CITY HUB October 2023 by Alt Media

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Law professor wins lawsuit against NSW Police (See p. 14)

Editorial: ‘Yes’ is the way forward

n Saturday, voters will be asked to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the following question:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

HubARTS: Halloween! Where to go, what to wear, why we care (See p.28)

PUBLISHED DATE 12 OCTOBER 2023 Published monthly and freely available throughout the Inner City. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, we take no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions. ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Editor & Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons Publisher Assistant: Mal Moody Advertising Managers: Mal Moody 0484 042 615 Advertising: sales@altmedia.net.au News Editor: Grace Johnson Contributors: Grace Johnson, Robbie Mason, Justin Cooper, Abha Haval Arts Editor: Rita Bratovich Contributors: Rita Bratovich, John Moyle, Mark Morellini, Jasmine Simmons, Will McLennan Cover Photo: David Handley - Founder and CEO of Sculpture By The Sea. Photo by Mark Dickson Designer: Nadia Kalinitcheva Mail: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Email: news@altmedia.net.au, arts@altmedia.net.au Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Website: www.cityhub.com.au If you have a story, or any comments you’d like to share with us: news@altmedia.net.au @CityHubSydney

Do you approve this proposed alteration?” This simple question was always intended as the first step on a long journey of reconciling the past, an opening to a conversation about colonisation, dispossession and ensuing policies that will take years. The ‘yes’ campaign has focused on this first step. But this has left an opening that the other side has tried to fill with campaigns that are not always truthful or fair. The proposed change to the constitution will see a body, called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, be able to make representations to Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Parliament will have the power to make laws with respect to these matters. In the original constitution, Indigenous peoples were excluded from policymaking, which continued until 1967. Disparities continue today. Indigenous people have shorter lifespans, face higher rates of suicide and incarceration, and experience worse levels of health overall. Despite government efforts to ‘close the gap,’ the gap has remained and, in some cases, has even gotten worse. Chronic diseases are reported to occur more often and at a younger age for Indigenous people. The poor health conditions in the Indigenous community are only perpetuated by the disadvantages they continue to face, such as poor education, employment, low income, discrimination, and poor-quality housing, all of which are otherwise referred to as the social determinants of health. As Councillor Yvonne Weldon from City of Sydney told City Hub, “An Aboriginal young person in the Northern Territory is more likely to find themselves incarcerated than at a Year 12 graduation ceremony.” The referendum represents the chance for the Indigenous peoples of Australia to have constitutionally enshrined

Photo: AAP Image, Mick Tsikas

representation to advise on policies and laws that affect the lives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. As the referendum on the Voice to Parliament approaches, more than 2.2 million have already casted an early vote, according to Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) data.

Yes is a moral choice, and no is a travesty for the country The ABC’s poll of the polls shows ‘No’ at an average of 58.8 per cent, well ahead of ‘Yes’ at 41.2 per cent. According to the Revolve Political Monitor poll, which surveyed 4,728 eligible voters, Tasmania is the only state in Australia currently heading towards a majority Yes vote, with 56 per cent of respondents so far saying they support the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. 52 per cent of voters in NSW are looking to vote no, and the same for 54 per cent of voters in Victoria. Indigenous lawyer, activist and ‘Yes’ campaigner Noel Pearson, speaking on AM, addressed members of the population who have either not yet made up their minds or are considering the importance of this vote. “My message to them is that this is a moral choice for the country,” said Pearson.

“This is not just a question of constitutional law. This is not just a question of the benefits that will flow to Indigenous people and the country from the Voice…but it’s about the morality of the country.” “The choice we have is not equivalent. Yes is of a different quality. Yes is a moral choice, and no is a travesty for the country, and we will possibly never live it down.” Pat Anderson AO, an Alyawarre woman who co-chaired the dialogue process that led to the Uluru Statement, said that this vote will determine “how all Australians see themselves as a nation and how they’re perceived in the world.” In February, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also asked Australians to consider how Indigenous Australians will feel if ‘no’ wins the final vote, and also “how Australia is perceived internationally as well.” The prime minister has said that he won’t try to legislate a voice to parliament if the no vote wins at the referendum this weekend. The proposal for Indigenous voices in parliament will be a first step towards realising the Uluru Statement, recognising 65,000 years of Indigenous sovereignty, and giving First Nations peoples to speak to issues that affect their community. The Voice will ensure that knowledge from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be considered in national decision making. City Hub, standing on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, supports the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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Beloved Bondi bowlo left devastated are elderly and rely on the club for their sense of community. Premier Chris Minns defended the decision on 2GB radio station, saying the rent increases will fund the upgrade of fire trails critical to firefighting efforts, and that the government had to “find the money somewhere.” “If we don’t do that, I’ve got to find the money from somewhere and that’ll be raising taxes on businesses and households and I’m not prepared to do that,” he said.

Bondi Bowling Club, established 1933, on a Sunday afternoon. Photo: Instagram @bondibowlo

BY GRACE JOHNSON he volunteer-run Bondi Bowling Club is devastated after being hit with a 420% rent increase. Around 11,000 Crown Land leaseholders were notified last week that their rent had been redetermined. 360 of those are now facing rent increases greater than $2,000 a week. The beloved Bondi Bowlo, run by volunteers, historically paid about $22,000 annually in rent. That price has

now jumped to $95,000, meaning the club will now have to pay an extra $1,500 per week to keep their doors open. The not-for-profit sees around 10,000 people come through its doors each year. Cherished by the community, the club has also stayed away from revenuebuilding poker machines. The club is now concerned that they will have to pass the cost on to customers by increasing membership fees and food and drink prices. Many of the members

Bowling clubs are the heart and soul of the local community Crown Lands NSW determines rent every five years to ensure it’s in line with current market rates. The Bondi Bowling Club, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, had its last rent review in 2009.

“AN UNREASONABLE INCREASE”

Kelly Sloan, MP for Vaucluse, speaking with Ben Fordham on 2GB, said “this is an unreasonable increase.”

“I mean, five grand, sure. Let’s do a redetermination, maybe the need to pay a little more. But a $70,000 increase.” “And this is not just Bondi Bowls, we know of other clubs that are copping this as well.” Matty Graham, President of the Bondi Bowling Club, said the rent increase, which they’ve got only a month to pay, will put a serious damper on plans to better their services for the local community. “We’ve got a laundry list of renovations,” said Mr Graham. “We want to improve our disabled access to the club. We might even have to think about closing a few days a week.” Mr Graham emphasised that bowling clubs are the “heart and soul of the local community,” where you can have a reasonably-priced drink and play a sport that is “healthy, safe, and offers access for all ages, all genders, and all abilities as well.” His message to the premier? “Stop punching down on bowlos,” said Mr Graham. “They’re an easy target for developers, for local councils, for the government,” he continued. “Give us a break.”

Waverley Council Update Mayor's message

Mayoral election Last month, I had the privilege of being re-elected as Mayor by my fellow Waverley Councillors and Councillor Ludovico Fabiano of Waverley Ward was elected the new Deputy Mayor. I look forward to continuing to represent our community and delivering on the Council’s vision for a vibrant and resilient Waverley where our community is empowered to collaborate for a sustainable, connected and innovative future. Since I’ve been Mayor, we have delivered some of Waverley Council’s biggest and most exciting infrastructure projects to date including the restoration of the Bondi Pavilion which hosted a visit by the Prime Mininster of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese. Our secure and prudent long-term financial plan has enabled us to progress several other milestone projects, including the completion of the Bondi Junction Cycleway and our restoration of the heritage Boot Factory building at Spring Street, Bondi Junction, which is on-track for completion early next year.

Free digitisation service

Sculpture by the Sea

Waverley Library has become the first library in NSW to offer a digitisation service. Free of charge, library members can book a slot anytime during library hours to create digital versions of film negatives, 35mm slides, Hi8 tapes, VHS tapes, and photographs using our self-serve station. Commercial digitisation is quite expensive, and therefore unaffordable for many people, so we are delighted to offer this service to help our members bring memories back to life in a format that is compatible with contemporary lifestyles.

Sculpture by the Sea returns to our own Bondi to Tamarama walk from 20 October until 6 November. It’s great to be able to celebrate the 25th exhibition this year with a stellar lineup of works, including from artists such as acclaimed Chinese artist Chen Wen ling, and regular exhibitors Philip Spelman and Ron Gomboc, Lucy Barker and Ayako Saito.

The intergenerational impact is also clear – parents and grandparents have been able to introduce younger generations to photos and videos they haven’t had a chance to see until now. To book a session, please call Waverley Library on 9083 8733. Allow for about a minute per item for photographs and negatives. VHS tapes will need to be played all the way through in real time.

Notts Avenue boardwalk reconstruction Works have started along the Notts Avenue boardwalk near Bondi Icebergs to replace a section of the path that was severely damaged during a coastal storm. We anticipate works will take approximately four months to complete and will involve the replacement of the existing hardwood boardwalk, balustrade and piers. There will be a pause in construction during Sculpture by the Sea to minimise disturbances. For more information, visit the waverley.nsw.gov.au/building/major_projects

Waverley Customer Service Centre: 55 Spring Street, Bondi Junction. Ph: 9083 8000

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

waverley.nsw.gov.au

Importantly, the event continues support for Ukrainian artists, with Nazar Bilyk making his debut in 2023. Sculpture by the Sea is supporting emerging talent with 34 first time exhibitors this year. They join six artists who all featured in the inaugural first exhibition in 1997: Paul Bacon, Stephen King, Michael Le Grand, John Petrie, James Rogers, and Margarita Sampson. Our coastline is the perfect backdrop for the stunning works of art you can see this year, and we’re expecting around 500,000 people to attend, so please take public transport to the event. Buses run regularly between Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach and Tamarama, and the walk from Bondi Junction takes around 25 minutes. Traffic will be heavier than usual on roads approaching Bondi and several road closures will be in place during the 18-day event, so allow plenty of extra travel time. For event details, visit sculpturebythesea.com and for realtime updates on traffic conditions, visit livetraffic.com.

Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley

Stay in touch: waverley.nsw.gov.au/subscribe

WEIHENSTEPHAN AUSTRALIA @WEIHENSTEPHANAUSTRALIA

BUILT ON A RICH HISTORY OF TRADITION, CULTURE AND QUALITY

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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Homes left vacant during housing crisis

BY GRACE JOHNSON he City of Sydney is stepping up its handling of the housing crisis, signalling the high number of vacant homes during a council meeting on September 18. The motion will see Lord Mayor Clover Moore write to Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson to express concern and apply pressure for urgent intervention.

There’s no excuse. They certainly shouldn’t be leaving the properties vacant The motion, put forward by Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore, highlighted research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released on 29 August 2023. Using electricity data to determine houses that go for extended periods without use, the research found that there are 2,568 dwellings not in use in the City of Sydney, making up 3.1 per cent of the total dwellings in the local government area (LGA). Alarmingly, high numbers of vacant dwellings are occurring simultaneously with soaring numbers of household

Carolyn Ienna (Action for Public Housing) speaking at a rally to save 82 Wentworth Park Rd. Photo: Supplied by Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore’s office

applicants for social housing. The latest figures from the NSW Housing Register, published on 30 June 2023, show that 55,880 households in NSW are on the waitlist for social housing. Speaking to City Hub, Cr Ellsmore said, “more and most public housing is being left vacant that people could be living in by now, and they’re basically not putting tenants in this housing. And some of

it is good-quality housing that doesn’t even need renovation.”

EVICTED BEFORE DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL

State government recently evicted residents at 82 Wentworth Park Road in Glebe, despite having no approval to develop the building. Many of the evicted residents have been left stranded and are now sleeping rough.

Cr Ellsmore said, “the government has kicked everybody out of those buildings, some of which got a new coat of paint and new carpet recently, all because they plan to develop it at some point in the future.” “There’s no excuse. They certainly shouldn’t be leaving the properties vacant because they might, at some point in the future, feel like developing the property. That’s obscene in the housing crisis.” Sydney has also seen increases in properties being redeveloped for larger wealthy residences, decreasing the number of available dwellings. Other houses stand empty for much of the year as vacation homes or short-rental properties. Councillor Linda Scott weighed in on the number of vacant dwellings and the lack of communication from the Lord Mayor, saying “I have been calling on the Lord Mayor to do more on affordable housing, which is especially critical in our cost-of-living crisis.” “The community deserves more transparency from the Lord Mayor about how City properties are used – and when they’re left standing vacant.” “It’s time for the Lord Mayor to step up so the City can do more to deliver affordable housing.”

NSW Labor’s Budget fails to deliver housing solutions We are in the midst of the worst housing crisis in generations and the cost of living is climbing at an alarming rate, with no signs of slowing. The number of rough sleepers across NSW has increased by 34% between 2022 and 2023, the cost of groceries has soared by 8% in the same period - and far too many people live pay cheque to pay cheque.

GET IN TOUCH IF WE CAN HELP Ph: (02) 9517 2800 E: newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au W: jennyleong.org 383 King St, Newtown NSW 2042

Across the state, thousands are struggling in an overheated rental market and our communities are facing a dire statewide shortage of public housing. Yet in spite of all of this, the first Minns Labor Government Budget failed to offer any visionary or game-changing alternatives to the status quo that is crushing our communities. Tinkering around the edges of a massive housing and inequality crisis after over a decade of a conservative, privatisationobsessed Liberal Government is unacceptable.

This regular column is authorised by Jenny Leong MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements 6

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

The experts have spelt out exactly what is needed - and disappointingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, little heed has been paid.

Where Homelessness NSW called for $400 million to fast-track the provision of muchneeded social housing stock, Labor committed only $70 million to deliver social and affordable homes across NSW. And where Shelter NSW outlined the need for a $500 million investment in repairing and maintaining existing social housing stock, Labor committed a meagre $35 million for critical social housing maintenance. The inadequacy of that funding, while there are over 51,000 approved applications on the social housing waitlist, is staggering. Shamefully this Budget delivers nothing in the way of immediate relief for renters. This Government will spend $615 million to cap tolls (a corporate handout to private polluting tollroad companies), but will not act to cap rents, a move that would not cost them a single cent. And a promise of a $300 million injection of funding for Landcom to deliver new supply, won’t see that supply fully delivered until 2039-40, and in total will only comprise 4,697 homes of which 30% will be ‘affordable’. While the solutions are there, it is shamefully clear that the political will - and

financial investment - to deliver for our community is lacking. More needs to be done. The Greens will continue to push this Government to act for our renters, public housing tenants, homelessness advocates and all housing justice activists - and you can help us. Sign the petition to save public housing here, because our communities deserve more, and everyone has the right to a safe, secure, affordable and accessible place to call home: jennyleong.org/save_public_housing

Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown

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City of Sydney’s food relief program BY JUSTIN COOPER ity of Sydney Council has unveiled a new $4.5 million grant program, which aims to support local food relief services as demand increases during the ongoing economic crisis. The new Food Support Grant will provide food relief organisations in Sydney with additional funding to provide and maintain their services and operations.

As people struggle to pay their bills… they are forgoing food While announcing the grants, Lord Mayor Clover Moore explained that the additional funds will help organisations address the increasing demand for food relief and “facilitate [their] important work.” “Many in our community, particularly vulnerable people, struggled to afford food for the first time during the pandemic,” said the lord mayor. “As people struggle to pay their bills amid the cost-of-living crisis, they are forgoing food in order to pay for housing, health and heating.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore speaking before the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Photo: AAP Photos, Joel Carrett

Mayor Moore stated that food relief organisations have been stretched in their growing need to not only supply food but to also provide transport, storage and equipment in order fortheir services to function safely. A grant program is thus crucial. In light of this “heartbreaking reality,” the mayor expressed the need for the government to provide further financial support to already exhausted antipoverty programs.

“We call on the State and Federal Governments to step up and join us in providing urgent and ongoing financial support to support food relief organisations,” said Mayor Moore.

RESPONSE TO INCREASING CONCERNS

The new program is in response to an urgent lord mayoral minute put forward in June, highlighting increasing food insecurity in the LGA. Both the

minute and subsequent motion were supported unanimously by council. Then-Deputy Mayor Sylvie Ellsmore, spoke with City Hub on the significance of the grant during the current economic crisis. “We have seen a radical jump in the number of people seeking support from food programs in the City, with demand increasing as much as 3 or 5 times more than even during the COVID shutdown,” Cr Ellsmore explained. “Rents have gone up an average of 25% in one year in our local government area, and projected to keep going up, so even more people will be struggling to afford the basics like food.” Cr Ellsmore said that both the increase in food and housing has been affecting many locals, particularly regular shift workers. Nurses brought these issues to council at a prior meeting. “We encourage applications from grassroots organisations, food co-ops and mutual aid organisations that are operating in the City,” said Cr Ellsmore. “We want the money to get out to the community quickly.”

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Randwick Council to help the homeless Homeless man Sean Pearce, 50, poses for a photograph. Photo: AAP Photos, Flavio Brancaleone

BY GRACE JOHNSON andwick City Council has set in motion the development of uniform local emergency response plans to assist people experiencing homelessness in extreme weather events. The motion came into council after the organisers of this year’s Homeless Memorial Service launched a community campaign calling on all levels of government to develop and implement local emergency response plans. Strategies would be initiated when a Code Red (extreme heatwave) or Code Blue (extreme cold weather event) is declared. During their meeting on September 19, Council noted that extreme weather and climate change effects have a disproportionate impact on people without a home. A spokesperson from Randwick City Council told City Hub, “Homelessness is very distressing for those who experience it.” “At a local level, we’d like to create an action plan that outlines the protocol for people experiencing homelessness during extreme weather events,” the spokesperson explained. “When extreme weather events arise, it’s important we are ready with an action plan so those who experience homelessness can be kept safe.” Some of the response strategies might include connecting rough sleepers with support services, extending the operating hours of services, increased shelter options, additional food services and providing protective measures like sunscreen.

INCREASING RATES OF HOMELESSNESS

The Randwick City Council spokesperson explained that while their homeless count does not “show a significant surge in homelessness,” they have received “an increase in reports from the public regarding homeless people.” “Homelessness includes overcrowding, couch surfing, supported accommodation, temporary lodging and sleeping in cars,” said the spokesperson. The most recent 2021 Census from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimated there were 963 people in NSW who were living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out. This is a 62.8 percent decrease from the 2016 census.

People experiencing homelessness have little protection during heat waves or cold snaps However, the ABS noted that the 2021 homelessness estimates were conducted during COVID-19 restrictions, when funded initiatives and policy changes for Temporary Accommodation were established to place those sleeping rough into accommodation. 1,623 people living rough were counted in the NSW street count this year. There was also a significant increase in evidence of street homelessness, such as sleeping bags, makeshift camps, or personal belongings, but where no people were present to be included in the count. 294 locations were counted this year, up from 212 in 2022, 227 in 2021, and 135 in 2020.

Increased reports from the public of people experiencing homelessness comes at a time when huge losses of affordable housing are happening across the board. “There’s around 300 registered boarding houses in the City of Sydney comprising a combined total of more than 6000 rooms,” said City Of Sydney Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM. “The City has lost a number of boarding houses in recent years as properties have been developed and converted into private residences.” “Generally, ‘Change of use’ has been allowed if boarding houses can demonstrate that they are no longer financially viable. But the rules also require planners to consider the loss of affordable housing and the availability of other low-income housing for tenants to move into. We must reassert the primacy of these factors over the right to profit,” Cr Weldon explained.

DISPROPORTIONATE EFFECTS, CLIMATE CHANGE

Greens Councillor for Randwick Philipa Veitch spoke to City Hub, saying “almost every person in NSW has been affected by a natural disaster in the last 12 months. People experiencing homelessness bear the brunt of severe climate change impacts, skyrocketing rents and a public housing waiting list stretching to the tens of thousands.” “Taking action on climate change is now more urgent than ever before,” she emphasised. “Local councils need support to start planning in earnest for an increase in extreme weather events, and ensure that all our residents are safe and supported.”

Amy Hains, Acting CEO of Homelessness NSW, said that “people experiencing or at risk of homelessness may have little protection during heat waves or cold snaps, as well as other climate-related events such as air pollution and floors.” “They also have higher rates of complex and chronic health conditions, which can make the impacts more severe.” It was also noted in the Council’s meeting on Tuesday night that South Australia has already implemented local emergency response plans. Their triggers to activate a Code Red or Code Blue include measurements of Excess Heat Factors and consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to predict low temperatures, significant rainfall and damaging wind gusts over a period of at least 3 days. Ms Hains said, “state and local governments should provide targeted early warning communication, emergency refuges with transport to get to them and additional support for services to check on people and distribute resources such as water and hats.” “As the impact of climate change increases, it’s all the more important for governments to have robust plans in place to protect people,” she continued. “Over the long-term governments must work to end homelessness by boosting funding for homelessness services so they can meet demand and investing in social and affordable housing.” Randwick City Council is now waiting on reports outlining current mitigation strategies and the proposed roadmap to develop and implement a local emergency response plan for extreme weather events in the LGA. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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UNSW in turmoil over poor bookkeeping “We need to cap VC salaries and overhaul university governance to shift the balance of power from top heavy executives and their corporate cronies to staff and students.”

UNSW MANAGEMENT IN HOT WATER

The FWO is not the only watchdog scrutinising UNSW management. The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is currently investigating UNSW over possible breaches to integrity laws, which relate to the appointment of UNSW ViceChancellor Atilla Brungs in 2021.

Students protesting at UNSW’s Kensington campus, September 27. Photo: UNSW Education Collective

BY ROBBIE MASON he Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched legal action against UNSW, accusing the university of “serious contraventions” of the Fair Work Act between 2017 and 2022. Legal proceedings relate to the university’s poor record-keeping, pay slips and a pattern of late wage payments. UNSW students vented their frustrations at an on-campus rally in Kensington, slamming university management for lavish spending habits, the misuse of student fees and administrative negligence. A report released by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) earlier this year showed that wage theft is endemic across the nation’s public universities. The union estimates that Australian universities have underpaid academic staff by a staggering total of at least $107.8 million. Some universities, such as the University of Sydney, have admitted to wrongdoing. Detailing the profound impact of staff underpayment and casualisation on students’ education at UNSW, UNSW Education Officer Cherish Kuehlmann provided City Hub with an extensive list of grievances, including: “overblown class sizes”, instances of courses with high enrolments being axed, and stressed teachers being unable to provide adequate feedback to students. “Increasingly, I’m hearing reports of tutors speaking to their students in the first week of term about their conditions,” said Ms Kuehlmann. “They’re setting expectations for students that they can’t expect as much from their tutors because they’re already being worked to the bone.” For litigation purposes, the FWO has

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

selected a sample of 66 allegedly impacted casual academic staff from UNSW’s Business School. Many UNSW employees have unlawfully received entitlements and pay several weeks or even months after completing the work in question, the FWO claims. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said, “it is completely unacceptable for an employer’s record-keeping practices to be so poor that they prevent us from assessing what hours its employees have worked and whether it has paid its employees their full lawful entitlements.” “We are committed to driving cultural change in the university sector. Universities need to place a much higher priority on investing in governance, human resources and payroll functions to ensure they comply with workplace laws,” Ms Booth continued.

this shocking practice is rife across the sector NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes stated, “the sheer number of wage theft legal proceedings against public universities is damning evidence this shocking practice is rife across the sector.” The FWO has been investigating UNSW since the university contracted the national industrial relations regulator in June 2020 to self-report non-compliance with workplace laws. UNSW is currently undertaking a review of payments to casual academic staff in response to sustained pressure from the NTEU and students. A UNSW spokesperson said, “UNSW has been progressing repayments to a significant number of impacted current and former staff and has so far repaid

approximately $11 million, including interest and superannuation. The review is ongoing.”

ACTIVISTS AND UNION MEMBERS WELCOME TRIAL

UNSW Education Officer Cherish Kuehlmann said the university’s track record with bookkeeping amounts to “conscious neglect.” “I hope [affected] staff are fully compensated with interest,” she stated. The NTEU has also welcomed the initiation of legal action by the national workplace relations enforcer. In a media statement, Dr Barnes, NTEU National President, piled blame onto the “completely broken” governance model across the sector, while NTEU NSW Division Secretary Vince Caughley labelled the wage theft crisis “a disgrace”. Associate Professor Richard Vickery, NTEU UNSW Branch President, said that UNSW staff have faced soaring workloads after job cuts in 2021. “Management must show it is serious about fixing the unacceptable practices that have sadly led us to this point,” Prof. Vickery stated. Critics have lost patience with the corporate business model of higher education in Australia and the casualisation of the sector’s workforce. Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson on Education, told City Hub that “decisive action is needed right now.” “The Federal Government has a clear role in mandating that universities set publicly-available targets for increasing secure work and reducing casualisation,” she said.

An investigation by The Saturday Paper in August this year detailed a lack of transparency in management decisions and bias in recruitment selection, as well as lavish spending on personal amenities for upper management staff while the university claims its budget is tight. Staff cuts, degree mergers and reduced revenue from international student fees have plagued the sector in recent years. UNSW has abolished some courses without adequately consulting staff and students, critics assert. The Saturday Paper’s report revealed that students’ university fees at UNSW cover the $3000 Royal Sydney Yacht Club membership and anchorage fees of UNSW Vice-Chancellor Atilla Brungs. The exclusive club in Sydney’s lower north shore is invite-only. An email obtained by that masthead also showed that UNSW Sydney funded $7000 in home renovations for the ViceChancellor. In addition to this, VC Brungs received a substantial bonus of unknown quantity. In light of these revelations, UNSW students and supporters staged a protest at the university’s Kensington campus. Speakers praised the FWO for taking action against UNSW. Speaking excitedly of the rally’s success, Ms Kuehlmann explained, “today the action was about rebuilding a culture of standing up to this kind of status quo.” The UNSW Education Officer said many students were “shocked” to find out about the university’s spending habits. “It’s not hard for students to put two and two together and realise that their money should be going towards their education, which they’re paying a premium for already, instead of lining the pockets of UNSW management.” Ms Kuehlmann labelled the university’s frivolous expenditure as “borderline cronyism and corruption.” “I think it really starkly exposes the inequality at the heart of the Australian higher education system right now.”

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Students demand equal travel concessions BY ABHA HAVAL s Opal fares spike and the costof-living increases, international students in NSW have found themselves in an especially precarious financial position. Now, pressure is mounting on the NSW government to grant concession cards to international students. Transport for NSW recently announced a fare rise of 3.7 percent from October 16, meanwhile part-time and international students in NSW are still ineligible for travel concessions.

Research shows that part-time students are overwhelmingly women, carers, and people with disabilities NSW is the only Australian state or territory that does not offer any form of discounted travel to international students. Students have intervened in solidarity with their international peers. The Student Representatives’ Council at the

University of Sydney (USyd) and Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) began a petition demanding the NSW Government “listen to students and end this discrimination.” The petition states, “if international students could access transport concessions, they would not only be more likely to study in NSW, but also engage in revenue-generating activity like state-wide tourism, retail, and paid employment.” International students generate revenue of $3.3 billion per year for NSW. Extending travel concessions for international students would cost the NSW government approximately $169 million per year.

EXCLUDED FROM CONCESSION PROGRAMS

“Part-time students provide vital revenue to the state, and these students have historically been excluded from the concession program because of the belief that they are engaged in the workforce at least part-time,” the petition states. Research shows that students who study part-time are overwhelmingly women, carers, and people with disabilities. “Rising rents and extreme cost-of-

Opal card machine reader. Photo: AAP Photos

living pressures are forcing students to live further away from campuses, and to choose between travelling to university or paying rent. Students need concession now more than grievances, including “overblown class sizes.” USyd SRC President Lia Perkins told City Hub, “the recent increase in cost of public transport will affect us all. I believe public transport should be free.” “For students who cannot access concession cards, this increase in cost will exacerbate struggles with the high cost-of-living in Sydney,” she continued. “For many students, an increase in cost may prevent them from coming to

campus as often, or force them to work more hours to cover costs.” The SRC International Students’ Officer is deeply concerned about the increased costs of public transport affecting the international students’ community, saying: “Public transport is not just a convenience, it is a crucial factor in ensuring that international students such as myself can fully engage in campus life, access part-time job opportunities, and explore the rich cultural experiences that NSW has to offer.” The petition currently has almost 2,000 signatures, and the SRC is hoping to get to 20,000.

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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Grindr date turns into alleged police assault premises as part of a drug raid targeting his date. “The guy I was with at the time ran downstairs. I was upstairs in a stranger’s house all by myself.” Then, one police officer approached him “making stupid animal growling sounds, just being an absolute clown.” “He was looking side to side deliberately to attract attention,” Mr Hockings alleges, “and then he kicked me in the head. I was seeing stars.”

Alleged victim Tristan Hockings (far right) at work. Photo: Supplied

 How is the community BY ROBBIE MASON gay Sydney man, who claims a NSW police officer kicked him in the head and damaged his hearing during a home raid where he was a bystander, is seeking compensation from the state government. NSW Police have claimed the incident never happened. The alleged victim Tristan Hockings told City Hub that the incident left him with

PTSD, shattered his faith in the state’s police force, and forced him to resign from his nursing job at a major Sydney hospital. While he has always had hearing problems and wears a hearing aid, he now needs a cochlear implant and an operation to have it inserted. On 16 January, Tristan Hockings, then 36 years old, went on a Grindr date and slept in a Redfern home. On the morning of 17 January, 2019, “the sound of an angry mob” woke him as a NSW Police tactical response team swept the

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meant to trust the police when stuff like this happens? Mr Hockings, who has no criminal record, theorised that it may have been “a homophobic attack”. “Going up the stairs to the bedroom there was this Banksy artwork of two male English cops kissing.” The matter will be settled in the District Court of NSW in November this year.

A NSW Police spokesperson said they could not comment as the matter is before the court.

VICTIM NOW WARY OF POLICE

Mr Hockings said that he has received little help during complaints processes, eroding his faith in police accountability. Days after the search warrant operation in which he became entangled, Mr Hockings filed an official complaint with NSW Police. “It took them 3 months for them to come to my home and interview about the assault. They didn’t really take it very seriously,” he said. An internal police investigation found that no officers involved in the home raid operation had stepped out of line. “Nil sustained findings against any subject officer”, read the letter from police, dated 4 September 2019. His case was dismissed. “I used to idealise the police. I wanted to be a cop myself,” he said. But he doesn’t trust police anymore. “I’ve been stonewalled at every step of the way. How is the community meant to trust the police when stuff like this happens?”

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 1-17 KENT STREET MILLERS POINT NSW 2000 INCLUDING 5G The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of: • Installation of two (2) new Optus/Vodafone shared panel antennas (not more than 2.8m long) onto the existing antenna mounts; • Removal of three (3) existing Optus/Vodafone panel antennas in total; • Installation of one (1) new Optus 5G antenna (not more than 0.8m long) onto the existing antenna mounts; • Installation of one (1) new Vodafone 5G antenna (not more than 0.8m long) onto the existing antenna mounts; • Reuse two (2) existing RRUs; • Installation of seventeen (17) new Optus/Vodafone RRUs • Removal of fourteen (14) existing Optus/Vodafone RRUs; • Installation of two (2) new Optus and Vodafone GPS antennas; • Installation of ancillary equipment including feeders, cabling, above mentioned RRUs and works within the equipment room. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sophie Deng at Service Stream Limited, 0427 459 605, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Monday 30 October 2023. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2000303

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IT TAKES A THOUSAND YEARS TO MAKE BEER THIS GOOD

n 725, the French born Bishop (later Saint), Korbinian arrived in the district of Freising in Bavaria (Germany). He and a dozen companions founded a Benedictine monastery on Nähberg Hill; it became known as Weihenstephan Abbey and gave its name to the surrounding district. Evidence that the monastery might be involved in the brewing of beer comes from a document from 768 indicating that hops were being grown in the immediate vicinity. In fact, it would have been unusual if the monks were not making beer. During the middle ages, beer was the most consumed beverage in Europe, often being safer to drink than plain water. Many people made their own brews at home and it was generally pretty rough. However, from as early as the 400s, monasteries in France were making beer and the practice quickly spread to other European countries. The monastic approach to brewing was methodical, rigorous, and very technical; much of the knowledge and process that is used today was developed within those ancient cloistered walls. Alas, for Weihenstephan Abbey, any functioning brewery they had at this time was destroyed along with the rest of the monastery when Hungarians attacked in 955. Proving their tenacity, the Benedictines rebuilt on the same spot. By 1040, Weihenstephan was back in brewing business - literally. Abbott Arnold was granted an official licence by the City of Freising. But, while they now had a viable revenue stream, the monks’ problems were far from over. Between 1085 and 1463, Weihenstephan was burnt to cinders and rebuilt from scratch four times; the abbey population was decimated by three different plagues; the Hungarians attacked again, then the Swedes and

Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan can lay legitimate claim to being the oldest brewery in the world. Historical documents confirm that in 1040AD, Weihenstephan was officially given a licence to produce and sell beer by the local authorities. But the brewing history of this ancient estate on a hill in Germany dates back even further.

then France; they endured famine and an almighty earthquake. Yet, somehow, they not only survived but flourished. The beer-making process continued to develop throughout Europe with results varying from delicious to dangerous. In 1516, Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria announced a decree that only water, hops and barley could be used in the making of beer. This was known as the Bavarian Purity Law and it gave beer from the region a distinguishing quality that still is present today. Weihenstephan Abbey continued to produce beer, improving the process and the quality of their ingredients until March 24, 1803. On that day, the monastery fell victim to the

restructuring and secularisation that was happening across Germany. The State took ownership of the land, the buildings, intellectual property and, of course, the brewery, all of which were absorbed into the holdings of the royal house of Schleissheim. It wasn’t the end of the beer, though. Not by a long shot. Weihenstephan powered on as one of the most innovative breweries in the land, and in 1852, the esteemed Central Agricultural School Schleissheim was moved to the erstwhile abbey. Some 40 years later, the school was upgraded to an academy and then in 1919 it became the University of Agriculture and Brewing. In 1921, the institution had a final

name change to Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan. With its incorporation of the Technical University of Munich in 1930, the brewery became and still is one of the most advanced and prestigious breweries in the world. So, what about the beer? How good is it? Well, at this year’s Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan medalled on every single one of the eight different beers they entered. Their Kristallweissbier won gold for the third year in a row. Kristallweissbier is one of Weihenstephan’s showcase beers and has received many awards. It is, as its name suggests, a crystal clear wheat beer, with a crisp effervescence and top notes of banana. Silver medals went to Original Helles and Weizenbock Vitus (both bottled), while bronze was awarded to Kristallweissbier (this time in a keg), Original Helles, Hefeweissbier (both in a keg), and Kellerbier 1516, Hefeweissbier, and Hefeweissbier Dunkel (all bottled). Weihenstephan’s range also includes the Korbinian, named after the founder of the monastery. It’s a rich, dark beer with sweet, roasted malt flavour. They have a sharp, bitter Pilsner; the celebrational Festbier; and a nonalcoholic wheat beer made using a unique method that delivers a low-carb beer that is full on flavour. While Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan is very technologically advanced, many of its processes are carbon neutral and there is a strong ethos within the organisation to be sustainable, green, and in harmony with nature. When you see a Weihenstephan beer being poured, you are seeing more than a thousand years of diligence, experimentation, resilience, dedication, knowledge and passion filling that glass. And it tastes magnificent. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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Professor wins lawsuit against NSW Police Simon Rice, Professor of Law at the University of Sydney. Photo: University of Sydney website

with riot squads and horses. They had protective vests on.” “When you gear yourself up like that, when the adrenaline is pumping and the apprehension is high, and the COVID health orders are there, it’s almost a free pass for them.” “Even though it was just a bunch of students protesting tertiary fees by singing fairly lame chants, they felt a need to use the power they had.”

UNIVERSITY RESPONSE

BY GRACE JOHNSON

aw professor Simon Rice has won by consent a lawsuit against the state after NSW Police used excessive force against him as he observed a student protest. Professor Simon Rice, chair of law and social justice at the University of Sydney, was following and observing a student protest on 14 October 2020 when he was violently arrested and pushed to the ground by surrounding police. The law professor filed a District Court case against the state of NSW in April this year. Between October 2020 and then, Prof. Rice had been pursuing complaints against the police. The civil suit, which took place on September 21, was settled by consent in Prof. Rice’s favour. The NSW Police responded to Prof. Rice’s initial complaints by saying they had already investigated the issue and that there was no problem. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) said it was a police matter and similarly took no further action. Prof. Rice told City Hub that he vacillated on whether to escalate the matter as there were significant costs and risks. Prof. Rice said, “I ultimately did it because I just don’t think that anybody who behaves badly should feel they can get away with it.” “It was simply a step to tell the police 14

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

that they can be held accountable, which makes them stop and think twice,” he continued.

UNWARRANTED POLICE FORCE

Prof. Rice spoke to City Hub and described the events on the day. “I was standing. I’d been following the protest at a distance, with the police, in fact.” “When the protest came to a halt on Parramatta Road, I walked through it to the other side and while I was walking through it, the police who had been lining the roads standing back suddenly moved in very aggressively and started attacking the protesters. I saw a police officer attacking a woman and pulling her belongings out of her hand, a megaphone and a sign, and I stopped and asked, ‘Why are you doing that?’” “I was grabbed from behind. Hands were put on my shoulders and I was marched away. And I turned over my shoulder to say, ‘Why are you doing this? What’s happening?’” “The answer was an officer saying ‘you’re resisting arrest,’ and they kicked my legs up from underneath me, and I fell down. I went to get back up and they pushed me back down again.” Prof. Rice was also fined $1,000 for allegedly breaching the public health

orders at the time. Police said he had been acting in “common purpose” with the protestors. Rice contested the fine and police subsequently dropped the charge. The students were protesting against university fee increases and job cuts. At first, they had gathered across campus in groups fewer than 19 people to avoid breaching the COVID-19 health restrictions at the time, which forbade groups of 20 or above gathering for a “common purpose.” The groups kept a distance and held signs protesting against slightly different issues.

I had a very strong impression that they were spoiling for a fight About an hour after the protest began, the groups had combined into a demonstration of over 200 people, who were then chased through Victoria Park by police, including members of the riot squad and police on horseback. Prof. Rice remarked that the police were clearly not concerned that what they were doing on the day was going to get them in trouble. “I had a very strong impression that they were spoiling for a fight,” said Prof. Rice. “They had turned up in huge numbers,

A statement released by the University of Sydney at the time said they were very “disturbed” by the events that had transpired, adding that “we strongly defend freedom of speech and support the right of our students and staff to express their views in a legal, safe and respectful way.” Sydney Institute of Criminology also released a statement expressing their support for the students protesting on that day and concern about the treatment of Professor Rice. The statement also indicated their disappointment that NSW Police had failed to respond to earlier requests from the Vice Chancellor’s office to discuss these police activities. The statement noted that these events occurred “against the background of widespread public concern regarding police infringement and suppression of vital democratic rights at a number of recent public protests.” An open letter signed by more than 100 university staff members stated, “universities exist to foster the free and open debate of ideas.” “We are alarmed by the police repression of the fundamental democratic right to free speech.” Prof. Rice also reflected on the unwarranted, and unjustifiable, use of force that day. “I respect the fact that sometimes use of force can only be contained by use of force. If I’d been lashing out, if I’d had a knife or a gun or using my fists, then I’d have less to complain about.” “But I was a man in a suit, asking police why they were behaving badly.” When asked about what he hopes will come of the lawsuit, Prof. Rice said he hoped to make a small statement about the fact that police can’t act with impunity. “It may be fairly futile. It could be sort of shaking your fist at the mountain. What will come of it? I don’t know. But I think it adds a little bit to the continuing campaign for a cultural change.” A spokesperson from NSW Police told City Hub that they are not in a position to comment.

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Thousands participate in Walk for Yes

TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY

VOICE TO PARLIAMENT REFERENDUM SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER The campaign for the referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our constitution continues. Thousands gathered in Sydney to participate for the Walk For Yes. Photo: Instagram, Clover Moore

BY JUSTIN COOPER housands have gathered across the nation over the weekend to campaign and show their support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Referendum. Yes23 hosted the Walk For Yes in all major cities across Australian states and territories. Yes23 said, “This is our time to cut through noise and misinformation - our chance to show the country just how positive and unifying this moment can be.” Many social and political figures and activist and union groups joined the rally. The walk was accompanied by speeches from campaign leaders and guests, as well as musical guest performances in each city. In Sydney, Walk For Yes people gathered at Redfern Park before walking down Chalmers and Cleveland Street, finishing at Victoria Park. During speeches, Yes23 spokesperson Rachel Perkins explained to crowds that a ‘yes’ vote would be “the biggest acknowledgment of Country this nation has ever seen.” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, also spoke during the rally. During her speech, she quoted Australian lawyer and First Nations activist Noel Pearson, saying: “It falls to our generation to unite the three stories of Australia: our ageless Indigenous Heritage, our esteemed British Institutions and our glorious Multicultural Unity.” On Instagram, the lord mayor wrote, “the upcoming referendum provides all Australians with the long overdue opportunity to help right the wrongs of

the past 200 years, and recognise the history and ongoing relationship of First Nations people with this land.” “I believe that is our moral duty to vote yes on October 14th.”

RALLIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA

In Melbourne, a massive crowd of an estimated 30,000 people participated in the Walk Speaking to the Melbourne crowd, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said the amount of attendees left her “speechless.” “Today, thousands of Australians have walked down streets and across bridges. No longer should Australians accept an unsatisfactory status quo, and that is all the No camp is offering,” she said.

Countries only get to make decisions like this once in a lifetime In Melbourne, musicians Mia Wray, Marlon Motlop, Spiderbait and Midnight Oil’s Peter Garret performed to show their support. Mr Garret made a personal message to the crowd mid-way through his performance, saying: “Countries only get to make decisions like this once in a lifetime. And it’s your decision. I think all of us know that this cannot be wasted. It must be understood as one of the most important things that we, as a fair nation, can ever do.”

This referendum is about two things: recognition and listening. It’s a chance to recognise 65,000 years of First Nations history and culture, and to deliver practical outcomes to close the gap. With our referendum now announced for Saturday 14 October, we have work to do. There’s never been a more important time to get involved. The campaign needs all of us to win. Make sure you’re enrolled to vote – go to www.aec.gov.au to check your enrolment, update your details, or get on the roll. For information on pre-polling or referendum day visit www.aec.gov.au or contact my office. My office has fact sheets, posters, stickers and other helpful resources to share with your friends and family. If you’re interested in helping out please get in touch with my office.

HERE TO HELP As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, Child Support payments, and Medicare. Please get in touch if you need anything.

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP 1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 TanyaPlibersek.com SSO Here to Help 2020 V1.indd 1

02 9379 0700

Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au CITY HUB OCTOBER 28/09/20202023 1:23:20 PM

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Split decision in ending Renewed calls to end shark meshing segregation Hon Ronald Sackville AO KC during the Disability Royal Commission in Brisbane, February 13, 2023. Photo: Aap Photos, Jono Searle

BY GRACE JOHNSON Final Report marks the culmination of many years of advocacy by people own Syndrome Australia with disability and their representative (DSA) has expressed their organisations.” disappointment with the split in the Commissioners’ recommendation to end segregated education and NEED FOR EQUAL ACCESS employment. The report highlighted a need for The Final Report of the Royal creating equal access to employment Commission into Violence, Abuse, opportunities through better pathways Neglect and Exploitation of People with into the workforce, such as training for Disability was published in 12 volumes people with intellectual disability. on September 29. A major theme in the report was ending The Royal Commission made 222 the segregation of people living with recommendations for improving the lives disability. The report noted that around of people living with disability in Australia. 17,000 Australians with disability live in group homes, a long-term housing The report flagged that Commissioners option that normally includes on-site had differing views about whether support services. isolated educational and employment settings for people with disability should Some argue that these segregated be phased out. environments can increase the risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation Among the recommendations is the of those living with disability. proposal to completely phase out “special/segregated” The Commission education by 2051 recommended It is time to transform phasing out group so that students with disabilities homes within 15 our system and end have equal access years, calling for to mainstream the development of separate workplaces education. inclusive housing and transition The report also support for people leaving group recommended establishing a National Inclusive Employment Roadmap with the homes. target of ending segregated employment The Royal Commission was set and raising all wages to the full up in April 2019 to investigate minimum wage by 2034. violence against and exploitation of Australians with disability. Since then, Darryl Steff, CEO of DSA, said “right the commission has held 32 public now people with disability are working hearings, examined 837 witnesses, in isolation from the community and and received more than 10,000 being paid a pittance at $3 an hour. submissions. It is time to transform our system and end separate workplaces so that people Minister for Families and Communities with Down syndrome, and people and Minister for Disability Inclusion with disability, can be socially and Kate Washington said “over the past 4 economically included.” years, the royal commission has shone a light on the serious abuse, exclusion DSA also proposed that a timeline and injustice that people with disability “tighter” than the suggested 2051 to face across our society.” end segregated education be set.

The Honourable Ronald Sackville AO QC, Chair of the inquiry, said “our 18

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

BY JUSTIN COOPER nvironmental activists have renewed calls to end meshing sharks, following increasingly high numbers of marine life being killed. A new performance report from the NSW Government’s Shark Meshing Program revealed that over 228 animals were caught up in nets in the past year, with 123 various species dying as a result. With many endangered or threatened animal species dying from the program, including turtles, dolphins and seals, environmental groups and ministers have called for shark nets to be replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives.

A formal government response will be provided within the next 6 months.

have not received enough investment and attention from the government,” said Ms Faehrmann.

MARINE GROUPS CALL FOR ALTERNATIVES

Since the performance report’s release, Marine groups including the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and Sea Shepherd Australia have called out netting for its ineffective use. AMCS Shark Scientist Dr Leonardo Guida said “shark nets fail” at providing effective means of shark deterrence. Dr Guida asserted that it is the “responsibility of our elected NSW leaders” to address the issue.

Cate Faehrmann (Centre) at a press conference against Shark Nets, at Bondi Beach. Photo: Cate Faehrmann, Facebook

On September 1, over 51 beaches across NSW began installing the shark nets. Greens MP and Oceans spokesperson Cate Faehrmann MLC joined activists and fellow Greens members at Bondi Beach to protest the netting program. Prior to the event, Ms Faehrmann said, “Shark nets kill marine animals indiscriminately and do nothing to actually keep people safe.” Detailing the netting process, which still leaves opportunities for sharks to pass, Ms Faehrmann pointed out the impact of unsuspected marine life getting caught in nets. “Shark nets belong in the last century. They provide people with a false sense of security with many sharks and other animals caught in the beach side of the net,” Ms Faehrmann explained. The MP is now calling on the Minns Government to work with local councils to provide safer alternatives for deterrence, along with “education and awareness programs” for swimmers. “It’s incredibly disappointing that proven alternatives like smart buoys and drones

“Having a shark net in the water is like having a single strip of mesh no wider than your finger on a fly screen door and hoping to keep the flies out. If the NSW Government has and uses modern-day solutions that improve safety for humans and wildlife alike, the nets are utterly redundant,” Dr Guida explained.

Shark nets kill marine animals indiscriminately and do nothing to actually keep people safe Sea Shepherd’s Threatened and Endangered Species Campaigner Lauren Sandeman said the report represents an “assault” on marine species. “They’re catching anything but what they’re endeavouring to, and our ocean wildlife is paying the price,” said Ms Sandeman. “19 Green Turtles and 16 Leatherback turtles were caught this season, tripping the trigger point for the program requiring that NSW take action to reduce the program’s impact on these species,” she continued. “The easiest way to do this would be to remove the nets entirely.”

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Inner West Council drops the ball I BY ROBBIE MASON

nner West Council has ignored the pleas of over 1,000 petition signatories and refused to accommodate at-risk deepwater sports communities in a master plan for a Leichhardt pool, despite claims that the decision could threaten the very existence of impacted clubs and sports.

Inner West local and diver Rhiannan Iffland using a 3 metre springboard at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre. Photo: Supplied

At a meeting on September 12, the Labor majority at Inner West Council defeated a motion highlighting a recent petition to save the deep diving pool at Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre (LPAC). At the time of publication, the petition bears 1,322 signatures. According to a $40 million redevelopment master plan, the council intends to replace a deep diving pool at the site with a 25-metre swimming pool which will have a depth of 2.1 metres. But locals, underwater sports clubs and supporters of the diving community are outraged, claiming they weren’t adequately consulted or notified when the council voted in June 2022 to endorse the shallow pool depth. The new pool will not have sufficient depth to nurture deep-water sports. Leichhardt Aquatic Centre is the last remaining publicly-accessible diving facility in Sydney. Critics are saying that the council’s actions represent a broken promise. Gillian Brooker, CEO of Diving NSW, told City Hub that the sporting organisation was “given assurances” in 2018 that the pool’s master plan would accommodate deep-water sports communities. When the master plan was first drafted in 2020, Inner West Council did liaise with deep-water sports representatives. But decision-making around the depth of the pool was deferred to a later, undetermined date. Having decided to remove the diving tower at LPAC in the draft plan due to a case of “concrete cancer”, the local council did not notify deep-water sports communities when it voted and committed to a relatively shallow 25-metre pool in June 2022. Once concerned locals became aware of the council’s intentions, they began lobbying the local government body again. Over months of written correspondence, advocates made little progress. Ms Brooker told City Hub that consultation with stakeholders was “not adequate.” “The process is frustrating and seems to be political rather than what would be in the best interest of the Inner West Community.” Labor councillors appeared to shirk responsibility in the Inner West Council meeting.

Councillor Mark Drury told the council, “I’ve told the clubs to talk to the state and commonwealth governments [to try garner funding].” But the motion did not demand any concrete commitments. Rather, it asked the council to consult with key stakeholders, investigate design options for a 3.8-metres-deep pool and produce a report with cost estimates. Ben Maslen, a member of the UNSW Whales Underwater Rugby Club, said the council’s decision is “incredibly disappointing.” “We weren’t asking for more money from Inner West Council; we just asked for them to consult us.” Ms Brooker also expressed disappointment over the council’s decision. “Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre has been a vital hub for aquatic sports and recreation in the Inner West for many years,” she stated. “With the loss of dive pools in Parramatta, Auburn, Ryde, North Sydney, and elsewhere, the importance of maintaining and expanding these facilities cannot be overstated.”

ENDANGERED SPORTS

Ms Brooker from Diving NSW said that the council’s decision threatens the viability and health of certain deep-water sports and clubs. She said diving is “an avenue for young athletes to pursue their dreams of representing their community, state and country in national and international competitions.” “Without suitable facilities, these dreams are in jeopardy.”

Greens Councillor Kobi Shetty, who put forward the motion with another Greens councillor, Dylan Griffiths, hypothesised before council that a rejection of the motion could represent “the death knell for diving and underwater rugby in the Inner West.” Speaking to City Hub, Cr Shetty accused Inner West Council of supporting elitism in sports. She pointed out that, while there are other diving facilities in Sydney, they are almost all on private school grounds, meaning kids “with money behind them” will be able to participate in deep-water sports, while others are left in the lurch.

Without suitable facilities, these dreams are in jeopardy Outside of Leichhardt and private school facilities, there are only two other dive pools in Greater Sydney: the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and the Warringah Aquatic Centre in the city’s northern beaches. Neither allow the general public to access diving boards, and both require investing in paid membership programs. UNSW Whales member Ben Maslen said, “we basically have nowhere else to train if Leichhardt goes under. It will pretty much be the end of that sport [underwater rugby] for us in Sydney.” The council’s ultimate decision flies in the face of the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted between July and August in Australia and New Zealand.

RISE OF MATILDAS MANIA

Matildas mania has swept the nation. Games played by the Matildas smashed previous television ratings, not just for women’s sport but men’s sport too. Kids have flocked to summer football competitions in droves with football administrators hardly able to believe their eyes. Registration numbers for local senior women’s competitions have spiked. In the aftermath to the Matildas’ semi-final loss to Sweden, Australian football icon Sam Kerr told media the sport desperately needs funding at a grassroots level. “We need funding in our development. We need funding in our grassroots… We need funding everywhere,” Ms Kerr said after the match. Inner West Council, however, has failed to take advantage of the nation’s newfound cult-like adoration for women’s sports and the rising participation of Australian children in sport. As the petition has revealed, there is a lot of affection for Leichhardt’s diving facilities in the local community. Robin Gardem, head lifeguard at LPAC, said, “the diving springboard is by far the most popular recreational activity at the pool when open.” “The queue stretches halfway down the 50m pool!” Ms Brooker, meanwhile, remains hopeful that the campaign to save Leichhardt’s deep-water pool is not over. “Let’s hope that the council re-evaluates this decision and works toward preserving and improving this valuable asset for the community,” she said. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

HubNEWS

Sydney for pets on public transport

Hon. Emma Hurst MLC (left) and Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO. Photo: Supplied

BY GRACE JOHNSON motion to allow pets on public transport received a unanimous vote of support at a City of Sydney Council meeting earlier in September. As per the motion, the Lord Mayor Clover Moore will write to Minister for Transport Jo Haylen to ask for the urgent removal of current restrictions without legislative change, an otherwise lengthy process. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with an estimated 30.4 million pets across the country, according to 2021 research by Animal Medicine Australia. Pet registration data confirm that there are 32,820 dogs and 26,815 cats living in households within the City of Sydney area. While travelling with pets on public transport is a normal part of life in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin and San Francisco, Sydney is behind the times. Already in Melbourne, pets can travel free of charge on trains, trams and buses, provided they are in a suitable carrier or on a lead, and that larger breeds are muzzled. In Sydney, pets are only allowed on light rail, bus and ferry services, and only if staff or the driver agreeds, and services aren’t nearing capacity. In her notice of motion, the lord mayor Clover Moore asserted that people with pets are treated as second-class

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

citizens due to unnecessarily restrictive policies around pets on public transport. Inner-city pet owners are at a particular disadvantage as they are less likely to own a car. This hinders residents’access to veterinary care for their animal companions. Lack of public transport options also presents difficulties to elderly people and those with disabilities. Emma Hurst MLC of the Animal Justice Party said, “when we have a companion animal, we need to be able to get them to a dog park and to the vet. It’s hugely problematic especially for older people and for people who want to take the environmentally friendly option of public transport.” “Being able to travel with animal companions on the trains would get more cars off the road,” said Ms Hurst.

MORE ANIMAL ADOPTIONS?

The lifting of restrictions, in tandem with plans to make it easier for renters in NSW to own pets, and reforms to strata laws which prevent owners’ corporations establishing blanket bans on pets, might also encourage more people to adopt animals, Ms Hurst relayed. “We’ve got so many shelters and pounds at capacity, and we’ve got an enormous euthanasia rate of happy and healthy animals,” she said. “That needs to change.”

A representative from Animal Rights Activism Sydney shared this sentiment, echoing that “allowing companion animals on public transport in Sydney has the potential to reduce the number of animals that are abandoned and euthanised each year. It would also help vulnerable members of our community who need a safe way to travel with their animals.”

Being able to travel with animal companions on the trains would get more cars off the road Shelters saw an influx in surrendered animals after the ‘puppy boom’ of the COVID-19 lockdowns. As workers make their way back to the office, they often feel that it is unfair to leave an animal at home all day. Ms Hurst said, “people that work long hours and don’t have a car have limited access and often choose not to own an animal.”

TOWARDS ANIMAL FRIENDLY CITIES

“We know that, for example, it would be great for people to take their companion animals to work. If they have an animal companion friendly workplace, and the laws change, that really opens up opportunities for more animals to be adopted,” continued Ms Hurst.

“It is so important that we change the system to be more animal companion friendly,” she continued. “Animals are beloved in many families, and we’ve seen all the positive mental health benefits they provide to their human companions.” A spokesperson for Transport Minister Jo Haylen said, “The Minister knows many passengers are pet owners and would benefit from taking their pets on public transport.” “However, these benefits must be carefully weighed with the needs of passengers with disability and transport workers.” “The Minister is currently seeking advice from Transport for NSW, advocates and stakeholders to ensure we get the balance right.” When asked about ensuring the safety and hygiene of other passengers on the train, especially in light of recent dog attacks, Ms Hurst said “we have spoken to the local minister about changing the laws so that you cannot legally train a dog to be dangerous.” Regarding an owner who does not clean up after their dog, there would need to be fines that would apply, at the transport system’s discretion. “Any concerns that people have can be looked at in a trial.” “If there’s a system working in Melbourne, there’s no reason why it wouldn’t work in Sydney.”

COFFIN ED’S NAKED CITY

WHO WANTS TO BE A BILLIONAIRE?

hen the Opera House lottery was initiated by the NSW Government back in 1958, first prize was a then staggering £100,000 ($200,000). If you won it you were set for life – enough to buy a house, a brand new car and numerous overseas holidays. You were not exactly a ‘millionaire’ but you certainly felt like one. Actual millionaires back then were few and far between, at a time when money had quite a different value. In the following decades, as the country prospered and a minority became very rich, a million dollars was a much sought after reward. Roll on the new millennium and with increasing inflation and other economic pressures, suddenly a million bucks is not such a big deal after all. When it comes to monetary figures that need to impress, these days you need to be talking billions. Billions made and billions lost like the $36 billion dropped by collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX last year. A fortune that existed in cyberspace but still enabled the disgraced founder Sam Bankman-Fried to cough up a bail bond of $250 million in good old greenbacks.

If there’s the occasional big loser, there are lots of constant winners with names like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates regularly topping the list of the world’s wealthiest billionaires. There’s now a reverence in the popular media for anything or anybody that’s worth a billion or more. A good example would be the recent unveiling of Las Vegas’s

latest temple of mammon, the super high tech, multi-billion dollar entertainment venue known as The Sphere. A mass of programmable LED lighting, it’s a marvel inside and out, with seating for some 18,000. The opening received widespread awe and wow coverage on Australian morning TV — as do many of the stories that

emanate from Vegas — so when the opening season of The Sphere featured an extended season from U2, playing their entire Achtung Baby album, it had the tabloid TV hosts and entertainment reporters salivating. With some premium seats going for around $10,000 (that’s co-incidentally the amount of compensation I’d demand to sit through a concert from the postering Irish outfit). No doubt the reported $25 million that the band are earning for their season will help swell Bono’s personal fortune, currently estimated around $700 million, a bit closer to billionaire status. If the whole episode is not a statement on the world in which we live and the massive disparity between the filthy rich and the impoverished, then what is? There was once a time in Sydney when Rooty Hill RSL billed itself as “The Vegas of The West”, no doubt tongue in cheek, but a cultural cringe nevertheless. Fortunately they seem to have discarded the title in recent years and it’s unlikely we’ll ever see our own low tech version of The Sphere out west. The odd U2 covers band might float through the venue, the light show might be average, but at least you won’t be paying $10,000 a seat.

WRITERS WANTED PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT S1402 Central Square: 477 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000 RFNSA reference: 2000153

1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • The removal and reuse of existing equipment, • The installation of three (3) new panel antennas, 0.81m long on new mounts • The installation of three (3) new panel antennas, 0.59m long on new mounts • The installation of ancillary equipment including twelve (12) remote radio units, feeders, cables, combiners, GPS, mounts, and other associated equipment essential to the operation and safety of the facility 2. Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development under the SEPP (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Archie Aparicio of Genus at Feedback@Genus.com.au or Unit 2-3, 54 Lyn Pde, Prestons NSW 2170 by 5pm on Monday, 30 October 2023. Additional information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2000153

City Hub is expanding its coverage from Balmain to Bondi. Got a flair for news? Do you have good writing and reporting skills?

Send a CV and writing samples to

news@altmedia.net.au CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

FROM MARBLE TO MILESTONE: 25 YEARS OF SCULPTURE BY THE SEA More than 100 artworks and around half a million people will help mark the 25th edition of the famous Sculpture By The Sea exhibition.

BY RITA BRATOVICH t any time of the year, the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach is a unique and rewarding amble, with the magnificent blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean and frothy shoreline on one side, and various facades, parks, neighbourhoods and other curiosities on the other. But during the two-plus weeks of the annual Sculpture By The Sea exhibition, this famous promenade becomes a fantasy world, and every step is charged with the potential of a delightful, hilarious, awe-inspiring discovery. The brainchild of David Handley, the idea was conceived in a sculpture garden in Klatovy, Czech Republic in the mid 1990s. Handley was overwhelmed by its sheer majesty and wanted to reproduce that experience in his hometown, Sydney. Handley had gone to Prague to study art after becoming disillusioned with law, but he had no knowledge of sculpture. He managed to acquire some leading mentors in the field, among them, Ron Robertson-Swann who had been an assistant to Henry Moore. Robertson-Swann was very supportive of Handley’s coastal sculpture trail idea and was instrumental in getting wellknown sculptors involved in the very first exhibit in 1997. It was a one-day event and it was a smash hit. Since then, the exhibition has grown in scope and duration, and has given broad exposure to local artists. “Prior to Sculpture By The Sea, any Australian artist who wanted to be recognised internationally had to go overseas to do that,” says Handley, proudly. “Sculpture is the only art form in Australia that attracts leading artists from other countries around the world to come here at their own expense,” he adds. The exhibition is free for the public and receives no government funding, 22

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

show which was going to be held on the headland, and I had just started playing around with little sculptures,” recounts Sampson. “And so I thought: Oh, I’m sure I could make a bigger one.” Sampson grew up on Norfolk Island, so the idea of a sculpture exhibition by the ocean felt like a perfect fit. Her first pitch, however was rejected — it seems the public wasn’t quite ready for a mermaid breastfeeding fish. Her second proposal, sea urchins, was accepted, and kicked off a long relationship with Sculpture By The Sea. With the time, labour, and passion invested in each work, you would imagine an artist would be mortified at the thought of leaving it exposed to the elements or, possibly worse, people. Not so. “The joy of it, the unexpected joy of sitting nearby and just watching people’s faces as they encountered something. That made it all worthwhile,” says Sampson. While the ocean has been a theme for many of her works, this year she is doing something a little different.

David Handley - Founder and CEO of Sculpture By The Sea. Photo: Mark Dickson

something that is important to Handley but that obviously presents a sustainability problem. While corporate sponsorship helps, Handley eventually succumbed to allowing the sculptures to be sold as part of the exhibition something he was reluctant to do. “In setting this up as a free to the public exhibition, it was really important for me personally, not to have a connection a financial connection with bums on seats,” he explains. He wanted the artists to feel free with their creativity. “And that’s a really important part of what we’re doing to make it in every way shape or form a gift to the people of Sydney.” Of course, not everyone has the substantial budget or backyard required for large-scale artworks, so a few years ago, Sculpture By The Sea introduced Sculpture Inside, an exhibition of smaller, more affordable works.

In 2005, Sculpture By The Sea went over to the west coast, establishing a similar event on Cottesloe Beach, near Perth. Then, last year, the event moved away from the ocean entirely. In the Snowy Valleys district, near Tumbarumba, Handley and his team helped create a permanent sculpture trail that extends along 150km in an area devastated by the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. For Handley, this is a tangible, enduring legacy of Sculpture By The Sea; this and the countless lives touched, artists and architects inspired, and imaginations stirred by the event. Many artists who exhibited at the inaugural event have returned repeatedly, among them is Margarita Sampson. “So, in ’97 I was actually a painter, and I was living in North Bondi and the local paper had an ad for a new sculpture

the unexpected joy of sitting nearby and just watching people’s faces as they encountered something

“I’ve just recently started working with the human figure…So I’m working with a group called the Fat Muses who are body and gender diverse models.” Based on a life-drawing she did of a model named Tia Rose, Sampson has created a wire-frame sculpture of a fullfigured woman, made from welded steel rod and painted hot pink.

Lif drawing. Photo: John Petrie

Space by John Petrie Sxs Cottesloe 2018. Photo: Albert Chetcuti

The work will be located in Marks Park. Sampson likes to design her works with a location in mind, though given spots are not a guarantee. Sampson is always surprised by the response to her sculptures. One year, she had submitted a giant pink couch with pink tentacles on it, which she called Dearest. “What was surprising was groups of people that came to have their photographs taken on it. So we had wedding photographs taken on it. We we had a group of young women that had just graduated from dentistry school. We had a you know, a group of elderly ladies in hijabs having their photos taken.” John Petrie works with stone and has been in eleven Sculpture By The Sea exhibitions. He agrees that sculpture should be accessible.

Petrie also designs with a location in mind which, with an event like this, is probably a given. “The sea is a wonderful backdrop. You know, the sea and the sky, space, the whole thing […] Scale in that environment is very important. So you can have a location where, if you have a small sculpture, you have to make sure that you’re not in a vast location or it diminishes.” There are challenges unlike for any other exhibition, and Petrie says he can’t relax until his work is in place and the event has commenced. But he loves it. “The most rewarding thing is going from concept to realisation. You know, to go from a drawing to a monumental work, to see it there and to see it in public, that’s very satisfying.” Margarita Sampson with her SxS 2023 sculpture. Photo: Supplied

in every way shape or form a gift to the people of Sydney “Sculpture is tactile, three-dimensional, people have to confront it, walk around it,” he says. Petrie is also fascinated by public response to his works. “It’s just interesting to see people interact with the stone…I used to kind of stand around the sculpture and listen to people talk about it… Because what people think about the work is not necessarily what you think about the work.”

PAULA MASSELOS,

MAYOR OF WAVERLEY:

“I

Margarita Sampson. Urchins, SxS Bondi 1997. Photo:Clyde Yee

t’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the 25th Sculpture by the Sea exhibition this year. The event is a major highlight of our calendar, which brings art to the people that is accessible, free, and inspiring. With over 500,000 people expected to attend, its significance for the community and businesses of Waverley is clear. Our coastline is the perfect backdrop for these absolutely stunning works of art, with pieces from longacclaimed artists and first-time exhibitors alike.”

Oct 20 - Nov 6, Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk  sculpturebythesea.com CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

HubARTS

THREE CHORDS AND THE TRUTH

An inspiring Aussie film based on a true story (See p.31)

GRIFFIN TO SPREAD ITS WINGS IN 2024 BY JOHN MOYLE he Griffin Theatre’s 2024 season contains multitudes as it traverses a reprise of the best from ’23, a schedule of new productions and most of all, the biggest challenges of its lifetime as they close the theatre. “All of the theatre is going to be renovated significantly,” Declan Greene, artistic director and CEO, Griffin Theatre said. “It’s been a fun and joyful process so far, but it is also fun to find out what we can do when we are in other spaces and how we can take advantage of that in terms of what plays we can do.” Playwright Suzie Miller’s Jailbaby was one

of Griffin’s big successes for ’23 and will be restaged at Griffin from January 4 — 21. Louis Nowra’s Lewis Trilogy will be Griffin’s second main feature for ’24, opening on February 9 and closing the theatre on April 21. With that, the Griffin will undergo a makeover that will see it gutted, rewired and reimagined, though Greene is under pains to stress that there will be little change to the stage area. “The theatre itself will not get much bigger, the stage will be virtually the same size, the same layout but we will have an elevator shaft which means we are now

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

BY RITA BRATOVICH t is a truth universally acknowledged that imitation is the highest form of flattery, sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, and paraphrasing a quote is a hackneyed way to begin an article. None of this has anything to do with The Wharf Revue and their latest show, but it does set an appropriate tone of absurdity — and absurdity is bound to abound in their new show: Pride in Prejudice. Written by regular Wharf Revuers, Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott, the show takes the famous Jane Austin novel as its theme (give or take a conjunction) and features all the same pretence, hypocrisy and caricatured personalities. The Wharf Revue has been lampooning national and international politics and

Photo: John McRae

wheelchair accessible,” Greene said. Anyone who has ever worked at the Griffin will know that the premises was held together with putty and cakes of makeup, as it was adapted piecemeal from the original Nimrod premises of the seventies. After bumping out at the end of the Lewis Trilogy’s run, the Griffin will go feral, relocating to various spaces across the city for the rest of the season, including Carriageworks for Ellen van Neerven’s Swim; the Hayes Theatre for Flat Earthers:

the musical by Jean Tong, Lou Wall and James Gale; and STC’s Wharf One for Golden Blood. “We are looking to reopening the Stables in 2026, after around 18 months of renovations — but in the meantime it is excellent for playwrights to share a larger audience than what we can accommodate, and I think that this is a good trajectory for a play at the Griffin,” Greene said. griffintheatre.com.au

THE WHARF REVUE TAKES PRIDE IN PREJUDICE

A LITTLE SONDHEIM AT THE HAYES

BY RITA BRATOVICH he Hayes returns to one of the classics for its next production — A Little Night Music, one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved musicals. “It’s a beautiful show…it’s a story of interwoven romantic interests and is quite sort of Chekhovian in its way,” explains Blazey Best, who plays Desiree in the Hayes production. “This will be a sort of chamber version of it, sort of stripped back, really focusing on the beautiful scenes and the music.” Best’s character, Desiree, gets to sing the most well-known tune in the show and arguably one of the most recognisable and beautiful musical theatre songs ever written, “Send In The Clowns”. As well as singing this iconic song, Best will get the rare thrill of being on stage with an Australian legend and the theatre’s namesake, Nancye Hayes.

Lewis Trilogy Hero

“It’s an absolute honour watching her work, she is so perfect in this role,” says Best about being on stage with Hayes. “Just watching someone with so much expertise, yet so much grace and humility. It’s a privilege to be in the room with her.” The ensemble will also feature a quintet who will act as a kind of Greek chorus. A very capable six-piece band will provide the music for what is quite a richly textured score. Best believes the Hayes theatre will add another dimension to Sondheim’s masterpiece. “There’s something about being in an intimate space, it just brings everything to life.” October 13 – November 11, Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point hayestheatre.com.au

pop culture for 23 years, producing fast paced shows made up of skits, parody songs and really bad wigs. Biggins, Forsythe and Scott have been at its core for much of those two-plus decades, being frequently joined by guest performers. Pride in Prejudice will see Biggins and Forsythe on stage, joined by Mandy Bishop and David Whiney, with Andrew Warboys providing music. Despite the fact that it’s only been a few months since their last show, the team will not be short of material. The daily headlines virtually pre-write their scripts. The Wharf team promises an inaccurate, irreverent, inane critique of current affairs. November 8 – December 10, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale www.seymourcentre.com

Photo: Supplied

BLAQUE SHOWGIRLS GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

BY NAKKIAH LUI DIRECTED BY SHARI SEBBENS & URSULA YOVICH

“RIOTOUS. SEQUINS. BRISVEGAS.”

GRIFFIN THEATRE COMPANY

MUST CLOSE 21 OCTOBER Griffin acknowledges the generosity of the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation in allowing it the use of the SBW Stables Theatre rent free, less outgoings, since 1986.

BOOK NOW GRIFFINTHEATRE.COM.AU 02 9361 3817

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

HubARTS Belinda Giblin. Photo: Kate Williams

REVIEW

VENUS AND ADONIS

BY RITA BRATOVICH amien Ryan might well be Will Shakespeare reincarnate. He has the Bard’s mastery of cadence, affection for verbiage, wit, poetry, sauciness, and unabashed passion. In his play, Venus and Adonis, Ryan channels Shakespeare while recreating his world on stage in all its filthy, lustful, sublime, bawdy glory. The play opens with a half naked Shakespeare (Anthony Gooley) writhing in pain on the floor. Soon after, we learn the reason for his agony as he sits on a doctor’s table with his legs apart, ready to receive a hot iron rod on his tender regions. Possibly syphilis, definitely a venereal disease. It seems the Bard has been shaking his spear at anything with a pulse. He is currently having a lusty affair with Aemilia Lanyer (Adele Querol), who is his muse and unintentional ghost-writer. It is speculated that Shakespeare borrowed heavily (read: stole) from Lanyer who

The story — and Shakespeare — bounces between these two scenarios, with the Bard’s sexuality, moral fibre, and creativity constantly under scrutiny. Meanwhile, with plague raging and theatres closed, the King’s Men (the acting troupe with whom Shakespeare performed) are invited to put on a show in the Royal court as a prelude to the Queen’s masque. In a meta twist, the show they are to

Adele Querol, Anthony Gooley (L-R). Photo: Kate Williams

IS GOD IS I

BY JOHN MOYLE s God Is by American writer Aleshea Harris takes the old form of a Greek tragedy and propels it into a world of black culture colliding with a post modernist deconstruct. Before the actors hit the stage, the theatre is fired with bass heavy RnB beats and scented air, charging the space with expectation. Entering the dimly lit stage is a figure with an illuminated house on its head, smoke and light pouring out from its openings. Behind, on stage, is a large wooden structure, also representing a house, which is where we first meet twins Anaia (Henrietta Enyonam Amevor) and Racine (Masego Pitso). Their bodies and faces appear to be disfigured by scars, but at this stage we don’t know if they are tattoos, an affliction or the result of misadventure. The two are discussing a letter

Photo: Pia Johnson

REVIEW

was herself an accomplished but as yet, unpublished writer. This is all taking place in London during the plague. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s wife, Anne (Bernadette Ryan), and daughters, Susanna (Ava Madon) and Judith (Akasha Hazard) have been left to fend for themselves in Stratford-uponAvon, and also to deal with the recent death of Hamnet, Shakespeare’s son.

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

perform is Venus and Adonis. Lanyer has been cast as Venus and Nathanial Field (Jerome Meyer) who hitherto has always played the female role, has been cast as Adonis, much to his dismay. Some of the funniest scenes in this show are from the rehearsals for the play and Field’s difficulty in being a heroic male lead. Some of the peak moments are provided by Belinda Giblin as Queen Elizabeth I. Her make-up, dress, and posture are consummate, and she has a natural regal air about her. If only there had been more of her. Her character and Giblin herself bring a refreshing diversity to the stage, and Giblin is endlessly watchable. This is exceptional writing, although a little on the lengthy side. Shakespeare fans, history buffs, devotees of theatre, and those who enjoy smart, cheeky, fearless writing will enjoy this show. Until Oct 21, Seymour Centre, Cnr Cleveland St and City Rd, Chippendale, www.seymourcentre.com

from She (Cessalee Stovall), their mother, who is summoning them south after many years of estrangement. The house spins on a revolve until it reveals its contents, the imposing figures of She, represented as somewhat frightening figure of a Santeria priestess. We learn that all three have been disfigured by fire, the result of an attack from their father, referred to as Man (Kevin Copeland). So begins their search that leads them to the office of lawyer Chuck Hall (Patrick Williams) in far off California. Another spin of the house and we are in front of a house where we meet Man’s teenage boys, Riley and Scott, played by Grant Young and Darius Williams respectively, and Man’s wife Angie (Clare Chihambakwe). Everything is now set for the denouement, which comes as a shocking and visually memorable explosive moment.

Co-directed by Zindzi Okenyo and Shari Sebbens, Is God Is has the right mix of tension, mystery and comedic relief to overcome the shock and at times implausible and morally ambiguous premise of the text. As the twins, Amevor and Pitso take us through their journey as they fight for their individuality while submitting to the commands of a mother they did not know, and at the same time pursuing their vigilante justice for the father who has left them permanently scarred. As She/God, Stovall presents us with a character who at evokes both terror in her pursuit of vengeance at all costs, and empathy for her trauma. Is God Is a challenging, confronting and often shocking experience that is ultimately rewarding on many levels. Until Oct 21, STC Theatre 1, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Dawes Point, www.sydneytheatre.com.au

HubARTS Freeflow

SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL IS BIGGER THAN EVER BY JASMINE SIMMONS ustralia’s unique talent in filmmaking returns for the Gala Finals of the 9th International Smart Fone Flick Fest (SF3). Director of SF3, Angela Blake, cofounded the festival with Ali Crew in 2015. The idea was inspired by their work in Los Angeles at the Short and Sweet Theatre Festival. The capabilities of the smartphone gave everyone a chance to make a film, whether they were professionals or not. Blake and Crew ultimately decide on

the SF3 finalists across all categories. Having experience in creative writing, journalism and radio, both come from worlds that are focused on story. “We are very much a story focused film festival, and the story is number one,” said Blake. “We love quirky Australian stories and stories from around the world”. Delmar Terblanche is a finalist in the SF3 Mini Finals with his short piece Up in the Trees. Having produced only a few films previously, Terblanche knew

that he wanted to create a horror piece for the SF3 Minis category that could be achieved in a short amount of time. “One of the easiest ways to have an effective film is to do horror because you need a fairly minimal amount of setup and payoff,” said Terblanche.

Reko Rennie. Photo: Anna Kucera

MORE HORROR AND DELIGHTS IN THE SPIEGELTENT BY RITA BRATOVICH ydney Spiegeltent’s pop-up location in the Entertainment Quarter has proved so successful that its tenure has been extended into next year. To kick off its augmented season, the Spiegeltent presents the ideal spiegeltent show - Mansion. Devised by Bass Fam, the diabolical creative minds who delivered Matador and Oracle, Mansion is a confection of sensuality, horror, suspense, extraordinary human skill, and magical entertainment set within a classic gothic narrative. The recently widowed Mel Walker and her children come upon an old mansion which, they believe, is abandoned. They take refuge inside, hoping to find safety and the promise of a new future. They soon discover that the mansion is not actually vacant – though it is not occupied by humans either.

The story unfolds through a series of dance, burlesque and acrobatic performances, each one drawing the characters to reveal and embrace their secret desires. To complete the tale, audiences are invited to add Witch to their booking. Witch is a brief prequel, telling the story of the three women who inhabited the mansion prior to the Walker family moving in. The well-dressed women are bearers of hidden truths that belie their appearance. Sydney Spiegeltent is a premium cabaret venue with a convivial atmosphere, great food, cocktails, artisan beer and the chill out festival garden area. October 25 – November 19, Sydney Spiegeltent, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park sydneyspiegeltent.com

“This is my first horror film and it’s my favourite genre of media.” November 18 & 19, Actors Centre Australia, Italian Forum, Shop 30A, 23 Norton Street, Leichhardt, sf3.com.au

POWERFUL NEW WORK AT MCA COMMEMORATES DEATHS IN CUSTODY BY JASMINE SIMMONS he Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia released a new sitespecific sculpture created by Australian contemporary artist, Reko Rennie. Remember Us (2023) pays tribute to the 551 Aboriginal people who had died in police custody at the time this work was made. The memorial piece recognises that the number of these deaths continue to rise. The momentous work is the first in a series of marble sculptures that Rennie is currently creating. The piece was installed on Gadigal land and references the marble inscriptions of ancient Rome. Through a First Nations reclamation of the Eurocentric marble medium, Rennie aims to achieve wider acknowledgement, discourse and action surrounding the issue at hand. Remember Us (2023) is the sixth Loti Smorgon Sculpture Terrace Commission

and will be on display until September 2024. The on-going program is named in honour of Mrs Loti Smorgon AO (1918-2013), who worked together with her husband to donate 149 artworks to the MCA Collection. Rennie is a Melbourne-based artist and Kamilaroi man who specialises in diverse practice across painting, sculpture, installation, and video work. The art highlights Rennie’s Aboriginal identity to showcase themes of Indigenous culture, self-determination and identity in urban environments. Remember Us (2023) is dedicated to those who are no longer here to speak for themselves. Rennie believes these people deserve to have their cases heard and results actioned. Until September 2024 Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 140 George Street, The Rocks www.mca.com.au CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

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BY WILL MCLENNAN

POP CULTURE COSTUMES TO WEAR THIS HALLOWEEN H

A REALLY QUICK HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

or many, the horror-filled Halloween season is an excuse to eat chocolate, lollies and other sugarfilled paraphernalia. Yet, few people are aware of the history of Halloween. How did this spooky holiday appear in the world and why do we celebrate the day of ghosts and undead creatures? Halloween’s roots can be traced back to Samhain, the ancient Pagan holiday which saw its participants dress up in animal guises to avoid encountering ghosts. The activity of lighting up jack o’ lanterns can also be traced back to this period. In the Christian calendar, November 1 is All Saints Day, a day when all saints or hallows are honoured, also known as All Hallows Day. It was believed that on the night before (All Hallows Eve) devils, demons and the damned would have one last party before the saints came marching in. “Halloween” is a contraction of the phrase “all hallows eve”. What we know as Trick or Treat, was initially the practice of “Souling” and “Guising”. “Souling”, an English practice that saw people door knocking in an attempt to gain “Soul Cakes”, while “Guising” is considered as a Scottish practice, which saw many young people attempt to trick and play pranks on other young people. The practice of handing out lollies and treats was introduced to ward off pranks or tricks - hence, the “trick or treat” ultimatum taunted by bands of little ghouls. 28

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

alloween Costumes always spark creativity. Whether the classic skeleton, ghost or witch is your costume of choice or you like to go left-field, the fabled halloween costume always is a spot of enjoyment throughout the spooky season. Inspiration for costumes can be found across a range of different areas; musicians, actors, celebrities, and sports stars can all be the source for horrific or hilarious outfits. Popular choices this year include: Taylor Swift and Beyonce, as both artists continue to appear in the public eye and dominate the airwaves; Jason Sudkekis’ “Ted Lasso” character from the popular Apple TV series will also be a sought-after costume, and his sidekick,

Coach Beard will also likely be a popular choice. The “Barbenheimer” phenomenon that swept the world recently, will provide plenty of wild and wacky options for costumes.. Expect to see many Barbies and Kens during the freaky period, mirroring the portrayals of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the recent film. Einstein and Oppenheimer, another good option for friends wishing to coordinate their costumes, after the popular biopic starring Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer. Sure to fill your social media feeds, expect to see these costumes across the haunting Halloween season.

HALLOWEEN EVENT LISTINGS HALLOWSCREAM AT LUNA PARK

SYDNEY’S BIGGEST HALLOWEEN BOAT PARTY

All aboard for Sydney’s Biggest Halloween Boat Party. The frights, ghouls and drinks will be flowing. All things Halloween will be on offer. Make Up Artists will make you hauntingly beautiful and Photobooth and photographers will be there to capture each and every moment. Halloween themed decorations, Dj’s pumping thrilling sounds throughout the night with two dance arenas on offer; an after-party that is sure to have the gloom drift into the early AM hours. After party (12am onwards still late) Oct 27, 8:30pm for 9pm departure (cruise) King Street Wharf. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au

THE CARTER SYDNEY PRESENTS HALLOWEEN 2023 THRILLER NIGHT

The Jack O Lanterns are lighting up the halls of the Carter Sydney as Halloween fever sweeps through the streets. Ghouls and lost souls will be part of this “thrilling in person Halloween extravaganza” set to take place on the unholiest of unholy nights. Across the three levels, the venue will be filled with “eerie decorations and bone-chilling surprises”. The best costume contest will bring out your most evil competitive streak – there will be bad losers and bad winners! Oct 28, 8pm-2am, 16 O’Connell Street, Sydney 2000. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au

When the giant clown face invites you in, beware! It’s a horror harbourside Halloween at Luna Park. Squeals and shrieks will carry across the water as horror-themed rides and attractions light up frightened faces. Food and beverages will keep you alive if the thrill doesn’t kill you first. The event celebrates its 11th year of Xtreme Fear with the longest Halloween-themed maze and unlimited rides. Oct 27-31, 6pm-10am, Luna Park, 1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point. Tickets are available from $95.95 and are available at www.lunaparksydney.com

LITTLE PARK OF HORRORS AT CENTENNIAL PARK

This spook filled festival of horror is the newest Halloween event in Sydney. Aimed at children aged from 4 to 10, The Little Park of Horrors at Centennial Park will provide the spooks and haunts and dressing up is encouraged. Hosted at Wild play Discovery Centre, sessions include obstacle courses and scavenger hunts. Let the little devils expend their energy here. Oct 29, 8:30am-3:45pm WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, Dickens Dr, Centennial Park. $20 per child, tickets are available www.centennialparklands.com.au/horrors

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PRIME LEGAL & TAX SERVICES primelegaltax.com.au Level 1, 149 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2020 | 1/299 Elizabeth St, Sydney 2000 Ph 0409 813 622/9281 3230 | E admin@legalexchangelawyers.com | Whatsapp +61 409 813 622 | Weechat alextees

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION 104 Alice Street, NEWTOWN NSW 2042 www.rfnsa.com.au/2042016 • The proposed upgrade to the existing facility consists of the following works; Removal of one (1) existing panel antenna, Installation of one (1) new panel antennas (no longer than 2.8m) on new and existing mounts, Installation of nine (9) new 5G antennas (each no longer than 2.8m) on new and existing mounts, and associated ancillary equipment, including nineteen (19) new Remote Radio Units, replace one Optus GPS antenna and install one (1) VHA GPS antenna, install a 1.6m high screening shroud along the visible perimeter of all sectors. Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the existing equipment shelter and removal of existing equipment shelter, Remote Radio Units and a GPS antenna. Optus and Vodafone regard the installation is exempt from Local & State Government approval in accordance with “Exempt Development” in relation to telecommunication facilities under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the description above. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: BMM Group, 1300 260 834, submissions@bmmgroup.com.au by 27th October,2023. Further information may also be obtained from the website provided above.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS AND VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G Rooftop Facility, Devere Hotel, 44-46 Macleay Street, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011 Site Ref: S1774 / JS9538, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011008 1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Recovery of four existing panel antennas • Installation of three new panel antennas (0.75m long) • Installation of one new panel antenna (0.79m long) • Installation of one new panel antenna (1.83m long) • Installation of one new panel antenna (2.18m long) • Installation of two new panel antennas (2.69m long) • New ancillary equipment including twenty-four remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts • Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the shelter 2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the description above. 3. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment. 4. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- Elliot Nelson, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 5:00pm on 27 October 2023. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

HubARTS

COLD CHISEL RELEASES THE LAST STAND BOXED SET John Waters and Stewart D’Arrietta

RADIO LUXEMBOURG:

THE SOUNDS OF THE SIXTIES BY JOHN MOYLE ohn Waters is about to embark on a run of dates for his new show, Radio Luxembourg featuring the iconic sounds of the sixties. Waters will be accompanied by Stewart D’Arrietta and a four piece band. Pianist and singer, Stewart D’Arrietta has been playing with Waters since 1992, when they launched the John Lennon tribute, Looking Through a Glass Onion at Woolloomooloo’s Tilbury Hotel. “What I am doing is that I am going into a brief explanation of what Radio Luxembourg is about and what it meant to all of us who loved our music and the emerging sounds,” John Waters, singer and actor said. “The BBC had a monopoly and you would get Pat Boone and a little of the latest pop music for a couple of hours, but mainly

BY JOHN MOYLE old Chisel called it a day back in 1983 on the stage of the Sydney Entertainment Centre. With the release of Last Stand – 40th Anniversary Box Set, Chisel will commemorate that occasion with additional tracks never released on vinyl or CD, with bonus posters, images and a tour laminate thrown in. Starting in September in Auckland, the Last Stand rolled across Australia before landing in the Sydney Entertainment Centre where it would be captured on video and audio. On the way to its final destination, the show touched down in Newcastle, which attracted the attention of Ian Morrison, a 21 year-old local who became a fan after hearing the Chisels on 2JJ. Morrison purchased an Olympus 35mm stills camera, and high speed Kodak film.

“I thought that with the Chisels breakup I had to make sure I got some sort of record,” Morrison said. “They played three nights in Newcastle and on the first night I stayed sober and got some good shots.” Included in the set is a 10 inch vinyl mini LP of the Last Stand outtakes with photos by Ian Morrison taken at the Newcastle shows. “To be recognised by the band and John O’Donnell (manager) is a biggy, a real honour and a huge surprise,” Morrison said. The Last Stand box set will be available as a limited edition of 3,300 copies from mid-November and will include the DVD of the four Entertainment Centre shows. Release: November 17 www.coldchisel.com

they didn’t see that it was their job to promote songs.” To get around the impasse, the record companies in the sixties and seventies looked to broadcasting out of the small European state of Luxembourg which had a powerful commercial medium wave broadcasting system, and was a forerunner to the pirate radio ships such as Caroline located in the English Channel. Despite the BBC ban lasting until 1973, when The Beatles and the Rolling Stones broke around the world, the English record stores began stocking more English sounds and the British Invasion was born. October 14, Anita’s Theatre Thirroul; October 15, Hayden Opheum, Cremorne Full tour dates and bookings at radioluxembourglive.com

A NEW COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL RIDIN’ INTO TOWN BY RITA BRATOVICH he inaugural Ridin’ Hearts Festival will mosey on into the Sydney Showground this November with a crackling lineup of hot US and Aussie country music stars. Presented by the team who puts on the popular CMC Rocks festival in Queensland, Ridin’ Hearts is a oneday taster that features big hitters and new comers and should appeal to hard-core fans and country-curious alike. “This festival is a first of its kind, a unique opportunity to witness the domination of country music in Australia. We’re thrilled to bring together a mix of established country artists and emerging talents, creating an unforgettable day of music, fun and authentic country experiences,” says Michael Chugg, Chugg Entertainment Chairman.

CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023

Country music has always had a presence in the Australian music scene, but it’s usually been in the margins of mainstream music. It is now starting to gain traction among a broader base, especially with the crossover from country to rock/pop that is typically seen in the US. US country sensation, Bailey Zimmerman will headline an incredible program of US and Australian acts including: Danielle Bradbery (USA), Sam Barber (USA), Matt Schuster (USA), Seaforth (AU), Alana Springsteen (USA), Sara Berki (AU), Zac & George (AU), VAVO (USA). General admission tickets give you access to all the performers, Jolene’s Diamond Ticket gives you the fivestar experience with lots of exclusive privileges. November 4 ,Sydney Showground, 1 Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park, www.ridinhearts.com

HubARTS REVIEW

REVIEW

MERCY ROAD BY MARK MORELLINI he tension in this small, high-paced Aussie psychological thriller is suffocating, but be assured, interest will be maintained until the very last frame! Tom commits a hideous crime and drives off, only to be contacted on his mobile by a caller known only as The Associate. He tells Tom that he has kidnapped his 12 year old daughter, Ruby, and that she only has 45 minutes to live unless he completes a specific task. This is not your conventional high octane charged thriller. There is only one character whose face fronts the camera throughout, with the exception of a few moments in the finale. The mobile in the car constantly rings as his wife, the emergency services, and

the associate are on his trail. This adds to the suspense and urgency of the narrative. Luke Bracey portrays Tom and what a performance he delivers. Audiences will feel a father’s anguish as he attempts to save his young daughter from an unspeakable end. Toby Jones is the voice of The Associate – a frightful voice of evil that may linger on in the minds of the more sensitive moviegoers. Dark and unique, this film unfolds in real time and makes compelling viewing. The ultimatum The Associate offers Tom in the finale is unimaginable and horrendous.

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In cinemas October 26

THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER BY MARK MORELLINI he sixth chapter in The Exorcist franchise spooks its way into cinemas, and participation from the original cast member, Ellen Burstyn has fiercely increased the anticipation. The story follows two girls who go missing in a forest and return 3 days later, then slowly become depersonalised. The Catholic Church turns a blind eye. Enter Chris MacNeil, the role Ellen Burstyn reprises from the original 1973 hit The Exorcist. She is the only person who can aid these two girls from demonic possession. The main storyline involves the two girls suffering demonic possession, but a secondary storyline, which should be of

more interest to moviegoers, surrounds MacNeil and what happened to her daughter, Regan, in the years following the original Exorcist film and the sequel Exorcist II: The Heretic.Regan has been in hiding for years and her whereabouts are unknown. There are many elements within this production which are uncannily reminiscent of the original – notably the style of direction, camera angles, the musical score, the grotesqueness of the makeup, the verbal profanities, and the handheld actions with the holy crucifix. Fans of the supernatural horror genre won’t be disappointed in The Exorcist: Believer.

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In Cinemas October 6

REVIEW

THREE CHORDS AND THE TRUTH BY MARK MORELLINI nce in a while a small Aussie movie produced on a shoestring budget is released into cinemas that doesn’t only touch the heart, but also carries a heartwarming message for audiences. Jackie Marshall who wrote the music and lyrics to all the songs in the film also plays the role of Angie Calvin, a terminally ill and lonely musician who was once said to be the female Bob Dylan. She has fallen on hard times and is determined to complete her final album before succumbing to bone cancer. She takes in Ruby, a homeless teenager, who is fighting her own demons. Angie teaches her to write music and to

channel her adverse experiences and emotions through songs. Audiences sit through Ruby’s first song writing session and gradually learn about the special moments she spent with her family, the happiness and ultimately the grief that adversely altered her father’s temperament. At times this highly emotional movie feels like a live gig at the pub, but as a whole, it’s a fragmented narrative held together by many musical interludes. Three Chords and the Truth is a tender and heartfelt movie that should stay in the hearts of moviegoers long after they leave the cinema.

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In cinemas nationally from October 5

A ROYAL IN PARADISE BY MARK MORELLINI t’s extremely difficult to comprehend how this flimsy Australian celluloid non-event received such high viewership in the US. It offers nothing that we haven’t seen before – there are no surprises here. It’s an old script which has been rehashed over and over again. A woman out of luck in love travels to a tropical island. She sees her exboyfriend and his new girlfriend. She then bumps into a handsome guy she spoke to in a bookshop back home who coincidentally happens to be a prince. They fall in love but he doesn’t tell her that he’s a prince. They break up. Will they get back together again? Sound

familiar? The real question should be, do we really care? One of the few redeeming features of this romantic tale in paradise is that Rhiannon Fish and newcomer Mitchell Bourke are well cast in the leading roles. They have charisma and make a credible beautiful couple. Filmed in the picturesque surrounds on Moreton Island, Queensland, many may justifiably see this as an unashamed celluloid vehicle to allure international tourists to the ‘land down under’ and the surrounding islands – a postcard to the world to be precise.

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Screening in select cinemas from October 17 & streaming services. CITY HUB OCTOBER 2023