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Pukara will perform at this weekend’s Latin American World Music Festival
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city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
SANTA PHOTOS
1 DEC - 24 DEC / Luminous is a series of six kinetic light shows, each set to a unique soundtrack, that celebrate the essence of Christmas. Shows last for three minutes and play every half hour throughout the day. Be sure to see all six shows! Only at Broadway. / Share your experience on instagram: #luminous @BroadwaySydney
Santa arrives at Broadway on Saturday 28 November! TIME / 11am - 5pm everyday (Thursdays until 7pm) DATES / 28 Nov - 24 Dec WHERE / Level 1 (outside Kmart)
Transgender victims of violence remembered BY RYAN QUINN The transgender community came together last week to mark Transgender Remembrance Day, acknowledging those who had suffered ‘transphobia’ in society. Over 60 transgender and LGBTIQ supporters gathered at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on November 20 to mark the day. Transgender Remembrance Day is an annual international event to mourn those who have died or experienced violence as a result of discrimination or ‘transphobia’, and to fight for those still living with these issues in the community today. The transgender community has called the issue of domestic violence “another closet” in their lives, as the rates of violence are disproportionately higher for gransgender, gender diverse and intersex people. Master of Ceremonies of the event and board member of The Gender Centre, Eloise Brook, said that the transgender community was united by an all too frequent experience of harassment. “Tonight we are here to remember those deaths which cannot be celebrated, because they can only be mourned,” Ms Brook said on the night. “Those deaths which cannot be understood, because they can only be railed against; those deaths which cannot be believed, because they keep happening over and over again in the same lamentable way,” she continued. Detective Superintendent Tony Crandell spoke on the night as the corporate sponsor for sexuality, sex and gender diversity for NSW Police Force. His work includes facilitating collaboration between the LGBTIQ communities and NSW Police. “The smallest thing that can be said by a police officer can really hurt and undo a whole hell of a lot of good work that’s otherwise done in the transgender community,” he said. According to the Detective Superintendent, police response to the LGBTIQ community can prevent these people from reporting abuse. He told City Hub he wanted officers to become more accessible.
From left: Sergeant Valerie Wagstaff, Chantel Martin and MC Eloise Brook cut the Transgender Remembrance Day cake. Photo: Ryan Quinn.
He told the audience that eradicating intolerance and poor understanding must start with education. He said that each student in the NSW Police Academy was now informed on gender variance and potential barriers to reporting violence. “Those delivering stories of transition and difficulties with family and community acceptance have come from the transgender community, from people with the most fantastic courage and humility which affect and impact upon police recruits,” he said at the event. Detective Superintendent Crandell said he understands that he could not change a person’s core beliefs, but felt it was easier to adjust principles that failed to align with the police force’s transgender policy at a recruitment level. NSW Police Force also celebrated the 25 year
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anniversary of its Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO) program earlier this year. Detective Superintendent Grandell told City Hub that the GLLO badge signified that the person had been trained to “understand the differences, the challenges and the behaviours that are required to address the issues” within the transgender community. A GLLO Conference held last month at the NSW Police Academy heard that of the 73 gender diverse young people in a 2014 survey, 69 per cent had experienced verbal abuse and 22 per cent had experienced physical abuse. It was also found that 44 per cent had experienced other forms of homophobia and transphobia. Most recently, a 2015 survey of 3,835 LGBTIQ Australians found that 55.3 per cent
of trans-males and 49.2 per cent of trans-females had reported abuse. Greens Newtown MP Jenny Leong, who attended the event, told City Hub that it was clear that there needed to be transgender law reform. Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) Advisor Laura Sweeney spoke of the major first step in this direction, with the 2013 amendment to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. “What we saw was the introduction of legislation which for the first time at the federal level made it unlawful to discriminate on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status,” she told the audience. However, Ms Sweeny conceded that the law was not simply a “silver bullet” for issues in the transgender community. LGBTIQ people still currently hit barriers surrounding access to health care and changing identification documents, according to Ms Sweeny. The AHRC has outlined a ‘road map for inclusion’ to address these issues, which claimed that LGBTIQ discrimination is “state-sanctioned” and that “governments have had a leading role in creating this culture, and so must also take a lead role in undoing it”. Ms Sweeny said the roadmap called on all states and territories to simplify the changing of gender status on legal records, and proposed a policy scheme across the entire health system to clean up bureaucratic barriers for the transgender community access to health care. The Transgender Remembrance Day function was co-organised by student George Fayad and The Gender Centre, which offers services to transgender and gender diverse people in NSW and is based in Annandale.Since last year’s event, The Gender Centre has also established a transgender anti-violence program, a rural service and an aged care program. Seven NSW Police Officers also attended the event, including presenter Sergeant Valerie Wagstaff, the first openly transgender NSW Police Officer.
Govt forces Millers Point residents to fight over units BY LUCAS BAI RD The N SW Government has announced that only 28 units will be available for the 90 remaining Millers Point residents, leaving residents to fight it out for the sparse spots. Myra Demetrio is one of 90 residents fighting for a unit, and said she was anxious about what would happen if she was not offered a place. Ms Demetrio recently had to move into a more accessible home, but will be now potentially removed from it. “I think they have a jolly hide to throw us out and say that they will give us this when there are 6000 people on the waiting list.” Ms Demetrio said “I know someone who had to wait 27 years for a place.” Sociology academic Eva Cox said the State Government’s gradual sell-off and removal of social housing in the area was “elder abuse”. She said the removal of so many elderly residents from the area was unfair. “If you have 80 year olds who have lived in the area for all their lives, are third generation of living in the area, elder abuse will become an issue,” Ms Cox said. Ms Cox attributed this to a ‘money-first attitude’ taken up by the State Government. “If we are serious about understanding communities, if we are serious about understanding people, then the idea that you can just push poor people out because they happen to live in houses that have been around a long time and have increased in value is very brutal.” The Millers Point community has been pushing for the creation of more public housing in the area to help the elderly remain in community life.
Member of The Millers Point, Dawes Point and the Rocks Public Housing Tenants Group, Barney Gardner, said that more than half of the residents could stay if the government made use of the available non-heritage housing in the area. “These [apartments] would get us up to the 52 or 54 unit mark,” Mr Gardner said. “We would only require between 15 and 20 heritage classified two bedroom units, and that would secure everyone who wants to stay here.” Mr Gardner explained that his group would do whatever it could to help the tenants. “We have the legal people from Redfern Legal and as a group we will sit down in the interview with them [the tenants].” “We are there if they need it,” he said. Millers Point residents have expressed concern about how the mass removal will affect the community. Millers Point Residents Action Group President John McInerney told City Hub that the mass move would cause social disruption in the area. “They [community members] will not get what they want, there will be many unhappy people,” he said. Ms Cox said that there had been little support on the issue from the general public, claiming this was due to people being unsure of what to do, rather than a lack of care. “The whole thing is pushed in a way that makes it very difficult to know what to do,” Ms Cox said. “I think there is a lot of sympathy for the fact that they are ruining a community which has been there forever.” The residents expect to receive the offers for limited housing in mid January. city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
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Homeless population could be victimised in Waverley smoking ban BY ZAC CRELLIN There are fears that the homeless community will be the unintended victim of Waverley Council’s proposed ban on smoking. The proposed smoke-free zone, which would include Oxford Street Mall and Westfield Bondi Junction, would see offenders fined. Waverley Greens Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak voted against the ban, claiming it would further exacerbate the vulnerable situation of homeless people in the area. He told City Hub that it “would be a harsh ‘letter of the law’ imposition on vulnerable people sleeping rough on footpaths who, by circumstance, are essentially smoking at ‘home’. Clr Wy Kanak was the only Oxford Street Mall in Bondi Junction. Source: Wikicommons. councillor to vote against the an education campaign” aimed at “any affected groups”. motion, which passed on November 17 in a council Clr Wy Kanak said that Bondi Junction has a prominent meeting. homeless community, in which smoking is common. Supporter of the motion, Liberal Waverley Councillor In the United States, smoke-free zones have been Angela Burrill, told City Hub that “there is no intention to use a smoking ban selectively to cause concern to homeless intentionally used to target homeless communities. In people.” This sentiment was echoed by Labor Waverley the American city of Boulder, Colorado, a smoking ban Councillor Ingrid Strewe, who said the issue of homeless removed homeless people from the city centre, while people was not even considered. “It was done for health in Providence, Rhode Island, homeless people were reasons, it was not done so that we could sneakily move on selectively targeted. other people,” she said. In Burlington, Vermont, the homeless community was A Waverley Council spokesperson also told City Hub disproportionately affected by a smoking ban in parks. that the purpose of the ban was to encourage people to A final decision on the location and arrangements of a quit smoking and minimise second hand smoke inhalation. trial of the smoke-free zone will be decided by council in The spokesperson said that the council would be “running December.
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Metro draws criticism from transport group BY KENJI SATO The NSW Government’s revised plans for a Sydney Metro have drawn criticism for being privately run and not integrated with existing transport. On November 16, the government announced a proposal to alter the plans for the Sydney Metro by extending it a further 17 kilometres into Liverpool. This would change the current plans to terminate the line in Bankstown. The Sydney Metro will be privately operated by Hong Kong railway company Mass Transit Railway, and will run separately from the existing public train network. NSW Greens MLC Dr Mehreen Faruqi slammed the proposed metro extension, labelling it as an attempt by the state government to push a ‘privatisation agenda’. “The NSW Government is steamrolling ahead with its unscrutinised, ill-conceived agenda to rip up our public rail network and replace it with a privately-operated metro,” she said. “The government should be investing in improving the existing network in Western Sydney to reduce travel times, increase frequency and accessibility, while keeping the network in public hands.” EcoTransit Sydney spokesperson and rail expert, Colin Schroeder, told City Hub that the Sydney Metro’s extended length and small capacity would make it inefficient and uneconomic. “The Sydney Metro is not a true metro. It’s more an underground railway with limited capacity because it’s stuck to a single deck,” Mr Schroeder said. “The tunnels have been deliberately drilled at a diameter to prevent double decker trains from operating in the future, so you can never increase the capacity of the line, and that is a very political act.” Mr Schroeder told City Hub that the Sydney Metro project was a ‘political’ project, designed to increase the population density in Western Sydney. “Along with the planned extension from Bankstown to Liverpool, the State Government is talking about rezoning those areas for high-density apartment living,” he said. He said that because the metro system would create high density hubs around new stations, the government was
The Metro. Source: supplied.
effectively providing infrastructure just for planned high density development. He said existing populations in Western Sydney would continue to use their cars for commuting. “It’s not a matter of getting people off the roads and reducing transit times. Their plan is to create more people to feed into their mass transit system, and that doesn’t help the problem of road congestion.” But Chris Brown, the CEO of property developer advocacy group Urban Taskforce, welcomed the announcement, and said that the extension would be good for the people of Western Sydney. “Liverpool is growing fast and a better rail connection to the Sydney CBD will be an excellent driver of further development in Liverpool,” Mr Brown said. “If the connection to Liverpool is in a new line, development potential around new stations must be considered as part of the feasibility.” Liberal Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, who has long been calling on the state government to extend the metro line to Liverpool, also welcomed the announcement. “This is a great decision for the people of Liverpool and the Great South West of Sydney,” he said. “It will cut travel times to the CBD and reduce crowding on the existing T2 South Line. People need quicker services, we need to get cars off the road and this is the best way to do it.”
City on edge over light rail construction BY PETA GILBERT The NSW Transport Department has said they are committed to reducing environmental impacts and noise concerns during CBD light rail construction, but residents and businesses have claimed that not enough is being done. At the Sydney Light Rail Community Forum on Tuesday November 17, Transport For NSW faced the complaints of CBD residents and business. Helen O’Boyle, who lives in the CBD, said she was worried that not enough is being done to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum. “During the construction of the cycleways, the noise level reached 85 to 90 decibels at night which is above the legal limit and I couldn’t sleep which meant my performance at work slipped.” “It’s dangerous from a workplace health and safety perspective,” Ms O’Boyle said. The department discussed the installation of noise blankets and monitors, and said these would play a major role in reducing noise-related disturbances. Transport for NSW confirmed that it would also recycle 95 per
cent of construction waste, ensure that a quarter of all energy used is green energy and implement measures to reduce dust. General Manager of The Grace Hotel Philip Pratley spoke about his concern about the noise from suction trucks that had been stationed outside of the hotel for an “unexpectedly long period of time”. “We are facing a significant business loss,” Mr Pratley said. John Brady, Director of CBD Communications at Transport for NSW said that it was not going to be “an easy run” but the department would try to make the process as “painless as possible”. Issues were also raised from residents about the capability of stormwater drains and having tracks submerged in water in heavy rainfall. However, Mr Brady assured those concerned that the project would not create any unsafe situations, and that the issues would be further discussed in the next meeting. “We will have issues from time to time and we will deal with each one as they come,” Mr Brady said.
We’re giving city businesses the recognition they deserve. Small businesses provide important services, offer employment and make a significant economic contribution to our city – all while making our communities more diverse and interesting. Good luck to all our Sydney City Region state finalists in the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards 2015! Business Leader Brigid Kennedy, Simmer on the Bay, Walsh Bay Employer of Choice The Shepherd Centre, Newtown Excellence in Business The Shepherd Centre, Newtown Excellence in Business Ethics D&M Research, CBD Excellence in Export Australian Institute of Professional Education, CBD Excellence in Innovation Glebe Family Medical Practice, Glebe Excellence in Small Business FIRESOFT Consulting, CBD Excellence in Sustainability SMC Conference and Function Centre, CBD Local Chamber of Commerce Glebe Chamber of Commerce Young Business Executive Daniel Moss, Vertical Financial Solutions, CBD Young Entrepreneur Kris Spann, The Works, Glebe
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city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
VISIT THE INNER CITY’S NEWEST MEDICAL CENTRE
Council News • • • •
Mayor‘S MeSSage New Year’s Eve at Dudley Page Reserve The festive season is upon us and our tickets for families to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from one of Sydney’s prime locations, Dudley Page Reserve, are selling like hot cakes. You can purchase your ticket through moshtix.com.au or by calling 1300 438 849. Tickets are also available at Waverley Council Customer Service Centre, Spring Street, Bondi Junction.
Carols by the Sea As always, we are holding our fantastic Carols by the Sea event in Bondi Park from 5pm on Wednesday 9 December. Everyone is welcome.
100 trees planted at Bondi Park
• • • • • • • • •
100% BULK BILLED WALK INS ACCEPTED MINIMAL WAITING TIMES ONE MINUTE WALK FROM REDFERN TRAIN STATION CENTRALLY LOCATED AMPLE STREET PARKING FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS FEMALE AND MALE GENERAL PRACTITIONERS PSYCHOLOGOGITSTS CHIROPTRACTOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST DENTIST CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
Each year we aim to plant around 200 new trees in Waverley and I am really proud we reach, and exceed, our target. This year we have already planted around 300 trees, which is wonderful. We have recently planted 100 beautiful native trees in Bondi Park. They will provide shade and I can already imagine people sitting underneath them with a picnic blanket on the new lush turf, enjoying the magnificent views. We are also planting 10 trees in Oxford Street between Denison Street and Newland Street. The trees will make such a difference to the streetscape and I hope everyone really loves them.
Sally Betts, Mayor of Waverley
Summer School Holiday Program
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Wondering what to do with the kids these summer holidays? We have a great School Holiday Program available throughout January. The activities range from all kinds of sports to amazing craft ideas to keep kids busy. They cater to kids of all ages across various venues and you don’t need to be a local resident to take part. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer: Bondi Pavilion – Get your hands dirty and creativity flowing with amazing pottery and ceramics classes! Waverley Library – Stretch your imagination and muscles with kid’s yoga, coding club, video art, sculpting and more. Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre – Develop your skills or have a go at a new sport with T20 Cricket, Hockey and others. Waverley Woollahra Art School Visual Arts Classes for kids aged 5—11 years with two sessions a day across two weeks in January: 9.30am– 12.30pm and 1–4pm. Classes are available for teens too at wwas.org.au. Bookings Bookings open 9am Friday 4 December. We’ll have more information available on our website soon, including details on how to book. Head to waverley.nsw.gov.au. For more event info visit our website waverley.nsw.gov.au.
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Ministry dodges WestConnex debate BY WE N DY BACON N SW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay loves to abuse critics of WestConnex as “nasty little anarchists”, “hippies” or “zealots” who are part of the “chattering classes.” He does this to divide them from the people of Western Sydney who are supposed to benefit from the project. Mr Gay particularly dislikes the people of Newtown who elected Greens M P Jenny Leong to represent them in the parliament earlier this year. One reason why Ms Leong was so easily elected was that she promised to do everything she could to stop WestConnex. One of her first steps was to launch a petition that raised awareness of the issue at street stalls and fairs. The petition called on the government to release the full business case for the project, hold an inquiry and halt the forced acquisition of hundreds of homes. After 10,000 people had signed the petition, Ms Leong was entitled to a parliamentary debate that took place on November 19. In her speech, Ms Leong acknowledged the local action groups who had collected the signatures but also challenged Mr Gay’s politics of divide and rule by emphasising support from residents across Sydney. “In Randwick, Coogee, Miranda and Heathcote, people have signed the petition. In Parramatta, Fairfield, Granville and Chipping Norton, people have signed the petition to say stop WestConnex,” Ms Leong told parliament. Premier Mike Baird and Mr Gay chose to dodge the debate, leaving three Liberal backbenchers to defend the project. Parramatta Liberal M P Geoff Lee told the parliament he supported WestConnex because it was “about enabling people in Western Sydney to access jobs and get to their place of work”. “WestConnex will build the missing link of an integrated road system around Sydney and that is why I support it,” Mr Lee told parliament. Balmain Greens M P Jamie Parker and Summer Hill Labor M P Jo Haylen both strongly supported the petition, as well as the Labor’s Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay, who highlighted the lack of transparency around the project. She
WestConnex Protestors. Photo: Martin Brady
said that without the business case, financing of the project was unclear. “We know that we will have a toll on the M4 for 44 years.” With construction contracts already awarded, Premier Baird has been under pressure to release the business case that is supposed to provide a sound economic basis for the project. Ms McKay had predicted it would be released as soon as parliament had risen and she was proved correct when Mr Gay released it on November 20. It was immediately clear why the government had been so reluctant to release it earlier. Several months ago, Mr Gay told parliament that WestConnex would cost $15.4 billion dollars. Now, the cost has climbed to $16.8 billion. WestConnex was originally costed at $10 billion. Costs have been escalating at $1.5 billion a year. According to the business case, for every $1 spent on the tollways, $1.88 will be added to the economy. But the financial costings on which this claim is based are not
transparent, with hundreds of redactions blacking out the important figures. Costs of property acquisition and negative social and health impacts are also missing. WestConnex Action Group spokesperson Pauline Lockie, whose home in St Peters is being forcibly acquired by WestConnex, told City Hub that “over 10,000 people from across Sydney and N SW signed this petition.” “10,000 voters are furious about the billions being wasted on WestConnex and the increasingly corrupted processes surrounding this toll road,” Ms Lockie said. Lockie accused the N SW Government of steamrolling the project through with disregard for the community. “They claim that WestConnex will benefit the people of Western Sydney, but in reality this is a big expensive toll road that will have devastating effects on our city.” In her speech to parliament, Ms Leong contested the claim that WestConnex is about equity for residents in outer Sydney who will use the road. “It is astounding that the N SW Government continues with WestConnex when the benefits do not add up and when the risks to our communities and to our health are so great.” “Best practice planning for healthy, sustainable, liveable cities does not involve putting large amounts of the population into private primary transport options.” Stop WestConnex campaigners know their battle will intensify in 2016, as the Baird government desperately pushes ahead towards construction of the M4 East and new M5 tollways. But with every step it takes, concerns about the project, even within the government itself, grow. Government department submissions to the M4 East Environmental Impact Statement raised scores of environmental concerns. The lack of transparency and uncertainty around Westconnex funding is feeding into memories of past failed tollway projects such as the Lane Cove tunnel and Cross City Tunnel. Whether you’re in Western or inner Sydney, Mr Gay’s politics of division is a sideshow disguising the weakness of his case.
Don’t “board” up NSW: Greens Charlie Sheen brings community BY CAROLINE WAGNER This month, the Greater Sydney Commission Bill passed through NSW Parliament, with the aim to improve strategic planning in Sydney. Labor and The Coalition both voted in favour of the bill on November 12, with the hope that the current disorganised system of planning will be replaced with a more holistic approach. But Greens MLC David Shoebridge said his party voted against the bill because it meant “the death of democratic planning across the greater Sydney region”. He said the replacement of democratically elected local councils with executive boards, chosen by the Planning Minister of the day, will remove communities Greens MLC David Shoebridge. Source: supplied. from the equation. “In 1979, NSW led the country [with] the Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich most democratic planning regime. Not just in voted in favour of the bill. Australia but the western world. Now, less than In a speech in parliament, he said he hoped four decades later, we have entirely removed the bill would translate to “a new holistic and democratic input into strategic planning,” Mr integrated approach to planning”. Shoebridge said. He said it could end the public’s perception “It puts in place a board, wholly appointed by that Sydney planning is “about opportunities for the Planning Minister, who is not referable to developers to make money” at the expense of local communities or councils, which will make “long term public outcomes”. all of the key strategic planning decisions for But Mr Shoebridge said that the Commission Sydney in the coming decades,” he said. “will give even greater avenues for developers Labor made amendments to the bill before it to sidestep the community, who will be was passed, which Shadow Minister for Planning irrelevant, and directly approach the Greater Penny Sharpe said made “public involvement Sydney Commission for spot re-zonings and and participation one of the principal objectives fundamental planning changes”. of the Commission”. He said the NSW Greens will attempt to “The creation of a Greater Sydney repeal the bill. Commission was one of the Labor’s key policies “[The commission is] not elected by residents, in the lead up to the 2015 election, in order to they’re not accountable to residents…the provide a coordinated approach to planning, Greater Sydney Commission can only be policy and infrastructure delivery across the improved by being repealed,” Mr Shoebridge city,” Ms Sharpe said. said. 8
city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
together at world AIDS day
BY JAZ SINGH-BRAR World AIDS Day this December will facilitate the continuing fight against HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. In the wake of popular actor Charlie Sheen’s announcement of his HIV positive status, health leaders are calling for more community education regarding the virus. To mark the day on December 1, the AIDS Council of NSW (ACON) will host a ‘Q & Gay’ fundraiser forum at ACON staff gearing up for World AIDS Day and the ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Midnight Shift hotel on Oxford Source: Supplied Street. people that although he had HIV, medication had The forum will include popular radio host meant that his viral load was undetectable. and founder of the social media campaign People who take anti-viral medication have #DIYRainbow, James Brechney, as well as ACON’s virtually zero chance of spreading the virus. director of HIV and Sexual Health Karen Price, Mr Clarkson said that next week’s events would drag queen Krystal Kleer, artist Campbell Clarkson, enhance community understanding of the virus. and GetUp’s Sally Rugg. “The Q&A and World AIDS Day provide a Other fundraising events to take place in Sydney platform to show people there are a lot of ordinary include the Red Ribbon Appeal from November 30 people who can catch HIV; it doesn’t discriminate,” and the ‘Red Party’ on Oxford Street. he told City Hub. Ms Price said the forum was part of a vital step “It doesn’t care about what age you are, where towards ending stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and you come from, or your sexuality, and I think defeating the virus. people have forgotten that.” “Obviously the less stigma we have, the more Mr Brechney, who will also be Master of people will be inclined to be tested, therefore we can Ceremonies for the night, said the event was a detect HIV earlier and drive down the community relaxed way for the community to come forward viral load.” to discuss the issue, rather than let fear prevent “We need to achieve these things if we want HIV change. to end,” she told City Hub. Although the HIV scare campaigns of “This Q&A is required for conversations to the ‘90s have left television screens, fear and continue, to highlight that stigma still is a massive misunderstanding of the virus continues in Australia. issue that’s based around unfounded fear, especially New treatments for HIV has reduced with how far we have come with treatment,” Mr transmission rates, but has also made the sexual Brechney said. landscape for gay men more complicated than ever. “Everyone has a chance to share their story, and Sydney Artist Campbell Clarkson started the those who do and have large followings, definitely use of a (+u) tagline on his dating profile to inform do make a big difference.”
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TARA GOWER. PHOTO BY EDWARD MULVIHILL
city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
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No Happy Endings in the Public Right to Know OPINION BY BARBARELLA KARPINSKI On November 12, along with members of Touching Base and Scarlet Alliance, I climbed into the leather-clad stalls of the public gallery to hear the findings of the NSW Select Committee Inquiry into the Regulation of Brothels. The seating is as cramped as an economy class flight but with an antique touch – an old world nicety. It was one o’clock in the afternoon, and there was high security despite an almost empty parliamentary chamber except for a few pollies, about six sex workers and one regular pensioner attendee, obviously finding parliament more interesting than the pokies, fishing or daytime TV. I was reprimanded by the security team as my alarm went off (a reminder to be out of bed by afternoon tea), though despite this small act of recalcitrance, he later thanked us all for being so well behaved. The Chair of the Enquiry, MP Alister Henskens, summarised the options, saying that decriminalisation would not be changed but also spoke about the possibility of bringing in a system of legal registration similar to the tattoo parlour registration in NSW. This seemed contradictory. In another piece for City Hub, I spoke about the problems assoicated with this. In the Police Association’s submission, it was highlighted that because there are many more brothels than parlours, this would put a strain on resources. Summer Hill Labor MP Jo Haylen, Gosford Labor MP Kathy Smith and Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich did not support the Inquiry’s findings, nor many of its recommendations, including the handing of greater enforcement powers to police, additional regulation, and a licensing scheme. Mr Greenwich said that “licensing will create a two tiered system of licensed and unlicensed brothels,” and that there was “no evidence that licensing would reduce criminal activity.”
Mr Greenwich also remarked that “trafficking is a global problem” and dismantling decriminalisation would “create an underground class of sex workers”. According to Touching Base, “sex work in NSW was decriminalised in 1995 as a result of the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption. Decriminalisation is seen worldwide as the best practice model of sex industry regulation, especially for sex worker health and safety.” In submissions to the Committee, health professionals all consistently warned against a licensing system. These submissions came from Head of the Sexual Health Program at the Kirby Institute Professor Basil Donovan, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant, the Aids Council of NSW, the Kireton Road Centre, and the Sydney Sexual Health Clinic. The Committee was split in decision, with three of seven committee members not supporting the recommendations. In a joint statement, the three dissenting MPs said “we are concerned that increasing police powers, especially entry powers, could compromise the safety and privacy of sex workers, and ignores the historic links between police corruption and sex work”. Janelle Fawkes, CEO of Scarlet Alliance, said that the recommendations “are dangerous, will reverse the health benefits decriminalisation has delivered, and will have significant negative impact on sex workers’ health and safety.” Ms Haylon said that it would not be wise to go back “to the bad old days when large sections of the sex industry were underground,” referring to the success of reforms emanating from the Wood Royal Commission. Eleni Petinos, Miranda Liberal MP, introduced herself as being only in parliament for six months. She spoke of findings about “forcing workers to take drugs against their will” and other evidence
of “sexual servitude”, and quoted Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas in saying that saving even a few women from “sexual servitude” will make it all worthwhile. It is concerning that the police were given permission to withhold some of their key evidence, arguing that the information may compromise ongoing investigations. The Chair of the Committee referred to three main ‘problems’ of the brothel industry, being worker exploitation, connection to outlaw motorcycle gangs and massage parlours providing a ‘full service’ rather than just a ‘happy ending’. There seems to be no happy ending to this inquiry, with discontented sighs coming from the public gallery. I note from my previous article that evidence given by the Victorian Police stated that licensing in Victoria has not stopped crooks, crims and bikies acting as managers.
In a small amount of cases, people with no criminal record just get the license in their name, leaving the criminals in charge. Moral panics about ‘sexual servitude” and ‘sex slavery’ would best be backed up by evidence that is not suppressed from public scrutiny, especially if legislative change and use of tax payer money is required to service the implementation. This inquiry raises broader philosophical questions about the public right to know in any democratic process. After two days in parliament house I didn’t envy the pollies. The buzzer system of beckoning pollies to parliament sounds like a car alarm of one of my former neighbour’s, and left lingering sonic resonances somewhat redolent of a Darren Aronofsky film, like Requiem for a Dream, leaving you with a sensation of brain explosion. I am happy to return to the quiet outsider introversion of indie journalism.
NSW Parliament House. Source: Wikicommons
ARTS FEATURE
Latin American World Music Festival BY JAMIE APPS In the wake of recent clashes between different cultures and communities, it will be a pleasant change to see a celebratory blending of cultures this weekend for the Latin American World Music Festival in Chippendale. This will be the first time the festival arrives in Sydney after its debut last year only took place in Melbourne and Perth. Hosted by Stories We Tell Inc. and supported by both the Argentinian Embassy and University of Sydney, this event will encourage exploration and exchanges between the Latin American community, the Aboriginal community and the wider Australian community. Headlining the festival is the widely respected and iconic world music figure Jaime Torres and his Quintet. Hugo Leal is a local musician who will be supporting Torres on Saturday with his band, Pukara, who perform a fusion between traditional Andean music, original song and contemporary Latin music. Leal described Jaime as “an icon in Latin America”, adding that it is “a real honour for us [Pukara] to be asked to play as a supporting act”. Argentinian ambassador Pedro Villagra Delgado echoed these sentiments, saying “Jaime is one of the best Charango (a traditional South American ukulele) players in the world and has a following around the world from Latin America, the United States and Europe.” One of the most interesting aspects of the event is the cultural fusion that the organisers have planned, with Jaime Torres and his band taking the stage with some of Australia’s best Aboriginal musicians––William Barton in Sydney, and Archie Roach in Melbourne. The indigenous cultures of both Latin America and Australia have much in common––both 10
city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
Nov 28. Seymour Centre, Corner of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale. $30-55. Tickets and Info: seymourcentre.com/ events/event/jaime-torres or call 02 9351 7940
Hugo Leal and Patricio Espinoza from Pukara. Photo: Chris Peken
having faced invasion and colonisation, and continuing struggles with access to land and education. Events like this are a wonderful means by which to unite cultures and individuals. “We are bringing together the traditional instruments of both cultures to generate a cultural exchange between indigenous communities while exploring the musicality of the instruments,” explained event organiser Rafael Baro. “We’re using music as a universal language which allows this profound exchange of cultural identities to strengthen the rich diversity and stories that the cultures have in common.” For the Latin American community in Australia, this is an extremely rare opportunity to experience their home culture in a live setting.
Pedro Villagra Delgado explained that “many of the 10-15,000 Argentinian’s that live in Australia came here quite early in the 60s and 70s”, so this is a chance for them to share their heritage with their descendants born in Australia. Local Latin American artists are extremely excited by the event, as they feel it will only make an already strong local scene even stronger. “We played a show at the Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown recently to a full house,” said Hugo Leal. “So events like this will make the scene even stronger by increasing exposure and getting more people involved.” Without the support of the Argentinian Embassy this event would simply not have been possible for Rafael Baro and his not-for-profit
organisation, Stories We Tell Inc. “They [the embassy] are very committed and have supported this project from the beginning, they supplied the airfares for Jaime and his band and also helped to promote the event, so we value their support very highly,” Baro said. For the Argentinian Embassy, getting involved with this event was an easy decision. “Obviously we love to promote Argentinian artists and events. From events like this to film festivals and tango events,” said Ambassador Villagra Delgado. “We also work closely with the 12 other Latin American embassies here to co-promote lots of other events that promote our culture and region to Australia.” Looking towards the future, both Rafael Baro and Pedro Villagra Delgado share a common hope for the Latin American World Music Festival to become an annual celebration. “It would be great if this could become an annual attraction, the biggest question is whether we can source appropriate artists, and certainly if we can we would be very happy to make that happen,” said Villagra Delgado. Baro added: “Not only do we want to make this an annual showcase in Australia, but we want to also establish a bridge between Australia and South America that travels both ways.”
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EAT & DRINK
Zilver Bondi Granted you could view this new Westfield Bondi Junction opening simply as an excuse not to schlep into the city from the Eastern Suburbs for your regular Cantonese fix, however if you scratch beneath the surface, there’s more than meets the eye. Alongside the usual suspects from the Guangzhou region in the southern part of China, you’ll find $ - mains less than $15
$$ - mains between $15-$22
EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES Popolo Diving into an established all-male Italian kitchen as the new head chef could be daunting, but Naomi Lowry has taken it in her stride. She’s maintained the menu’s confident Southern Italian focus, notching it up with Sardinian Fregola ($27/$35) resplendent with cuttlefish, calamari, prawns and mussels, topped with bottarga. Bottarga also features over toothsome Pappardelle Verdi ($26/$34) served ragu-style with tender baby octopus. Both go gangbusters with a smooth, cherry-like 2012 Cos Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico ($110). Plump Yamba Whitebait ($22) featured as a daily entree special, alongside char-grilled Coffs
La Puerta Latino Flavours Pana Chocolate Raw, organic and vegan are three words that I tend to ignore in life, unless I’m at Pana Chocolate in Alexandria, where it’s literally impossible. The Pana Chocolate Smoothie ($9.50) would satisfy anyone with a penchant for banana smashed within an inch of its life, and doesn’t mind the odd hint of coconut. Citrus Fruit Tart ($11.50), whilst immaculately presented (a common theme), was perhaps too lemony - we forgave its congealed texture in light of its raw constituents. 12
$$$ - mains between $22-$30
The Village Inn After a tough week due to his ‘no high vis.’ dress code, Leeroy Petersen showed me what his new venue should be known for – good food. Inside the once ‘durty’ old Irish bar, you’ll now be bathed in natural light as you tuck into The Underwood ($18) with braised, pickled beef, honey carrots and mustard on toasted soy linseed bread. Pet Two Four ($17): ham hock terrine with duck rillette win best tasting pun (ducks have two legs
When I arrived at Gelatony, Antonino Lo Iacono was making gelato. This might not sound surprising, but with so many places buying in product or importing the base, it’s important. When we sit down over a Flat White ($3.50) he brings me the smoothest gelato I’ve ever tasted. “You make gelato today for tomorrow,” says Tonino, explaining the pistachio flavour will develop overnight. Tonino started making gelato in Italy in 1984, however here he’s most famous for running Gelateria Caffe 2000 in Rozelle. “When I
$$$$ - mains over $30
and pigs have four).The lighter Nordic ($17) cured salmon with smoked baby potatoes and crunchy capers, pairs nicely with Pfeiffer Pinot Gris ($12/glass); and the snazzy ‘tradies’ doughnut’: Chocolate Churros ($8) goes down a treat. 9-11 Glenmore Road, Paddington (02) 9331 0911 thevillageinn.com.au Pub Food $$ ACME While the much-lauded ACME’s Macaroni, Pig’s Head, Egg Yolk ($18) is undeniably delicious, you might be left wondering: where’s the rest of it? Engaging staff do give adequate warning duos need three pastas, three entrees, salad and probably dessert. Gnawing on a fistful of raw baby Turnips in Bottaga Butter ($12), it’s hard not to contemplate
closed, they cried,” said Tonino. “I’m very proud, very happy, because the community accepted us – me, my wife and my daughter – straight away. When we came from Italy we didn’t know anyone, and I tell people Balmain is my second family.” Thankfully his cousins Nicola and Valerio convinced him to re-open at the rear of Da Vinci’s in Summer Hill. What you’ll find are simple, well-executed flavours – chocolate, fior di latte, lemon, passionfruit, hazelnut – available by Cup ($5) or Cone ($5). There are also a few special flavours, like my favourite: Orange Yoghurt ($5), or Lemon Zest with Fig Marmalade and Dark Chocolate ($5), which won a judges’ special mention at the 2015 Gelato World Tour. Tonino’s top tip for gelato exploration: first try fior di latte to taste the naked milk, then lemon to investigate acidity balance. Rear, 25 Lackey Street, Summer Hill (0409) 265 000 facebook.com/ GelatonyAU Dessert, Café $
Refreshing Cacao Granola ($12.50) taught me that Brazil nut milk is actually worth a shot, even if it sounds wankier than almond milk. The Crepes ($11.50), which were flavourful without being too rich, were my standout. 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria (1300) 717 488 panachocolate.com Dessert $ The Bach Eatery Whispers of New Zealand cuisine prompted my visit to see what the hype was about. The predictably trendy interior was actually very welcoming. Being in a Kiwi joint, I assumed the 2013 Earth’s End Central Otago Pinot
city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
By Ryan Kennedy Run by husband and wife team Luiza and Marcello, Justine Grill sits unexpectedly on a leafy corner of Hunters Hill. Exposed brick, white paint and dark wood fit out a cosy, modern interior that feels a bit like a rural gastropub. To start, Crispy Quail ($25) is too tempting to go past, and sufficiently moreish to result in unbecoming bonegnawing. The choice of two main steaks (it is Brazilian after all) produces a blushing Beef Eye Fillet ($36) with jammy shiitakes and potato fondant – ideal with a peppery glass of Willows Shiraz ($57/bottle) from the South American-studded wine list. The standout, however, is the Moqueca Bahiana ($33), a northern Brazilian curry with chunks of barramundi and mussels. It is both rich and indulgent while still being gently spiced and aromatic. Both the Honeycomb Parfait ($15) and Chilled Apple and Rhubarb Crumble ($15) are elegant dishes to finish with, balancing decadence with freshness; so it seems unfortunate that the latter is garnished with a syringe full of crème anglaise. Indeed, the showy flourishes of
wider Chinese influences, and dishes specific to particular places.Typhoon Lamb ($34.80) – or more accurately ‘escape from typhoon’ lamb – for instance, comes from Hong Kong, a place often besieged by typhoons.The dry spiced cooking method is applied to Australia’s favourite protein – lamb cutlets – cutting the fat with lively ginger, garlic and chilli. Live seafood is another specialty, with Wok Fried Live Pipis in XO Sauce ($78/kg) impressing for both plump, briny bivalves and an XO sauce that’s far from insipid.Throw in a bed of crisp pan-fried Vermicelli ($15) noodle cakes to unlock its full potential.The 2014 Yabby Lake ‘Single Vineyard’ Chardonnay ($73) will see you through a well-battered and cooked Garlic Snow Crab ($138/kg), with enough acidity to extend to Braised Pork Belly ($29.80) in dark soy. Branch out from ubiquitous Chinese spinach dishes with the Seasonal Vegetables in Chef’s Master Stock with Dried Scallop and Goji Berry ($24.80) – I bet you’ll like it too! Shop 6010/11 Westfield Bondi Junction, 500 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction (02) 8866 2999 facebook.com/zilverbondi Chinese $$$
Harbour Swordfish ($36).Where you will see a change at Popolo is in the desserts: Naomi’s spherical Coconut Panna Cotta ($17) is a showstopper. 50 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay (02) 9361 6641 popolo.com.au Italian $$$$
Gelatony
NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS
By Jackie McMillan
Noir ($13.50/glass) would be a safe bet, but the less thematic Chocolate Box Barossa GSM ($11/glass) was better. Thirlmere Chicken Liver Pate ($19) wasn’t the best I’ve tried, but Pappardelle with Wild Mushroom Ragout ($22) is worthwhile, if only for the slow cooked egg hiding below the mountain of welcome Parmesan. Broccoli & Almond Butter ($8) was literally just steamed broccoli with shaved almonds on top, but the 16 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder ($22) proved pretty decent. 399 King Street, Newtown (02) 8084 4093 bacheatery.com.au Kiwi $$
food costs - especially as a snack-sized half roasted Beetroot on Macadamia Butter ($14) lands, accentuated by grated coffee bean.The winning aspect is Chef Mitch Orr’s imaginative combinations: Beef Tartare, Prawn and Burnt Onion ($24) and Spaghetti ($24) with calamari and Korean bolognaise. Foamy Coconut Rice Cream ($10), hiding a treasure trove of caramelized white chocolate, nails dessert. 60 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay (02) 8068 0932 weareacme.com.au Modern Australian $$$ GREATER SYDNEY La Puerta Latino Flavours “We’ve taken our favourite dishes from the whole of South America and adapted them to the Australian palate,” explains Catherin Rodriguez, the Columbian wife of
Justine Grill
technical prowess on some of the dishes don’t seem to add much (see: foams, gels), but they’re sins I’m prepared to forgive for another mouthful of that delicious moqueca. 54 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill (02) 9817 6289 justinegrill.com.au Modern Australian, Brazilian $$$$
one of the owners. Before you can say ‘this one time in Cusco’, we were showered with share plates, including elaborate plantain chips with avocado dip - Platanitos ($9), and Cassava Flat Cheese Bead ($8) with incredible smoked butter.Throw in cocktail twists like the Basil Passionfruit Caipirinha ($14) and the salty Chimichurri Margarita ($18) and you have yourself a party.Wild Ceviche ($25) is “better than anything you’ll find in Peru”. End with the excruciatingly sweet, Merengon ($12), chef’s take on pavlova, which sums up this Aussie-Latino union perfectly. Shop 5/2A Waters Road, Neutral Bay (02) 9953 8367 lapuertarestaurant.com.au South American $$ Mrs Mi Mrs Mi in Chatswood Chase brings the authentic taste of Northern China’s Shanxi region into what appears to be
FOOD NEWS
a bustling, vibrantly coloured street-side location.Their specialty is knife-shaved noodles, made by none other than the robot chef. Braised Beef with Noodles ($14.80) are the freshest you’ll taste. You can see the (human) chefs preparing everything right before your eyes. Go for the naturally colourful Handmade Dumplings ($14.80) against palatecleansing (and surprisingly delightful) Cherry Tomatoes in Plum Juice ($7.80) before diving into Taiwan-Style Fried Chicken ($15.80) - the perfect street food. You should also try the crowd favourite - Pan Fried Pork Buns ($11.80) – which ooze sweet, tender pork from inside their delicate casings. Shop B-040, Lower Ground, Chatswood Chase, 345 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (02) 9904 6375 facebook.com/ mrsmiaustralia Chinese $-$$
By Jackie McMillan
Hereford Red Beef
Nutritionist and cattle farmer, James Bjorksten, is producing some of the best grass-fed beef I’ve eaten under the name of Hereford Red Beef.The cream coloured fat is simply magnificent, leading to a super-tasty steak that literally melts in your mouth. I discovered this producer on a recent trip through Orange and kicked myself for not loading up on more. Cue: second trip to Orange for more. It’s ethically raised by third generation cattle farmers, and seasonally produced - meaning they’re not reliant upon grain to ‘finish’ their cattle. James’ top tip for avoiding grain-finished beef is to look for yellowy-cream fat – pure white fat points to grain feeding. If you don’t fancy a drive to A Slice Of Orange to buy Hereford Red Beef, it has recently been put on the menu at Redfern’s Woolpack Hotel. Owner James Henty tells me they’ve just launched their first new menu in three years:“Our seven years trading in Redfern has seen the food culture mature.There
bar fly
Moore Street Den
is still a market for the $12 Schnitzel night, alongside premium steak.There are plenty of dedicated carnivores in the inner city, and they seriously love it.” They found Hereford Red Beef through the Instagram account of Union Bank Wine Bar in Orange (which is owned and managed by a previous Woolpack staff member). It’s currently on the menu as a Premium Scotch Fillet ($29) or a Rump Steak ($22), which James tells me “is great eating”. www.herefordredbeef.com.au www.asliceoforange.com.au www.woolpack.com.au
By Amie Barbeler Rear, 51 Martin Place, Sydney (02) 9231 5575 martinplacebar.com.au Be prepared to wade through a sea of suits before you arrive at this luxe drinking den, tucked away at the far end of Martin Place Bar. Moore Street Den adds a swish new hidden dimension to this bustling CBD bar, making it the perfect place to unwind with a few of your closest strappy-heeled corporate Barbie buddies over a few cocktails and nibbles after a busy day of city life. Thankfully, my lack of fancy footwear didn’t stop me from enjoying the bar’s offerings, and after a few irresistibly fresh Mojitos ($18), I had forgotten all about the fact that I was the only person in the lounge sporting shoes with laces. While I drank, I picked at the bar’s Charcuterie Board’s ($24) spread of pickles, olives, goats cheese and grilled Italian bread, and eavesdropped on a dire conversation about detoxing. More bread for me then, I guess.
“John Laws had lunch at Otto today,” my UberX driver informs me when he sees my destination. I’m apparently his second trip to this famous waterfront spot - operated by The Fink Group, who also have Quay,The Bridge Room and Firedoor in their stable.With its reputation preceding it, I was surprised to find an accessible menu of every-day food, starting with vibrantly green asparagus, broad beans and peas hiding Buffalo Ricotta ($27). Pastas, including an artful tangle of Spaghettini ($29/$39), chilli and bottarga, ROCKS & CBD Kansas City Shuffle Down the business end of The Rocks you’ll find a hole in the wall café seemingly plucked straight from Surry Hills. Outside you can order PB&J Toasted Sandwiches ($7.50) and House-made Doughnuts ($4.50) from the ‘Little City Window’, but it’s worth getting cosy inside on the recycled oak. Parks & Recreation fans should appreciate Beef Brisket Waffles ($20) with smoked chilli butter and a poached egg. Quinoa Salad ($17) is crunchy and tasty, but goats cheese heavy.The menu celebrity is the Fried Chicken Sandwich ($17) served tall on a doughnut bun. No, this isn’t riding on the coattails of those omnipresent freak-shakes, it’s a sweet brioche-style bun also housing ‘slaw, pickles and jalapeno aioli – epic. 195 Gloucester Street,The Rocks (0415) 362 038 facebook.com/kansascityshufflesyd/ Café $-$$
heavily studded with hand-picked blue swimmer crab, are menu highlights, and available as either entrée or main. In Head Chef Richard Ptacnik’s hands, proteins are well handled though pricy. Dentice ($47): crisp-skinned, linecaught pink snapper arrives on a healthy bed of globe artichokes, celery, muscatels and pine nuts, lifted by crystal ice plants that crush delicately in the mouth. Fesa di Manzo ($43) showcases Riverina Black Angus rump cap against Jerusalem artichoke, mushrooms, and green peppercorn sauce, but still wants for a side (or two). Steered to drink Australian from the extensive, cleverly arranged list, I’m drawn to the ‘inspirational’ 2013 Jamsheed – Warners Vineyard Rousanne ($69). I switch to Italian – 2010 Di Majo Norante – Apianae Moscato del Molise ($13/glass) - to accompany my surprising highlight:‘fudgey’ Robiola di Capra ($11) goats’ cheese. Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo (02) 9368 7488 ottoristorante.com.au Italian $$$$
Silvereye Ushered through a passageway of the fully restored Old Clare Hotel, we’re placed in an elevator bound for the floors above. Silvereye, brainchild of ex-Noma sous chef Sam Miller, offers tasting menus: Short ($140/ head) and Long ($175/head), ten or seventeen courses respectively. Nods to local Australian flora are detected throughout with dishes such as sunflower & geranium crisp bread, and exquisitely presented peas with broad beans & seaweed. Any chef who can make a parsnip dish I love, is instantly forgiven for serving it to me on a slab of paperbark. The vegetablebased dishes were the stars here, with standouts like beetroot & blackcurrant raising my eyebrows even higher than the juniper smoked lamb. 20 Broadway, Chippendale (02) 8277 8520 silvereye-restaurant.com.au Modern Australian $$$
WRITERS AND OPINION MAKERS WANTED The City Hub is looking for writers. Opportunities in print and online are available to opinion makers and up and coming journalists. Send a CV, writing samples and a covering letter to: news@altmedia.net.au
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EAT & DRINK
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DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Mamasan Underlying kooky décor that includes glowing sakura in the upper bar, and erotic shibari prints down below, is both clever architecture and a raison d’etre. Fusing Taiwanese street food and Japanese cuisine came about because owner Gemma Lin grew up in a tiny Taiwanese fishing village where, on a clear day, you can see the coast of Okinawa.Take a liquid journey flowing from the smooth Brand New Old Fashioned ($19) using Nikka from the Barrel, to Brewing Dude Kamoshibito ($36/300ml) from their interesting sake list. Include a steady stream of bar bites, from tender sashimi off cuts in Popcorn Fish ($19) to the must-have Homemade Miso Soup ($7) and tender One Bite Beef ($31). 403 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 9331 8881 mamasan.com.au Taiwanese, Japanese, Cocktails $$$$
Step into Sydney’S hiStory
FREE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
heritage open day at the auStralian technology park
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2015 10am–4pm
JOIN US FOR A DAY OF TOURS AND ACTIVITIES:
BLACKSMITHS WORKSHOP AND INNOVATION PLAZA, ATP
• See live blacksmithing and performances • Participate in a public art project
(enter from Locomotive Street or Platform 10 at Redfern Station)
• Join a guided tour or take a self-guided
• See the new Eveleigh Workshops film
Australian Technology Park (ATP) wasEveleigh onceStories part tour of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops... • Climb aboard a restored heritage train FREE TO ATTEND Enjoy fun-filled kids’ activities www.3801limited.com.au ATP Open Day coincides with The Finders Keepers Markets Now an innovative business park is• holding an Open Day. held in the Exhibition Hall www.thefinderskeepers.com Learn more and register for a tour to win the opportunity to ring the Timekeeper’s bell: www.atp.com.au www.eveleighstories.com.au city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bangarra’s
21st Anniversary of Ochres
Nov 27–Dec 5. Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh. $35-$55. Tickets & info: carriageworks.com.au/events/ochres/
Bangarra Dance Theatre celebrate 21 years since the debut of Ochres, the work that revealed the company to the world. Ochres will be returning in a season of nine performances presented at Carriageworks, Australia’s largest contemporary multi-arts centre. “Bangarra has grown so much since Ochres was first staged in 1994. An array of artists have worked on this production over the years, and all of them, along with our audiences, have experienced the sacred meaning of this show,” explained Artistic Director, Stephen Page. Ochres tells the story of the relationship between Aboriginal people and the land, and is a fusion of modern contemporary dance and traditional indigenous movement.
Review: I Am My Own Wife I Am My Own Wife is about Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a real character from East Berlin, Germany, who lived openly as a transvestite and survived two of the most oppressive regimes in history––the Nazis and the Stasi––to become a national icon. This one-person play, starring Ben Garrard, integrates voice samples straight out of the interviews conducted by American playwright Doug Wright (who himself, grew up gay in the Bible belt). It is one and half hours (with an interval) of chaotic script, delivered quickly and with precision, much of it in German, the rest of it with a variety of accents as she takes on the various characters that make up her complex life story. Charlotte has salvaged furniture during the wars and has compiled these objects into her famous Grunderzeit Museum, which later became a meeting place for homosexuals. She loved music and had a collection of 15,000 gramophone records and never owned a radio or TV. Crackly old gramophone music weaves through her story, taking us back to when she was a 16-yearold boy called Lothar and was given a book about transvestites by her lesbian aunt, who told her “this book will become your bible”. A love of antiques and a reverence for history combine with great wisdom to unfold this person, and we realise as an audience that when we look at our heroes it’s good to consider their flaws as well
as the things they got right, as that makes them only more human. It jumps in time from 1940’s through 1970’s, the fall of the Berlin Wall and into the 1990’s, referencing specific periods in Berlin. She developed a very complicated relationship with the Stasi in order to keep the museum alive.The museum was her legacy, for which she was highly decorated by her country. I Am My Own Wife goes a long way in keeping this legacy alive. (MS) Until Dec 5 (Tues-Sun, various times). Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street),Woolloomooloo. $25-$35. Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com or iammyownwife.com.au
a&e
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city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
14 STAGE 16 SCENE 17 SCREEN 18 Sounds
In all four forms of colour, ochre is essential to the life of Aboriginal communities. This four-part contemporary dance piece explores the notion of ochre, and is a portrayal of each colour’s myriad of purposes and their spiritual significance to Aboriginal people. “We’ve built a relationship with Carriageworks, which is why we thought to re-imagine Ochres with a new generation of dancers,” explained Page. As a spiritually powerful work, each section of Ochres is a story within itself, derived from the land we stand on, making the production an otherworldly dance experience. “I hope it gives [the audience] an insight to Aboriginal dance stories, and how they’ve evolved from traditional to contemporary,” said Page. “Hopefully they connect to that spirit.” (NB)
Festivus with Secret Hideaway Burlesque This year’s last evening of burlesque and sideshow with Secret Hideaway will be a festive one, more so a ‘festivus’ one.That’s right, all you Seinfeld fans, Festivus is coming to the ArtHouse Hotel for the final performance of 2015. Co-producer of Red Velvet Road Productions, Rebelle Velveteen, explained they’ve never wanted to do a Christmas show, but they thought they might pay tribute to some of their favourite shows festive episodes. “We weren’t even going to do a December show originally, but the three of us [from Red Velvet Road productions] got reminiscing over some of our favourite shows from the past, like Friends, and the Festivus inspiration [of Seinfeld fame] struck, and it was too hilarious to not go ahead with it as a theme for the show,” said Velveteen.“We don’t normally do themes, but Festivus is a special occasion after all.” For the last show of the year you’ll see the usual
Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney
burlesque beauties putting on a stellar show. Sheena Miss Demeanour will have a fan dance to knock your socks off, Danica Lee will grace the stage with her rock-steady performance, and Amelia Wood will tumble her way to Christmas Day. However, the act everyone should look forward to and Velveteen’s favourite:The Strongman.“I’m personally looking forward to the Strongman, Mitchell Pitch. I’ve seen him and his brother Skip perform as a duo in the past, so I’m confident that his solo performances are going to stun the audience,” she said. The door prize for this performance will be two copies the brand new release of The Festivus Book by Mark Nelson––why buy it when you could win it? (AMal) Dec 3 (doors at 7pm, show starts 8pm). The ArtHouse Hotel, 275 Pitt Street Sydney. $30.Tickets & info: trybooking.com
Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Alicia Sim, Nyssa Booth, Lauren Edwards, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olga Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Jemma Clarke, Jacqui Rothwell, Anvi Sharma, Emily Shen, Silvia Cheung.
The Graduate featuring
Jerry Hall
Through a Beaded Lash Through a Beaded Lash is a dramatic comedy that pays reverence to World AIDS Day.With plenty of local history, much of the action takes place in the now closed Sydney Gay Centre in Surry Hills. Through a Beaded Lash is about a friendship that has lasted since the 1984.Adam and Zoe bond because they are survivors of the AIDS crisis and were part of the Oxford Street gay community back in the 80’s.Their social network, their friends and lovers have died. It’s about the impact that’s had on people.They were part of an amateur drag act for fundraising, and they relive that. “The older people from the gay community should come and enjoy a trip down memory lane, the nostalgia, the 80’s scenes are so much fun, the hope at the end is uplifting and life affirming,” explained playwright Robert Allan. “I think when you experienced so much loss, repeated loss, you get a bit numb, and if you’re not careful that numbness can last a lifetime,” said Allan.
“What happens is you start to shut down.You get stuck in a rut, a pattern of drinking [and] cynicism, your own sense of life has been taken. It’s about how you break free of that.” He added:“It’s about what happens to the survivors of the AIDS crisis, the impact it had on people, rather than a Holding The Man angle. It’s crunch time, they can’t keep living like that, they’ve got to change.” (MS) Nov 25–Dec 12 (8pm Wed-Sat, 5pm Sun). The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville.$20-$29.Tickets & info: thedepottheatre.com/through-a-beaded-lash or 0428 032 838.
McAllister in Conversation December 2–9 2016. Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Rd, Sydney. $69-$119. Tickets & info: ticketmaster.com.au
American model and actress Jerry Hall will be heading to Sydney to play seductress Mrs Robinson in The Graduate. This will be the last time Hall reprises the role. The Graduate is based on the 1963 novel by Charles Webb, which sees Benjamin Braddock, a fresh college graduate return home. He doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life and is trying to figure it out. One day he meets Mrs Robinson, his parent’s friend and a bored housewife who seduces him. Things start to get complicated as Benjamin starts to fall in love with Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, Elaine. Hall is excited to be playing Mrs Robinson for the last time in Sydney, as she loves the city. DOT DOT DOT A carnival fortuneteller, a well-to-do man, a woman of the night and a decidedly dusty man converge.This play explores themes of money and power against the backdrop of colonial Australia in Easter, 1900. Featuring musical performances, this is an actor-driven murder mystery that takes the audience along for the ride to find out ‘whodunit’.You’ll be questioning motives and alibis as the play exposes the power of local media in harnessing speculation. (ES) Until Nov 28, 8pm. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. From $22. Tickets & info: old505theatre.com ROADKILL CONFIDENTIAL KX Theatre throws open its doors with debut production, Roadkill Confidential.
“I am so thrilled the stars have finally aligned and I am bringing the sultry Mrs Robinson to Sydney,” she said. “As this will be the last time I play this role, it makes the Sydney season very special to me. I have always loved Sydney so I am very much looking forward to returning next year with this amazing production of The Graduate and to spend time in your glorious city.” Tim Dashwood will be playing Benjamin Braddock along side Hall. This version of the production has been performed at Broadway, West End, Toronto and Perth, just to name a few. (AMal) The Graduate will play a strictly limited season in December 2016.
Trevor’s new artwork is about to be unveiled, and the bodies are piling up.A top government agent won’t rest until she takes him down… Like any good horror, Roadkill Confidential takes one of society’s greatest fears and puts it under the microscope, tackling the fear that surrounds art and artists. Lies, Lies and Propaganda have sought to “show off” the unique new theatre space with this black comedy. (AM) Until Nov 28. Kings Cross Theatre, Level 2, 244-248 William St, Potts Point. $20-$30.Tickets & info: liesliesandpropaganda.com YOU’RE DRIVING ME CRAZY This social commentary of Jewish society follows the story of four generations of a modern Jewish family, the Pszeszekowski’s, and their crazy (or meshugah) and
dysfunctional lives in this ever-changing world.The Jewish humour mixed with the wacky characters, over-the-top craziness and witty one-liners sets this show apart from all other comedies.After two sellout seasons in Melbourne, Los Trios Amigos are bringing this amusing comedy to Sydney. (ASha) Until Nov 29. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. $40-$45. Tickets & info: lostriosamigos.com or 02 9365 1047. EVITA Eva Peron was an iconic South American leader, who clawed her way to power from the slums of Argentina. Manly Musical Society present the awardwinning musical, Evita, which follows Peron’s thrilling journey to become one of the most powerful women in the
If you’re free on Saturday 28 November, head over to the Sydney Opera House to catch a very special edition of McAllister in Conversation. In a surprising twist, interviewer becomes interviewee as the Australian Ballet’s Artistic Director, David McAllister, forays into the spotlight to discuss the artistic process behind his production of The Sleeping Beauty. One of the world’s most loved fairytales, David’s world. Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita has a rocky, Southern American vibe. (NB) Until Nov 28. Star of the Sea Theatre, Stella Maris College, Cnr of Collingwood and Illuka Avenue, Manly. $25-$35.Tickets and info: manlymusicalsociety.com DUCK HUNTING The Australian Premiere of a ‘timeless classic’ by acclaimed Russian playwright,Aleksandr Vampilov.Taking place in modern day Melbourne, the play follows the story of Craig, a thirty-something who has lost the will to live. His only hope is his annual duck hunting trip, which he hopes will restore a purpose to his life. It’s a tale about the purpose of life, and has translated superbly for a modern day audience. (NB)
reimagining is sure to be a lavish and opulent portrayal of Princess Aurora and her experience––and as his first full-length ballet in 14 years of running the company, David caps off a fantastic year of dance at the Sydney Opera House. “This one spoke to me and I thought a lot about it... I had a few really clear aims to achieve. One of them was to make the narrative really clear, as people go to the ballet with a lot of implied knowledge,” said David. “I wanted to keep the integrity of the 19th Century aesthetic... with some 21st Century ideas as well.” While Virginia Trioli (journalist, author and ABC News Breakfast host) was initially scheduled to appear as David’s special guest interviewer for the event, for health reasons she has unfortunately had to withdraw. Instead, David will be joined by a yet-to-be-confirmed host, with a similar intimate understanding and knowledge of the arts industry. (ES) 28 Nov, 5pm. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $15.Tickets & info: australianballet.com.au/discover or 1300 369 741.
Until Nov 29. King Street Theatre, Level 1, 644 King St, Newtown. $30-$45.Tickets and info: contemporarian.com.au GOOD WORKS An emotional and exquisitely told Australian story by acclaimed playwright, Nick Enright. Good Works follows the pasts and presents of two boyhood friends, and travels between several decades and generations in order to explore the family histories that have helped to shaped them as men.The play will offer the audience a complex ride, with an underlying emotional throughline, giving an insight of what it’s like to be different while growing up in a small country town. (NB) Until Nov 29. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. $38-$45. Tickets & info: darlinghursttheatre.com
ORLANDO STC presents Sarah Ruhl’s theatrical take on Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel. Orlando’s journey of selfdiscovery begins as a 16-yr-old nobleman in the court of Elizabeth I, and unfolds over centuries and nations to eventually end up as a seemingly 37-year-old woman in the present day. With debauchery, bad poetry, time travel, a new body and a devastating first love all along the way. Orlando’s tale is illustrated by a chorus-like gang of male storytellers. Luxe costumes indicate historical periods on a minimalistic, moving set with a central rotating staircase. Riveting gender play abounds. (AM) Until Dec 19. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay. From $58.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com. au or 02 9250 1777. city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
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THE NAKED CITY
SPACE IS THE PLACE FOR SYDNEY TRIO She continued:“They explore astronomical ideas a number of ways, such as using the angular shapes of craters to inform melodic material, using the ideas of repetitive orbits to inform bass lines and using the ideas of voids and space to inspire a zen-like improvisational state, as well as using the actual pitches in the space sounds to base melodies and rhythms on.” Together with Ellen Kirkwood on trumpet and Elsen Price on double bass and loop pedal, Kenya has formed the Ephemera Trio to produce a show that transports the audience through a universe of pulsars, craters, planetary atmospheres, stars, sun and void. The trio’s free flowing jazz, incorporating the soundtrack constructed by Professor Francis, is set against a backdrop of dazzling space projections. Kenya remembers that she has always enjoyed watching astronomy documentaries, especially when they include actual probe footage. “I found that there is a lot of this freely available on NASA’s website (as long as you acknowledge it, of course). We are using images from the Grail Mission in 2012 to map the Moon in detail, Cassini’s Saturn exploration from 1997 to the present, the Mars Rover Curiosity from 2012, and various comet fly-bys such as Rosetta in 2004.” Each member brings their own unique voice to the ensemble, drawing from a multitude of musical backgrounds. Elsen is a new music specialist, Ellen is a celebrated jazz trumpeter and composer, and Keyna herself is a jazz/classical/flamenco musician and composer. Fasten your seatbelt as Ephemera Trio take you on an adventure in space and time. Dec 12, 7.30pm. Sound Lounge, the Seymour Centre, corner of City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale. $25-$30.Tickets & info: seymourcentre.com and ephemeraensemble.com
With Coffin Ed, Miss Death and Jay Katz Given the vastness of the known universe, very few musicians across all genres have looked to the heavens for inspiration.There are of course notable exceptions––like the astral traveller himself Sun Ra, the galactic funk of George’s Clinton’s Mothership Connection and Gustav Holst’s classic ‘The Planets’ to name a minority that have made that journey. It’s not surprising that most musicians prefer to preoccupy themselves with more earthly themes, but given the current advances in space exploration, maybe it’s time they embraced the Cosmos as well. One Sydney artist who has done just that is flautist, pianist, composer and avid stargazer Kenya Wilkins, who recalls: “I have always had a fascination with astronomy, ever since I saved up to buy a telescope aged thirteen. My skills lie in music though, not quantum physics. We are a very tiny niche in an infinite universe.” Kenya explained that she had been looking to make her music more interesting, using a found sound. It was when she eventually came across the website of astronomer Professor Paul Francis that the connection finally came. Francis had constructed a series of space sound MP3s drawn from NASA’s electromagnetic data. Kenya made contact with him and he was more than happy to have his material incorporated into a musical suite. So what is it about ‘space sounds’ that really inspires Kenya? She notes: “To me, they sound similar to whale sounds. They have pitches that are closely related to the harmonic series. They are beautiful and immediately take you to an alien ethereal place and away from mere human concerns. My compositions have been angled towards astronomy for a long time, so I already had a lot of material before the project was devised.”
Platform Urban Art Prize
MAASive Lates:
Civil DISCObedience Are you a young artist waiting for your big break? Then this is the perfect opportunity to get your work out there. Platform is a new urban art project where emerging and established artists have the opportunity to get their work out into the public sphere at Hurstville Shopping Centre. Owner of Hurstville Central Shopping Centre, Donovan Moodie, explained there are four different sites at Hurstville Central Shopping Centre for the competition, and he is looking forward to seeing a range of urban art styles. “The competition strives for high-quality, thought provoking and entertaining urban artwork utilising the blank canvas of Hurstville Shopping Centre,” said Moodie. “Winning entries are installed here on the Hurstville SEED POD UNIVERSE – INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIFE This group exhibition celebrates ‘our unique unfathomable dynamic connection and life’s potential we all equally possess’. Featuring work from Yeehwan Yeoh, Satoko Rayson, Reiko Azuma, John Rayson and Lorna Grear––Seed Pod 16
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Central Shopping Centre and winning artists will receive $3000. Besides the $3000 prize money, successful artists will be reimbursed for materials used in the installation of their artwork up to the value of $2000.” This year’s theme is artwork is city life in all its glory or grime. Moodie says this is the perfect opportunity for those who want their work to be in the public forum: “we want emerging and established urban artists in southern Sydney to have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the thousands of daily visitors to Hurstville Central Shopping Centre.” (AMal) Applications close on December 16. Hurstville Central Shopping Centre, Cross Street, Hurstville. Info: platformurbanart.org.au
Universe is a ‘celebration of our moment-to-moment struggle in believing, sharing and appreciating our own and others lives’. The Opening Celebration Night (Saturday Nov 21, 4pm–6pm) includes guest artist Simon Barker performing a live improvised drum piece. (AM)
Until Nov 28 (Wed-Sat, 11am-6pm). Sheffer Gallery, 38 Landers Street, Paddington. Info: sheffergallery.com or 02 9310 5683. DISOBEDIENT OBJECTS Purely worth a visit to the Powerhouse Museum for its
The Powerhouse Museum opens their doors after dark tonight (Thursday, Nov 26) for a special evening of creativity and collective action set amongst their most disruptive new exhibitions. See the Museum in a whole new light at this adults-only interactive extravaganza of creativity, dancing, performance and debate.Wayward citizens are encouraged to bust out their finest hard hats and steel cap boots to get their bodies in motion for a night of grinding disco beats. Inspired by the rebellious and unruly themes of intriguing new exhibitions Disobedient Objects and Evidence: Brook Andrew, this special edition of MAASive Lates hosted by Nell Schofield features an eclectic collection of guest performers and groups to interact with–– including performances by the amazing Martenitsa Choir (the voice of Bulgarian women in the fields), the beginning of a new social movement with 100 Moving Men against domestic violence; a yarn with the Knitting Nannas Against Gas, poetry from Samuel Wagan
inspired collection of diverse objects from 30 years of political activism across the world, with items borrowed from noncommercial activists and activist groups. Disobedient Objects is currently on loan from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. It displays ‘how to protest intelligently’
Watson, artist Michael Cutrupi from Fat Boy Dancing and some surprise flash flamenco––all while DJ Simon Caldwell rocks your underworld. Currently on loan from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Disobedient Objects [see below] is purely worth a visit for its inspired collection of diverse objects from 30 years of political activism across the world, with objects borrowed from activists and activist groups. Whereas Evidence: Brook Andrew is an art installation that uses the rich MAAS collection to bring an Australian perspective to how objects can act as evidence of social change. Civil Discobedience visitors are free to wander from performers, to the dance floor, and between objects as activists and artists weld their direct-action tool belts together under a shimmering mirror ball.There’ll be a cash bar and food available to fuel your disobedient bodies. (AM) Nov 26, 6pm-9pm. Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. $15-$25.Tickets & info: maas.museum
with artifacts from international movements as diverse as improvised gas masks from the Gezi Park protests in Istanbul, costumes from the Guerilla Girls feminist art movement, and the hauntingly stunning Tiki Love Truck featuring an executed man’s death mask amongst an encrusting of vibrant decorations.
This exhibition is best explored during MAASive Lates: Civil Discobedience – see above. (AM) Until Feb 14. Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. Included in museum entry ($8-$15). Info: maas.museum/ event/disobedient-objects/
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
It’s the epic conclusion to The Hunger Games trilogy. Fast-paced and action-packed, Mockingjay Part 2 is an enjoyable film that will captivate and entertain the audience. The film follows Katniss Everdeen’s dangerous mission to liberate the citizens of a war-torn Panem, and to attempt to assassinate President Snow. All the while, Katniss must make difficult moral decisions, and struggles with her feelings surrounding the infamous love triangle. The drama of her internal battles, teamed with the explosive surrounding warzone, builds up for an exciting and moving final showdown. Backed by an all-star cast, Jennifer Lawrence is a
luminous presence who brings a real sense of raw emotion and unpredictability, highlighting the erratic behaviour of her character. Her performance and portrayal of Katniss is fantastic, leaving the audience to feel as if they are in Panem with her. As an avid reader of The Hunger Games series, I can honestly say that my 15-year-old self was satisfied by the film adaptation. Mockingjay Part 2 remained faithful to its literary counterpart, which for many fans will be a huge positive. Overall, it is an entertaining film that adequately concludes the series. (NB) WWW1/ 2
SECRET
IN THEIR EYES
Based on a 2009 Argentinian novel by author Eduardo Sacheri, this sinister crime thriller is a performancedriven film boasting a stellar cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman. FBI detectives Ray (Ejiofor) and Jess (Roberts) and District Attorney Supervisor Claire (Kidman) are shattered when Jess’s daughter has been savagely murdered. Ray, who is obsessed with the case, returns 13 years later with a lead which may lead to a conviction. Emotionally charged performances from Ejiwetel and Roberts are engaging and maintain audience interest in a story which is tediously slow to build with many twists and turns.
Joe Cole is effective in the role of Marzin, the most disturbing and memorable villain since Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Dr Hannibal Lecter in Silence Of The Lambs. Adversely, the style in narrative is disconcerting at times, as the constant jumping to different time frames arouses confusion as to whether the story is in the past or present. The romantic subplot between Ray and Claire also seems pointless, a time-filler which could have been shortened and streamlined the film considerably. A satisfactory thriller in which amateur sleuths may resolve the crime before all is revealed in the astonishing finale, through hints in dialogue cleverly dispersed throughout. (MMo) WWW1/ 2
The Program Sport has an uncanny way of of producing both heroes and villains. It’s not often however that the same person can fulfil both roles––however in the case of Lance Armstrong, that is just the scenario that the world saw play out between 1999 and 2013. This time period is the primary focus of Stephen Frears The Program, which is inspired by journalist David Walsh’s book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit Of Lance Armstrong. With the film being based on the journalist’s recount of the story, it follows a documentary style format. Ben Foster’s portrayal of Armstrong is uncanny and
99 HOMES Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) is a single dad and a labourer, out of work as a result of houses in his town being foreclosed left and right.The family home he shares with his son Connor (Noah Lomax) and mother Lynn (Laura Dern) is soon also repossessed by real estate shark Rick Carver (Michael Shannon). In an unlikely turn of events, Dennis begins working with Rick and becomes his protégé.The money starts stacking up, but so too do the risks and dilemmas.Writer and director Ramin Bahrani has created a taut and unsettling film about moral decline. (ASim) WWW1/ 2 THE CROW’S EGG Set in the filthy slums of Chennai India, this film surrounds two mischievous and resourceful brothers who follow their dream of tasting pizza for the first time. Deemed as too expensive to purchase, the young inventive brothers put their plan to purchase this dream food into
action.A cast of predominantly newcomers bring this enchanting fable to life. Cultural diversity, oppression and strong class divisions are examined; the mood change in the second half of the film will stun audiences, as themes of class division emerge. Spoken in Tamil with English sub-titles. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 FREEHELD A very society-relevant drama centred around Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a New Jersey police detective that learns of her diagnosis with lung cancer, and struggles to have her domestic partner, Stacie (Ellen Page), made beneficiary for her pension.A true story that had the resources and foundation to be a noble masterpiece, but instead fell into a political speech pageant, aimed at an audience who already concurs.There are strong performances from the leads in the film, but little to propagate an ongoing connection to the characters. (RM) WW
HE NAMED ME MALALA This documentary chronicles the life of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Exploring Malala’s life, growing up in the Swat Valley in Pakistan before the Taliban took control, and her home now in the United Kingdom. Featuring interviews with Malala and her family interspersed with beautiful animations, it’s a fascinating insight into how one young girl was able to get the world to stand up for her cause, advocating the right to education for all women and children. (ASim) WWWW 5 TO 7 Brian Blum (Anton Yelchin) is a young unemployed writer, who has never had a story published yet seems to live an easy life in New York City. He meets a gorgeous diplomat’s wife and starts an affair.Arielle (Bérénice Marlohe), is a French woman and mother of two that can only see Brian between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. It
tries to be whispy and romantic like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but unfortunately Yelchin and Marlohe are unevenly matched. (LB) WW NOW ADD HONEY Life falls in further disarray for a dysfunctional family when Honey, a US based popstar, comes to visit down under.This is quintessentially an Australian film which highlights the difficulty in writing a funny script. Some scenes extracted the occasional chuckle, but the laugh-outloud comedy mandatory for films of this genre, was non-existent. Erik Thomson was wasted in a small role as the cheating husband and the rest of the cast, including Portia De Rossi who played Honey’s mother, could do nothing to salvage this minor train wreck. (MMo) WW MAN UP Nancy (Lake Bell) is a 34-year-old wisecracking, self-confessed
cannot receive enough praise. Another key figure in the ultimate downfall was Floyd Landis who is played by Jessie Plemons, who also puts in a supreme performance. The biggest problem with the film is that it covers such a long time period it can sometimes feel rushed and as though it is only skimming the surface, this is even more pronounced for an avid cycling fan who followed this story intently from the moment rumblings began. If you are a casual fan however this film is certainly worth checking out. (JA) WWW1/ 2
loser in romance. Fred (Simon Pegg) is a 40-year-old emotional jig-saw and soon-to-be divorcee, on his way to meet his blind date.When fate intervenes and Nancy is mistaken as Fred’s mystery date, an instant connection develops.They’re fun-loving and audiences will enjoy their frolicking, as this likeable couple acquaint themselves through heavy drinking, partying and fast-talking sexual chit-chat. This fast-paced comedy overloaded with cheeky dialogue and silly scenarios leads to a heart-warming but slightly cheesy and predictable finale. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 LEAD ME ASTRAY Troubled protagonist Alexis Willard (Jace Pickard) is a 23-year-old veterinary student whose violent and troubled past comes back to haunt him after he inadvertently kills a gang member whilst defending his girlfriend Lacey (Alannah Robertson) from an assault. The truth of his past slowly unravels,
culminating in a deadly game of cat and mouse in an abandoned prison. Not your usual indie thriller, the small budget is offset by the meticulous detail and crafting in all aspects of production. Hang in for a spectacular ending twist. (AM) WWW THE DRESSMAKER Based on the novel by Rosalie Ham, this is an outback drama about revenge with dark comedic undertones. Fashionable femme fatale and dressmaker, Myrtle ‘Tilly’ Dunnage (Kate Winslet), returns to her dusty country home of Dungatar to take care of her unstable mother (Judy Davis) and confront the demons of her past.The black hole of a town is full of morally bankrupt souls, and as the colourful Tilly transforms the loathsome people with sartorial skill, her story begins to unravel, leading to a satisfyingly deranged and over-thetop ending. (LL) WWW city hub 26 NOVEMBER 2015
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LIVE WIRE By Jamie Apps Oliver Mtukudzi: Gifted with a deep and gutsy voice plus a prodigious song writing ability, Mtukudzi has written 61 albums worth of songs that reflect on daily life and its struggles. His music has been known to appeal for restraint, tolerance and peace in the world, this is needed now more than ever. Thu, Nov 26, Max Watts
Swim Season: Having built a reputation as one of Melbourne’s hottest acts due to their mastery of hooks and solid live performance, the band now hits the road this week to showcase their debut EP Cascades. Sat, Nov 28,The Roxbury Cleftomaniacs: A local choir with thirty-plus members from right across the city will be performing their Summer Harmonies Concert to officially welcome in the hotter months.The choir isn’t made up of purists, but rather a group who aims to provide the most harmonious and beautiful listening experience possible. Sun, Nov 29, Glebe Town Hall
Luke Morris: Since 2012 – when Morris took the bold leap to quit his job, buy a car and play his way up and down the coast – he has put hundreds of kilometres on the clock, but it’s all been building and perfecting his honest and captivating intimate live show. Thu, Nov 26, Venue 505 The Bennies: After taking some time off to recuperate and recover following a whirlwind start to 2015,The Bennies are back for another headline tour this week. Known for their energetic party rock vibes, they have been touted as must sees and actually live up to the hype. Fri, Nov 27, Factory Floor Jeremy Neale: Celebrating the release of his latest EP, Let Me Go Out In Style, Neale arrives in Sydney this weekend to close out the tour, so expect a really polished great performance.The result of four producers, many great musicians and Neale’s desire to explore different romantic and pop influences on his path to becoming a master songwriter - this is some of his best work yet. Sat, Nov 28, Newtown Social Club
APES
Sydney Live Music Guide
Alin & Melike: After a run of sold out concerts this pair are returning to their favourite club venue for a night of passion and music imbued with the fire of Spain and the Mediterranean.The pair have excited audiences for a number of years, taking their listeners on a rich musical journey through diverse cultures. Sun, Nov 29, Camelot Lounge Leah Senior: To celebrate the release of debut LP Summer’s On The Ground, Melbourne based singer songwriter Senior is holding an album launch party this week. Having grown up listening to her mother singing arias whilst she herself blasted rock music in her bedroom, its obvious where her distinct sound (which falls right between the two) comes from. Wed, Dec 2,Vanguard
By Jamie Apps Often as bands grow and mature they can find it difficult to balance the sound that they became known and loved for with a new progressive sound that has developed over the years.Apes are no strangers to this conundrum, having just recently spent a period in the recording studio working away on an upcoming full length album. “We’re not worrying about what this sounds like, instead we’re writing to please ourselves and whatever comes out naturally,” explained frontman Ben Dowd. During the recording process this time, the band has taken a somewhat different approach to previous sessions by writing tracks whilst in the studio, and also by having all of the band members involved in the writing process. Ben said the new approach has been “really exciting, because you never know what you’re going to come out of there with”. With the new all-inclusive writing process, Ben also feels like Apes are now finally “keyed in on what Apes is, and we’re writing the first Apes music rather than trying to sound like bands we admire.” Apes’ recently released single ‘Dimensions’ is a perfect representation of this new direction, as they try to “tap into a new sound but keep the qualities that people already know us for.” Outside of studio time,Apes have just wrapped up a tour supporting
Cloves – XIII
The soul and voice of Cloves is certainly much more mature and impactful than her 19-year-old body would suggest. The London-viaMelbourne songstress’ debut four track EP eschews all of the bells and whistles to simply allow her powerful voice to do the heavy lifting and mesmerise the listener. Musically, the records employs simple acoustic guitar, soft piano and some subtle haunting percussion to create a layered silky offering that glides smoothly into your ears and heart. Infusing soul and jazz influences, this a wonderful first outing for the youngster and I cannot wait to hear more. (JA) WWWW
The Darkness which proved to be both a very educational experience as well as a wonderful warm-up for their own national headline tour.“We didn’t really know what to expect form those guys, but their work ethic as well as how above and beyond they got for fans was just insane. I honestly didn’t expect to be able to take so much away from this tour as I did, and can’t say enough about those guys and their touring crew,” said Ben. For Ben personally, he was taken aside by Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins for a one-on-one teaching session:“He sat down with me for 20 minutes and at not one stage did it ever feel fake.Those guys just genuinely care, which is awesome because they didn’t have to do that at all. I learned so much and definitely plan on using it in the future.” With their own national tour coming up, the band enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to tour with The Darkness as it proved to be the perfect way to shake off any rust that formed since they last performed in January.“You get really nervous getting back into the swing of things, so it probably takes a show or two.The tour with The Darkness was really great and our confidence is really high now going into our own shows,” Ben said excitedly. Nov 27. Beach Road Hotel, 71 Beach Road, Bondi. FREE. Info: facebook.com/apeshq
Jesse Davidson – Lizard Boy
Jesse Davidson is careful. His Lizard Boy EP is controlled, stripped to almost nothing and very slow. He takes his time playing in and around the beat, which is sometimes the only thing to play with. He moves inexorably, teasingly forward, letting us pay full attention to the words and the measured voice singing them. The voice holds steady, calling to the listener over a void, sometimes with harmony or manipulation but rarely changing tempo. This music is lonesome in tone and in appearance, electronic sounds precede and underplay the voice allowing a symbiotic relationship with minimal interaction––at once imbuing in the music a strong sense of connection to the self and consequentially of disconnect from everything else. Davidson is holding a conversation with the lone listener, able to shut out other noise, simply listening by themselves. (SP) WWW
FREEWILLASTROLOGY by Rob Brezsny ARIES (March 21-April 19): “We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange,” wrote novelist Carson McCullers. “As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known.” I’m guessing that these days you’re feeling that kind of homesickness, Aries. The people and places that usually comfort you don’t have their customary power. The experiences you typically seek out to strengthen your stability just aren’t having that effect. The proper response, in my opinion, is to go in quest of exotic and experimental stimuli. In ways you may not yet be able to imagine, they can provide the grounding you need. They will steady your nerves and bolster your courage.
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b TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
The Pekingese is a breed of dog that has been around for over 2,000 years. In ancient China, it was beloved by Buddhist monks and emperors’ families. Here’s the legend of its origin: A tiny marmoset and huge lion fell in love with each other, but the contrast in their sizes made union impossible. Then the gods intervened, using magic to make them the same size. Out of the creatures’ consummated passion, the first Pekingese was born. I think this myth can serve as inspiration for you, Taurus. Amazingly, you may soon find a way to blend and even synergize
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two elements that are ostensibly quite different. Who knows? You may even get some divine help. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Author Virginia Woolf wrote this message to a dear ally: “I sincerely hope I’ll never fathom you. You’re mystical, serene, intriguing; you enclose such charm within you. The luster of your presence bewitches me . . . the whole thing is splendid and voluptuous and absurd.” I hope you will have good reason to whisper sweet things like that in the coming weeks, Gemini. You’re in the Season of Togetherness, which is a favorable time to seek and cultivate interesting kinds of intimacy. If there is no one to whom you can sincerely deliver a memo like Woolf’s, search for such a person.
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CANCER (June 21July 22): Some people are so attached to wearing a favorite ring on one of their fingers that they never take it off. They love the beauty and endearment it evokes. In rare cases, years go by and their ring finger grows thicker. Blood flow is constricted. Discomfort sets in. And they can’t remove their precious jewelry with the lubrication provided by a little olive oil or soap and water. They need the assistance of a jeweler who uses a small saw and a protective sheath to cut away the ring. I suspect this may be an apt metaphor for a certain situation in your life, Cancerian. Is
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it? Do you wonder if you should free yourself from a pretty or sentimental constriction that you have outgrown? If so, get help. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted,” wrote Leo author Aldous Huxley. That’s the bad news. The good news is that in the coming weeks you are less likely to take things for granted than you have been in a long time. Happily, it’s not because your familiar pleasures and sources of stability are in jeopardy. Rather, it’s because you have become more deeply connected to the core of your life energy. You have a vivid appreciation of what sustains you. Your assignment: Be alert for the eternal as it wells up out of the mundane.
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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In their quest to collect nectar, honeybees are attuned to the importance of proper timing. Even if flowering plants are abundant, the quality and quantity of the nectar that’s available vary with the weather, season, and hour of the day. For example, dandelions may offer their peak blessings at 9 a.m., cornflowers in late morning, and clover in mid-afternoon. I urge you to be equally sensitive to the sources where you can obtain nourishment, Virgo. Arrange your schedule so you consistently seek to gather what you need at the right time and place.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Are you willing to dedicate yourself fully to a game whose rules are constantly mutating? Are you resourceful enough to keep playing at a high level even if some of the other players don’t have as much integrity and commitment as you? Do you have confidence in your ability to detect and adjust to ever-shifting alliances? Will the game still engage your interest if you discover that the rewards are different from what you thought they were? If you can answer yes to these questions, by all means jump all the way into the complicated fun! .
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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I suspect your body has been unusually healthy and vigorous lately. Is that true? If so, figure out why. Have you been taking better care of yourself? Have there been lucky accidents or serendipitous innovations on which you’ve been capitalizing? Make these new trends a permanent part of your routine. Now I’ll make a similar observation about your psychological wellbeing. It also seems to have been extra strong recently. Why? Has your attitude improved in such a way as to generate more positive emotions? Have there been fluky breakthroughs that unleashed unexpected surges of hope and good cheer? Make these new trends a permanent part of your routine.
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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): From the dawn of civilization until 1995, humans cataloged about 900 comets in our solar system. But since then, we have expanded that tally by over 3,000. Most of the recent discoveries have been made not by professional astronomers, but by laypersons, including two 13-year-olds. They have used the Internet to access images from the SOHO satellite placed in orbit by NASA and the European Space Agency. After analyzing the astrological omens, I expect you Sagittarians to enjoy a similar run of amateur success. So trust your rookie instincts. Feed your innocent curiosity. Ride your raw enthusiasm.
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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): Whether or not you are literally a student enrolled in school, I suspect you will soon be given a final exam. It may not happen in a classroom or require you to write responses to questions. The exam will more likely be administered by life in the course of your daily challenges. The material you’ll be tested on will mostly include the lessons you have been studying since your last birthday. But there will also be at least one section that deals with a subject you’ve been wrestling with since early in your life -- and maybe even a riddle from before you were born. Since you have free will, Capricorn, you can refuse to take the exam. But I hope you won’t.
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The more enthusiastic you are about accepting its challenge, the more likely it is that you’ll do well. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For $70,000 per night, you can rent the entire country of Liechtenstein for your big party. The price includes the right to rename the streets while you’re there. You can also create a temporary currency with a likeness of you on the bills, have a giant rendition of your favorite image carved into the snow on a mountainside, and preside over a festive medieval-style parade. Given your current astrological omens, I suggest you consider the possibility. If that’s too extravagant, I hope you will at least gather your legion of best friends for the Blowout Bash of the Decade. It’s time, in my opinion, to explore the mysteries of vivid and vigorous conviviality.
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PISCES (Feb. 19- March 20): Are you available to benefit from a thunderbolt healing? Would you consider wading into a maelstrom if you knew it was a breakthrough in disguise? Do you have enough faith to harvest an epiphany that begins as an uproar? Weirdly lucky phenomena like these are on tap if you have the courage to ask for overdue transformations. Your blind spots and sore places are being targeted by life’s fierce tenderness. All you have to do is say, “Yes, I’m ready.”
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Kings Court Massage “Delightfully Different”
261 PARRAMATTA RD GLEBE NSW 2037 Traditional Hot oil massage Daily 9 am to 1 am www.kingscourt.com.au 02 9660 0666 GPS to our discreet rear entrance at 18 Grose St Glebe 2037 Kings Court Massage is a big and friendly adult massage venue in Sydney. We are known all over the world for the cartoon ads that have appeared in Penthouse for several decades. A lot of them are based on true stories like this one about Judd the “North Qld Stockman”. He had been to Bathurst for the
car races and told us he was the envy of all his mates because on his trip south he would be going to Kings Court in Sydney. They knew all about us from our cartoons, so we decided to make him a legend in a whole cartoon in the next magazine. He was a nice guy and Big John also started out as a North Qld Stockman.
Like many country people Big John learned at an early age to treat women well and he is now the much loved boss at Kings Court. Much of our success is because our ladies are happy and well looked after. Everyone knows someone who should know about Kings Court: a nice girl who needs a harmless job with a discreet income; or some boy who needs to start out on the right track with respect for women. We’re famous for the huge lounge where first time customers can meet first time girls. You can play pool while deciding which lady to see for your massage. We have party spas to cater for groups or private spa rooms if you are on your own. It is best to be in before 1am except on Fridays and Saturdays when we are open 24hrs. Early birds can enjoy a 20% discount from 9am to noon daily. There is a $20 cover charge from 9pm to 9am. We don’t take phone appointments and bookings are made on a first come first serve basis to avoid dissappointment.
Website: www.kingscourt.com.au Facebook:
www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn
Twitter: @kingscourtlive
VACANCIES:
We are looking for polite and well groomed young ladies to join our team of friendly massage girls. We offer you training and great working conditions, plus the sweetest and nicest clients in Sydney! Part time and casual hours to fit your lifestyle. Call 02 9660 0666 to arrange a discreet interview.
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d r o f s g Kin s t e k r a M e l d Noo reet, Kingsford t S s k e e M
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12 to 9pm ne Middle L
t Meeks S de Anzac P
ale Rd d o r r o B
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1300 722 542 www.randwick.nsw.gov.au Proudly presented by: Randwick City Council and the Kingsford Chamber of Commerce.