Urban Village Edition 06, Spring 2018

urbanvillage.com.au | Edition 06 | Spring 2018

PLUS Surry Hills Festival highlights New bars and breweries open

Nic Green

Celebrating our suburb's art and culture

The Flower House of Surry Hills

Quarterly, for those who live, love, work, visit & play in Surry Hills & our inner city villages Urban Village | Quarterly, for those who live, love, work, visit & play in Surry Hills & the inner city villages

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UNCOMMON RESIDENCES COMING SOON

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PROUDLY DEVELOPED & BUILT BY

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Fine Art, Conservation & Decorative Framing

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MONDAY-FRIDAY 10:30am –6:00pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10:30am – 4:30pm Free Customer Parking courtessy of Hiscoes Gym 525b Crown St., Surry Hills Tel. 02 9698 7731 info@acmeframing.com

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Contents 10 28 44

Meet Fernando, the brain behind The Clock’s trail‑blazing menu Sydney based artist Nic Green transforms the corner of Devonshire and Riley streets into a major street art mural Surry Hills welcomes local craft beer specialists Sydney Brewery to the neighbourhood

Issue #06 Spring 2018

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Elizabeth Street’s Opera Centre converts its scenery workshop into an intimate performance space for Brian Howard’s Metamorphosis

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The Krishnans celebrate 40 years of community medical service

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Local foodie expert Maree Sheehan reveals the neighbourhood’s latest culinary news

Editor Lachlan Colquhoun Words Tess Scholfield-Peters, Peter English, Fiona McIntosh, Maree Sheehan, Ross Longmuir, Andrew Galvin, Rene Ribic, Andy Bernados, Glen Hare, Dr Nima, Tim Ritchie, Andrew Mackinnon Images Walter Maurice, Dean Bentick, Luca Ward, Phillip Booth, Alan Jones, Brett Whiteley, Sally Anderson Design & Layout walterwakefield Publisher Leigh Harris Cover Nic Green Cover Photo Walter Maurice All Enquiries Tel: 02 8218 2163 Email: info@urbanvillage.com.au Office: Ground Floor, 483 Riley Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 ISSN 2208-6242

Urban Village is published under licence and with the support of the Surry Hills Creative Precinct to foster communcation, innovation and networking between the business community and residents in Surry Hills, Redfern and the surrounding neighbourhoods of inner Sydney.

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Hungry?

SPRING HAS SPRUNG - AT THE CLOCK Nduja is about to be the new burrata, soon you’ll be seeing it on menus everywhere - FERNANDO SANCHEZ, HEAD CHEF AT THE CLOCK

Asparagus spring salad with house made Nduja dressing New spring menu available now

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HEADS UP

What's happening in the 'hood

Neighbourhood news

Surry Hills welcomes the warmer seasons with the ‘Spring into Surry Hills’ arts program running through September, and the Surry Hills Festival on September 22.

Also look out for...

The inaugural Microflix Festival Sep 13 – 23 The neighbourhood’s mini-Tropfest, bringing 30 short animations inspired by microfiction to the streets.

Catch a milk crate screening in Steel Lane next to the Shakey from 5:30-10pm nightly (Sep 13-23).

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Fambo Festival Sep 29 The inaugural Fambo Festival at 107 Projects Redfern, a unique opportunity for queer families to interact with contemporary queer arts and culture.

Night Noodle Markets Oct 4 – 21

William Street Festival Oct 20

Sydney comes alive at night this October at Hyde Park, in celebration of the best Asian fare the city has to offer.

Venture to the other end of Oxford Street to explore the unique retailers, light projections and non stop entertainment of Paddington’s William Street.

Bourkey Fete Oct 28 Head to Bourke Street Public School for a day of live music, local food stalls, circus performers and countless kid friendly activities.

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MOHR FISH Serving up seafood to locals for nearly three decades.

By Tess Scholfield-Peters

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ohr Fish, now located on Crown and Devonshire Streets, was established 26 years ago and is still going strong – quite a feat for a humble seafood restaurant.

Founder Hans Mohr began his chef training at age 14, in establishments across Germany and Switzerland.

In 1967 Hans came to Australia and opened Mohr Fish in the nineties, in a very different Surry Hills to the suburb we know today.

While the suburb around the restaurant continues to change, the objective of Mohr Fish has stayed true to Hans’s original vision: to provide a variety of high quality and locally sourced seafood for the community, cooked simply but beautifully.

From seafood staples like calamari, grilled or beer battered fish, to Sichuan pepper soft shell crab, bouillabaisse and steamed mussels, Mohr Fish is a seafood lover’s haven.

Now in its second generation of owners, head chef Isaac Cheng runs the restaurant, alongside his wife Stephanie, who is also a relative of Hans.

“To this day Hans still goes to the Sydney Seafood and Flemington Markets every week to hand-pick our produce,” says Stephanie.

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In the midst of the openings and closings of the suburb, Stephanie told Urban Village that it’s great to see some of the old dining spots still in business.

“The guests we get from the area are always so nice to us,” she says, “we want to do the best for them and for our community.”

The fish pie comes highly recommended from Stephanie, a hearty home-style winter warmer. Pop into this quintessentially local eatery this week for a well-priced seafood feast and a friendly chat.

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Photo: Walter Maurice

TAKING FIVE

with Fernando

“There’s a romance and nostalgia in cooking. That’s where I always get my inspiration from.”

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By Tess Scholfield-Peters

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ocal institution the Clock is known for its food as much as its drinks list, according to head chef Fernando, who has been at the Clock for six months and is already on his third menu. Fernando combines much-loved pub classics with carefully thought out flavours and high quality local ingredients. Innovation is the motto, and Fernando achieves it by drawing inspiration from places many and varied.

Fernando’s love for the kitchen started at home as a young child. His culinary influences stem from his Chilean heritage, an Italian godfather and growing up with friends and neighbours from all over the world. “I’ve never been shy of the kitchen. When I was young I always preferred cooking with my mum, grandmother and uncle rather than be out playing soccer on a Saturday,” he tells me as we sit at a dark leather booth in the Clock’s whisky room.

Fernando joined Solotel group back in 2016, but has been working as a chef for fifteen years across various Sydney venues. He blends nostalgia and home cooking with contemporary food trends to create new takes on old favourites.

“I like to try and figure out what the customer wants before they know they want it,” says Fernando, who looks to the UK and the Unites States for the latest trends. “The UK is always six to twelve months ahead of us with food trends – you have to tread that fine line between what’s trending and what’s the next 10 | Urban Village

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thing, otherwise you’re just copying what everyone else is doing.”

Now more than ever Fernando sees sustainability and supporting small businesses as cornerstones of running a kitchen. “Both of our meat suppliers are built to be fully sustainable, from the energy used to the wastage. And our produce is all locally sourced. A lot of people don’t realise how local all our products actually are. Solotel is a big company with a little guy mentality and I’m definitely all for that.”

“The thing I’ve learnt about the clock is that people come here to eat, and then they’ll drink. Whereas at other pubs food isn’t the main focus, here it is – and that keeps me on my toes. The customers expect good food, so I have to give it to them.”

I like to try and figure out what the customer wants before they know they want it Coming up on Fernando’s NEW menu: “Grilled asparagus, kale, soft-boiled egg with a nduja dressing and pepitas. It’s a bit left of centre but the flavours work so well together. It’s not a dish you’d expect to get in a pub.”

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Local Business

RAY WHITE

agency calls Surry Hills home

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n Crown Street’s iconic strip there are only a very small number of shopfronts for real estate agents, and one of those is Ray White Surry Hills.

Peter Natoli, the managing director of the agency since 2006, acknowledges that the area is a highly competitive market for real estate agents, but believes his presence on the street is a differentiator.

“There is not a lot of shopfront competition on the strip, so I think being so visible is a real advantage,” he says.

Surry Hills 2010 postcode receives the most online real estate searches of any postcode in Australia. But while many agencies try and sell in Surry Hills, not all of them are based here.

“Also, we work in the area so I think we might know it better than other agencies which are outside 2010, but still try and sell here.”

By Lachlan Colquhoun

“Surry Hills has got everything I like. It’s a beautiful pocket and that’s why I work here.”

Natoli came to Surry Hills after working in property in other eastern suburbs Randwick and Coogee, but says Surry Hills is his favourite market.

“I love coming to work every day,” he says.

As a property market, Natoli says that Surry Hills is great to work in because “it’s so transactional.”

“It has a good combination of houses and apartments, and a mixture of investors, first home buyers, same sex couples and young professionals,” he says.

“Many of these younger people upgrade regularly as they become older and have families, so many houses are turned over every five or six years so there is usually a lot of stock available in our postcode.”

Natoli acknowledges that today’s current property market is a little softer than at the same time last year, but says that Surry Hills has been less impacted than most.

“What we are seeing is that there is an oversupply of apartments,” he says.

Surry Hills has got everything I like.

It's a beautiful pocket and that's why I work here.

“There are many new apartment developments in suburbs surrounding Surry Hills, and that is having an impact.

“But we are still transacting and although days on market have increased its still a very sellable suburb because of its position close to the city and the entertainment if offers to people.

“It’s always going to be popular and one of Sydney’s favourite markets.”

Ray White Surry Hills specialises in residential sales and property management 500 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 www.raywhitesurryhills.com.au

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Surry Hills Children’s Services

Surry Hills Children’s Services

provided by

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre

proudly serving the community for over 40 years.

A small family-oriented Long Day Care and Preschool located in a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility accommodating up to a maximum of 25 children.

Opening hours 8am - 4.30pm Visit our website or call us on 9331 8409 to book a visit childrenservices.shnc.org

02 9331 8409 Urban Village | 13

Artist impression only

New Vision for SURRY HILLS VILLAGE For three decades, the TOGA Group’s Adina development on Crown Street has shown the way as a successful example of mixed use planning.

Now, TOGA chief executive Fabrizio Perilli says the group is working towards an even larger development at the other end of Surry Hills at the Surry Hills Shopping Village.

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OGA’s vision for inner city development is to create integrated, well designed, quality built vertical villages.

These, Fabrizio Perilli says, combine retail, residential, and commercial uses but importantly also include green space.

“The Surry Hills Village development will allow us to deliver green space within an elevated environment complementing the large site,” says Perilli.

“And by green space I mean a meaningful space, which gives people opportunity to do different things, from meeting in groups to spending more quiet and individual time.”

TOGA, which also operates and manages the Adina at Chippendale and the Vibe Hotel on Goulburn Street within the Urban Village footprint, has cleared City of Sydney stage one DA approval for its $100 million Surry Hills Village development.

The stage 2 DA still needs to be approved by the City of Sydney but if no serious hurdles are encountered the timetable is to begin construction in mid 2019, and then progressively open the new development during 2022.

City of Sydney endorsement resulted in TOGA announcing an architectural competition under the city’s Design Excellence Strategy, and local architects SJB and Architect Prineas in collaboration with 14 | Urban Village

Redfern landscape architectural firm Aspect Studies were selected to further develop the site concept.

“Excellence in design is very important to us and we try and work with the best architects,” says Fabrizio Perilli.

“We want to build something that will last the test of time, so when we develop something we want to be sure that it looks good not just on day one, but in year ten, twenty and thirty and beyond.”

Perilli describes the Surry Hills Village concept as a “classic mixed-use precinct” with retail, food and beverage on the lower levels and residential and commercial accommodation above.

“It’s a matter of creating and adding to the local environment,” he says.

“The development needs to integrate the lower and upper levels and the public spaces to interact with the community on a daily basis and add to the flavour that is already there.”

Perilli says TOGA takes its responsibilities as a local corporate citizen seriously, and the company is a platinum sponsor of the upcoming fete at the Bourke Street School in addition to ongoing sponsorship at the Belvoir Street Theatre.

“That is a fundamental part of what we do and it’s the right thing for us to be part of the communities we build in,” he says.

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MALONEYS

delivers a local difference

Photo: Walter Maurice

Maloneys Grocers have been in Surry Hills for almost ten years, and in that time has become a feature of the Crown Street strip.

Manager Chris Basnett says its all about the quality of the produce, and the community

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here else would you be able to buy special blends of muesli, made by artisans in Surry Hills? Or coffee blends produced right here in the 2010 postcode?

The store philosophy is simple. Provide quality produce, source some great items from local producers, and make the store a nice environment where people enjoy browsing and shopping.

The answer to that is at Maloneys Grocers on Crown Street, one of three Maloneys outlets which call Sydney’s eastern suburbs home.

“Also our buyer makes three trips out to the wholesale markets each week, and he picks the produce he knows is the best,” says Basnett.

The story begins back in 2006 when Richard Maloney, his partner Jo Matthews and her brother Sebastian opened the first Maloneys in Coogee.

“He has great relationships with the farmers and knows when a particular fruit or vegetable is at its best, and who is the best provider.

Richard moved from the UK, where he was a supermarket veteran and had opened his own store.

“So all the produce really is selected specifically for our stores, and with our Surry Hills customers in mind.”

On arrival in Australia he pursued his ambition to open a new grocery business, and saw a need for a particular kind of store in the eastern suburbs which catered to specialty tastes, and sourced the finest produce.

The Crown Street store has become a fixture in the area and a go to place to source quality produce which caters for fans of organic and vegan produce, and also home delivers to customers. The Maloneys website also offers recipes and meal suggestions.

Another UK arrival, Chris Basnett, is the manager at Crown Street and says he has come to know most of the customers, such is the loyalty of the regular clientele.

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Irene Doutney 1948 to 2018.

Rest in Power Rene Ribic remembers his dear friend Irene Doutney, former Sydney Deputy Mayor Irene Doutney, who passed away after a long and difficult battle with cancer on June 11 of this year.

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rene had many friends in the semi-underground Sydney gay scene of the 1970s. She was an original '78-er and maintained a lifelong connection to friends in the LGBTIQ community. This connection included working with terminally ill HIV patients. She was open about her battles with depression and drug addiction, but turned her life around to become a much loved and admired political activist and politician for some years before being struck down by cancer.

I first met Irene in 1979, during the period that has been portrayed as the dark days of her life.

Irene's battles were very real but her life was not unrelentingly grim up until she turned her life around.

Life is not so simple or neat.

I first saw Irene in classes that we shared at East Sydney Technical College where we were both doing an adult matriculation course. One night, I saw her at a rock'n'roll gig. I thought she looked unapproachable but within minutes she had approached me and thus began a nearly 40 year long friendship.

Our respective partners of the time weren't much into live rock'n'roll so we often ended up going to gigs together or running into each other at various venues.

Over the next ten years Irene and I saw quite bit of each other, off and on.

We lost contact for a time and after we re-established contact we would sporadically catch up for a coffee or a smoke or both. Throughout those decades, though, 18 | Urban Village

we were always friends. Meeting up again with Irene was never awkward, no matter how long it had been since last meeting. That was Irene - if you were her friend, you were her friend. Full stop. She could see through your shit and still accept you as you are.

I've never known anybody more loyal to her friends than Irene.

Irene was, the whole time that I knew her, passionately concerned with social issues, long before she became known as an activist.

The people of Sydney have lost a unique character, somebody who fought passionately for the underdog and for a better world. I and many others have lost a true friend. I will miss her combination of fragility and her resilient strength, her intelligence, her humour and her unconditional love.

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I can imagine her reading this and saying, "Jesus, Rene! You're making me out to be some kind of fucking plaster saint!" She wasn't a saint, she was a flesh and blood woman and she was beautiful. Irene was always her own unique self, whether people liked that or not, although the great majority of people who knew her came to accept her on that basis and love her the more for it.

She was my friend and she was the big sister that I never had and I love her and I miss her. A small but vital part of Inner Sydney is gone forever and Sydney is the poorer for it. Goodbye, Irene. Rest in power.

FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 2006

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COOGEE: 214 COOGEE BAY RD | SURRY HILLS: SHOP 4,490 CROWN ST | WOOLLAHRA: 68 MONCUR ST Urban Village | 19

retrosweat an exercise class that doubles as a sweaty, endorphin‑pumped homage to the 80s.

By Tess Scholfield-Peters

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ny exercise class that also offers a mobile party service called “Dial-a-sweat” is most likely an exercise class I can get behind. Add to that retroinspired choreography and classic tracks, fluoro leotards, legwarmers and her self described “strong party” vibe, and you’ve got Retrosweat, an authentic 80s aerobics class run by founder and 80s fanatic Shannon Dooley.

Inspired by the VHS workouts made famous by Jane Fonda, Denise Austin, Patti Sorenson and Cher, Shannon brings her unique, retro-styled choreography to Hiscoes Gym on Crown Street every Thursday night at 7pm. No experience required, just arms, legs, tush and towel.

I arrive at Hiscoes at 6:45pm to hordes of women lining up outside the main exercise studio. As I suspected, these ladies are waiting for Retrosweat.

Amidst the brightly coloured active wear I spy Shannon, unmistakeable in her metallic sneakers, hot pink lycra shorts under denim underwear, a grey jumper with RETROSWEAT written on it in fluoro colours, and a full face of makeup. We follow her into the studio and I have a strong sense that I’m about to experience something pretty unique.

“I feel naked without my legwarmers,” Shannon’s voice reverberates through her pink headset as she strips off her jumper, revealing a pink cut off singlet with a koala printed on it.

The music starts and I’m immediately transported. We begin with a rhythmic shoulder role to warm up, and 20 | Urban Village

before I know it we’re grape vining, high-kicking and squatting to Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Human Nature, Vanessa Amorosi, and the dance remix of Yothu Yindi’s Treaty, my personal favourite.

“A political song for a political evening!” Shannon shouts over the beat, and I realise I had momentarily forgotten we’re in the middle of yet another leadership spill. (Never have I been in greater need of an 80s-themed distraction.)

I’m wearing a smile for the whole one-hour class, a result of both the stellar soundtrack and the sight of my uncoordinated self dancing back at me in the mirror. The vibe is infectious and I can’t help but notice that everyone in the room is having as good a time as I am. I catch Shannon at the end of the class as she’s dabbing her face, still immaculately made up. I admit to her that I’ve never had more fun in an exercise class.

“Retrosweat makes people happy, it’s as simple as that,’ she replies. “It’s contagious; you can see it around the room. It brings people joy and also everyone can do it. I’ve had hundreds of people come through the door worried that they wont be able to do it, but they always can. It’s inclusive and accessible to everyone.

That’s why people love it."

Retrosweat makes people happy, it’s as simple as that Retrosweat runs every Thursday night from 7pm at Hiscoes Gym – 525 Crown Street, Surry Hills.

For more information about the class, head to retrosweat.com.au, or follow @retrosweat on Instagram.

Servicing our local property market since ‘05 RAY WHITE SURRY HILLS | ALEXANDRIA | ERSKINEVILLE 9004 8800 | raywhitesurryhills.com.au

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Matriarch of THE SYDNEY UNDERWORLD returns Kate Leigh (1881 to 1964) was one of Sydney’s most notorious criminals in the first part of the 20th century. Brought to life once more by cabaret performer Vashti Hughes, Kate Leigh will be a part of this year’s Surry Hills Festival.

By Lachlan Colquhoun 22 | Urban Village

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ate Leigh is going home this year, more than 50 years after her death.

The matriarch of the Sydney sly grog scene and the rival to fellow crime Queen Tilley Devine during the battles between the “razor gangs”, Kate Leigh’s house in Riley Street will be the venue for performances during the Surry Hills Festival with Vashti Hughes reprising her role as Kate.

“A couple have bought Kate’s old place in Surry Hills and they want to turn it into a bar and café,” explains Hughes.

“So I’ll be wandering the streets of Surry Hills during the Festival and taking groups back to Kate’s place and doing a few songs.”

With partner and musical collaborator Rob Johnston, Hughes will take groups of about 20 into Kate’s former home and then wander up to the Shakespeare Hotel on Devonshire Street.

There, Johnstone will swap his bango for the piano and they’ll continue to sing some songs, taken from the longrunning cabaret show Mum’s In, which was performed regularly at the Kings Cross Hotel in the earlier part of this decade.

“People at the Shakespeare seem to know about Kate,” says Hughes.

“Some of the younger people don’t know about her so much, so I’ll hang around after the show and have a few drinks and talk about her.

“I think it’s good to do it because it reminds people about who she was, and it keeps her alive in a way.”

Kate Leigh’s life is a reminder of a completely different epoch in Surry Hills history. It was a time of grinding poverty, unemployment and a period which pushed people to desperate measures in order to get by.

The Kate Leigh story is also interesting in that she was part of an unparalleled scenario in Sydney crime, a time when the two main criminal protagonists and rivals in the city’s underworld were women.

Kate and Tilley Devine fought each other in a violent feud which lasted more than two decades, and their respective gangs staged what were almost pitched battles in Kellet Street, Kings Cross, in 1929.

In addition to her activities in sly grog, prostitution, and illegal betting, Kate Leigh was also known as an importer and dealer of cocaine, a supply which was only stopped by the advent of World War 2.

So, given all this and her longstanding role as Kate, what does Vashti Hughes think of the character she has recreated?

“She certainly came from very rough beginnings and then became one of the most powerful people in Sydney, only to die in poverty because the taxman caught up with her,” says Hughes.

“She is fascinating because while she was definitely tough, and she had to be to run a gang of criminals, she was also a leader and someone who cared about her community and considered herself part of it.

“She’d have Christmas Party’s at her home and give all the kids lollies, and she’d lend money to people who needed it, so as well being a criminal she was very much a part of the community in Surry Hills.”

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Rydges Refurb creates new

Urban Oasis

It might look the same from the outside, but Rydges Sydney Central has just completed major renovations which take the hotel to the next level

By Lachlan Colquhoun

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hen Rydges took over the hotel at the bottom of Albion Street in Surry Hills four years ago, it was always the plan to refurbish the property.

Now, after more than two years of progressive work the renovations are finished and Rydges Sydney Central has been expanded and upgraded, and the spa, sauna and gym have also been refurbed.

Originally at 271 rooms, the inner city hotel now comprises 309 brand new rooms all redecorated with a contemporary urban feel reflective of its Surry Hills location.

The new rooms feature exposed brick walls, vibrant pops of colour and textured wallpaper in a definite nod to the Surry Hills past.

Two brand new floors have been added to the commanding corner position of the hotel with the opportunity to create a variety of executive rooms and corner suites.

Smart energy efficient room controls have been installed in ever room, allowing sensors to track when guests enter and depart their rooms, with electricity powered to time on and off accordingly.

Each room now offers USB points installed throughout key locations in the accommodation, and all guests can enjoy new 49 inch LED/LCD TV’s in their rooms and an upgraded movie streaming service.

The upgrade enhances Rydges Sydney Central’s competitive positioning as a high quality accommodation offering for travellers, families and business people wanting to base themselves in Surry Hills during a Sydney sojourn.

With its superb location and access to Surry Hills and nearby centres of animation at Chippendale, China Town and the CBD in addition to Central Station, the hotel presents as a compelling option.

Rydges Sydney Central is also the new home of Sydney Brewery Surry Hills, the latest micro brewery to hit the inner city craft brewery trail which poured its first beers in August.

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Meet Gweilo Cantonese for “little foreign devil,” Gweilo is a cheeky twist on Sydney’s cultural melting pot.

By Tess Scholfield-Peters

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he Evening Star Hotel on Elizabeth Street was once the seedy haunt of local journos. In signature Surry Hills fashion, the Hotel has undergone an extensive facelift. The divey atmosphere is no more, but a little devilishness remains at this new Asian-inspired eatery and cocktail bar.

Urban Village caught up with head chef Seb Gee, the brain behind Gweilo’s Asian fusion style menu. Gee is a veteran of the Sydney food scene, having previously worked for Merivale’s Est, China Diner, Kid Kyoto and China Lane.

“I was inspired by my recent trip to Hong Kong, where I ate at a few modern Cantonese restaurants like Happy Paradise and Ho Lee Fook. I loved how they utilised western techniques and flavours, mixed in with Cantonese cuisine,” says Gee. The chef’s captivation with fusing cultures is clear from a glance at the menu: Wagyu beef shin, carrot and Tooheys rendang, ‘Eggplant parmi’ bao, or smoked pumpkin and corn dumpling with roast chili, almond and sorrel.

“We are not the normal local pub venue. There are a lot of different cultures in Sydney and I like to show that through the cuisine, predominately with an Asian twist, and with a bit of fun.”

The space itself reflects the innovative menu.

Designed by Surry Hills based firm Paul Kelly, Gweilo is a blend of classic architecture and retro-futuristic styling. Theatrics play a part in every aspect of the venue; the printed tile mural and dramatic arches are the stage, and the food is the main event.

Gee has crafted the menu to be shared, encouraging a casual yet elegant dining experience. “I much prefer to share a dish or a few than eat off my own plate. I like to think it makes for a more enjoyable evening.”

“I love watching customers’ expressions when they enjoy eating something that they might recognise from their own culture, travel or background – and it tastes or looks same, same but different.”

360 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills Head to www.gweilosurryhills.com.au for more info, or follow @gweilosurryhills on Instagram.

26 | Urban Village

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Urban Village | 27

Photo: Walter Maurice

28 | Urban Village

HOMAGE TO SURRY HILLS FLOWER POWER Sydney artist Nic Green is transforming the corner of Devonshire and Riley Street with a major street mural as part of this year’s Surry Hills Festival. He talks to Lachlan Colquhoun about his inspiration.

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n other eras of history, says Nic Green, governments and architectural patrons created buildings which were a “feast for the eyes.”

“If you think about Byzantine architecture, for example, the streets would have been wonderful with all the colour and decorative architecture,” he says.

“So when I look at Sydney today I sometimes think we’ve gone backwards in many ways.

“People can access visuals whenever they want on their phones, so its as if the cities have turned grey as we have turned inwards.”

Green’s Surry Hills Festival work is a bold attempt to redress this trend. The building at 483 Riley Street is set to be transformed by a riot of colour just in time for spring and the Surry Hills Festival.

With walls facing both Devonshire Street and Riley Street, Green’s mural will take the flower power theme of the festival, add some inspiration taken from local textile designer Lola Phillips, give a nod to Surry Hills history as a textile district, and give it his own twist to amaze and delight festival goers and the neighbourhood.

“Colour is so important in a work like this, because I think it is an entry point for people and whether they like it and whether it has an emotional impact,” says Green.

“When I’m dealing with public art like this I feel a responsibility to make sure that its as accessible and universal as possible and can be enjoyed by everyone, so I don’t want to be too esoteric on the street because there’s another place for that.

“This work is about being upbeat and trying to keep it positive and influence people’s mood when they are out and about, and I think we need more of that type of artwork.”

Painting the mural will be as much a performance as a work in progress. It is likely to take Green and an assistant up to two weeks to complete the work and significant infrastructure, such as scaffolding and scissor lifts, will be required.

“This building has a huge presence and commands that corner, so the way it will work as art will be an unusual creature,” says Green.

“A person who is on the footpath next to it can only interact with a certain piece of it, but if you’re across the road you will be looking at it differently.”

In any of his outdoor works, Green says he seeks to respond the building, the pathways around it and how people navigate their way.

He also aims to retain some of the building in what he does.

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“I always build a colour scheme based on the original colour scheme of the building,” he says.

“So I’m not completely covering the building. I’m integrating my artwork and its as if the building is wearing an adornment rather than plastering the building with new colour.”

This comes back to acknowledging the history of the building and its environment, and in Surry Hills there is plenty of history to inspire.

“You can feel all of that in Surry Hills,” says Green.

“Its as if you could place yourself in those streets walking around 100 years ago, so that is definitely an influence.”

Green has painted more than 100 outdoor art works around Sydney and he says perhaps half of them remain.

Of those that do, some have been changed by building works, by other artists who have come later, or the degenerative march of time.

“All sorts of things can happen, so I have to have a level of detachment to my work after it is finished,” he says.

So I’m not completely covering the building.

I’m integrating my artwork and its as if the building is wearing an adornment rather than plastering the building with new colour.

30 | Urban Village

Photo: Walter Maurice

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Option: A

“I wouldn’t be able to keep making street based artworks if I was too precious about making them.

“How many of them do you recognise or consciously pay any attention to?

“The power of this type of art comes from its place, “A few years ago I painted a really big mural which and my hope is that this work will really mark out the had lots of preparation go into it because it was a NB:and Colours not 100% representative only. spaceand andare make people aware and responsive.” heritage listed building, then sixare months later accurate they found a defect under the membrane and had to strip it all back.”

But while the artwork is there, Green hopes it can make a difference to the area and to people’s mood.

“Think how many walls you walk past in any day,” he says.

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The mural is a project of the Surry Hills Creative Precinct, with support from Transport NSW in collaboration with the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre

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Classes with Glasses From coworking to champagne, Laura shares the journey that brought about a workshop program with a difference

F

ancy a wine while water colouring? Champers while you learn calligraphy? Or, if booze isn’t your bag, how about knocking back a kombucha while you knit…

Laura Carrie, founder of Bustle Studios, created ‘Classes with Glasses’ to challenge the status quo of a night out. “We tend to default to meeting friends for drinks at a bar, or date night at a restaurant. Why not make the evening memorable and learn how to screen print, or make a unicorn cake topper, while sipping on your favourite beer?”

So, how does a co-working studio become a boozy workshop space…? “Being a small office we’re like a family and I spend a lot of time discussing new business ideas with my fellow entrepreneurs” says

34 | Urban Village

Laura, “a lot of them are creatives and had great ideas for running workshops at Bustle after hours. We had our first meeting over a glass of wine and I thought, isn’t everything better with a vino in hand?” So ‘Classes with Glasses’ was born.

All the workshops, of which there are over 30 to choose from, are BYO drinks and run every Thursday night.

Bustle Studios is a heritage listed terrace house situated next door to Strawberry Hills Hotel. The retro styled interiors are due to Laura’s love of antiques, “I did bring quite a few things from my home actually.

I want everyone who visits to feel comfortable and inspired at the same time”.

Paddock

THESE AREN’T YOUR ORDINARY RUN OF THE MILL PANCAKES, THESE ARE MESMERISING TRIUMPHS

However these aren’t your ordinary run of the mill pancakes, these are mesmerising triumphs, topped with vanilla mascarpone, raspberry coulis, whipped maple butter and fresh fruits.

For the last sixteen years Lester Aruta has been cheffing about in Sydney, however it’s only recently that he’s been a chef for his own business, Paddock on Crown.

“It was my wife’s sister who had the idea of getting bloggers to come in and blog about our food… And they all fell in love with our pancakes and now people visit from all over to get them”.

As Lester explains, “I wanted something to call my own. Everything was new to me in the beginning, as a chef you can normally hide away in the kitchen, but when you’re the face of something you have to get to know the customers. And it’s turned into something I really enjoy.”

Lester grew up with just his mum who was always busy juggling two jobs, which meant Lester had to sometimes take control in the kitchen. “On her way home from work mum’d phone me and ask me to start prepping everything for dinner, that’s where my love of food began.”

Paddock on Crown is situated in an old terrace house. The moment you walk in you’re taken with the detail and colour that surrounds its interior, and Lester’s menu is also reflective of that.

While he’s only been at the Paddock for eight months, Lester’s pancakes are already famous.

It was a lesson well heeded, because the fresh food on offer at Paddock on Crown is as fresh as it is colourful.

Paddock 509 Crown Street, Surry Hills @paddockoncrown

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Haven Specialist Coffee

COFFEE IS LIKE WINE, EVERY CUP IS UNIQUE While this open and naturally lit space caters for large crowds, Haven Specialty Coffee’s popularity amongst Surry Hills locals means finding a place to call your own is easier said than done. But that only adds to the expectations, from their eclectic menu to their specialised coffee, it’s an experience you’ll want to put on repeat.

While Haven is four years’ young, the experience that makes up this café goes back further. Kit Tran, manager of Haven, started working in cafés while studying at university in Sydney.

Originally from Hong Kong, he and his old high school friend decided to branch out and open their own cafe.

“We first started in Melbourne then quickly realised the speciality coffee scene is already too mature there, so we decided to try Sydney, as this city is still developing their coffee tastes, which is also exciting”, says Kit.

Haven’s menu is a combination of Asian fusion meets Australia, while also paying homage to their home turf, with their iconic egg waffles being inspired by Hong Kong street food. Kit explains, “This is what we eat in Hong Kong and so we wanted to bring a bit of where we come from to here, and it’s been really well received.”

The coffee aroma that carries throughout Haven is enough to convert the most stalwart of decaf drinkers. They source their own green beans and then roast various styles in Marrickville, with their house blend consisting of three different origins, one from Colombia and two Ethiopia.

Depending on the coffee you order, you’ll be given a small bowl of either currants, raisins or almonds that contrasts beautifully with the flavours.

“Coffee is like wine, every cup is unique and we introduce these interesting ways that enhance your palate”, says Kit.’

Haven Specialist Coffee 30-34 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills @havencafesydney

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Orto Trading Co

IT’S THE PEOPLE, THE FOOD AND THE WINE, THAT’S WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO ME Sitting down at Orto Trading Co. to a delicious coffee and Piero’s much loved chicken voltini, while enjoying the view of his adored kumquats.

This is a slice of Italy, Surry Hills style, and Piero is the real deal. Italian born, he moved to Australia with his mum and dad at a very young. And while Australia is definitely home, he’s also proud of his Italian heritage, which is seen in the herbs he grows and the mouth-watering food he serves.

“I try to instil a very Italian feel to what I do, with home-style cooking, food that’s prepared with care. Also being authentic is important, from having real plants in the café, to the ingredients I use”, says Piero.

Having worked in hospitality since the age of 13, with the majority of his experience being in restaurants, this is Piero’s first café, which he’s owned

for the past two years. You could say it was light at first sight that convinced Piero that Orto Trading Co was for him. “I fell in love with the light that floods this space. In my mind I bought the café before even stepping inside, because of just how beautiful that natural light is.”

Open seven days a week from 7am to 4pm, doesn’t leave Piero time for much else, and he’s not complaining about it either. Coming from such an extensive background in the restaurant world means he’s comfortable getting around in the kitchen and on the floor.

“It’s the people, the food and the wine, that’s what’s important to me.”

The future for Orto Trading Co is as bright as the natural light that it’s bathed in, as Piero is looking to open up in the evening so he can be a complement to the other Surry Hills eateries nearby.

Orto Trading Co 38 Waterloo Street, Surry Hills @ortotradingco

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Verd

OUR PASSION FOR HEALTHY FOOD WAS WHAT BROUGHT US TOGETHER

Joe recalls, “A friend who works in Surry Hills text me a photo of the building and for lease sign saying he needed to have my smoothies nearby, so we moved in!”

Three years toiling in finance was more than enough to convince Joe Pagliaro, co-owner of Surry Hills salad bar Verd, that he was in the wrong industry. “I’m good with numbers, but the money world wasn’t for me. I went back into hospitality, which is what I was doing when I was studying at uni”. He not only found his feet again he also found his now business partner and girlfriend, Grace Watson. “We both worked in hospitality and our passion for healthy food was what brought us together”.

They’re a cashless business, with 30% of their customers ordering through the Verd app. The benefit in using the app is that you not only save time, you also get to enjoy $1 off their ever-evolving and always delicious menu. One lunchtime favourite is the OG Macro, consisting of all kinds of plant-based ingredients like kale, baby spinach, sprouted adzuki beans and much more which can then be followed with a Commando Ed smoothie.

Beginning with a coffee bar in Bondi and then in Martin Place, the resourceful duo eventually opened a small vegan café in Kent Street that focussed on sugar-free, dairy-free and raw food.

After a couple of years they opened at the new Barangaroo site, which is when Verd came to be. Then in November of last year they expanded to Surry Hills.

Grace tells us, “We’re about making healthy food accessible, making sure everyone knows what they’re getting.

And not even noticing that it’s vegan, but instead that it’s just a really nice bowl of food”.

Verd 118 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills @verdsydney

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Essenza Italian

REGIONAL ITALIAN DISHES WITH A CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN TWIST Essenza Italian typifies not just the high quality restaurant scene of Surry Hills, but also the wide-ranging international cuisine on offer.

While Essenza has been around for the past eleven years, restaurateur Kate Still took over the reigns just a few months ago, and already she’s made a positive and complementary impact.

“It’s got a very loyal customer base here, and I’m conscious of that. I like to evolve places and allow them to grow.

I want to bring the existing customers with me, give them new reasons to come here”, says Kate.

Part of that evolution is skewing more towards Italian wines and liquors, then of course there’s the food. Kate’s focussing on regional Italian dishes with a contemporary Australian twist, and over the colder months Sunday night is all you can eat gnocchi night, with adults costing $20 and ‘bambinos’ just $10.

Originally from the United Kingdom, food has always played an influential role in Kate’s life, with her mother working as a cook. By default, Kate found herself in the family kitchen from an early age, helping her mum make everything from scratch.

Arriving to Australia when she was 22, Kate enjoyed it so much she stayed. As she settled into her new antipodean life, Kate put herself through cooking school and soon after graduating was employed as a pastry chef at Sydney’s then iconic restaurant, Claude’s.

It’s there that Kate taught one of the chefs how to make desserts, and he taught Kate how to make gnocchi.

Going by the mouth-watering indulgence of Kate’s panna cotta with buttermilk granita and the incredible flavours of her beetroot gnocchi, both dishes are worthy of a high distinction.

Essenza Italian 560 Crown Street, Surry Hills @essenzaitalian

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Mark & Vinny’s

WE’RE BOTH ITALIAN, SO NATURALLY PASTA IS A BIG DEAL TO US From jackets to pants, to sofa cushions No, this isn’t the name of a new Martin Scorsese film. Rather Mark + Vinny’s is the name of a new Italian restaurant located in Surry Hills, and Mark Filipelli and Vinny Pizzinga are the creative minds behind it.

So while they’re not being captured on celluloid, their paths did cross in the hub of filmmaking, being Hollywood, California. Vinny explains, “I’m from Sydney but I’d been working in LA for 12 years and wanted a new creative outlet, then I met Mark at a mutual friend’s Halloween party and we got talking.”

Mark is from Melbourne, and was in LA researching the US restaurant scene.

Their serendipitous meeting then yielded their eventual Italian vegan-friendly pasta bar.

While Mark and Vinny’s offers plenty of evidence that pasta can be just as delicious when made vegan style, their charcoal bucatini smoked mushroom

pancetta also reminds us how appetising tradition is. What they offer is the best of both worlds.

“We’re both Italian, so naturally pasta is a big deal to us, but so is seeing the old as a new opportunity. Experimenting is important to what we do”, says Mark.

They’re both conscious of just how hard and competitive the restaurant scene is, so a strong brand presence, combined with a unique customer experience, lead by great food is integral to what they do.

Their menu is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. It’s traditional Italian with a side of ‘Meet the Jetsons’, as their neon blue spirulina pasta proves. And with over 20 spritz-based cocktails to choose from, you’ll never be hard up for a drink, though it might be hard deciding which one to try. (Probably best to ask Mark and Vinny, however considering they each have a spritz named after them, they might have some favouritism going on.)

Mark & Vinny’s G08/38-52 Waterloo St, Surry Hills @markandvinnys

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Li’l Darlin Surry Hills

THE KIND OF UNIQUE AND COSY VENUE THAT CAN’T BE PIGEONHOLED From a bank to a pie shop, the premises Lil’ Darlin calls home has had a couple of past lives, but none more full of life or as much fun as its current incarnation. Lil’ Darlin is renowned for its nightlife, huge schnitzels (like, really huge), mouth-watering pizza and impressive array of intricate cocktails, whose ingredients are the real deal, you won’t find any cheap syrup here.

Being slap bang in the middle of Devonshire Street means it’s easy to get to, from those arriving on train to Central, to folk walking down from Crown Street and beyond. And Lil’ Darlin is the kind of unique and cosy venue that can’t be pigeonholed.

all kinds. And I can safely say we’re the only bar in Sydney where you can go out and enjoy a great meal and drink, and then end up partying in your seat during dinner.”

The vast choice available at Lil’ Darlin really does mean there’s something for everyone. While your friend might enjoy the extravagance of their fairy floss cocktail for only $10 during happy hour, your tastes might be more in line with a delicious NZ Pinot Noir, and the food menu is just as impressive.

Co-owner of Lil’ Darlin, Nina Augoustis says, “Bias aside, the pizzas here are incredible. I’ve heard people say it’s the best they’ve ever had, which is a big call, it is delicious though, especially the roast mushroom and pancetta, which I highly recommend.”

Sonny, Lil’ Darlin Floor Manager of four years explains, “The crowd we get in here isn’t just one group of people, it’s

Li’l Darlin Surry Hills 420 Elizabetho Street, Surry Hills @lildarlinbar

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Orla Quinlans Hair and Beauty

IT’S BECAUSE OF ORLA’S EXPERT ABILITY WITH CURLY HAIR THAT’S SHE’S BEEN DUBBED THE ‘HAIR WHISPERER’ A native of Dublin, Orla never wanted to come to Australia. She had her eyes set on the bright lights of Hollywood, to be a hairdresser to the stars. It was her close group of nine girlfriends that convinced her to go travelling with them down under. The nine that travelled with her eventually returned to Ireland, but two decades on Orla’s well and truly made her home here.

Her sister is a hairdresser and her mum was too, so it was somewhat inevitable that Orla would follow the same career path. And at the age of just 14, thanks to her Aunty, that’s exactly what happened.

“My Aunty was a big client of a hairdresser’s in Dublin, and she got me in there. Though I think the hairdresser was in love with my Aunty, so that helped”, laughs Orla.

For nineteen years Orla’s been cutting hair on Devonshire Street. While she’s won multiple awards for hair colouring, it’s because of Orla’s expert ability with curly hair that’s she’s been dubbed the ‘Hair Whisperer’.

“They [her loyal clients] say hair just does what I tell it to”, says Orla. She specialises in precision cutting, which focuses on strong structure of the hair and can make thin hair appear full. “I find hair is like building a house, you start with your structure and then the roof goes on, and I always say what’s in, is what suits you”, says Orla.

So if you happen to have curly hair you need tamed, or you want a fresh colouring, you’ll be in very good hands with Orla.

Orla Quinlans Hair and Beauty 152 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills @orla_quinlan_hair

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Welcome to SYDNEY BREWERY SURRY HILLS Rydges Hotel has added a new development which will attract not just hotel guests, but the wider Surry Hills community of residents and local workers

By Lachlan Colquhoun

T

here is a new watering hole destination on the Sydney craft brewing trail, and it's at the Rydges Hotel on the corner of Albion and Mary Streets.

The craft brewery is the first location in Sydney for Hunter Valley based company Sydney Brewery, which will be serving up locally themed brews such as the brewed on site Albion Ale, Surry Hills Pils and DarloDark.

While some of the offerings will be brewed on site in the micro brewery, the venue will also offer the full range of Sydney Brewery beers and ciders created at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley.

Owner and brewing fan Dr Jerry Schwartz is the driving force behind the new destination, which will also feature live music on Thursday and Friday nights and DJ’s over the weekend.

Food will also be available with a menu selection of pub classics, some of them cooked with signature 44 | Urban Village

brews, such as the Slow Cooked Beef Ribs in Stick Porter BBQ Sauce and Paddo Pale bratwurst with Sydney Cider Red Cabbage.

“Surry Hills is an ever evolving and thriving community of residents and businesses,” says Dr Schwartz.

“We wanted to celebrate this with a local craft brewery offering, a great spot for a casual lunch or after work drinks, whilst also giving locals the opportunity to take home a fresh growler of Sydney’s best beer.”

For everything from a casual work lunch which might flow into the evening, to a Saturday night hotspot for live music and DJs, Surry Hills now has a new local haunt which aims to be a neighbourhood go to.

So next time you pass Rydges on Albion Street, remember that it's now more than a place for out of towners.

Sydney Brewery Surry Hills might be the place you can find your new favourite brew.

Surry Hills is an ever evolving and thriving community of residents and businesses

HISCOES HAS IT ALL HEALTH

FITNESS

SPORT

3 DAY FREE TRIAL

Enjoy unlimited gym and class access for 3 consecutive days* *Terms & conditions apply 525 Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 | 02 9699 9222 | www.hiscoes.com.au Urban Village | 45

Divitis Finance A Brokerage run by Gen Y for Gen Y

By Tess Scholfield-Peters

D

ivitis Finance and Mortgage Brokers founder Dylan Salotti bought his first investment property at twenty‑one. He then went on to purchase three properties in the space of five years. As a member of Gen Y myself, to my mind this is a nearly inconceivable feat.

I meet Dylan at The Office Space in Surry Hills before he is set to head down to the snow for the weekend.

He speaks about property and finance with the ease of a seasoned professional, and I forget that we are separated by only a few years of age.

“A lot of other young people were asking me how I did it,” says Dylan. “Whether it was being a bit more sensible with money, being more proactive or just taking a risk, I was able to build an investment portfolio and people in a similar situation to me always wondered how it was done.”

Dylan left his electrician apprenticeship to pursue his passion for the property industry, taking a pit stop in finance along the way.

“When I came into the industry in 2015, one of the staggering statistics was that at that time over 55%

46 | Urban Village

Photo: Supplied

of the finance and mortgage broking industry was over the age of fifty. There was a lot of concern or disconnect with the Gen Y group. I think that’s my competitive advantage: I am that demographic and I understand it.”

The Divitis website features a free e-course guide on how Gen Y professionals can buy property, hot tips about the end of financial year, demystifying mortgages, and my personal favourite: how to have your smashed avocado and eat it too.

“We’re able to provide a lot of first hand experience and advice. I know what it was like handing over that deposit for the first time and walking out feeling absolutely sick. We know what it’s like to be that target market and I think that’s the reason why we’re so successful.”

Dylan and his nimble team offer a boutique and high-touch service, with a focus on education and understanding for the client, whether they are first time or experienced property buyers, or seeking business or vehicle finance, personal loans or insurance.

Ideally we want to use as much technology as possible to make the client experience as simply as it can be, but not lose that human touch.

“The strategy we’ve put in place is very holistic. Not only is the transaction taken care of, but we provide ongoing advice to continually educate and reengage with the clients.”

While Divitis is evolving with the industry itself into the online realm, Dylan maintains that the core focus of his business is the person-to-person relationship and understanding with the client.

“Ideally we want to use as much technology as possible to make the client experience as simply as it can be,

but not lose that human touch. It’s important to have someone the client can hold accountable, rather than just an online transaction.”

Dylan’s passion for property and sharing his advice is evident as we chat, and I leave The Office Space refreshed and inspired. The Divitis approach brings traditionally inaccessible markets like property and finance into the realm of possibility for the younger generation. Perhaps I can have my smashed avo toast and eat it too, after all.

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Photo: Walter Maurice

ANDREW GALVIN: Ideal Space 48 | Urban Village

M

eet Andrew Galvin, the principal of Ox Brand Consultants in Surry Hills. He specialises in brand – specifically brand strategy and brand identity.

In his early career, when Boy George was no.1 in the charts, Andrew was in London designing LP sleeves.

“Back then designing was a craft. Everything except typesetting was pretty much done by hand. Then the Mac arrived and suddenly everyone was a designer,” says Galvin.

And now? “What was once an industry of essentially design studios and ad agencies, is now very fragmented. There’s a myriad of creative and tech offerings – from digital marketers, web, PR, SEO, HR, not to mention management consultants – many espousing brand expertise.”

“From a client perspective it has to be confusing. What’s a brand? Who should I talk to? What will brand actually do for my business? Is this all just bull****?

“Brand, first and foremost is about clarity. I come from a design background, which is essentially solving a

problem, simply, visually. To me, it’s the same thinking for strategy, but with words. In a nutshell, my work is about simply defining and articulating in words and images what’s compelling to customers.

“I get to work with some very smart business people – CEOs, Boards and owners. But thankfully they don’t do what I do. Brand is a mix of strategic and creative.

That’s why I love it. I help my clients get diamond clarity on their brand. I then take them through developing and integrating the brand into their business. Done properly, brand will and does make a difference.

“As a specialist I know what I do works. I’m proud of some of the businesses I’ve worked with. One, a startup is now a US$25M global business, another has gone from the edge of extinction to a recurring profit in the $ millions. One was bought by Woolies. Another became the new benchmark in its sector. It’s not fluff or smoke and mirrors. It’s about business. That’s what I get excited about. That’s what keeps me getting out of bed.”

Andrew Galvin runs the “No Bullsh**** Brand Workshop” from Ideal Space, 483 Riley Street, Surry Hills. The free one-hour branding workshop and Q&A provides professional insights on how to regenerate your business.

For more information head to https://oxbrand.com.au/.

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MUD304_FA1_Urban Village Ad_92x128.indd 1

29/8/18 3:57 pm

Baritone Simon Lobelson. Image: Supplied.

A Surry Hills

METAMORPHOSIS In a brand new initiative, The Opera Centre will transform its scenery workshop into an intimate performance space.

The dilapidated, dreamlike world of Kafka’s Metamorphosis will come to life in the paint-spattered workshop, beneath the Centre’s rehearsal rooms.

By Tess Scholfield-Peters

T

he Opera Centre on Elizabeth Street is the behind‑the-scenes hub of its white-peaked big sister, where upcoming productions are rehearsed and sets, props and costumes are created. Experts from all over the creative industries come together to stage an opera, from wig makers and costumiers to scenic artists, choreographers and carpenters – and it all happens on Elizabeth Street, unbeknownst to many residents and visitors of Surry Hills.

This September Opera Australia invites Sydney to venture behind the curtain and down the stairs, into the Opera Centre’s underground scenery workshop for a truly unique operatic experience, a production more akin to a piece of contemporary theatre than a traditional stage opera.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis is an absurd and elusive story of alienation and modernity, in which the traveling salesman Gregor Samsa wakes one morning to find that he has been transformed into a grotesque, insect-like creature. Urban Village caught up with Metamorphosis director Tama Matheson, and principal performer Simon Lobelson, ahead of the performance.

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“This isn’t the sort of opera that would sit too easily on the Opera House stage,” says Matheson. “In a found space like this you tend to put on something more modern and a bit more experimental.

“Walking into this odd, unconventional space is part of the experience. The fact that the space is dirty and covered in paint stains with bits of old sets and costumes everywhere, mirrors the weird and fractured world of Gregor Samsa.”

The percussive and atonal score of Australian composer Brian Howard creates an atmosphere that sits ominously underneath the performers. This cinematic and musically experimental approach is unique when compared to the soaring melodies and stand-alone arias of a traditional opera.

“I think this show needs to be thought of as a theatrical experience rather than an opera,” says Lobelson, who will play the title role of Gregor Samsa. “The score is really quite angular and difficult to listen to. It’s not the sort of show where you walk out humming the tunes.”

Photo: Phillip Booth

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This will be internationally acclaimed baritone Lobelson’s debut performance with Opera Australia, alongside a celebrated line up of principals including Julie Lea Goodwin, Christopher Hillier, Taryn Fiebig, Adrian Tamburini and Benjamin Rasheed. A small chamber orchestra of just twelve musicians will accompany the ensemble of six singers, led by conductor Paul Fitzsimon.

"I think what is most exciting about this show is that it’s a small ensemble performing an opera as though it’s a play. They don’t have to worry about singing their lungs out, so they can concentrate on making the drama really powerful and refined. You get to see opera singers acting in a very different way,” says Matheson.

Opera is a somewhat stigmatized art form, according to Lobelson, in which the singers traditionally sing and do little else. “I think opera singers have a bad name 52 | Urban Village

for not being able to act. In earlier decades it didn’t really matter if you could act, but now I think in the age of the director, there’s a much larger emphasis on the acting. Especially in a piece like this where the audience is right there – it’s a very three-dimensional performance that definitely requires a lot more than just singing.”

Artistic director and contemporary opera specialist Lyndon Terracini sang Metamorphosis when it was first performed as an opera in Australia in 1983. “I think when you come into contact with a piece that is particularly good, particularly powerful, you remember it,” he says. Terracini chose Metamorphosis as the premiere show of what will be a series of chamber operas performed in the intimate spaces of the scenery workshop, and the Merlyn Theatre in Melbourne.

I think when you come into contact

“This is a really fascinating new initiative, taking an old workspace and turning it into something new and interesting,” says Matheson. “The grittiness of the space adds to the magic, in a way, especially in a piece like Metamorphosis which is in this weird, fractured world of broken down things."

with a piece that is particularly good, particularly powerful, you remember it

Tickets for Metamorphosis are available through the Opera Australia website.

The production runs from September 26-29 at The Opera Centre on Elizabeth Street in Surry Hills.

Opera enthusiasts and visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the Opera Centre, which run every weekday by appointment. Head to https://opera.org.au/ for all further information.

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Photo: Tim Ritchie

Surry Hills & Valleys Telling the Stories of People in Our Community

54 | Urban Village

Andy Bernados: Business Owner I

have been in Surry Hills for 40 years. It used to be mainly families but it’s not anymore. It’s more single people or younger couples.

There used to be older people with kids. There were two or three generations living together. People back then used to do a lot of work themselves but now they don’t, instead they get handy men in to do the work. I used to do a lot of plumbing, but now they have changed the style of plumbing. The water board has its regulations. It’s more complicated, so people can’t do their own work. It’s a lot rougher than it used to be now in Surry Hills. You didn’t used to see people off their face in the street and you weren’t too afraid walking out at night after the shops had closed. There were only three restaurants in the whole of Surry Hills.

There was Harry’sChinese takeaway, there was a milk bar café and there was the Five Doors up at Albion Street I think.

A lot of businesses have shut down. There used to be five hardware shops, now there is only me. There was more of a village feel back then. There was a cake shop, a jeweller, all sorts of small businesses. There was a deli that did South American sausages. There was a haberdasher. I’ve only just been able to keep the business going. You’ve got to do something and this is the only thing I know how to do I guess. You get to know people who are locals. I had a fellow in the other day who I remember used to catch the bus out the front of my shop as a school kid. Now he has three kids and grey hair. He was in with his wife. Hadn’t seen him for ages.

I’m from the bush originally. Then I moved to Albion Street. That was 50 years ago. So I have lived in the area since those days. It was the place where I grew up.

Both my brothers were in Sydney. There wasn’t much happening up there in the bush. I miss the country life.

I still go up there every Sunday because I have to look after the garden and prune the fruit trees.

There used to be a neighbourhood centre just next door to us here at the Kirk about 30 years ago. It used to be a church, then a neighbourhood centre that ran all of these movie nights. I think you could watch a movie for 20 cents. Madame Lash bought it after that.

She was in my shop the other day. We did a lot of work with her when they remodelled it. We did the letterbox and there is a massive fireplace in there. She lived there for a while. But then it was empty.

When I came here there was no Surry Hills Shopping Village, it was a tile place then there was a bank next door, a menswear shop, a butcher. The butcher told me one day that he was in his shop early in the morning and he saw two guys who had broken in and they were taking stock out and loading it into the car. So the butcher got a broom and he held it out the door.

He said, “Get out or I’ll shoot you” and they went and cleaned out! That was a funny story.

I feel sad when I think about those days. They were good days. Everyone knew one another. Now you don’t get that anymore.

What’s important in life for me? Meeting pleasant people.

About www.surryhillsandvalleys.com We are four storytellers whether through art, photography or written word, who want to create a space for giving voice to the stories of the inhabitants of Surry Hills. Surry Hills has a history of storytelling. We hope that the stories that are told will bring about community in our neighbourhood especially during this time where Surry Hills is going through so much change. We want to represent the diversity of the people in our community so we can increase learning from and respect of each other.

To read more profiles, visit

www.surryhillsandvalleys.com

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40 YEARS of Surry Hills service When patients of husband and wife team Drs Susheela and Viswanathan Krishnan realised the couple were about to mark 40 years in their Cleveland St practice, they clubbed together in a special tribute.

Lachlan Colquhoun reports.

T

he UK’s loss has certainly been Surry Hills’ gain.

Back in 1973, Viswanathan Krishnan and his wife Susheela were all set to emigrate to the UK from their native India when they got a letter from the Australian High Commission inviting them to Australia instead.

“My father was the one who urged us to choose Australia,” says Dr Viswanathan Krishnan.

“He said ‘Australia has no borders, no one is going to invade so you are going to be safe.’

56 | Urban Village

“He also said not to worry about the White Australia policy, that over time that wouldn’t matter…and he said Australia is all about cricket and tennis.”

So the Krishnan’s moved to Sydney in 1973 and began working in the NSW public hospital system.

In August 1978 they started working at the surgery on Cleveland Street just as the original doctors who established the surgery were about to retire. So they’ve been there ever since, and marked 40 years this August.

I've been going there for 26 years and I really think they've made a great contribution and I thought it was important to say thank you

“Before I took over there were three other doctors here,” says Dr Viswanathan Krishnan.

“So even today there are patients who come to us who were coming to this surgery back in the 1960s when Dr Bushell and his colleagues were here.”

When long-time patient John Clough heard about the 40th anniversary, he thought it was significant enough to warrant a tribute from the community.

He enlisted the help of a signwriting friend and created a thank you plaque which was presented on August 18, 40 years to the day after the Krishnan’s took over the surgery.

“You could say that Dr Krishnan saved my life,” says John, who reveals that an early diagnosis at the surgery picked up some cancerous growths which were removed just in time.

“I’ve been going there for 26 years and I really think they’ve made a great contribution and I thought it was important to say thankyou.

“You know Dr Krisnhan still does house calls for his patients? He must be one of the only doctors in Sydney who still does that. You can ring them at their home.”

As for the Krishnans, other members of their family followed them out to Australia and have settled here.

They have three children, one of whom is a neurologist at the Prince of Wales hospital and the other two are lawyers. Their parents also emigrated.

“As for retirement, that is a big question,” says Dr Krishnan, who is several years older than the average retirement age.

“I tell my patients that as long as I am fit and healthy I can serve the community. We enjoy what we do and being part of it.

“We are about to go away on holiday, but I tell my patients they don’t need to go and find another doctor because we will be back.”

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Bourke St

School Fete Celebrating a Renaissance

O

n Sunday October 28 Bourke Street Public School holds its first fete in four years. A lot has changed for the school since the last fete 2014, as Lachlan Colquhoun found out.

Last time Bourke Street Public School held a fete student numbers were down at around 100 and there were rumblings that the 140 year old school may even close.

In a remarkable turnaround, the school is now at capacity with just under 450 kids and it has a new library and hall and more importantly a whole new energy, all of which will be celebrated at the upcoming fete.

Sponsored by the TOGA Group as platinum sponsor and gold sponsors Bourke Street Bakery, So9 Restaurant, Sonoma Sourdough, Pizza e’Birra and the Fordham Company, this year’s fete has a “big top” theme.

Fete goers will be able to enjoy a haunted house and sideshow alley, with circus style performances all though the day. Other attractions include a kids’ disco, face painting and crazy hair creation and a variety of musical performers.

Ten percent of the profits will go to the Girls and Boys Brigade, which is closely associated with the school as a sizeable number of Bourke Street kids use the brigade’s before and after school services.

“You realise how lucky you are when your children go to a primary school where people really care” says Nina Fordham, a P&C member and fete organiser.

She says that the Girls and Boys Brigade will receive 10 percent of the school’s fundraising for the next three years, beginning with the fete.

The balance of the fundraising will go towards a new play area at the school, based on WILD PLAY at Centennial Park and designed in consultation with parents and students.

“At the moment we just have a big soft fall area, and there’s very little space for kids to sit and play,” says Fordham.

“There’s a lot of handball space, which is great, but we want to give them something else, another option.”

You realise how lucky you are when your children go to a primary school where people really care 58 | Urban Village

Fordham attributes the school’s growth to the changing demographic not just of Surry Hills but also Redfern, where many of the school’s families now live after moving into newly built housing.

The four year gap in fetes has been because of the disruption of new building at the school, but now that is finished Bourke Street is ready to celebrate its success, and invites the Surry Hills and Redfern communities to join in on October 28.

Public Notice Surry Hills Festival, Saturday 22 September 2018, 6AM – 10PM Temporary Road Closures & Traffic Management Surry Hills Festival, returns on Saturday 22 September 2018 for a fabulous spring celebration across Ward Park, Devonshire Street, Shannon Reserve and Crown Street.

Barricading Parking Spaces Marlborough St, between Lansdowne St and Devonshire St, Eastern side Marlborough St (dead end north of Devonshire St), both sides Temporary Event Road Closures – Saturday 22 September, 6AM – 10PM To ensure pedestrian flow and community safety, the following streets will be closed on Saturday 22 September, 2018: • Devonshire St, Elizabeth St to Bourke St, West bound; • Devonshire St, Elizabeth St to Holt St; • Devonshire St, Clisdell St to Waterloo St (residents excepted), East bound; • Clisdell St, at Devonshire St, South bound; • Holt St, Gladstone St to Devonshire St; • Waterloo St Gladstone St to Devonshire St (residents excepted); • Adelaide Pl, closed at Devonshire St; • Steel St, between Devonshire St and Steel Lane; • Riley St closed at Devonshire St; • Riley St, between Arthur St and Devonshire St (residents excepted), South bound; • Marlborough St, between Lansdowne St and Devonshire St; • Devonshire St, Adelaide Place to Crown St; • High Holborn St, at Devonshire St; and • Collins Street, between Crown St and Richards Lane.

During event operations, managed vehicle access will be maintained for residents. To gain vehicle access, residents must present proof of residency within the road closure area.

We appreciate your cooperation and support of this important SHNC fundraising event and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For more information and to download the Surry Hills Festival and associated Spring into Surry Hills arts program, visit surryhillsfestival.org.

Contact admin@shnc.org or 9357 4966

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GLEN HARE

finance tips

We live In Sydney so Investment property Is front of mind. But before you take that leap, just think about these 5 common mistakes

Y

ou’re living in the inner suburbs of Sydney watching house prices reach all-time highs and wondering whether or not now is the right time to get into the property market? When considering property, you don’t have to just buy where you live (just because you like the area), if you’re buying an investment property you should be looking at what return you’re going to make not if it’s close to your favorite hipster café.

Below are 5 common mistakes people make when purchasing their first investment property:

1. I get so emotional baby!

Too often I speak with clients, prospective clients, friends & family who get caught up in the emotion of buying their first investment property. Often people that grew up in Brisbane want to buy their first investment property in Brisbane (because they know the area), want a house because they’ve never lived in an apartment or would prefer floorboards because they get hay fever from dusty carpets. My response to all of this is, ‘who cares’? If you’re buying an investment property you’re doing it to earn money, it’s not a property you personally need to live in. On 60 | Urban Village

the flip side looking for a property you plan to live in requires a completely different set of designer shades.

Investment is all about the returns, owner occupation is lifestyle.

Getting emotionally attached could cause you to splurge a property you’d love to live in but has very little impact on the growth of your personal fortune.

2. If I was a rich girl na na na na na You’d have all the money in the world, if you were a wealthy girl? Sadly, the chances are that you don’t and you’re not (yet!) so don’t spend like you do. Too often people get caught up in the excitement of purchasing property and lose grip on the reality of what is actually a reasonable price to pay for a home (this is my partner Liam to a tee). Picture yourself at an auction, having finally found a property you love and being slowly being out bid by someone else. This is not the time to lose control thinking that ‘this is a chance of a lifetime’, but a time to bid with your head and not your heart.

Chances are you’re purchasing this property to help grow your wealth, but how is overspending on a property that you can’t really afford going to help you achieve your life goals?

3. Love don’t cost a thing.

Which is fantastic! Because if you’re saving for property, you’ll need to cut back on your spending and SAVE! The bigger your deposit the more options you’ll have when purchasing an investment property. You don’t want to be forced to purchase an ‘entry level’ property because that’s all you can afford. Leave the block for Jenny!

If you don’t have a 20% deposit the banks are going to hit you up for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). This is the insurance for the banks which you foot the bill for for (it covers them should you default on your loan).

Another little kicker when considering paying the LMI is that some banks will actually lend you the money to pay for their insurance, meaning that you'll actually end up paying interest on the payments you’re making for their insurance. Aren’t they too kind???

4. Baby you’re a firework!

Come on show ‘em what you’re worth! Healthy cashflow is crucial in your journey of wealth creation.

Being positively geared simply means the money you have coming in from your properties is covering the costs of owning that property and then some. Being in this position often enables you to purchase additional property and achieve a greater return on investment.

Being negatively geared may have some tax advantages but in the long run you will also have a finite amount of additional income at hand to substitute any shortfall required to keep the property.

5. I got 99 Problems but an expense ain’t one.

Do the numbers on what purchasing that property will actually return. There are heaps of expenses associated with buying a property beyond just the interest on the loan and too often these are overlooked. As an owner you should really understand what the return on your investment actually is. Beyond interest you’ll need to pay taxes, maintenance costs, agent fees, council rates, insurance and the list goes on...Always calculate every possible expense you anticipate before purchasing a property!

If you’re keen to have a chat about getting your financial world sorted speak with the team at Fox & Hare. In short our role is understand the goals you want to achieve in life (kids, overseas sabbatical, property, whatever!) and help you structure you’re finances to get your there.

Those with goals succeed because they know where they’re going…

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AWW!

PET TIPS + ADVICE

by Dr. Nima

62 | Urban Village

All of us would love to get home as soon as we can to be greeted by our precious furry friends and enjoy their warm night snuggles in our own bed. That said, the thought of them having internal or external parasite that can be passed on to us or other house hold animals inadvertently is an unpleasant thought.

A

common question for us vets is “Which brand of flea and worming products is the best?”.

To make us all frustrated and confused, the market is oversaturated with products in all different shapes, colours and coverage. As we are heading into summer, I would like to give our readers some tips to consider when purchasing their next parasite control products:

1 As they say you get what you pay for and cheap is not always the best option. A lot of animals on lower quality products end up having fleas and skin problems.

2 Some products are specific for certain species. In other word, using your dogs’ products for your cat and vice versa not only may not be ineffective but also may cause serious adverse effects. So, make sure to go for the right product designed for the species of animal you own.

3 Be regular and follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to get the full benefit of the product you are using.

4 Indoor pets also need to be treated! There are other ways our pets can get exposed to parasites. For example, parasites’ eggs and larvae can be taken home on our shoes.

If you are unsure of anything or need some extra information, always seek you vets advice. By choosing the right product for your pet, you can all enjoy a wonderful, parasite free summer!

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64 | Urban Village

20th Anniversary of the

Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship

By Fiona McIntosh

I

n 1959 Brett Whiteley was awarded the prestigious Italian Government Travelling Art Scholarship. He submitted four paintings to the Prize which, that year, was judged by one of his artistic heroes (Sir) Russell Drysdale. Those works won him his ticket out of Australia. The Scholarship provided Whiteley with the opportunity to live and work in Italy and to absorb the great artistic and architectural historical masterpieces which became major sources of inspiration for him.

The Scholarship proved to be the turning point in his fledgling career and established him, though a young artist (he was only 20), as an international success. Being able to study and work in Italy, then Paris and London, afforded him opportunities to meet and present his work to internationally influential gallerists, museum directors and collectors. Whiteley was snapped up and his career surged.

In acknowledgement of the considerable benefits and recognition this Scholarship brought to Whiteley, and in honour of his memory, Brett’s mother Beryl Whiteley created a similarly generous Scholarship. Administered by the Art Gallery of NSW, the Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, now in its 20th year, is awarded to a talented young artist “aged 20-30 with an established body of work who is best able to demonstrate the use and benefit of the scholarship to further their art education in Europe”.

The Scholarship comprises a three-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris and a stipend of $40,000 to further their art education in Europe for at least six months (including the three-month Cité residency).

To apply, each applicant artist must submit a body of work for consideration – 10 images of recent work, half of which must be paintings. The applicant nominates which work they would prefer to be considered for judging. The invited judge, a widely–regarded experienced painter, selects a short list of applicants, from which a winner is chosen. Built into this process seems to be the pairing of the more experienced mentor with that of the younger, emerging talent. The winner is announced on 6 September at The Brett Whiteley Studio, where the exhibition of finalists opens the following day. There are no strings attached.

The Scholarship is solely about providing funds and accommodation for an aspiring artist time to step outside their current day to day existence, to travel to Europe and focus on their own work, extend their practice and lift their potential: just as it was offered to Brett Whiteley sixty years ago.

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For Sally Anderson who won the Scholarship last year, chosen by judge Ildiko Kovacs: “… the highlight of receiving the BWTAS has been the freedom and support it's offered me to enrich and develop my practice- in one of the most culturally rich and inspiring cities in the world. It’s enabled me to consider my work in a broader context and experience culture and paintings I’ve only ever seen in books and on computer screens.

It’s a truly unique and generous award.”

Judges and winners in previous years include, Fiona Lowry who selected Tom Polo (2015); Del Kathryn Barton selected Mitch Cairns (2012), Margaret Olley selected Ben Quilty (2012).

Alan Jones who won in 2004, selected by esteemed painter Kevin Connor, still acknowledges the Scholarship for: “The best thing the BWTAS bought me was time. Time is an artist’s most valuable asset. Prior to 2004 I worked various day jobs 3-5 days a week.

To be given the opportunity to live in Paris for the purpose of focusing solely on art and developing ideas completely changed the way I thought about life.”

The Brett Whitely Studio is tucked away in the back streets of Surry Hills, in a small laneway between 66 | Urban Village

Davies, Bourke and Devonshire Streets: 2 Raper Street.

Whiteley bought what was originally a t-shirt factory in 1985, and converted it into his home and studio and, at times, exhibition space. In 1995, after Whiteley’s death in 1992, the Studio came under the management of the Art Gallery of NSW and is now part gallery, part museum, part time-capsule, dedicated to the artwork of Brett Whiteley.

Downstairs is dedicated to changing exhibitions of Whiteley’s paintings and sculptures, sourced from the collections of the Gallery, Wendy Whiteley and other major public and private collections. Alchemy 1972-73, the 18 panel mixed-media epic, dominates the downstairs gallery and is on (pretty much) permanent display. This work can be seen as a ‘daring self-portrait’: a gigantic, exaggerated autobiographical journey, a wild exclamation of Whiteley’s beliefs, influences and sources of inspirations.

Upstairs is more intimate, with fewer fantastical imaginings. Set up as Whiteley’s working studio, the first floor is a mix of carefully organised chaos of his painting ephemera and personal memorabilia, as well as finished works. The visitor is encouraged to relax and hang out, listen to the music Brett would have enjoyed as he painted and mused, read through a range of art books which may have inspired him and, of course, look and marvel at his wondrous works.

The 20th anniversary exhibition of finalists for the 2018 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Exhibition opens to the public on 7 September and runs through to 7 October.

(first page) Alan Jones Figure #2 2004 Oil on linen 130cm x 96cm Image courtesy the artist and Olsen Gallery, Sydney (opposite page ‑ top) One of the 4 paintings which were submitted to the Italian Government Travelling Art Scholarship Brett Whiteley Around Bathurst 1959 Oil and sand on composition board 122.3 x 143 cm Brett Whiteley Around Bathurst © Wendy Whiteley (opposite page ‑ bottom) Sally Anderson Dillings Bromeliad with Gulfoss Falls 2016 Acrylic on board 80 x 90cm Winner, The Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship 2017.

Image courtesy the artist and Olsen Gallery, Sydney

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NOW OPEN

Mud and Pentimento J/V now open in Surry Hills Handmade porcelain producer and retailer Mud has joined forces with Newtown bookshop and stationery institution Pentimento to open a joint venture store on Crown Street.

Urban Village got the lowdown from Mud’s Tess Lloyd and Pentimento’s Amanda Fisher.

Photo: Walter Maurice

Who are Mud Australia and who are Pentimento?

Mud Australia design and handmake porcelain tableware and lighting in Marrickville, Sydney from French Limoges porcelain. This new Surry Hills store is their 8th store globally.

Pentimento Paperie has a cult following in its Newtown location and is a go to destination for sourcing stationery and giftware from around the globe. Pentimento has selected the finest stationery – cards, wraps, notebooks, artbooks and cook books for this new location.

Pentimento Papeterie are well known in Newtown, why a collaboration with Mud Australia at Surry Hills?

Pentimento has been a long standing stockist and friend of Mud Australia so we know the selection of paper and porcelain work well in store – offering complimentary products gives a richer shopping experience for customers.

68 | Urban Village

What will people find in your Surry Hills store?

Our Surry Hills store offers a curated offering of stationery, paper goods and the entire range of Mud’s hand made porcelain tableware and lighting. There’s lots of colours and thanks to the card and paper wall lots of pattern – it’s a fun space.

What is your point of difference with other homewares?

Mud Australia offer over 80 shapes in 20 colours.

Part of our unique offering is that you can design and customise your own dinnerset – selecting shapes, colours and even the finish (matte or gloss). People have fun playing with their dinner set – all items are sold individually so they can mix and match. There aren’t many brands in the world which will custom make a dinner set for their customers.

Why did you decide to open a store in Surry Hills?

Margaret from the original Paper2 store approached us with the opportunity and it was hard to say no. We love the Surry Hills community and the mix of independent food, fashion and design; the locals also seem to appreciate design and independent retail.

Urban Village | 69

LET'S GET A

great night's sleep Planet Furniture’s Ross Longmuir reveals his tips for maximising your snooze time.

By Ross Longmuir let’s get a great night’s sleep Getting a good night’s sleep can make a huge difference to happiness and health. We have all had the horror of disturbed sleep and we have also known the great pleasure of waking up rested and refreshed. Science now tells us that good sleep can help us lose weight and add years to our lives. Talking to clients almost daily for twenty years about sleep has made me realise that some basic understanding can improve sleeping conditions for many people…for example: temperature has a huge effect on sleep As we lie down in bed, a part of the sleep trigger is that your core body temperature drops by about one degree. If your sleep environment interrupts this, then you will often not be able to get to sleep, or you may wake up after a short amount of time. A number of factors can cause disturbance to body temperature, for example: if your room is over heated, or if your partner has a higher metabolism, if you drink alcohol, if you use high thread count sheets (these block moisture exchange), if you use feather or down quilts, if you have synthetic bedding (such as microfiber blankets or dacron filled quilts) or if you have exercised or eaten a large meal close to bedtime. Our bedding needs to change throughout the year and often throughout each night as temperature changes. Consider that in bed you should have layers that can be added and that partners may have different requirements. As 70 | Urban Village

a generalization, people with slower metabolism often require more bedding to keep warm. Pure linen (expensive but amazing) or bamboo fibre sheets are the best for temperature control. Alpaca fibre quilts and blankets are the thing for moderating temperature, even for menopausal women. Woollen blankets can be too heavy to stay in place over one person, however the lightness of alpaca works well. If there is a great discrepancy with body temperature, separate bedding may be a better solution than separate beds. light can interrupt sleep When our eyes are closed, we still perceive light through them and light is one trigger for waking up.

Remove all light if possible with block-out blinds and drapes. Don’t keep electrical light at all visible, even digital alarm clocks and sensor lights on electrical equipment. A dark wall colour is preferable for some people. our beds can be the dustiest objects in our homes It is a horrible thought, but dust is partially made up of skin and hair particles that are constantly falling off our own bodies. In bed as we move around all night, this process is concentrated and around our beds is generally the dustiest area in our homes. Clean air makes for a better night’s sleep. Many allergies are triggered by dust, so it’s very important to be able to clean around our beds easily and to stop any dust

build up. Use mattress and pillow protectors and wash these regularly. Wash your sheets regularly. Make sure that you can clean under and behind your bed, so for this reason I would never suggest box bed bases that enclose dust. Upholstered beds need to be able to be regularly thoroughly cleaned. mattress comfort A mattress should support your body and enable different sleep positions. We all know that our spine should be in alignment, however we move around all night as our bodies change pressure on our different muscles, so you need to move effortlessly from one position to another. You should not sink too far into a mattress because this reduces airflow over our skin and that is how our bodies temperature moderate, If your mattress is too firm, side sleepers will have a “dead” arm in the morning, or sore neck and shoulders.

You also want natural materials in a mattress that are inert and you definitely do not want chemicals off-gassing in an enclosed environment. For all of these reasons, I always prefer pure natural latex mattresses with woollen insulation built in and a natural fibre cover. Latex stays perfectly supportive (until it finally quickly perishes in a short period of time). Like any mattress, if you use natural fibre bedding, low threadcount sheets and no feather or down, heat is not an issue. Your head weighs four to five kilograms, so to keep it in alignment with your spine, choose the right height pillow that won’t flatten. You need the highest support when you are sleeping on your side and if you have wide shoulders you will need a higher profile pillow. Avoid feather and down pillows because they quickly flatten. sleep patterns Sleep is improved by regular habits. Set your bedtime and waking time the same each day and start preparing for sleep by slowing down your mind in advance.

Think through your day and review all of the things that happened that you are grateful for. This generally makes me happy. Reviewing my day helps me put away thoughts so that I can slip into the great unconscious.

Meditation of course is incredibly valuable in destressing, but if you are especially stressed, a warm, but not hot, shower at about 30 minutes before bed can help muscles to relax also. Avoid stimulation for example caffeine, alcohol (yes, it’s a stimulant), violent movies and too much sugar. Before electricity it was common for people to have a “first sleep’ and a “second sleep” so don’t be alarmed if you wake in the middle of your night sometimes, this is quite natural. Perhaps turn a light on and read a book for a while, but not a phone or devise screen, as this light is known to wake you up fully. I love some freshly ground nutmeg in warm milk to put me to sleep if I wake up at a strange hour.

sweet dreams and kind regards, ross longmuir ross@planetfurniture.com.au Urban Village | 71

FEED ME

By Maree Sheehan from The Sydney Connection New Kid on the Block: Poly

Revamp: Essenza Italian + Rogues

One of Sydney's most anticipated launches of 2018, Poly, situated underneath the new Paramount Hotel, opened its doors in early August. Ester's little sister has had numerous delays but chef Mat Lindsay is ready to go with his latest endeavour in the form of a wine bar‑eatery.

The newly renovated Essenza Italian, which is located on the corner of Crown & Devonshire streets, offering a modern Italian dinner menu. The new owners are continuing to operate Rogues café in the rustic courtyard, expanding from their current weekend hours to seven days a week by summer.

The former home of Living Edge showroom has maintained its warehouse vibe with a clean, modern look and low lighting. The next level wine list and a streamlined food menu will also be part of room service for the upstairs hotel guests. Lucky them!

Looking forward to seeing the end result of their renovations – the Marmorino Venetian plaster wall is looking amazing - and enjoying an aperitivo or two on a summers evening.

Crown Street Reshuffle There is a bit of a café re-shuffle happening on midCrown Street right now: Bills has moved next door into the old Marque restaurant space. Installing a flash fit-out with cosy, warm tones and a mid-century feel to the furnishings and artwork.

And the crew that bought you Big Poppas, Kittyhawk and Lobo Plantation are fitting out the old space, creating Caffe Bartoto opening in October serving an all-day menu. Something you won’t find at Big Poppas who close at 3am up to 6 nights a week - great for the Hospo’ community and late-night drinkers.

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Join the Curry Club at Chin Chin Not ok about waiting in line to experience the phenomena that is Chin Chin on a winters evening?

Well there is now an alternative: buy a ticket for the new first Monday of the month Curry Club being held in the basement of the Griffiths Tea Co building.

You can experience the fabulous hot flavours of South East Asian-style curries with a cold beer and make some new friends. Head chef Graeme Hunt will be on hand to answer any questions from guests about the curries, how they’re made or the spice mix. 1We love it when popular local restaurants & bars make their food & spaces more accessible.

Bishop Sessa is Morphing Bishop Sessa was transformed in late August into The Bishop. With their eyes firmly on the future after six great years the venue is taking another form. We love their latest Instagram post explaining the change: “It's going to be a little like that uncle who remarries and brings the new wife to family gatherings. Things aren't the same as before but, it turns out, Auntie New is a bit younger and a bit more-cool (and has better fashion sense) than Auntie Old. And you know what?

It's ok to love her as well.”

We wish Erez and the team good luck with their new endeavour.

The Sydney Connection conducts weekly inner‑city dining walks of Surry Hills Darlinghurst and Potts Point. Accompanied by a well-connected local guide, our walks are aimed at visitors and Sydneysiders who want to go ‘where the locals go’ for inspiring food, good service and cool interiors.

NEW TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD • The old Evening Star Hotel has been transformed into Gweilo, a modern Asian street-food inspired restaurant and bar. 360 Elizabeth Street • Bourke Street is now the home of OzHarvest’s very first no-waste pop up café, in partnership with Surry Hills local breakfast spot Gratia. 372 Bourke Street • Experience the culture and tastes of Myanmar at The Burman Kitchen, the family-run restaurant originally from Granville now in Surry Hills.

614 Crown Street • Giving rum a new home in Surry Hills is Brix Distillers, employing old world distilling techniques in the heart of Surry Hills. Also featuring a menu inspired by South and Central American and Caribbean cuisine. 350 Bourke Street • Nour has opened on Crown Street, taking traditional Lebanese flavours and reworking them in their fresh and innovative menu.

3/490 Crown Street • The mantras of plant-based café Verd are from scratch cooking, sustainability, accessibility and locally sourced ingredients. Holt Street

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Expert Advice Locally Non-disclosure agreements:

Are they worth a razoo?

By Peter English

I

publication of past dealings and prevent confidential information leaks.

Stormy acknowledges that she signed an NDA and that she received a six figure payment under it, but says that she is not bound because the now POTUS did not sign the document. It appears it was signed by his then lawyer, Michael Cohen. On top of that, for some time the President denied any knowledge of any deal with Stormy, or the payment made to her. She may be on to something.

Confidential information is usually a valuable form of intellectual property. It comes up in all forms of commercial dealings and it is key element in employment agreements and contracts for service.

It is information that is private and would remain unknown unless the person for whom it was intended, discloses it to a third party. It is not confidential if the information is in the public domain, by having been published already (although not illegally), or generally widely known. Confidential information can also go beyond commercial information: it can extend to knowledge of a range of events. Additionally, information is not necessarily confidential just because it is included in a definition of “confidential information” in an agreement.

t’s been hard not to have missed the recent controversy over whether Donald Trump can enforce a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) against his alleged former adult entertainment friend – Stephanie Clifford, aka Peggy Peterson, aka Stormy Daniels.

Since then, the President has been dealing with the fallout from another NDA issue. The Trump campaign organization is suing Omarosa Manigault Newman, a former senior White House aide for alleged breach of an NDA she signed. She doesn’t seem perturbed.

She’s published a book that describes Trump as unhinged and unfit for the Office and she’s on the road promoting it.

So, if those signed NDAs are not enforceable (clearly the women have advice that they aren’t) what value do they have and how can they be enforced?

NDAs are routinely used in business to restrict communication of confidential information. They are used on the way into deals - before pitches are made or information supplied - and they used on the way out of deals, or when disputes are settled, to lock down any

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Well-drafted NDAs (or Confidentiality Agreements) have a range of benefits and can save businesses and individuals from expensive disputes that may result in significant damage to reputation.

What are NDAs? In essence they are legal documents which identify certain information that has been, or will be, provided by one person to another. They set out how that information can and, importantly cannot be used. They don’t need to be long or complex. They routinely are bundled with restraint of trade (noncompete) obligations into other agreements.

For the most part, NDAs work. Leaving aside the costs for the moment, courts routinely enforce the

obligations against individuals who take confidential information and threaten to provide it to a new employer or a competitor, or publish the information for some other purpose. You could not have missed the controversy and subsequent litigation between Amber Harrison and her former employer Channel 7, concerning an alleged misuse of a company credit card and her allegations of an affair with Tim Worner, the 7 CEO. She signed an NDA as part of a settlement with 7, which obliged her to stay quiet about everything to do with her time at 7 and her alleged affair with Worner. She lost. Big time. Channel 7 claims she also inflicted serious damage on it and its key management.

The irony of the Amber Harrison litigation, is that her breach of the NDA got even wider circulation in the press because it was aired in court.

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A properly drafted NDA creates a contractual right for the party that provides the confidential information to apply to a court to prevent the recipient of said information disclosing it. Usually, NDAs reserve the right to compensation and/or a court order to prevent disclosure of the confidential information.

If you have an NDA and it is breached, you will have to go to court and prove that there was an agreement, that it was breached and that you have (or are likely to) suffered financial damage. There have been many cases where ex-employees have left to work for competitors, taking existing client lists and other company documents with them, and who have been restrained from using this confidential information and ordered to pay damages. If the restraint against them is reasonable, that will be enforced too.

So, if you’re a startup pitching to an investor, how much of your idea do you disclose to win them over?

If you are presenting to a client for work, how much of your solution do you provide and risk not getting the work?

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If you supply your NDA before you meet, it sets up an expectation that you have something of value and your investor, or potential client, is on notice that you are both professional and serious about how the negotiations should proceed and that there can be consequences for a breach. You have some rights that you can protect and enforce without an NDA, but having something in writing has got to be better than nothing.

In the meantime, we’ll keep an eye on Trump’s NDA cases with interest. © Peter English. Surry Partners. August 2018.

Jeans after dyeing Peter English is the director and founding partner of Surry Partners Lawyers www.surrypartners.com.au

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Local Heritage

From Seed to Stately tree A new book by Janice Garaty outlines the history of one of Sydney’s first Catholic Churches, St Peter’s Surry Hills

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or much of the 19th century, there wasn’t much development in Surry Hills.

Many of these people were Irish and Catholic, but until 1880 they had to walk long distances to mass.

The hills themselves were covered in towering blackbutt and bloodwood trees, but major sandhills between Devonshire Street and the city edges created a natural boundary.

Residents had the choice between four different churches, St Mary's Cathedral (built in 1821), Sacred Heart Darlinghurst (1850), St Francis' Haymarket (18671910) and Mt Carmel Waterloo (1859).

The sandhills also created fearsome storms, and the term “brickfielder” was given to the strong southerly wind which whipped up sand and dust from the government brickworks on Brickfield Hill (on Riley Street) and spread it through the city.

On the 19th of September 1880, Archbishop Vaughan laid the foundation stone of the church-school of St Peter at Surry Hills in the presence of about 4000 people including several of the leading citizens of Sydney.

Belmore Ward was the most populated part of Surry Hills and home to a Chinese community who worked in the markets in what is now Chinatown.

The first Mass in St Peter's was celebrated on Christmas Day 1880 but the formal opening and blessing of St Peter's by Archbishop Vaughan had to wait until 11 September 1881, when the church had been paid for.

But in 1870 or so the population began to swell. Crown Street Public School was opened in 1878 and within a year enrolments were over 1600.

Bourke Street school followed and its buildings were a showpiece of the classical style designed by William Kemp, Architect for Public Schools between 1880 to 1896.

By 1871, the census revealed that Surry Hills had more workers in what was called the “superior arts” such as watchmakers, jewellers and lithographer, as well as other trades such as upholstery, clothing and French polishing.

The Surry Hills population also comprised large numbers of shopkeepers, foundry workers, coach builders and tram or horse bus drivers.

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St Peter's Church would later erect a presbytery which was blessed by Cardinal Patrick Moran on the 8th of February 1891.

It was at this blessing of the presbytery that Cardinal Moran delivered the words: "At the time it seemed a small thing to secure a plot of land in the city, but they had seen how a small seed had sprung into a stately tree which was so to speak, putting forth fresh branches every year with ever increasing abundance."

Volume 1 of “St Peter’s Surry Hills. A History” is called “A Small Seed, Stately Tree” and details the period from 1880 to 1931. The book was written by Janice Garaty and is available from the St Peter’s Parish Office

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