TO BRAND NEW HEIGHTS
Romance? Emma Rice’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ is about revenge and resilience
16
TANYA PLIBERSEK
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY
Building a universal early education system providing 3 free days of care a week, and building 160 centres in areas of need.
Increasing childcare subsidy rates and limiting fee increases.
Energy bill relief for 10 million households and 1 million small businesses.
Expanding Paid Parental Leave.
Higher wages for aged care and childcare workers.
Tripling Medicare bulk billing incentives and lowering the cost of PBS medicines.
Delivering 500,000 free TAFE places.
Helping small business by extending the instant asset write-off and improving payment times.
Fairer supermarket prices.
Cutting HECs debt by another 20% on top of the $3 billion already wiped from accounts.
Opening more than 30 Medicare Mental Health Centres providing free mental health care to everyone who walks through the door - with more to come.
Delivering clean, cheap, reliable renewable electricity. Making EVs cheaper.
Landmark legislation to properly fund public schools plus $16 billion extra.
$32 billion housing plan – more help to rent or buy. New laws to make multinationals pay their fair share of tax.
In contrast, Peter Dutton’s Coalition has blocked cost of living help at every turn and when he and the Coalition were last in Government they undermined Medicare and wages.
We have also:
Created the National Anti-Corruption Commission which has 29 investigations afoot and five matters before the court.
Legislated a minimum age of 16 years for social media.
Increased funding to the ABC and SBS.
Provided over 60 organisations in Sydney with $3.6 million in community, volunteering and other funding this year.
We know Australians are still under pressure. There’s still more to do and plenty to lose if we don’t do more. We will stay focused on helping Australians however we can with cost of living challenges.
Volunteer Grants
The 2024-2025 volunteer grants, for amounts between $1000 and $5000 to help community organisations support their volunteers, are now open. Notfor-profit organisations can apply for funding to cover insurance and communication purchases including computers, internet and software subscriptions.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be returned to my office by 5pm Friday 15 January 2025. Contact my office for an EOI form.
Stronger Communities Funding
The Albanese Government is funding local infrastructure and essential community equipment to ensure Australia’s communities are even better places to live. Every federal electorate will receive $150,000 under the program and these funds can be allocated towards up to 20 projects, with individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
This program supports local infrastructure projects informed by local priorities.
Protecting the environment
The Albanese Labor Government is doing more than ever to protect and restore our environment.
We’ve protected an extra 70 million hectares of Australia’s land and oceans – an area bigger than Italy and Germany combined.
We’ve delivered Australia’s first national environmental chemicals standards – banning or ensuring the safe use of 900 industrial chemicals, including ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS, from 1 July 2025.
I became the first Environment Minister in Australian history to block a coal mine due to unacceptable risks to the Great Barrier Reef.
We’re boosting recycling by more than 1.3 million tonnes a year and stopping paper and soft plastics from going to landfill.
We’ve put net zero emissions into law and approved almost 70 renewable energy projects, enough to power over 7 million homes. We’ve delivered a national framework for a circular economy by 2035. And so much more.
You can find out more about the work we’re doing here
New Ferry route for Sydney Fish Market (See p.8)
HUBARTS: THE TWENTY-SIDED TAVERN
A hilariously hearty fantasy concoction (See p.18)
Olympia Milk Bar to be repaired back to former glory
BY LYIDA JUPP
Nearly eight years after its closure, Parramatta Road’s iconic Olympia Milk Bar in Stanmore may have a second lease of life.
Local businessman Paul Barone lodged a development application with the Inner West Council in November, which details plans for an almost million dollar renovation.
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Described as “a rare largely intact survivor of a 1930s -1960s suburban milk bar” in the heritage impact statement accompanying the development application, Olympia was closed by the council in 2017 over safety concerns. Its previous owner, Nicolas Fotiou, lived onsite until 2021, diligently caring for the last surviving link to Sydney’s Greek-led milk bar culture. Fotiou died in 2023, having run the Olympia for almost six decades.
Barone appears to be focused on repair over replacement. The renovation includes an upmarket four-bedroom residence above the bar, a new second floor with a roof terrace, and repairs to the shopfront and interior, including the restoration of the milk bar’s counter and the iconic ‘Olympia’ tile on the floor right inside of the front entry.
“I genuinely want to bring it back to how it was and hopefully show that the milk bar still has a future in Sydney,” he told The Daily Telegraph in 2024.
THE OLYMPIA REMAINS BELOVED BY MANY, YEARS AFTER CLOSURE
Although it’s been over sixty years since the bar was first purchased, and almost ten since it closed, the Olympia holds a very special place in many hearts.
2014 documentary by Joshua Brogan explores the reverence held by many Inner West locals, to whom the Olympia represents a ghost of Sydney as it used to be.
A Facebook group, the Olympia Milk Bar Fan Club, was created in 2007 and is still active, with over seven thousand members sharing memories and news of the site.
I genuinely want to bring it back to how it was
Co-author of Greek Cafés & Milk Bars of Australia and social historian and curator at Macquarie University, Leonard Janiszewski, said that the Olympia “was the last of its kind.”
“There was no other milk bar of its vintage, in terms of when it was established and what few changes had taken place, that had been Greek-run,”
Janiszewski said. “And, indeed, Nicolas Fotiou [is] the last of his kind.”
Glen, Fotiou’s nephew, spoke to SMH in 2023 about his uncle, so after his death, Nicolas would be remembered as more than as a shadowy figure in a nolonger-functioning milk bar.
The Olympia was converted from a billiard room in 1939, Glen remembers, in order to serve patrons of the cinema that was once next door. He spent his childhood going to the Olympia with family.
“My parents used to take us there, we were going there from the 1970s. It was a huge milk bar, the bench was 12 metres long,” he said.. “Back in the ’60s, you’d go in there and you’d have dinner, you’d get fed. It was like ‘Happy Days’.”
“It was their home; they owed nobody nothing. They had no debts.”
“He appears to have worked there, and possibly in other Greek-run cafés in regional NSW, until he joined his older brother John in 1959 at the Olympia Milk Bar,” said Janiszewski, speaking to Dimitri Kallos from Greek paper Neos Kosmos in 2023.
“John died in 1981 at the age of 49, but Nicholas persisted with operating the milk bar until its forced closure in 2017; the local council had deemed it a safety and health threat to the general public.”
“Operating cafes and the milk bar was essentially the only life that Nicholas ever knew in Australia.”
A
Photo: olympiamilkbar / Instagram
Photo: olympiamilkbar / Instagram
Vandals allegedly poison 100-year-old fig tree for better harbour views
Photo: TripAdvisor
BY NAOMI LAWRENCE
Residents of Woolwich in Sydney’s lower north shore are fighting to save a 100-year-old Port Jackson fig tree after a suspected act of vandalism.
Authorities reported that the tree, located at Horse Paddock, was deliberately drilled with holes and poisoned in what many believe was a “calculated” attempt for properties to secure better harbour views.
The cherished tree is one of eight poisoned trees in the area, with approximately 30 other trees cut down. Unfortunately, six of the poisoned trees could not be remedied and have been disposed of.
In an attempt to save the tree, an arborist will try to cleanse the poison using Seasol, a liquid seaweed concentrate in hopes of improving its chances of viability.
RECURRING PATTERN OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION
Woolwich suburb has seen a series of similar incidents of environmental disruption in recent years.
In January, another century-old fig tree at Goat Paddock was illegally removed, prompting the harbour trust to erect a warning sign to deter copycat vandals.
Leader of community group Save Our Shores, Lisa McLean, condemned the latest attack as a “calculated act of vandalism”.
“This is not just an act of vandalism
Mass resignation of NSW public psychiatrists continues
BY LYDIA JUPP
NSW health officials are in crisis after more than 200 of the state’s 295 public hospital psychiatrists have submitted their resignations, amidst stalled pay disputes and a broken mental health system.
The Minns government has offered a pay increase of 10.5 percent over three years, less than half of the 25 percent being sought by doctors. Public psychiatrists say they’re being paid 30 percent less than their interstate colleagues, with many leaving for the private sector.
Health Minister Ryan Park says that the pay increase is impractical, and begged doctors to withdraw their resignations.
Acting executive director of the union representing hospital doctors, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF), Ian Lisser, said psychiatrists had little choice but to resign, having been working in a “crumbling system for months.”
CONSEQUENCES IF PATIENTS UNABLE TO ACCESS HEALTHCARE
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) said in a statement that finding a solution is a matter of urgency, and implore the government to work with the doctor’s union.
“The loss of over 200 senior psychiatrists from within the health system will significantly impact people with acute and critical mental
but a real disregard for public assets and natural assets. These assets belong to the community – they are priceless, and we need them,” McLean told SMH
According to research, fig trees are crucial to ecosystems, providing yearround food for over 1,300 species and aiding reforestation. They are highly valuable in their irreplaceable role in urban greenery.
Resident Beverley Bennett expressed her sadness to SMH saying, “It’s a really integral part of what makes this community green and pleasant to live in; it should not be sacrificed for a view. It’s selfish. People come to this area
We value [the urban landscape] – it’s really sad that other people who live here may not
because of the beauty that they can find within an urban landscape. We value it –it’s really sad that other people who live here may not.”
In 2023, over 260 trees were destroyed in Castle Cove, and 300 trees and flora were taken down in Lane Cove, SMH reported.
Offenders found guilty of such acts in the Land and Environment Court face fines of up to $1.1 million and potential criminal records, while councils can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3000.
An investigation led by the Harbour Trust is underway, with NSW Police notified.
“Don’t do this to patients. Don’t do this to the healthcare system that I know you love and support. Don’t do this to your colleagues who I know you value and trust.”
The government has reportedly been offering locum psychiatrists “crisis” rates of up to $3050 a day in order to fill the gaps left by resignations.
Resignations would take effect on January 21, and would have an unprecedented ripple effect across the entire healthcare system, as well as social services, criminal justice systems, and any other sectors that require psychiatrists in their work.
Park said the government is exploring a number of contingency plans, and are considering approaching the federal government and private sector for additional workforce, establishing a Mental Health Operations Centre, and engaging police and ambulances.
health care needs. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and disruption to their care will have wide ranging impacts for them, their families, and carers.”
Don’t do this to patients. Don’t do this to the healthcare system that I know you love and support
“We are concerned that some people will find themselves in the judicial system as a consequence of lack of access to health care.”
They also highlighted that concerns about inadequate staffing levels were raised two years ago, with the government failing to address the issues in that timeframe.
Stock image.
Photo: Daniel Watson / Pexels
Photo: Bianca De Marchi / AAP
Injured Invasion Day protester stripped of $800k compensation
BY LYDIA JUPP
An injured protester has been ordered to repay $800,000 awarded in compensation, as well as more than $100,000 in legal costs, after the NSW Court of Appeal overturned a landmark ruling on the duty of care NSW Police owed to people attending protests.
Laura Cullen was at Sydney’s 2017 Invasion Day rally when she was knocked to the ground by a police officer and injured significantly.
The chain of causation from [police’s] actions to her injuries was broken
According to the judgement, the rally stopped in Alexandria’s Buckland Street after a speaker tried to set an Australian flag on fire.
A police officer was filming the effort to extinguish the fire when a protester knocked the camera out of her hand, which prompted another officer,
Ph: (02) 9517 2800
E: newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au
W: jennyleong.org
383 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Sergeant Damian Livermore, to arrest them.
Cullen, who was not involved in any of these incidents, was knocked over during the arrest, and struck her head on the ground, resulting in retrograde amnesia. She has no recollection of attending the rally.
In 2023, a supreme court judge found that Sgt Livermore “acted recklessly or unreasonably” when carrying out the arrest as he “ignored the strong potential of harm to persons close by”. Cullen was awarded $800,000 in damages, plus legal costs.
DECISION OVERTURNED ON APPEAL
During an appeal in December, Justices Fabian Gleeson and Jeremy Kirk found that Cullen hadn’t established that the actions of the officer had caused her injury.
They decided that “it was the distinct, significant criminal action” of another protester that led to the arrest “and it was the difficulty of effecting that lawful arrest which led to the responding being injured”.
“No doubt the respondent would
not have been injured as she was if the officers [extinguishing the fire] had not acted as they did,” the judgment said. “But for legal purposes, the chain of causation from their actions to her injuries was broken.”
The court also found that Cullen couldn’t claim compensation for battery, saying it was “apparent that Livermore was not conscious of the presence of the respondent and that he did not intend to make any contact with her.”
While one judge dissented, all judges overall rejected an argument from lawyers for the state that “officers owed no duty of care” to those who attended the protest, and stated that police should still “take reasonable care to avoid the risk of harm” to those “in the immediate vicinity of an operational response”.
Free fans: helping keep Inner West locals cool this summer
With another record-breaking summer of hot nights and humidity upon us, many in our community are struggling to keep cool.
Poor insulation and inadequate ventilation in many properties - particularly older rental homes - have left many sweltering, with the rising cost of living impacting their ability to buy a fan or other means of keeping cool.
We know that high heat can make it harder to sleep and exacerbate physical and mental health conditions, and that many renters aren’t allowed to make necessary upgrades to cool their home, like installing a ceiling fan or window coverings. And with more than a month of summer to go and high temperatures forecast throughout, little relief is in sight.
Nobody should have to endure extreme temperatures in their own home, which is why the Newtown electorate office is currently running a free fan drive.
Over the next few weeks, community members can drop into our office near Newtown Station to collect a free fan for their home. There are no eligibility requirements: all you need to do is call our office ahead of time to ensure we’ve got a fan on hand and to arrange a time to pick it up!
We hope that this small contribution will help to keep homes safer and cooler over the summer. We’ve already given away nearly 100 fans to community members who need them - and we’re keen to scale up our efforts in the new year.
If you’re in a position to buy a new fan to donate to our drive, please scan the QR code below to get in touch with our office or give us a call on (02) 9517 2800. You can order one online and have it delivered to us at 383 King Street Newtown (please forward us the receipt so we know it’s coming!) or drop one into the office.
Please note that we are only able to accept brand new fans in their packaging, and no second hand fans will be accepted.
To get in touch with our office about donating or collecting a fan, scan the QR code below or visit jennyleong.org/contact.
Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown
Photo: Dave Brophy / X
Southern Sydney synagogue vandalised with swastikas
BY LYDIA JUPP
Asynagogue in Allawah has been vandalised, with swastikas spray painted on the outside of the building.
The phrase “Hitler on top” was also painted in red next to the entrance of the synagogue.
The perpetrators were filmed on CCTV wearing hoodies and masks, spray painting the building.
Police officers discovered the graffiti while on patrol at 4:30am.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna warned the culprits that they will be caught.
“Those people wanting to do this sort of thing we say to you, you will get caught, you will get prosecuted and you will be put before the courts.”
It is a criminal offence to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a ‘reasonable excuse’ in NSW. The crime is punishable by up to 12 months in jail or an $11,000 fine, or both.
The incident comes days after a car was vandalised with the words “F*ck
the Jews” were written in black paint over the side of a car parked in Queens Park. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the vandalism, saying, “any event such as this targeting people because of who they are is not the Australian values that I hold dear”.
“NOT NORMAL OR ACCEPTABLE”
The synagogue is located in Chris Minns’ electorate of Kogarah, and the premier condemned the act as “monstrous.”
Alleged deepfake AI porn made of students at Sydney school
BY CHLOE SARGEANT
Before the first school term of 2025 has even begun, a south-west Sydney high school is facing a horrifying alleged deepfake porn incident.
It’s alleged that a male Year 12 student made deepfake pornographic images of female students, and fake social media profiles.
Female students’ real photos were allegedly used, as well as photos of school activities.
Media have been asked not to name the school or alleged perpetrator, in order to protect the victims.
Parents were alerted by an email from the NSW Department of Education.
“The school has been made aware that a year 12 male student has allegedly used artificial intelligence to create a profile that resembles your daughters and others,” read the email. “Unfortunately innocent photos from social media and school events have been used.
“We want to emphasise that your daughters have done nothing wrong, there are no inappropriate real photos of them being used… Please understand that your daughters have not engaged in any inappropriate posting, but have been the victims of this situation.”
[Deepfake porn] shared without consent is a damaging and deeply distressing form of abuse
“This matter has been reported to police and we are working closely to assist their investigation,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education told City Hub “We do not tolerate such behaviour and will take the appropriate action. Our highest priority is to ensure our students feel safe and any decision about this
“I think that the painting of a swastika on a Jewish building shows you everything you need to know about how appalling these particular individuals are and what their ultimate aim when it comes to members of the Jewish community,” he said.
“It’s around the corner from my house, and I know that the people that I represent and the community that I live in completely repudiate that kind of horrifying vandalism, that horrifying violence in our community.”
President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies David Ossip said that Australians should not become desensitised to these acts.
“It is not normal or acceptable that Australians are having to wake every morning filled with apprehension about whether or not there has been another anti-Semitic hate crime overnight,” he said.
This has echoes of Germany 1933… It’s unbelievable this is happening in Australia
President of the synagogue George Foster told the Daily Telegraph that he received a call from police in the early morning.
“It is deeply distressing… This has echoes of Germany 1933 with people singling out Jewish shops, religious institutions and homes by painting them with antisemitic signs. It’s unbelievable this is happening in Australia.”
student’s future involvement in the school will be based on that.
“We are helping affected students with appropriate wellbeing support and will do so as long as required.”
The Department of Education has also referred the incident to the eSafety Commissioner.
LAWS AGAINST NON-CONSENSUAL DEEPFAKE PORN PASSED IN 2024
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus introduced legislation last year to create a new criminal offence of sharing nonconsensual sexually explicit images made using artificial intelligence.
The Criminal Code Amendment
(Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024, which passed in August 2024, makes it illegal to share any non-consensual deepfake pornographic imagery with another person, by email or other forms of messaging, to individuals or to a mass audience, privately or on an open platform like social media.
“Digitally created and altered sexually explicit material that is shared without consent is a damaging and deeply distressing form of abuse,” Dreyfus told The Guardian. “We know it overwhelmingly affects women and girls who are the target of this kind of deeply offensive and harmful behaviour. It can inflict deep, long-lasting harm on victims.”
Photo: Australian Jewish Association / X
Photo: George Pak / Pexels
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PFAS contamination at Botany Bay beach spurs new testing
BY NAOMI LAWRENCE
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has ordered new testing at Tower Beach in Botany Bay near Sydney Airport, following growing concerns about potential contamination from PFAS or “forever chemicals”.
Despite being quietly closed to swimmers last week, the area was still being frequented by beachgoers, unaware of the warnings.
This marks the NSW EPA‘s first testing of Botany Bay since 2018, when high PFAS levels were detected in fish species, prompting dietary warnings.
Officially known as Commonwealth Beach, the planespotting site is a hidden gem popular among fishermen and families.
Despite its picturesque settings and calm waters, the beach has been marred by its history of contamination stemming from the airport’s use of PFAS-laden firefighting foams. PFAS substances do not degrade in the environment and have been known to cause cancer, high cholesterol, and immune dysfunction.
“No swimming” and “no fishing” signs were put up in 2023 as precautionary measures. But their obscured placement left many beachgoers unaware of the hazardous risks. In contrast, signs discouraging bird feeding are more visible in the car park.
Local resident Terry Daly criticised the lack of transparency, telling SMH, “Tiny kids are playing on the sand there all the time.” He didn’t know why the beach was closed for months.
New ferry route being added for newly-developed Sydney Fish Market
BY CHLOE SARGEANT
Anew ferry route is coming, and will be linking Sydney’s new fish market to Circular Quay.
The new ferry route is said to be likely to rival the Manly ferry route, particularly with tourists.
Howard Collins, the Transport for NSW coordinator general, told media a ferry service would start simply “when they’re ready to operate”.
He also said that Transport for NSW were considering using First Fleet ferries or the Parramatta River-class boats for the route.
“We’re almost over-servicing Manly at the moment, so we’re looking at … alternatives. Maybe even our friends in Captain Cook [harbour cruising] might do some cruises and visits to the fish market,” he said.
Action for Public Transport spokesman
Graeme Taylor told SMH less than 1 in 5 visitors to the new fish markets would need to choose the ferry as their mode of transport in order to add a whopping million ferry trips per year to the transport service’s numbers.
It will certainly equal the Manly ferry as a must-do for all visitors
“This building could become Australia’s second most important tourist attraction behind the Opera House, which has 11 million visitors each year. For some perspective, Taronga Zoo has 1.5 million visitors each year, with most using the ferry,” he said.
“It will certainly equal the Manly ferry as a must-do for all visitors to Sydney. The most important thing is for the ferry service to start when the new Sydney
The testing from the Minns government aims to reassess the validity of previous warnings. An EPA spokesperson said testing will include fish from Botany Bay and nearby Georges River.
“Please note, the advice… is if one single species is eaten per week. Eating multiple species would result in a greater exposure,” the advice notice says.
“The current precautionary dietary advice remains in place, however PFAS use in firefighting foam is being phased out and any impacts have recently been reduced,” the spokesperson said.
The airport’s location on Commonwealth land has complicated remediation efforts, as the site falls under federal jurisdiction rather than state oversight, as reported by SMH
Tiny kids are playing on the sand there all the time
Therefore limiting the EPA‘s ability to compel investigations or enforce “polluter pays”, leading to ongoing frustrations.
The federal government has defended their efforts as “appropriately managed,” pointing to over $130 million committed to investigating PFAS nationwide.
Airservices Australia is conducting its own investigation into the airports’ contamination, with results expected by mid-2025.
Meanwhile as testing continues, the EPA advises the public to avoid fishing and swimming in the Tower Beach area.
Fish Market opens. The new building looks stunning.”
THE NEW SYDNEY FISH MARKET
The New Sydney Fish Market (NSFM), set to open in 2025, is intended to be a major food and dining attraction on Sydney’s inner harbour.
The NSFM, coming up in Blackwattle Bay on Bridge Road in Glebe, will be spread over 35,000 square metres of floor space – double the size of the existing market – including 15,000 square metres of retail space for seafood and fresh produce.
The new market will have outdoor
seating for over 3,000 people and is expected to attract over six million visitors annually, which is double the visitors of the original Fish Market in Pyrmont.
“The carefully curated new Sydney Fish Market will become an institution where Sydneysiders can make the most of the precinct,” said Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell.
While many Sydneysiders are excited for the new fish market site – the upgrade for which has cost approximately $836 million – many in the local community have questioned elements of the development, including its impact on traffic and safety.
NSW EPA TESTING TO REASSESS PFAS LEVEL IN BOTANY BAY AREA
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: UrbanGrowth NSW
NIMBYs blamed after plan to increase Centennial Park events scrapped
BY LYDIA JUPP
The NSW government has scrapped plans to raise the number of events held in Centennial Park each year –and many believe NIMBYs are to blame.
The Australian Festivals’ Association was calling on the government to lift the cap on the number of major events in the park, lobbying to raise the number from eight to 12.
We need to be able to have a place for these events to happen
A major event is classified as a gathering of 20,000 people or more, with Centennial Park holding just three throughout 2024, and two the previous year.
“Increasing the cap would send a strong message to the industry and
community that the NSW government is committed to finding ways to better support its festival industry and the many thousands of people who work in it in NSW,” the AFA’s submission reads.
Good Things Festival’s event manager told the SMH last year that the parklands were underutilised.
“When you live on the boundary of the park, sure you don’t want to have events on your doorstep but the city suffers... We have such a lack of these spaces and Sydney should be a city where live music can be enjoyed by all.”
LOCALS CONCERNED ABOUT DAMAGE TO GRASS
Centennial Park Residents Association co-chair Peter Tzannes told 2GB that the park was like a “backyard” for many residents.
“By having festivals in the parkland you are effectively privatising a portion of that park for the period in which the event is
held, plus beforehand the bump in and afterwards the bump out.
“Over the years we’ve seen huge amounts of grass damaged by the people who attend. Very often it may be wet or raining and that grass is trampled and has to be replaced.”
After host James Willis incredulously responded with, “are you seriously saying to me one of the concerns you raised was … the damage to the grass?” Tzannes tried to assure listeners that the group are not NIMBYs. He then cited
the association’s opposition to “very disturbing” noise created by music events.
NSW’s Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said that a balance needed to be struck, and confirmed that a consultation was in progress.
“The real issue for Sydney is if we can’t hold these big outdoor events in Centennial Park or the Domain… where are they gonna be held?” he said. “And the truth is as a city, if we’re really going to reach our potential, we need to be able to have a place for these events to happen.”
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Merivale’s proposed CBD megaentertainment precinct faces opposition
BY WILL THORPE
Aproposal backed by Merivale head Justin Hemmes to turn six historic city centre buildings into an expansive entertainment establishment has been met with opposition from holdout residents and businesses.
Lodging a raft of development application documents in November, Merivale seeks to transform the Victorian-era buildings on King, Clarence and York streets into a complex featuring several bars and clubs – including a large basement nightclub – as well as two restaurants, a gym and spa, a courtyard and hotel accommodation.
The buildings are presently used for residential accommodation as well as by businesses, and situate the popular Merivale-owned pub Hotel CBD. The proposal would see the existing housing stock and business space lost.
Hemmes touted a large city centre entertainment precinct as far back as 2018, before foraying into the block fronting King Street in 2022.
OBJECTIONS FROM RESIDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS
Among those who have submitted objections to the City of Sydney which were published in December is resident Jerry Chen, who wrote that Merivale had not obtained his permission or that of some other owners.
Writing on behalf of other owners and residents, Chen wrote, “Merivale does not have full owner consent to submit
this proposal and has not acted in good faith in this process to date.”
“There is currently no intention for our lots to be sold to Merivale or to provide the consent required for this proposal to proceed, contrary to any representation by the applicant to suggest otherwise.”
Merivale… has not acted in good faith in this process to date
The objection argued that the proposal for an all-hours entertainment precinct “must be rejected” given the adverse impact it would have on the remaining residential units, and that it is “inappropriate for the applicant to operate as such when there are
residential lots in the building that it does not and will not own.”
A proposed rooftop bar would hinder residents’ privacy, the proposal argued, saying that the loss of privacy and the noise from the bar would “greatly diminish residential amenity for the current residential lots.”
The objecting party argued that the proposal was against the public interest given the need for more housing.
“The proposed development should also be rejected given the proposed displacement of residents from current residential lots and the impact this will have on the existing housing supply.”
According to the objection, there are presently 40 residential units at
MERIVALE’S RESPONSE
Corporate communications specialist Sue Cato, who represents Merivale, told SMH that the company had consulted with stakeholders.
“Prior to lodgement, Merivale undertook a comprehensive consultation process, including correspondence and briefings, with thousands of surrounding residents and business owners.”
“It was a completely positive process with wonderful support received from residents and businesses alike.”
Justin Hemmes’ Merivale hospitality empire has been expanding steadily over the years. Hemmes recently stepped in to take over the struggling
104-118 Clarence Street, housing 80 residents.
Another resident, who wished to be anonymous, told the council of their fears about what negative externalities the development would bring.
“We do not want our home being turned into a bar and nightclub ... We are very concerned about the noise and also the antisocial behaviour and increased violence and crime rates that are associated with the expanded bar precinct that is being planned.”
“We also do not want to be moved out of the building as the location is very convenient for work and commuting. If we are forced out of our home we will be priced out and will have a very hard time finding alternative accommodation that suits our needs. We don’t think it is fair for us to move and the proposal should not be approved.”
Club Rose Bay RSL after it went into receivership, with its debts transferred to one of his companies.
Club president John Bax told the Telegraph in December that it was “thrilled with Merivale’s support to renew and revitalise our club and its offerings, which will allow us to strengthen our ties to the community and sporting clubs, while supporting the veteran community and their families”.
Less pleasant for the hospitality mogul, a Federal Court case was filed against Merivale in February 2024 over the name ‘Establishment’, with a Brisbane restaurant charging the company with copying its name and style.
Merivale was also found to have underpaid staff, and was ordered to pay $18 million to the bringers of a class action lawsuit.
Photo: Dean Lewins / AAP
Photo: Ethos Urban Social Impact Assessment
Photo: Google Maps
THE ART OF SUMMER
Mayor Darcy Byrne calls for investigation into Wests Ashfield League Club
Photo: TripAdvisor
BY CHLOE SARGEANT
After an extraordinary mass suspension of Club Directors, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has called for the state government to launch an investigation into how Wests Ashfield League Club is being governed.
On New Year’s Eve, three of the seven board members received the news that they’d be suspended from the roles as Club Directors, for periods of up to a whopping eight years.
Mayor Darcy Byrne called the current governance of the leagues club “unstable”, and in a statement on 2 January, said that Wests fans had become sick and tired of the club’s messy governance undermining the Wests Tigers franchise.
“Quite obviously the current governance of Wests Ashfield has become unstable and possibly untenable, and the NSW Government has a responsibility to investigate this,” Byrne said.
“Loyal and long-suffering Wests Tigers fans deserve better than this mess. Our team is competing in the most professional rugby league competition on earth, but the governance of our Club seems at the moment like the amateur committee for a park footy team.”
WESTS BOARD APPOINTED VIA DEBENTURE, NOT A DEMOCRATIC VOTE
The remaining four Board members are not elected by club’s wider membership – they’re appointed through a ‘debenture’ system, meaning
Newington student sues allboys school for going co-ed
BY NAOMI LAWRENCE
Inner West’s Newington College, a 161-year-old boys’ school, is bracing for two potential legal battles in 2025, as backlash grows over its decision, earlier this year, to admit girls from 2026.
One student, identified as “Student A,” has filed a case in the NSW Supreme Court, alleging that the school’s governing council has breached its agreement under a 19th-century charitable trust deed.
...a kind of ‘traitor’ to the school’s governing body and staff...
and a threat, and potentially, a kind of ‘traitor’ to the school’s governing body and staff, and by extension to the school itself.”
A spokesperson for the private school confidently defended their move to co-ed, emphasising it was made in the school’s best interest.
“The college is disappointed by the proposed legal proceedings.
The decision benefits our students, staff, and community. We welcome the opportunity to resolve this matter expeditiously,” she said according to Sydney Morning Herald
PARENTS FILE POTENTIAL LAWSUIT ACCUSING NEWINGTON COUNCIL OF
a handful of club members select the majority of the board’s members.
The board members that were notified of their suspension were directly elected by the club’s membership.
“When half of the Board of Club decides to suspend the other half of the Board from their duties, there is a clearly a problem and a need for the regulator to examine what is going on,” said Byrne. “The fact that the Board members removed are those that were directly elected by the broader membership is also very concerning. A system in which the 27,000 members of Wests Ashfield have no real democratic say at all is unjustifiable.”
…The current governance of Wests Ashfield has become unstable and possibly untenable…
“The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has statutory responsibility to investigate a Club when its governance falls apart, which seems to be what is happening here,” the Mayor continued.
“I’m calling for the NSW Government to intervene to ensure there is proper democratic governance of the Holman Barnes Group.
“That’s what the fans want, and that is what is needed for Wests Tigers to survive and thrive.”
Wests Ashfield (the Holman Barnes Group) are the majority owner of Wests Tigers.
The current student claims that the school’s shift to a co-ed model violates the trust’s original intent, stating “youth” which supposedly focuses solely on “the education of boys and young men”.
According to court documents filed last Thursday, the council allegedly misused trust funds to plan and implement the co-education transition.
The filing also seeks an interim order to prevent the council from using college property to fund its legal defence.
Student A’s anonymity is protected by a court order, supported by a psychiatrist’s report that cite potential for Student A’s bullying and ostracism.
The report cited a college house mentor’s alleged comment about the police needing “pepper spray” for protesting parents as an example of the hostile environment.
“Participation as a known individual would cast Student A as an adversary
‘DECEPTIVE CONDUCT’
Adding to the controversy, lawyers representing a group of parents announced plans for a potential class action in the Federal Court.
An open letter published Sunday accused the council of “misleading and deceptive conduct,” alleging undisclosed fee transfers to the Newington Foundation — an arm of the school that funds scholarships.
The letter also claimed that staff had assured parents the school would remain single-sex, only to reverse course in November 2023.
Parents expressed frustration in a statement published on the Save Newington website, arguing that the court’s oversight was now necessary to ensure transparency.
Following their intended announcement to go co-ed, the proposal was met with mixed reactions with parents protesting in staunch opposition to the college’s “woke agenda.”
Photo: WikimediaCommon
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WUTHERING HEIGHTS: HOPE, RESILIENCE, AND BREAKING THE CYCLE
Wuthering Heights is Emma Rice’s latest production – but it’s like no other adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 gothic romance that you’ve ever seen before.
BY LYDIA JUPP
Emma Rice is wrapped up in a big jumper when I video call her for our interview. It’s 8pm and I’ve just endured a 30+ degree day in Sydney – we’re a little bit jealous of each other.
Rice is bringing her critically acclaimed production of Wuthering Heights down to Australia for two weeks at the end of January.
“I sort of dread the actual flight,” Rice says. “But then the thought of getting a little bit of sunshine in January is amazing.”
A seasoned and talented director, Rice was awarded the UK Theatre Award for Contribution to British Theatre in 2019, in recognition of her significant influence on the landscape of contemporary theatre. She is warm and open when she talks to me.
Wuthering Heights is her latest show, an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 gothic romance.
But why Wuthering Heights?
“Well, I’ve always loved it. If you’re a Brit, you’ve read it, you’ve seen it, heard the Kate Bush song. You’ve probably had to study it because it’s in all our syllabuses. So, it’s kind of in your bones,” Rice says.
“I also grew up in the middle of England, and we used to go walking in the north of England. I’d been to the ruins of what they thought was the Wuthering Heights moors. It’s very, very disappointing,” she adds.
But it wasn’t the moors or her bones that reminded her of the novel, but the Calais Jungle refugee and immigrant camp in France between 2015 and 2016.
The camp acted as a sort of purgatory for thousands from all over the world, hoping to get a chance for a better life in Britain. Many died trying to get into the UK.
“The government were choosing how many unaccompanied child
No matter how terrible the world can get… individuals can make a difference
migrants the British government would take in. And I just remember thinking, ‘oh my god, we are doomed if we’re not looking after the most vulnerable people on the planet’. That was when I thought, ‘wait a minute, wasn’t Heathcliff an unaccompanied child migrant?’ I went to the bookshelf, pulled down Wuthering Heights, flipped through, and there he was on Liverpool docks, dark skin, dark hair, speaking a different language.”
This thread of hope, of the possibility of a better life, is woven through Rice’s adaptation. Love and romance have
had their time in the Wuthering Heights spotlight. Here, they’ve been swapped for revenge, intergenerational trauma, and the breaking of cycles.
“Most productions concentrate on the first half of the book, just Catherine and Heathcliff, the romance. I thought it was really important that the book’s in two halves, and the second half is hope with young Cathy and Hetton.” Rice said. “But there are these shoots of hope that allow us to navigate generational trauma, and Emily Brontë guides us through it without being totally judgmental, but saying, actually, you can fight this, if you choose.”
Rice’s production is a hybrid between play and musical, with the live band, Greek chorus, and original song and lyrics.
“I really wanted Cathy and Heathcliff to feel like punk rock stars. They wanted to destroy the world, both of them full of anger, full of hatred, full of energy,” she said. While Brontë and punk are not traditionally associated, there’s something that seems right about it – all that raw emotion, rebellion.
“I wrote a song called Cathy’s Curse really early on. And I wanted her to look like the hottest, wildest rock star I’ve ever seen, because I felt that was her pivot point.”
Although the show has been on stage for over three years, Rice is excited to bring it to a new audience.
“I really hope that they give it a go, that they can’t believe how entertaining a big classic can be.
“I feel that hope bubbles up and that actually, no matter how terrible the world can get, that actually, individuals can make a difference.”
Photo: Steve Tanner
Photo: Steve Tanner
Emma Rice. Photo: Supplied
COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY
SYDNEY’S LOVE OF FIREWORKS
(A REQUIEM FOR THE DOUBLE
BUNGER)
New Year’s Eve proved once again that Sydneysiders are captivated by fireworks. Around a million people were said to have gathered to witness the legal displays. Nevertheless, there appeared to be an increasing number of illegal pyrotechnics or ‘pyrohooning’, if you will.
The sale of fireworks in NSW has been banned for over four decades and anybody wanting to stage a display requires a special licence.
It wasn’t always that way. In the 1950s-70s you could walk into a supermarket and buy a big bag of assorted fireworks that included flower pots, sparklers, bungers and double bungers. The latter were akin to mini sticks of dynamite with enough explosive power to remove fingers and cause serious burns. Incidentally, smoking was still allowed in retail stores at the time –right alongside the mountains of crackers on sale.
Admittedly, firecrackers were marketed for a specific event and in Australia that was originally Empire Day, celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday. It later became Commonwealth Day, but even when it moved to June to celebrate the then-Queen’s birthday, for kids, it was always simply known as ‘cracker night’. There was often a huge bonfire in the local park as families gathered
to let off their swags of supermarket fireworks.
Prior to their gradual banning, exploding crackers were the preferred choice of young mischief makers and aspiring bodgies.
Home made and potentially lethal pipe guns were popular, as was the detonation of neighbourhood letterboxes. On cracker night, many families placed a
bowl of water in their letterboxes to snuff out a potential bunger dropped in by a rascal on a pushbike.
By the early 80s the states and territories all adopted different regulations, but in NSW, the sale of any kind of fireworks to the general public was banned. The dreaded bunger had gone bung.
This New Year’s Eve, five people in Germany and three in Hawaii were killed due to illegally purchased and homemade fireworks. Sydney saw plenty of pyrohooning, but fortunately no fatalities or serious injuries.
Illegal fireworks would appear to be as easy to obtain as cut price cigarettes and they are still legally available in NT and Tasmania. There is also the possibility of backyard chemists cooking up their own illegal batch, putting the meth on hold for a week.
Hopefully some sanity will prevail at the next NYE and we don’t have a death or serious injury as witnessed overseas.
Photo: Bianca De Marchi / AAP
HubARTS
REVIEW
JOSH KERWICK
As anyone even partially familiar with his work will tell you, William Yang is one of Australia’s most important and essential photographers. Yang’s body of work is mind-bendingly extensive; through the viewfinder, he’s captured everything from his upbringing in North Queensland as a third generation ChineseAustralian, Sydney’s blossoming gay scene in the 70s and 80s and the harrowing reality of the AIDS crisis, plus everything else in between and since.
He chooses self-portraiture in his new show Milestone, an appropriately named work that truly feels like a window into Yang’s life owing to the power of his remarkable photography, highly personal words and music arranged by Elena Kats-Chernin.
Milestone starts as many life stories do: at the beginning in the town of Dimbulah, with a photo of a young William Yang dressed in an adorable costume. From here, Yang slowly introduces us to characters in his life with an immediately disarming sense of warmth.
NOSFERATU
New life is injected into the century-old symphony of horror
(See p. 22)
WILLIAM YANG CREATES THE ULTIMATE SELF-PORTRAIT IN 'MILESTONE'
At 82 years old, Yang is incredibly spry and hilarious, with no qualms about letting us experience his life in reflection through his extensive image library. It’s remarkable to see a person’s whole life so wonderfully detailed on stage, owing to Yang’s special talent for storytelling.
THE TWENTY-SIDED: TAVERN:
A HILARIOUSLY HEARTY FANTASY CONCOCTION
BY JOSH KERWICK
For the next three months, you can see what Dungeons & Dragons is all about at The Twenty-Sided Tavern, a wonderful mix of theatre and tabletop roleplaying that’s sure to delight D&D fans and create plenty of new ones.
Part of The Twenty-Sided Tavern’s appeal, like the game it’s based on, is its audience interactivity and sheer unpredictability. Using an app on your phone, you help the adventurers make decisions that impact the show in meaningful ways, leaving the highly talented cast to rapidly improvise.
Trubie-Dylan Smith, Eleanor Stankiewicz and Atlas Adams play the adventuring party, each with characters
in a certain archetype — Trickster, Spellcaster or Warrior — that the audience chooses. The bond between these three is deeply apparent as they riff off of each other.
Meanwhile, William Kasper and Zoë Harlen do excellent work as the Dungeon Master and Tavern Keeper. The biggest strength of The TwentySided Tavern is how immersive it is. You’ll laugh so hard that you cry, you’ll cringe at the roll of a low dice number. But above everything else, you’ll care about what’s coming next – and there’s no better representation of D&D than that.
The Twenty-Sided Tavern is playing at the Sydney Opera House until March 8.
Of course, Yang’s work in Sydney’s queer community is legendary – as he points out, his image series Sydneyphiles was the first time images of the Sydney gay community made their way to a photo gallery – and travelling back through time with him as he explains the context behind these highly influential images feels deeply poignant.
The most moving sections of the piece usually revolve around grief, as Yang recalls the deaths of loved ones he lost to AIDS. You may often be shocked by what Yang chose to photograph, but the results provide significant context for his approach to photography.
A true late-in-life achievement for one of Australia’s most important and groundbreaking artists, William Yang: Milestone is an intimate, heartbreaking and regularly hilarious portrait of a life as only Yang could tell it, that’ll have you thinking about all the photos you’re yet to take.
FAMILIES WILL LOVE THIS OPERA ADAPTATION OF CINDERELLA
BY IRINA DUNN
After successful runs at the Met and Covent Garden, this colourful staging of Cendrillon (Cinderella) makes a fabulous Australian entrance.
This enchanting opera is derived from Charles Perrault’s 17th century fairy tale.
Pandolfe has married overbearing countess Madame de la Haltière (Angela Hogan). Her obnoxious daughters Noémie (Jennifer Black) and Dorothée (Ashlyn Timms) bully Cendrillon, Pandolfe’s daughter, and the poor girl is treated as their servant.
Emily Edmonds captures both the sorrow and joy of young Cinderella, while the fabulous soprano Emma Matthews is resplendent as Fairy Godmother.
The moment Massenet opens with a C Major march suggests that all will be well in the end. His score is light and comical, particularly in the ball scene, where young ladies of the realm are presented to the prince – credit to talented choreographer Laura Scozzi for making the audience laugh out loud.
Richard Anderson sang Pandolfe with great compassion, and OA stalwart Shane Lowrencev was appropriately regal in his role as King.
Director and Costume Designer Laurent Pelly’s imagination provided the wit and colour of the production, while conductor Evan Rogister provided lovely music and a bit of magic.
Opera Australia’s Cendrillon (Cinderella) by Jules Massenet is on at the Sydney Opera House until 28 March.
Photo: Daniel Boud
Photo: Opera Australia
Photo: William Yang via Sydney Festival
Photo: Opera Australia
ANTHONY CALLEA’S BEHIND THE VOICE
BY MICHAEL JAMES
Anthony Callea is arguably one of the most powerful voices in the Australian entertainment industry. However, given his rise to fame via reality television juggernaut Australian Idol, he has also been subject to a particularly vicious bout of the tall poppy syndrome Australia so loves to dish out. It’s been twenty years since Callea was launched into the public eye through Australian Idol. And like many celebrities, he has been dogged by rumours and gossip from the very early days of his career.
The beautiful thing about his new memoir Behind The Voice is that Callea seeks to not only tell his story, but also to assert himself against rumours and speculation of the past, and affirm himself as a professional artist without arrogance or grandeur.
There’s a tongue-in-cheek tone, almost like a professionallyworded “fuck you”, to those who’ve sought to bring him down. There's also humble admissions of his shortfalls and owning up to mistakes he’s made along the way. He navigates the ups and downs of his career with good humour, honesty and a refreshing sense of self awareness.
Callea relives his youthful aspirations of being a professional singer and all the little ‘almost’ moments that occurred in those days before Idol. He recounts with candour the times before, during and after Idol, the stresses that were placed on him and just how absolutely wild the entire experience was.
He recounts his journey coming to terms with his sexuality — as a young man, through to his relationship that saw him publicly outed as gay live on radio, and of course, the story of his relationship with now husband Tim Campbell.
The layers to this story are complex and heartwrenching, as he recalls the likes of Ian “Dicko” Dickson attempting to force discussion of his sexuality with the public. Equally as heartbreaking are the many voices that surrounded him telling him he had to stay in the closet. Callea both reveal his experiences and assert himself, without ever entering into sledging matches.
As well as revealing the tougher side to showbiz, Callea speaks on memorable moments in his career, like the pure joy of working with Celine Dion, to the heartbreaking tour he shared with the late Whitney Houston, and the touching moments he shared with both women.
Behind The Voice is a fascinating insight into the life of one of Australia’s most talented singers.
MIGHTY REAPERS TO PLAY MARRICKVILLE BOWLO REUNION SHOW
BY STAFF WRITER
When the Dynamic Hepnotics decided to call it a day in 1988, after achieving national pop stardom, their lead singer Continental Robert Susz looked for another project and formed the soul and blues-inspired Mighty Reapers.
With a funky groove driven approach to their repertoire, both covers and many original songs, they soon became a favourite around the pubs and clubs amongst inner city Sydney.
It wasn’t long before they were releasing a series of well received albums and being invited to play on music festivals throughout the country.
Kakadu in Oxford Street as he took off on one of his legendary pied piper walks — complete with a radio mic. As he exited the club and onto the street the band could still hear him playing and kept up their backing even when he was chased from an adjacent sex shop by an angry owner after terrifying patrons with his blasting sax.
Over the years The Reapers have featured some of Sydney’s finest musicians and the current lineup is no exception. Organist Clayton Doley and drummer Antero Ceschin are both celebrated band leaders in their own right. Sadly missing these days is long time bass player Vito “Mr Showbiz”
At the same time they quickly became the band of choice to back a series of international artists who toured the country during the 1990s including Big Jay McNeely, Lucky Petersen, Hubert Sumlin, Bobby Radcliff, Louisiana Red and Margie Evans, the latter with whom they recorded two very popular albums.
Needless to say these tours have provided many memorable moments — not all of them experienced musically. There have been numerous, mostly humorous, off-stage episodes. Like the time singer and honking saxophonist Big Jay McNeely left the band stranded on the stage at Klub
Portolesi who passed away suddenly in 2018 but who lives on in the band’s numerous recordings.
It’s testament to the group’s popularity that they have now been playing for well over three decades despite the fact that guitarist Dave Brewer lives in Perth and other band members such as Clayton Doley all head their own groups.
For these special reunion shows they have welcomed another great musician in Ray Beadle as their honorary member, playing bass and featuring on a number of guest vocals and guitar. The Mighty Reapers play the Marrickville Bowling Club on Thursday 23 January.
Photo:
Photo: anthonycallea / Instagram
Photo: Supplied
THE LADIES LEAGUE
IS CLOSING, BUT
IT WASN'T A FAILURE
WESTERN SYDNEY
NIGHTLIFE ECONOMY
GROWTH FAR OUTPACING INNER-CITY
BY LYDIA JUPP
This week, Australia’s first and only women’s sports bar closed. The Ladies League was open for five months before the Christmas break, and have cancelled their plans to reopen in the new year.
The announcement of their closure has drawn the most attention the bar has ever received.
News organisations that have never before cared about women’s sports or female owned businesses are suddenly dedicated to ensuring the entire nation knows about the closure of the Ladies League.
Predictably, the trolls have crawled out of the woodwork, insults ready to fling, all laden with misogyny and homophobia.
None of their sexist words are worth repeating, but the trolling has been so intense that the Ladies League was forced to switch their social media accounts to private within 24 hours of the announcement.
Australia loves to pretend it is a nation of the fair go, of the Aussie battler. We love the underdog, and we love to watch someone be knocked down only to get back up again.
But the one thing we love, more than just about anything, is to laugh at women when they’re down.
It’s impossible to say that the Ladies League closed solely because it only showed women’s sports. To do so would be to ignore the death of Oxford Street, a once thriving queer cultural space that has been neglected by the City of Sydney, and plagued by years of construction and development.
Long-established businesses on the strip are struggling to make ends meet.
The Ladies League may have closed but it was not, by any means, a failure. It was the culmination of years of effort from dedicated hospitality workers and sports fans who believed they deserved a seat at the table.
If anything, the Ladies League proved that there is an appetite for a dedicated women’s sports bar in Sydney – scratch that, Australia. In addition to the many Sydneysiders disappointed about the closure, the venue’s Instagram comments are filled with countless interstaters who’d planned to pop by the Ladies League during a Sydney trip.
The Ladies League made Australian history just by opening its doors, and the electricity it brought to the city won’t be forgotten.
The women behind the bar demonstrate the same dedication, passion, and sheer tenacity that we see in women’s sport, and I’m certain it’s not the last we’ll see of them.
BY LYDIA JUPP
New data shows regional and suburban areas are outperforming Sydney's inner-city in both nighttime business growth and in-person spending, with western and southwestern Sydney fast becoming go-to night-time destinations.
St Marys and Bringelly has seen a 21% growth in food, beverage, leisure and entertainment spending, while Merrylands-Guilford and Parramatta are sitting at around a 14% increase.
Over the last two years, nighttime in-person spending growth is led by Botany at 29.4% and Auburn at 25.5%, far outpacing inner-city Sydney's 4.2% growth.
Population growth and infrastructure investment in Greater Western Sydney are behind the trend, as well as the implementation of policies to support the night-time economy, such as the Uptown District Acceleration Program, the Live Performance Venue Program, and the Vibrancy Reforms
“We want people to get people off the couch and go out at night," said 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues. "This data shows that people don’t have to travel too far to find a great night out, regardless of where they live in NSW."
The statistics come from the new Data After Dark platform, a first of its kind tool that tracks growth and changes in economic activity across NSW between the hours of 6pm and 6am.
The most recent quarterly report from the Data After Dark platform showed that in general across NSW, the state's night-time economy saw increased activity. It also showed statistics such as:
• Night-time in-person spending rose from last quarter to $3.64 billion.
• Night-time public transport recorded 35 million Opal tap-offs at night.
• People in NSW made 476 million night-time 'people movement activity trips' — derived from mobile data — up 2.6% from the previous quarter.
• More businesses opened, including an additional 230 core night-time businesses, contributing a 1.6% year-on-year increase in the total.
The platform provides the first comprehensive, comparable and consistent insights on nighttime economies across the state.
“For the first time, with the Data After Dark platform we can measure what is going on in our state’s nighttime economy," said Minister for Music and Night-Time Economy John Graham. “People across NSW are seeking opportunities to go out closer to home. That is great for local businesses, but also for people who may choose to visit these areas.
“This data will serve as a basis for us to track how night-time economies outside of the Sydney CBD are performing as we continue our work to uplift and enhance the state’s nighttime economy.”
Photo: theladiesleague / Instagram
Photo: cityofparramatta / Instagram
FLICKERFEST 2025: A
CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE VOICES IN SHORT FILM
This Academy and BAFTAqualifying festival continues to dazzle audiences with its meticulously curated lineup, showcasing the very best in short-form storytelling.
Over 200 films from 3,500 entries have made the cut, promising an exhilarating program of creativity, innovation, and diversity.
Since its humble beginnings in 1991 at Balmain High School, Flickerfest has grown into an internationally acclaimed festival.
Under the stewardship of long-time festival director Bronwyn Kidd, who has led the festival for an impressive 27 years, it has become a beacon for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
A PASSION FOR DIVERSE STORYTELLING
For Kidd, Flickerfest is not just about screening films; it’s about creating a platform for authentic voices.
"I love the incredible freshness and independence of short film," she says. “It's an anti-Hollywood formula, a space where filmmakers can tell their stories without being shaped by commercial pressures.”
This ethos is evident in the diversity of the program, which includes LGBTQIA+ voices, First Nations filmmakers, and cultural stories from countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Ireland, alongside Australian talent.
Kidd’s passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in her own background as a filmmaker, particularly in social justice documentaries. She has a long history of facilitating stories from First Nations communities, a focus that continues to influence Flickerfest’s programming.
“One of the things I’m really thrilled and honoured to present is our Indigenous Showcase, which takes place on Survival Day weekend,” she explains. “It’s a space for First Nations filmmakers to share their stories and connect with audiences.”
The festival offers a wide range of themed programs, ensuring there’s something for every audience.
The ‘Rainbow Shorts’ program celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices, while
Sydney’s iconic short film festival, Flickerfest, is back for its 34th year, bringing an eclectic mix of visual stories from across the globe to Bondi.
‘FlickerUp’ highlights young Australian filmmakers under 18. Families can enjoy the 'FlickerKids' program, and the comedy selection guarantees lighthearted entertainment.
“We want people to come along and enjoy themselves,” Kidd says. “There’s something so hopeful and uplifting about engaging with these stories, especially in a time when mainstream media feels overwhelmingly negative.”
“Short films are a way to surprise, entertain, and move audiences,” Kidd adds. “They’re little, magical gems of cinema.”
THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF CURATION
Sifting through 3,500 entries is no small feat, and Kidd admits it’s a demanding process.
“It’s months and months of viewing,” she says, crediting the hard work of her programming teams.
Despite the challenges, Kidd finds immense satisfaction in creating a program she’s proud to present.
“It’s humbling to think that so many filmmakers want to be part of Flickerfest. It offers great career opportunities and a chance to be noticed by the industry, both in Australia and internationally.”
The festival’s reputation as a launchpad for talent is well-established. Its Academy and BAFTA-qualifying status makes it a coveted platform for filmmakers looking to make their mark.
“Audiences know they’re seeing the best of the best,” Kidd notes. “We’re screening fewer than 10% of the submissions, so every film has gone through a rigorous selection process.”
While it’s tough for Kidd to single out her favourite films, she’s excited about the lineup’s range and quality. With 200 films spanning various genres and styles, this year’s program is poised to delight, inspire, and provoke thought.
From heartwarming dramas to edgy comedies, Flickerfest’s films push boundaries and celebrate creativity. They also foster a sense of connection, something Kidd believes is crucial.
“Flickerfest has a warm, inclusive vibe. It’s a welcoming space for people who love film and culture,” she says.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
■ The world premiere of Vlog –a deeply personal and heartfelt family drama starring, and written and directed by, Emmy Award-nominated Sydney-born actress Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale).
■ Candy Bar, a darkly comedic story by Flickerfest alum and acclaimed director Nash Edgerton, starring internationally renowned Australian actor Damon Herriman.
■ Quirky and hilarious Australian short Glove, marking the directorial debut of actress Belinda Bromilow.
■ The Australian premiere of Hearts of Stone, shown in the Oscar-qualifying international competition. The Belgian highconcept short from Belgium stars Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
■ The Brown Dog, a poetic and poignant animation about the overlooked and forgotten, featuring the late Michael K. Williams (The Wire) and Steve Buscemi.
“We want everyone to feel part of this community.”
As Flickerfest continues to thrive, Kidd hopes the festival will inspire audiences to embrace new perspectives and celebrate the power of cinema.
“There’s so much creativity and passion in short film,” she says. “It’s important to remember that, even in challenging times, people are doing amazing things. Flickerfest is a reminder of that.”
For Sydneysiders and visitors alike, Flickerfest 2025 promises to be a cinematic feast. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, this celebration of short film is not to be missed.
Photo:
Candy Bar
Vlog
Glove
Hearts Of Stone
The Brown Dog
NOSFERATU
BY JOSH KERWICK
Count Orlok's shadow ascending the stairs in the original Nosferatu is one of the most influential images in cinematic history - even if you haven't seen the 1922 silent classic, you've undoubtedly absorbed the imagery through cultural osmosis.
It's a seriously impressive achievement, then, that more than 100 years later, Robert Eggers' Nosferatu is able to feel like a unique, fresh take on its namesake material.
You're familiar with the story: Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) travels to the castle of the mysterious Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård) to sell him a house. However, Orlok is much more than just an aging old baron, and he has his eyes set on Thomas' wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp).
Despite its familiarity, Eggers makes significant changes. He doesn't shy away from the psychosexual element of vampirism and its horrifying invasiveness, but the most explicit cruelty comes in a major change that Orlok has groomed Ellen to be his since childhood.
She attempts to reject it, but Ellen remains under Orlok's twisted influence as he invades her dreams and causes her body to inhumanly contort.
Eggers also imbues Nosferatu with a number of new themes; class anxiety, and the deliberate ignorance and misogyny of 1800s European mindsets.
A vital part of Nosferatu's success is Lily-Rose Depp. Her range seems endless; there's one scene where Depp effortlessly oscillates between despair,
A REAL PAIN
BY JOSH KERWICK
Cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) are touring Poland in honour of their late grandmother, who escaped persecution during the Holocaust.
A Real Pain authentically captures that terse feeling that comes with long periods spent with family. They naturally chafe against one another as two very different men at vastly different points in their lives, while reckoning with the meaning of family history.
As a result, A Real Pain is both emotionally affecting and quite funny,
primal rage, anxiety and sensuality, making her truly feel like a woman possessed.
Similar praise goes to Bill Skarsgård, who is utterly transformative as the grotesque Count Orlok. The prosthetics and makeup alone would be enough, but Skarsgård makes Orlok feel truly evil with a rumbling voice and hunkering physicality that ensures his dark presence is felt, on-screen or not.
The whole cast is seriously impressive -
ensemble.
It’s well worth succumbing to the darkness of Nosferatu. New life has been injected into this century-old symphony of horror — it’s one of the most dreadinducing and gnarly vampire films in recent memory. 1/2
particularly for a buddy-comedy road trip film with a backdrop of the Holocaust.
Despite strong performances and a conceptually perfect pairing, Eisenberg or Culkin's performances won’t surprise you, feeling rather derivative of their usual screen personas.
Eisenberg’s off-kilter, nervy guys; Culkin’s men who are as miserable as they are charismatic.
Don't be mistaken, though: A Real Pain is a good movie, with plenty to say about family, history and the guilt of modernity.
MONSTER SUMMER
BY MARK MORELLINI
Monster Summer follows teenager Noah, who dreams of following in his late father’s footsteps and becoming a journalist.
Searching for the perfect story for the local paper, he investigates local sinister occurrences: children are being taken, souls drained and returned as braindead zombies. Noah and a couple of his friends try to restore order, but police don't take them seriously until a retired detective joins.
Reminiscent of Netflix's program Stranger Things, a cast of
predominantly young actors headed by Mason Thames (The Black Phone) deliver excellent performances. Mel Gibson portrays the retired detective in one of his few recent appearances on the big screen.
Monster Summer is set in an era when children rode their bikes in groups, enjoying the outdoors – it captures the kinds of adventures many teens today would dream of.
Aside from a few underwhelming special effects, this is a clever and surprisingly fun holiday movie treat.
Photo: IMdB
Photo: IMdB
Nicholas Hoult as kindly Thomas Hutter, Willem Dafoe as crazy occultist doctor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, Emma Corrin as Ellen's friend - and work brilliantly as an
Photo: IMDb
By Declan Furber Gillick
Directed by Mark Wilson
