has been said that both Randwick and Waverley Councils supposedly support the proposed amalgamations, Ms Corrigan believes the tide of opinion is changing.

“When Randwick was gutted with the trees, and Bondi with the Pavilion, there has been a community-led shift and the councillors are responding to what the community wants” she said.

“There has been a lot of misinformation about the benefits of the forced amalgamations,” she said.

Woollahra Council and the SOCC remain confident that the appeal will be successful.

“We truly believe that justice will prevail and democracy will win in the end. It’s not easy fighting the State Government, this is a series challenge but we are confident that we will win” said Ms Corrigan.

Woollahra Council will be back in court as early as next Monday will a request for an appeal hearing date.

Councillor Green said that there had been no complaints about the game so far, and said the council should be thankful they had not had the issues that had plagued the inner west.

She described the nightmare of residents in Canada Bay, where otherwise tranquil parks had become popular with Pokémon players, hanging around at all hours, causing havoc and traffic chaos.

She said there were people littering and urinating in the public park.

Councillor Scott said that signage could assist in managing crowds.

Councillor Mandla, who seconded the motion, said that the City should be embracing new technology.

Councillor Foster told the room that the game was a “fad” and the City should not be wasting money on signage.

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7

Courting discrimination: living with HIV a legal challenge

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Life expectancy for someone living with HIV is the same as someone living without the disease.

But while there may be better health outcomes through advances in treatments such as retroviral therapy, the social stigma has not changed as much.

That’s the opinion of Melissa Woodroffe, who is the principal at Redfern based HIV and AIDS Legal Centre, established in 1992.

Ms Woodroffe, who has worked at the centre for the past eight years, said the social stigma attached to HIV has changed “a little bit,” but that “people are downright nosy.”

“But not as much as we’d like to see,” Ms Woodroffe said.

“We’re still seeing for example, discrimination in the health care field, health care workers would know better but don’t. In rural and regional areas it is a lot more difficult for a person with HIV than inner city Sydney, where there is more knowledge and acceptance,” she said.

The team of four solicitors at the centre continually deals with cases of discrimination for people living with HIV.

It can vary from employment discrimination, to insurance, to the family court system.

Now, the Centre has launched an appeal to the public for donations to keep their service going.

The centre assists, advocates and advises people living with HIV and AIDS in matters relating to their rights and the law.

While statistics show that ten per cent of those living with HIV are female, they form 25 per cent of the centre’s client base.

She said that there have been numerous incidents in the family court system where people had attempted to expose another’s HIV status for to gain leverage over another individual. The centre was able to assist by either obtaining a suppression order, or by having the proceedings heard in a closed court.

In the employment sphere, Woodroffe said that things had gotten better.

“It is less common for an employer to say ‘you’ve got HIV, I don’t want to hire you’.”

But she said the Australian Defence Force still tests people for HIV and dismisses people who test positive.

“What we see is IT guys, people in the Defence Force who never see combat, they can be dismissed. The antidiscrimination legislation gives an exemption, and they have no legal redress.”

A high court hearing from the 1980s said that the soldiers in the defense force should be able to “bleed safely,” excluding those with HIV. She said that some companies would not issue life insurance to people with HIV, although said this area was improving.

The centre currently runs off a combination of donations and state and federal government funding although if there is not an increase in the number of private donations, some of the services may become unviable in the future.

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SYDNEY ELECTIONS SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2016

Thinking of nominating as a candidate for your local Council?

If you are considering nominating you should read this notice. As a candidate you have certain obligations and responsibilities under law. Check the website www.votensw.info for further details.

How to nominate for election as a Councillor

To nominate as a Councillor, you must lodge a nomination form and $125 nomination deposit with the Returning Officer from Monday, 1 August to 12 noon Wednesday, 10 August 2016.

How to nominate for election as Lord Mayor

Refugee graffiti trial adjourned again

BY JORDAN FERMANIS The trial for Stephen Langford’s graffiti charges will enter a third instalment after being adjourned until 24 August, due to a procedural error on the part of the prosecution.

Mr Langford met with demonstrators outside court on Wednesday 27 July to again pressure government to close both offshore detention facilities on Nauru and Manus Island.

At Mr Langford’s last court appearance his lawyer persuaded the court to reduce his charges from five down to three, after Mr Langford was charged for spray painting Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s office with ‘R.I.P. Omid’. Omid Masoumali was an Iranian refugee who self-immolated in April this year.

Reflecting on the most recent

adjournment, Mr Langford said he was frustrated with the slow court proceedings.

“I’m a little bit disappointed at the way police added three charges instead of replacing them, although on the bright side giving us another opportunity at a demonstration,” Mr Langford told City Hub. Mr Langford, as well as demonstrators, had concerns that the media had not been reporting on events taking place on offshore detention facilities.

“I’d love people to be getting together more, deciding on action more, putting more pressure on the government, getting things really moving, it’s intolerable that it’s not getting reported,” Mr Langford added.

“There should be a human rights focus on our own misdemeanours.”

Protestors at the court on Wednesday. Photo: Jordan Fermanis

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To nominate for Lord Mayor, you must lodge a nomination form and $125 nomination deposit with the Returning Officer from Monday, 1 August to 12 noon Wednesday, 10 August 2016. A person who is candidate for election as the Lord Mayor of Sydney must also be a candidate for election as a Councillor of the City of Sydney at the same time.

Where do I get a nomination form?

Nomination forms and other important nomination and electoral information are available from the Returning Officer or from the New South Wales Electoral Commission website: www.votensw.info Candidate Information sheets: Every candidate is required to lodge a candidate information sheet with their nomination.

Grouping of candidates and group voting squares: Two or more candidates may form a group. A group may, in certain circumstances, request a group voting square on the ballot paper. A request to form a group and have a group voting square on the ballot paper must be lodged with the Returning Officer by 12 noon Wednesday, 10 August 2016. See www.votensw.info for the publication ‘Handbook for Parties, Groups, Candidates and Scrutineers – Local Government Elections’ for more details.

Where and when to nominate

Your nomination form and deposit must be lodged with the Returning Officer at Sydney Returning Officer’s Office, Level 1, 189 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Nominations will be accepted during business hours from 8.30am Monday, 1 August 2016 to 12 noon Wednesday, 10 August 2016.

Nomination enquiries should be directed to the Candidate Helpdesk: 1300 088 942.

Returning Officer details Patricia Lewis, Sydney Returning Officer’s Office, Level 1, 189 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Information: www.votensw.info or 1300 135 736 For enquiries in languages other than English call our interpreting service on 13 14 50.

For hearing and speech impaired enquiries, call us via the National Relay Service on 13 36 77.

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9

Weathering WestConnex in inner west

BY WENDY BACON While other communities prepare for local council elections in September, Sydney’s Inner West residents will remain locked out of the democratic process.

Despite calls for immediate elections, the Baird Government has refused to hold elections until next year. This means that power in the new Inner West Council (IWC) that resulted from a merger of the Leichhardt, Ashfield and Marrickville Councils will remain in the hands of its administrator Richard Pearson.

The explosive anger that caused the first meeting of the Inner West Council (IWC) to be abandoned altogether has not disappeared. Many residents believe that their elected councilors were dismissed because of their opposition to the WestCONnex tollway, Urban Growth NSW plans for large scale redevelopment and the pro- developer bias of the Baird government. A smaller but still angry group rallied outside the third IWC meeting, held in Ashfield on Tuesday evening. They were joined by Save Our Councils protesters from other Councils that continue to resist mergers. As one protester told City Hub, “our councillors were sacked because they’re anti-corruption and hidden deals. In other words they were actually representing us rather than being corrupt.”

Residents who wish to attend IWC meetings must now register before being given a card with a number and escorted to the meeting by security guards.

Throughout the meeting, there were constant interjections calling on the administrator to answer questions and allow motions, including one supporting a plebiscite on amalgamations.

The democratically elected Councillors who were sacked by the Baird government are divided between those who have agreed to go on a Local government representative committee and those who believe that to do so adds legitimacy to the new anti-democratic Council Speaking at the meeting, Rochelle Porteous, previously a Greens Mayor of Leichhardt Council said the Committee had no decisionmaking power and was designed to give a misleading sense of democracy when there is none.

Porteous told the Council meeting that she was aware a number of “valuable” staff were leaving or are being made redundant because there is “no longer a culture that they can continue to work within” and that ‘we are seeing a restructure of the organization” that she said should be openly discussed in a public forum.

She was critical of past Councillors who attended a closed presentation by Urban Growth NSW that has highly controversial

The meeting on Tuesday night

plans for massive development across the Inner West and inner Sydney. She said ex-Councillors should be “calling very loudly for anything that is presented to the administrator to be made public” and demanding public meetings be organised so that the community can discuss proposals. She said, “Consultation is a right” not something that Council needed to request of the government. In response to Porteous’s suggestion that they should leave the Committee if its processes are not public, several ex Councillors argued that they felt they were performing a valuable role. Ex Labor Mayor Lucille McKenna rejected the accusation that her actions were ‘reprehensible’ and said she was still working to mitigate the impact of the WestCONnex M4 East tollway on Ashfield and Haberfield.

Administrator Richard Pearson has stated that the merged IWC remains “resolutely opposed” to the WestCONnex tollway but he will need to campaign hard against the more than 34 kilometres of tollway to convince opponents of the project that his commitment amounts to more than words. He listed amongst his achievements so far funding a community campaigner until the end of 2017, arranging for a NSW Planning Department compliance officer to be based at the IWC and obtaining legal advice on whether court action to stop the project is possible. So far, that advice has been negative.

Several residents spoke of the distressing devastation of Haberfield including the late night obliteration last week of a number of large trees

in the Reg Coady reserve that is required for a WestCONnex truck parking lot. They said that while they rejected the legitimacy of the Council they had no choice but to engage with it.

An application from WestCONnex for a road-opening permit for 11 weeks of road opening electricity work works that include tree removals in St Peters was on last night’s agenda. These works are required before any further action on the St Peters Interchange can go ahead. But Pearson said he would refuse the application leaving Sydney Motorway Corporation (SMC ) to rely on the draconian powers of the NSW Roads Act. In fact, WestCONnex did not even wait for the IWC decision and began work in St Peters on Monday. SMC refused to supply IWC with a copy of its tree removal plans.

Another sign of the SMC’s intransigence is its approach to a school zone near St Peters School on the Campbell Street that would be one of the main exits from the New M2 tunnel. The Council papers noted that, “ A request to SMC for consideration for a school zone along Campbell Street …was not submitted to RMS. The SMC has advised that it does not wish to apply for a school zone as THIS may slow the flow of traffic.”

As one community speaker pointed out that the very purpose of school zones is to slow traffic. WestCONnex Action Group spokeswoman Janet Dandy Ward urged Pearson to act much more strongly against SMC’s willingness to put the speed of traffic above the safety of children.

Before its sacking, Marrickville Council decided to complete further traffic modelling to examine the impacts of traffic on Campbell, Euston and other roads at the end of the planned M2 motorway. This work is continuing but RMS and Sydney Motorway Corporation have refused to hand over the WestCONnex traffic model to the IWC - just as they refused to give it to transport planning experts during the Environmental Impact Statement process.

Early on Wednesday morning when WestCONnex Action Group members joined by Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon arrived in St Peters to protest against the road opening works, they were greeted by a group of six police and even more traffic controllers. Residents say that although NSW Planning has approved the New M5, many conditions of approval have not been met. When residents demanded to see the RMS permit for the works and a tree removal plan, a WestCONnex “community engagement officer” who would only give her name as ‘Chloe” referred them to the WestCONnex community line and would not discuss the issues involved with the works any further. They tried the line but were unable to reach WestCONnex.

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FEATURE

BY ALANNAH MAHER Lesley Dimmick is more shocked than anyone that the not-for-profit gallery she ambitiously opened in the late 80’s is about to celebrate its 28th birthday.

“I’m a bit surprised myself, because I thought I’d just do it for a couple of years before I became a famous artist…”

With two art degrees to her name and “no galleries for people starting out” around at the time, Dimmick sought to open the Tap Gallery as a not for profit (NFP), artist run initiative (ARI) to support burgeoning artists.

Almost 30 years later, the Tap has overcome many hurdles (they’ve been required to relocate twice since August) to earn a reputation as a friendly, welcoming and active community art centre.

The Tap has been making the most of their smaller new space, but have their fingers crossed to move to a bigger space in future, to allow them to resume the full breadth of their projects along with their successful independent theatre program.

In addition to solo shows, the gallery hosts several group shows every year, many of them tied to important cultural events such as Mardi Gras and International Women’s Day. Currently on show, the 20th Real Refuse exhibition is an opportunity for artists whose work was not selected for the Archibald, Wynne or Sulman prizes to go on public display.

As the curator of the gallery’s annual nude photography exhibition, Nudes on Tap which runs in conjunction with Head On Photo Festival, Marie Brokensha does not underestimate Tap’s value.

“Having this gallery as a non-profit gallery is fantastic, because its one of the only galleries in Sydney where you can exhibit nearly anything you want, its not judgemental… and its not thinking about making money out of the artists,” she said.

Arriving in Australia from France a decade ago, Brokensha began her relationship with Tap when she was looking for an inviting place to host photography workshops. She found that the Tap was quite accepting to nude photography, which she considers quite a niche and often misunderstood practice.

“Through the Tap Gallery I could find a bigger audience as an art nude photographer and probably get a certain reputation in the photographic business as well.”

In September Brokensha will be coordinating a boudoir photography exhibition at the Tap, which she describes as “another way for me as a feminist to show[case] a sensual way [of showing] images of women in lingerie [whose bodies are] different to what you’ll see in glossy magazines.”

The Tap has been an essential stepping stone for many successful artists over the years. This year alone, two artists who held their first solo exhibitions at Tap, Nicholas Harding and Biron Valier, became finalists in the Archibald Prize and Sulman Prize respectively.

“It was certainly where I had my first commercial success in Sydney… People honour the prestige of Tap and the dedication of Lesley and the team there,” said artist Blak Douglas, another painter who hung his first solo show at the Tap. Nowadays Douglas’ work hangs in some of the country’s most prominent galleries and he is currently preparing for the National Gallery of Australia’s Triennial next year, but as a contemporary Aboriginal artist who creates highly politicised works he respects the value of artist run spaces.

“There are constraints with more high-end commercial galleries, and having gone full circle in that experience, of course there’s much more freedom in an artist run initiative…generally you’re less likely to experience the confrontations that you can when you ‘stay in somebody else’s house’.”

Jim Anderson is another artist who arrived at the Tap Gallery when searching for a space to show his work, being particularly drawn to Tap’s two annual LGBT focussed group shows.

Anderson returned to Australia in the early 2000’s after living overseas for 30 years, firstly in London (where he became entangled in a landmark obscenity trial as an editor for Oz Magazine) and 12

city hub 28 JULY 2016

Left: Blak Douglas, Top right: Works from the current Tap Gallery exhibition the 20th Real Refuse.

Bottom right: Curator of the Tap Gallery Lesley Dimmick. Photos: Chris Peken

eventually California, where he lived in a community (or ‘hippy’) town.

“When I came back to Sydney…I found that I could relate to Tap Gallery very easily because it’s a community gallery that is open to everybody and it was just the sort of support for my artwork that I needed when I got back here.”

“It belongs to an earlier Sydney in a way, a more bohemian sort of Sydney,” Anderson said of the Tap. “One or two solo shows” at the Tap led to a career retrospective for Anderson at Tin Sheds Gallery, Lampoon – An Historical Art Trajectory (1970-2010), which has since travelled and will next be hung at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

He continues to participate in the Tap’s group exhibitions with his signature collage works.

“Galleries are important, [many] have disappeared recently because I think people take them for granted, but there’s a lot that goes on behind closed doors to run a gallery and Lesley taught me that,” said artist Mark Hanham.

Known for his brash large-scale landscape paintings, Hanham has been enjoying success since making the almost unprecedented move of opening his own solo gallery on Surry Hills’ busy Crown Street in 2011.

But when he was freshly graduated from art school he found himself in a slump and without an income. He ended up volunteering at the Tap through their ‘work for the dole’ program (which

has been running for the better part of 15 years).

There he was not only trained in backend gallery management but inspired and encouraged in his artistic practice.

“Lesley was just super nice and giving, and she helped out a lot of people who were really down and out, and gave them a bit of hope,” said Hanham.

“The thing I loved the most about Tap Gallery is that it’s very un-pretentious, it’s the real deal.

Lesley’s showing art that is actually proper art, not necessarily commercial art.”

Hanham won the People’s Choice Award at the Tap hosted Kings Cross Art Prize in 2002, winning $2000 worth of Matisse paint. He went on to paint his 2003 Sulman Art Prize finalist painting, Time Square, with that paint.

“To simplify it, Lesley is the last freedom fighter. People have no comprehension that she’s done so much for the community it’s not funny,” Hanham added.

Dimmick’s contribution to the arts was formally recognised last year when she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal.

“For me that was an immense reward, that I’ve actually put 27 years, at the time, of volunteer service towards other artists and running this space,” she said. “Because we’re actually providing those artists with an opportunity they didn’t have… to make money from selling their work…

The joy of getting to know each artist as they come through, whether it’s a solo show or group show, they become friends for life.”

With a full program of group shows planned for the rest of the year, the Tap encourages individual artists to apply for their own solo shows.

Preparations are currently underway for the Tap’s 28th Birthday Group Exhibition and Party. For the big birthday bash the Tap will be taking their reputation for great opening night parties to another level, with dancers, burlesque performers and drag artists joining the throng.

Amongst the art on the walls will be Dimmick’s own ‘Archibald reject’, a portrait of her friend and well-known Newtown personality Norrie May-Welby. “I had to get rejected by the Archibald so I could hang it here,” said Dimmick, with a fiendish glee.

Her art career might not be quite what she pictured as a young girl, but there is no doubting that Lesley Dimmick and the Tap Gallery have made an unmeasurable contribution to the arts.

Tap Gallery’s 28th Birthday Exhibition: Aug 2–7, 12-6pm.

Party: Aug 6, 5-10pm.

Tap Gallery, 259 Riley Street, Surry Hills.

Info: www.tapgallery.org.au

www.boudoirsalon.com www.facebook.com/blakdouglas158?fref=ts www.jimanderson.com.au www.markhanhamartgallery.com

city hub 28 JULY 2016

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Fracture

Rolling Thunder Vietnam This concert drama, which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Battle Of Long Tan, returns by popular demand only two years since it premiered to unsuspecting audiences and garnered raving reviews and standing ovations.

The show details the personal stories of four young Vietnam War soldiers, intertwined with the classic songs of the era by Billy Thorpe, Joe Cocker, Gladys Knight and The Rolling Stones amongst others. The conscription, combat, protest and eventual bitter-sweet homecoming are all examined, highlighting the effect this senseless political war had on soldiers and their families.

“Performances by a young and talented cast of singers including Ben Mingay,William Ewing and Tom Oliver are enhanced by an electrifying band.The songs and storytelling enhance each other and highlight the disruption and horror of war,” explained writer Bryce Hallett.

“I based the show on first-hand interviews with war veterans over many cold beers at pubs, and after writing for six months I had the first draft of the show. There are 20 potent songs in this production and in the selection process some of them immediately presented themselves. There were so many songs in that era and it was more of what to

leave out rather than what to include.”

The concert starts with ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ by Steppenwolf and ends with ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ by Simon & Garfunkel. Other songs include ‘I’ve Gotta’ Get Out Of This Place’ (the Animals),‘Purple Haze’ (Jimi Hendrix) and ‘The Letter’ (Joe Cocker).This was the first televised war in history, so four large screens on stage appropriately project affecting images and historical news footage.

“There’s been a few changes to this show – I’ve clarified a few things, replaced a song and the costumes are more authentic, nothing major as the show worked beautifully the first time.”

“I never knew what the response to the first show would be but it was well received.Veterans sent emails saying they wanted the show back.There will be a lot of grey-heads in the audience as they grew up on those songs, but it should appeal to a spread of ages.This show about mateship and resilience of the human spirit, [it] isn’t preachy and doesn’t try to push a point of view, it makes no judgement, but the rock and roll clash on stage should have audiences exploding at the end,” concluded Hallett. (MMo) Jul 29–30, 7.30pm + 2pm Saturday matinee.

State Theatre, 49 Market St, City. $80-$120.

Tickets & info: rollingthundervietnam.com

If you’re in need of a good thriller then head along to Fracture – it will be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Fracture is written and directed by Lucy Clements.This being her first play, she has been heads down, bums up for awhile in order to organise the production. Clements has a fascination with psychological thrillers, and there is another two in the works.

She says Fracture will be a 55-minute rollercoaster as audiences work out what the truth of this story is, side by side with the characters.

This production tells the story of 20-something Charlie, who lives with a couple of roommates in a pretty average apartment living a pretty normal life. Except for the fact that Charlie has a past, and he’s about to learn you can’t hide from it forever.

The idea for this play began with a friend’s three-page script. Clements offered to help turn it into a full-length

play as co-writer, however after a lot of ups and downs her friend called it quits.

But she found her final inspiration through a colleague.

“Nicki Bloom was my final major inspiration for the work, who I began working with as a dramaturge after my Blue Room season. Nicki talked to me a lot about mental health and helped me find new pathways that this play could go down,” explained Clements.

“This was when the play became very influenced by the theme of male postnatal depression, which up to 10% of dads experience and no one talks about. This has had a significant impact on our current production.”

Fracture stars Brandon McClelland, Contessa Treffone, Tel Benjamin and Kate Cheel. (AMal) Aug 2–12, 10pm. Old Fitz Theatre, 126 Dowling St, Wooloomooloo. $25.Tickets & info: www.oldfitztheater.com.au

The Hansard Monologues: Age of Entitlement

When producer Peter Fray shared his idea of using the Hansard transcripts* for a verbatim play, Paul Daley and Katie Pollock jumped at the chance to write it. That was in 2013, and The Hansard Monologues: A Matter Of Public Importance was created.

Daley never expected there to be a sequel.

“We thought the 43rd parliament was so unique…Prime Ministers coming and going and all the bastardry that was going on, that probably another parliament wouldn’t match it, but – we were wrong!”

And so, spurred by the continued shenanigans of Australian politics, Daley and Pollock wrote a follow up – The Hansard Monologues: Age Of Entitlement.

Using The Vagina Monologues as a framework, Daley and Pollock spent hours sifting through the Hansard volumes and compiling quotes.

“We ended up with a first draft script of over 100,000 words… there’s just so much golden material there. And we had to reduce that back to less than 20,000 words,” said Daley.

Verbatim theatre dictates strict adherence to a text. This was often frustrating for Daley given some of the priceless things that

a&e

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The cast is stellar: John Gaden, Heather Mitchell, Andrew Tighe and Michelle Doake. Daley says they each bring a unique element to the script.

“The idea is not for the actors to mimic the politicians whom they’re reading. It’s just to deliver in the way they see fit as actors, so there’s a fair bit of licence.”

As if Australian politics isn’t funny enough already. (RB) (*The Hansard transcripts is the name given to the edited transcripts of debates in the Senate, House of Representatives, Federation Chamber and parliamentary committees.)

happened outside of parliament (Abbott’s onion munching, for instance). However, as long as someone spoke about it during session, they could include it in the play.

14 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 Sounds 18 SCREEN

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

Jul 28–31. Glen Street Theatre, Cnr Glen St & Blackbutts Rd, Belrose.Tickets & info: www.glenstreet.com.au Aug 5–13. Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale.Tickets & info: www.seymourcentre.com.au Prices and times vary. See theatre websites for details.

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

Review: A History of Falling Things

Review: Betrayal

Lies, deceit and wine may be the essential ingredients for a night of treachery, but Ensemble Theatre’s production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, falls a little short of highlighting the lingering itch of guilt or the hollow bleakness that might reside in corrosive relationships.

Betrayal begins with the stilted reunion of past lovers Emma (Ursula Mills) and Jerry (Matthew Zeremes) at a pub two years after the conclusion of a seven year affair.The play chronologically turns back the years, guiding us through the couple’s illicit relationship and Emma’s revelation of her infidelity to her husband and Jerry’s best friend Robert (Guy Edmonds).

Betrayal shows its age.The scandalous tale of adultery first staged in 1978 does not pack the same shock in 2016.As a product of its time, Betrayal presents a tedious display of inconsequential middle-class woe.Although propped up and brought to life by a solid cast, the characters are not particularly likeable – you find yourself trying to connect to their plights but may ultimately fail to care enough to be moved.

Pinter delivers precision and forward momentum through an economic use of language. Paced with well placed pauses, this production, directed by Mark Kilmurry, flows smoothly and captures

Keraunothnetophobia is the fear of being hit by satellites or random falling objects. Sufferers will retreat into isolated shelter, stricken with anxiety at the mere thought of venturing outside. Robin and Jacqui, the main characters in James Graham’s A History Of Falling Things, are afflicted with this irrational fear.

In an Australian premiere,The Ensemble Theatre presents a production of Graham’s play. Director Nicole Buffoni evinces riveting and empathetic performances from a strong cast. Eric Beecroft plays Robin as naive, child-like, and yearning to experience life but utterly terrified of the outside world. Having developed his condition at an early age he has come to accept it – or at least, has given in – and created his own version of reality. Jacqui is played by Sophie Hensser who portrays her as an unwilling victim. Her phobia being brought on in adulthood as a post-traumatic response to a terrorist attack.

Robin and Jacqui meet online via a support group.

Their cyber relationship is augmented through syncronised experiences and proxy contact enabled by the affable courier, Jimmy, played with alacrity by Sam O’Sullivan.

Merridy Eastman as Lesley, Robin’s mother, is wonderfully comical yet also sensitive. Brian

Matt Zeremes and Ursula Mills, Photo: Clare Hawley

moments of gentle humour but does not capitalise on below the surface tension and conflict.

The sound design is confusing and slightly jarring.

Used as a segue between scenes, music cuts off erratically into silence and ambient sounds weave in midway through scenes without obvious purpose before abruptly retreating in a similar sense of aimlessness.

The slick minimalistic set is paired with a monochrome black and grey colour scheme that emanates an appealing anachronistic modern feel.

However, the play itself is stuck in decades passed and although this is hardly a bad thing, you can’t help but feel a bit dissatisfied at its conclusion.The production is enjoyable enough, but for a play about yearning, desire and deception, the absence of threat may leave you walking away a little indifferent and safely untouched. (SH) Until Aug 20, varied performance times.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $66-$73.Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au

Review: Carmen I have seen many productions of Carmen, but this would have to be the most imaginative yet.

John Bell’s reimagining of Carmen — from 1800s Spain to contemporary Cuba — was inspired by the origin of the word “habanera”, a musical style originating in 19th Century Havana.

This allowed Teresa Negroponte to splash out in the costumes, especially of the men’s dress, decking them out in a rainbow of coloured suits.And it allowed choreographer Kelley Abbey the freedom to showcase Cuban rhythms and movements to dazzling effect.

With all the recent publicity given to domestic violence, I couldn’t help but view Carmen in this light, with the heroine murdered brutally by Don Jose, her rejected lover.

Of course, Bizet’s pretty music, perhaps the most continuously melodic of all the romantic operas, does much to diminish the squalor of Carmen’s death, leaving audiences to accept it

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Everyone knows the Peanuts comic strip.

Inspired by the minimalist approach of Charles Schultz, Clark Gesner wrote his musical based on the beats of the three-frame comic strip. Taking just five characters, he’s distilled them into short vignettes, using the innocence of children to tackle adult concepts. This production from Hayes Theatre is not just for kids, but for everyone to remember how it used to be and how it can be. (GW) Until Jul 31, various show times.

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $45-$55.Tickets & info: hayestheatre.com.au or 02 8065 7337

as her fate — the fate of women who choose independence over conformity.

Carmen’s vitality is captured by French mezzo Clementine Margaine, who rejects the old “hands on hips” routine for a more original heroine.

Set designer Michael Scott-Mitchell’s set for Lillas Pastia’s tavern is a stroke of genius — a mobile food outlet much like the former Harry’s Café de Wheels.

Natalie Aroyan is magnificent as country girl Micaela, while Yonghoon Lee’s mellifluous tenor elicits sympathy for Don Jose.

The supporting cast is uniformly excellent, and the conductor Andrea Molino wrings every bit of emotion from Bizet’s moving score.

This is a production not to be missed. (ID) Until Aug 12. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $44-344+b.f.

Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com

LOW LEVEL PANIC This awardwinning play written by Clare McIntyre is a bold and unflinching portrayal of femininity in both the public and private spheres. Geraldine Hakewill plays Celia, the prim and proper one out of the three female housemates. Director Justin Martin seeks to house the play’s confronting exploration into sexism and sexual abuse in a more modern context than its 80’s roots. See how far we have – or haven’t come – with this foulmouthed and funny foray into the world of women. (CB) Until Aug 12. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo. $28-$38.Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com

Meegan plays Reece, Jacqui’s father, simple, loving, but perplexed by his daughter’s condition.

The small, somewhat cloistered space in the Ensemble is used to great advantage by set designer Anne Gardiner, who enhances the sense of confinement by filling the stage with furniture, a floor to ceiling back wall serves as a projection screen and a multi-functional prop.

Essentially the play is a sweet love story that explores the difference between phobia and fear.

You will sigh, you will smile, and you will come away knowing about many bizarre things that have fallen unexpectedly from the sky. (RB) Until Aug 20, varied performance times.

Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $66-$73.Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au

Singin’ in the Rain

Singin’ in the Rain made a splash on the Sydney stage earlier this month, abruptly instating itself as a must see.

In the role made famous by Debbie Reynolds, Gretel Scarlett steps into the dancing shoes of unlikely leading lady Kathy Selden.

“It’s nice to play the outsider and a nice strong female in the 1920’s because I think they get forgotten about,” she told City Hub. This production pays absolute homage to the original 1952 MGM film – “to the point that we have 12,000 litres of rain on stage, that’s how specific we’re trying to get…”

With headlining star Adam Garcia out of action due to injury, Grant Almirall took the stage as the iconic Don Lockwood on opening night, and in no part did he look the backup option – hitting all the right notes and steps with absolute charm and ease. He shares the role with Rohan Browne until Garcia makes a recovery.

It’s hard to do justice to the finesse of this production.

Excuse the remnants of old school Hollywood white washing, and even this sceptical, pseudo-antiestablishment reporter found it hard to fault.The staging is impeccable and the ensemble cast flawless.

Erika Heynatz is delightfully shrill as Don’s unbearable co-star Lina Lamont, and Jack Chambers is appropriately mischievous as Don’s best pal Cosmo Brown.

Gretel Scarlett makes an excellent Kathy, with her

THE BEAST Inspired by the writer’s own tree-change to Hillsville in the Yarra Valley, Eddie Perfect’s new play exposes middle class hypocrisy in the setting of a nose-to-tail dinner party. Based on real events, a group of idealistic foodies get their hands on an Angus calf for a butcher to slaughter and turn into dinner. When things don’t go to plan, the audience will see how far short these people fall from their lofty ideals.

(CB) Until Aug 14, various show times.

The Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $89.90-$139.90. Tickets & info: thebeastplay.com

Eric Beecroft as Robin and Sophie Hensser as Jacqui.

Photo: Phil Erbacher

THOSE WHO FALL IN LOVE LIKE ANCHORS DROPPED UPON THE OCEAN FLOOR It’s a mouthful to be sure, but Jo Morris, actor and co-producer of “Anchors” says the title captures the sense of the play. There are only three actors in this totally new show (Morris, Renee Newman and Ben Mortley) and each plays four different characters in different scenes, settings, time periods – and sometimes with different accents. While frenetic and comical, it is also at times sensitive and poignant, examining love through a variety of filters. (RB) Until Aug 6 (Mon to Sat 7pm; Sat 6 Aug 2pm & 7pm). SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St,

classical singing training coming in handy.

“It’s nice to have moments in the show, especially for myself when singing the ballads, and you just see the audience sit there and they’re so quiet, just listening to the lyric…”

The choreography is executed with unbelievable animation and even the humour, although it shows its vintage, evokes uproars of laughter. But most surprisingly, the relationships in this show have not dated.

“You’ve got so much involved in this show that it hits everything,” Scarlett said of Singin’.“If you love a comedy, if you love a drama, if you love singing, you love dancing, you love the rain, you love the spectacle of the show – it’s got something for everyone.”

Audiences members be warned, don’t rush for the exits after the final curtain call – as the heavens open up again soon after for a delightful final tribute to Gene Kelly involving the whole cast.

An absolute joy. (AM) Until Sept 4, varied performance times.

Sydney Lyric Theatre,The Star, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont. From $74.90.Tickets & info: singin.com.au or ticketmaster.com.au

Kings Cross. $30-$38.Tickets & info: griffintheatre.com.au APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH Agatha Christie’s classic novel has been transformed for the stage.The theatrical version focuses on the Boynton family.

The sadistic matriarch of this clan rules it with an iron fist, which oppresses her relations until a shocking tragedy turns everything upside down. Set in the ancient Middle Eastern city of Petra, this drama will surprise, delight and titillate the audience with its unexpected twists and turns. (LR) Until Aug 20. Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, Sydney. $25-$30.

Tickets & info: genesiantheatre.com.au

EL CIRCO BLANC Immerse yourself in the delights of the Russian Winter Circus as the tastes of a five-course degustation menu interweave with a visual feast.A circus style performances dazzles and delights. Contortion, strength and aerial work are executed with upstanding showmanship. El Circo Blanc is first and foremost about the sensation – a loose narrative of youthful days spent in the Russian Circus is told through impressive circus acts, each leading to the next dish. (AM) Every Wednesday, 7pm. Slide Lounge, 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. $89.00+b.f. includes 5 course dinner and show (group discounts available).Tickets & info: slide.com.au or (02) 8915 1899 city hub 28 JULY 2016

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THE NAKED CITY

THE MONSTER RAVING LOONY ‘NAKED PARTY’ With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death With the City of Sydney Council elections looming large in September and the various combatants revealing their hand, we thought it was high time that some new blood was injected into what could easily become just another non event. With due acknowledgement to the UK’s late Screaming Lord Sutch, we are seriously thinking of forming our own Monster Raving Loony ‘Naked’ Party to put forward a series of radical proposals that will have all other candidates in a spin.

The motto of the MRLNP will be “Nothing To Hide”, a full frontal exposure of our manifesto that is bound to turn the election on its head. Here are just a few of the changes and improvements we would like to see in what is rapidly becoming one of the most ‘unliveable’ cities in the world.

A MORATORIUM ON NORTH KOREAN STYLE CIVIC ARCHITECTURE: That means a complete reversal of the plan to turn the Park Street precinct opposite the Town Hall into a vast Pyongyang style civic square, an horrendous Kafkaesque nightmare of concrete and stainless steel. The Woollies building will get a heritage listing with the guarantee that anybody can whip in to buy a barbequed chicken or packet of Tim Tams between the hours of 6am and midnight.

BUSKING LICENCES ABOLISHED AND JOY BROUGHT BACK TO THE SAD ARSED STREETS: Unleash the cacophony of guitar strumming, drum beating, ball juggling, fire eating entertainers who once brought colour and zest to our city streets,

from the Devonshire Street tunnel to the Pitt Street Mall. Bring back the Moose Man in Kings Cross, with a twenty four hour exemption, and let the urban symphony permeate every nook and cranny of the otherwise cold, heartless, concrete jungle.

SLASH THE FIREWORKS BUDGET TO SOMETHING SANE AND REASONABLE: Every year we get the same pitch from the Lord Mayor – “This NYE’s fireworks will be the biggest and best ever”. The only thing ever bigger is the shameless amount of money squandered on this pyrotechnic madness. As most punters are

totally inebriated by midnight, and most kiddies asleep, a five minute show would easily suffice and just to show that we are not entirely party poopers we’d offer a free six pack of sparklers to anybody under eight years old.

THE LORD MAYOR’S NYE PARTY – IT HAS TO GO!: Speaking of party pooping, the scandalous amount spent on the annual Lord Mayor’s NYE party and crony-fest at the Opera House, rumoured to be around $900,000 means this elitist boozeup has to go. Instead the Lord Mayor would be offered the exclusive use of a ‘party bus’ for the night and an unlimited supply of goon bags, touring the city neighbourhoods and dispensing cheap wine and nibblies. The common touch!

24 HOUR CAFETERIA IN THE LOWER TOWN HALL: A number of charities do a great job in providing meals for the homeless, usually served in the often cold and windy streets, but why not relieve their financial burden by turning the seldom used Lower Town Hall into a 24 hour caf, with a guaranteed ‘sit down’ meal for anybody down on their luck.

BILLY CARTS FOR BOURKE STREET: The Bourke Street Bicycle Path is a complete disaster and there have been more sightings of the Tasmanian Tiger than cyclists using it during the last few years. It would however make a great Billy Cart track and a private consortium could easily turn it into a thrill ride to rival Katoomba’s Scenic Railway and Luna Park’s Wild Mouse.

Stay tuned for even more pervasive policies and our full list of Mayoral candidates!

Sculpture by Barangaroo

Keith Armstrong – Over Many Horizons Keith Armstrong, Light of Extinction, 2014.

Image Bryan Spence

Art and science may seem like strange bedfellows to some. For new media artist Dr Keith Armstrong, science is an integral part not only of the construction of his art, but also its inspiration and purpose.

As part of the Sydney Science Festival, Dr Armstrong will be exhibiting his first solo work, Over Many Horizons, a five piece, interactive, immersive installation that uses robotics, sound, light and movement to inform and enhance the viewer experience.

He is an advocate for sustainability and hopes to raise public awareness around environmental and ecological issues, however he prefers gentle activism and doesn’t want his art to be didactic.

As well as displaying art, Dr Armstrong will be appearing on a panel together with several scientists. He sees this as the preferred forum for explicitly delivering a message.

“If you can put something that still has the qualities of art and gives people a strong emotive kind of experience – if you can put that alongside discussion and debate I think SUSAIN BAIRD – SENSE OF PLACE Baird smothers otherwise serene landscapes in light. Painting in open air, the artist works in and from multiple sessions. She describes her process as “distilling the landscape from its infinite possibilities”. Painted across two residencies in NSW and Tasmania, the precise way that light is spilling, or leaking, in Bard’s paintings gives the impression that she is embalming (or eulogising) her scenes rather than revitalising them. Baird’s method emphasises the diversity of the Australian landscape and the peculiarity of its quality of light. (ZS) 16

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that’s a really good combination…”

In spite of the use of technology and physics and some classic scientific themes (like the periodic table), Dr Armstrong insists you don’t need a knowledge of science to appreciate the works. In fact, he sees his art as a way to make science appealing and accessible to the general public.

“People are attracted to screens and shiny objects.”

One thing he has been challenged on is the disconnect between the use of technological items in practice, which have built-in obsolescence, and the message of sustainability. He answers this in part by using retro and recycled equipment.

Ultimately, as a new media artist, he needs to find a way to use available technologies to create art but at the same time stay true to his purpose.

“It’s definitely something I fight with everyday.”

(RB) Aug 2–Sep 23 (12-6pm, Mon-Fri). UTS Gallery, Level 4, 702 Harris St, Ultimo. FREE.Visit www. art.uts.edu.au for information about talks and discussion panels.

Until Aug 6. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay. Info: arthousegallery.com.au MONTAGES:THE FULL CUT, 19992015 This exhibition gathers artist Tracey Moffatt and editor Gary Hillberg’s eight collaborative films. Moffatt and Hillberg present a series of montages of cinematic representations of topics such as violence against women, blackness and indigeneity, and artists’ work. Moffatt and Hillberg’s interest in the representation and reconstitution of the social world in cinema undergirds their

Margarita Sampson - The Grove

Long-running annual art event Sculpture by the Sea is expanding out from the length of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk to Barangaroo Reserve.

Running over August, Sculpture at Barangaroo is a free event that showcases twelve artworks

by Australian artists – six existing, and six new works commissioned specially for the event. The program features free talks by the exhibiting artists and other special events run throughout the month, and organisers promise that the selection of works will “grow and change” over the course of these events.

collaboration, but what animates it is a waxing and waning social optimism. (ZS) Until Aug 10. Artspace, 43-51 Cowper Wharf Road,Woolloomooloo.

Info: artspace.org.au ARCHIBALD PRIZE The finalists and winner of Australia’s most recognised art prize are now on show at the Art Gallery of NSW. Melbourne artist Louise Hearman’s hyper-real portrait of iconic Australian Barry Humphries has won the 2016 Archibald Prize.

Titled Barry, Hearman’s oil on Masonite portrait represents the artist’s enduring

Like Sculpture by the Sea, Sculpture at Barangaroo is designed as a family friendly event.The included sculptures are arranged along an outdoor walking trail through Barangaroo Reserve, running along the harbour-side Wulugul walk from Nawi Cove to Walumil Lawn. Barangaroo Reserve will be open as normal throughout the event, and visitors can also book cultural tours to explore the area’s Indigenous history. (ZS) Aug 6–21, 8am–6pm daily. Barangaroo foreshore. Free. Info: www.barangaroo.sydney Aboriginal Cultural Tours: $23.98-$39.13.

Tickets & info: www.eventbrite.com.au

admiration of Humphries. Other remarkable paintings in the exhibition include Natasha Bieniek’s highly commended portrait of arts patron Wendy Whitely and Marcus Wills’ painting of dancer and choreographer James Batchelor. (AM) Until Oct 9. Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road,The Domain, Sydney. $14-$18. Tickets & info: artgallery.nsw.gov.au FRIDA KAHLO AND DIEGO RIVERA Sydney finally has the opportunity to see the works of these famed Mexican artists in our city. This expertly curated exhibition

features 33 iconic paintings – including Kahlo’s ‘Self portrait with monkeys’ and ‘Diego on my mind’ (both 1943) and major examples of Rivera’s canvas paintings – interspersed with a tapestry of photographs and letters which tell the story not only of the couple’s artistic careers, but of their turbulent relationship, passionate activism and love for their homeland. (AM) Until Oct 9. Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road,The Domain. $8-$18 (multi-visit passes available).

Tickets & info: artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Nativösoul: A brand new band on the Sydney music scene which brings musicians together from Australia, Peru, Brazil and Argentina to create a genre-shaking and boundary-breaking rhythmic sound like you’ve never heard before. Get out and support them as they spread their wings.

Fri, Jul 29, Venue 505 Hollie Smith: One of New Zealand’s most prominent artists – who has worked with numerous bands such as Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Don McGlashan – brings her stylings and brand new album to Sydney this week.

Fri, Jul 29,The Basement Mane: The enigmatic voice of Mane heads out on the road this weekend to celebrate the release of her latest single ‘Bitter’, which blends influences from pop and blues flawlessly.

Fri, Jul 29,The Newsagency UNDR CTRL 2nd Birthday Fundraiser: The second of three signature parties by various industry heavyweights see’s UNDR CTRL taking charge to help raise much needed funds for Oxfam Australia.Taking the stage for the party are Roland Tings, Rainbow Chan and Motorik Vibe Council to name just a few.

Sat, Jul 30, Oxford Art Factory The Internet: Following overwhelming demand of their first show, LA collective The Internet have added an extra show for Sydney fans this weekend. Fresh off the stage at Splendour In The Grass the group will be bringing their signature smooth soul and funk vibes with them.

Sat, Jul 30, Metro Theatre

Ganz

Willoughby Symphony: For their fourth concert of the year the Willoughby Symphony have chosen to name this one Destiny. On the evening they will be performing Matthew Hindson’s explosive Boom Box followed by a rendition of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto by guest soloist Harry Bennetts before closing out the night with the classic Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5.

Sun, Jul 31,The Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood Neville Staple: The Rudeboy legend of ska hits Newtown this weekend to celebrate the release of his latest album Ska Crazy.

With a massive catalogue of hits up his sleeve and buzzing with energy following the album’s release, this is one not to be missed.

Sun, Jul 31, Newtown Social Club Freedman Jazz Awards: The Music Trust has announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2016 Freedman Jazz Fellowship, Australia’s premier award for excellence in jazz.This year’s contenders for the annual scholarship are drummer James McLean and pianists Joe O’Connor and Luke Sweeting.This weekend the finalists have the chance to compete for the $20,000 cash prize in a live performance play-off so the audience is in for a treat.

Mon, Aug 1, Sydney Opera House Troye Sivan: Australia’s own global pop icon returns home this week to perform a run of shows across the country. Over the past two years, Sivan has cemented himself as an international superstar and a force to be reckoned with.

Wed, Aug 3, Hordern Pavillion

By Jamie Apps One of the earliest and biggest supporters of the new wave of Australian dance music producers comes from a highly unlikely source in Dutch producer Ganz, who says he fell in love with it because it is “super refreshing and not something we’re used to listening to in the Netherlands”.

Over the years Ganz, or Jordy Saamena, has worked with Australian artists such as Flume, What So Not and Alison Wonderland who have all gone on to become industry heavyweights. More recently Jordy has been working with JOY. and Akouo on remixes and collaborations, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if these two soon shoot to superstardom as well.

Thanks to the internet and its widespread use by young musicians to showcase their talents, Jordy was able to find these artists very early

particular moment,” he explained. “Now with my own label I put out tracks with different sounds and it’s whatever I want to do.”

Taking this step could have been incredibly risky but thankfully it has paid off and Ganz is now more popular and busy than ever. Last year he played a show at Sydney’s Chinese Laundry which saw him arrive just mere hours before walking onto stage. He explained:“I had enough time to shower and eat before playing then had to fly back out a few hours later to play in another city so I was pretty jet lagged.”

Luckily this time around Jordy has a much more relaxed tour schedule. He explained his excitement to be able to see more of the country this time around, adding:“This is my fourth time coming to Australia and I’m super hyped to get back again because it’s my favourite place on earth.”

Jul 30, 6.30pm. Pacha, 330 George St, Sydney. $25-$40+b.f.

Tickets & info: pachasydney.com

on. “For me life is about waking up and making as much music as I can everyday, so 24/7 I’m searching out new music and sounds,” he said.

It was this passion for pushing boundaries and being unique that pushed Saamena to found his own independent record label. “A lot of people wanted me to put out music and put me in specific corners, but I felt like creating and releasing music that I liked at any

Totally Unicorn – Dream Life

Hellions – Opera Oblivia

Sydney’s Totally Unicorn are a truly hectic, off-beat group. They may not be to everyones tastes, and their debut album Dream Life is the ultimate representation of this fact.

Transitioning sporadically from metalcore to punk, the listener is constantly left on edge waiting for the next unpredictable pace or melody change.

Frontman Drew Gardner’s throat-shredding screaming vocals are incredibly well done and catchy, even if you cannot always make out what the lyric actually is.

Again this record will certainly not be for everyone but if you’re after something totally unique, different and energising, this is for you. (JA) WW1/2

Hellions certainly cannot be criticised for their work ethic or ambition, touring tirelessly whilst also releasing annual albums.

This year is no different with the release of Opera Oblivia, their most ambitious offering to date.

What makes this album so ambitious is the band’s commitment and willingness to alter their sound so drastically with the introduction of operatic elements. Fans can rest assured though that they haven’t forgotten what brought them to the big leagues and have managed to maintain their punchy, heavy sound.

Opera Oblivia incorporates the slower operatic styles and elements so sparingly that they carry a real weight and lift the songs to a new level. Particular examples are at the end of opener ‘24’ followed by lead single ‘Quality Of Life’.

‘Heels Of Hands’ is another standout track, the vocals here come entirely from interviews with molestation victims, and it’s a true tearjerker.

I highly recommend everyone check this album out, simply because of the innovation and touching truth-filled themes. (JA) WWWW

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On Hold

This exciting new local production is a short film, with a twist. There’s only six minutes of dialogue its 25-minute runtime. The rest is comprised of nine new and original musical numbers. But it needs your help to get off the ground.

A musical set in a call centre, On Hold stars seasoned musical theatre performer Madeleine Jones (LWC’s Avenue Q, ABC’s Devil’s Dust) as Gabby Stencil, a low-level employee at VisCORP, a call centre. Despite loathing her job, Gabby is kept afloat by her dream of one day working as a musical composer.

In the course of a day, Gabby’s most recent attempt at breaking into the musical theatre industry is rejected as she is simultaneously offered a promotion at VisCORP. Gabby works through the prevalent choice between freedom and security and discovers where her true happiness lies… by singing it out, of course.

It’s no secret that Gabby’s dilemma is close to the hearts of On Hold’s creators. With the support of the University of Technology, Jake Nielson and Matthew Prendy (LCW’s Avenue Q, TML’s Fiddler on the Roof) have composed a show with ripping music and lyrics.

The boys are not shy about asking for help either, and On Hold needs some extra help to see that it completes production. They have just launched a fundraising campaign through Pozible and have already nearly reached their total funding goal of $5,000 – with just a little more help they’ll be over the line, and the nation will be on track to receiving a unique new musical theatre creation.

Join the team and support a fun and biting short film. A donation of just $30 will get you a download of the entire original soundtrack when the film is complete. (AM) For more information, go to www.pozible. com/project/on-hold-musical

Lights Out Batman: The Killing Joke With the ongoing production of horror films since the birth of cinema, it’s difficult for filmmakers to strive for continued originality in storylines and scare tactics as vividly displayed in this film.

From the producer of The Conjouring comes the story of a young boy and his older sister who see a terrifying entity when the lights go out. Filmed on a small budget with a competent cast, but unfortunately audiences may feel they’ve seen it all before.

OUR KIND OF TRAITOR While on holiday in Marrakech, moralistic professor Perry (Ewan McGregor) must decide if he should help a member of the Russian Mafia (a common problem I’m sure we all can relate to). His decision ultimately plunges he and wife Gail (Naomie Harris) into dangerous and deadly dealings with the English government and Russian monarchy.The film certainly has some beautiful scenes, thanks to its big budget and international production. However, it does not offer up anything we haven’t seen a hundred times before in British spy films. (CB) WW1/2 LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP Based 18

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The screamfest commences almost immediately, with the usual stereotyped characters and ghostly scenarios, but ultimately the effect may be underwhelming as over time audiences have been desensitized by overexposure to films of this genre.

The predictability in storylines is suffocating, with the lights going off at all the appropriate times and laughably the damsel in distress also fighting off the supernatural foe and ‘surprisingly’ emerging as the hero of the piece. (MMo) WW1/2

on a short novel by Jane Austin, this delightful comedy of manners is set in England in the late 18th Century. Kate Beckinsale is perfectly cast as Lady Susan, a self-indulgent and accomplished flirt who survives on the hospitality of others and expects a life of extravagance since becoming a widow without fortune. Elegant and beautifully filmed, this comedy is written with sharp wit and most of the humour derives from Lady Susan’s ‘encouragement of gentlemen’.This charming film which also ridicules romantic sensibility has limited appeal however. (MMo) WWW1/2 GHOSTBUSTERS This respectable reboot of the 80’s paranormal

cinematic romp is an exceptionally hilarious and entertaining film which should be enjoyed equally by fans of the original franchise and a whole new generation of movie-goers. Melissa McCarthy leads a likeable cast of all female ghostbusters.This supernatural action comedy slime fest is a feast for the eyes and ears and audiences will be engrossed by the ingenious visual effects, especially in 3D, as New York City is demolished by ghosts. (MMo) WWW1/2 SWISS ARMY MAN Occasionally a movie can be so deplorable that it’s surprisingly arresting and amusing to watch – but not in this instance. Daniel Radcliffe plays a farting corpse who helps a man (Paul Dano) marooned on

Alan Moore’s iconic graphic novel, which tells the most definitive and depraved Joker origin story, has been one of the most anticipated and called for comic adaptations since comic book films became box office monsters.

The film sees Mark Hamill (The Joker) and Kevin Conroy (Batman) reprise their roles from the animated series in the mid-1990’s, although this time around the subject matter is much darker and certainly not for children.

The film opens with an interesting monologue/ interview from Hamill which explains the moments that influenced his decision to take on the role and some of the choices he made in his performance. This is one of the most compelling

an island back to civilization.This vastly unfunny ‘alleged comedy’ is unashamedly overloaded with gross gutter-level toilet humour which is obnoxious and obscene. Buried deep lies a fleeting moment of redemption where an intelligent statement on society is delivered, but unfortunately it’s too little too late. (MMo) W1/2 THE LEGEND OF TARZAN This movie boasts a stellar cast that incudes Alexander Skarsgard, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson and our very own Margot Robbie as Jane. Robbie manages to hold her own, despite being frustratingly confined to ‘damsel in distress’.The return to the Congo also sees the return of some stale

elements for anyone who has already read the graphic novel.

The second section of the film has us exploring the romantic dynamic between Batman and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl, which again is very interesting if you’ve already read the book.

While the remainder of the film plays out true to the novel and will leave all fans satisfied, it would have been nice to see them delve deeper into the darkness. The story does however tell the most compelling Joker origin story and proves that both he and Batman could very easily have switched roles had their “one bad day” gone slightly differently. (JA) WWW

ideas about the white man’s place in history.The film is a massive missed opportunity to authentically portray the African experience at the hands of European colonisers in the late 19th Century. (CB) WW1/2 SING STREET This Irish musical comedy-drama set in Dublin 1985 is a delightful coming-of-age film which concerns the awkwardness of first love, aspirations for a better life and faded dreams. Cosmo (Ferdia WalshPeelo) is a 15-year-old boy who forms a band to impress Raphina (Lucy Boynton) a 16-year-old mystery girl who aspires to be a model. Detracting are some of the strong Irish accents and the initial slow pace of the story,

but interest builds once the band forms. (MMo) WWW1/2 GOLDSTONE In this spin-off to director Ivan Sen’s previous offering Mystery Road (2014), troubled indigenous detective Jay Swan (Aaron Pederson) returns to hunt for a missing person and discovers a trail of corruption, human trafficking, murder and corporate greed. Sen – who also wrote, filmed, edited and scored this drama-driven thriller – must be complemented for producing a gem, marvelled for its masterful production values and the breathtaking cinematography of the sun-drenched Australian landscape. (MMo) WWWW

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