City Hub 9 June 2016

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Unfinished Business: The fight to tackle abortion reform in NSW

BY JORDAN FERMANIS The time has come for abortion reform in New South Wales. For the last century, abortion has been illegal under the Crimes Act 1900 Sections 82-84 carrying a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment for women having the procedure and the doctors that administer it.

Speaking at a public meeting held at the Glebe Town Hall on 6th June, Greens NSW Senate MP Mehreen Faruqi presented her amendments to the Crimes Act to legalise abortion.

“My bill is the culmination of a long and intense consultation process. With many stakeholders, with legal experts, with doctors, with health professionals, with academics and with womens groups,” Ms Faruqi said.

The bill Ms Faruqi is introducing to NSW parliament works in three areas. Firstly it repeals the sections of the Crimes Act that make abortion illegal. Secondly, it requires there be a 150m ‘safe access zone’ around abortion clinics and finally gives doctors the right to conscientiously object if they feel an abortion is dangerous.”

“Here in NSW, from Surry Hills to Albury to Tweed Heads, people accessing reproductive health services are routinely harassed, filmed and exposed to deeply distressing imagery for something that one in three women in Australia will access. This is unacceptable.”

“We commissioned New South Wales specific polling on abortion law reform last year that found overwhelming support in the community: 87 per cent of New South Wales residents support the right to choose, and that cuts across political divides, geographic areas, and ages.”

“Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT have all made these changes, while we are left lagging behind.

Abortion’s legal status in NSW stretches back one hundred years, where it was criminalised to curb the high instances of maternal mortality rates due to ‘backyard abortions.’ Addressing the meeting Sydney health lawyer, Julie Hamblin said that most people in NSW are unaware that abortion is still illegal.

“Most people in New South Wales, don’t realise abolition is a criminal offence. It is way over time to have this reform passed,” “It is possible to get abortions in NSW but access is difficult and is highly constrained by the fact that we have this very ambiguous legal status for abortion,” Ms Hamblin said.

Abortion is a common medical procedure. According to statistics provided by Obstetrician/Gynaecologist Dr Phillipa Ramsay, 40 to 60 per cent of women in Australia will have a termination in their life

Atendees at Monday night’s meeting. Source: supplied.

time. Additionally, for every 100 live births in Australia 25 abortions are taking place. There is a disconnect between the reality and the law.

Abortions are necessary, they are happening but the law has not caught up.

Bethany Sheehan spoke at the meeting on behalf of the ‘My body, my rights’ action group. The group works to encourage women to not be ashamed or embarrassed about undergoing an abortion while often resisting ‘pro-life’ demonstrators that encircle the Sydney Abortion Clinic in Surry Hills.

“We struggle to talk about abortion in public. Nothing can change if we can’t discuss it and talk about it,” “It’s 2016 and it’s time to move on,” Ms Sheehan said.

Abortion reform has historically been a feminist issue in NSW dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Even recently there has been

conservative opposition to legalising abortion, most notably from Tony Abbott as Health Minister in the Howard government and from Fred Nile and the Christian Democrat party in the NSW parliament. These views represent a waning minority as gender equality and women’s sexual freedom has become more popularised.

Ms Faruqi told the meeting that it was likely both the major political parties would ask their members to have a conscious vote on the bill.

With abortion legal in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, Ms Faruqi said it was important that a bill to legalise abortion was introduced to the NSW parliament to give MPs the chance to consider the issue.

“No one has really started the debate and tried to convince MPs that this is the right thing to do. This is what this bill and this campaign does, it puts it on the table after a 100 years, NSW MPs are confronted with this change that people in NSW want,” Ms Faruqi said.

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Federal Election Analysis The Mike Baird Effect

BY ADRIAN ROOK With thousands of protestors recently demonstrating against NSW Premier Mike Baird at Parliament House in Macquarie Street, it is safe to say that frustration at the State Government is at an all-time high. Issues referenced by protestors included the forced amalgamations of councils, controversial infrastructure projects, the introduction of laws restricting civil liberties, and the licensed venue lock-out laws.

Whilst Baird was popular, voters on social media have now taken to the hashtag #CasinoMike to express their disappointment.

The unpopularity of recent State Government decisions should be of particular Photo: Lucas Baird concern for Baird because it appears to extend across the political divide, including to voters that the Liberal party is pitching itself to most heavily. It also comes at a particularly important time for the party federally.

For example, technology entrepreneur Matt Barrie has been particularly scathing of the lock-out laws. However, he appears to be just the sort of voter the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, is pitching to when he uses terms like ‘agile’ and ‘innovative’ in his election campaign. This raises questions about the effect that the Premier might have on the ability of the federal Liberal party to woo voters in New South Wales.

Whilst this is always hard to quantify, there are seats that appear to be playing out state-issues at a federal level. In Kingsford Smith, Labor MP Matt Thiselthwaite has campaigned hard against the destruction of heritage trees by the light rail project. This could be an important issue in the challenge posed by Liberal candidate, Michael Feneley.

In the Inner-city seats of Sydney and Grayndler, the competition between who will do a better job in opposing the agenda of the state

government is a battle being fought by Labor and the Greens. Recent polling has even indicated that the Prime Minister is facing a significant negative swing in his blue ribbon seat of Wentworth.

However, to have a significant detrimental impact on the federal Liberal Party’s push for re-election the Mike Baird effect must see seats change hands from the Coalition to Labor. In this respect, the effect seems marginal but not non-existent. There are two seats which are particularly noteworthy.

The first is the seat of New England, held by Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce. Forced council amalgamations have been particularly unpopular in this seat. The Independent former MP for the seat, Tony Windsor, is campaigning hard on the issue. For Tony Windsor to defeat Barnaby Joyce would be a shocking defeat for the government. However, with the resources deployed by the Nationals it will take an incredible amount of work.

Likewise, in Eden-Monaro, local government issues are proving to be a major concern. Labor’s candidate is Mike Kelly, a former legal officer in the Australian Army who held the seat from 2007-2013. He will campaigning on issues such as the council amalgamations, in a bid to unseat Dr Peter Hendy, a member of the Turnbull Ministry, who holds the seat on a margin of under 1 per cent. Eden-Monaro will be a particularly interesting seat to watch. It is probably the country’s best known “bellwether seat”. Since 1972 the party that has won Eden-Monaro has gone on to form government.

Regardless of whether they have a demonstrable effect on the outcome of the election, it is clear that the controversial decisions of the state government have caused some serious headaches for the Coalition at a federal level. city hub 9 JUNE 2016

3

Residents to battle towers planned for Centennial Park

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Bondi Junction residents are gearing up for another fight to stop a controversial 38 meter apartment building development in their suburb.

A development application for apartment towers on the corner of Oxford St and James Road in Bondi Junction caused uproar in April last year when it was put before council It sparked outcry from residents and was rejected by Waverley Council.

On May 31, a Joint Regional Planning Panel recommended as part of the pre Gateway review process the proposal proceed to the government’s “Gateway” process, meaning that it will be up to the Planning Minister to approve the development.

Save West Bondi Junction spokesperson Howard ParryHusbands told City Hub that the community was against “huge towers over Centennial Park”.

He said the community was not against development, and was aware that Bondi Junction already had a significant amount of high rises. He said the problem was with the shadow the towers would inevitably throw over Centennial Park.

“This is not in the Bondi Junction precinct, this is overlooking Centennial Park. Everyone know that the Junction is a high rise precinct. But this would be the first tower over the people’s park, Centennial Park.”

Mr Husband-Parry told City Hub that he thought the “entire process from the beginning has been quite clearly planned.”

In its findings, the planning panel said that 38 metres was appropriate because a building of less height would “reduce the public benefit” that would be possibly be negotiated in respect of the proposal.

Labor Waverley Councillor Paula Masselos told City Hub that it was unclear as to exactly what the public benefit was that the planning panel were referring to.

“I can only see developer benefit not public benefit,” Clr Masselos said.

Residents say that the towers will overshadow nearby Centenial Park

She said that community was against the project because it would overshadow Centennial Park, increase traffic congestion, and was incongruous with the suburb’s heritage.

She said that the push to increase height restriction contravened a 2012 Local Environment Plan.

“There was this concept that high rise would be around the train station, and then it gradually reduced, so by the time you got to west Oxford they were 9.5 storey building, not huge 20 storey towers,” she said.

“It is taking planning out of the hands of council. We are not getting a local response, and we are disempowering the community from making decisions by regional planning panels. Panels are appointed and councillors are elected to represent the views of the community,” she said.

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Community Information Sessions Public exhibition of the drafts of the new Biodiversity Conservation Act and The current biodiversity certification scheme is being expanded to improve biodiversity assessment early in the planning process. amendments to the Local Land Services Act This will provide certainty to developers and the community about potential future development areas. It will also achieve better environmental outcomes than by the current

assessment.

Thesite-by-site NSW Government is committed to engaging with the community Key biodiversity certification include: of the drafts of the new Biodiversity throughout the publicchanges exhibition » Allowing developers to apply, rather than only planning authorities.

Conservation Act with and amendments to the Local Land Services Act. » Aligning applications other development assessment processes. » Certification will be encouraged for proposals declared to be of strategic biodiversity or

development importance.

You are invited to attend an open community drop-in session at any time to find out more about the proposed reforms.

Biodiversity from the Office Encouraging Strategic Representatives of Environment Heritage,biodiversity Department Assessment Method strategic biodiversityandcertification of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and Department of Planning certification proposals Biodiversity certification proposals Incentives for planning authorities A new category ‘strategic’ will be assessed through the and Environment will be available to discuss the details of theof reforms. will encourage them to consider biodiversity certification will Biodiversity Assessment Method There isThis also an opportunity to provide and have your say. biodiversity impacts of feedback future land be established.

Only planning (BAM). new approach will use changes for certain proposals declared strategic. These are proposals likely to have significant environmental and Date community benefits from assessing and A demonstration of the Ultimo Community Centre 16 June protecting biodiversity impacts early BAM is available online at 40 William Henry Street,in the planning process. http://landmanagement.nsw.gov. au/bam-tool Corner Bulwara Road, Ultimo ensure transparent and consistent outcomes for all biodiversity assessment within the planning Location system.

authorities can apply for a proposal to be declared strategic. The Minister for the Environment will determine Time certification if a biodiversity proposal is strategic, based on the 2016 5pm–7.30pm criteria outlined in the biodiversity conservation regulation.

More information: www.landmanagement.nsw.gov.au

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Salvos throws first stone at Sydney sex workers

BY BARBERELLA KARPINSKI Sex worker groups are locked in a stoush battling the Salvation Army, following the release of promotional material which they say increases the stigma around sex workers.

The charity released promotional material about a five year old girl who is the daughter of a sex worker and addict who self mutilates. According to the advertising copy, it is based on a true story.

It is designed to elicit sympathy and donations. No real names or cases are referred to and sex worker advocates not only dispute whether the story is based in reality, but argue that this material causes stigma and discrimination to workers and their families.

Protestors who were aggrieved by the advertisement gathered outside the Salvation Army Corporate Office in Redfern last Thursday June 2. Sex workers and their supporters were angered by the charitity’s negative stereotyping of sex workers and particularly mothers.

Jules Kim, CEO said: “The Salvos had agreed to work with us on a policy for future promotion and for us to hold consultations with our members for this to happen. They had also said they wouldn’t be using anything about sex work without talking to us.”

“We had been continuing on in good faith with the negotiations but obviously their word meant nothing because they have been using this material delivered to households around Australia during their door knock appeal with a detailed case story extrapolating on the offensive material that had been the cause of the issue in the first place. Obviously they must think sex workers aren’t part of the community and won’t see it or that it really doesn’t matter what we think. The material is still online,” she said.

“They were using this during the doorknock campaign during the weekend and many households in Australia received this slipped under their doors ….

When it comes to sex workers, obviously the Salvos find it acceptable to continue to lie, stigmatise and exploit us for financial gain.”

In a narrative called “Becky’s Story” the advertisement takes the reader on a journey into the

A protest by the Australian Sex Worker Association

mind of a child of a sex worker. “I know my mother was a prostitute. She’d bring ‘clients” to our house and lock me in the bathroom while she did what she did. I hated that bathroom. There was no way out.

The window bustered but up way too high. The toilet stinking of strangers. I hated that bathroom... Find a way to heal my heart. I hated the bathroom...The bathroom my room while mum goes to work in her room. My mother was a prostitute. She’d lock me in the bathroom...”

As well as not adhering to guidelines in the media industry when reporting stories about mental health, self-harm, suicide and vulnerable people, this copy futher stigmatised sex workers and their kids.

According to Cameron Cox, CEO of SWOP: “The Salvation Army has since issued an apology, saying the language included in the advertisement will not be used in future promotional materials.” In an email of May 31, Mr Cox reported that the organisation has claimed that “some direct marketing material had already been distributed

– predominantly in QLD, NSW and ACT – and could not be retracted” but [they] “were however, able to retract what we could, which was 2.1 million direct marketing pieces”. Despite this claim, many people I have spoken to in Sydney have received the marketing material.”

There is a big difference between the real lives of sex workers and the media representation. This is a prime example. As part of investigative research exercise, this reporter visited a rural brothel. One mother and sex worker who had been up all night working hard to pay for her family, having a loud conversation at 7 am by phone with her baby sitter, about what should go in the lunch boxes for the day and whether pig tails or plaits were best. The worker was paying a live-in child minder while she was working. The mother was a single parent working to pay both the sitter, the rent and the kid’s education.

Many sex workers commented on social media about the charity’s characterisation of them. “They reflect the level of hurt your campaign generates when sex workers

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city hub 9 JUNE 2016

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IMAX plan to be decided

Mirvac’s “totalistic” approach to Pyrmont community

by Charlotte Grieve Local residents feel disempowered regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Harbourside Shopping Centre in Darling Harbour. Community members are angry about the consultation process for the 35 storey office tower that will replace the shopping centre. Local residents involved in the consultation process told City Hub that the real estate giant’s actions as ‘totalistic’ in their approach to community engagement.

“I think this has been damaging to the Mirvac brand, other consultations have been much more meaningful,” said James Price, a Pyrmont resident of over 4 years. Price had attended all three community sessions and was ‘totally unimpressed’ with the results.

The Harbourside Shopping Centre was first opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1988 but Mirvac information boards now describe it as ‘outdated’ and ‘lacking quality interface’ with the Darling Harbour public domain. Whilst most community members agree the shopping centre needs work, it’s the proposed 35 storey office tower that residents are most concerned about.

“They want to put up a building that’s purely for business, they’re looking at maximising their capital gain. This isn’t about refurbishment,” local resident Michelle Renshaw said.

Ms Renshaw, among others, is concerned that the development approval would set a precedent. She said tall buildings around the foreshore had meant that the area did not receive enough sunlight.

Residents claim the proposed tower is positioned to cause increased wind velocity, traffic congestion, privacy invasions; all factors they say will decrease the liveability of the area.

“If you want an easier, happier, safer, more vibrant community — you have to have people living in the city,” a Pyrmont resident Giulia Evangelista, told City Hub.

feel they need to justify being a good parent simply because of their occupation”.

Another comment on social media: “Dear Salvos...

As a sex worker and parent to five children, I resent the implication that my choice of employment is somehow synonymous with sub-standard parenting. Sex work is valid work, and communicating this fact to my family and friends takes ongoing effort, given the strength of tired stereotypes and assumptions that deserve no place in our community. This being the case, it is extremely disturbing that a major charitable publication would choose appeal to the public in such an uneducated, inflammatory way. I have been a regular visitor to Salvation Army opportunity shops for many years and have always trusted the Salvos name for occasional donations. This will no longer be the case.”

However the damage of increasing stigma has been done and much promotional material is being circulated and there is no way to estimate the harm.

According to the Australian Press Council, revised reporting guidelines on suicide in August 2011 refer to the Mindframe National Media Initiative as a source of information for the reporting of suicide. The APC calls on the press to continue exercising care and responsibility in reporting suicide and mental illness.

Because the media has an important role to play in influencing social attitudes towards suicide and mental illness, the Salvation Army is naïve in publishing material that may cause distress to vulnerable groups that their organisation is funded to “help”.

Many sex workers are fantastic parents and take on sex work as a job because it is flexible and suited to the needs of parents trying to balance home and work life.

Such representations may cause problems for children of sex workers and lead to bullying at school. The Salvation Army should not only retract their material but set up a phone line to deal with any distress.

Any one experiencing distress is encouraged to call.

Residents are concerned with development in Darling Harbour.

“This is a beautiful area in Sydney that acts as a playground for families, tourists, old people, young people. I don’t know that anyone will want to come here if it’s just filled with glass sky scrapers,” said Renshaw.

However, there’s little they can do about it. The proposed development is on Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) controlled land. Under Section 36 of the 1998 SHFA Act, the Minister may appoint an independent advisory committee to oversee development approvals. “Record of this body refuting any plans is virtually zilch,” said Elizabeth Elenius, convener of the Pyrmont Action Group who has been working for the community since 2003.

“Local governments are bound to a high standard of consultation and transparency in developing height and other regulatory controls.

In contrast, development in unincorporated areas can often be left to the discretion of the relevant minister and the approval process is often opaque,” said Neph Wake, an independent real estate worker.

Mirvac were contacted for comment but did not respond to City Hub’s enquiries in time for print.

by Charlotte Grieve A modified proposal to develop the Darling Harbour IMAX building will be recommended for approval by the NSW Department of Planning.

The Department said on Wednesday June 8 that the building will be 25 storeys.

The new building will house a refurbished theatre, and will now include and serviced apartment complex.

Melbourne-based development company Grocon Pty Ltd has lodged the second and final application to develop Darling Harbour’s historic IMAX building.

The original was met by four public submissions and ten government agency submissions objecting the proposal. Key issues raised included the use of public land, building design, traffic, access and safety.

“Consultation with the community is enshrined into the process for assessing applications like these,” a spokesperson from the Department said.

The independent Planning Assessment Commission will make the final decision on Grocon Pty Ltd’s second application “The Planning Assessment Commission is an important part of the NSW planning system ensuring major developments are subject to expert, independent review and assessment.

The amended application has responded to issues raised by providing a three storey car stacker, a new playground, and an updated Harbour Street pedestrian walkway.

Elizabeth Elenius from the Pyrmont Action Group said the proposal was “the least worst development,” in the Darling Harbour precinct but said it was “just another selling off of Darling Harbour for inappropriate use.”

“More towers and more office buildings-- It’s ceased to be the people’s place, Darling Harbour” she said.

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7

Activists demand ban on greyhound exports

BY KENJI SATO Millie the greyhound was born in a breeding kennel in Campbelltown. She would have been sold into a life of racing, but she lost one of her paws when she was a six week old puppy.

It would turn out to be a blessing in disguise. She was adopted by Nora Anderson-Dieppe, who took pity on the three-and-a-half legged puppy.

“When I picked her up from the breeding kennel they told me there was an accident - that her mother had bitten some toes off. When we got home we took her to the vets. They took the bandage off, and it was a completely raw and open stump. Vets classed it as a traumatic amputation. We still don’t know exactly how it happened because the vets told us there was no way her mother bit her toes off. No way.”

Millie now walks, a little unsteadily, on a prosthetic leg.

“She doesn’t fully weigh-bear but she uses it when she runs and swims. But she’s just a very happy girl. Nothing fazes her,” Nora says.

But Millie’s brother, Jack, was not so fortunate.

After performing poorly on a NSW trial racetrack, he was exported to Macau, China, where he now races alongside over 700 other greyhounds in the Canidrome racetrack, the only legal greyhound racetrack in Asia.

Jack has placed 5th and 6th in his last 6 races at the Canidrome, and unless his track record improves, it is likely that he will be euthanised.

Jack is one of the thousands of Australian greyhounds sent to the Canidrome until late 2015. Australia supplied around 400 greyhounds

a year to the stadium, until exports halted under pressure from animal rights groups, such as Animals Australia and Animal Liberation.

But that has made little difference to the Candrome, which now imports its greyhounds from Ireland instead.

At a rally outside the Irish Consulate in Sydney last week June 2, Nora met with animal activists from Animal Liberation NSW, the Animal Justice Party, and the Greens NSW, to demand a ban on greyhound exports from Australia and Ireland.

Mark Pearson MLC, head of the Animal Justice Party, said it was “unacceptable” to export greyhounds to a country with such lax animal protection laws.

“Ireland has an extraordinary reputation for leading the world in protecting animals. When you have such high standards, it is an atrocity to then put an animal on a plane or a ship and send it to a country where those same fundamental principles of protection and care of animals are not in place.”

Video footage gathered by Animals Australia and broadcast by the ABC revealed that the greyhounds were kept in small cells, and slow or injured racers were routinely euthanised.

Following the media coverage, the Qantas and Cathay Pacific airlines began refusing to transport greyhounds from Australia. But Mehreen Faruqi said that there was no guarantee that the exports wouldn’t continue.

Activists gather outside the Irish Consulate in Sydney’s CBD. Above, ‘Millie” the greyhound. Photo: Kenji Sato

“With the good work of Animals Australia, Animal Liberation, and others, thankfully the export of greyhounds from Australia has dried up at the moment. But we need to make sure that it never starts up again. We need watertight legislation to be able to do that. The Greens NSW have a bill in parliament which will ban greyhound racing, and will also stop the export of greyhounds for breeding or racing purposes.”

“No dog, Jack, Milly, or anyone else, deserves to die for a bet. And yet tens of thousands do, and this must be stopped. This is an urgent matter.”

Lynda Stoner, CEO of Animal Liberation NSW, said she was optimistic that the Canidrome would close down, and the Jack would be brought home.

“We know what’s happening in this country and we want Millie’s brother, Jack, to be shown some love and compassion. We want Jack to come home to Australia. Jack has become the pinup to this whole greyhound racing mess. Some 370,000 people have already signed change.org calling for this racing track to be banned and media coming out of Hong Kong suggests that this racing track will be closing down perhaps in the next couple of months.”

If the Canidrome does close down and Jack is reunited with his sister, it will be the first time the two dogs have met in nearly 3 years. But time is not on Jack’s side. If he is injured on the racetrack, or if he continues to perform poorly, then he may be put down any day now.

Nora is campaigning to #bringjackhome. She says she wants all of the Canidrome greyhounds to be adopted out, before it is too late.

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FEATURE

Pete Conroy Painting The Truth Through Tragedy

BY Chantal Walsh Political cartoons will always have a pull - the exaggerated facial features and doomed legislations of topical political frontrunners, destined to stir and divide. But there’s a universal appeal in the satirical works of Bondi artist Pete Conroy that differs from many an enlarged Abbott ear or Trump coiffure.

‘They are kind of political cartoons that I do, but most political cartoons divide the left wing or the right wing’ Conroy explains, ‘I try and focus on stuff that people are unaware of and once you are made aware of it, I don’t think you’d find many against it.’

Conroy’s refreshing approach to political paintings vary in their protest, from child slave labour to unfair workplace contracts and horrible bosses.

Conroy’s works are as rich in embedded meaning as they are instantly engaging. Their intricate detail and busyness, along with a mesmerisingly quirky darkness, make each of the paintings impossible to ignore and distinctively Conroy.

In September 2012, Conroy’s life completely changed. The Northern English Bondi local of now seven years was surfing when he broke his neck, waking up in hospital a quadriplegic. For Conroy, relearning how to do most daily activities, included learning to paint.

‘I still had all the technical knowledge, but I had to relearn a new way to go about everything and it [was] strange,’ the artist explains, ‘It’s like when somebody has a stroke and they have to learn to talk again, I had to learn to paint again.’

Conroy’s new life as a high-functioning quadriplegic saw his entry into the genre of satire art. Having always wanted to return to university, Conroy began a Master of Fine Arts at Sydney Uni in 2013.

‘It was bad circumstances,’ Pete says of his study, ‘but at the end of the day, I ended up doing what I wished to do before the accident. So it was a bit of a silver lining really.’

His Spinal Cord Injury Work was produced in 2013-2014 and captured the difficulties of losing bodily movement and chronologically charted Conroy’s physical and artistic developments. The works are unreserved in their honesty, one encapsulating the moment Conroy fell asleep at his heater, waking to find his arm burnt to the bone.

‘I was at Sydney College of the Arts and I was doing my first exhibition on a satirical look at life in a wheelchair and I just carried on doing satirical things,’ Conroy recalls, ‘I’m really into politics and it just evolved. I never looked at going down the route.’

Conroy’s latest works will be shown at his new exhibition, Exponential growth - How to Win at Capitalism, which opens Wednesday 15th of June at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery. Given the current public

Pete Conroy.

Photo: Chris Peken

outcry over the Waverly council’s $38 million proposed upgrade of the Pavilion, it seems an ironically fitting place for the exhibition to be held.

Conroy himself worked at the Pavilion before his surfing incident as one of the site’s caretakers, and has been a first-hand witness to the fast-changing pace of Bondi’s landscape. ‘I see where the Bondi locals are coming from so I do sort of feel for them a little bit,’ he says, ‘Bondi has changed in the last 7 years since I’ve been there, and when I got there, everybody was saying how much it [had] changed in the last 5 years.’

The public’s protest over the privatisation of the first floor of the Pavilion, urges the council to consider a ‘makeover, not takeover’ of the site.

‘I’ve spent years working there and it definitely needs a refurb,’ Conroy says, ‘It needs some money pumped into it, even if it’s just [to] re-do it the exact way it is.’

Pete Conroy painting What to Cut Next?

Photo: Chris Peken

Slave Kids

It’s this sentiment that is echoed by many members of the Bondi community, the Pavilion’s theatre, art spaces and studios becoming somewhat of a cultural hub for its residents over the years.

Although the subject matter in many of Pete Conroy’s works may be inconveniently unpleasant, all are unapologetic in their form and vexingly important. With his satirical works able to be appreciated on an educational front as well as an artistic one, should we expect further Conroy commentaries from the artist in the future?

‘It will always kind of be satire, I think. That’s just the nature of the Northern English person to just take the piss out of everything’ Pete jokes.

Despite the hardships of Pete’s circumstances, it’s his upbeat outlook and humour that really

characterises the artist, much like the way his obscure paintings can still very much be enjoyed.

‘Everything was given up the morning I woke up in hospital. [Art] is the one piece of me that…’ Conroy trails off, ‘If I give up painting, then that’s it, then the accident’s kind of taken everything. As long as I can hold onto painting a little bit longer, it feels like I’m still in control and there’s still a little bit of me left.’

Exponential growth… how to win at capitalism Peter Conroy 15 - 26 June, Bondi Pavilion.

Exhibition open daily from 10am to 5pm More Info: www.peteconroyartwork.com city hub 2 JUNE 2016

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Although written almost 70 years ago, Arthur Miller’s first great play, All My Sons, could not be more topical. Post-war soul-searching had begun to question the whole American dream and Miller’s works were at the forefront. Kip Williams has assembled a cracking cast for this STC production.

Joe Keller (John Howard) is the self-made businessman who embodies the American ‘cando’ attitude, though his former partner is in jail for having sold faulty warplane parts. Keller’s wife Kate (Robin Nevin) has her own delusions, refusing to give up hope that her son, a pilot missing in action, will one day return. Chris (Chris Ryan), the other son, has safely returned from the war but his inner demons lie closely below the surface. He has fallen in love with Anne (Eryn Jean Norville), his brother’s fiancée, but their marriage will spell the end of his mother’s forlorn hopes.

Bert LaBonte is the neighbour, Dr. Jim Bayliss, who sees the cloud of darkness descend and the dream slowly implode. Speaking ahead of opening night, LaBonte told City Hub:“We have this dream to live in a nice home, in a nice area, where your family are all doing well, but this calls it all into question – how big a lie will you carry to make sure that you don’t lose that dream?”

It’s a question that LaBonte thinks will resonate with contemporary Australian

Photo: Helen White

Let’s face it – reality TV is everywhere, and we either loathe it or love it. Nick Enright’s A Man With Five Children explores the impact of reality TV and documenting families’ lives through all the ups and downs.

The play follows the lives of five individuals over the course of 28 years, filming them one day each year from the time they are seven.The original plan was to end the series Five Children when they turn 21, but the project is extended to their 35th year.

Director Anthony Skuse says this piece is very moving and theatrical. He added it will also be visually and aurally arresting. He enjoys working with such a large cast and the way the play dances through the years.

“Everything changes and nothing changes.The way

the characters move easily from seven to 18 to 35 captures the experience of growing up.You wake up one morning and think ‘I’m 50! How did that happen?’” he explained.

Skuse says the audience will not only enjoy the performance but the building in which the play is taking place.

“We are lucky in Sydney to have a theatre space like the Eternity Playhouse. It is unlike any other theatre space in the city.To draw the best from it, I think you have to engage with its architecture.”

(AMal) Jun 7–26 (Wed-Sat 7pm, Sun 5pm,Wed & Thu matinee: 11am). Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. $30-$45.Tickets & info: darlinghursttheatre.com

The Big Dry

The Big Dry is a co-production with Australian Theatre for Young People, based on the young-adult fiction novel by Australian author Tony Davis and inspired by the American Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. It was an era of unbelievable dust storms, where all the topsoil on farms was blown away, nothing grew and the land was but dust with no water.

The Big Dry follows two boys waiting for their father to return, the world is getting increasingly more difficult for them.Then a young girl enters their life and they don’t know if she’s a good or bad influence.The whole story is driven by the tension of how these children are going to work out how to survive. One of the lovely things about The Big Dry is that George, the younger brother, is fairly

frequently oblivious to the danger they’re in.

The Big Dry is a beautifully written and suspenseful drama with a very evocative soundtrack. The most important themes are brotherly love, survival and the resilience of children. It’s an environment where things we take for granted have broken down, a kind of dystopian world.

“It’s rare to see young actors in such a sophisticated piece of theatre. Rory Potter (George) and Sofia Nolan (Emily), are the finest 15-year-old actors in the country at the moment. Rory is an award-winning actor and he’s matched in every way by Sofia Nolan. They may not be famous yet, but it’s a real opportunity to see extraordinary talent, at such a young age,” said artistic director of ATYP and director of The Big Dry, Fraser Corfield. (MS) Until Jul 2, various show times. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli. $66-$73.Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au or 02 9929 0644

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10 STAGE 12 SCENE 13 Sounds 14 SCREEN

Review: Tribes

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

audiences, as it brings big picture truth into the most private and personal of spaces – the family.

Audiences are likely to find it uncomfortable.

“It would have been very confronting for American society at the time,” added LaBonte.

“It asks, ‘How might you be personally implicated in the things that you have seen laid bare before you on stage?’” (GW) Until Jul 9. Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $76-$104.

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

Photo: Clare Hawley

It’s no surprise that people who are hearing impaired face exclusion, but how many of us really understand how this feels like? This is just one of the questions that Nina Raine explores in her play Tribes.

Director Susanna Dowling has seamlessly adapted Raine’s play (originally making its debut in London’s Royal Court Theatre) for local audiences, interweaving Australian nuances and humour into this complex human drama.

The cast do a fine job of portraying a seemingly normal family, who believe they are being more inclusive by not ever communicating in sign language with Billy, the only member of the family who is deaf.

When Billy meets Sylvia, who is experiencing gradual deafness, he views his parents and siblings in a new light, and consequently the family dynamic is changed forever. Sylvia’s degenerative experience is just as absorbing to witness.

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher

Eryn Jean Norvill and Chris Ryan.

Photo: James Green

All My Sons

A Man With Five Children

All the relationships and issues are handled with great sensitivity, further highlighting the talents of Dowling and the cast. Also worthy of mention is the set, lighting and effects which are used in interesting ways to convey the unspoken, internal turmoil of the characters. Tribes is a wonderful and emotionally gripping play about the human condition and an insight into how people who are hearing impaired connect with others, within and outside the deaf community.

(ASim) Until Jul 2, various show times. Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli. $66-$73.Tickets & info: ensemble.com.au or 02 9929 0644 WWW1/2

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, Raffael Piccolo.

Tree of Life For the past six years Treehouse Theatre have been bringing young refugees to the centre stage to share their own stories of horror and joy, laughter and pain, wonder and strength.

“Audiences really get a visceral experience of what these kids have been through… It is quite something to hear a story of a terrorist attack or a bombing performed by the child who was actually in that experience,” said Treehouse Theatre co-founder and psychologist Catherine Maguire-Donvito.

Catherine spoke with City Hub ahead of their latest production, Tree of Life, which will see 20 young people share personal stories.

While many of the stories are of trauma, many are quaint stories about life in another country, or about the funny things they’ve experienced since living in Australia. From an account of a young school boy growing up in Iraq suffering persecution and bullying for being part of a religious minority, to a funny story of

the same young boy bothering a shopkeeper for “half an egg”.

“Being able to first of all put a story into words and then the extra layer of acting out those stories helps the young person really understand what’s happened to them and get it into perspective,” added Catherine.

Through performing skits where these young people take on the roles of the adults involved in their personal experiences – from doctors to terrorists – Tree of Life gives agency to members of a chronically disempowered group, and depoliticises the refugee experience, welcoming audiences to embrace these resilient young new Australians. (AM) Jun 9–10, various show times. The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

Jun 23–24, various show times. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula. $20-$30.

Tickets & info: treehousetheatre.org.au

Heathers: The Musical Move over, Regina George. The original Mean Girls are back in town.

Teen angst gets a body count in this musical take on Heathers, the cult 80s black comedy film about the brainy and beautiful Veronica, who hustles her way into her high school’s cruellest clique and starts taking down the popular kids with the help of her mysterious new boyfriend.

Australian cabaret darling Trevor Ashley makes his directorial debut with Heathers: The Musical, which sold out its entire opening season at the Hayes Theatre last year.

Following a “fabulous” run in Melbourne, this bigger and better production is now storming the Opera House.

“It sits on that nice line between taking the piss out of the film and paying respect to it,” explained Trevor.

“I think for me [the story has] a lot of gags and a lot of really fun moments, but I also love

that it twists and becomes actually quite a serious subject matter,” said Trevor. “For me that makes it a perfect show – you laugh your head off but you’re also really moved and rather horrified by the end.”

Trevor had always wanted to try his hand at directing, so he decided to start work on his first run of Heathers as “something to push him to be more creative” in between performing in last year’s main stage production of Les Miserables.

Trevor assures fans of the original story that they’ll be delighted by the show and its surprisingly sophisticated musical score, also adding: “What we were thrilled to see is just how many young people come to see Heathers, it’s a really great, identifiable thing for teenagers to see…” (AM) Jun 8–26. Playhouse Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $59.90-$89.90. Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or 9250 7777

Open Rant Night Can you talk the leg off a chair? Or do you know a friend who likes to hear themselves speak about any topic? Or perhaps you just like to sit back, watch others rant, and nod your head in agreement (or shake your head in disgust)? Whatever your circumstances, grab your friends, particularly those that like to talk, and head out to Open Rant Night.

The event’s founder, Clinton Barnes, describes it as “politics in the pub” meets “open mic night”.

“Ranters”, as the participants are affectionately known, have two minutes to give their two cents worth on any topic of their choice. The topics of choice have ranged from the political and the serious, such as drug decriminalisation, to the not so serious – such as “saying ‘have a safe flight’ like

SMUDGE A controversial dark comedy about Nick and Colby; a couple expecting a perfect baby to complete their lives. But when the baby arrives it’s severely disfigured, sending Colby into a spiral of denial and leaving Nick alone in his own deluded thoughts. The mind of Emmy Award-winning writer Rachel Axler (Parks & Rec, Veep) has brought us this imaginative script that throws away pre-conceived ideas of parenthood. With just three actors on stage, independent theatre company The King’s Fools bring this daring production to the intimate Kings Cross Theatre.

(AM) Until Jun 11, Tues-Sat 8pm, Sun 4.30pm. Kings Cross Theatre, Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, 244-248 William St, Kings Cross. $22-$28. Tickets & info: trybooking.com/LJFI

you can do anything about it” and “in defence of Britney Spears”.

Despite the semi-serious nature of some of the topics, the atmosphere is not intimidating or heated.

The event attracts a diverse range of people.

However, be warned, should you take to the stage, you risk a “rants-of-reply”, where a member of the audience may seek to counter your rant.

As you can see, the event works on the premise that most of us have an opinion, and some are brave enough to share. Whoever you are, simply go along and enjoy the show. (RP) From Jun 16 (third Thursday of every month).

The World Bar, 24 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross.

Free. Info: facebook.com/openrantnight

HOWIE THE ROOKIE Two men, two chairs, two monologues that interweave a dark and complex story.

Andrew Henry and Sean Hawkins bring Howie The Rookie to the stage in an exciting minimalist production.

The plot centres around two unfortunate young men living outside Dublin whose messy underworld lives overlap within a tumultuous 48-hour period. A haunting story of vengeance.

This production returns after both actors won Sydney Theatre awards last year. (RB) Until Jun 11;Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Sun 5pm. Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street), Woolloomooloo. $28-$38.Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/howie IN THE HEIGHTS This Tony and Grammy award-winning musical follows a community living and working in Washington Heights,

Manhattan, and focuses on how their cultural heritage impacts on their lives. In this limited season actor Julian Kuo plays Benny, the outsider of the community. He explains the music of In The Heights as “an absolutely pulsating score that hits hard and covers genres of music that aren’t often used in Musical Theatre.”

(AMal) Until June 12, various show times.

John Painter Hall, Australian Institute of Music, Surry Hills. $25-$30.Tickets & info: stks.be/in-the-heights FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Based on the much loved literary classic by Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd (1874) is the story of beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Nicole Harwood), who attracts the attention of three very different prospective

husbands. This production features original folk songs and lovely choreography for the country dances.

The powerful lead role is played admirably by Harwood, and it’s a sweet but predictable ending when she ultimately finds true love. (MS) Until Jun 25 (Fri + Sat 8pm, Sun 4.30pm). Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent St, Sydney. $25-$30.Tickets & info: genesiantheatre.com.au XANADU Fans of the Olivia Newton-John movie Xanadu should be in for a treat with stage spoof of the 80’s roller-disco film. The story follows Kira (Jaime Hadwen), a Greek muse who comes to Earth to aid a disheartened young artist called Sonny (Ainsley Melham) in realising his dream of opening the first rollerdisco. The stage version embraces the original music and lyrics by Jeff Lyne and John Farrar, and audiences will be

toe-tapping to favourites including ‘Magic’ and ‘Alive’. (MMo) Until Jun 12. Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $54-$60.Tickets & info: hayestheatre.com.au or 8065-7337 THE EVENTS Claire (Catherine McClements) is a mélange of identities.

She is a Reverend, a feminist, a lesbian and the director of a choir.The choir is a microcosm of society, full of people from all walks of life, that is blown apart when a disaffected young man enters the hall and opens fire.The Events is performed with a different community choir from a different part of Sydney at each performance, who are also seeing it for the very first time. In the wake of multiple terrorist attacks in Europe, the themes of The Events have unfortunately never been more relevant. (CB) Until Jun 12, various show times.

Upstairs Theatre, Belvoir St

Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills. $37-$72.Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au or 02 9699 3444 STOLEN Nearly 20 years after its first performance Jane Harrison’s acclaimed play returns. Stolen tells the story of five Aboriginal children ripped from their families and tracks their journey from the harsh children’s home to a life of segregation. While there can be no single story or representation for the Stolen Generations, Harrison’s text remains contextually and historically important in the decades since. The National Theatre of Parramatta has enlisted the help of renowned Indigenous performance maker Vicki Van Hout for this special production. (CB) Until June 17. Riverside Theatres, Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta. $35-$49.Tickets & info: riversideparramatta.com.au city hub 9 JUNE 2016

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THE NAKED CITY

PLAN YOUR ELECTION PARTY NOW! With Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death With the current marathon Federal Election campaign now drearingly edging past the half way mark, maybe it’s time to consider just what you will be doing on election night. For many of us it will just be bums in front of the TV, wildly switiching from channel to channel to check the latest observations from the various panels of political pundits and assorted pollies. If the result is done and dusted by 8pm, as it sometimes is, you could well be switching to a DVD or Netflix.

Those with a more creative flair and a deeper passion for politics might well consider a party. After all, each Federal Election marks a milestone in Australian politics, a vital cog in our system of democracy, and it’s something we should all celebrate. Many will remember the ground breaking Australian movie and stage play Don’s Party, where an election night gathering in 1969 was the catalyst for an alcohol fuelled explosion of suburban roulette.

That’s certainly one scenario that could be hit on if you are planning a barbie or dinner party for the night. Assign your guests a particular character from the original movie, briefed with a DVD of the movie beforehand, and let the roleplay unfold. Discreet “swingers parties” are still a staple on the Sydney social scene and the unleashing of sexual tension (albeit strictly to the script) could provide for some genuine hot and steamy moments. Who care’s what the election result is when all the action is on the waterbed?

For those with a more serious interest in politics and the diversity of political opinion, you might consider stacking your party with punters of all political persuasions. If you are a die hard socialist it might seem ridiculous inviting somebody from the Liberal Party, let alone One Nation or Reclaim Australia, but you have to admit the communal mix would be lively, especially if the result got down to a handful of votes or

James McGrath & David Band – Ocular/ Speculo and Big Fun! Fun!, a slight exhibition of Sydney-born artist James eight paintings by David Band McGrath returns to (1959-2011). Band finds Woolahra’s Olsen Irwin romance in the intimate gallery alongside the work arrangement of line and of the late David Band. shape. In Untitled Orchid Ocular/Speculo is (2006), for instance, Band McGrath’s third showing at builds a hanging stream of the gallery, a mesmerising flowers with clean black line showcase of McGrath’s work – a far cry from curlicued florals. McGrath McGrath’s kaleidoscopic take blends a baroque sensibility on the same. Band’s use of with interest in technology, line and shape effortlessly and in Ocular/Speculo, he draws one close, as in the uses 3D modelling to intimate Dancing (2008), project floral arrangements which evokes a sense of on complex surfaces, which Speculo IV touch in its overlapping he then paints.

James McGrath shapes and the suggestion of The exhibition comprises two figures – the longer one two series of works: the Ocular series renders McGrath’s ornate paintings as of which slowly folds around the other. The inclusion of a sister painting, Tomorrow Morning if their subjects were stretched across the surface of orbs, while Speculo favours kaleidoscopic prisms (2010), in the exhibition only adds to this suggestion. (ZS) that disjoint and double the elaborate designs, Until Jun 12 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10amsurrounding the viewer with a baroque vision of 5pm, Sun 11am-5pm). Olsen Irwin Gallery, opulence.

Running simultaneously to McGrath’s series is Big 63 Jersey Rd, Woolahra. Info: olsenirwin.com HOBIE PORTER – UNNATURAL HISTORY:THETOWER HILL PROJECT This evocative new series of paintings explores the fraught and fractured relationship between modern civilisation and the natural environment. Porter employs his characteristic photorealist aesthetics to a project which commemorates 160 years since since Australian artist Eugene von Guérard painted Tower Hill (1855). Porter alludes to the complexities of the impact of colonization and the varying success of the restoration program which attempted to rejuvenate the area that have been cleared since Guérard painted his series. (AM) Until Jun 11;Tues–Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm. Arthouse Gallery, 66 McLachlan Avenue, Darlinghurst.

Info: arthousegallery.com.au 12

city hub 9 JUNE 2016

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

if Pauline Hanson looked likely to win a Senate seat. A bit of old style argy bargy would be inevitable, and you would need to employ some non-politically aligned security for the night, mainly to keep the Reclaim Australian mob from hogging the music with their AC/DC and Cold Chisel albums.

If political apathy is your bag, and you have been known to scribble obscenities on your ballot paper, then a totally ‘informal’ election party might be the fit for you and your friends. Togas could be fun or even Snuggies if the weather is a bit on the chilly side, but if your house is centrally heated why not go totally nude? The juxtaposition of a gratuitous display of wobbly bits in front of the ABC’s election panel would be a fitting comment on the way many Australians view the democratic process. A collective “mooning” of the eventual winner, Mal or Bill, at the end of the evening, would be the icing on the cake.

Whatever the result is on July 2, it’s unlikely we’ll see anything like the celebrations when Obama was first elected, or the possible nationwide riot should the grotesque eventuate and Donald Trump becomes President... The chances are many Australians will not even watch the election unfold on national TV and the result for them will only become known when they pick up the Sunday paper. If punters can party for Eurovision or even the Triple J Hottest 100, then surely an event as momentous as a history making Federal Election demands a slab of beer, a tray of party pies and an unlimited supply of Cheezels!

Hossein Valamanesh – Char Soo Hossein and Nassiem Valamanesh’s video installation Char Soo places the viewer at the centre of a four-way intersection in an Iranian Bazaar. Filmed with stationary cameras placed at eye level, the viewer stands at the centre of a crossroad, passively observing the events of the day projected on the four walls around them. People pass, shopping, sometimes eyeing the camera.

Char Soo, translated as “four sides”, provides a nexus for Valamanesh – literally, in terms of being the main intersection in the bazaar, but also to anchor Valamanesh’s thought as he explores themes of boundary and translocality. The flows and the breaks between different spaces are central to Valamanesh’s work, and from the position of the camera standing in the bazaar we are invited to reflect on how these are concretised in the space.

The inclusion of a second work by Valamanesh, Passing Time (2011), underscores his interest in time and non-participation. Video of the artist making infinity symbols with their hands loops endlessly, presented inside a black box – but so is Char Soo, in a sense. Passing Time is an obvious double for Char Soo, highlighting the nonparticipation of the viewer as they watch the

$16.60-$26 (family passes available).

Tickets & info: maas.museum or ticketek.com.au (or on the door) CODE INTHE PARK This free event for VIVID Ideas is all about inspiring everyone to learn the basics of coding, and to transform thinkers into creators. Head along for an afternoon full of music, art, projections, installations, inspirational panels, talks, interactive demos and a coding lesson for beginners from Australia’s leaders in tech, creativity and innovation. Encouraging diversity, this event is for everyone, regardless of skill level or experience. RSVP is essential.

(AM) Jun 18, 2–5.30pm. aMBUSH Gallery, Level 3, Central Park, 28 Broadway,

Photo: Nassim Valamenesh

artist’s hands fold over and over, forever. What ever changes?

Effectively providing recess from time, Valamanesh provides the viewer a rare view from nowhere.

Char Soo is presented in collaboration with the Sydney Film Festival, this is the first year the festival includes virtual reality in their program.

(ZS) Jun 9–Jul 17, 10am–6pm. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh. Free.

Info: carriageworks.com.au/events/char-soo/

Chippendale. Free. Bookings & info: ga.co/events or 0432 233 384 THE MNEMONIC MIRROR Generated as a response to the comprehensive downfall of linear memory among the minds of tomorrow, The Mnemonic Mirror is an artist led project.

The exhibition looks hypothetically at how certain types of thinking have been replaced by other methods and technologies. Very simply, this exhibition is about the way we use our minds and how that has changed over generations, for better or worse. (AH) Until Jul 1; Mon–Fri 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm. UTS Gallery, 702 Harris Street, Ultimo.

Info: art.uts.edu.au

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

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

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

Info: whiterabbitcollection.org

this band from Melbourne kick off their east coast tour in Sydney this weekend.

Known for their gripping live performances and having received rave reviews for their debut mini-LP Talk Tight, this show could be the sleeper hit of the week.

Sat, Jun 11, Marrickville Bowling Club Project Montreal: To commemorate the release of debut album Patterns, Ryan Wyatt (now forever known as Project Montreal) will be showcasing his new project in Sydney this weekend.

With an eclectic fusion of pop influences ranging from David Bowie to Kanye West, Project Montreal is a truly unique sound.

Sat, Jun 11, Oxford Arts Factory Josh Rennie-Hynes: A seasoned performer, Rennie-Hynes has performed with the likes of Kasey Chambers and JD McPherson and graced stages at Americana Festival (Nashville), Woodford Folk Festival, Nannup Music Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival.

Sun, Jun 12, Lazybones Lounge Wayne Shorter Quartet: The father of jazz invention, ten-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter will bring Vivid LIVE to a euphoric close. Hailed as the “greatest living improviser” by The New York Times, the 82-year-old virtuoso is the living, morphing connection between the golden age of bebop, the cosmic 70s and the future of jazz.

Mon, Jun 13, Sydney Opera House

HigH Quality long Day Care & PresCHool • Ph: 9518 4033 At CityWest Child Care centre our highly qualified and experienced team of educators would love the opportunity to show you through our child-friendly indoor & outdoor environments and to chat to you about our child-focussed, play based developmental programme.

Come in & feel the “warmth”, the “calm & relaxed” atmosphere, the fresh air, and the engagement of the children.

limited places available noW!

DMA’s

growth feels really organic and natural, which we always wanted and are really happy about.”

Even though DMA’s may seem like this massive record label backed juggernaut they are far from it, having produced their debut album entirely alone in their homes. “The fact that we recorded, produced, tracked and engineered the album ourselves makes us all really happy and proud because we think it lets a bit of that honest vulnerability shine

Jimi Beavis – PostApocalyptic Love Songs

I – Magnus

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Throughout the 12-track offering on Jimi Beavis’ new album the listener is presented with a tasty morsel that has a sweet, crisp coating but a gooey, dark and dirty interior.

Upon first listen the harmonica, guitar and harmonies stand out as they delve into Beavis’ blues, funk and Americana roots. It’s not until later listens that the dark, brooding soulful melodies and stories begin to reveal themselves.

This is a really nice offering of songs that develops with multiple listens as it explores stories of love, loss, death and helplessness.

Unfortunately though the record does lose a little steam towards the end, which may deter some from undertaking those necessary second, third and fourth listens. (JA)

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through,” said Took. “Music is such a feeling based thing for me and that’s something I’ve always tried to stay true to, because I think these days most people can see through it if it’s overly manufactured and not honest.”

Speaking to City Hub, Took reflected on their recent tour of the UK saying, “it’s been pretty special playing shows at The Garage in London and our gig in Manchester. To see the size of the crowds and the response, we would have been surprised if we were playing to them in Sydney let alone London.”

With this in mind and shows through the US still to finish at the time of our interview, it was difficult for Took to look forward to the Sydney show tonight because he felt “we’ve still got so much work to do over here”. But he did say that fans can expect “a bunch of new songs from the album incorporated into a set full of loud guitars and big melodies.”

Jun 9–10. Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney. $30+b.f.

Tickets & info: metrotheatre.com.au

Listening to this album make me feel strange.

Grungy and primal in some places, tickling the blood as it goes in, tracing through the veins.

Equally as anxiety-inducing as it is relieving, the mixture of results is a ultra satisfying wave rolling out and over the listener. Especially in the beginning.

There’s no room to move when the listener doesn’t know what’s coming next, paralysis invades the system like a lucid dream, wanting to move but having only the inside of ones head to stretch out in.

No need to fight it, there is no harm in sinking into the almost unnatural feels generated by this music. Touch the musical space as it begins to expand and assimilate. Sink into I, there’s more room in here than it seems. (SP)

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Stu Hunter: After a successful premiere at the Sydney Festival earlier this year, Stu Hunter brings together the Australian jazz scene’s cream of the crop for one more night only as part of SIMA’s Winter Jazz Series, which runs throughout June.

Thu, Jun 9, Seymour Centre Philadelphia Grand Jury: Known for never doing things the conventional way (for example, launching their debut album by playing shows around Sydney on the back of a truck) the band have continued the trend with their latest run of shows. The new shows essentially establish their very own karaoke bars where lucky fans can get up on stage and sing with the band.

Fri, Jun 10, Brighton Up Bar Last Dinosaurs: Closing out their Miracle Methods tour with two shows in Sydney this week, the first of which is tomorrow night, these shows are sure to have a real party atmosphere as the group celebrate their return to Australian soil following yet another tour through Asia.

Fri, Jun 10, Newtown Social Club Curve Ball Festival: One of the newest music festivals on the circuit takes over the Carriageworks this weekend as part of Vivid 2016 celebrations.The event headlined by ZHU, Cosmo’s Midnight, Basenji and JOY. intends to transform the vast space into an immersive feast for the ears and eyes.

Sat, Jun 11, Carriageworks Rolling Blackouts C.F: Celebrating the release of their latest single ‘Career’,

By Jamie Apps Often it isn’t the first band which a musician is a part of that they will find the greatest success with, this is an industry that is all about learning, evolving and reinventing yourself. For Johnny Took of DMA’s this couldn’t ring more true, having been a part of many bands in the past he is now reaping the success of his commitment to the craft, and he is still learning to this day.

“I’ve learned more about the music industry in the last year alone. I’ve been in so many bands before wanting to be in this position, touring the world, so now that I’m here I’m just embracing it.” Took explained from a tour bus in Michigan.

Looking at DMA’s from the outside you could be forgiven for thinking that they have rapidly risen to prominence, seemingly out of nowhere, but Took was quick to dispel that myth. “It seems quick based on how long we’ve been in the media, but there was all sorts of work done before that. For us the

Licence No. 173676c

Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

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Land of Mine In the immediate aftermath of WWII, German soldiers are ordered to clear the Danish coast of two million land mines laid by their countrymen. With little training, a group of young prisoners, mostly in their teens, are placed under the command of a Danish sergeant (Roland Møller) and sent to locate and disarm some 42,000 mines on a stretch of beach in a remote location.

Apart from the obvious dangers, they will also face starvation and the wrath of an

embittered former foe who must confront his conflicting feelings as the boys face the prospect of an agonising death daily.

Director Martin Zandvliet delivers a powerful and suspenseful film that examines the brutality of vengefulness and the power of forgiveness.

Land of Mine will feature in the Sydney Film Festival this month. (CCov) [Language: German/Danish with English subtitles.]

WWW Screening Jun 12, 13 + 19.

Tickets & info: sff.org.au

Miles Ahead

You’re taken back to 1978 where gifted jazz musician Miles Davis (Don Cheadle), has been living as a recluse in his New York City town house, and he refuses to put out any new music.

He is being hounded by Colombia Records to send in session tapes he has been working on, but Davis with his usual stubborn persona, will not have a bar of it.

Somehow after a party held at Davis’ home the tapes disappear from his locked drawer, causing him and desperate journalist Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor) to go on a wild goose chase to get them back.

Even though the audience sees only a snippet of his lifestyle, you’re already intrigued by Davis’ GOD WILLING Audiences should be delighted by this smash-hit Italian comedy.When surgeon Tommaso (Marco Giallini) discovers his son plans on joining the priesthood, he goes undercover to learn more about Father Don Pietro (Alessandro Gassman), the ex-crim priest who he claims has “brainwashed” his son.A friendship develops and Tommaso ultimately becomes a better person, attempting to salvage every aspect in his life that he has tarnished.An enjoyable film which expresses the fundamental virtues of religion, but not in the classic sense. (MMo) WWW IS THIS THE REAL WORLD A coming of age film which centres on a rebellious 17-year-old boy who, on the verge of manhood, has difficulties 14

city hub 9 JUNE 2016

artistry and self-importance, perfectly captured

by Cheadle who has also produced, directed and written the film. Whether you’re a fan of Davis or not, this film showing a small portion of his deeply complicated life will fascinate you.

(AMal) WWWW To celebrate the release of Miles Ahead the Dendy Cinema’s in Newtown will be holding a special preview screening and pop-up Jazz Lounge featuring the sounds of The BeatLab as they perform 70’s era Miles Davis and some of their own material this coming Wednesday from 6pm.

finding his place. Mark Blazey (Sean Keenan) throws away a scholarship at a private school and moves with his troubled family to a coastal town. He attends a new school and tries hard to fit in and keep out of trouble, but continues breaking the rules amidst first love.This low-budget and simplistic Australian film deals with real issues which confront today’s youth in a world full of high expectations.

(MMo) WWW MONEY MONSTER Lee Gates (George Clooney) is the host of an unconventional finance program called Money Monster, which informs viewers about preferred investment possibilities.When an alleged “glitch” in the share markets causes an investment firm to lose $800 million,

one man who loses $60,000 holds Gates responsible.Televised to millions of viewers, he takes the studio crew hostage, the catalyst to an on-air investigation led by the producer (Julia Roberts). Momentum builds rapidly in this extremely unnerving and topical film arising from a stirring script and steadfast direction by Jodie Foster.

(MMo) WWW1/2 HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE A comedy out of New Zealand written and directed by Taika Waititi (Flight of the Conchords). Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) is a Maori boy who has been in and out of foster homes his whole life until he finally winds with Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Hector (Sam Neill).

The film transpires into a police chase

Now You See Me Now You See Me 2 is the second instalment from Jon. M Chu and is set three years after the first film.

The illusionist superhero team, The Four Horsemen are back to pull off another great deceit, this time aimed at a technology organisation headed by Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe).

The film has an all-star cast including Mark Ruffalo, who plays duplicitous FBI agent Dylan Rhodes; Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley, a rival/friend of Ruffalo’s deceased father; and as the only change to the band of horsemen from to capture Ricky and Hector as the fugitives navigate the Kiwi bush. Dry, dark humour pervades most of the film – however the heartwarming friendship between Ricky and Hector is hard to ignore. (JF) WWW DROWN A dark and controversial Australian film centering on competitive-lifesaving culture, this film follows one young man’s tortured path to self-discovery, whose inability to accept his own sexuality leads to tragedy. This story of distorted mateship and troubled youth cleverly unfolds through flashbacks and an unashamed journey through gay haunts fuelled by drug and alcohol abuse. The ensemble cast are electrifying, notably Matt Levett’s angst-filled

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the prequel Lizzy Caplan replaces Isla Fisher, joining Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson.

Overall the film lacks creativity, the plot is in two seemingly incongruous parts – a story from Dylan Rhodes’ past as an uninspiring and unconvincing double agent, and the horsemen’s attempt to convince the public of their benevolence through grandiose public acts.

There’s some entertaining scenes of magic and illusion, but not much else to take away. (JF) WW

performance. Ultimately audiences will question whether this film is mandatory viewing or an example of undignified and perverse filmmaking.

(MMo) WWW HARRY & SNOWMAN An insightful documentary which details the remarkable story of a man’s dream to become a professional horseman, and the reputation and respect which he garnered from a doomed horse.

Harry deLeyer, an 85-year-old Dutch immigrant to America, recounts the story of Snowman, a horse destined for the glue factory. Snowman became a star in post-war years.

Fascinating interviews with family and friends, vintage photos and home-made films assist in following

the horse’s rise to fame and the tragedy that ensued. (MMo) WWW1/2 PAWNO On an unassuming day in a dusty old pawnbroker’s store, world weary owner Les (John Brumpton) and his reserved employee Danny (Damian Hill) watch on as the very best and worst of human experiences collide and tangle around them.A love letter to the Melbourne suburb of Footscray, Pawno is a seemingly endless tapestry of scenery and people of all creeds and colours (including blue).While Danny’s bumbling, fledgling romance serves as the through line for this film, the peripheral love stories and heartbreaks provide a great, stewing depth of emotion.This is an unpolished gem of independent Australian cinema. (AM) WWWW

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city hub 9 JUNE 2016