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Only twenty years old and showing our age LAWRENCE GIBBONS Maybe it was the construction boom in the lead up to the Olympics. Maybe it was the 24 hour late night bar culture. Maybe it was all of those party drugs. In 1995 Sydney was euphoric.

Twenty years ago, when the first issue of the City Hub hit the streets, the eyes of the world were on Sydney. And she looked fabulous.

Few global cities sparkled as spectacularly as Sydney.

Australia’s largest city was preparing to host the world’s largest sporting event. And the Harbour City glowed with boundless optimism and endless possibilities The City Hub was born in a progressive age. Here in what was once known as the “Scandinavia of the South Pacific”, we were ruled over by chardonnay socialists and bourgeois battlers. Paul Keating -- a Bankstown Boy with Woollahra tastes -- lived in the Lodge. And Macquarie Street was manned by Bob Carr -- an erudite patrician from a former working class neighbourhood with breathtaking waterfront views.

At the hands of the eastern suburbs elite Sydney was a forward looking town. Nowadays, under the hands of Manly men from the North Shore, Sydney is more hell bent on turning the clock back to the 1950s.

In 1995 the late night districts of Oxford Street and Kings Cross were internationally renowned party centres.

Revellers spilled out into the street and raged on till dawn and the now infamous “recovery parties”. Long before king hits, 1:30 lockouts, and pub closures, Sydney was the capital of cool. Sydney knew how to party and she had good reason to celebrate.

After the 2000 Olympics, Sydney had a terrible hang over. Hotel rooms in Kings Cross were transformed into residential units. Tourists looking for a fun time were replaced with cranky baby boomers looking for a good night’s sleep. In 2003 Elizabeth Farrelly wrote, “In five years, no fewer than six Kings Cross hotels have been converted to luxury apartments (Top of the Town, Chateau, Landmark Parkroyal, Gazebo, Manhattan, Sebel). A number of factors are at play here, all of them handed down by the majority market gods: Sydney’s post-Olympic hotel drift to the city-centre, the global downturn in tourism and the city’s huge residential swell.”

In 2015 the transformation of Kings Cross from a late night party centre to a residential precinct is all but complete as Mansions, the Swans and the Bourbon have

all become apartment blocks and more and more pubs close in the face of late night lock out laws.

Oxford Street has fared no better in recent years. Sniffer dogs, trained to protect athletes at Homebush during the Olympics were redeployed to police party goers and were disproportionately used in gay venues. Punters, carrying a happy pill or a joint, were arrested and big time drug traffickers continued to prosper. More and more people opted to stay away from Oxford Street. Mardi Gras party numbers declined annually from a peak of 27,000 in 1998.

Faced with declining numbers, Mardi Gras went into receivership in 2002.

In 2004, Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull announced plans to “revitalise” Oxford Street by repaving the Golden Mile with corporate grey granite. During the “upgrade”, implemented

by Lord Mayor Clover Moore, many local retailers went out of business. Over the ensuing ten years, clearways, two Westfield shopping centres at either end of Oxford Street and the GFC have helped kill off Oxford Street’s daytime economy. Sniffer dogs and lock out laws have helped killed off Oxford Street’s late night economy, ensuring that the area is struggling 24/7.

To be fair, Sydney is not the only global city whose urban buzz is being stifled by market forces. Main Streets around the world are facing increased vacancies as local retailers shut up shop in the face of rising rents and declining trade as more and more people go online to shop. From New York to London to Sydneytown, the world’s once thriving entertainment precincts are fast becoming sleepy hollows as night time revelry is silenced by whinging residents.

As local businesses close down, local newspapers also struggle to survive in our brave new digital age. The same week that the City Hub launched in August of 1995, Microsoft released its first version of Microsoft Explorer radically transforming the way that everything from news, to music to retail goods is distributed. As more and more local shops, pubs and newspapers close down; it is small consolation that Microsoft’s own shares are suddenly plummeting. As new digital platforms replace old fashioned web browsers, Microsoft is reportedly about to phase out Explorer altogether. As local newspapers shut down, news becomes globalised and local information becomes trivialised by social media platforms. Through it all we are still standing here at the City Hub, doing our best to “print the news and raise hell” as we have for twenty years.

The first issue of City Hub.

How Sydney has changed Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide.

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, City Hub takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348 Group Manager: Chris Peken Group Editors: Lydia Watson-Moore, Alexander Lewis, Christopher Harris Contributors: Wendy Bacon, Emiko Reed.

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan Advertising Managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes Cover art: Justin Thompson Email: question@alternativemediagroup.com Advertising: sales@alternativemediagroup.com Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

If you have a story you’d like to tell us: cityhub@alternativemediagroup.com

altmediagroup

CHRISTOPHER HARRIS Wikipedia says “change blindness is a surprising perceptual phenomenon that occurs when a change in a visual stimulus is introduced and the observer does not notice it”.

When City Hub launched 20 years ago, Wikipedia didn’t exist. Nor did a lot of things Sydney loves today. Just in case you have been blind to some of the things that have changed, here’s a reminder of how Sydney has lost and gained.

Physically, the Anzac Bridge was opened in December 1995 and the harbour tunnel was freshly constructed. The Eastern Distributor was opened in 1999.

The years leading up to the Sydney Olympics was a period of rapid development and unprecedented government spending.

Back then, Homebush was an industrial wasteland and would need copious amounts of remediation work before an Olympic stadium could be built.

Sydney’s first casino had just arrived on the scene. A second one has since been developed.

City Hub was part of the infrastructure debate: the voice of Green and independent groups who wanted rail integrated into major infrastructure to protect the city from worsening congestion.

Well, some things haven’t changed.

City Hub exposed the dealings behind the selling of the Sydney Showgrounds

to Rupert Murdoch and challenged the government in its selling off of Millers Point housing The rise of The Greens in the past 20 years has undeniably influenced politics and how business is done. Ian Cohen was the first Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council. In 1996, Bob Brown was the first elected federal Greens senator.

Now there are 11 in the Senate, and the Greens made up 8.65 per cent of the national vote at the last federal election.

Former Sydney Greens Councillor Chris Harris (2004-2012) commented on the growing support for the Greens movement, particularly through Balmain MP Jamie Parker.

“Jamie Parker’s campaign team for Leichardt Council was his mother and sister … he won, but he was one out of 12 on a Labor Council. I asked him ‘Is there a point?’ and he [Mr Parker] said ‘You wouldn’t believe how many things I have been able to get done. When your inside the tent, you’re at the table and its amazing how many things get put into the plan.’”

The Greens have been responsible for saving greenspace from developers, including a long battle for Callan Park, while scores of major party politicians have been scorned by adverse findings in ICAC investigations.

Government development in the UltimoPyrmont locale saw the population rise from 3,000 in 1995 to more than 20,000

today.

The Ultimo-Pyrmont is just one area among many gentrified around the city. The influx of young hipsters made previously unthinkable suburbs fashionable, like Redfern and Chippendale. (The hipsters subsequently priced themselves out of the market).

Gentrification has led to a dwindling night economy. The halcyon days of pumping gay bars to sunrise on Oxford Street now seem like a distant dream, and Kings Cross’s towering hotel blocks have steadily turned into residential apartments.

Filled with NIMBYs who dominate the pavement wearing their yoga gear and pushing designer prams, as well as their nanny state agenda.

Newtown, once immune from materialism and conformity, now looks to set to enter the mainstream.

Society has sobered up, and there is less tolerance for having one too many wines, smoking cigarettes or eating fish and chips.

Beer, if you do drink it, must be boutique.

Video rental shops, music retailers, clothing boutiques and fruit and vegetable shops have steadily been replaced with cafes and coffee shops. Forget the city of villages, Sydney is now the city of flat whites.

Car share schemes have been rolled out.

Society dictates we must recycle. Riding a bike is now a viable option.

Development and change have been rapid. It has also been unexpected.

AltMediaSydney

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2015

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BY ALEXANDER LEWIS A company initially established to provide Aboriginal housing has taken an Aboriginal protest camp to court for occupying vacant land in Redfern.

The Aboriginal Housing Corporation (AHC), which was responsible for the demolition of the affordable Aboriginal housing known as The Block, launched legal action last Friday to have the Redfern Aboriginal Tent Embassy (RATE) forcibly removed from the former housing site.

The AHC, chaired by Mick Mundine, intends to redevelop the site into a $70 million mixture of shops, student accommodation and affordable housing exclusively for Indigenous Australians.

While the AHC has secured funding for the commercial elements of the development, banks and governments have shied away from the $30 million required to build dwellings for 62 Indigenous families, citing the lack of return on affordable housing investment.

This has left RATE doubtful that any Aboriginal housing would be built at all.

RATE founder and Wiradjuri elder Jenny Munro said she did not think housing for Redfern’s Indigenous community was a priority for Mr Mundine, following weeks of mediation.

“After last week, knocking back the federal government’s offer of five million dollars, I don’t know where they sit,” she told City Hub. “Housing’s not a priority if you go by their actions.”

Ms Munro, who has held the canvas fort for a year and endured ongoing assault from both the weather and people, described the demolition of the previous housing and plans to commercialise The Block as “pure evil”.

“This place was purchased for housing for our people, that was the original vision, and I have problems going away from that. This commercial development and student accommodation, I don’t think it’s fair or right that the universities are imposing their housing needs on people who are already in crisis in relation to housing,” she said.

“All the advances that we fought for in the 70s have been gradually widdled away. We’re back to where we were in the 70s. No recognition, no rights. The organisations that were created have been gutted by the federal government right around the country.”

“There’s an old statute in English law that’s much older than this

Cartoon: Peter Berner

Aborigines in court for living on the land allocated to them

Jenny Munro stands defiant at the Refern Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Photo: Alexander Lewis

country that says there’s no defence to trespass, and if that was the case and they obeyed their own law, they would have turned their fucking ships around a long time ago and went back to where the fuck they came from -- if they believed and followed their own law.

But they don’t. They’re completely lawless within their own system so how do you think they’re gonna be to us?”

The NSW Supreme Court will hear the matter this Friday, August 21.

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WestConnex could cause endangered frog species to croak it

BY WENDY BACON A senior research scientist is concerned that the WestConnex motorway could threaten one of only two secure Sydney colonies of the Green and Golden Bell frog at Kogarah Golf course near Sydney’s airport.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF) is endangered in NSW and vulnerable at a national level.

Two breeding ponds to protect the frogs were created near the golf course as a condition of NSW government approval for construction of the the M5 motorway in 1992. The ponds now stand adjacent to the proposed tunnelling site for a second WestConnex M5 and the F6 from the South that will converge near the golf course and destroy most of the frogs’ habitat.

Professor Graham Pyke, professor at the School of Environment at the University of Technology Sydney, said that “we have reason to think the [frog population] is still in decline in NSW and may end up being critically endangered if the WestConnex goes ahead.” He said that the chances of the frog population surviving a proposed WestConnex three year tunnelling operation were low.

Professor Pyke was originally involved in the environmental impact study which led to the creation of the only other secure GGBF habitat at Olympic Park in 2000.

He told City Hub that although the GGBF is the most studied and researched frog, “we still don’t know how to properly manage its habitat or conserve it.”

In July, the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) referred its plans, which will not only threaten the frog colony but also wipe out 80 per cent of critically endangered colony of

“PSSA has been in existence for over 120 years. A lot of sports stars from our area and probably across NSW, would have played PSSA and cut their teeth at Centennial parkland,” Ms O’Brien said.

Photo: Justine Bennett

Cooks River Castlereagh Iron Bark bushland in southern Sydney, to the Federal Department of Environment.

Last week, the department acknowledged that the WestConnex plans will have a ‘significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance’ under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. But instead of conducting a federal review, the department referred the issue back to the NSW Planning Department for assessment during the main WestConnex EIS process which strongly favours the motorway authority. This move was enabled by a bilateral agreement between the NSW and Federal LNP governments signed in February

2015 that allows the federal government to supplant its own processes with weaker state acts.

The agreement was opposed by Labor, the Greens and environmental NGOS. Coming on the back of the Abbott Government’s attack on environmental activists who took successful Federal Court action against the massive Queensland Adani coal mine, the decision highlights the weakening of protection for threatened species resulting from Federal Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt’s desire to wind back the Federal role in favour of state laws that preference developers.

The WestConnex authority have proposed that the frogs would be protected by a 50 metre buffer between the breeding ponds and a massive tunnelling site.

Professor Pyke explained that although the GGBF frog can survive in human created habitats it was erroneous to think that the frog can survive any disturbance or will colonise any habitat that is created for it. “We haven’t been able to get the recipe right,” he said.

Although it was meant to include a comprehensive literature review, the RMS report left out any reference to a major peer reviewed research report of which Professor Pyke was a co-author. The 2008 study found that attempts to move GGBF colonies were much less likely to be successful that previously considered.

The RMS report also failed to mention the intense noise and vibration that will continue for three years at least.

Professor Pyke said that although there were no specific studies done on the impact of extreme noise on the frogs, the issue raised a ‘good question’ and that one would have to say it is likely that ‘extreme

noise’ would interfere with the frogs.

The federal department’s decision will disappoint nearly a 1000 groups and individuals, including scientists, who took advantage of a narrow tenday consultation period to send the Department submissions opposing WestConnex’s plans. Most argued that the referral report should be rejected on the grounds of its inadequacy.

The WestConnex Action Group ran a campaign assisting people to send submissions. Spokesperson Pauline Lockie was scathing about the quality of the RMS report,” which she said failed to “provide any solid data that would ‘justify’ the destruction of critically endangered bushland - or the massive threat WestConnex poses to the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs at Kogarah Golf Club.”

“They couldn’t even provide up-to-date information about the frog colony - so how can the RMS say the frogs will be safe once the WestCONnex bulldozers start destroying key parts of their habitat?”

She accused Minister Hunt of “ignoring his responsibility to protect endangered species from being destroyed by short-sighted, secretive and polluting projects.”

Spokesperson for the Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Deb Little, said the group, which made a major submission, was “appalled. This is effectively allowing the NSW Government. to be both the proponent and evaluator of the project, without any proper review. With the federal government abandoning any responsibility for independent review of what was in fact a very inadequate referral submission, we believe this has simply been a political decision not based on the science.”

More of Wendy Bacon’s journalism can be found on her blog at wendybacon.com

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TAP Gallery rises from the ashes

By CHRISTOPHER HARRIS TAP Gallery in Darlinghurst has landed on its feet again, although it won’t be staying still for long.

After its owner Lesley Dimmick was given just three weeks to vacate the previous premises, she managed to secure an alternate space just one block away on Palmer and Burton Streets.

Now located next to Phamish Vietnamese restaurant, she hopes to regain the space’s lapsed liquor license and operate an art bar in this new smaller space.

Although equipment and artworks had to be thrown out in the exhausting move, Ms Dimmick said it was a good chance to declutter the 27-year-old gallery.

“It is a relief to get out of the building because it was a huge job, we had to clear out that space which we’d been in for 23 years,” she said. “We all got sick from the dust and overworked, cleaning it out everyday non stop, and it was just amazing to achieve that and get out of there.”

“We had to throw equipment out, and art work, and perfectly good items like refrigerators. We spent $5000 on six loads to the tip,” she said.

“We had to get out, and I didn’t have time to sell it on eBay.” The TAP Gallery was established 27 years ago and has been functioning as a community arts centre.

Last year, it was advised by the City of Sydney that it had failed in its fire safety compliance.

The gallery spent $10,000 on the first stage of building alterations to meet the fire code, but halfway through work being carried out, the city notified her that the gallery’s DA did not allow her to operate a performance space in the building.

“Because the landlord would not do work for the fire order, because the building was for sale, we were in a tight spot.”

“If you look up the meaning of community arts centre online, you’ll see that it’s a visual and performing arts centre for the community,” she told City Hub at the time.

She had to engage a planning lawyer in order to prove that the TAP Gallery was a non-profit organisation which operated a community arts centre.

But then the building was sold by the owner, and the race was on to find a new space.

As she and her small team were still setting up in the new location, Ms Dimmick said it would be business as usual as soon as possible.

“We’re going to have an exhibition as soon as we’ve got liquor license, we have thought our way around the situation, we will invite all our regular artists for a group exhibition.

The current location is only temporary, as she hopes to take advantage of a City of Sydney Council program that may allow the gallery to occupy a council owned building.

“It is a little small, but we’re turning it

Corpse found STAFF WRITER Police have revealed a 39-year-old man whose body was found under a tree in an inner city park at the weekend had had his throat slit.

He was formally identified on Tuesday August 18 as CBD resident Jacky Ho. A member of the public made the gruesome discovery just metres from a children’s playground in Wentworth Park around 1pm on Saturday August 15.

According to locals, the park is a hotspot for drug dealers.

Mr Ho was reportedly known to police, and the investigation will look into potential links to drug syndicates.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad and Leichhardt Local Area Command have formed Strike Force Kooyong to investigate Mr Ho’s death and have asked for anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Ho was regularly seen in the CBD in recent weeks and was last seen alive around 1:30 am on Saturday morning, in the near vicinity of Wentworth Park.

He was of Asian appearance, 166cm tall, chubby and with short, dark hair. He was wearing a grey long-sleeve top, dark blue jeans and blue shoes.

Anyone who may have information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lesley Dimmick founded the TAP Gallery and vows that it will continue on in one form or another.

into an art gallery bar, we can’t do all our functions that we normally do, but it is just temporary until we find somewhere bigger.”

On Monday night she attended a council seminar where she discovered that there would be a council owned creative space on Foley Lane near Oxford Street that would become available in 2016.

“We are intending to apply for accommodation there,” Ms Dimmick said.

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Reinventing wheels: cyclists not happy

Dr Mehreen Faruqi is The Greens transport spokesperson

BY EMIKO REED Sydney’s Greens have met with the city’s cycling community to voice opposition to the NSW Government’s transport infrastructure plans.

The Transform Transport campaign came to Sydney on August 13, with local cyclists and politicians attending the forum to discuss the loss of cycle infrastructure.

The event, hosted by The Greens and Bicycle NSW, called on the state government to look to alternative transport options.

Greens Transport spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi said the government’s privatisation of infrastructure had a

negative effect for commuters.

“I think we all know that there are desperate needs for some alternatives from what the government is giving us at the moment,” she told the forum.

“Cyclists are fighting to keep the cycling structure what we have today and are lobbying for more.”

Dr Faruqi said the government’s agenda was driven by “short term thinking”, without considerations of long term impacts.

“A good transport system is not about individual projects. It’s actually about looking at the transport projects as a whole and how it interacts and connects with people, and how it

connects with the environment as well.

And it has to be planned between land use and transport. Transport doesn’t exist outside of land use,” she said.

Transport projects, including the Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail Project, were criticised in the forum for disregarding cyclist and pedestrian interests, and being inefficiently planned.

The demolition of the $4.9 million College Street cycleway was a contentious issue, as the government had backflipped on its delivery of adequate alternative cycling routes.

It was estimated 2,200 cyclists used the cycleway daily.

One local committed cyclist Sarah Imm, who attended the meeting, said the ability to cycle in the city was crucial for her.

As the owner of a Surry Hills cycling apparel boutique, Ms Imm said she cycles daily.

However, as the government’s controversial transport projects begin to roll out, Mrs Imm may need to rethink her commuting options.

CEO of Bicycle NSW, Ray Rice, said that 70 per cent of people wished to ride the bike more regularly if it was made safer for them.

“There are a lot of people out there that want to ride a bike,” he said.

“The demand is there. We just got to make the road safer for them.”

The light rail under construction is the NSW’s Government’s response to Sydney’s growing population, with an additional 1.6 million people expected to move to the city in the next 20 years.

Rochelle ravages Toole for forcing amalgamations

By ALEXANDER LEWIS Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous has slammed Local Government Minister Paul Toole for reportedly proposing to sack all NSW councils in an effort to expedite amalgamations.

Mr Toole’s supposed proposal to cabinet, as reported by News Corp, would put administrators in charge of councils across the state until mega councils were elected.

“If this is true, it is government at its worst,” Clr Porteous told City Hub. While a spokesperson for Mr Toole said the government had “no such plan”, Clr Porteous said the Minister for Local Government needed to completely deny mass sackings of mayors and councillors.

“Anything less than complete denial and it will be clear that cabinet has given up on local communities and is letting developers and the NSW Business Council dictate the future for Sydney,” she said.

Leichhardt Council, whose principal amalgamation position is to stand alone, is due to give evidence to NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government on Monday.

But some Leichhardt councillors, including Independent John Stamolis and the mayor herself, said the council’s last-minute inclusion of a “plan B” to merge with Canada Bay and Ashfield in their IPART submission had undermined their case to stand alone.

Clr Stamolis said he didn’t agree with the council’s amalgamation proposal.

“I don’t like the fact that we have a preferred merger option. It doesn’t represent the position of our community and it’s not based on any analysis whatever,” Mr Stamolis said.

“It had never been raised by Council to the community.”

“I’d love to see that withdrawn from the submission.”

Leichhardt’s proposed merger was added to its submission just weeks before it was due on June 30.

There had between no discussions between Leichhardt and the councils with which it nominated to merge.

Mr Stamolis has accused “a coalition of Labor and Liberal councillors” in Leichhardt of gerrymandering by nominating local government areas that he claims have equal proportions of Labor and Liberal voters.

“This was a completely, 100 per cent political decision. It had nothing to do with the community. How do you get Labor and Liberal to agree on something?” he said.

“They agree on nothing except political advantage.”

Clr Porteous will host a ‘Save Leichhardt Council’ public meeting this Thursday 20 August from 6.30pm to 8pm in the Balmain Town Hall Meeting Room at the request of a number of local residents keen to oppose forced council mergers.

“The community has spoken, not just here in Leichhardt, but across NSW,” she said.

“Overwhelmingly all the communities are saying the same thing.”

city hub 20 august 2015

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“PSSA has been in existence for over 120 years. A lot of sports stars from our area and probably across NSW, would have played PSSA and cut their teeth at Centennial parkland,” Ms O’Brien said. Photo: Justine Bennett

Centennial Park overturns price hikes for public schools “If it’s looking like fees are rising to a point where it’s unaffordable, principals will make a call that we cannot compete in those competitions,” Ms O’Brien told City Hub. “There’s a whole range of social economic groups at public schools, even in what is deemed more affluent areas like Bondi, and principals have a responsibility to all those students.”

She pointed to the SCPSSA’s neighbouring association, Sydney South, which was forced to leave Centennial Parklands this year because the

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Centennial Parklands Executive Director Kim Ellis wrote in a letter to the association dated August 11.

Lobby group Save PSSA in Centennial Parklands had been campaigning for a promise of affordable field hire after changes to the park’s financial model occasioned a $20,000 increase to their field hire bill last year.

The group’s spokesperson Kilty O’Brien, who has two children playing PSSA sport, said the entire Sydney Coastal zone competition would have to cease if Centennial Park rates rose again.

Licence No. 173676c

BY ALEXANDER LEWIS Parents of public school students playing school sport in the eastern suburbs have won the battle against field hire spikes at Centennial Park.

Centennial Parklands has guaranteed that field hire fees for the Sydney Coastal Primary School Sports Association (SCPSSA) will never increase above inflation.

“The certainty regarding field hire fees should enable the SCPSSA and others to plan sporting activities in Centennial Park well into the future,”

rates were no longer affordable for parents.

Sydney South schools now play at Tempe with no fees, but there are neither goal posts nor markings.

“Our difficulty in our area is that we don’t have an alternative, we don’t have another park land in this coastal area that can accommodate 17 schools coming together and playing sport,” Ms O’Brien said.

Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who wrote a letter in support of the SCPSSA campaign, said it was good to see a commitment to no fee increases above the consumer price index.

“I raised concerns about big jumps in school sporting fees to use parklands early this year, and the acting NSW Environment and Heritage Chief Executive told me in March that public schools would be moved from a block six-monthly fee to hourly fees based on use, but discounted 20 to 30 per cent from the standard user charges,” Mr Greenwich said.

“I remain concerned that public schools have affordable access to sporting fields, which are vital active programs. Successive government budget cuts have pushed the parklands into fee hikes.”

Ms O’brien said the decision was a big win which opened the door for further communitydriven change.

“It’s a very welcome position for us to have had this change from Centennial Parklands in terms of guaranteeing our access, and we feel like it’s a better position to be able to now give other issues that really impact upon us as a local public school community,” she said.

The SCPSSA’s next battle will be to reclaim rain credits, which would essentially mean the group would no longer have to pay hire fees if a game was rained out, and to have booking amendment fees waived.

“It’s hard to finalise the numbers nine months in advance. If those bookings change in any way, we have to pay an amendment fee as well,” Ms O’Brien said.

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12

Index

EAT

American Burgers 15 Big Burgers 15 Burgers 15 Chinese Restaurant 19 Crepes 15 Czech Restaurant 15 French Bakery 17 French Toast 17 Gelato 17 German Restaurant 19 Hot Chips 19 Latin American Food 17 Neapolitan Pizza 15 Pies 15 Pizza 19 Pub Feed 19 Sandwich 15 Thai 15 Vegan Café 17 Vegan Yum Cha 17

DRINK

altmedia.net.au Editor: Sam Caldwell Contributors: Jemma Clarke, Peta Gilbert, Riley Holt, Elias Kwiet, Ellen Leabeater, Jennifer Luu, Tom Nash, Bridget Payne, Chris Peken, Stephanie Tiller, Meggan Turner Cover & Icon Art: Justin Thompson

After School Drink 21 Apple Whiskey 21 Beer 21 Bottle Shop 21 Cheap Booze 22 Cocktail Bar 22 Coffee 23 Coffee & Tunes 21 Espresso & Wine 21 Green Drink 23 High Tea 22 Hotel 23 Local Bar 22 Pub 22

A note from the Editor 23 Place To Get On Your Bike 29 Record Store 30 Big Screen 25 Second Hand Books 30 Boutique Cinema 25 Shopping Centre 30 Casino 27 Stationary 30 Coastal Walk 25 Style 30 Day Out/Night Out 25 Supermarket 30 Free Live Music 25 Vintage Threads 30 Games Store 25 Vintage-Inspired Fashion 30 Gaming Café 25 Weekend Market 29 Hip Hop Venue 25 Indigenous Art Gallery 25 Jazz Venue 25 Barber 32 32 Musical Theatre Company 25 Car Dealership 31 Park 26 Cosmetic Tattooist Creative Course 32 Performance Space 26 Creative Space 32 Place To Play Pool 27 Day Spa 32 Place To Get Your Skates On 27 Dentist 32 Record Store & Venue 27 Education For 32 Small Club 27 Int. Students Electrician 31 Theatre 27 31 Theatre For Young People 26 Floral Stylist 31 Touring Theatre Company 27 Hair Stylist Haircut 31 Venue Vibe 27 Walk 27 Healthcare 32 Mechanic 32 Record Label 32 Antiques 30 Phone Shop 31 Book Shop 30 Place To Float 32 Cat Sanctuary Place To Get Fit 32 & Op Shop 30 Place To Get Printed 32 Chocolate Shop 29 Short Course Learning 32 Cupcakes 29 Tattoos 32 Health Food Store 30 Tutors 32 Homewares 29 Yoga 32 Organic Grocer 30 Sports Bar

PLAY

SERVICES

SHOP

LIVE

THE

CREATIVE

As 2015 draws to a close, it’s hard not to think how the hell did that happen so fast, right?

But now 20 years on from the first ever City Hub newspaper, it’s interesting to see what Sydney has become. And 2015 was definitely an interesting year for everyone, that’s for sure.We’ve seen nanny-state lockouts juxtaposed with some of the biggest parties and live music acts to happen in the city. We’ve seen communities unite against racism, sexism and homophobia.We’ve seen high-level political scandals and resignations. But if there’s one staple truth in Sydney, it’s the diversity of her residents.

Best Of 2015 has been put together by an incredibly talented team of contributors, whose personal experiences range from DJing in nightclubs to attending university to presenting on Hawkesbury radio.Thus, we’re proud to feature a truly diverse range of great places doing great things in this comprehensive guide. I personally am hugely excited to bring this 20th anniversary edition of Best Of Sydney to you, and hope that it might help you to navigate our diverse and beautiful city.

- Sam :-)

FILM TV RADIO

LIFE

aftrs.edu.au/opendays

13

14

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 CZECH RESTAURANT

BURGERS

LA BOHEME RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ In 2007, two Czech couples had the vision to create a restaurant that provided traditional mid European food and hospitality to Sydney’s inner west, and set up shop in bustling Balmain.

Almost a decade on, La Boheme (now in Glebe) has become a real Czechpoint for food lovers around Sydney wanting a traditional mid European meal. Their chefs have extensive experience, having worked in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, and combine fresh local produce, fine imported ingredients and recipes that have been handed down generations to make some really delicious food. (SC) 199 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. 96605639. laboheme.com.au

BONARCHE BURGERS If you’re going to brave the deliciousness that exists inside Leichardt’s Bonarche Burgers, make sure you come fully prepared (i.e. with an empty stomach) – their burgers and portions are huge. And who wouldn’t want a huge portion of fresh ingredients, piles of sauce and Meat Standards Australia graded meat? The store is tribute to old-school British fish’n’chips joints and there are three varieties of fries with toppings of Kimchi and cayenne mayo, melted cheese and burger gravy, and melted cheese, bacon and aioli respectively. With a fresh inner west vibe created by kooky, ‘50s decorations, great service and well selected tunes, you’ll be stoked on Bonarche, even if you can’t finish your meal. (SC) 14 Norton St, Leichhardt. bonarche.com

BIG BURGERS AMBROSIA ON THE SPOT Ambrosia On The Spot is one of those rare gems that ticks pretty much every box for a good eatery.

Burgers are their specialty – hell, they even broke a world record for creating a 95kg burger back in 2010 – and burger lovers must try the Apollo (mmm, deep fried cheese). But they also have all the food you want from a local eatery; roast chicken, salads, pastas, coffee, breakfast. Everything, really.

Food aside, though, and Ambrosia has worked hard to create a community hub for residents around The Spot, with excellent service and a friendly, local atmosphere. A great stop off whether you’re after a meal, a snack, or somewhere nice to sit and pass the time. (SC) 22 St Pauls St, Randwick. 93981618.

SANDWICH CITY EDGE It’s a good rule of thumb that the longer the line outside a place, the better it is. I mean, people aren’t going to wait in line for food or coffee that isn’t good, right? Surry Hills’ City Edge is one such place, and is the place to get a sandwich when around town. Despite the line, their excellent service means you’re never waiting long, and staff members often remember names and orders after only one or two visits. Even better, however, are the sandwiches themselves – they have a huge menu lining the walls, and the sandwiches are freshly made, cheap and plain delicious. Be sure to

CREPES

try their chicken schnitzel salad sandwich, you’ll be won over in a second. (SC) 74-80 Reservoir St, Surry Hills. 92829399.

NEAPOLITAN PIZZA LUCIO PIZZERIA As a die-hard pizza lover, I find it hard to dine at places that don’t serve proper Neapolitan pizza.

The ones that do it well tend to be knighted with the international pizza association AVPN’s seal of approval.The best of that group is nestled right in the heart of Darlinghurst, Lucio Pizzeria. On first visit, I was furious that I hadn’t discovered this place earlier, made worse by their delicious Polipetti Affogati, drenched in probably the best Sugo I’ve had outside of Italy. Check out the ‘Lucio Special’ – half margherita, half calzone. Authentic pizza lovers only. If you like barbeque sauce on your pizza, try somewhere else. (TN) 248 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. 93323766, luciopizzeria.com.au

AMERICAN BURGERS

FOUR FROGS CREPERIE Four Frogs started when four Frogs (AKA Frenchmen) who had fallen in love with Australia started to miss the quality crepes they could get back home.With an assortment of savoury gallettes and sweet crepes, the authentic French crepes have been adapted for Aussie tastebuds – a “fraussie” touch – to include such sections as bacon and egg or spinach and feta. Owner and founding chef Florian Guillemard was born and raised in Bretagne – the French region where crepes come from – so you know it’s legit. So whether you’re after breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack, these delicious French crepes are worth a try. (SC) 30 St Pauls St, Randwick / 175 Avenue Rd, Mosman. 93983818 / 99601555. fourfrogs.com.au

MARY’S My favourite type of burger (thus making it the best type, right?) consists of a meat patty,American style cheese, a pickle, and a killer bun. Sometimes bacon.

No egg. No pineapple. No beetroot. Got it? Good.

Simplicity is everything (like a good pizza), and the ingredients’ quality should speak for themselves.

Nowhere in Sydney is this better achieved than at Mary’s in Newtown. Rivalling US burger legends such as ‘Shake Shack’, Mary’s combines the best burgers in the city with a lively late night bar vibe that would make any rock’n’roll fan feel at home.

So if you’ve still never had a real burger. Start here. (TN) 6 Mary St, Newtown. instagram.com/ marysnewtown

PIES HARRY’S CAFÉ DE WHEELS With a rich history that goes back to the depression era, Harry’s Café de Wheels has provided delicious pies and pasties to Sydneysiders for over 70 years. Originally a caravan café next to Woolloomooloo’s then naval dockyard, Harry Edwards’ humble storefront has become a phenomenon, today boasting 11 stores across the state and some respectable media coverage. Be sure to have a go on Harry’s Tiger – their signature pie – but they also do a mean hot dog, the perfect fix on a drunken night out. (SC) Cnr Cowper Wharf & Brougham Rd, Woolloomooloo. 93573074. harryscafedewheels.com.au

THAI SPICE I AM Thai cuisine is one of those where authenticity and tradition is such an important part of making the meal good.

Luckily, we live in a multicultural society where that is a possibility, and where we can enjoy the authentic cooking of people like Spice I Am head chef, Sujet Saenkham. Born in a remote village in Central Thailand, Saenkham would learn many of his reputed skills first-hand from his mother. Now, with five Spice I Am restaurants across the city – Spice I Am in Darlinghurst, Balmain and Surry Hills, as well as Surry Hills Eating House and House Thai (also in Surry Hills…you lucky inner city lot) – it’s as easy as ever to get your hands on some genuine and delicious Thai food.And if that’s too hard for you, Saenkham has also recently published his own cookbook for you to get Thai-ed up in. (SC) spiceiam.com

15

shop 3A, 110 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 tel: (02) 9331 8183 • www.bvlifestyle.com

Bonarchè Burgers Made By

The Chef & The Butcher

- Leichhardt Locals

Hand made burgers washed down with great craft beers or classic malt milkshakes! New Supper Bar hours open for late night treats

Winners of Best Burgers in Sydney

OPENING HOURS R O IN E DIN TAKE AWAY! THURSDAY LUNCH 12-3PM DINNER 5-9.30PM

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FRIDAY LUNCH 12-3PM DINNER 5-9.30PM SATURDAY LUNCH 12-4PM DINNER 5-9.30PM SUNDAY LUNCH 12-4PM DINNER 5-9.30PM

14 Norton St Leichhardt www.bonarche.com 16

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 FRENCH TOAST CAFÉ BERLIN Balmain’s longest running café is the place for all things sweet, savoury and delicious. Café Berlin’s cosy atmosphere and home-style cooking make it a local treasure, with an extensive menu that caters for all dietary requirements. Located along the bustling Darling Street, the café offers a selection of fresh home baked goodies, perfect for a takeaway afternoon snack or a morning treat accompanied with a coffee and the paper. If the menu leaves you spoilt for choice (and it will), opt for the French toast – you won’t regret it. (PG) 249 Darling St, Balmain.

98102335.

VEGAN CAFÉ EARTH TO TABLE So raw food may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but raw food desserts certainly are! Earth to Table in Bondi has a mouth-watering display of delicious cakes and desserts that are raw, vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, wheat-free but most definitely not fun-free. From rocky road cake to raw apple and cinnamon scrolls, there will be a sweet treat to sate even the sweetest tooth.And the normal menu isn’t so bad either. (EL) 85 Bronte Rd, Bondi. 90291755.

FRENCH BAKERY VICTOIRE BOULANGERIE Victoire Boulangerie is a Parisian-style bakery that offers a vast selection of delicious treats, ranging from silky lemon tarts to rustic sun-dried tomato sourdough.

Those lucky enough to have tried one of their buttery golden croissants would already know whyVictoire is

CRU1801_Pyrmont_Ad.indd 2

a favourite among locals in the Balmain/Rozelle area.

With its overall charm and integrity to authentic French cuisine,Victoire indeed sets the standard for good pastries – a one-stop-shop for any Francophile. (PG) 660 Darling St, Rozelle. 98185529. victoire.net.au

GELATO N2 EXTREME GELATO NEWTOWN One part science and two parts crazy, N2 Extreme Gelato is a delightfully whimsical cross between a lab experiment and an ice cream parlour.Watch as clouds of white liquid nitrogen vapour billow from the mixers, ensuring each scoop is served up at a cool, precise -6°C. Flavours change on a weekly basis, with the flavour archives boasting a cast of crazy concoctions from ‘salt and pepper calamari’ to ‘Jesus juice’.The gelato is as delicious as it is quirky, so put on your lab coat and visit N2, the gelateria approved by mad scientists everywhere. (JL) 184 King St, Newtown. n2extremegelato.com.au

LATIN AMERICAN FOOD THE HOUSE OF LUIS TAN It takes a lot to get me to Bondi, but the team behind The House of Luis Tan have just what is takes to do so!

Fresh on the scene but still boasting a crew of handlers with a wealth of experience, this trendy Eastern Suburbs eating house serves up the best Latin American food Sydney has to offer.They also make bangin’ cocktails for those who just want to pop in for a drink at a place that will make them feel cooler than they probably are.

Note: shame will wash over those who fail to order the Cocido de Puerco ($19.50).A slow roasted pork affair not to be missed. (TN) 15/178 Campbell Pde, Bondi.

80218891. luistans.com

VEGAN YUM CHA BODHI RESTAURANT AND BAR Put down that chicken leg and head over to Bodhi for a vegan cuisine experience that’s anything but boring. Located in the lush, green heart of Cook and Phillip Park among the bamboo and fig trees, the restaurant’s pan-Asian menu is every bit as breathtaking as its picturesque surroundings. Bodhi puts the ‘yum’ in ‘yum cha’, serving up a tasty range of vegan dumplings and delicacies hand-crafted from local organic produce. Find inner peace as you enjoy tasty treats like green tea and choysum dumplings, pan-fried ‘duck’ dumplings and pumpkin-shaped pastries.And return at night for an à la carte dinner under the stars. (JL) Lower Mezzanine Level of Cook and Phillip Park, 2-4 College St, Sydney. 93602523. bodhi.id.au

12/08/2015 2:05 pm

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Exciting news from acclaimed Spice

I am

Sujet has just released his first Spice I am cookbook and opened the fabulous new

Friendly casual vibe, delicious regional and southern Thai menu

Open 7 days for dinner • Licensed

198-200 Elizabeth St., Surry Hills

Bookings: 02 9212 4092

www. spiceiam.com G7623121AA-280415

E ON OP IC E ST AN SID G OR RTH NO

18

www.saltuary.com.au  Himalayan Salt Therapy  Floatation Therapy  Naturopathy  Massage  Yoga  Acupuncture  Infrared Sauna  Chiropractic

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 PIZZA CRUST GOURMET PIZZA BAR PYRMONT Pizza is kind of like Lego – instructions are more like guidelines, and guesswork around what ingredients and what quantities to use will always trump formulaic designs.With their mission statement of making good pizza that feeds all one’s senses, Crust Pyrmont follows the Lego mantra.Their unique flavour combinations come from fresh and authentic ingredients, and rely on the instinct of the pizza makers rather than by-thebook instructions.Truly creating adventures in your mouth with scrumptious, shareable pizza, good value and excellent service, Crust Pyrmont makes for the perfect addition to any mealtime. (SC) 208 Harris St, Pyrmont. 95661933. crust.com.au

PUB FEED

GERMAN RESTAURANT ESSEN As well as having some incredible German food, beer, schnapps, musik, und mehr, Essen on Broadway has got to be the most fittingly named joint in town, because it simply means ‘food’ (or ‘eat’). And simplicity seems to be the mantra at Essen – in all-German style they don’t try and offer you anything other than good food and drinks in an authentic European environment, without the price tag to match. Beer lovers, be sure to check out the huge range of Euro beers available here, they’re excellent. But whether you’ve hopped on the hops or not, one night at Essen and you really feel like you’re in Deutschland.

(SC) 133-135 Broadway, Ultimo. 92113805. essenrestaurant.com.au

SHAKESPEARE HOTEL Good food, good booze and a friendly local atmosphere is all you could ask for in a good local. Add a Victorian m ­ ansion interior to the mix and you’ve found yourself a real keeper. The Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills has all this, but their real selling point is the most extensive list of pub feeds ever, all for $12.50 – like we’re talking pretty much any pub standard you could think of, without omission. The perfect place for huddling up in a secluded corner for a romantic date or gathering your crew around a large dining table, the real dilemma is whether to parma or to steak – that’s the question.

(SC) 200 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 93196883. shakespearehotel.com.au

CHINESE RESTAURANT GOLDEN CENTURY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT In 1989, Cantonese migrants Eric and Linda Wong founded the Golden Century Seafood Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown. Fast-forward 26 years and Golden Century has become not only a benchmark for good, authentic Cantonese-style food in Sydney, but has won countless awards and even expanded into a second incarnation,The Century, at The Star.The iconic Golden Century can these days accommodate 400 guests, and also offers VIP rooms. Plus, with 24 fish tanks around the room, you know your seafood is going to be so fresh. For a real Chinese dining experience, you can’t go past Golden Century. (SC) 393-399 Sussex St, Sydney. 92123901. goldencentury.com.au

HOT CHIPS THE TRADITIONAL CHIP SHOP If those Poms do anything right, it’s their fish n’ chips – so when your very English boss tells you he’s taking you to his favourite chip shop, you get excited.The Traditional Chip Shop is Sydney’s, well, most traditional chip shop. Battered fillets of North Atlantic cod or haddock come with mountains of freshly peeled hot chips, mushy peas and onion rings, doused in a British curry sauce and wrapped up in the standard grease-proof paper.Then, swallow it down with a choice from an extensive selection of imported British fizzy. For the full experience, go the battered haggis and battered black or white pudding.

(EK) 78 Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction / 49-55 St. Pauls St, Randwick. 1300244774. thechipshop.com.au

EAT THE FOODIE’S FAVOURITE: SHIREEN COLLETT-SMITH Shireen Collett-Smith is the owner and founder of The Healthful Hub – a local health food company and blog that specialises in the natural superfood, Moringa. Shireen is a nutritionist and comes from a family of health professionals, agriculturalists and natural therapists, so her prominent presence in Sydney’s health food scene is a surprise to no one.You’ll find Shireen experimenting with anything from new tea flavours to superfoods and gluten free recipes, a tastemaker by definition. @thehealthfulhub. thehealthfulhub.com Shireen’s Restaurant Pick: The Spanish Fly My favourite Sydney restaurant is one of my local delights – The Spanish Fly in The Spot, Randwick. It’s a little gem that has been nestled away for years. My obsession started long ago for their flavoursome eclectic tapas, uber cool vibes and super friendly staff. 35 St Pauls St, Randwick. 93264417. thespanishfly.com.au

19

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 ESPRESSO & WiNE BAKER BROS. Located in the bustling centre of Sydney’s CBD, Baker Bros. is an espresso and wine bar with a difference. The brainchild of two Italian kids from Sydney – Alessandro and Gianni Panetta – who grew up in their family’s restaurants and café, Baker Bros. strive to provide the perfect casual dining experience. Their emphasis is on coffee, wine and well prepared simple food using the best seasonal ingredients, and their sandwiches, renowned throughout the city, are simply excellent. (MT) Shop 1, 56-58 York St, Sydney. 92623884. bakerbros.com.au

COFFEE & TUNES

AFTER SCHOOL DRINK CHIPPENDALE HOTEL Conveniently located within walking distance of two of the Sydney’s biggest universities – UTS and the University of Sydney – as well as a myriad of other institutions, the Chippendale Hotel has become the new hot spot for after school drinks. Along with weekly student discounts and a partnership with Sydney Uni’s Rugby League Club, the Chippendale attracts a young and fun crowd, offering both super-food salads and hearty pub feeds. With the pub covering three levels and a beer garden, you can stay the whole night – on a date with daiquiri of course – of just have a few quiet ones before heading home to hit the books. Live music Fridays add to the relaxed but spirited atmosphere typically found in a pre-lockout era Newtown pub.

(BP) 87-91 Abercrombie St, Chippendale. 93105133. thechippendalehotel.com.au

SUZIE Q Playing the role of record store, café, bar and morning coffee stop-off, Surry Hills’ Suzie Q will have you leaving with a smile, no matter the reason for your visit. Founded by local resident and DJ Jordan Deck, Suzie Q can boast excellent coffee and food as well as a handpicked collection of rare and second hand vinyls.

Adding to the community atmosphere already created with great tunes and super friendly service, the iconic wall-sized centrepiece image of Woodstock by Elliot Landy reminds you that you’re in an inclusive and fun-filled place – the perfect escape from the bustle of Sydney.

(SC) 1/18 Hutchinson St, Surry Hills. 93322739. suzieqcoffee.com.au

APPLE WHISKEY FRANKIE’S PIZZA BY THE SLICE Frankie’s Pizza offers an atmospheric experience week after week. Between the fresh pizza bar, pinball wizard corner, the stream of people rocking out on the dance floor and the cosy American-style hideaway bar, there is plenty to do to keep you satisfied. Drinks-wise, they pride themselves in their rotation of craft beers, weird and whacky spirits and their very popular whiskey mixed with freshly ground apple juice. Oh yeah, they’re also a reputable live music venue, and you can rock out there five nights a week. (JC) 50 Hunter St, Sydney. frankiespizzabytheslice.com

DRINK THE HIPSTERS’ HAND PICKS THE VAN VUUREN BROTHERS Online sensations and local boys Christiaan and Connor Van Vuuren are the creative minds behind the Bondi Hipsters, Soul Mates and much more. The pair originally started making YouTube videos in 2009 when Christiaan was quarantined with tuberculosis for over 6 months, creating The Fully Sick Rapper – which went viral – before going on to create telemovie SICK! which broadcast on MTV. Connor is also an experienced stuntman and has worked on the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road and The Hobbit.

Though the Bondi Hipsters may be fictional creations, the eastern-suburbs-dwelling actor-filmmakers are definitely hip enough to pick the best places for coffees and beers. facebook.com/vanvuurenbros Christiaan’s Bar And Café Pick: Bat Country Bat Country is bat-themed, with epic coffee, great staff, and good vibes. Cruisey café by day, rockabilly bar by evening. If you like a good Bloody Mary, then you have to try their Smokey Mary. It’s best ever. For brekkie I

BEER ROSE HOTEL The Rose Hotel is a hidden gem amid the countless local pubs that sprawl the Sydney pub-scape. Frequented by both uni students and locals, who crowd all corners of the hotel’s interior and outside beer garden, it’s the charm and quality beer that draws them. Among the wide selection of ever rotating craft beers, a must try is the Four Pines pale ale or any of the easy-drinking Chippendale Series lager on tap – though chances are any staff recommendation will have you sorted. The music, staff, beer and atmosphere are all highlights of The Rose, making it stand out as one of Sydney’s best pubs.

(ST) 52-54 Cleveland St, Chippendale. 93181133. therosehotel.com.au

would recommend the cheesey scram, for lunch try the artichoke salad, and for dinner you can’t go past the smoked sirloin steak with a side of potato skins. They also have the best home-made hot sauce ever and if they don’t start bottling it, I’m probably going to glass someone. Did I mention that it’s batthemed? 32 St Pauls St, Randwick. 93986694. batcountry.com.au Connor’s Bar And Café Picks: Mecca Espresso Ultimo The Shakshuka at Mecca Espresso Ultimo comes out smelling so irresistible that I burn my mouth on it every time, and crunchy sourdough makes me give up on paleo.

Coffee is awesome and the joint has warm, earthy tones (I’m distrustful of any cafe that doesn’t). 2/646 Harris St, Ultimo. 92804204. meccaultimo.com Shady Pines Saloon Shady Pines Saloon has so many different beers to choose from and a definite lumbersexual vibe. Mounted animal heads on the walls, dim and cozy, it feels like you’re in the belly of a hairy giant who eats log cabins for dinner. 4/256 Crown St, Darlinghurst. shadypinessaloon.com

BOTTLE SHOP ANNANDALE CELLARS Let me let you in on a little secret – as much as you think you know about wines… you know nothing about wines. I drink my body weight in wine and still have basically zero idea what’s going on. Luckily, the crew at Annandale Cellars know plenty about wine and are more than qualified to push you in the right direction. And they’ll come to the rescue when you’re in need of a solid Puglia for a dinner event, or a cheeky Gewurztraminer to smuggle into a club. With probably the best selection of Italian wines in the inner west, make this your next stop before your friend’s dinner party, so you can at least appear to know what you’re doing. (TN) 119 Johnston St, Annandale.

96601947. veno.com.au/annandale-cellars 21

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 CHEAP BOOZE LOCAL BAR THE BEARDED TIT Both a bar and a creative space, The Bearded Tit – situated on Regent Street in Redfern – is the best place to catch a free gig and take in an art exhibition, while huddled among a menagerie of taxidermy circus animals, cold beer, cocktails and food. One of the standout qualities of the Tit is the effort the staff go to in an attempt to interact with the patrons and create a sense of community at the bar, making it truly feel like home. If it’s authentic local bar vibes that you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. (ST) 183 Regent St, Redfern. 82834082. thebeardedtit.com

SHARK HOTEL The Shark Hotel provides a too-rare space to sit in ridiculously comfortable chairs while having a chat with your drunk companions on a big (or otherwise) night.

Despite their dangerously cheap drinks – $4 spirits – they have managed to avoid the drunk-18-year-old vibe with a large open space filled with couches,TVs, and an in-house Thai restaurant, which all come together to feel more like an RSL than Bar Century. Shark Hotel is the ideal place for earlier in the night, or when you actually want to chat to the poor friends you’ve dragged out clubbing. (BP) 127 Liverpool St, Sydney. 92676364. sharkhotel.com.au

PUB FRIEND IN HAND HOTEL The Friend in Hand Hotel is jam-packed with bric-abrac and memorabilia, ranging from mannequin legs hanging from the ceiling to historic photos, bear traps, stuffed animals and empty birdcages.Wednesday nights see the pub play host to hermit crab races, while Thursdays are reserved for comedy.You can attend regular art classes on a Monday and sit back for some live poetry readings on the first Tuesday of every month.

If it’s character you’re looking for in a hotel – or just a bunch of characters at a hotel – you can’t go past the Friend In Hand. (MT) 58 Cowper St, Glebe. 96602326. friendinhand.com.au

HIGH TEA THE TEA ROOM Teatime at this historic inner-city location is a genteel, napkins-on-laps and pinkies-raised affair, conducted with elaborate ceremony and pomp. Located in what was originally the Grand Ballroom of the Queen Victoria Building, The Tea Room still retains all of its old-world glamour and quaint charm. There is a nostalgic atmosphere about the room as guests enjoy high tea or an a la carte lunch among crystal chandeliers, gilded mirrors and ornate columns.

You’ll feel like royalty as you engage in light conversation over a cup of Orange Pekoe and a crustless cucumber sandwich. (JL) Lvl 3/455 George St, Sydney. 92837279. thetearoom.com.au

COCKTAIL BAR THE OWL HOUSE Step into this cozy, clandestine Darlinghurst gem to experience the coolest cocktails Sydney has to offer from some of the world’s finest mixologists.The Owl House’s romantically styled interior makes it the perfect

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 HOTEL LORD ROBERTS HOTEL The Lord Roberts Hotel truly is an iconic piece of Sydney’s history.Though founded in 1867 as the Shannon Hotel, in 1901 (the year of Oz federation that you hopefully remember from primary school) it would become the Lord Roberts that we know and love today. Except for the first floor restaurant,TAB, gaming facilities and TV screens – they probably weren’t around back then.

An unpretentious pub that does nothing more than provide great, classic feeds, cheap drinks and a comfortable vibe, the Lord Roberts is open seven days a week – so why not go check it out? (SC) 64 Stanley St. Sydney. 93311326. lordrobertshotel.com.au

venue for a date night or a ‘bond-esque’ dangerous liaison (as do the martinis).With a soundtrack ranging from The Smiths to Jimi Hendrix and a clientele of discerning locals who know where it’s at,The Owl House always makes for a good night. Only problem is once you’ve been, you’ll want to go back again… and again. By then, they’ll know your name and your poison. Drink here at your own risk. (TN) 97 Crown St, Darlinghurst. 93575060. theowlhouse.com.au

COFFEE THE REFORMATORY CAFFEINE LAB The Reformatory is hard out one of the best coffee places around.And thankfully, you don’t actually have to commit a crime to get there – the only reforming that will happen will be to your opinion on what makes a good coffee.They don’t mess around here though, they don’t have seats – only a stand up coffee bar – but instead offer the largest variety of coffees around, with over 15 at any one time. Don’t let that scare you though, their super friendly staff are always more than happy to guide you in your caffeine experiments. (SC) 7b/17-51 Foveaux St, Surry Hills. facebook.com/thereformatory.

GREEN DRINK BONDI WHEATGRASS JUICE COMPANY Wheatgrass juice is one of the most underrated ones around; not only is it very healthy, but it tastes good – a too rare combination in this day and age. Bondi Wheatgrass is a family run business that has been supplying Sydney – cafés, juice bars and individuals – with their juice for almost two decades. Growing their own wheatgrass in a 100 per cent organic environment by the sea in the eastern suburbs’ Malabar, trays of wheatgrass are available for the DIY juicers among us, as well as juicing machines, juice shots and an assortment of skincare products and oils. (SC) 1 Ireton St, Malabar. 93941100. bondiwheatgrass.com.au

SPORTS BAR CHEERS BAR No, it’s not exactly Sam Molone’s Boston bar, where everybody knows your name. It’s Cheers Bar, Sydney, where good sports meet.And while you’re there, meeting and toasting with all the good sports, you’ll probably also realise that this is the best place to watch a game of any code in Sydney.The staff are great; the beer, cheap; the food, good; and there’re loads of TVs and a huge centrepiece screen projector.What more do you need to watch a game than a big screen, good beer, good grub and good people? Nothing. (SC) 561 George St, Sydney. 92618313. cheersbar.com.au

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 DAY OUT/NIGHT OUT

BIG SCREEN

GOOD GAMES CENTRAL In an era where freemium phone apps and Call Of Duty are considered ‘gaming’, hubs for real, hardcore gamers are few and far between. The best, however, is Good Games Central. Not only is it at an incredibly convenient location, with extended operating hours to cater for night owls and morning larks, but their wide range of products and

DARLING HARBOUR With shopping, restaurants and a harbour-side view, Darling Harbour is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day trip or a busy night out, with a plethora of activities suitable for all ages.

Treat yourself with a trip to the IMAX or experience the wax magic of Madame Tussauds. Sydney Sea Life Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife Zoo are also always a hit with the kids, but if you’re visiting at night, be sure to check out the many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. With easy access by ferry, train and bus, Darling Harbour is the perfect destination for shopping, eating and entertainment. (PG) darlingharbour.com

FREE LIVE MUSIC

COASTAL WALK

BEACH ROAD HOTEL The best place to finish up a day out at Bondi beach or start up your night of partying to some of the best live acts to pass through Sydney, Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel has something for everyone. A sports bar, live music venue, place to stay, and bottle shop in one, Beach Road’s three huge nights of live music – Sosueme on Wednesday, the Filth on Friday and Yours on Saturday – have featured the likes of Gang Of Youths, Hot Dub Time Machine and Alpine, all 100 per cent free. Plus there’s always a great party vibe and friendly local service – a guaranteed good time. (SC) 71 Beach Rd, Bondi.

91307247. beachroadbondi.com.au

BONDI TO COOGEE Six kilometres of the most stunning views of beaches, parks, cliffs and bays that Sydney has to offer, the Bondi to Coogee walk is so loved that it even has it’s own website. The medium grade walk takes around two hours but there are plenty of places to rest along the way, and you don’t even need to do the whole walk to witness the beauty of Sydney’s east coast. Passing by Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly beaches, surf-lovers and ambitious walkers can continue through Coogee to surf beach Maroubra – though beware, it takes an extra hour at least. Those lucky enough to be around through spring also need to check out Sculpture By The Sea, where countless sculptures from some of the most talented artists are erected between Bondi and Tamarama. (SC) bonditocoogeewalk.com.au

IMAX THEATRE SYDNEY Having the largest movie screen in the world is a selling point in and of itself, but IMAX Sydney goes beyond this to truly grab your senses. With a screen that’s bigger than your field of view, you’re no longer observing the action, rather, you’re right there with it. Add loud, surround sound to the mix, and you’re in for a one helluva ride. Truly the best way to catch something on the ‘big screen’. (SC) 31 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour. 92131600. imax.com.au

GAMES STORE

Bondi To Coogee Image: Daniel Lerps

GAMING CAFÉ LEGEND CYBER CAFÉ Gaming-wise, cyber café’s tend to be very hit-ormiss. We’re talking quality of hardware, selection of games, regular customers and overall atmosphere.

Well, Legend Cyber Café in the city really sets the standard for what constitutes as a ‘hit’. They regularly host tournaments and events with some of Sydney’s most serious members of the gaming community, they have fast internet, DPI adjustable mouses and headsets, plus they have ten BenQ 120Hz gaming monitors (and that means ten more than most places). So if you’re after a good and proper gaming experience with the best, be sure to hit up Legend Cyber Café. (SC) 505 George St, Sydney. 80343201. facebook.com/legendcybercafe

BOUTIQUE CINEMA RITZ CINEMA In the heart of the eastern suburbs, the Ritz Cinema is a family owned and independent tribute to Australia’s rich cinema history. Built in 1937 as one of the country’s premiere movie theatres, they’re now one of only two original Art Deco Cinemas remaining in Sydney. Fully licenced (meaning you get to take your drink into the cinema while you watch the film), and with $8 Tuesdays, it’s a favourite of locals and out-of-towners alike. So whether you’re a real film buff or just having a night out, the Ritz is a fine choice. (SC) 45 St Pauls St, Randwick. 83242500. ritzcinema.com.au

friendly staff ensure your time there is always well spent. They also host countless tournaments and events, and have the room for you to play whatever game you’re into. So whether the name of your game is Yugioh or Warhammer, be sure to check out Good Games. (SC) Lvl 1/ 857 George St, Sydney.

92811760. goodgames.com.au

Tali Gallery Image:Tjarjirli Rockhole by Tjawina Porter

INDIGENOUS ART GALLERY TALI GALLERY Tali Gallery in Rozelle is a multi award-winning gallery that exhibits some simply amazing Aboriginal art, artefacts, crafts and gifts, all ethically sourced from Aboriginal owned community art centres and independent artists from all over Australia. They also boast a super friendly and helpful team, with staff working hard to create personalised services for buyers.

In addition to the art, Tali also raises funds for Indigenous scholarships, literacy and health, and is involved with a variety of educational programs and exhibitions aimed at raising awareness and understanding of the beautiful, countless cultures of Australia’s First People. (SC) 667 Darling St, Rozelle. 95556555. taligallery.com.au

HIP HOP VENUE PLAY BAR With increasingly strict lockout laws and federal arts cuts to boot, Sydney is city on the brink of cultural decay. Enter Surry Hills’ Play Bar, however, which might not fix the problem, but at least adds a touch of flavour with some quality live music. Or should I say, several flavours – with a myriad of plain old good music going down under their roof, from afrobeat, beat box championships and hip hop, to funk, soul, reggae, DnB, and much more – plus a genuine devotion to spinning actual vinyl records.

Add a filling Southern Americana menu to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect space for lovers of music, the arts, and a damn good time. (SC) 72 Campbell St, Surry Hills. 92800885. playbar.com.au

JAZZ VENUE VENUE 505 Ten years ago, Kerri Glasscock and Cameron Undy opened an underground performance

space for contemporary artists to present original works to new and dedicated audiences.

Ten years on, and 505 lends its name to not one but two performances spaces across town – with the launch of the 505 Theatre in 2011 (which moves to Newtown in September!) – offering independent artists even more space to shine.

The Surry Hills incarnation,Venue 505, has garnered a growing reputation for presenting some excellent live music, six nights a week – not just jazz (but a lot of jazz). (SC) 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills. venue505.com

MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY SQUABBALOGIC Musical theatre is a sadly underrated art, in this day and age more than ever. Thankfully those guys at Squabbalogic work hard to give musicals the relevance and reputation they deserve.

Since their inception in 2006, the team at Squabbalogic have brought their brand of heavily experimental, sometimes confrontational and definitely new and exciting musical theatre to stages across Sydney, and kept audiences coming back with their community-centric nature and hilarious shows. While the ‘golden age’ of musical theatre may be over, lets see if the guys behind the likes of Triassic Parq can’t convert you to the Gilbert and Sullivan side of life. (SC) squabbalogic.com.au 25

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 PERFORMANCE SPACE

Ballast Point Park Image: Jason McDermott

PLAY THE MUSICIAN’S MUSINGS MONTAIGNE Jess Cerro AKA Montaigne is doing incredible things for someone her age. She first caught everyone’s attention as a finalist in triple j Unearthed High back in 2012 before taking a break to finish her HSC. After the critical and commercial successes of her debut EP Life Of Montaigne and singles ‘I Am Not An End’ and ‘I’m A Fantastic Wreck’ in 2014, she would continue on to support the likes of Megan Washington and San Cisco before embarking on a headline tour earlier this year.

Despite a clearly very busy schedule, she still finds time for some quality live music here in Sydney. montaignemusic.com.au Montaigne’s Live Venue Pick: The Metro Theatre I love the Metro Theatre for nostalgic and functional reasons – it was the first venue I ever played live, thus it’s most familiar to me; the stage is a comfortably large size; the room layout allows for a reasonable vantage point wherever you stand; and lastly, it has ~vibe~, especially for a venue of that size.

624 George St, Sydney. 95503666. metrotheatre. com.au

CITY RECITAL HALL ANGEL PLACE In 1999, the City Recital Hall was created as Sydney’s only purpose built performance space, with a unique design that focused on acoustics to enhance the sounds that would be made inside of it. Today, it remains a world-class performance space, and has hosted some of the best local and international artists over the past 16 years. With a rich program of events, from symphony orchestras and opera to jazz, world music and even festivals, the beautiful architecture and focus on sound quality truly make the City Recital Hall a performance space worth seeking out. (SC). 2-12 Angel Pl, Sydney.

82562222. cityrecitalhall.com

PARK BALLAST POINT PARK Ballast Point Park is the perfect marriage of modern architecture and green spaces. Situated in Birchgrove, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the park combines texture, creativity and modernity in a notoriously old suburb. The meticulous attention to urban design is present in the extensive multi-leveled areas, which create a sense of space without compromising on cohesion as each area ties in closely with the next. This unique public space makes clever use of recycled material, restoring its formally redundant purpose by injecting contemporary, industrial elements. (PG) Ballast Point Rd, Birchgrove. leichhardt.nsw.gov.au.

THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEYMOUR CENTRE Deep in the heart of University of Sydney territory, but before you get to Hermann’s, lies the Seymour Centre, a performing arts centre and champion of cultural exploration, arts education and audience experience.

Presenting a range of material, from festivals and live music to theatre, dancing and more, they also boast some excellent resident theatre companies – the most recently added being Sport For Jove, as well as SIMA, Critical Stages and Shaun Parker & co. With a rich 40-year history, the Seymour Centre is truly a place to get your required dose of culture. (SC) Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale. 93517940. seymourcentre.com

CANTERBURY OLYMPIC ICE RINK

Skate with the best keep cool and learn to skate during July School holiday dates: September 21 – 25, September 28 – 30 October 1 – 2

14 DAYS FOR $14 + FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT (VALUED AT $67)

*Offer valid for first time members who are local residents 18 years and older only.

Not valid with any other offers. The offer is not redeemable for cash.Terms and conditions apply, see Anytime Fitness Glebe, only valid at the club listed in this ad.

Offer expires September 30 2015

10.00am – 11.00am Cost is $23.00 per skater which includes 1 hour group class and Public Skating until 12.30pm inclusive.

Make sure you have your skates on ready to go as classes start strictly at 10.00am.

No booking required.

Public Skating sessions: 11.00am – 12.30pm, 1.00pm – 3.00pm

PHILLIPS AVE, TASKER PARK, CANTERBURY www.canterburyicerink.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 PLACE TO GET YOUR SKATES ON CANTERBURY OLYMPIC ICE RINK 44 years ago, the guys over at the Canterbury Ice Rink noticed something distinctly lacking from the Australian climate – ice. Ignoring the ridiculous Down Under weather, they created Australia’s oldest ice rink, which today maintains its reputation as the friendliest, best-valued ice rink in Sydney. Catering for everyone from brave newbies to the future Olympians, they offer a world class Skate School program, as well as the usual public sessions, ice hockey and, of course, a Friday night disco. So if you’re looking for a place to get your skates on, look no further than the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink (SC).

17a Phillips Ave, Canterbury. 97894244. canterburyicerink.com.au

PLACE TO PLAY POOL CITYHEROES POOL AND BILLIARDS CityHeroes is a fun mix of sport and entertainment located right in the heart of Sydney.While it focuses on pool and billiards (on an actual billiards table, not the $2, red-and-yellow-ball pub standard), there is also a variety of other old school sports-meetentertainment activities, such as darts, mah-jong and pinball.Yep, pinball.Awesome.The team have also won several awards and host more than 250 competitions a year, including state and national championships.

Definitely a place for some good, old-fashioned fun.

(SC) 505 George St, Sydney. 80343201. facebook.com/ cityheroesentertainment

WALK BRADLEYS HEAD TO CHOWDER BAY If weaving your way through native bushland and enjoying panoramic views of Sydney Harbour sounds like your perfect weekend, then the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk is the one for you. You might even spot a few scurrying lizards, birdlife and butterflies – just to name a few.The 5km trail is perfect for a brisk morning jog or a slow afternoon stroll, with beaches, lookouts and even a cafe along the way for visitors to enjoy. This area is the perfect tranquil escape if you are looking for a little piece of bushland in the bustle of the city. (PG) Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

THEATRE SMALL CLUB GOODGOD SMALL CLUB Goodgod Small Club, on Chinatown’s Liverpool Street, is a mighty good place to catch both local and international emerging artists and industry heavyweights. Tucked away at the back is the Dancetaria, a mini-venue with its own bar, stage and elevated space for audiences, within one of Sydney’s most intimate settings. Goodgod’s ability to attract cutting-edge artists and host some of the most sought after and secretive shows, demonstrate the lure it has on music lovers, and helps cement its position as one of Sydney’s best music venues. Alongside great live music acts, quality DJs can be found every other night of the week, playing everything from Jamaican dancehall reggae to ‘80s funk and R&B. (ST) 53-55 Liverpool St, Sydney. 80840587. goodgodgoodgod.com

OLD 505 THEATRE The Old 505 Theatre is Sydney’s most beloved artist run theatre. Having run in a warehouse space in Surry Hills for the past decade, this year the Old 505 Theatre now moves (as of September) to a new custom built 70-seat space, with an internal cocktail lounge in a beautiful Edwardian ballroom, right in the heart of Newtown.They present a MainStage subscription season and a Freshworks season of emerging artists and companies annually. (MT) 5 Eliza St, Newtown. old505theatre.com

RECORD STORE & VENUE THE RECORD CRATE The Record Crate is a unique record store located on Glebe Point road that also acts as a bar, restaurant and small live music venue. It’s set against a backdrop of red velvet curtains, Persian rugs and band poster wallpaper, giving it retro, laid back vibe. But beyond this is the small upstairs space that functions as a music

TOURING THEATRE COMPANY MONKEY BAA Monkey Baa is a theatre company that has earned a reputation for creating relevant, thought provoking and generally outstanding theatre over its soon-to-be 20-year history. Having performed pretty much everywhere there is to perform across the country – from cities to rural towns to remote Australia – they want to share unique Aussie stories with young audiences; to keep the heart of theatre alive. Now residing at the Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre, the Monkey’s have brought over 2,000 performances to life and run over 5,000 workshops for thespians and theatre-lovers alike.There’s always something on – on the road and at their resident theatre – so be sure to check them out. (SC) monkeybaa. com.au

venue, where audiences can intimately interact with the bands that perform each weekend. Oh yeah, and there’s a beer garden out back – be sure to try the Crate burger with shoestring fries. (ST) 34 Glebe Point Rd. 96601075. recordcrate.com.au

CASINO THE STAR Far more than simply a casino,The Star (née Star City) is an entertainment precinct that provides a touch of class and luxury to Sydney. Located on the shores of Pyrmont with some stunning harbour and city views,The Star boasts a range of restaurants and eateries from award­winning chefs, five star accommodation, and luxury and designer retail outlets. But that’s not all – their entertainment ranges from one of Sydney’s hottest nightclubs, Marquee, to their venues that host everything from comedy to musicals to the ARIA awards. And of course, The Star has a world­class casino with a variety of games, good drinks and a staff that make you feel like a king. (SC) 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont. 97779000. star.com.au

VENUE VIBE CAMELOT LOUNGE Vibes maketh the venue, and the vibe is what keeps the punters at Camelot Lounge coming back. Well, that and the insanely good live music and arts that happen almost every night across the two stages. Deep in the heart of industrial Marrickville, and with a run-down warehouse exterior, Camelot Lounge (and their downstairs Django Bar) is all about inclusiveness, friendliness and good times. Their family friendly mantra sees young and old dancing and being dazzled by the countless performances that range from live jazz and world music to stand up comedy, magic and burlesque. (SC) 19 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville. 95503777. camelotlounge.wordpress.com

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Telstra Store Broadway Broadway Shopping Centre, Level 1, next to Harvey Norman, 1 Bay Street, Broadway NSW 02 9280 4011 Next to Harvey Norman PROMOTER IS TELSTRA STORE BROADWAY TRADING AS TELSTRA STORE BROADWAY (ABN 90 003 730 112). TELSTRA CORPORATION (ABN 33 051 775 556) IS IN NO WAY INVOLVED OR LIABLE FOR THIS PROMOTION/OFFER. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: For new customers only, if you cancel early the remaining handset payments will be higher as you’ll no longer receive a discount to offset the handset cost. Extra Data: Extra Data is automatically added when you exceed your monthly data allowance. Charges apply for excluded usage (including content charges and use while overseas). Unused data expires monthly. Universal Visa Gift Card: Customers will receive $50 Universal Visa Gift Card at time of purchase. Limit of one Gift Card per customer. The Universal Visa Gift Card is issued by Heritage Bank Limited (ABN 32 087 652 02) and terms and conditions apply, visit https://universalgiftcard.com.au. VISA is a registered trademark of Visa International, Inc. The spectrum device and TM are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited, ABN 33 051 775 556.

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 but raw chocolate ain’t one of them) – before all their products are hand made in store, all natural, nothing artificial.With over 200 products in store and a variety of vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options, you’ll definitely find something you like (SC).

5/147 William St, Darlinghurst / 281 Clarence St, Sydney.

93318818. kakawachocolates.com.au

PLACE TO GET ON YOUR BIKE

HOMEWARES ANNANDALE INTERIORS Adding a touch of class to interiors around the city are the guys at Annandale Interiors, and they’ve been doing so for over 30 years.The family-run, locally owned and operated business boasts one of the finest collections of furniture and homewares in the country, but also offer custom-designed and custommade furniture. Oh yeah, and they do home and office visits (to check out your space) and free quotes – an all too helpful service for the less stylistically inclined among us. If you want your interior space to reflect you while looking stylish, look no further than Annandale Interiors. (SC) 38-42 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore. 95651275. annandaleinteriors.com.au

CELL BIKES Over the past 13 years, Cell Bikes has garnered a reputation across the inner west, and indeed all of Sydney, for their commitment to service, value and quality bikes.And while it’s certainly grown from the one-man Rockdale shop it was in 2002, the local business has truly lived up to it’s original mission statement of bringing affordable bikes to the Aussie public while providing a friendly environment for customers to feel at home.With a myriad of different brands and accessories, and also Cell Bikes’ own brand, designed in house by Dave Musgrove, they don’t come any better than Cell. (SC) 148 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore. 95651899 / 91465385. cellbikes.com.au

CUPCAKES BLACK VELVET SYDNEY Black Velvet Sydney may have some outstanding cupcakes, but it’s far more than a run-of-the-mill cupcake shop. If anything,‘designer concept store that also sells cupcakes’ is a more appropriate label.With a background in interior design, owner Orlando Sanpo was always going to make Black Velvet a stylish affair, and he’s succeeded with the slick black-and-white interior working to highlight the beautifully elegant displays of cupcakes. Displays of cupcakes with over 100 rotating flavours that range from lemon vodka to salted caramel to hot dog. Black Velvet truly is a place dedicated not only to the taste, but the art of cupcake making – the perfect place to plan dessert for your next big function… or just for an overindulgent snack. (SC) 3a/110 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst. 93318183. bvlifestyle.com

CHOCOLATE SHOP KAKAWA CHOCOLATES Kakawa Chocolates is an artisan chocolate shop that specialises in handmade, fresh chocolates, and they’re damn good.That means they use only the best couverture from France, Switzerland and Belgium (let’s be honest,Australia has many talents,

WEEKEND MARKET BONDI MARKETS Ah, the Sunday markets – there’s really no better way to spend the latter half of your weekend than poking around them, drinking in the festive atmosphere, munching on snags or the wide range of multicultural feeds at various stalls and scoring a few fashionable bargains. And there’s no better place to do so than next to Sydney’s most iconic beach, Bondi. Based at Bondi Beach Public School, the Bondi Markets have drawn crowds from all around Sydney for over 20 years, providing everything from original designer, imported and vintage clothes to handmade jewellery, arts and crafts, furniture and more. Be sure to get down to the beach when you’re done to really make the most of your Sunday Funday. (SC) Campbell Pde, Bondi. 93157011. bondimarkets.com.au

SHOP THE SPORTSMAN’S SELECTION JULIAN KHAZZOUH Sydney Kings centre and local legend Julian Khazzouh is a big man doing big things.

He’s just been re-signed to the Kings for the 2015/16 NBL season, having played for them back when they reformed in 2010, and earned All-NBL First Team honours in 2011 and 2012. He would go on to have a stint with the LA Lakers’ Summer League before playing in Poland and then Lebanon – a real globetrotter. Measuring an incredible 209cm, it’s interesting to imagine what his shoe shopping experiences are like.

Julian’s Shoe Store Pick: Town Hall Footlocker My favourite place to get shoes is the Town Hall Footlocker. They have a good range of basketball shoes and if I’m going to be able to find shoes in my size, they are usually able to help me out! 247 Pitt St, Sydney. 82622600. footlocker.com.au

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 BOOK SHOP HILL OF CONTENT Tucked away in the charming village of Balmain lies Hill of Content, a quirky bookshop that offers a unique and intimate book-browsing experience unlike any other.True to its name, this store will leave you more than satisfied with its cosy atmosphere and extensive selection of content. From audio books and DVDs to children’s books and CDs, the Hill’s terrific range will meet all of your reading needs, complete with friendly service, knowledgeable staff and complimentary gift-wrapping – a pleasure for bookworms of all ages. (PG) 275 Darling St, Balmain.

95556055. hillofcontentbooks.com.au

STYLE CULTURE KINGS Culture Kings is a world famous icon of Australian streetwear. But they’re more than simply a retailer, they are indeed tastemakers and have seen instore visits from the likes of A$AP Rocky, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tyler,The Creator, to name a few. Based in the heart of Sydney, they have an extensive range of the latest and greatest streetwear, and have a reputation for stocking those hard-to-find items. But not only do they have the best gear, the venue itself is an experience – from the live in-store DJ to the mirrored walls to the barber that they run on the side.Truly the kings of Sydney’s street culture. (RH) 420 George St, Sydney. 92320473. culturekings.com.au

SECOND HAND BOOKS GOULD’S BOOK ARCADE Gould’s Book Arcade is an iconic second hand bookstore that specialises in out of print books and publishers remainders from the last 30 years. Gould’s hosts the broadest collection of left-wing political books, as well as extensive collections in all other areas.The business itself is local and family run, and also boasts a large array of vinyl, CDs, DVDs and comics.

Literally thousands of books line the shelves of the store, creating a maze for readers to get lost in. (MT) 32 King Street, Newtown. 95198947. gouldsbooks.com.au

all staff have an extensive knowledge of music, from classical to metal and everything in between.With such a wide range of rare and new vinyl releases and imports and an eager staff who go above and beyond, Red Eye is a great place to grab your next record. (ST) 143 York St, Sydney. 92677440. redeye.com.au

VINTAGE THREADS MISS BROWN VINTAGE Although searching through endless racks and stores for the perfect vintage find can be arduous, Miss Brown Vintage makes shopping for retro bargains easy.

The immaculately sorted and colour coded racks of vintage denim, remodified vintage fashions and on trend pieces from the ‘50s through ’90s, make up the store’s extensive range of worldwide sourced vintage clothing. Located on Surry Hills’ Crown Street, Miss Brown has been in operation for almost a decade and caters not only to the seasoned vintage lover, but also to those searching for a unique vintage staple item – think denim jackets or leather skirts. Miss Brown is a must for anyone seeking an individual and quirky vintage addition to their wardrobe. (ST) 332 Crown St. Surry Hills. missbrownintage.com

HEALTH FOOD STORE

CAT SANCTUARY & OP SHOP

TASTE ORGANIC Finding the good organic products you want, all in the same place, isn’t the easiest thing to do in Sydney.

You won’t have this issue at Crowie’s Taste Organic however – this one-stop shop has an incredibly large range of certified organic produce and groceries, and everything from health foods to natural beauty and lifestyle products.Throw in a friendly and helpful staff, who are always on hand to help you get the goods, some free customer parking, and some real good savings to the mix, and you’ve found yourself a gem of a health food store. (SC) 25 Falcon St, Crows Nest.

94375933. tasteorganic.com.au

CAT PROTECTION SOCIETY There’s no denial of the cultural significance and universal love of cats today – think online viral cat videos or even Channel 7’s new primetime show, Cats MakeYou Laugh Out Loud. Sadly, not every cat has a loving home to go to and stray cats are still an unfortunate reality around town.Thankfully a group in Newtown – the Cat Protection Society – have dedicated themselves to reducing the numbers by desexing and sourcing homes for strays.The no-kill shelter works actively with the community to improve cat welfare and educate around responsible cat care.And you don’t necessarily need to adopt a cat to help, the team also run a quality op shop that helps raise funds for their cat welfare programs. (SC) 103 Enmore Rd, Newtown (Office) / 85 Enmore Rd, Newtown (Op Shop). 95197201 / 95162072. catprotection.org.au

VINTAGE-INSPIRED FASHION

ANTIQUES

KITTEN D’AMOUR Tucked away inside the depths of the Queen Victoria Building, this little gem of a boutique takes a step back in time to 18th century France, offering a unique range of vintage-inspired clothing and lingerie. Feminine hearts will be set aflutter by Kitten D’Amour’s oh-so-elegant designs, which borrow from the Parisian chic of yesteryear in a creative 21st century reimagining.

Pearls, lace and frills abound in a sartorial collection that walks the line between sultry and demure. Sure to capture the fancy of retro fashion enthusiasts, Kitten D’Amour will leave every lady feeling à la mode. (JL) 33/455 George St, Sydney. 82830856. kittendamour.com

MITCHELL ROAD ANTIQUE & DESIGN CENTRE In the heart of Alexandria lies an astoundingly large warehouse – we’re talking 2,300 square metres – packed with traders, hobbyists, collectors, stylists, dealers and stalls selling a huge range of preloved items. Mitchell Road is renowned among bargain hunters across the city and is even home to Adam McDonald and Lucas Callaghan from the Aussie Pickers – the reality series that aired on A&E. If you’re looking for anything from furniture and lighting to toys and collectables to fashion, jewellry and even theatre props, Mitchell Road will have you sorted. (SC) 17 Bourke Rd, Alexandria. 96980907.

STATIONARY KIKKI.K When it comes to getting organised in style, Swedish stationery brand kikki.K has you covered.

The trademark Scandinavian aesthetic is evident in their range of notebooks, diaries, stationery and gifts, which practically ooze simplicity and effortless sophistication. Make your desk the envy of your co-workers with an elegant patterned notebook or a mug adorned with a motivational saying that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.And their storage solutions will have even the messiest of people organised in no time. (JL) 96456346. kikki-k.com

RECORD STORE RED EYE RECORDS Red Eye Records, located on York Street, is an audiophile’s paradise. Having become Australia’s largest independent record store since its establishment in 1981, Red Eye has been praised by some of music’s best, with the likes of Mark Ronson labelling the store a favourite.The store’s ambience is old school and

SUPERMARKET BANANA JOE’S FOODWORKS With a name like Banana Joe’s, there is almost no surprise that this is indeed a community­ focused store. And Joe’s does so by supporting and sponsoring things such as local charities and schools. Founded in 1984, the busiest independent supermarket in the state offers over 15,000 lines of products – with a noteworthy focus on organic products – all for considerably low prices that match the major chains. A staple stop for Marrickville locals, but servicing the entire inner west and beyond, shopping at Banana Joe’s is a great way to support independent grocers and the local community while enjoying some good old fashioned local s­ tyle customer service.

(SC) 258 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville. 95597064. bananajoesfoodworks.com.au

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SHOPPING CENTRE

ORGANIC GROCER WHOLEFOODS HOUSE With a passion for great food and sustainable farming, Wholefoods House offers fresh organic produce at reasonable prices.The staff are always smiling and are always on hand to talk to you about their fantastic products.They support local, ethical and artisan producers and smaller businesses, all while delivering only the best products to their customers. (MT) 3/9 Danks St,Waterloo. 93194459. wholefoodshouse.com.au

BROADWAY There’s a common misconception that good shopping centres are big shopping centres.While big may mean lots of shops, it also means crowds, lines, and nightmare experiences trying to find your car. No, the best shopping centres are ones that have everything you need and a great atmosphere, but you can still remember your way around. Broadway is the token example of such a place – it’s conveniently located in the central park area of the city, they have free and easy two hour parking, and they have an extensive enough variety of shops that you know you’ll find what you need. Oh yeah, and they have a sweet food court and cinema, the perfect shopping trip. (SC) 1 Bay St, Broadway. 92133333. broadway.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 ELECTRICIAN

PHONE SHOP

DAVID JONES ELECTRICIANS ‘David Jones’ seems to be a name synonymous with success and power – think evil pirate god­kings, Monkees frontmen or chain department stores. Well David Jones the electrician lives up to his namesake. Along with his team of highly experienced sparkies, Jones has built a strong reputation for promptness, reliability and overall friendliness.

The team also do a 24 h­ our emergency service. So whether you’re a strata manager, handyman, developer or homeowner, David Jones is the guy for you. (SC) 66 Brocks Ln, Newtown. 1300353532. djelectricians.com.au

TELSTRA SHOP BROADWAY With the amount of smart products being churned out into the market today, having someone there to guide and advise you before letting you have a test drive is the best way to buy a phone.Telstra Shop Broadway, however, has a super friendly team that does just that. As well as providing insight on the ins and outs of your device and applications, the guys at Telstra Broadway are incredibly up­to ­date with the newest upgrades and technologies.

Whether you’re after the best and latest phone plan or just a prepaid to get the job done,Telstra Shop Broadway and their lovely staff will make sure you get the goods. (SC) 11a /1 Bay St, Broadway. 92804011. telstra.com.au

FLORAL STYLIST SINEAD AMBROSE Planting seeds in an industry flourishing with floral talent, this blossoming young flower stylist has already teamed up to take over petal-duties at the highly anticipated Silvereye restaurant and ultra-chic new Clare Hotel, among others. Stemming from a parallel career in interior styling, Sinead Ambrose breathes new life into any event or place of business, complete with the sights and smells you might expect from such a flowery footprint. One must always trust a floral stylist whose name contains a rose, and that which we call Sinead Ambrose, by any other name would smell as sweet. Did I mention she does flowers? (TN) sineadambrose.com

HAIRCUT COSMETIC TATTOOIST LITA BROW BOUTIQUE Everyone knows the eyebrows are the windows to the soul.As I’m sure many of you believe you have a soul, it’s often best to keep those windows polished.

If yours are lacking, you may like to visit Lita Brow Boutique for a more… *ahem* permanent solution.

Darlinghurst socialite and industry leader Lita Stathis has been shaping and tattooing the eyebrows of Sydney-siders longer than an eyelash implant, and is the proprietor of the go-to boutique for discerning vanity-junkies. No longer will your subtle facial expressions mask your true feelings about contentious conversation topics – let your face do the talking. (TN) 2/246 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. 93324825. eyebrowssydney.com.au

OLD SPORT BARBER SHOP The Old Sport Barber Shop may have only just turned a year old, but it has already provided plenty of stand-out haircuts and beard designs that showcase their staffs’ exceptional technique and attention-to-detail.

And design seems to be the name of the game – its logo was designed by the same studio as The Great Gatsby, from where Old Sport’s name derives. Director and manager Sasi Kredi believes in having the best quality products, barbers, design and service.

“Everything is to perfection,” he says. Relaxing perfection that is, with their use of essential oils and warm towels to keep you lulled.

(JC) 274 Victoria St, Darlinghurst. 93586888. oldsport.com.au

HAIR STYLIST SIMON BRIGHT SALON Tucked away behind the bustle of Oxford street, a humble yet stylish shop front sets the stage for some of Sydney’s trendiest hairdos, set to an almost endless supply of Madonna hits – Simon Bright Salon. British born Simon Bright and local lass Rhiannon Dimaria take scissors to the heads of some of Sydney’s biggest names, and their work often features in glam mags and social rags. With an extensive résumé of awards and enough sass to fill a Mean Girls online fan forum, make Simon Bright Salon your next stop after breaking up with whoever-the-hell-you’re-dating-now.

(TN) 180 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst. 93604877. simonbrightsalon.com

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BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 EDUCATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC COLLEGE Getting an education is harder than it seems – balancing study, classes and assessments with day-to-day life is no easy task.And it’s even harder when you’re an international student in a foreign land trying to get qualified. Enter the Australian Pacific College, whose entire purpose is to provide pathway education for international students to move towards their further study, life and career goals.Their high quality and affordable courses range from English to IT to marketing, from certificates to advanced diplomas. If you want to get qualified in an inclusive and supportive environment, then you’ve found the right place in the Australian Pacific College. (SC) 189 Kent St. Sydney.

92517000. apc.edu.au

PLACE TO GET FIT

DENTIST

BARBER

ANYTIME FITNESS GLEBE One of the major things that gets in the way of trying to get fit is a lack of time.The combination of an individual’s busy life and the busy life of a personal trainer or gym staff.The solution? Anytime Fitness Glebe, who literally give you the key for 24-hour access to their quality facilities. Combine that with their central Glebe Point road location, and there’s no excuses to hold you back from your fitness fantasies. (SC) 1-9 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. 95719873. anytimefitness.com.au

ADVANCED DENTAL SERVICES Going to the dentist can be a painful process to say the least. Especially if you eat as much sugar as this writer does.Those guys at Edgecliffe’s Advanced Dental Services, however, go out of their way to provide quality care and service to make it as painless as possible. Covering all forms of dental treatment – family, implants, braces, invisalign, teeth replacements, snap on smiles and even cosmetic dentistry – the hardworking and experienced Dr. Hayek and Dr. Moses will make it an (almost) pleasant experience.Throw in a pretty, modern interior to wait in (though never for long) and a relaxing atmosphere, and you’ve found a real winner of a practice. (SC) 5/201 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff.

93281423. advanceddentalservices.com.au

CHOPS ‘N CHARLIE Chops ‘N Charlie is a is an award­winning boutique barbershop and a tribute to the traditional, old school salons. Specialising in men’s grooming – specifically cutthroat shaves and styling cuts – Charlie’s skilled barbers will ensure you always leave with the perfect trim.With super friendly staff and a reputation for offering beer on arrival, be sure to stop by for your next stylish cut or traditional shave. (SC) 6 Stanley St, Sydney. 80659910. chopsncharlie.com

CAR DEALERSHIP

CREATIVE COURSE

PLACE TO GET PRINTED

DAY SPA

IS PRINT Printing everything from business cards to outof-home signage, IS Print is a one-stop print shop. With a team recognised for their services across town, their products are always beautifully finished and coated with protective layers, and the latest technology is used for even the smallest of jobs.Their unrivalled efficiency and quality have kept clients coming back again and again, and their friendly service and great rates make them a pleasure to work with. If you have a print job coming up, big or small, IS Print will have you covered. (SC) 44-54 Botany Rd,Alexandria.

1300027563. isprint.com.au

NATURE’S ENERGY NATURAL THERAPY AND DAY SPA CENTERS With three convenient locations across town – in Balmain, Glebe and Newtown respectively – a centralised booking service and seven d ­ ay opening hours, never before has it been so easy to pamper yourself, all thanks to Nature’s Energy.With over 50 qualified and passionate therapists who cater for individuals or large groups (a hen’s delight), there’re plenty of different therapies to suit all. So if you’re feeling tired and run down, or if you just want to relax in a healthy and comfortable environment, Nature’s Energy will hit the spot. (SC) 105 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe / 312 Darling St, Balmain / 207 King St, Newtown. 95555533. naturesenergy.com.au

SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA One-stop-car-shop Sydney City Toyota has everything a dealership needs – a huge stock allocation to get you the vehicle you want ASAP, along with certified used cars, parts and a service centre. But what makes it next-level good is the fact that they boast the sort of team that works tirelessly for all the little things – we’re talking stuff like a free bronze car wash and vacuum with service, ensuring your new car has a full tank, free wifi and refreshments, a courtesy bus to the CBD and a super friendly team that is actively involved in the broader community.And while the big things will satisfy you, it’s the little things that will ensure you leave with a smile. (SC) 824 Bourke St, Waterloo / 36-38 Parramatta Rd, Glebe. 96909999. sydneycitytoyota.com.au

AUSTRALIAN FILM, TELEVISION AND RADIO SCHOOL Set up by the Federal Government over 40 years ago, AFTRS is the one-stop-shop for creatives wanting to break into the industry.

Their reputation for quality courses, which range from bachelors degrees to industryfocused diplomas and short courses, exists around the world.They also boast a long list of notable alumni including Alex Proyas (dir.

I, Robot), Gillian Armstrong (dir. Little Woman) and Chris Noonan (dir. Babe).With unrivalled facilities and gear, and teaching staff with deep connections to the industry, there is no better place to learn or network in the creative and broadcast industries than at AFTRS. (SC) Building 130, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.

98056611. aftrs.edu.au

HEALTHCARE TUTORS NumberWorks’n’Words Image: Michael Coghlan

NUMBERWORKS‘N’WORDS NumberWorks’n’Words is an after­school tuition provider that has helped literally thousands of students with their schooling over its long 30­year existence. Focusing on maths and English, tuition is tailored to the individual needs of children using curriculum ­based programs, and is available for all kids aged five to 16.With centres all over Sydney – from the northern beaches and north shore to the inner west, eastern and southern suburbs – there’s never been a more convenient way for children to see a tutor close to home and school, all in a fun and friendly way. (SC) 13003862665. numberworks.com.au

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RECORD LABEL RICE IS NICE There’s a small but lucky collection of Sydney artists, yet to achieve mainstream success, who are supported by indie record label Rice Is Nice. Formed in 2008, head-honcho Julia Wilson has succeeded in forming a tight-knit circle of frequent collaborators who aren’t bound by a single genre.The Laurels, Straight Arrows, SPOD, Richard In Your Mind and Seekae are the few you may have heard of, but Wilson doesn’t skimp on quality. Starting out in a record store and as a music photographer,Wilson has now had ten years in the industry, and it has helped her build one of Sydney’s most reputable independent labels. (EK) riceisnice.net

BROADWAY HEALTHCARE When looking after your health often requires visits to several practitioners with different skillsets, having them all in the same convenient location makes it easier and more pleasant for everyone. And that’s the fresh approach taken

by Broadway Healthcare, which houses not one, not two, but seven exceptional practises – including Broadway General Practice, Dental Connect, Laverty Pathology, Fresh Therapeutics Compounding Pharmacy, Eyecare Plus and the Diabetes Australia Centre. Avoid the hassle of running around to different places to look after yourself, get them all in one central location at Broadway Healthcare. (SC) Lvl 1/1 Bay St, Ultimo.

92815085. broadwayhealthcare.com.au

BEST OF SYDNEY 2015 MECHANIC MIKE CONNOLLY AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING ZETLAND Who do you entrust your beloved vehicle to?

A good mechanic is a person to cherish. Mike Connolly is my man. He and his team of hardcore car enthusiasts have been servicing and repairing the cars of inner east locals and loyal out-of-towners for upwards of 30 years.

An easy going, no problems kind of guy, Mike and his wife run this family business. Why go to a faceless chain where you have no idea who will work on your vehicle? I mean I really shouldn’t be telling you this, if I have trouble making a time to book in my Jeep for service I’ll blame you! (CP) 801 Elizabeth St, Zetland.

93191180. car-services-zetland.servauto.com.au

SHORT COURSE LEARNING CITY EAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Want to brush up some old forgotten skills?

Get a qualification for work? Maybe even learn a new hobby? Then short course learning is just down your alley, and City East Community College, the solution to your problem. Based in Bondi Junction, City East CC offers short courses that range from their ‘One Day Wonders’ to 20-week, nationally recognised accreditations. With such a diverse range of subject matter as music, design, illustration, IT, business and languages, there’s something to interest everyone, so why not give it a try? (SC) 98 Bondi Rd, Bondi Junction. 93877400. cityeastcc. com.au

CREATIVE SPACE WORK­SHOP Work­Shop is the home of Australia’s most unique creative community classes. They offer fun, affordable and ridiculously diverse short courses in arts, crafts and life skills. Classes range from street art and tattoo illustration to ukulele, herb growing and cocktail mixology.

Work­Shop will enable you to broaden your creative horizons and unleash your inner awesome by picking up that pen, paintbrush, hammer or sewing machine and flicking the switch that will kick start a whole new way of life. (MT) Cnr Cleveland & Eveleigh St, Redfern.

0417557321. work­shop.com.au

TATTOOS LDF TATTOO Considering Sydney’s size, it’s impressive that we have a small collection of tattoo shops with international respect. One of those is LDF Tattoo, which boasts a team of world-class artists, each unique in style and with extensive portfolios. Founder Les Brown set a small studio in Marrickville in 2006, continuing the quality custom tattooing traditions his father began in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley back in 1959. Now with two stores – Newtown and Marrickville – LDF has 11 artists who range from traditional to modern, western to eastern, tribal to portraiture. They’re open seven days and accept walk ins, general enquiries and bookings to tailor for any artistic requirement.

(EK). 26 King St, Newtown / 443 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville. 95506759 / 95597794. ldftattoo.com

YOGA SKY-LAB Have you ever wanted to fly but been too afraid of heights, weightlessness or injury?

Well, there is an answer – it’s called aerial yoga. In a space that is newly renovated, you can fly (only a metre from the floor!) and relax in custom made yoga hammocks.

The instructor will put you through a mix of moves that strengthen, stretch and swing you around. Ideal for first timers or fully-fledged yogis, but your best is to start with a beginner workshop and build your way up. What?

Sky-Lab. Where? Surry Hills! (EL) 405/342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills. 0412458157. sky-lab. com

PLACE TO FLOAT SALTUARY Floatation therapy has in recent times earned a reputation for being one of the most relaxing experiences one can have. Suspended in warm, salty water (that allows for effortless flotation) in a silent, dark room, your senses are deprived, triggering a state of relaxation deeper than sleep. But Saltuary is better than the standard flotation therapy practices – it offers entire float rooms rather than the standard float tanks, their trained staff offer a myriad of other natural health therapies such as salt therapy, massage therapy and acupuncture, and they have a postfloat lounge with free organic tea and fruit. For a relaxing experience that’s good for you, Saltuary is indeed the best place to float. (SC) 2/134 Great North Rd, Five Dock. 97138688. salutary.com.au

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ARTS FEATURE

CITY HUB: 20 YEARS OF RAISING HELL

BY ALANNAH MAHER Twenty years on from it’s humble beginnings, City Hub is still printing the news and raising hell.

In celebration of this milestone anniversary, in spite of the numerous challenges not only to independent and traditional media over the past two decades, we are taking a look back with some of the editors and contributors who have participated in the growth of the Hub. “I am just so thrilled that the City Hub is still going,” said Irina Dunn. Nowadays a highly regarded literary agent, manuscript assessor and Program Director for the 2016 Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival, Dunn was an avid and long-term arts contributor at the very beginning. She was drawn to the paper for it’s “progressive, critical attitude” and the way it was serving the needs of the local community.

The Hub’s first editor was Hall Greenland, who went on to win two Walkeys for his outstanding work in journalism. These days he does occasional journalism and is currently convenor of the Greens NSW - and is still president of Friends of Callan Park, which he cofounded to lead the fight to save the iconic heritage parklands on Iron Cove from the developers.

Uproarious support for the Hub’s fresh and independent news coverage at one stage saw publisher AltMedia running four separate titles (including City News, The Bondi View and The Inner West Independent). While global challenges to print media forced the publisher to scale back down to one title, the same initial spirit has maintained City Hub’s circulation and reputation for offering Sydney residents an independent alternative to Australia’s

media conglomerates.

Many active media professionals have been drawn to the freedom and challenge of working with Sydney’s prominent independent publisher over the years, yet the platform has also served as a launching point for many more who cut their journalistic teeth with AltMedia and honed their editorial craft on it’s pages.

Gareth Narunsky is currently a senior editor at the Australian Jewish News, but his first printed byline was in the Hub’s sister paper the City News, where he continued to get published and eventually held the position of News Editor (2009-10). “It allowed me to improve my research, interview and writing skills, and introduced me to contacts that I’m still in touch with today,” explained Narunsky.

Former group News Editor Pam Walker already had valuable and notable media experience at the time she joined the team (2005-10), having worked as Press Secretary to Lord Mayor Clover Moore and in previous editorial capacities with commercial publications. “I liked the fact that the focus of the papers was the inner city, which was the area that I had come to do most of my work in,” reflected Walker. Presently she teaches journalism at USyd and UNSW, and writes for the South China Morning Post.

An activist in various social movements including ‘Reclaim the Streets’ and ‘Critical Mass’, Tracy Sorensen was drawn to the advertised position of News Editor when reading and issue of City Hub she picked up in a Newtown café in the late 90s. Moving to Sydney’s Inner West after growing up in a remote town in WA, Sorensen says she felt a sense of

‘homecoming’ when she reached Newtown. The Hub was an important source of information for her activist contemporaries. “We were ‘Hub readers’,” explained Tracy. “[City Hub] was always sitting in the cafes we frequented.”

Sorensen also witnessed first-hand the impact of the “massive opening up of the internet” in the early 2000s and its effect on independent media. “I think the Internet has changed the landscape forever, but I think the thing that hasn’t changed at all is the incredible need for alternative voices in a media landscape that is completely dominated by very few private interests,” she explained. Sorensen currently teaches journalism, video production and digital media at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and is also still involved in freelance journalism and documentary making.

The Hub has not only built a reputation for its measured coverage of news and local affairs, but also the burgeoning arts scene. Angela Bennetts was an arts editor for about three years (2009-13). “As an indie paper we were able to shine a light on those events or projects that might not make it to the mainstream papers,” she recalled. “Of course established art practice was a focus too, but the most interesting pieces were always those with the ‘next big things’, seen first in AltMedia!” Bennetts currently lives and works overseas as a Marketing Manager for Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Southeast Asia’s largest and most exciting cultural event.

As an Arts Editor early on in her career in the 90s, Barbara Karpinski was taken by the respect for the integrity of the work produced for City Hub. “I was able to write what I believed to be fair comment,” she

Irina Dunn, Program Director, 2016 Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival, literary agent, manuscript assessor and City Hub fan.

reflected. She attributes this high standard to Hub founder and continuing publisher Lawrence Gibbons.

“I think its vital to have free and independent press… it allows [alternative] viewpoints and marginalised groups that may often be represented in a facetious or non-serious way to be able to be [fairly] represented,” said Karpinski. She is currently a candidate for a doctorate in Creative Arts, and is working on a documentary film, The Flipside of Flamboyance, looking at mental health and the queer community.

“I think when there’s such a rush to occupy the conservative positions in politics, its really important to have an independent newspaper which isn’t beholden to huge donations from businesses, or indeed from unions,” explained Irina Dunn. “To have an independent voice is absolutely critical, and it has become more critical in the current environment.”

While the media landscape and reader habits have irrevocably changed over the course of time, the value of an independent publication like City Hub is more poignant than ever. We hope to continue serving and informing the public for another 20 years and beyond.

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city hub 20 august 2015

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EAT & DRINK

Dragoncello Chef Roy McVeigh marches to the sound of his own beat – and to be honest, it’s refreshing in a culinary world seemingly dominated by cronuts, overfilled doughnut milkshakes, and meals served on anything but plates. In an unpretentious upstairs room, enlivened by vibrant Tapestry Girl pegboard murals, he defies expectations over and over again – though perhaps the

$ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Busshari Staff are particularly proud of their Soft Shell Crab Karaage ($18). For good reason, it’s dry and intensely savoury. It’s perfect against Kubota Manju ($33/180ml); dubbed ‘10,000 Ostentatiousness’ it’s the star of their impressive sake list.While hot dishes like Saikyoyaki ($20) - blackened miso-marinated toothfish that flakes into buttery white curls when tapped with a chopstick - are great, Chef Nobuyuki Ito’s heart lies in sashimi. His Chef’s Selection Sashimi Plate ($38) is a stunner, not only for freshness, but also for edible garnishes and knife work. Dashi vinaigrette jelly topped Oysters ($3/each) and signature striped Kingfish Carpaccio ($21) may

By Jackie McMillan Sydney Rock Oyster, Burnt Leek, Potato Skins and Citrus Leaf Gel ($3/each) might benefit from more staff explanation.The neighbouring table was “freaked out” by not being presented with a visible bivalve, despite tasty tater skins dipped in oyster crème. Beetroot, Boudin Noir, Crackling and Apple ($18) utilises sweetness to well-balanced effect, rather than simply working to elicit a Pavlovian response from our sugar-trained palates.

Against The Story Marsanne, Roussanne,Viognier ($50), the dish sings.This versatile (and underrated) wine blend travels well into my dish of the night: Pea Mousse ($28) set under a tangle of its own leaves and flowers, with candied bacon and poured-at-thetable Parmesan broth.While vegetarians are gifted with their own page of options, my carnivorous dining companion tucked into well-rendered (36-hour) Lamb Neck ($34) with hay cream, mushroom sauce and native mint. Geranium Panna Cotta ($17) deftly juggles intense floral sweetness with tomato soup cake and two forms of rhubarb. Nope, haven’t seen that before.

Level 1, 466 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills (02) 8399 0907 dragoncello.com.au Bar, Modern Australian $$$

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

contribute to a somewhat hefty bill, but are definitely good eating.

119 Macleay Street, Potts Point (02) 9357 4555 busshari.com.au Japanese $$$$ Bloody Mary’s Garnished with a slider, hot wing and prawn,The Bloody Hell ($25) is the most ridiculous cocktail I’ve ever seen.

This chilli-infused Bloody Mary is but one of ten variations on the classic at the appropriately named Bloody Mary’s, all made on house-blended tomato juice with a spice wall for heat customisation.

Pair it with a Mixed Platter ($48/3 people), offering the full catalogue of all the Sunday morning, life-saving, deep fried things you could want: buffalo wings, chilli prawns, onion rings, jalapeno poppers.And, as much

$$$$ - mains over $30

as this place is hangover appropriate, you could go a long way toward starting one here.Their Espresso Martini ($19) topped with crumbled M&Ms is a game-changer!

332 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst (02) 9360 5568 bloodymaryssydney.com.au Bar, Bar Food, Cocktails $$$ Nomad Exposed wooden beams and ventilation ducts that snake throughout the ceiling of this beautifully ambient Surry Hills mess hall.When dining opposite a vegetarian, it’s important to choose a restaurant that not only cooks the ‘good stuff’ well, but can also make rabbit food enticing to any carnivore. And with dishes such as Nomad Jersey Milk Haloumi Heirloom Tomato, Oregano ($29) or Okra, Spicy

Jazz City Diner I’m watching my third season of BBQ Pittmasters. I don’t know whether my obsession with this show is about celebrating artisan craftsmanship, or well-cooked brisket.What Myron

Cypriot, Black Salt ($9), this spot certainly fulfils the brief.The standout for me (and probably everyone) is Woodfired Eggplant, Pomegranate,Tahini,Yoghurt ($16). Next, it’s important to make the vegetarian jealous, and consider revising their dietary lifestyle, with dishes like BBQ Wagyu Skirt, Charred Mushroom, Pedro Ximenez ($39).

16 Foster Street, Surry Hills (02) 9280 3395 nomadwine.com.au Modern Australian,Wine $$$$ INNER WEST One6Eight Husband and wife team, Leigh and Amanda McDivitt, turn their talents to weekend High Tea ($50/head), in the rich red womb of their Balmain fine diner.While chef has

Mixon has taught me is that tender, tasty brisket has a charry crust and good pull on the slices. So you’ll understand why my first inclination now, when being confronted with a slice of Beef Brisket ($8/100g), is to pick it up with my fingers and give it a tug. Luckily Jazz City’s third - and to my eye, finest – location is a relaxed, sticky-fingers kind of place. Service is a little chaotic, with two ordering points, depending upon whether you’re there to eat diner food, or central Texan barbeque. However once you snaffle a table in the nicely kitted out space, the time delay to wrapping your lips around fork-split Beef Short Rib ($5/100g) is mercifully short. So short in fact, we were done before the next round of Cornbread ($5) was pulled from the oven.

Balance your meaty tray of Pulled Pork ($8/100g), house-made Sausage ($5/each) and slightly disappointing Pork Ribs ($8/100g) with ‘Slaw ($2.50), super tasty Pinto Beans ($2.50) and standout Pickles ($2.50) to cut the fat. Cracking house-made sauces, a creamy Coconut Milkshake ($8) and a ‘Merican Abita Golden ($8) make it worth going back for more.

200 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills (02) 9264 2572 jazzcity.com.au American $$

banished crusts-off cucumber sandwiches in favour of savoury items like vongole popcorn and compressed confit chicken wings, re-add the cucumber with Cool As ($18), a daytime-friendly tequila, Cointreau and chilli concoction. On the ground floor of your slightly risqué platter,Amanda entices you with hot cinnamon doughnuts filled with Seville orange and Cointreau crème patisserie.Your boozy long lunch continues into Sailor Jerry’s and apricot marshmallows, alongside a winning verrine of sherbet-like lemon and yuzu parfait. It’s perfect against an equally airy Raspberry Sorbet Bellini ($17).

233 Darling Street Balmain (02) 9555 8750 one6eight.info High Tea, Cocktails $$$ Majestic Harvest Despite some hipster trappings - Edison

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

49 New Canterbury Road, Petersham (02) 8097 2222 majesticgourmetgrocers.com.au Breakfast, Café $

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We are seeking someone who is willing to pound the phone, hit the pavement and reach for the sky. Sales experience essential, media sales experience preferred but not essential. CV and cover letter please.

Email: lawrence@altmedia.net.auu 36

CITY HUB 20 AUGUST 2015

EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Cheekyburger

By DJ Hookie When your face is as scarred as mine is, it becomes difficult to successfully grow a beard. Fortunately, there are only seldom situations where beards come in handy, such as when shrouding

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

Char and Co Char and Co’s Brazilian all you can eat meat-feast is different.Their churrasco is intimate, and while the meat still comes out on swords, you feel like it’s been freshly cooked just for you.At $55 for an unlimited service of twenty Brazilian cuts, including garlic lamb, chorizo, chicken wings, prawns and chicken hearts, it’s the best way to experience owner/chef Bruno Da Motta’s fine fare. For a true expedition, partake in extras like delicate Salted Cod Fritters ($16) with fish crackling (as good as it sounds) and Deep Fried Jalapeños ($10).Throw in a Caipirinha ($17) and some dulce de leche in Peanut and Honey Parfait ($15) with peanut brittle and fried plantain.

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

your identity after a bank heist, or when tucking into one of the artery-clogging staples at Paddington’s Cheekyburger.The graffiti-plastered courtyard creates a salubrious environment to enjoy a few Brooklyn Lagers whilst getting plastered yourself, and having discussions surrounding how you knew about this place way before it was cool. Falling in line with the recent, (yet all-too-welcome) trend of American style diners, this new innereast hipster lair offers anything from cheeseburgers, to deep fried pickles, or mac’n’cheese.The ironically nonchalant menu design persuades you to expect service from a girl on roller skates; but that doesn’t happen.The Double Cheeseburger ($14.99) with the necessary addition of Bacon ($1.99) lives up to the hype, and will make you think of it days later, like that onenight stand that you’re thinking of texting again. My date had the ‘Shroom Burger ($12.99), which was magic; but not in the way some mushrooms can be. I could take or leave the Deep Fried Pickles ($6.99), but let’s be honest, that’s not what we came for.

Wear tight jeans, but prepare to unbutton.

312 Oxford Street, Paddington (02) 9331 7436 cheekyburgerbar. com Burgers $

15 Knox Street, Double Bay (02) 9328 5542 charandco.com.au Brazilian $$ Drake Eatery Just opened and already booked out, the light wood furnishings and grainy yellow floor here scream beach, while the dark wood highlights and floor-to-ceiling windows exude casual cool—it’s perfect for Bondi. Chef Ian Oakes named this beachside venture after his favourite protein, and as you’d expect, his Roast Thirlmere Duck ($29) is perfectly cooked. My Swedish dining partner exclaims:“My Scandinavian palate is singing!” after one taste of the Tea-Smoked Ocean Trout ($18), the earthy baseline of celeriac ‘slaw and delicate trout punctuated by apple matchsticks and liquorice cream. Faith in the staff is rewarded with nut and honeycomb-encrusted White

Chocolate and Honeycomb Parfait ($14), and Ricotta Doughnuts ($12) dessert recommendations.

Corner of Curlewis and Gould Streets, Bondi Beach (02) 9130 3218 drakeeatery. com.au Modern Australian $$$ GREATER SYDNEY Lan Yuan Genius glossy wasabi mayonnaise in Lan Yuan Angus Beef ($26) makes it an easy favourite in Top Ryde’s new bamboo garden. Seek haven in Taoism or Buddhism - Tsing Tao ($8) or Lucky Buddha ($8).

Peering through Chinese bamboo at the giant outdoor TV screen feels very Hong Kong.The chefs are also from the former British colony, meaning they’re great at making Southern Chinese dishes for

pork belly and ham hock show they can do simple food with flair, turning ‘share house staples’ into, dare I say it: elegant dishes. Likewise the Hot Tuna Salad ($15) with quinoa, olives and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, prove these guys are restaurateur class.

With Allpress roasting the beans for their Coffee ($3.50) we’re not surprised when Jono tells us the nearby Australian Federal Police have become regulars, as have guests at the hotel upstairs seeking a quality breakfast. At lunch you can’t go wrong with a Brother Burger ($15) – two patties of ground chuck beef, the classic Aussie fillings and shoestring fries.With a liquor license and plans to dish up beers and burgers of an evening, prepare for these golf buddies to knock it out of the park.

Shop 1 / 184-196 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (02) 9281 5198 basketbrothers.com.au Café $$

Basket Brothers

By Alex Harmon In an old skydiving shop, two buddies with impressive restaurant CVs have opened a café that will hopefully be a renaissance for the desolate fringes of Surry Hills and the CBD. Serving up cleverly devised breakfast options like the Smoked Brisket Hash ($18) with egg, aioli, beautifully sweet beef brisket and (a standout) jalapeño salsa, the ‘bros’ Jono Forsythe (founder of Mad Pizza e Bar) and Deepak Singh (formerly of Kantine) know how to lure you into the fish tank-like café. Housemade Beans ($17) with ROCKS & CBD Basement 33 Amidst the hustle and bustle of Goulburn Street’s Haymarket end, is a new hidden bar gem, worthy of any nightlife veteran’s attention. I pull up a bar stool, and order a martini, after raising a respectful eyebrow to the ingenious cocktail list. The drinks certainly are on point, including Mel-Ki ($17) boasting melon liqueur, Grand Marnier and fresh kiwi. The interior of this nouveau nightspot is a mix of trendy tiling and sleek modern finishing; slightly too cool to be called flashy, but certainly shiny.

Owner Nathanial Bourke hints to me that live music is close on the horizon. I’m starting to get a Frankie’s Pizza vibe. Oh yeah… they also serve pizza.

Basement Level, 27-33 Goulburn Street, Haymarket (02) 8970 5813 basement33.com Bar, Cocktails $$ Fix St James The gentleman at the next table is wooing his date with stories of ICAC. The table beyond finishing rushed plates of Coorong Skirt Steak Tagliata ($34) are barristers working on a three-week case, by pulling another all-nighter.

Hearing ‘all-nighter’ makes me

want wine, and to that end, this spot delivers. The 250-strong wine list carries everything from a refined 2013 Eldridge Estate Chardonnay ($99) to wholebunch fermented ‘amber’ wines like the 2014 Punch ‘Saffron’ Chardonnay ($63). Team it with unaugmented Wapengo Lake Oysters ($4/each), an unexpectedly delicious 18-Hour Minute Steak ($19) teamed with hazelnuts, a carrot ribbon and pumpkin puree, or standout Roast Veal Sweetbreads ($18) with fennel and liquorice.

111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney (02) 9232 2767 fixstjames.com.au Modern Australian, Bar,Wine $$$$

Bondi Trattoria

By Alex Harmon You know a place is good when it’s packed on a frosty Monday night, filled to the brim with locals who know a decent feed, and

those who don’t tolerate heat, like gentle Live Pippies in XO ($30/500g). For those that do, there’s Szechuan Chicken ($22).

Lan Yuan Fried Rice ($18/small) proves worth the spend, with tender scallops, king prawns and crab roe; and the Egg Yolk Tofu ($20) here is addictive.

Shop 4005, Level 1,Top Ryde Shopping Centre, Devlin Street, Ryde (02) 9808 1030 lanyuan.com.au Chinese $$$ Barrel Bar & Dining Twenty-six year old Zac Stanning has been a head chef for six months.Throw in a triumvirate of sommelier owners, and you have what could be a disaster.

What you find, however, is a cohesive wine bar and restaurant reflecting the tastes and BYO proclivities of the local area. Stanning wants to cook “something

ice-skating tourists seeking dinner with atmosphere. It’s an oldie but a goodie, where you can guarantee good, humble food from a classic Italian menu. Expect classics like Garlic Prawns ($23.90) with crusty bread swimming in piercing flavour, and the beautiful marriage of salty/sweet that is the Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, Pear and Hazelnut Salad ($20.90). Our waiter highly recommends the signature dish, invented right here in the kitchen - Angel Hair Pasta ($23.90/small) with raw tuna, Parmesan and chilli, which is delicious and extremely generous on the tuna au natural.

The ‘Trat has been around for twenty-five years and is almost as famous as the beach you can see from your table.What should be famous are their BBQ Lamb Cutlets ($34.90) with baby beets, green beans, eschalots, and goats cheese – another perfect (polygamous) marriage, especially with a glass of Kiwi land’s finest Rob Dolan Pinot Noir ($9.90) on the side. Finish with Chocolate Crème Brulee ($15.90), which has a cracking case that tastes of fire-toasted marshmallows, hiding an even tastier body. Follow suit at the ice-skating rink - if you dare.

34 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach (02) 9365 4303 bonditrattoria. com.au Italian $$

that people will like”, evident in portsweet Duck Liver Parfait ($17), but also in the absence of obscure ingredients.

He makes a sweet orange symphony of Carrots ($17) - 24-hour cooked, pickled, smoked and crisp carrots with pebbles of honeycomb. Equally exciting is his forest floor of Sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms ($17), crisp mushroom bark and mossy green parsley sponge.

3/362 Military Road, Cremorne (02) 9904 5687 barrelbar.com.au Modern Australian $$$-$$$$

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS Lucio Pizzeria Venture into Tomorrowland – otherwise known as Zetland. Swallow down a portent dose of the future, where you

FOOD NEWS

can purchase an Audi as easily as you can order a name brand Lucio pizza.

Grappling with the location over Birra Ichnusa ($8), I volunteer: it’s Shanghai without the chaos. “Hence Singapore,” our neighbours at the cheek-to-jowl tables, helpfully supply. By contrast, the artisan pizzas are imperfectly perfect – complete with bubbling, chewy crusts and minimal toppings, like Speck ($21) with mozzarella and Fontina, or paper-thin prosciutto, rocket and cherry tomatoes, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan on Filetto ($21). Cold cuts also feature on Il Grand Tagliere ($36.50) a heaving antipasto board won by super-fresh buffalo mozzarella.

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

By Jackie McMillan

Chef Kumar Mahadevan uses beautiful mandarin skin and fruit in his Salmon Kothmiri Tikki.The bold, acidic sauce also employs spicy tamarind but somehow leaves a hole big enough to taste the gently cooked (sous-vide) fish. It’s but one masterpiece presented at a series of 25th Anniversary Dinners held last month at Abhi’s in North Strathfield.While this is a little outside my usual stomping ground,Abhi’s is worth mentioning, not least of which because in the ensuing quarter century since opening the doors,Abhi’s has served around 1,014,000 customers. I’d also place it in Sydney’s top four Indian restaurants. Kumar’s scallop and kingfish bhel is another good indication why.While I often think less is more with kingfish, this ceviche style dish plays upon a traditional BhelPuri of puffed rice, wheat crisps, chilli, onion and vadagam (rice crackers). It employs considerable spicing yet manages to leave a slot so you get to appreciate the delicate fish. Even Kumar’s simple vegetarian dhal, Keerai Pappu, is amazing, so if you haven’t dined, don’t wait another twenty-five years to check this tastefully updated Indian restaurant out! www.abhisindian.com.au

bar fly

By Amie Barbeler

Marquee Sydney After almost getting arrested (who knew you weren’t allowed to wear a mask in a casino?), my date and I arrived at the Dom Pérignon Masquerade Party, only to be pointed and laughed at by one of the classy birds from The Bachelor. Don’t worry about us though; we quickly discovered that the key to mean girl-induced sadness is to mop up your tears with foie gras while binge-drinking 2004 Dom Pérignon Champagne.As we quaffed the posh champers and worked our way through the assorted appetisers being dished out from award-winning restaurant Sokyo, atmospheric tunes spun by Didier Cohen provided the soundtrack to our night.After we’d had all the glamour, glitz and ditz we could handle, we ripped off the masks, threw our Spanx to the kerb, and went off in search of beer and kebabs.That’s my glamour fix for the year…

The Star, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont (02) 9657 7737 marqueesydney.com city hub 20 august 2015

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bell Shakespeare’s The Tempest

SYLVIE GUILLEM: LIFE IN PROGRESS After an illustrious career spanning almost four decades, Sylvie Guillem has decided to hang up her pointe shoes.

The French ballerina has graced theatres all around the world in productions such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and Cinderella.

In the last ten years Guillem has also become a force in the contemporary dance world, collaborating with Akram Khan for the acclaimed production Sacred Monsters, which merged ballet with kathak, a Northern Indian classical style of dancing.

Her upcoming performances at the Sydney Opera House will be the final chance Australian audiences get to witness Guillem, who has been referred to as “the most exciting dancer in the world”.

Aptly titled Life In Progress, Guillem partners up again with Khan for this production to mark her

farewell from the stage. With a limited six show run, live music will accompany solo performance techne, and a duet with Italian dancer Emanuela Montanari titled Here & After. In addition the evening will showcase Duo, a rhythmic production choreographed by William Forsythe, which will be performed by guest dancers Brigel Gjoka and Riley Watts in addition to Mats Ek’s audience favourite, Bye. Guillem’s musings on her retirement reflect a spirit that will linger long after the curtains close: “I have loved every moment of the last 39 years, and today, I am still loving it in the same way. So why stop? Very simply, because I want to end while I am still happy doing what I do with pride and passion.” (AS) Until August 25. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $63.20-$249.

Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or 9250 7777

John Bell directs his last play for the company he founded almost 25 years ago, and aptly it is The Tempest, debatably Shakespeare’s last play. It’s a moment to mark in Australian theatre and its significance is not lost on rising star Eloise Winestock, who plays Miranda in this Bell Shakespeare production.

“I do feel like I’m a part of a little slice of history because John Bell is Australian Theatre. It is a real honour to be working with him in his last show - I feel very lucky,” said Winestock.

Set in a deserted magical island of empty abstract space, designer Julie Lynch has created an ephemeral floating disc for the performance to take place on.

With colourful costumes set just beyond the level of reality, the staging evokes the sense of a dream where tales are yet to be written.

Yet it is the character of Miranda that so captures

Winestock:“I find Miranda fascinating - intimidating because she is so removed from society. Being shipwrecked on an island when she was not even three years old, it was really challenging to think – ‘what would that girl be?’ She is quite different from any other Shakespearean Ingénue. She is completely guileless. I’ve been trying to find that wildness.”

If experiencing Shakespeare is to unlock a magic box of possibilities, then endless possibilities abound in this production, as the old master meets a modern day Australian genius for the last time.

(GW) August 21 – September 18 (Tues-Wed 6:30pm, Thursday - Saturday, 7:30pm, various other show times.) Playhouse, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $35-79.Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or 92507777.

The Dancers Company: Classical Triple Bill The Riverside Theatre will host two special nights featuring a classical triple bill at the end of August in conjunction with the Australian Ballet School and The Australian Ballet.

This performance will showcase classical works including Swan Lake Act III, one of the most treasured ballets of all time.This will be a traditional version of Act III - the ballroom scene featuring the famous Black Swan Pas de deux.

Also on the bill is Paquita, an act highlighting the dancers’ immaculate tutus.This is seen as one of the cornerstones of traditional classical ballet.

The final performance is Rimbombo, Italian for rumble, which showcases the athleticism of the male dancers in the company.

On Saturday night before the show, audience members are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 to learn more about dance through the Dancers Circle pre-show talk.You will meet the choreographers and dancers and learn more about the companies, the performance and dance behind the scenes.This is lead by Vicki Van Hout, a

graduate of NAISDA Dance College and the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance.

This performance is not only for ballet lovers, but for those who would love to learn more and see some classical works right before their very eyes. (AMal) August 21 & 22, 7:30pm.The Riverside Parramatta, Cnr Church and Market Streets. $35-$57.Tickets & info: boxoffice.riversideparramatta.com.au

a&e

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city hub 20 august 2015

38 STAGE 40 SCENE 41 SCREEN 42 Sounds

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

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

The Cast of Les Misérables Presents: Beyond Misérables

For one night only, the Australian cast of Les Misérables will hold a benefit concert in support of beyondblue to raise money and awareness to combat mental health issues.

This event was created and produced entirely by the cast members themselves, as they wanted to bring more attention to the issue of depression, anxiety and suicide in today’s society - especially in the entertainment industry.

Trevor Ashley will hosting the night with direction by Luke Joslin and Geoff Castles as musical director - plus the entire cast from Les Misérables will be there too.

The cast will perform classic Broadway hits from the talents of of Boublil and Schönberg,Andrew LloydWebber, Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein,Alan Menken, Kander and Ebb and many more.

Beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman is thankful for the cast’s brilliant idea to raise money for mental health awareness.

This night will not only be entertaining, but will be rewarding for those who are suffering with mental health conditions. (AMal) Sunday 23 August, 8pm. Capitol Theatre, Sydney. $59-$69.Tickets & info: www.ticketmaster.com.au

Australian cast of Les Misérables. Photo by: Matt Murphy.

Review: Opera Australia’s The Marriage of Figaro Opera Australia brings one of Mozart’s most rambunctious operas back to life with it’s production of The Marriage of Figaro.

The great American novelist Willa Cather once said,“Where there is great love, there are always miracles”.

The great steward Figaro (Paolo Bordogna) received his fair share of miracles on a crazy summer’s day in the lead up to tying the knot with his true love Suzanna (Taryn Fiebig).

The practice of the ‘Droit de Seigneur’ (a masters right to bed any servant on her wedding night) by Count Almaviva (Andrei Bondarenko) looms over Suzanna, while Figaro escapes a previous deal to marry the housekeeper Marcellina (Jacqueline Dark) who is later revealed to be Figaro’s long lost mother. However with the help of many in the wild castle including the Countessa (Nicole Car), Barbarina (Eva Kong) and the daft pageboy Cherubino (Anna Dowsley), Figaro and Suzanna end up in ecstatic union.

Mozart and librettist Lorenzo da Ponte composed wonderfully euphoric arias for this four act opera buffa way back in the 1780s; which were impeccably performed by a luminous cast.As the Countessa Almaviva, Nicole Car was outstanding in her aria ‘Dovo sono i bei momenti’ (‘Where are they, the beautiful moments’).

Conductor Guillaume Tourniaire opened the opera’s overture, with great vitality and vigour performed by the incredible Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.Thanks to Director Sir David McVicar and designer Jenny Tiramani. Opera Australia’s Marriage of Figaro is a scream, chic and brilliantly chaotic. (PU) Until August 29, various show times. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $44-$330.Tickets & info: sydneyoperahouse.com or 9318 8200 THEATRE & PERFORMANCE RECEIVERS & THE PIANO THEIF Fans of science fiction will love this double-billed evening of small theatre. In a joint production with Melbourne’s Feat in Space Theatre Co, Receivers plays alongside short play The Piano Thief. Both shows are here to woo and entertain. The writer behind both scripts, Gareth Ellis brilliantly uses the ideas of quantum physics and science in

general to prove (or debunk) the existence of God. Receivers explores the world of Hedrick, an idealistic farmer. How hard do you think it would be for a graduate of an agriculture school to grow things?

Not very? Well, you’d be wrong!

Welcome to a new world: dark, crazy, psychotic and intensely comic. Ellis immerses the audiences into a sublime journey of epic comic proportions and slight insanity. Do not miss the chance to explore the world of a common man (in this case

an idealistic farmer) who encounters an array of interesting characters in his quest to make things grow. (JR) Until Aug 23. Old 505 Theatre, 505/342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills.

Tickets & info: http://www. trybooking.com/GPHN THE BLEEDING TREE Griffin Theatre presents a tale of a mother and two daughters who have just welcomed home the man of the house with a gun shot. This play is not only a revenge tale, but also an edge of your seat drama on the

aftermath of domestic violence. Told in a rhythmic murder ballad, this play stars Paula Arundell, Airlie Dodds and Shari Sebbens. The script by Angus Cerini earned the 2014 Griffin Award for new Australian Playwriting. This story is a look into domestic violence and how heavily it changes those affected. With women dying every week in Australia at the hands of their current or former partner, there is no more poignant time for a story like The Bleeding Tree. (LB)

Until September 5, MondayFriday 7pm, Saturday 2pm & 7pm. Griffin Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross.Tickets $35- $55.

Tickets & info: http://www. griffintheatre.com.au/whats-on/ the-bleeding-tree/ RISQUÉ REVUE Slide Lounge is an Oxford Street institution famous for going the extra mile. Risqué Revue, their winter show, is a neoburlesque performance that showcases the glamour of European clubs. Featuring dancers, aerial

performances, pole work and song, it tells a story of burlesque performers wrestling for control of their fictional Parisian club from the male owner. Think aerial antics, a wild can-can and champagne bubble baths served with French cuisine. (HC) Every Wednesday throughout Winter. Slide Lounge, 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. From $89 (3 course dinner & show). Double Date Deal: $365 (table of 4).

Tickets & info: slide.com.au/shows/ risquerevue city hub 20 august 2015

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T H E N AKE D C IT Y

ROGET THE ROBOT

By Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death Nothing really surprises us these days when it comes to the rampaging onslaught of technology, supposedly enhancing our lives and stimulating our creative juices.With a cheap HD camera anybody can become a film director or a YouTube phenomenon. Likewise, with enough original content, you can blog your way to an audience of millions.

But what about when all that wonderful high tech wizardry is deployed in a different direction and the creative process becomes the domain of seemingly autonomous machines? Yes baby, if you haven’t heard already, robots are starting to write our daily news. Journalists are being replaced by super sophisticated software, that sucks up the raw facts and spews out a story in a matter of minutes.

Already Associated Press, one of the world’s biggest news gathering companies, is pumping out over 5,000 stories a month, using algorithms to create content.

Admittedly, this automated content is confined at the moment to fairly basic reporting like sport and finance, but even now it can be nuanced to inject comment and ‘bite’ into the copy. Don’t ask us mere ‘technophobes’ how all this is achieved, but we assume the software comes with

both negative and positive options. Like when the robots are reporting on Australia all out for 60 in the first innings of the recent Ashes test, they automatically search for words like “humiliating”, “shameful” and “pitiful”.

If you thought ‘spell check’ was lazy and contributed to illiteracy - wait until a PhD is churned out literally overnight, and university degrees become a dime a dozen. Newspapers, as we know them today, will actually survive but they will be written entirely by robots, programmed

Whilst the ‘wordsmith’ robots are little more than first year interns in the world of journalism, it’s only a matter of time before technology equips them with the computer power to write more complex news items, from in-depth political analysis to editorials and opinions pieces. Look out Piers and Miranda, the robots are coming to get you - ready to appropriate your diatribes and reap your rich legacy of clichés, like the “chattering classes”, “the nanny state”, “pro-choice feminists”, “the politically correct left” and all that is evil about the ABC. Journalism is of course only the initial frontier, and in the brave new world the robotic scribes will be churning out everything from Mills & Boon romance pulp to screenplays for the latest Hollywood blockbuster.The art of writing could be lost forever as children are given their own personal robot from a very early age, whipping up homework and other school assignments with the click of a mouse.

New offerings at Chalk Horse

This month the Chalk Horse Gallery hosts two prominent exhibitions for you to take a look at.

Until the end of August, Danny Morse will be showcasing Trophy in gallery one. It is a collection of very individual sculptures, each telling their own story.

One sculpure, aptly named ‘my smile is getting higher’, is composed of a dried cannabis stem with a yellow smiley mylar balloon atop of it.

Also running throughout the month, Will Cooke’s Heavy Gaze will be exhibiting in gallery two. Heavy Gaze is an artwork series that uses primer and spray paint on an aluminium base. Each piece is individual through different shades, colours and patterns displayed - however they all carry a similar theme.

Both these exhibitions are stimulating and definitely make you think.All artwork is available for purchase. (AMal) Until August 29. Chalk Horse Gallery, Lower Ground 171 William Street, Darlinghurst. Free entry. Info: www.chalkhorse.com.au HELLO LIBRARY This exhibition aims to discover why people attend libraries, what they are reading and why they love books. The collection has been put together by Leigh Russell and Kathy Luu, the creators of Hello Bookcase; a website that interviews creative people about what is on their bookshelf. It delves deeply in to what these people love to read. It is believed you can tell a lot about a person based on their 40

city hub 20 august 2015

with either left, right or middle of the road biases. Eventually the machines will totally divorce themselves entirely from any human pre-programming and develop their own autonomous ideology – think Rupert Murdoch meets Hal from 2001 A Space Odyssey...

favourite book. In preparation for the exhibition, Russel and Luu interviewed staff and members of the library over many months to find out what they were reading and why. This exhibition delves into the mind of readers and discovers what they love. With many interviews from people of all walks of life, it is the perfect exhibition for all book lovers. (LB) Running throughout August in the

Naked City Recommends: ORGAN GROOVE at FOUNDRY 616 It was the hip sound of the 1960s, synonymous with artists such as Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and Big John Patton, to name just a few. ‘Organ Groove’ combined elements of soul and jazz, laden with funky riffs and a solid swinging beat. At its heart was the mighty Hammond organ, in either a classic trio setting or a larger ensemble. In recent years the genre has been rediscovered by a whole new generation, with reissues of the classic Blue Note albums and the reborn soul jazz scene.

This coming Saturday, Foundry 616 in Ultimo hosts a classic night of organ groove featuring two of the finest exponents of the genre, organist Michel Benebig and guitarist Carl Lockett, along with pianist Chris Cody and drummer Andrew Dickeson. It’s a truly international night with Michel from Noumea, Carl from the US West Coast, French-Australian Chris Cody and our own Andrew Dickeson. Not to be missed!

August 22. Foundry 616, 616 Harris Street, Sydney. From $21.50 (dinner and show packages available).Tickets & info: foundry616.com.au or stickytickets.com.au

Footprints EcoFestival 2015 The annual Footprints EcoFestival is back for its fifth year this month, highlighting this year’s theme of sustainability.This community event will enable festival goers to participate in a number of workshops ranging from traditional fermenting processes, homemade beauty products and maintaining worm farms.As children are kept busy at recycled art stations, the ecofestival is fast becoming an excellent family day out.

There is also an impressive line up of local entertainers including former yellow Wiggle, Sam Moran.

Keeping in theme, Leichardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous suggests that cycling or catching public transport is the best way for guests to get to the festival. On top of this there will be organic recycling facilities and water bubblers for guests to use – so don’t forget to bring your refillable water bottles!

Emily Williams, Sustainability Engagement Officer at Leichardt council, says the festival is an excellent way to learn new things about the environment:“Whether it’s how to use your food scraps to make delicious pickles or getting up close and personal with native animals, there’s something for everyone.” (NB) Aug 23,Whites Creek Valley Park,Annandale. Free. Info: www. footprintsecofestival.com.au

Surry Hills, Customs House, Newtown and Kings Cross libraries. Free. Info: hellolibrary. net MY TRIP TO MARS Artist Adam Norton transforms the UTS Gallery into a replica of the surface of Mars for this exhibition. Norton’s exhibition explores the effects of technology on the human condition.

There will be objects and souvenirs scattered around the set to light up

viewers imaginations, to transform them from simple onlookers to space explorers. It will include recent sculpture, installation and video works including Space Yurt, a habitation unit for a solo space explorer and The Mars Project, a video work made with Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery. (AMal) Until August 28. UTS Gallery.

Level 4, 702 Harris St, Ultimo.

Free Entry. Info: art.uts.edu.au

INSPIRATION BY DESIGN: WORD AND IMAGE For the first time in Sydney, audiences are able to see one of Pablo Picasso’s art books, fashion sketches by Dior and Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations. This exhibition from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum is now at the State Library.

This international collection celebrates over 150 years worth of the world’s finest and most talented

artists, illustrators and designers.

Over 100 designs, illustrations and images will be on display. The State Library has taken this opportunity to also showcase Australian Design.

Illustrations of the original Blinky Bill

by Dorothy Wall are featured, as well as a Jørn Utzon’s original sketch of the Sydney Opera House. (JC) Until September 27. State Library of NSW, Macquarie St, Sydney.

Free. Information: sl.nsw.gov.au

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Jake Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope

The serious nature of 007 films these days has created a void of fun in spy movies. Film-makers have recently been counteracting this with movies that aim to put the fun back in.

Swiftly following on the shiny black heels of last year’s Kingsman:The Secret Service, comes Guy Ritchie’s loosely adapted version of camp sixties television series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Set during the Cold War, it brings Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) together for the first time in a CIA/ KGB operation to stop a group of ex-Nazis and Fascists distributing nuclear weapons.

Whilst Ritchie stays true to the playful nature of the TV series and its characters (and there are indeed quite a few fun moments), this particular 113 minute affair is often laboured. (And what - no cameos!?)

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VACATION

Southpaw

The classic redemption story of a boxer at the pinnacle of the sport (and seemingly untouchable) before suffering a horrific tragedy is one that has been told many a time before on the silver screen, and that is what we get from Jake Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope in his latest outing.

All of the building blocks and blueprints are there for this type of film, so often it comes down to the performances.Thankfully Gyllenhaal, Oona Laurence (as Billy’s daughter Leila) and Forrest Whitaker (as Billy’s mentor, coach and saviour Tick Willis) are outstanding. Laurence in particular is great, performing some of the most touching moments of the film.

There are three main points that seem to have lacked the level of thought and detail put into the rest of the film writing.The film is sluggish at times, which would be excusable if it were based on a true story, but as a work of fiction tends to drag.Also the title is only paid off in the final fleeting moments, which seems like a real loss.And finally, the name Billy Hope is far too cliche and seemingly only used for the line “boxing has Hope again.” (JA) WWW

FILM 5 FLIGHTS UP The story of an older couple (Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman) who are thinking of selling their apartment after living in it for decades.As they start to show their house and make the decision, the story also delves deep into their lives together and how their interracial relationship started.

You get a good sense of how this couple got to where they are, and how they deal with potential buyers.

It is a heart-warming and uplifting story about love and friendship. If you enjoy both these actors then you will enjoy the movie. (LB) WWWW GIRLHOOD A film about growing up in the housing projects on the outskirts of Paris. Marieme realises that meekness is getting her nowhere.After dropping out of school, she reinvents herself with a new name and new friends.‘Vic’ has to navigate her way around a maledominated maze, she must cultivate a diamond-hard exterior to get what

she wants.The cinematography is very clever, and turns a lot of standard shots on their head. This story about female identity is at times hilarious and often moving. Most people could relate to the paradoxical pressure Marieme faces to be tough yet sweet. (HC) WWWW TRAINWRECK Amy (Amy Schumer) is a men’s magazine writer living in New York. She enjoys an uninhibited life, sometimes a little too much, and avoids intimacy and monogamy like it’s the plague.When this ‘trainwreck’ meets and falls for good-guy sports doctor,Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), she begins to wonder if she might have the wrong idea about life and love.The combination of Schumer’s clever, punchy writing and director Judd Apatow’s expert guidance creates an entertaining film that reflects what it’s like to navigate life. Trainwreck is a more realistic, modern rom-com. It’s about a young woman living in a modern world without the need to

assign a moral judgement to it all.

WWW1/2 EVERYMAN This 15th century English morality play has been adapted into a dynamic and vibrant cinematic event by the National Theatre Live in London.The titular character of the ‘Everyman’ (Chiwetel Ejiofor) has sinned, partied, dabbled in drugs and experienced envy, gluttony and lust.When death comes calling he must confront his maker and desperately searches for anybody who can speak in his defense. Moviegoers will marvel at this unique and innovative approach in film-making, which includes a behind the scenes look at the rehearsals and interviews with the director and choreographer.

(MMo) LIMITED RELEASE WWWW UNITY An incredibly powerful and significant documentary, intense and visually disturbing at times.After thousands of years of living together on the same planet, why are we unable to live in peace? Presented in chapters with an unparalleled cast of

101 celebrity narrators including Helen Mirren and Ben Kingsley, this insightful documentary details the Earth’s creation and what it means to be human. Footage of suffering amongst all life forms is the most graphic ever presented on film, and effectively shocks audiences into the realization that humanity needs to transform if we are to live in unison.

(MMo) WWWW ANT-MAN Marvel’s latest release follows burglar-in-need-ofredemption Scott Lang (Paul Rudd).

He chooses to help Dr Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) stop a former colleague from misusing Pym’s technology.To do this he must become Ant-Man and pull off his biggest heist yet. Despite a narrative that feels flimsy and rushed (with character arcs that are non-existent in some cases) Ant-Man is an entertaining, funny film. Paul Rudd is a Hollywood heavyweight, someone who can just as easily bring in the big bucks as cement an indie-flick into cult classic status, and he’s certainly

National Lampoon’s Vacation gets a do-over in this sequel of sorts. Rusty Griswold, the original son in the National Lampoon’s films, is all grown up and looking to grow closer to his sons and inject a bit more excitement into his marriage. So what to do? Go on a family road trip of course! What ensues is predictable mayhem, awkwardness and a fair bit of puking.

Ed Helms (of Hangover fame) and Christina Applegate are Rusty and Debbie Griswold, and they play off each other well.The star of the film however is Chris Hemsworth as a tractor riding, bull herding TV weather man married to Rusty’s sister, who showcases his... um…’package’… in a hilarious sequence involving a TV remote.

With cameos from original franchise heavyweights Chevy Chase and Beverley D’Angelo, as well as several well-known American comedians, this is a funny, slapstick film that harks back to the legendary National Lampoon’s humour. (LS) WWW1/2 worked his magic on Ant-Man. (LL) WWW MR HOLMES In a film about Sherlock Holmes starring renowned badass Ian McKellan, you might expect a lot of whip-smart sleuthing and detective dialogue.

Well, while there is a little, Mr Holmes is a lot more complex than that.

Holmes is now in his 90s, his oncebrilliant mind wavering, trying to remember the details of his last case.

The distinction between really remembering and creating a memory based on some details is an interesting one. McKellan plays both the doddering old man and hyper intelligent detective to perfection.

(HC) WWW1/2 THE GALLOWS From the same production company that had cinemas screaming in fear with Paranormal Activity and Insidious comes the latest found footage style fright fest: The Gallows.This relation, however, is as close as this film gets to having audiences running in fear.

This film takes four archetypal high

school kids, each armed with either a video camera or their mobile phone, locks them in their creepy school theatre and lets the horror ensue.

The Gallows resorts to overused horror tropes and loud ‘jump scares’ rather than building real terror or suspense. (JA) W1/2 SELF/LESS Conceptually, this is a film that had the potential to explore some deep-seeded philosophical concepts. Sadly however, these ideas are quickly dashed as the film descends into generic shoot-em-up thriller fair.The film centres around Damian Hale (Ben Kingsley and Ryan Reynolds), a rich New York real estate magnate suffering from a terminal cancer. He is introduced to the concept of ‘shedding’, which promises to transfer his mind into the body of a young,‘laboratory grown’ vessel.The only catch being he must not have any contact with people from his past - and take a red pill everyday to prevent hallucinations, migraines and death. (JA) WW city hub 20 august 2015

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Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Hiatus Kaiyote: Due to overwhelming demand having already sold out multiple shows around the country, Hiatus Kaiyote have added an extra show tonight to their ChooseYour Weapon tour.

Thu,Aug 20, MetroTheatre Kira Puru: Launching her debut solo single All Dulled Out, this Melbourne based singer songwriters profile is growing every day.

Combining glistening electronic pop sounds with heavy sorrowful vocals, Puru has accumulated praise from many within the industry, particularly Paul Kelly who she just wrapped up a tour with.

Thu,Aug 20, Newtown Social Club Paul Carey & Julian Scheffer: Celebrating the release of the second studio album Contemporary Guitar from the Streets of the World, this duo head outside Melbourne to perform together for the first time this week. Featuring Paul on six-string and Julian on seven-string guitar, along with a number of other friends from Melbourne, this will be a celebration of the vibrant Brazilian music scene.

Fri,Aug 21, Bondi Rumba Hellions: Sydney’s own Hellions return home this weekend to celebrate the release of their new video for Nottingham. Bringing their blend of aggressive, hardcore influenced guitar and melodic punk sound, this will be a highly energetic thrilling night out.

Sat,Aug 22, Bald Face Stag Organ Groove: For one night only the

Darren Middleton

Foundry enters a time warp back to the 1960s with a classic night of organ groove music performed by some of the finest musicians in the genre, with Michel Benebig on organ, Carl Lockett on guitar, Chris Cody on piano and Andrew Dickerson on drums.

Sat,Aug 22, Foundry616 Chiaroscuro Album Launch: Ahead of the release of their first duo album, two of Australia’s most exciting young talents in the classical music scene, soprano Jane Sheldon and pianist Zubin Kanga, bring their own unique take on the genre to Sydney this weekend.

Sat,Aug 22, Sydney Conservatorium Of Music Denis Kevans Memorial Concert: family and friends will gather for a day of music and poetry to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the untimely passing of celebrated poet, writer and performer Denis Kevens.The event will feature a documentary screening of Agent Orange Agent Blue, about agent orange victims, a cause close to Denis’ heart and to which all proceeds will be donated.

Sun,Aug 23,Addison Road Community Centre Java Quartet: In a rare 2015 outing for the quartet, they will come together this Wednesday to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the release of Slumber For Nordic by playing the album in full and a selection of tracks from throughout their seven album catalogue.

Wed,Aug 26,Venue 505

By jamie apps

Most people will recognise Darren Middleton as the guitarist for iconic Australian band Powderfinger, but five years on from the band’s split there is much more to know about this artist.

As Middleton builds a reputation as a solo artist, with his second solo album Splinters due for release on November 6, the transition has come with some of its own challenges. “On one level you really take for granted that kind of security blanket of familiarity you have. Once I mentally got around the idea that this is just me and I’ve got to stand on my own two feet, that was the biggest hurdle really,” said Middleton.

“Also for me I was going from backing vocalist to being the lead singer, so having to hold that position was a big change for me but also really exciting and refreshing as well.”

Since his debut solo record Translations Middleton has developed a newfound confidence in his own ability as a vocalist. “This time around I’m much more comfortable with who I am as a singer,” he said.With this on board, Middleton has been able to take a little more time writing and recording Splinters, which he believes has allowed him to “step away and realise where I can make the songs better before committing them to the record.”

Ahead of the albums full release Middleton is heading out on tour for a run of stripped back preview shows.“There’s just going to be three of us on stage,” said Middleton.“I find it [the stripped back format] really challenging

Nico Ghost - Kaishi

For years Aussie hip-hop has had a very distinct sound, the charge being led by Hilltop Hoods.

But more recently we’ve seen that sound evolve, with Nico Ghost the latest to enter the scene with a more experimental electronic style.

Clearly heavily influenced by international acts such as Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar and Drake - Kaishi has some smooth production which compliments Ghosts’ flow wonderfully.

Lyrically, this five track EP puts a nice Australian spin on classic hip-hop themes, but it doesn’t delve all too deeply into many issues.

Bound 2 Snow, PWH and Coolin’ are the standout tracks here that even non-hip-hop fans should enjoy. (JA) WWW1/2

but if you can lay yourself out up there, it’s really rewarding because people on a deeper level love that kind of connection because there’s no flashy lights or tricks involved, it’s just ‘whatever I’ve got you can have’.”

These preview shows will certainly influence the final product of the record, as Middleton has yet to finish recording the second half of the album.“I want the first half to slightly inform what I do with the second, and by touring and living with the songs in a live format you get an instinctual feeling of how and where to go,” he explained.

In closing, Middleton summed up his feelings ahead of the shows:“I love playing music live, I’m really comfortable with it and really looking forward to these shows and playing some new songs.”

Warren Haynes – Ashes and DusT

Warren Haynes speaks into your ear, tiny words that grow as they snake their way through the network of neurons in your head. He aims his guitar and his entourage of folk lower down, cracking through the sternum and into the soft fleshy blood pump.Words and instrument hit their marks at the same time, sending out ripples from twin epicenters like a musical earthquake, that leaves devastation and silence.

His poetry is affecting and its accompanying music is that combination of power and beauty, driving the melody into a story with delicate ups and downs you can’t help but follow. I am enthralled, as I often am, by the life of the fiddle in the world of this music and wonder how anyone could not be. It’s magic may not be seen by everyone but it is felt by many. (SP) WWW1/2

FREEWILLASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezsny

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’d probably prefer to stay in the romantic, carefree state of mind. But from what I can tell, you’re ripe for a new phase of your long-term cycle.

Your freestyle rambles and jaunty adventures should now make way for careful introspection and thoughtful adjustments. Instead of restless star-gazing, I suggest patient earth-gazing. Despite how it may initially appear, it’s not a comedown. In fact, I see it as an unusual reward that will satisfy you in unexpected ways.

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TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In accordance with the current astrological omens, I recommend the following activities: Sing a love song at least once a day. Seek a message from an ancestor in a reverie or dream. Revisit your three favorite childhood memories. Give a gift or blessing to the wildest part of you.

Swim naked in a river, stream, or lake. Change something about your home to make it more sacred and mysterious.

Obtain a symbolic object or work of art that stimulates your courage to be true to yourself.

Find relaxation and renewal in the deep darkness. Ruminate in unbridled detail about how you will someday fulfill a daring fantasy.

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GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The ancient Greek epic poem the Iliad is one of the foundation works of Western literature. Written in the eighth century BCE, it tells the story of the ten-year-long Trojan War. The cause of the conflict was the kidnap of Helen of Troy, reputed to be the world’s most beautiful woman. And yet nowhere in the Iliad is there a description of Helen’s beauty. We hear no details about why she deserves to be at the center of the legendary saga. Don’t be like the *Iliad* in the coming weeks, Gemini. Know everything you can about the goal at the center of your life. Be very clear and specific and precise about what you’re fighting for and working towards.

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CANCER (June 21-July 22): The comedian puppets known as the Muppets have made eight movies. In The Great Muppet Caper, the muppets Kermit and Fozzie play brothers, even though one is a green frog and the other a brown bear. At one point in the story, we see a photo of their father, who has the coloring and eyes of Kermit, but a bear-like face. I bring up their unexpected relationship, Cancerian, because I suspect that a similar anomaly might be coming your way: a bond with a seemingly improbable ally.

To prepare, stretch your ideas about what influences you might want to connect with.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): English author Barbara Cartland published her first novel at age 21. By the time she died 77 years later, she had written more than 700 other books.

Some sources say she sold 750 million copies, while others put the estimate at two billion. In 1983 alone, she churned out 23 novels.

I foresee a Barbara Cartland-type period for you in the coming months, Leo. Between now and your birthday in 2016, I expect you to be as fruitful in your own field as you have ever been. And here’s the weird thing: One of the secrets of your productivity will be an enhanced ability to chill out.

“Relaxed intensity” will be your calming battle cry.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): ‘On or about December 1910, human character changed,’ wrote English author Virginia Woolf in 1924. What prompted her to draw that conclusion? The rapidly increasing availability of electricity, cars, and indoor plumbing? The rise of the women’s suffrage movement? Labor unrest and the death of the King? The growing prominence of experimental art

by Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso? The answer might be all of the above, plus the beginning of a breakdown in the British class system. Inspired by the current astrological omens, I’ll borrow her brash spirit and make a new prediction: During the last 19 weeks of 2015, the destiny

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of the Virgo tribe will undergo a fundamental shift. Ten years from now, I bet you will look back at this time and say, “That was when everything got realigned, redeemed, and renewed.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “The greatest and most important problems of life are all in a certain sense insoluble,” said psychologist Carl Jung. “They can never be solved, but only outgrown.” I subscribe to that model of dealing with dilemmas, and I hope you will consider it, too -- especially in light of the fact that from now until July 2016 you will have more power than ever before to outgrow two of your biggest problems. I don’t guarantee that you will transcend them completely, but I’m confident you can render them at least 60 percent less pressing, less imposing, and less restricting. And 80 percent is quite possible.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Hundreds of years ago, Hawaiians celebrated an annual holiday called Makahiki. It began in early November and lasted four months. No one worked very much for the duration. There were nonstop feasts and games and religious ceremonies. Communitybuilding was a featured theme, and one taboo was strictly enforced: no war or bloodshed. I encourage you Scorpios to enjoy a similar break from your daily fuss.

Now is an especially propitious time to ban conflict, contempt,

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revenge, and sabotage as you cultivate solidarity in the groups that are important for your future.

You may not be able to make your own personal Makahiki last for four months, but could you at least manage three weeks?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Museum of Failed Products is a warehouse full of consumer goods that companies created but no one wanted to buy. It includes caffeinated beer, yogurt shampoo, fortune cookies for dogs, and breath mints that resemble vials of crack cocaine.

The most frequent visitors to the museum are executives seeking to educate themselves about what errors to avoid in their own companies’ future product development. I encourage you to be inspired by this place, Sagittarius. Take an inventory of the wrong turns you’ve made in the past. Use what you learn to create a revised master plan.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”

Virtually all of us have been guilty of embodying that well-worn adage. And according to my analysis of the astrological omens, quite a few of you Capricorns are currently embroiled in this behavior pattern. But I am happy to report that the coming weeks will be a favorable time to quit your insanity cold turkey. In fact, the actions

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you take to escape this bad habit could empower you to be done with it forever. Are you ready to make a heroic effort? Here’s a good way to begin: Undo your perverse attraction to the stressful provocation that has such a seductive hold on your imagination.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Everything I’ve ever let go of has claw marks on it,” confessed the late, great author David Foster Wallace. Does that describe your experience, too? If so, events in the coming months will help you break the pattern. More than at any other time in the last ten years, you will have the power to liberate yourself through surrender. You will understand how to release yourself from overwrought attachment through love and grace rather than through stress and force.

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Most people love in order to lose themselves,” wrote Hermann Hesse in his novel Demian. But there are a few, he implied, who actually find themselves through love. In the coming months, Pisces, you are more likely to be one of those rare ones. In fact, I don’t think it will even be possible for you to use love as a crutch. You won’t allow it to sap your power or make you forget who you are.

That’s good news, right? Here’s the caveat: You must be ready and willing to discover much more about the true nature of your deepest desires -- some of which may be hidden from you right now.

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

Wall to wall beautiful ladies, pool tables and luxurious leather lounges. Have a coffee and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Approachable managers help you choose a lady for your massage. There is a fair queueing system and no hidden charges. Just along from Centrail Railway at 261 Parramatta Rd Glebe, Sydney NSW 2007 - Phone 02 9660 0666 Its an $9.00 Taxi Ride from the CBD - Visit our web site at www.kingscourt.com.au - OPEN 10 am to 1 am and 24 hrs on Weekends.

20% off 9 am to 12 noon & FREE ENTRY before 9 pm each day. Parking is available in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe. Check out the website for information, funny stuff and pictures of pretty women. There are no photos of the regular girls as they are too shy. The site is: www.kingscourt.com.au Also check out the Kings Big John Facebook to see a mixture of really funny pics, photos, stories and links to the best pages of the our website. Just go to www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn

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

So we started to make cartoon advertising. We had to think up what kind of characters and what kind of stories. Some of our customers mentioned that they would never tell their bosses where they went for fear of meeting them half naked in a party spa. Of course we immediately did the above story about the boss who pays a bit more and uses the private room and of course has a two girl massage. He fails to have a heart attack and goes away quite happy.

We then heard that some guys were very keen not to bring along certain of their friends as they would misbehave and embarrass them in front of the girls that they saw on a regular basis. From this we created a despicable character known as St. James. The small panel above has St. James trying to get Wilson to tell him where he and the boys go.

The following cartoons have him always not quite finding out and getting into strife as well. I will run some of the best ones over the next few weeks, right here.

There were so many true funny stories at Kings Court for ideas for us to produce over fifty full-page colour advertisements that appeared in the back page of Australia Penthouse. We later, like this page, had to clothe the characters so they could appear in the local newspapers when they began printing in colour.

We then developed another character called Dave who is a working class guy who sets out to go to Kings Court but each week he would get into strife. Like Gilligan’s Island he never actually gets to make it there to Kings Court but along the way he meets lots of characters like Doctor Who, Jack Nicholson and Elvis serving hot dogs in Newtown which

was a rumour at the time. We produced over fifty of those and they appeared in magazines such as People and Scoop as single strip colour cartoons.

So you see, there was a time when advertising was viable but after a while if became very expensive and did not get the results to make it worthwhile. Today we invite readers to refer to our web site that has a

lot of information about how men can enjoy the harmless fun that is Kings Court. Best new thing at the moment is all the funny stuff on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn VACANCIES We are currently looking for new ladies who would like to be a little bit naughty and do a massage with a happy ending. It is a safe place to work, where you do not do full service and everyone knows someone who could handle a bit of a discrete financial boost. It is ideal as a part time or casual job and you are paid daily on a cash basis. When you start we get one of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for ladies with cars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entry at 18 Grose Street Glebe 2037. This address is the best way to find us using GPS plotting. If you look at the website at www.kingscourt.com.au and click on “is this your first time” this will take you to a page of ten tips which we like our customers to know about when they come here. Kings Court Massage is the best place for the first time customer to meet the first time girl. city hub 20 august 2015

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A HUGE WAREHOUSE OF PRE-LOVED WARES AND HOME TO THE AUSSIE PICKERS!

MITCHELL ROAD

ANTIQUE & DESIGN CENTRE A 2,300 sq metre warehouse with traders, hobbyists, collectors, stylists, dealers and stalls. Sydney’s one-stopshop and premier range of pre-loved items.

We trade like any other department store, selling furniture, lighting, homewares, artwork, fashion, toys, jewellery, music, magazines and collectables – vintage, industrial, retro, rustic, modernist, original antiques.

We are also the home to the stars from Aussie Pickers on AETV, Adam McDonald and Lucas Callaghan – ‘The Aussie Pickers Store’.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AMAZING SERVICES AT MITCHELL ROAD ANTIQUE & DESIGN CENTRE Looking for that perfect prop or set item? Hire it from us! A very popular service with professionals.

Need somewhere for a photo shoot? Why not use our Centre’s creative spaces as the backdrop.

Stuff even some big department stores won’t offer you!

OPEN 7 DAYS | 10AM-6PM 17 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 Phone +61 2 9698 0907 enquiry@mitchellroadcentre.com.au