North Sydney Sun May 2022

Jilly Gibson goes dining with Trent and Catherine | Full federal election coverage

May 2022 Issue 13

News and views for North Sydney’s residential and business communities

www.northsydneysun.com.au

EXCLUSIVE POLL: ALP emerges as biggest threat to Trent Zimmerman

By Grahame Lynch Labor’s Catherine Renshaw has emerged as the most likely candidate to successfully challenge Liberal North Sydney incumbent Trent Zimmerman according to a new poll.

A survey of 507 voters conducted by Compass Polling in the week of May 6 reveals that if an election were held that week, the result would have been too close to call.

Unweighted results showed that Zimmerman’s primary would have been 35%, ahead of Labor on 25%, Greens’ candidate Heather Armstrong on 15% and high profile independent Kylea Tink on 12%.

The rise of the Greens over the highly fancied independent Tink is the result of strong support from women: 22% support the Greens, just one percent behind the 23% support for Labor. Tink is scoring 13% of women.

By contrast, the Greens are just scoring 7% of men.

When the results are weighted for the age distribution of the electorate as measured by the last census, the Liberal vote rises to 40.5%, Labor falls to 21.6%, the Greens fall to 12.9% and Tink rises to 13.6%.

Age weighting is a common device used in online polling analysis to correct for the bias to younger voters.

The poll also asked respondents to express their likely preferences. Overall, about 65% of preferences would flow to Labor, according to the poll, placing Renshaw in the 51% range on two party preferred unweighted and 46% when weighted. With a confidence range of around 5%, this indicates that the result is too close to call.

The poll shows that Labor and Greens are maintaining their historical level of support in the electorate while Tink and minor party candidates are picking up share at the expense of the Liberal primary vote.

The poll is the first in North Sydney to measure the support for all ten nominated candidates, as well as to cross-reference the main issues and political values of respondents.

It confirms that the electorate has become less predictable in the last three years, as evidenced by the 18% swing against the Liberals in the Willoughby state by-election as well as the ascension of Labor candidates to

From left: ALP candidate Catherine Renshaw, independent Kylea Tink, Liberal Trent Zimmerman and Green Heather Armstrong

Intended first preference for North Sydney Candidate

Total

Women

Men

Trent Zimmerman, Liberal Party

34.9%

31.3%

Catherine Renshaw, ALP

25.0%

18Ͳ44

45+

SelfͲidenƟĮed NESB Progressive voters

Total when age weighted

38.8% 26.7% 54.3% 49.4%

26.4%

33.8%

40.5%

23.0%

27.2% 30.3% 12.6% 23.8%

28.8%

35.3%

21.6%

Heather Armstrong, Greens 15.0%

22.3%

7.2%

22.9%

11.8%

12.9%

Kylea Tink, Independent

12.4%

12.9%

12.0% 10.7% 16.5% 11.0%

12.3%

8.8%

13.6%

William Bourke, SAP

3.0%

2.3%

3.6%

3.9%

0.6%

0.6%

2.4%

2.9%

2.3%

Michael Walls, One NaƟon

2.8%

1.2%

4.4%

2.2%

3.9%

4.3%

2.1%

<0.1%

3.0%

Robert Nalbandian, UAP

2.0%

2.3%

1.6%

2.8%

<0.1% 3.7%

0.3%

1.5%

1.4%

Lesley Kinney, Informed Medical OpƟons Party

2.0%

1.6%

2.4%

2.2%

0.1%

1.8%

2.1%

3.0%

1.0%

Dajen Tinkler, Liberal Democrats

1.8%

2.0%

1.6%

1.4%

2.6%

2.4%

1.4%

2.8%

2.0%

Victor Kline, TNL

1.2%

1.2%

1.2%

1.6%

<0.1% 1.2%

1.4%

<0.1%

0.8%

17.9% 7.9%

SelfͲidenƟĮed ConservaƟve

1.8%

Source: Compass Polling, Week of 6 May, 507 online respondents. NESB=Non English speaking. Some results are rounded office in recent North Sydney and Lane Cove council elections.

Nearly 58% of the electorate now self-identifies as progressive, compared to 32% conservative and 9% libertarian.

And 51% said that regardless of

how they allocate their first preference, they would prefer a Labor government compared to 49% who want a Liberal government, when results are adjusted for the age profile of the electorate.

Of those who would prefer a Liberal government, just two thirds intend to

allocate their first preference to Zimmerman. It’s even lower for those who prefer a Labor government, with less than half indicating they will direct a first preference to Renshaw.

Continued Page 5

ZIMMERMAN

Delivering for our community Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

our

TRENT’S PLAN FOR HARBOUR FORESHORES AND LOCAL BUSHLAND. IMPROVING BUSHLAND WALKING TRACKS AND FACILITIES IN WILLOUGHBY

IMPROVING THE WAVERTON COAL LOADER AND THE COAL LOADER PARKLANDS

With its stunning views, Blues Point Reserve is one

A re-elected Liberal government will provide $540,000 to Willoughby City Council to upgrade local bushland walking tracks in Naremburn, Artarmon and Middle Cove.

A re-elected Liberal government will invest $850,000 to support North Sydney Council on a 50/50 funding basis to make major improvements to the popular Coal Loader in Waverton and the surrounding parkland in accordance with the Coal Loader Landscape Masterplan.

of the lower north shore’s most popular parks for local residents. A re-elected Liberal government will join North Sydney Council on a 50/50 funding basis to incorporate into the Reserve the recently acquired private buildings on Henry Lawson Drive.

This will deliver continuous parkland from Blues Point to the McMahons Point Ferry Wharf.

UPGRADING LANE COVE BUSH TRACKS

SUPPORTING WENDY WHITELEY’S SECRET GARDEN AT LAVENDER BAY

CREATING NEW PARKLAND AT SUB BASE PLATYPUS ON NEUTRAL BAY With over $10 million in secured funding, the federal government’s Sydney Harbour Federation Trust will create new parkland at Sub Base Platypus on Neutral Bay. Funds have also been allocated for the restoration of the historic Retort House at Platypus.

A re-elected Liberal government will provide Lane Cove Council with $1.1 million to upgrade bushland walking tracks including: •

The Ventemans Reach track and pump station historical site

•

Located under the Harbour Bridge, the Bradfield Park foreshore stretches from North Sydney Pool to the Jeffrey Street Ferry Wharf. It is an iconic location and used extensively by local residents and the broader Sydney community.

The remediation of contamination at the southern end of the Lovetts Reserve Boardwalk

•

The upgrade of the walking track entrance to the Lane Cove Bushland Park

•

A re-elected Liberal government will provide $2.5 million on a 50/50 funding basis with North Sydney Council to undertake a major upgrade of this area of Bradfield Park, which has become degraded over time.

Upgrades to bush tracks in Tambourine Bay Reserve

•

Upgrades to tracks in Gore Creek Reserve

•

Improvements to walking tracks at smaller reserves across Lane Cove.

A MAJOR UPGRADE TO BRADFIELD PARK SOUTH UNDER THE HARBOUR BRIDGE

“

2JÜFLJ

EXPANDING BLUES POINT RESERVE

A re-elected Liberal government will help Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden at Lavender Bay. To access more philanthropic funding by amending tax laws to give Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status to the Garden’s Trust, ensuring donations to support the garden are tax deductible.

UPGRADING FORESHORE ACCESS IN CLARKES POINT RESERVE IN WOOLWICH A re-elected Coalition government will provide Hunters Hill Council with $400,000 to build new and upgraded walking tracks in Clarkes Point Reserve to provide better linkages between Kellys Bush and the Woolwich Dock. The project will include a fitness trail and children’s play areas.

To find out more about Trent’s plan for our Harbour foreshores and local bushland scan the QR code

FROM TRENT

Our local area is renowned for its Harbour foreshores, our environmentally significant bushland and our beautiful parks. Protecting our local environment and heritage has always been a priority for me.

I have worked hard to secure funding commitments to improve and protect some of our most special locations as part of my plan for the next term of Parliament.

“

With your support at the election on 21 May 2022 we can make sure we protect and improve what makes our part of Sydney so special.

Trent Zimmerman Member for North Sydney

TRENT ZIMMERMAN

MEMBER FOR NORTH SYDNEY trent.zimmerman.mp@aph.gov.au trentzimmerman trentzimmermanmp

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

CATHERINE RENSHAW The battle for North Sydney is tighter than ever. Only Catherine Renshaw and Labor can deliver the solutions that Australia needs.

-

IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE. IT'S TIME TO VOTE LABOR FOR NORTH SYDNEY. Catherine and Labor will: Address the climate challenge through a whole-of-economy and whole-ofgovernment approach, which an independent sitting on a crossbench simply could not achieve.

Deliver on a National Anti-Corruption Commission because Australians deserve a government that is transparent, honest and accountable.

Strengthen Medicare, make childcare cheaper, create secure local jobs, and make more things in Australia.

Strengthen laws to make it clear employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Scan here to find out more about Catherine, her policies and background:

www.renshaw4northsydney.com

Catherine Renshaw 0467 164 551 catherine@ renshaw4northsydney.com

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9, 377 Sussex St Sydney NSW 2000.

New survey of North Sydney shows poll too close to call Continued from Page 1 Zimmerman’s position as one of the more progressive members of the Liberal Party, with particular emphasis on gay and climate issues, is also having a scatter gun influence on how residents will vote.

About 49% of self-described conservative voters support Zimmerman, but 24% support Renshaw and 11% Tink. Conversely, around 29% of progressive voters support Renshaw, but 26% support Zimmerman, ahead of 24% for the Greens and 12% for Tink.

The relatively smaller cohort of libertarian voters go 41% for Zimmerman and then 16% for SAP. Adding to the complex crosscurrents of the electorate is the finding that 41% of the sample rated costof-living as the most important issue driving their vote, choosing from ten issues which have been highlighted by candidates.

Faster emissions reductions by 2030—highlighted by the Greens, SAP, TNL and Tink—rated as the topline issue for just 15%, closely followed by economic growth on 14% and healthcare on 8%.

Issues such as a federal ICAC and gender representation viewed as key to a “teal independent” insurgency ranked poorly in the survey. Other

issues ranked by the Liberals at a national level as core to their campaign such as border protection and national security also ranked poorly.

Asked what were the most specific concerns about cost of living, housing rent and mortgage repayments was the greatest concern to about 47%, followed by grocery prices on 22%.

Compass cross-referenced the quality of the sample by asking respondents to nominate who they voted for in the 2019 election.

The responses correlate strongly for actual results achieved: within two percent for all candidates except for Zimmerman, whose 2019 vote is underrepresented in the sample by around 6%. Some of the differential may be explained by informal votes, faulty memory and the so-called “shy Tory” effect.

However, the Compass online sample skews slightly younger than the electorate at large with potential under-representation of the over 55 vote.

This may have the impact of slightly overstating the non-Liberal vote overall. Hence our use of age adjusted totals when looking at primary vote and which government voters overall would prefer regardless of their first preferences.

But this does not diminish the evi-

dence that a big swing against the Liberals is on the cards. What is notable is that the shift in voting intentions is not uniform. For example, Kylea Tink is drawing about only a third of her support from 2019 Liberal voters, despite her positioning as a disaffected Liberal: half her intending voters supported Labor, the Greens or the independent Chesterfield-Evans in 2019.

In Labor’s case, nearly a quarter of intending voters supported the Liberals or Greens in 2019: conversely, around 1 in 20 of intending Liberal voters voted Labor three years ago.

Labor is also benefiting from the increasing cultural diversity of the seat: it has a ten percent lead over the Liberals among those who identify as Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu.

The survey also tested for the support for transitioned women competing against biological women in sport, an issue brought to the fore by the Liberal candidate in the neighbouring seat of Warringah covering Mosman and Manly. 54% opposed transwomen’s participation, 30% showed support and 16% did not know. Of those who support transwomen in women’s sport, some quarter intend to vote for Zimmerman. Of those who oppose, Zimmerman scores over 40% of the intended primary vote. The poll was

Which of the following issues is most moƟvaƟng your vote?

Cost of living

41.8%

Greater emissions reducƟons by 2030

15.4%

Economic growth

14.0%

Healthcare

7.7%

Lower taxes

6.3%

Jobs

3.2%

Gender representaƟon

3.0%

Establishing a federal ICAC

2.4%

Border protecƟon

2.0%

Covid freedoms

1.6%

Lower immigraƟon

1.6%

Defence and natsec

1.2%

conducted with 507 respondents in the week of May 6 by Compass Polling of Sydney.

New pocket park planned for McMahons Pt

NORTH SYDNEY COMMUNITY

STRATEGIC PLAN HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE

DRAFT PLAN Stage 2 feedback closes Wednesday 8 June 2022 An artists impression of the planned park A new pocket park will soon be created in the heart of McMahons Point in North Sydney. The new park will be located just off Blues Point Rd in East Crescent St, also aimed at helping to slow traffic in the area.

North Sydney Council will fund half of the $500,000 project with the remaining $250,000 coming from the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces scheme.

Mayor of North Sydney Zoe Baker said the project is a key part of council’s overall vision and planning for the village, which often appears in the top 10 lists of Sydney’s most liveable

suburbs. Baker said: “Our village centres are at the heart of our community and it’s vital we protect, invest in, and improve them for future generations to enjoy. This new pocket park will transform a concrete road and pavement into an attractive green space for locals to sit and enjoy a coffee, read a book, or have a rest on their way to and from the village shops, while still maintaining vehicle access for residents. Expanding and creating new open spaces in our villages in innovative ways like this also helps to reinforce the sense of place while also supporting the local economy.”

As a token of appreciation, submitters can request a colouring book about the North Sydney LGA.

https://yoursay.northsydney.nsw.gov.au | 9936 8100

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 5

Council decision to abandon Young St plaza, spurn Waters Lane setback proposal labelled “insane” North Sydney Council has voted to cancel the tender for the proposed permanent plaza at Young St, Neutral Bay as well as rejecting a proposed development application offering a widening of Waters Lane, Neutral Bay and a $2m contribution for a new plaza.

The decision by the dominant bloc of six to reject the two plans led to dramatic scenes at North Sydney Council , with Cr Ian Mutton describing the turn of events as “insane.”

The first motion dealt with the proposed blocking of an amended application for an existing approved development at 12-14 Waters Rd, backing onto Grosvenor Lane.

This calls for another 3.35m building height adding a sixth story, in return for setting back the building's back boundary by 1.5m creating a widened footpath and making a $2m developer contribution to the council to assist with the conversion of Grosvenor Lane carpark into a plaza.

The second effectively cancelled the tender for the construction of a permanent plaza at Young St on Neutral Bay, which is funded for that purpose by the NSW Government as part of the BLine project.

AD-HOC PLAN: Arguing against the proposed Waters Rd development, Cr MaryAnn Beregi said: “it gives rise to ad hoc redevelopment in the area, and potentially gives rise to poor and unplanned outcomes for the Neutral Bay community. And this is exactly what we don’t want to do, we want proper planning and the proposal is not endorsed by any planning study. We have expert staff that have gone through this proposal, and have said that it does not demonstrate strategic merit.”

Earlier in a public meeting, Daniel Barber representing developer Central Element told councillors: “The core public benefits we see of the proposal include widening Waters Lane. So currently there’s no footpath on the side.

We’re giving $2 million dollars towards Waters Lane and Grosvenor Plaza, which will result in an Italian style piazza in accordance with the previously endorsed strategy with opportunity for markets and stalls and public art and landscaping.”

Complicating matters is that construction has already begun on the earlier five-storey proposal with no provision for building setback or the $2m contribution.

IRREVERSIBLE: Arguing against blocking the development in favour of a further briefing on it, Cr James Spenceley said: “The thing that is irreversible is, these guys are about to start building. They will build to within 200 millimetres of the roadway, and we will lose that benefit for 40 or 50 years until it’s redeveloped. They are losing space if they set the building

ArƟst rendiƟon of proposed tender design for Young St Plaza, now cancelled by Council back one and a half metres, they lose one and a half metres times five stories. So what they’re asking for is not entirely unreasonable, and I think it is well worth us discussing it.”

Rebutting Beregi’s point about ad hoc development, Spenceley added: “If we don’t look at these as they come up, and as they’re built, we will end up with a lot of ad hoc buildings built with no community benefit. This to me is clearly non-monetary community benefit that we should properly have a briefing on from that perspective.”

In the end, the two Real Independents, two Sustainable Australia Party and two Labor councillors combined with a 6 vote majority out of 10 to pass a motion blocking the development plan.

PLAZA CANCELLED: The second Neutral Bay motion saw the rejection of a proposed tender for the construction of the Young St Plaza, funded by a dedicated grant from the NSW government.

Arguing against the plaza, Cr MaryAnn Beregi said: “It is not a nice space. It is a windswept canyon.

There is a playground down the road. I don’t disagree that Neutral Bay needs love. I don’t disagree that Neutral Bay has been neglected, but to give this absolutely second grade option as some kind of plaza, just because we want to be seen to be providing some kind of open space is not the way to make decisions.”

Beregi’s successful motion recommended that Mayor Zoe Baker seek a meeting with the state government to re-negotiate the terms of the $1.9m grant originally given under express terms that it be used to build the plaza.

“The mayor can go and talk to Transport for New South Wales about the funding, but the idea that just because we’ve got the money and we be given the money and therefore we should spend the money here is very poor decision making,” Beregi continued. “If all of a sudden the state government, which would be interesting given the lead up to an election which is within a year, want to take the money back, then I suggest that it could be

Proposed pedestrian plan for Waters Lane rejected by Council spent better maybe in Lismore where they need some roads repaired. So I don’t think we should be saying just because we have the money, we have to spend it fully.”

Beregi also criticised the consultation process supporting the tender, saying the COVID-19 pandemic skewed data about impacts on road usage. She said the closure of Young St had caused congestion at nearby chokepoints.

Aligned councillors supported Beregi. Cr Georgia Lamb said “What is there now and what I’ve seen proposed is an aesthetic nightmare. It is terribly designed. It’s a concrete jungle, synthetic grass, it’s not pleasant to sit there.”

Cr Godfrey Santer said he wants to: “develop a holistic policy in which we give top priority to public space for the area, the total area, not just for this as an ad hoc proposal.”

Deputy Mayor William Bourke con-

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 6

curred, adding: “Sustainability is a holistic issue. It’s not just about a small area of space. It is about an area and how cars flow through a broader area than one street.”

However, the opposition of the dominant bloc of six to the plaza set off a firestorm of criticism from nonaligned councillors.

FURPHIES? Cr Jilly Gibson said the objections to the plaza were based on a series of furphies. “I thought I was in a progressive council. And now we're talking about pulling out a plaza that's for people and putting back a road for cars. Hey councillors, that’s not progressive,” Gibson said.

“We’ve never before voted to give away money and to encourage cars to go through a busy pedestrian village.

You are all supporting cars over pedestrians and people. This is a very sad day for North Sydney Council. And I ConƟnued page 7

Council divides on Neutral Bay plans ConƟnued from page 6 don’t believe we’ve heard the last of this. We will be a media laughing stock, councillors, a media laughing stock,” she added.

“We have just given away nearly $2 million gifted to us by the state government for no reason. We have community support for this proposal.

Don’t be led by stories that we’re going to have some cozy little discussions and talk about where else we’re going to spend the money. That’s not going to happen. We know and we’ve already been told that this money has a use by date and we will lose this money.”

Cr Alanya Drummond also weighed in with support for the plaza, stating: “I am appalled at this decision making and I feel really ashamed that our community is being deprived of a sunny, beautiful plaza in Neutral Bay. I find it extraordinary that our bottom line is that one of our decisions has been to spend money on rebuilding a road. When everyone sat around here telling us that it’s about public open space, two proposals tonight on the table to improve Neutral Bay have both been shut down.”

Cr Ian Mutton said: “This is insane. We did have consultation. We did have the government money. We did have community support. And tonight, we’re going to say, ‘Hmm doesn’t matter, let’s welcome the cars back.” When we talk about we’re going to have a grand plan for the future, fine. We’re going to pause. We’re not going to do anything until we have that grand plan for the future,

fine. That means we’re not going to do anything until we get that grand plan. That will take years, probably not until the next council.”

Gibson and Mutton have combined to advance a rescission motion aimed at cancelling the two motions.

To be successful this would require two of the six dominant councillors to switch their votes. What makes the events of the meeting notable is that the last election was fought on the issue of over-development at Neutral Bay, particularly a council-developed planning policy which would have allowed 6 storeys and even 12 storeys on a number of properties in return for public amenities such as a plaza and community centre. This fuelled the Jack of Jilly campaign which urged a vote for the Real Independents and Sustainable Australia Party to stop high rises in Neutral Bay. They won power and hold the mayor and deputy mayor positions respectively.

Following the election, the aligned bloc of six, including Labor, backed a rescission of this planning policy.

Thus, by definition, any new proposal could be deemed ad hoc in the absence of a replacement plan for the area. Council GM Ken Gouldthorp confirmed to the councillors that there was nothing in the pipeline.

“We would have to sit down with the full council and get a lot more direction I suppose, about what would be addressed and what wouldn’t be addressed in any future studies,” he said. “We are not clear as to how we would go about doing another study at this time."

WOTSO adds Military Rd property to adjacent Cremorne workspace provider WOTSO Property exchanged contracts on 239 Military Road Cremorne for $5.2 million with settlement due mid June.

The property is the neighbouring building to 233-237 Military Road, a purchase the group announced late last year that will be occupied by its readymade tenant WOTSO; a flexible workspace provider.

The opportunities created by the dual landholding will support the growth of the new WOTSO, offering extra space for the site to expand, meaning it can offer even more amenities to its communities such as a personal training studio and cafe. The additional asset allows WOTSO Property to promote its narrative of creating vertically integrated assets where businesses can work, eat, play and potentially even live in the same place. WOTSO is also considering build to rent projects at sites that have some development potential, including but not limited to Dickson in Canberra and Newcastle in NSW. “With the flexible workspace sector taking off, many businesses will be excited to see city fringe areas set up with coworking spaces and office amenities that were once reserved only for the CBDs,” WOTSO said.

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 7

Candidates pledge faster, deeper emissions cuts

By James Mullan Climate has emerged as one of the biggest talking points for the North Sydney elections, with challenger candidates to the big parties offering different approaches to how to deal with the most vexing of public policy issues.

Independent Kylea Tink has pledged to follow in the footsteps of neighbouring MP Zali Stegall and introduce a private members bill to advance her policy positions should she be elected on May 21.

Tink says she will table a private members bill in her first 12 months to legislate the introduction of vehicle and fuel emission standards into Australia.

“At the moment Australia's one of the only nations in the Western world that doesn’t have vehicle fuel emissions and efficiency standards. And as a consequence, we have some of the dirtiest vehicles running on the dirtiest petrol in the country,” Tink says.

“With vehicle emissions the third highest contributor to our emission standards something as simple as this is something that we can do really quickly in this country. And in fact, our government’s had the opportunity to do it for nigh on eight years now, they’ve just chosen not to. So that’s the power of an independent voice in terms of driving specific legislative reform and discussion. “ Tink says climate change is probably the most pressing question for our generation and our community.

“We don’t have another three years to wait for significant movement in this space. And that’s why if I’m sent to Canberra as your independent representative, I’ll be throwing my voice behind more ambitious carbon reduction targets for 2030. Specifically, I’ll be putting our vote behind Zali Steg-

gall’s climate bills.”

Tink elaborates that the reason these bills are important and effective is “they’re actually based on the legislative reform that took place in the UK in 2008. So the United Kingdom has over 14 years experience with that legislative framework now. And it’s actually enabled them to already move to a position where they are 38% down on their carbon emissions and targeting 68% by 2030.”

North Sydney voters are spoiled for choice when it comes to candidates emphasising climate as their priority with the Greens tapping Heather Armstrong as their candidate.

GREENS’ ARMSTRONG: Armstrong told the Sun that she lives her credo, planting trees at a Huntleys Point site since 2016 creating a forest habitat for deprived species and converting an inner city terrace into a sustainable house, focussed on selfsufficiency in terms of energy, water and waste disposal.

“What the Greens are about is trying to stop the destructive path we are on, which is the destruction of our planet. This is the inevitable outcome of continuing to produce carbon pollution. Unless we stop producing carbon dioxide, reduce it and engage in carbon mitigation schemes we are going to be looking at catastrophic climate disasters which will cost human lives,” she told the Sun. She opposes the Beaches Link Tunnel and thinks more emphasis should be placed on public transport.

“We need to be fostering and improving public transport rather than investing in more and more roads for cars because transport emissions constitute one third of NSW’s emissions budget,” she says.

The Greens also support carbon

Heather Armstrong

William Bourke

pricing as a mechanism to address climate change, “Industry is way ahead of both Labor and Liberal on this one.

If the Minerals Council supports a carbon price, what are we doing? Why is public policy so retro grade in Australia that we can see the way that the world economy is going and jump on the front foot to introduce new industries to replace the destructive industries” Armstrong says.

SAP’s BOURKE: Also leading a charge on climate is the Sustainable Australia Party, whose candidate William Bourke was recently elected the deputy mayor of North Sydney Council with support from Labor and the Real Independents. Bourke’s climate policy is holistic in the sense of its linkages to population and planning policy.

“I am campaigning to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption,” he tells the Sun. “Policies to achieve this would include a properly enforced national biodiversity and native species program, the return of real planning powers to local communities, a federal ICAC and Swiss-style binding citizen-initiated referenda and plebiscites in order to give citizens the final say on key issues, should they want it. This last policy is an important anti-corruption measure and would help to build trust and confidence in Australian politics, as it has in Switzerland.”

Kylea Tink

Warming to his theme, he continues: “Sustainability and environmentalism are about much more than the climate crisis. They are also about biodiversity loss and species extinctions, water shortages, deforestation, resource depletion including rare minerals, and air pollution. Importantly, Sustainable Australia Party is the only political movement to challenge the folly of unlimited growth in both resource consumption and population.

While I advocate for strong action on climate change, we must address sustainability holistically and live within safe environmental limits on a range of fronts, not just one.”

Bourke rejects assertions by his opponents that his party’s aim to sharply reduce immigration is a dogwhistle to critics of multiculturalism.

“That is an absurd assertion, particularly when that vote is already well catered for! Sustainable Australia Party supports a science and evidencebased approach to policy - not a left or right wing ideology.”

“While we are a pro-immigration party with members born on every inhabited continent on Earth, we would like to see Australia’s overall annual immigration intake returned to the normal twentieth century level of around 70,000, but with our humanitarian intake maintained or increased.”

Zimmerman challengers target cost of living, energy security policies

By James Mullan With Trent Zimmerman facing multiple challenges from a range of progressive candidates, there has been less attention paid to his challengers from the other side of politics.

But with the United Australia Party, One Nation and the Liberal Democrats all in the race, their electoral performance and the preferences of their voters could be key to the outcome of the election.

UAP candidate Robert Nalbandian is focusing squarely on cost of living issues. “We want to freeze home loan mortgage interest s and cap it at 3% for five years. There’s something like 6 million mortgages. If the mortgage rate goes up to 4% which has been flagged, something like 65% of mortgages will default. People are already under huge mortgage stress. People have already borrowed to the hilt.” he told the Sun. “The other thing is if the rate goes up to 6%, something like 85% of mortgages will default. A lot of people use their home as collateral to

get a business loan. So this is really bad. I’m already seeing this.”

“The second-biggest thing is the $1 trillion of Liberal debt,” says Nalbandian. “We’ve got very little infrastructure to show for that. A lot of that was wasted.”

“We bought a bunch of expired vaccines, we bought PPE which has been misused or thrown out. This is not a good debt, this is a bad debt. If we had borrowed that money to build infrastructure, at least you've got the infrastructure that is feeding back into your society. This is all coming from the party of economic fiscal conservatives.

They’ve gone 5 times over and above what the ALP did.”

LDP’S TINKLER: The Liberal Democrats have had some success locally, electing a North Sydney councillor several years ago. Its candidate this time is Dajen Tinkler.

“The LDP are more about less government, less regulation and less legislation than the other parties. UAP for example, they’ve got this thing about

Robert Nalbandian

Dajen Tinkler

freezing interest rates for the next 3 years, which is just another form of government trying to control something. We’re all about less of that. We are a bit more into the free market. We believe the best person to make a decision on how you run your life or your business is you,” Tinkler says.

“So the less the government sticks their nose in, the more likely they are to succeed. All of us are about individual liberty and freedom, bringing back the constitution and introducing a proper bill of rights,” he tells the Sun. “We’re not a fan of this net zero stuff. Again, we just feel its the government sticking its nose in something

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 8

Lesley Kinney

that it probably shouldn’t. We believe we should be putting nuclear energy back on the table. The government has done nothing but interfere with the energy sector and all it’s done is made the sector less reliable and more expensive for the consumer.

OTHER CANDIDATES: Also running are One Nation’s Michael Walls and Lesley Kinney for the Informed Medical Options Party, which stand for the right to refuse or choose medical products including vaccines or procedures without coercion, discrimination, bullying or punishment.

The One Nation candidate has been invisible in the campaign to date.

TNL’s Kline complains of snub by Climate 200

By Grahame Lynch North Sydney federal election candidate Victor Kline has complained of being snubbed by national lobby group Climate 200, claiming that it left him off the choices offered in a local opinion poll as well as discouraging his candidacy against independent Kylea Tink.

Kline’s New Liberals party - now refashioned as TNL - was one of the first out of the starters’ block for the North Sydney election, announcing its plan to run last September. But despite this, an alignment with Climate 200 policies and even prior support from the group, Kline said he was surprised to learn that the group’s recent publicised poll of over 1,000 local voters left him off the list of choices.

“I take exception to the way they poll,” Kline said. “Their poll bordered on the ludicrous in the sense that it named all the candidates, gave all their details and the political parties or independence they stood for. And right at the end, for me, it said ‘unknown candidate for unnamed party’, which of course meant that we polled zero,” he said.

“That was published in the Guardian which made it look like we didn’t exist. When I put it to the Guardian as to why they allowed this to happen they said “yes we agree that not nam-

ing you may have suppressed your polling numbers, but we can’t be sure of that until you show us all the details of your polling” which have us at just under 15%. You can make what you like of that,” Kline said.

Kline said it was unfair that he had been de-platformed by Climate 200 in this fashion, brandishing third-party evidence that he had the strongest climate policies of anyone in the North Sydney race. The website VoteEarthNow said that Kline was the no 1 ranked candidate on climate policy, followed by Heather Armstrong of the Greens and independent Kylea Tink.

Labor and Liberal fell behind.

“I nominated for this seat months before Kylea Tink was nominated by her group and indicated she was supported by (Climate 200 convenor) Simon Holmes à Court.”

Kline said that he was contacted by Holmes à Court on 12 September 2021 - prior to the announcement of Tink’s candidacy - and informed that Climate 200 would be supporting the North Sydney’s Independent candidate and not him. Kline regarded the communication as discouraging of his candidacy despite what he saw as prior support of the TNL party by Climate 200, including a donation of $5,000 in June of that year which ranks as the third-highest ever received by TNL.

Victor Kline Holmes à Court told the Sun: “I told Victor that I totally respect everyone's right to run and I loved what he was doing with TNL but before he personally dug into North Sydney, I wanted him to know that we've been talking to a campaign for months. And I outlined the strength of the campaign which was North Sydney's Independent."

He added: “With every campaign we support, we need to see runs on the board before we make our first donation. A campaign needs to demonstrate that they have the social and political capital to raise money locally, that takes a quality candidate, a great campaign team and strong social networks. We never just sweep in and say ‘here’s a bucket of money’. That's ab-

solutely not what we do."

As for Kline feeling discouraged by Climate 200’s decision to support Tink instead of him, Holmes à Court said: “Kylea is exactly the kind of candidate we were set up to support… strong, smart, articulate and communitybacked. Every other candidate in North Sydney would be feeling discouraged right now.”

“I thought it was honourable to let him know what was coming in North Sydney before he dug himself in and while he still had many other options,” Holmes a Court said.

Kline and Tink share two signature policies: support for accelerated emission reductions and a national integrity commission.

Nevertheless, Climate 200 defended leaving Kline off its poll on the grounds that it was “a private poll for internal purposes and designed to gauge Kylea’s prospects against other significant candidates.”

In the end, the Climate 200 poll placed the Liberals on 37.1%, compared with 19.4% for Tink and 17.3% for Labor candidate Catherine Renshaw. Kline claimed TNL’s own internal polling shows him on 14.5%, Kylea Tink on 15.8%, Labor on 19.6% and what he described as Old Liberals on 30.2%. He did not disclose the sample size or the identity of the pollster.

LET’S CHANGE THE CLIMATE IN CANBERRA. LET’S CHANGE THE CLIMATE IN CANBERRA.

VOTE FOR

LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION AND

NATIONAL ECONOMIC INNOVATION KYLEA TINK. NORTH SYDNEY’S FEDERAL INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Kylea Tink believes in urgent climate action led by facts, not politics.

This is the critical decade for climate action and the decisions made in the next three years will fundamentally affect our children’s and their children’s future. A forward-focused economy that ensures no one is left behind is also one of Tink’s highest priorities.

READ MORE ABOUT KYLEA’S POLICIES AT KYLEATINK.COM.AU Authorised by Kylea Tink Independent Limited, Level 14, 275 Alfred St, North Sydney 2060

VOTE FOR

LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION AND

NATIONAL ECONOMIC INNOVATION KYLEA TINK. NORTH SYDNEY’S FEDERAL INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Kylea Tink believes in urgent climate action led by facts, not politics.

This is the critical decade for climate action and the decisions made in the next three years will fundamentally affect our children’s and their children’s future. A forward-focused economy that ensures no one is left behind is also one of Tink’s highest priorities.

READ MORE ABOUT KYLEA’S POLICIES AT KYLEATINK.COM.AU Authorised by Kylea Tink Independent Limited, Level 14, 275 Alfred St, North Sydney 2060

Liberals pledge support for Wendy’s Secret Garden, electric charging

Howard, Gladys back local Liberal campaign launch

Trent Zimmerman, Wendy Whiteley and treasurer Josh Frydenberg

Gladys Berejiklian, John Howard and Trent Zimmerman

North Sydney federal MP Trent Zimmerman has pledged the extension of Deductible Gift Recipient status to the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden trust.

This enables tax deductibility for donations to the trust, giving the Garden a similar status to the NSW National Trust and the National Arboretum Fund.

“This provides a tangible financial incentive for those who want to secure the future of this incredible garden which has been the work of Wendy and the volunteers who support its enduring place in Sydney,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman announced the plan at a press event with federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Wendy Whiteley at the park.

He thanked North Sydney Council for raising the issue, saying that it estimated the change may support donations of $1 million over the coming five years.

The change requires a legislative amendment.

Meanwhile, Zimmerman also pledged to provide a total of $310,000 to Willoughby City Council and Lane Cove Council for six new electric vehi

Praise for the Milsons Point cycle ramp design At last, a linear cycle ramp connecting the Bridge to earth will soon become a valued facility at Milsons Point [North Sydney Sun, April].

Still there remains a cluster of naysayers unable to accept this excellent solution to an historic problem of unsafe congestion and inconvenience.

The three designs submitted by Transport for NSW and evaluated by the community certainly have merit and Aspect’s has made it through to final detail.

A wildcard alternative proposal positioning the cycle ramp south of Burton Street was more suited as a skateboard arena and clearly impractical according to independent engineering consultants, Arcadis.

Criticism from Cr Jilly Gibson “mass destruction” and Ian Curdie “beggars belief” (what does that actually mean?) deliberately misinform readers. The winning ramp is ELE-

cle charging stations, to allow drivers to recharge their vehicle safely and conveniently.

He said the funding would better support local residents who drive electric vehicles as well as assisting Australia transition toward net zero by 2050. “I am proud to have secured this commitment, which provides the type of practical solution we need to reach Australia’s net zero emissions target.”

“Many residents in North Sydney do not have access to a charging station at their home or only have access to on-street parking, so these public facilities will provide a simple charging solution which will boost the uptake of EVs while helping to maintain the sustainability of our electricity grid,” he added.

Zimmerman said his government had funded 400 new stations across the country.

Funding for local parks is also being promoted by the MP. This includes $2.5m for Bradfield Park upgrades, $1.1m for Lane Cove bushland tracks, $850K for the Waverton Coal Loader and $400K for Hunters Hill fitness tracks.

Former prime minister John Howard has implored North Sydney voters not to flirt with a vote for independent Kylea Tink or other minor party candidates, warning that it would directly lead to a Greens-influenced Labor government.

He told MP Trent Zimmerman’s campaign launch at Norths Cammeray that: “If you think I am being unfair or inaccurate in warning people against voting for any of the anti-Liberal people just remember what happened in 2010. I don’t want to sit through a 17 or 18 minute speech from somebody who’s been elected as an independent but in truth is not an independent. “ This is a reference to independent Rob Oakeshott’s press conference giving his support to the minority Labor government in 2010.

“So in the end, as we get closer, it is a binary choice. We either return Trent Zimmerman with a strong majority here in North Sydney, or if anybody is disposed to go now the direction and vote for an anti-Liberal grouping, we can condemn Australia to a Labor government heavily influenced by the Greens mark my words.

If Labor needs the support of the

Greens on foreign policy and other issues, it will sell its political soul” Earlier, federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, on a visit to North Sydney, told the Sun: “They’re fake independents. In the case of my seat, I’m running against a former member of the Labor Party who tried to cover up their own political background when they were asked very directly about whether or not they had any political background. Whether here in North Sydney or in my seat of Kooyong or elsewhere, need to understand that these aren’t true independents, they are fake independents.”

“There is no detail about their policies. They are saying that they want to reduce emissions as we do, but we have costed and funded programs.

They do not. They say they’ll only tell their community after the election as to how they will vote in the event of a hung parliament. That is not very transparent, particularly for a group that is seeking to campaign on transparency. In Trent, North Sydney have a very strong voice, someone with the track record of standing up on principle and somebody who has been delivering for his local community.”

LETTERS VATED so Bradfield Park will remain beautiful enabling everyone’s continued enjoyment of it as they pass beneath, many to take their dogs for exercise and excretion.

Fergus Maclagan, Milsons Point … and brickbats It is unrealistic thinking TfNSW would commission any consultant who wasn’t of like mind. Arcadis, headquartered in Amsterdam and TfNSW favour of a shallow Dutch-style gradient which is unrealistic in the Sydney environment. A pointless exercise. What is wrong with a design that meets Australian standards? One already exists, supported by the community, which does least harm to our neighbourhood yet it is brushed aside by TfNSW and its acolytes. Inexplicable.

Ian Curdie, Milsons Point Renshaw a hidden talent?

Perhaps the greatest shame in politics is when the most qualified person for

the job is overlooked. In North Sydney, that person is Catherine Renshaw, the Labor candidate.

Ms Renshaw showed her poise and tenacity at the Sky News debate, no doubt anchored in her background as a legal academic. She clearly articulated her vision for both North Sydney and the nation in a calm and dignified manner. I would bet on her becoming a minister in a Labor government.

Sitting MP Trent Zimmerman has achieved the seemingly impossible: with the political trifecta of Young Liberal President, senior party President and blue-ribbon seat holder on his resume, he somehow can’t achieve even an assistant minister position.

Anyone other career politician in his position would have walked into Cabinet on a red carpet.

Meanwhile, sporting a milliondollar campaign account, cashed-up Kylea Tink’s primary sell is criticism of the party system that has served Australia well for over 120 years. Her

strategy seems to focus on wooing ageing Ted Mack supporters and celebrities who are too afraid to lose afterdinner speaker gigs for appearing too partisan.

Whilst having noble ambitions on climate and a federal integrity commission, it’s hard to say where she stands on militarisation in the Pacific or collective bargaining; both issues she will need to vote on if elected.

There is also a hidden dark horse in the race: 13,000 Greens voters.

Despite holding a significant slice of the pie, they have been largely ignored. Their preferences could decide the winner.

After an 8.3 percent swing towards Labor on primary votes at the last election, I sincerely hope the voters of North Sydney continue the trend and Ms Renshaw will at least make it to the final two after preference flows.

It would otherwise be a tremendous waste of talent.

Leo Nelson, Neutral Bay

The Sun Says…

It’s not often that the North Sydney electorate is in play as a national seat of significance at a Federal election.

But that’s the net effect of independent Kylea Tink’s now 34 week campaign to topple incumbent MP Trent Zimmerman.

As our poll this issue reveals, Tink probably won’t secure enough primaries to beat Zimmerman.

But she is certainly chopping up the waters enough to create a path to victory for Labor’s impressive candidate Catherine Renshaw.

Zimmerman is caught in an electoral pincer. Those on his left say that while he seems progressive, he is still in a party room with the likes of Barnaby Joyce and Scott Morrison.

And those on his right say that not only has his party has sold out its principles on fiscal responsibility and centre-right philosophies, but Zimmerman himself is too progressive.

As a result, he is getting few favours when it comes to preferencing, and our poll estimates that, HTVs notwithstanding, about two thirds of the eliminated candidates preferences will flow to Labor.

In Zimmerman’s favour is that he is more than competitive in getting his share of progressive first preferences: on a par with the Greens.

If he wins on May 21 it will be because of his capacity to bridge the divide like no one else.

Copyright Decisive Publishing.

All rights reserved.

ACN 065 084 960 Responsibility for election comment taken by G Lynch Office address: Unit 3 20 Cliff St Milsons Point NSW Australia 2061 Phone: 02 9061 7048 URL: www.northsydneysun.com.au Email for editorial: grahamelynch@northsydneysun.com.au

Founding editor and Decisive CEO: Grahame Lynch Associate publisher: James Mullan james@northsydneysun.com.au Printer: Spotpress, 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Marrickville NSW 2204 30,000 copies circulated to homes and businesses in the North Sydney electorate. Printer statement available on demand

LOCAL ANALYSIS & OPINION

North Sydney election could come down to minor party preferences For those (ideally most of us) with an interest in who will govern the country after May 21, North Sydney is a key electorate to watch.

One of the only two electorates who have never voted Labor - the other being Wentworth on the other side of the harbour - it had its first flirtation with an Independent back in 1944/45 when multi-party MP, Billy Hughes sat as an independent for 17 months of his long political life.

(Hughes was a member of federal Parliament from Federation in 1901 until his death in 1952. He represented six political parties during his career, leading five, outlasting four, and being expelled from three.)

In more recent times, the electorate was notable because it was the seat of the “father of independents’, Ted Mack. Mack is the only person who has been elected and re-elected as an independent to local, state and federal levels of government.

From his first election to council in 1974 until his resignation from federal Parliament in 1996, he became famed at local level for a range of initiatives from selling the Mayoral car and driving himself around in his silver Citroen to the extensive infrastructure program which saw new bus shelters and infrastructure in council colours, the refurbishment of the North Sydney Oval, an extensive social housing program, new child care and community centres etc.

The unpretentious Mack won many hearts. He would change light bulbs for elderly residents and stand on different streets every Saturday negotiating development modifications between affected residents and developers. He was the quiet pipe smoking ordinary-man describing his election to federal Parliament as ‘Mr Smith goes to Washington’.

Mack got to Canberra by defeating John Spender - ironically the father of Allegra Spender who is running as an Independent in Wentworth. Mack had high community recognition and support as evidenced by the fact that in 1987 he received 90% of the popular vote for Mayor. His campaign was run, as they were always run, from their house by his wife Wendy, who organised the letterboxing, the booths and all the other nuts and bolts of a campaign.

Mack’s reign ended two and a half decades ago but now there is a new wave of ‘teal’ independents seeking a voice in the Parliament. Some like Zali Steggall in neighbouring Warringah have already been successful but at least seven Liberals across the country are being challenged by this new breed – strong, successful women who are sick of the old two-party adversari-

Opinion by ROBYN READ, former state member for North Shore (1988-1991) and North Sydney Council alderman (1970-77, 1987-91). Sometime CEO, journalist. al approach to politics. They are motivated primarily by the climate emergency and a quest for integrity in politics. Mack was forever criticising the Tweedledee and Tweedledum approach to politics; ‘A Man of Integrity’ appeared on all his election material; and it was through environmental improvements, though not of the climate emergency type, that he made much of his mark.

In the North Sydney electorate, in a field of 10, the sitting Liberal, Trent Zimmerman has two main challengers, both energetic, articulate women.

Kylea Tink, former CEO of the McGrath Foundation and more recently of Camp Quality, is a ‘teal’ Independent as those backed financially by Climate 200 are known. Last out of the starting blocks is the Labor candidate, Catherine Renshaw, a Professor in the Law School at Western Sydney University, where she teaches and researches human rights.

As an indulgent personal aside I note that both Renshaw as well as Tink’s spokesperson Kristen Lock, went – although decades later - to my old school, Monte Sant’ Angelo in Miller Street, North Sydney.

Things are different from campaigns in Mack’s day. Social media is playing a big role and this time instead of working from the kitchen table, the Independent Tink has an extremely savvy campaign team, a slick and sophisticated campaign with regular newsletters, targeted activities and a rumoured $ 1 million dollar spend. While all three are probably doing the early morning commuter greetings and the Saturday morning shopping centres introductions, Tink and Zimmerman seem to be doing more schmoozing with community groups.

Zimmerman has a lot of lead in his saddlebags. His campaign was late to start because the federal and state divisions of the Liberal Party were in a bitter dispute until a court win allowed a committee to simply appoint him as a candidate without a grass roots preselection.

The question of his leader’s truthfulness hangs over his party’s head. It is rumoured that Morrison is being kept away from these inner-city seats with Independent challengers. Now the triple whammy on the Liberals’ watch.... cost-of-living increases, stagnant wages and interest rate rises.

Labor alleges the Liberals’ claim to be the better economic manager is a hollow boast given the triple whammy and record level of debt.

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 11

A January poll for the Australia Institute, before the Tink and Renshaw campaigns heated up, already had Zimmerman’s vote down to 34.1%, Tink at 20.0%, Renshaw at 22.9%, and the Greens at 11%. A recent Get Up poll showed that 1 in 10 North Sydney voters had not yet made up their minds.

The twists and turns of the local North Sydney campaign mirror what is happening in similar seats. Both Liberal and Labor make the point that Tink should indicate her intentions in the event of a hung parliament; she should be indicating which party she will support so voters know what government they are buying. This criticism is being levelled at all the teal Independents. They reply they will wait and see what both sides have to offer in enabling their agenda. They argue that a power-sharing parliament will lead to better decisions and better legislation.

They have not yet made the point that many successful European parliaments have a multi-party system. Sitting MP Zali Steggall stands out. She has been courageous enough to say she would be unlikely to support a Liberal Party lead by Scott Morrison.

In another thrust, both Tink and Renshaw argue that a vote for the moderate Zimmerman is in fact a vote for Barnaby Joyce, the junior coalition partner who calls much of the tune especially when it comes to climate change. In previously safe Victorian seats, now fairly desperate Liberals under threat have resorted to suggesting their teal independent opponents are pro-Labor.

The bottom line in this election is preference distribution. If Tink comes second to Zimmerman in the primary vote, Labor’s and Greens’ recommended preferences will push her ahead of Zimmerman and she will win, mirroring what happened when Ted Mack beat John Spender. In the scenario that Renshaw pips Tink for second place and if Labor’s current lead in the NSW polls widens, it should add to Renshaw’s vote, then it is a different game. Independents won’t be advising their supporters who to preference so if Tink came in third, some of her voters might preference Zimmerman second giving him enough votes to win over Renshaw.

In any scenario, North Sydney may well be a cliff hanger with minor party preferences playing a part.

It’s a brave person ready to call this race.

WHAT’S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY Friday 20 May, 7:00PM Em Rusciano & Unleashed Venue: The Big Top, Luna Park Rusciano will take to the stage with her daughter Chella RuscianoBarrow on vocals and father Vince Rusciano on guitar, treating fans to a stripped back and intimate but everenergetic performance.

110 works contend for North Sydney Art Prize at the Coal Loader

Friday 20 May, 7:30PM BlackJaq Venue: Street Market, Crows Nest Matt Walsham Guitarist extraordinaire and Jacquie G. combine to perform a lot of fun tunes from decades past.

Saturday 21 May, 7:30PM Szikrabab & Spectral Gates Venue: Street Market, Crows Nest Szikrabab's Eastern European roots meets Sydney-based two-piece Spectral Gates trace a line from noisy post -rock to energetic dubby electro.

Saturday 28 May, 8:00PM Dusty the Concert Venue: Norths Cammeray This is a concert celebrating Dusty Springfields’ musical achievements, hit songs, life stories and the impact she had around the world during the era of Black & White Soul.

Saturday 29 May, 7:30 Sydney Comedy Club Venue: Sonar @ Luna Park Peter Meisel and Elliot Ryan headline a night of laughs on the harbour. Plus many more comedians.

Tuesday 2 June. 7:30PM Peter Schilling Venue: Street Market, Crows Nest Peter’s live performances draw from a repertoire of blues, jazz and folk instrumentals. Original compositions with a mix of popular songs, expertly arranged for acoustic guitar.

Friday 3 June, 8:00PM Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul Venue: Norths Cammeray Lisa began singing in the great African American tradition of the gospel church, which laid the foundation of her soulful singing style.

From leŌ: Artworks by Gareth Jenkins & Kathryn Cowen, Jane Theau and CharloƩe Hayward The North Sydney Art Prize is back with more than 110 artworks displayed across the historic grounds of the Coal Loader Centre in Waverton from 14 to 29 May 2022.

This transformed industrial site provides a backdrop for visitors to experience a broad range of artworks from immersive, site-specific installations within the atmospheric underground chambers and tunnels, to sculptures dotted throughout the picturesque parklands, and paintings and multimedia works displayed in the Cottage.

Mayor Zoe Baker said the Art Prize is a opportunity for the community to experience a range of unique and fascinating artworks,

Saturday 4 June, 8:00PM Oh What a Night Venue: Norths Cammeray While the smash hit JERSEY BOYS is a scripted musical biography of the group, OH WHAT A NIGHT! is a loving concert and tribute, which features all the original hits.

Saturday 4 June, 8:00PM Paco Lara The Andalusian Guitar Venue: Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne Australia’s own Spanish born critical-

right at their doorstep. She said: “Not only does the Art Prize offer the best of contemporary art from across Australia, but all works explore themes of sustainability and environment. Art has a beautiful power of moving hearts and prompting formative conversations.

We are proud to be holding this exhibition that highlights some meaningful topics.”

The 2022 curatorial theme encouraged artists to consider the overarching principles of the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability. In response, many of the selected artworks explore the impacts of climate change and consumerism, as well as responding to the natural

ly acclaimed flamenco guitarist Paco Lara presents an evening of Spanish guitar as individual as the man himself.

Thursday 16 June, 8:00PM Shorrock & Cadd - The Two Amigos Venue: Norths Cammeray The “Two Amigos” will be joined onstage by a 5-piece band to present an evening full of wonderful music, poignant memories and loads of laughs guaranteeing that this will be

and industrial elements of the Coal Loader site. Finalists were selected

by Hayley French (A/Director, Parramatta Artists’ Studios), Bronwyn Tuohy (Public Art and Placemaking Leader, Inner West Council) and Susan Milne (Artist, Curator, Co Founder and Director, Eramboo Artist Environment).

A vibrant children’s exhibition will also feature in this year’s Art Prize. The Sydney Seahorse Art Project is a fusion of children’s community art program meets marine conservation. The exhibition is open daily from 14 to 29 May 2022. A public program of free community artist talks will also take place on 21 and 28 June.

far more than your average stroll down memory lane.

Thursday 16 June, 8:00PM Spiritualized Venue: The Big Top, Luna Park Legendary British space-rock act Spiritualized is back in orbit, spreading the hypnotic psych-pop syrup of latest opus Everything Was Beautiful.

Email your events to james@northsydneysun.com.au

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

A table of red at The Greens By Jilly Gibson Catherine enters The Greens immaculately dressed in a well-fitting suit, shoulders back, chin up. She glides, rather than walks, into the dining room. Her stride is long and purposeful. Her smile warm and authentic.

Am I lunching with North Sydney’s first Labor Member of Parliament? It’s no secret that I love hanging out with powerful women and I can’t wait to get chatting about the federal election over lunch.

Catherine has selected The Greens for several reasons; it’s close to her campaign headquarters in North Sydney and she always has fun here. The Greens is in St Leonards Park away from the hustle and bustle of the North Sydney CBD. Surrounded by grass and mature trees Catherine tells me it’s her favourite venue for work meetings and relaxed weekend lunches with her husband John, her sons Jack and Marcus and her daughter Maddie. I love the way Catherine quickly includes her family in our conversation; this gives me instant insight into the woman challenging our sitting MP Trent Zimmerman.

She’s a family person through and through and clearly has connections across the electorate via her personal as well as professional networks.

We are joined for lunch by my colleague Cr Godfrey Santer who is a member of The Greens as well a member of the Labor Party. He is proudly wearing his red Catherine T-shirt.

Godfrey has a great sense of humour and we laugh about the name of the club being synonymous with a rival political party.

Also eating with us is Hugh Bartley, a member of Young Labor and all round local good guy. We are lunching late – 2pm – so quickly look at the seasonal menu. Godfrey, Catherine and I are old fans of The Greens but it’s Hugh’s first visit. He describes the vibe as spacious, light and airy. He wonders out loud why he hasn’t been before.

Catherine likes the small menu which concentrates on fresh healthy seasonal produce. She doesn’t hesitate and orders Fire Roasted Eggplant + spiced summer tomato, tahini yogurt, puff pastry and coriander - $28.

I follow her lead. Hugh is seduced by the roast free range Chicken Supreme - $30 - while Godfrey settles on the Apple Wood Smoked Kingfish + Kohlrabi remoulade, cucumber, bacon crumb and dill.

He knows the serve is generous so asks for the entrée size - $17.

As we eagerly wait for our meals Catherine and I take the opportunity to chat to a table of young mums having coffee. The group met through the early childhood centre on Parraween St Cremorne and catch up often.

They are laughing and chatting and say The Greens is a perfect venue as it’s large and has spaced out tables that can accommodate prams and all the other paraphernalia that accompanies new offspring. Catherine is a vote winner with this young group (sorry Trent and Kylea!).

Our meals arrive and I quickly take a few snaps before everyone dives in.

Godfrey and I are both North Sydney Councillors as well as foodies, so I move a motion that we vote on the meals before us. For presentation the winner is the Fire Roasted Eggplant.

The vote is unanimous. For freshness, cooking perfection and interesting accompaniments Godfrey moves a motion for The Kingfish. I haven’t had a taste but it looks fabulous and seeing Godfrey had shouted me a Pinot Grigio - $11 - I wasn’t going to argue.

Based on the diverse profiles around our table, it is obvious that Catherine inspires not only support but friendship and genuine affection. I must say Catherine is easy to like and is a hit with locals. Catherine is what my dear mum would have called “A woman of substance.”

Intelligent and well-qualified, Catherine has led an adventurous life including a year working with children in a refugee camp in Mozambique. She has a PhD in International Human Rights Law and periodically works as an academic in Myanmar.

She has been campaigning the oldfashioned way by doorknocking and organising street stalls outside supermarkets. She has learnt that locals are concerned about the quality of aged care facilities. The high cost of childcare is frequently raised too.

This is the end of my trio of lunches with local candidates leading up to the

LUNCH WITH CATHERINE RENSHAW AND FRIENDS AT THE GREENS Ͳ 50 RIDGE ST NORTH SYDNEY. From top leŌ clockwise: Fire Roasted Eggplant + spiced summer tomato, tahini yogurt, puī pastry and coriander, Catherine Renshaw, and Cr Godfrey Santer with Renshaw.

Federal Election on May 21 (Kylea Tink was in the April issue). How wonderful for the seat of North Sydney to have three such high calibre candidates to choose from. I wish Trent, Catherine and Kylea the best of luck.

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 13

Will Trent be elected for the third time? Will Catherine be the first Labor MP for North Sydney? Or will the Teal Independents home take the prize?

Any which way North Sydney will come out the winner.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Trent’s still standing By Jilly Gibson While I wait for Trent at The Foxtrot Inn in Crows Nest, owner James Zollo settles me into a comfy chair near the fire, pours me a water and starts chatting. It’s my first visit to this wellestablished bar in Crows Nest, serving locals since 2011.

I thought about ordering a glass of bubbles but James insists the cocktails are “bloody good” and that he will bring me a surprise. Yes Sir! I was on the first sip of my Mara Cuya when Trent arrives with a big smile on his face and orders the same.

Campaigning is well underway, Carlos is by his side and it’s cocktail hour. Trent is relaxed and happy. He thrives being out amongst his constituents. A small group of thirty somethings recognise him and wave. His smile broadens.

Trent and Carlos prefer small bars like Foxtrot to large noisy pubs. The industrial-chic interior is high quality and the vibe, intimate and cosy, promotes conversation. The cocktail list includes seasonal offerings and the food reflects James’ European heritage. We nibble on deep-fried stuffed olives with truffle cream; delicious and complementing the passionfruit flavour of our cocktail. I wanted to stay longer to try the Prawn Dawg with a San Fran-Pisco, but we are late for dinner so I make a mental note to come back soon.

With Foxtrot behind us, we waltz up Alexander Street to Xenos. We’re dining with mutual friends and campaign supporters Elaine and Ted Wziontek. As we bustle indoors we receive a classic Greek welcome and hug from Peter Xenos. Peter opened his eponymous Mediterranean restaurant-bar-café in 1969 and he can be found at his home away from home every day.

It’s a Thursday night and Xenos is full to the brim, resonating with noisy chatter and laughter. Waiters rush around balancing plates of delicious smelling food eagerly awaited by hungry diners. Wine is poured; Italian Soave for me, Shiraz for the rest. We clink glasses. Noisy banter about what to eat commences. The menu is large with a multitude of choice.

Being the decisive person he is, Trent orders quickly; Greek Lamb Shoulder on baked potatoes and chicory - $36. Ditto for Ted. Carlos is tempted by Chicken Schnitzel with mash, veggies and peppercorn sauce $35. Elaine opts for Seafood Risotto -

$39. There are so many dishes I want to try that I call Peter over to narrow down the shortlist. He recommends Linguine Prawns. Who am I to argue?!

I order the entrée size - $27 - without the chorizo but ask for extra chilli.

Our orders arrive quickly – this is good as Trent has been on the hustings all day and is starving. The meals are generous except for Carlos’ schnitzel which is humungous. The food is fresh and colourful and we agree everything is cooked to perfection. Before I attack my Linguine I politely ask if I can taste Elaine’s risotto.

I scoop up a large forkful before she has a chance to say no. We agree it’s good; rather spicy and with a robust herb flavour. Oregano as well as coriander, my tastebuds say. The consistency is just right; creamy and moist without being soupy. I turn my attention to my own dinner which doesn’t disappoint. The entrée size is substantial with lots of prawns and finely sliced snow peas. I eat slowly and briefly dip out of the conversation to focus on the subtle flavours.

I look up and Trent already has a clean plate, so I figure he has enjoyed everything. He loves the chicory which offsets the richness of the lamb and is impressed the meat is beautifully slow -cooked and moist without a hint of oiliness. Common chicory is an underrated vegetable; its sharpness, or slight bitterness, adds interest and contrast to meat dishes.

The restaurant is emptying by this time but a group of male choir singers having a sing-along keeps the atmosphere lively. They entertain us as our chat turns to the upcoming election.

Trent is facing a battle from strong female candidates. We all agree Trent’s advantage is he is well-known and well-liked in his electorate. Even his opponents seem fond of him. He works hard, presents well in parliament, and has progressive views on most social issues.

As we are leaving, I call out to the gents at the nearby table and request a song for Trent. They are obviously supporters and burst into a tuneful rendition of Elton John’s I’m Still Standing. Seems like a good omen.

DRINKS AND DINNER WITH TRENT ZIMMERMAN AT THE FOXTROT INN AND XENOS. From top leŌ: Prawn Linguine, Trent Zimmerman with his Lamb Shoulder, Trent Zimmerman with Peter Xenos at Xenos restaurant

North Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 14

NORTH SYDNEY WELLBEING

Exploring positive psychology’s power

By Living To Thrive’s Chuck Anderson This month we speak with Sue Langley; she is a friend and mentor in the well-being industry. Sue is a keynote speaker, global consultant and positive leadership expert. As the CEO and founder of the Langley Group, she has taught thousands of business leaders, coaches and consultants how to create positive work cultures. Sue created the world's first nationally recognised Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, completed by thousands globally (including myself).

Sun: The Langley Group recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Looking back at your journey, what is the most valuable piece of advice you would give your younger self starting a new business?

Sue: An early piece of advice I received was “find your niche and stick with it.” I didn’t take that advice for the first 18 months in business. Like many people, I needed to earn money.

Then one day it clicked. Once you get clear on what you stand for, it clarifies what you will and won’t do. I would rather be great at what I do than average at what everyone else does.

Sun: What is positive psychology and why should we care about it?

Sue: Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing, whether individuals, teams or organisations. It’s about how we thrive and flourish. Most importantly, it’s evidence-based, not pop psychology. We have decades of research about what makes individuals, teams, organisations and communities flourish.

ple have changed their ethos toward work. I have a colleague who shaved four hours off their day. They have young children, and the change in their commute helped them connect with their family and exercise more.

Sun: With the never-ending uncertainty of world events, how do we live a life with hope and optimism?

Sue: One evening recently, while the floods were happening here [in Byron Bay], my partner and I had tickets to see the movie Belfast. We didn't feel like going as it felt frivolous when people were having bombs dropped on them over the other side of the world and losing their houses next door, yet we had tickets.

Belfast is about the Northern Ireland conflict between Protestants and Catholics years ago. It is a great movie, yet the situation was awful. I burst into tears during that movie because I couldn’t understand that sort of hatred. How can we do these things to each other? I felt awful, thinking we still have this hatred going on in the world. What is wrong with us? Why do we do this? With this and the floods and the war, I felt distressed and useless.

Then my strategies kicked in, and I thought, “OK, while I feel like this, I am no help to anyone. There is no point in me wallowing in my despair because I cannot stop the war in Ukraine. I cannot stop the rain. I can’t stop what happened in history, and while I'm wallowing in my misery, I am of no help to anyone.”

So, I scribbled in my journal, which is one of my strategies, flipped my thinking and worked on what I can do; I can sort out and donate to people

Sue Langley who’ve lost their homes. I can help clients in Europe who need that support. Being the best version of myself allows for all these things to happen.

Things are going on in the world, and I can’t control most of it. What I can control is me, so if I can be the best version of myself, I can help others.

Sun: What are some of the positive things we learned over the last two years?

Sue: That is a great question. During the first 6 to 9 months of COVID, we kept hearing, Mental health, the next pandemic! When you look statistically, that did not happen as people expected. In some cases, rates have gone up. In some cases, rates have gone down. Consider the UK. Well-being overall dropped considerably, and it decreased markedly in younger populations. Interestingly, within three months, particularly for younger people, it was back up.

In Japan, a specific study found anxiety and depression had increased,

Sun: We continue to hear from the media how difficult the last two years have been for all of us. How can someone use positive psychology to help manage the anxiety and day-to-day stressors we all live with?

Sue: First thing I'm going to pick up on is “the last two years have been difficult for all of us.” That’s already language indicating ‘everyone’ has found things difficult, yet not necessarily.

Some people have struggled during COVID, while some have flourished.

What I like to look at is what the research tells us. For instance, a February 2021 study titled “Positive psychology in a pandemic: buffering, bolstering, and building mental health” conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies across 22 countries. They found a large percentage of people flourished during the pandemic. So, what were the key things that allowed people to flourish during COVID? It was things like gratitude, using strengths, and finding a sense of meaning. Some peoNorth Sydney Sun | May 2022 | Page 15

yet happiness and satisfaction with life had not decreased. It helps us understand they are two separate components; we can still be satisfied with our lives even if we have our moments of depression, anxiety, etc.

Through Dan Gilbert’s work on adaptation, we know that people adapt.

Many of us did just that, yet unfortunately, it’s not something people often discuss or hear about in the media.

As Sue mentions, Positive Psychology is not all fluff and stuff. It is a field of psychology that changed my life for the better by showing me the value of being a more optimistic, grateful and open person.

If you are interested in learning more about positive psychology, check out books by Martin Seligman, Barbara Frederickson and Ellen Langer.

The Langley Group also offers a Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, which I personally recommend for those more committed to learning about the field.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

$6 million pledged for North Sydney Oval upgrade

By James Mullan North Sydney federal MP Trent Zimmerman has announced the Coalition will commit $6 million to upgrading North Sydney Oval’s playing surface, toilets, accessibility and concession stands. The funding will also improve facilities for athletes and match officials as well as improve ground broadcast facilities. The funding is aimed at making the groud the home of women’s cricket.

Zimmerman told the Sun: “There are few places that are as well-loved as North Sydney Oval in the community and this major investment will allow it to write a new history in women’s sport.” Joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne, Zimmerman said the funding decision was “particularly motivated

by Cricket NSW desire to see North Sydney Oval become the home of women’s cricket in our state”.

Minister Payne told the Sun “I think that this is one of the most beautiful ovals in NSW. I think an opportunity like this we take the chance to do these upgrades to really make it reach its full potential, but particularly make it the home of women’s cricket.”

She added “To see their (female cricketers) names up in light here on a refurbished North Sydney Oval, I think speaks volumes to where this sport has come and also where the participation and leadership of women is at.”

LEFT TO RIGHT: NSW cricketers Claire Moore, Pheobe LitchĮeld, Anika Learoyd, SammyͲJo Johnson; NSW Cricket’s Lee German, girl cricketer Adelaide, federal minisͲ ter for women Marise Payne, North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman, North Sydney Bears’ Dan Dickson, Northern Suburbs’ Rugby’s Jack Burey and Bears’ Greg Florimo

Zimmerman said the funding will have a broader benefit for other sports played at the oval such as rugby league and union.

Chairman of the North Sydney Bears Daniel Dickson told the Sun “There was a criteria set out by the NRL (for future fixtures) and this does a great job of living up to most of those. The broadcast capabilities are very important.”

“Over time there will be enhancements to the stand and I’m sure the facilities. They’re the niceties we need

to get an NRL fixture back here.”

With the potential of upgraded women’s facilities, Dickson hopes to potentially gain a NRLW license: “If they gave us an opportunity tomorrow we’d have an NRLW side.”

“With our women’s program we are really happy with the level of professionalism. The grounds are slowly coming up to what the women need, especially when we have men and women playing on the same day. That privacy for both sides is important.

Having the ability to have men’s and

women’s sides get dressed without having to cross each other or have a break between games,” he told the Sun When questioned on whether she supports the Bears’ NRL bid, Minister Payne diplomatically remarked “I think I’ll have to plead the 5th on that.

I’m not in a position to comment either way. In my role as a NSW Senator and my Foreign affairs role, I saw media reporting that the PNG team wants to come as well so let me just tread carefully.”

North Sydney United football targets ‘what’s best for her’

By James Mullan Women’s football is now one of the fastest growing codes on the lower north shore, with the sport on track to reach ambitious participation goals by next year.

North Sydney United treasurer Geraldine Magarey told the Sun that when she became involved in the sport in 2007, the then two clubs North Sydney FC and North Sydney Bears FC didn’t offer separate junior programs for girls; only offering female football for all ages.

North Sydney United Football Club was formed in November 2010 following the merger of North Sydney FC and North Sydney Bears FC, becoming the largest community based club on the north shore.

The club now offers female teams for all age groups, “from under 6s we’ve got at least one team if not several in each of those age groups right up to 18 which from zero is awesome.”

Magarey said. The club has 26% female participation, which is on par with the Northern Suburbs Football Association overall.

Neighbouring clubs are also seeing higher female participation rates with Northbridge FC on 31%, Lane Cove FC 23%, Lindfield 27%, Turramurra 31% and Greenwich boasting 48%.

The Association has set a goal of 32% female participation by 2023.

This is part of the Association’s wider ‘What’s best for her’ strategy. This plan also aims to have 25% female coaches and a 75% player retention.

Magarey sighted player retention as an issue of particular concerns, especially for girls aged 15 years and over. “We’re really keen to be seeing more women sticking with football or even signing up and having a go and playing football,” she said.

The club has recently introduced a new female specific development program to assist with player retention “We’ve brought in a new development squad program – so the girls that are really keen – there’s coaching with our highly qualified coaches really working on skills and tactics and then also just having fun because at the end of the day it is about having fun.”

Geraldine added “The program goes through to 18s at which point hopefully they’ll look to join the all age teams which some of them have, and also some of them coming back and helping with the coaching – we’re looking to get more female coaches as well for the girls so that’s another positive impact of the program.”

A key aspect to retaining female talent is providing pathways locally.

“It’s about providing that pathway whether they want to have fun or take their football more seriously. North Sydney is providing those opportunities and keeping it local as well not needing to go travel to other clubs in further districts to get that quality of coaching or training and experience of the game”. The club will send girls teams to the Kanga Cup for the first

time this year: the largest junior football tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.

Geraldine believes the increased success and subsequent attention on the National Women’s team has helped the game to grow in popularity, particularly amongst women, especially with the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming to Australia.