(See p.12)
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) have rallied over the past week in protest for better pay and work conditions after over a year of negotiations.
A musical about war, family and the foldable umbrella.
(See p. 24)
PUBLISHED DATE 8 JUNE 2023
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Educators gathered requesting a pay rise to match current inflation, reduce workloads, and minimise the reliance on casual staff who are not receiving secure work benefits.
On Wednesday, tertiary teachers from UNSW and Macquarie University rallied at UNSW Kensington as part of a 24-hour working strike for teachers.
City Hub spoke with UNSW NTEU Branch President Richard Vickery who has been advocating for fellow teachers after a “very challenging” three years.
Vickery explained that the impacts of covid-19, massive staff cuts and shifts to three mandatory teaching terms with a summer term left additional workloads and responsibilities for existing teachers.
“Staff rightly felt betrayed… These staff departures not only affect morale and disrupt working relationships, but on a practical scale, often entail more workload” says Vickery.
Starting action back in March 2022 with little progress, Vickery and the Union sought industrial action which has pushed for substantial negotiations with UNSW Vice Chancellor Atilla Brungs. However, negotiations regarding a fair pay rise have still not been met.
“UNSW gave staff only a 1% pay rise last year - given inflation this is actually a significant pay cut. The current offer is 3.25% over 4 years which is below the average wage increases nationally. Cost of living pressures are really starting to bite, especially with Sydney housing costs.”
Additionally, Vickery highlighted the reliance on casual staff at the university has been “staggering” with the increased workload expectations for both professional and academic staff.
“These people [casual staff] deserve secure employment and students deserve the continuity of support that this would enable those staff to provide,” says Vickery.
Speaking at the rally, Vickery explained the significance of the NTEU industrial action at UNSW saying, “What we win will impact people in our sector… The conditions that we win will flow on and propagate. That’s why it is so important
that we fight to get the best agreement we can.”
Returning an operating surplus of $223 million in 2021, criticism regarding UNSW’s surplus and the million-dollar salary of VC Brungs were highlighted during the rally. UNSW is one of the biggest universities within Australia and a part of the Group of Eight (Go8).
Many students from the UNSW came to support teachers during the 24 hour strike and helped rally at the picket line. UNSW Education Officer Cherish Kuehlmann spoke with City Hub following her speech at the rally stating that “students have a united fight.”
Councillor Philipa Veitch, who explained the requests by the NTEU as “the bare minimum” during her speech.
In a comment to City Hub, Cnr Veitch says “They [students and staff of UNSW] are a vital part of our community and when we see community members who can’t afford to pay their bills, who are suffering through untamable working conditions and hours… then I feel that it’s really important as a local councillor to come and show that support.”
Along with the strike in Sydney, the NTEU continued strikes at the University of Newcastle on Thursday following the universities application to the Fair Work Commision.
Kuehlmann acknowledged the irrevocable tie between student learning conditions and staff workplace conditions, saying “students can blame university management” for increased wait lists, full classes and courses which are unavailable at the university.
Kuehlmann encourages further student participation and to “show solidarity.”
“Anytime staff come out on strike students should join staff in doing so… When staff want to shut the uni down, students should help them do that.”
Along with teachers and students, the rally was supported by Randwick
The University of Newcastle choice for application comes after the NTEU rejected management settlement offers. With new workplace laws to be introduced on June 6th, the NTEU fears referring to a determination from the Commision will significantly reduce any future negotiations with the University.
NTEU General Secretary Damien Cahill says that the university is “using every last tactic to avoid enterprise bargaining.”
“The NTEU is drawing a line in the sand. We will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to use workplace laws to sideline workers,” said Cahill.
The NTEU is evidently determined to continue industrial action until further negotiations are met with unanimous decision from members, on better pay and working conditions at respective universities.
We will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to use workplace laws to sideline workersNational Tertiary Education Union members striking for better pay and work conditions. Photo: Justin Cooper
It seems the dazzling display of lights at the Royal Botanic Gardens is not enough to hold back the anger of locals who have slammed the once-free event being ticketed.
The Lightscape exhibition has seen nothing but high praises internationally and nationally, with a previous exhibition in Melbourne. It was described to have “glowing tree canopies filled with colour,” and an “after-dark oasis of brilliance.”
Spectators who were hoping to see the beautiful light display are now faced with a paywall. Those who wish to see it will have to pay $44 for adults and kids 12 and under $32.
For families, they’re expected to fork out up to $132, which many critics have labelled as “ridiculous” and “disappointing.” So it should come as no surprise that there were no queues for this event on the first night of Vivid. Many local residents and families had turned up to the gates, only for them to
turn around and leave due to not being able to afford the entry fees. One social media user named Sonny-Joe Flanagan captioned their video as “Vivid tricked us this year! It cost money now.”
“When everyone gets to Vivid this year, they charge $116 to get in to look at
Waverley Council is thrilled to announce the return of the much-loved Bondi Festival boasting an astonishing arts line-up that’s bolder and better than ever before, with world-class theatre, comedy, cabaret and interactive experiences, from Friday 30 June to Sunday 16 July 2023. Returning to its spiritual home at the newly refurbished Bondi Pavilion (as well as various locations around Bondi), the 17-day, all-inclusive festival will have family-friendly shows and grown-ups options. Alongside the world-class arts line up, visitors can also enjoy Bondi’s famous ice-skating rink and the legendary Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel; a 32-metre-high ride with 360-degree views of the stunning Bondi Beach. Over the past 11 years, Bondi Festival has brought together locals and visitors from across the country and welcomed hundreds of incredible artists to inject culture and joy into Bondi during winter said since its reimagination in 2020. For two weeks over winter, it will transform our home by the sea into an eclectic, intimate and welcoming arts precinct for people of all ages to enjoy. For details and to book tickets, visit bondifestival.com.au.
the lights and stuff. Everyone is so cranky,” Flanagan said.
Independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich has called out the government for this commercialisation
and wants them to make this year the last time the gardens are ticketed.
“Clearly, Sydneysiders feel it is ridiculous for them to have to pay to have access to public land, that their tax dollars fund, and for an event that has always been free,” he said, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
“This can’t be done again. This attempt has been a failure, and free tickets should now be issued to fill up the event and bring people into the city to support local businesses.”
The Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney Council, Clover Moore has told City Hub that she stands united with Greenwich on calling on the state government to “to stop charging entry fees to Vivid light displays.”
“It’s unsurprising that ticketed events are not selling well, when we’re facing a cost of living crisis. Public spaces are for people. All people, not just those who can afford to spend hundreds of dollars,” she said.
“Vivid was created by then Premier Nathan Rees to help bring people to the city during the colder winter months. It has been enormously successful, and will continue to enjoy that success as long as it remains egalitarian, and doesn’t create a two-tier system.”
Waverley Council thanks everyone who attended our Voice to Parliament Community Forum last month at Bondi Pavilion Theatre and online. The forum was an opportunity to learn about the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum, a crucial vote that will determine whether an Indigenous Advisory Body will be enshrined in the Australian Constitution, to provide a platform for First Nations peoples to have a say on issues that affect them. In November last year, Waverley Council unanimously voted to support the Uluru Statement From the Heart which calls for two substantive changes: the Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata Commission to supervise agreement making and truth-telling about our First Nations history. In February this year, Council also voted to support the ‘Yes’ case for the referendum through a community education strategy including workshops and community events such as the forum. Waverley Council is continuing to work with our Reconciliation Action Committee, the Uluru Dialogue, Yes 23 campaign and representatives of the traditional owners of the Sydney area with connection to Waverley in the design of our education and awareness about the Statement. We will be holding Walking Together and Train the Trainer sessions for interested community members on the 26th of May at 5pm, the 2nd of June at 1pm, the 3rd of June at 1pm, and the 3rd of June at 5pm. For more information or to register, visit the Uluru Statement From the Heart page on our website.
Bondi Pavilion was recently named the winner of the Judges Choice Award at the 2023 National Trust Heritage Awards. The award is a credit to architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, who interpreted and respected the 100-year-old building and its
meaning and value to the community. The judges said it was “an absolutely brilliant project for an Australian heritage landmark that will continue to serve local residents and visitors in a sustained and multi-purposeful way.” There were many, many people who contributed to the Council’s restoration and conservation of Bondi Pavilion, from our dedicated Council staff, to our passionate community, our builders Buildcorp, and others. This vision has been realised in a beautiful arts and community centre which will remain a vibrant destination for generations to come. Heritage features conserved include the iconic arches, Spanish mission-style roof tiles, historic murals that have been uncovered and conserved and signage. To find out what’s on at the Pavilion, visit: bondipavilion.com.au/whats_on.
Construction has begun on our Birrell Street streetscape improvement project between Newland Street, Bondi Junction and Bronte Road, Bondi. Highlights of the project include 22 new parking spaces, improved bike routes, new road surface, landscaped intersection treatments and improved stormwater drainage. Works are expected to be complete late July and will be staged to minimise disruption. Funding for the project was received from the NSW Government’s Regional Roads Program. See the Major Projects page on our website for more details.
Paula Masselos, Mayor of Waverley
“IT IS RIDICULOUS.” This attempt has been a failure
The Minns Government has agreed to implement all 12 recommendations from the interim Walsh Report, to help maintenance and disruptions which the rail service have faced over the past 5 years.
The review found concerns including unsatisfactory operational management and the 2017 timetable which has resulted in a maintenance backlog, which could potentially cause future safety issues.
On May 22nd, The NSW government announced the many recommendations from the Walsh Report which are to be implemented.
There will be an immediate commencement of mapping out works to address the backlog of maintenance issues which have been present over the past 5 years.
The recommendations within the report included extensive shifts and expansions of operations and responsibilities of workforce scheduling and information transparency.
These included the Chief Executive of Sydney Trains reporting on issues directly to either Transport for NSW (TsNSW) committees or Minister of Transport, solidifying executive positions within Sydney Trains to progress flow of management, and transferring the Standard Working Timetable from TsNSW to Sydney Trains.
There will also be an expansion to passenger focused teams in order to rapidly respond to disruptions, and plans for stronger engagement with workers regarding the introduction of new rolling stock trains.
An audit conducted by Sydney Trains and TsNSW is also planned to ensure training for rail workers are recertified and up to standard.
The NSW Government will also be considering implementing new communication technology in order for customers and workers to address delays and provide rapid responses during incidents and disruptions.
NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, explained that due to the major weather events, Covid and the 2017 timetable introduced by the former Liberal Government, have been the reason why “trains have been getting worse.”
“The interim recommendations put forward by the review team today are the first steps on the path to restoring the resilience and reliability of the NSW railway,” says Haylen. Support for the Government’s choice to implement such recommendations has been welcomed by NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), if they are “implemented correctly.”
NSW RTBU Secretary, Alex Claassens, says “This will be a positive step forward in addressing the critical maintenance work that is needed… and in preventing a significant backlog of issues from happening in the future.”
Classens highlighted the struggles which the industry faced under the Liberal Government, including neglecting conversations on key transport decisions with industry experts.
“We’re glad to see that the new government is keen not to make those same mistakes,” says Classens. The final report reviewing Sydney Trains’ rail infrastructure and systems which will be considered by the NSW Government, is expected in October later this year.
Whether it’s NIMBYs, international students, foreign investors, or the previous government - every week it seems there’s someone else to blame for the housing crisis.
But this blame game is a convenient distraction from who’s really responsible for the dire situation we face today: successive governments on both sides of the aisle, who’ve repeatedly prioritised the profits of their big developer and investor mates over people.
Ph: (02) 9517 2800
E: newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au
W: jennyleong.org
383 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
While the Greens welcome recent moves by the NSW Minns Labor Government, including the audit of government-owned land that can be used for housing and the freeze of public housing sales, we know that more needs to be done.
Market solutions like institutional investors and higher-density private
housing alone won’t make housing more affordable, nor will proceeding with the privatisation of public housing estates in Waterloo, Glebe and Eveleigh. It’s time to get serious about addressing the housing crisis and stop shifting blame and outsourcing responsibility to the private market.
Instead, the NSW Minns Labor Government could implement solutions like inclusionary zoning rules requiring all new private developments to include at least 30% affordable housing, or empowering councils to cap and regulate short term rentals based on community need and local vacancy rates. And it could investigate ways to boost public housing supply without demolishing existing homes - like infill and refurbishing the 3,000+ public housing dwellings that currently sit empty statewide.
The change in government provides an
opportunity to finally end the narrative that the community is to blame for the lack of affordable housing in this stateand to move toward real solutions that put people first.
Watch my full speech in the NSW Parliament urging the NSW Minns Labor Government to take accountability for the housing affordability crisis here:
Jenny Leong MP Greens Member for Newtown
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Category Name Business Name
Accounting Services
Automotive Services
Bakery/Cake Business
MAXGROWTH
SEB’S AUTOMOTIVE & AUTO ELECTRICAL
ORGANIC BREAD BAR
Bar MENZIES BAR
Barber Shop
Beauty Services
Cafe
Dental Services
Early Childhood Centre
Education Service
TRUEFITT & HILL - SYDNEY
PERFECTA LASER & BEAUTY
WHITE RABBIT - KIAORA PLACE
DENTAL BOUTIQUE
THE GREEN ELEPHANT - ROSEBERY
EDUCONNECX
Fashion HARROLDS - WESTFIELD SYDNEY
Fitness Services
Hairdresser
Health Improvement Services
Hotel/Pub/Club
Information Technology
Jewellery Store
Legal Services
Marketing Services
Most Inclusive Employer
BODYFIT GLEBE (TRAMSHEDS)
FEATHER FACTOR STUDIO
MUSCLE MEDICINE
THE GLENMORE HOTEL
SOFTLABS
CERRONE JEWELLERS
PETERSON HAINES
YOGHURT DIGITAL
WOTSO PYRMONT
Category Name Business Name
New Business
Performing Arts
Pharmacy
Plumbing Services
CRENTO ITALIAN GLEBE
BROLGA DANCE ACADEMY
CHEMISTWORKS BROADWAY
BAYSIDE PLUMBING P.R.F
Professional Medical Services BETTER BALANCE CHIROPRACTIC
Professional Services JAMESONS
Real Estate Agency INSPIRE REALTY
Recruitment Agency
EMPLOYAL RECRUITMENT
Restaurant - Casual HURRICANE’S GRILL CIRCULAR QUAY
Restaurant - Asian CHO CHO SAN
Restaurant - Fine Dining ONCORE BY CLARE SMYTH
Restaurant - French METISSE RESTAURANT
Restaurant - International NOMAD RESTAURANT
Restaurant - Italian A’MARE
Service & Trade PEST2KILL
Specialised Business LILLIANNA HOME AND GIFTS DARLING SQUARE
Specialised Retail Business JAGGARDS
Tourism Services SYDNEY HARBOUR DAYS
Business Person of the Year BROLGA DANCE ACADEMY
Youth Award QUAY DENTAL
Business of the Year JAGGARDS
The 2023 City Suburbs Local Business Awards recognised the dedication and hard-work of local businesses, celebrating their contribution to making Sydney a vibrant and liveable city.
BY ABHA HAVAL
In a recent council meeting, a motion put forward by Councillor Michael Olive that sought to extend the Randwick Environment Park (REP) was declared lost, as Defence postpones the housing proposal on the land due to changes in Defence planning.
The Defence had previously proposed plans to build 991 Live-in Accommodation (LIA) dwellings and Defence Housing Australia (DHA) development in the area between the Western section of Randwick barracks and the REP.
Member for Kingsford and Assistant Minister for Defence, the honorary Matt Thistlethwaite indicated in a newsletter notifying citizens that the proposal is to be delayed by 4 years due to recent changes in the Defence priorities. Nonetheless, the Department of Defence wishes to continue with the DHA development consisting of 62 two-story dwellings along Bundock Street.
The Council proposed an alternative vision to extend the REP into the adjacent land, a bushland reserve, that was lost in votes in spite of the “biodiversity loss that is plaguing Australia.”
The LIA area has been left underdeveloped for several months and comprises mostly of “mature trees and critically endangered native plant species such as the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) and Sunshine Wattle.”
The area is indigenous to 92 species of plants and habitat of birds with a sighting of 66 bird species and other wildlife.
However, the LIA area has been used by the military since the 1900s, and there still remains fragments of cement slabs and demolished naval stores.
The Council had asked to transfer the ownership of the land to the Randwick Council similar to the transfer the Defence made of REP in 2010 to the Randwick Council for conserving the bushlands and community recreation.
Councillor Daniel Rosenfeld, who voted against the extension said, “I don’t believe that this land needs to be acquired from Defence at present. It is important for Defence to have adequate space to ensure that they can continue to perform their role in the security of our nation.”
On the contrary, Councillor Olive believes that the LIA site should be re-vegetated for conservation of nature and for the benefit of the community.
According to the Plan of Management, the naturally occurring plant species, native birds and various species of terrestrial wildlife has been recorded within the area of REP. Most of these faunas have not been sighted anywhere else in Randwick or eastern suburbs.
“The existing bushland on the LIA site helps to support this biodiversity and will form as one of the six main locations in Sydney for the critically endangered ESBS recovery plan.”
“The Defence indicated that the ESBS on the site might be removed in offsets. That would be terrible,” Cr Olive said. “Extending re-vegetation on the LIA site is consistent with Council’s vision of 40% tree canopy cover by 2040, and would increase wildlife habitat in the area and strengthen the corridor between Centennial Park, REP, Malabar Headland, and Kamay National Park.”
is unsafe for housing to be built on this land.
“The cost of remediating the land to a safe level is another issue,” said Cr Olive.
“If the site was to become an extension of the REP, it may not need the same level of remediation, reducing health risks and costs additional to the benefits for the community including creating a natural environment and no increase to heat island effects.”
According to a DHA detailed site investigation, “Testing across the LIA and DHA development sites indicate widespread asbestos contamination and groundwater containing levels of PFAS (chemicals) well above safe drinking standards.”
Local communities have expressed concerns regarding the contamination at meetings with the Defence stating that it
Cr Olive mentions, “The motion made clear any outcome would be negotiated and I was disappointed that 9 Councillors (5 Liberal, 1 Independent, 3 Labor including the mayor) voted against it.” In the next steps for nature conservation and extension of the REP, Cr Olive said, “I intend to canvas interest in local campaign to get this on the political agenda. Saving the LIA site is something many residents have discussed but it may take a campaign to make it into reality.”
“That will be the time to bring the motion back to Council.”
I was disappointed that 9 Councillors voted against it
Construction of a boutique hotel is still at a standstill after the heritage-listed Busby’s Bore was secretly breached and damaged. When the incident occurred back in September 2022, a stop-work notice was issued by a private certifier who had been appointed to oversee the work. 12 days later, the City of Sydney council did the same after the incident was reported by Heritage NSW.
Sydney Water has confirmed with City Hub that the developer, Central Element has repaired the damage but “the developer was unable to guarantee that no further damage would occur,” after a review was conducted.
“Sydney Water is working with the developer’s contractors and engineers to reach a suitable outcome,” a spokesperson said.
“Sydney Water was advised of damage to Busby’s Bore by a developer during construction on 9 September 2022. A stop work order was issued by [City of Sydney] council. The developer was advised to repair the damage, which has since been completed.”
Busby’s Bore was built by convicts between 1827 and 1837, delivering water to the city from the Lachlan Swamps–now known as Centennial Park, with the tunnels running below Moore Park, Oxford Street and the Victoria Barracks to Hyde Park.
It was the second main water supply for the city after the Tank Stream in
Sydney’s CBD, and stretches up to 3.6 kilometres. When the tunnel’s construction was completed, it supplied up to 1.5 million litres of water a day to 20,000 people.
The tunnels were placed onto the heritage register in 1999 and being described as a “unique engineering achievement which played a crucial role in the development of urban Sydney,” and is hailed as a rare and intact look into the first half of the 19th century.
The proposed hotel is planned to contain 110 rooms, along with a rooftop bar, bathhouse and central courtyard. It was being built on the site of the former West Olympia Theatre, another heritage-listed building.
As your local representative, I can assist with enquiries or problems you have with Federal Government departments and services like Centrelink, immigration, superannuation, Child Support payments, Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS), Veterans’ Affairs, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the National Broadband Network (NBN), universities, employment, training, Commonwealth funding and grants.
To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews at tanyaplibersek.com
My office can arrange messages of congratulations for people who live in my electorate and are celebrating their golden (50th) and diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries; and 90th and subsequent birthdays. Please allow for 6-8 weeks for congratulatory messages from dignatories.
Dean Levine, the head of lifestyle precincts for Central Element was aware that Busby’s Bore had been located by the builder, but he was not aware of the extent of the damage done.
“This thing is not properly mapped – it followed the path of least resistance, so it wasn’t exactly linear. Now that we know where it is we just have to re-engineer our building structure,” he said, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald
“We’ve worked very hard with Heritage NSW, with Sydney Water, with the City of Sydney – everyone wants this project back on track.”
business cases, as well as community consultation, NNC’s board has made the decision to discontinue the festival.”
The organisers stressed that they “did not come to this conclusion lightly” when deciding whether to continue the event or not. They also know “how much the festival will be missed by residents, and NNC itself.”
While the Newtown Festival will no longer be happening, the NCC CEO Elaine Macnish told City Hub that the centre will continue to support the community with an “ongoing partnership with the Inner West Council.”
“It was an incredibly hard decision to make and it wasn’t a quick decision either,” she said.
NCC expressed their gratitude to everyone who has participated in the Newtown Festival in any shape or form as they “look forward to creating new traditions and memories as we continue to work alongside and support the residents of Newtown.”
Greens MP for Newtown, Jenny Leong shared her fond memories of the festival with City Hub, reminiscing on her first time at the festival and “being part of the grassroots sticker campaign run against the fences and the sniffer dogs.”
BY TILEAH DOBSONThe beloved and long-running Newtown Festival will no longer be happening after celebrating the community for 40 years.
Newtown Neighborhood Centre (NCC) is the body that organises the yearly festival and recently announced that it was discontinuing the event, which has been running annually since 1983.
“Over the last 40 years, Newtown
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Festival has experienced significant growth, with many more businesses, sponsors and people attending the event,” the organisers said in a statement.
“While this has been exciting to witness, this large-scale financial endeavour has eclipsed the resources, capabilities and purpose of NNC.”
“After years of careful consideration, which involved reviewing a number of possible funding scenarios and
“But we’ll continue to support the community and continue to do smaller events.”
“SummerFest, Marrickville Music Festival and the St.Anmoré (Stanmore) Music Festival share many of the values of Newtown Festival. Our participation in these events will foster new connections for NNC and allow us to focus on our key purpose of supporting the community,” the NCC statement read.
“The festival evolved and changed over the years – and one of my fondest memories was speaking at the festival after first being elected to thank the community, as well as also leading a collective ‘Shake It Off’ at the election of Donald Trump.”
“A vibrant live music scene, alongside a range of inclusive, free community events, are at the heart of our local, inner west community and we’re looking forward to the next chapter.”
BY BATUHAN HEKOL
Once home to an illegal 60s casino, Kings Cross Distillery is now a sublime bar and restaurant with much inspiration drawn from the late 1930s, which has been described as the “golden era” of Kings Cross. However, that is not all that goes on at the Distillery.
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Shop 8, 127 Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney, Australia 2011 Email: info@kingscrossdistillery.com.au www.kingscrossdistillery.com.au
hand-crafted spirits at their distillery in the heart of Sydney.
If you are looking for a great gift from a local business, or a nice new gin for your guests at home, then visit the Distillery or their online shop to buy a bottle of delightful, locally made gin. Kings Cross Distillery have their ultrapremium, luxury range - Garden Island Gin and Australian Classic Dry Ginwhich are multi award-winning and have achieved a taste sensation unrivalled in the Australian market. You can also purchase their new releases - the Minerva Gin range - which are premium gins and are distilled with the same botanicals that are used in traditional medicine. These luscious spirits are said to evoke wisdom and courage. Kings Cross Distillery’s bar and restaurant is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm, so visit to enjoy a cocktail or a delicious meal. The menu is inspired by the culinary delights & flavours of the Middle East, Greece, and Southern Italy... Irresistibly paired with spirits distilled on-site. Not one to miss!
It was an incredibly hard decision to make Jenny Leong fondly remembers the Newtown Festival. Photo: Jenny Leong/Facebook
Motivation to learn and that it is its own reward is a key belief at Montessori Academy. Along with the Work Cycle function that sees children explore the classroom and they are encouraged to engage with their own learning process. Montessori Academy offers four programs such as the Infant Program (0-2), Toddler Program (2-3), Preschool Program (3-6) and the School Readiness and Kinder Preparation Program.
The Infant Program helps children between 0-2 to learn, with the focus on language development, movement skills, social skills, fine motor development and tracking development milestones. The curriculum consists of practical life skills, sensorial development, movement skills, language, and wellbeing.
children for their eventual transition into school. This program continues where the Toddler Program left off and adds the development of problem solving skills and creativity. This period in a child’s development is crucial, which is why Montessori Academy prioritises the continuation of the previously learned skills, along with the development of grace and courtesy, order, writing, music, reading and spatial relationships. The School Readiness and Preschool Program helps to ensure that children successfully transition into any school with the solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Through the combination of school-styled workbooks and practical school readiness skills, children will be able to confidently attend school.
Founded in 2000, Montessori Academy is an educational childcare provider that delivers a high-quality alternative to play-based day care. In May 2023, their Alexandria, Barangaroo, Glebe, and Victoria Park campuses took out 4 of 15 Early Childhood Centre Finalist spots in the City Region Local Business Awards. Montessori Academy Group prides itself on delivering a high quality and nurturing environments that allow children to grow into their best selves. Montessori Academy firmly believes that all children are born intelligent and have minds that will absorb everything like a sponge!
An educator’s role within a child’s learning jounrey is to guide them and Montessori takes that responsibility and more, with an emphasis on learning through hands-on experiences, problem solving and exploration.
Montessori Academy also believes that through positive interactions with their students, families and team members that children can be life-long, successful learners.
Besides being a more educational-based childcare option, what makes Montessori Academy different is the Montessori
Curriculum, Montessori Materials, Prepared Environment and educator roles. The education that children receive at Montessori Academy is purposely designed to give children a peak learning environment that will nurture and help unleash their full potential. The Montessori-style of learning is an individually paced, active and selfcorrecting form that is tailor-made for each child with their interests and needs at the forefront. Each educator’s goal at Montessori Academy is to help them develop the necessary skills to become independent and confident lifelong learners.
To help break it down further, Montessori Academy’s Education addresses all learning styles, with emphasis on hand-on and repetition, freedom of movement, intrinsic motivation with prepared classroom environments for the children to work in. The individualised curriculum allows the educators at Montessori Academy to monitor and track each child’s progress and help support them when needed. This is a massive benefit to a child’s growth and development when compared to the group paced lessons seen in traditional play-based childcare.
The Toddler Program continues on from where the Infant Program left off, with a focus on the development of confidence, independence and building an academic foundation for future learning. The curriculum continues with practical life, language and sensorial development, as well as adding mathematics, culture and a daily routine.
The Preschool Program brings in structured academics and a wellbeing program in order to help prepare
In 2022, Montessori Academy Group celebrated over 800 preschool graduates across their Sydney, Hunter, Melbourne, and Canberra childcares. Families across the country have praised Montessori Academy for their supportive, loving, friendly and wonderful energy and dedication to a child’s development, as well as their clean, neat, and beautiful campuses. Parents who wish to give their children the best education and opportunity to grow won’t find it better than Montessori Academy.
• Co-educational and secular
• Early Learning to Year 12
• Central location near Sydney CBD
• Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
• Celebrating diversity and personal achievement
• Join our local school with a global outlook
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe explained her controversial decision to potentially abstain from voting on the upcoming Voice referendum.
“I can’t support something that gives us no power and I certainly can’t support a ‘no’ campaign that is looking more like a white supremacy campaign,” Senator Thorpe said on ABC’s Insiders earlier this week.
“I’m considering to abstain from the up and coming vote,” she revealed.
Although Senator Thorpe said she may abstain in both the senate and the public referendum later this year, she emphasised that she will “continue to fight for justice” and noted her amendment to the Constitution Alteration bill.
“We need to start discussing sovereignty in this country that will ultimately bring power to First Nations people, which is what my amendment talks about.”
“A Voice may give advice to the parliament… Well ‘may’ is not good enough, as far as we’re concerned and we want real power. We want to be acknowledged as Sovereigns in this country, just as The Crown is acknowledged as a Sovereign,” Senator Thorpe said.
parliament to decide what the Voice looks like.”
She told City Hub how she would like to ensure a diverse range of First Nations voices are heard in Parliament.
Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003
1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
City Hub reached out to Senator Thorpe to discuss what exactly she would like to see The Government implement in terms of the Voice.
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
“The simple first step to ensure voices are heard is to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, which would ensure that it’s not a bunch of bureaucrats being heard but that we have the right to represent our distinct tribes and language groups according to our own cultural ways.”
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
“Myself and many others have repeatedly emphasised the importance of Truth before Treaty or Voice,” she said.
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003
“We need to go on a journey together as a nation,” Senator Thorpe continued, “The first step is understanding the impacts of colonisation in this country. It is about the coming together of people at a grassroots and community level, the knowledge, wisdom and voices are there waiting to be heard.”
2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW 2011
Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002
“Truth telling will assist all Australians to understand the true history of what’s happened and is happening and open the path to healing for all of us,” she said. “There can’t be progress if we don’t understand how we have come to be at this point in history.”
Unfortunately, the Voice does not necessarily guarantee a diverse representation of First Nations tribes and language groups, although it is stated in the design principles that “the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on the wishes of local communities.”
3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
Additionally, whilst the independent body will be able to advise the Parliament and Government, they will essentially have no power outside of this.
4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above
Senator Thorpe has also been vocal about her skepticism regarding what the Government’s process will be for establishing The Voice, saying on Insiders that ultimately “It’s up to the
government must step aside and give First Nations people the space to define and design our own representative bodies,” she said.
at Mudgee, Wellington, Nyngan, Narromine, Gilgandra and Dubbo.
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024
“Treaty requires First Nations people to have bodies that are independent of government to negotiate with government. According to the proposed Constitutional Amendment the Voice body will be defined by parliament.”
1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
For many ‘yes’ campaigners, however, the Voice is still a step in the right direction, albeit a much smaller step than Treaty or Sovereignty would be.
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long)
For instance, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) said in a statement to City Hub that the they believe “a Constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata (truth-telling) Commission is the best step forward for this country.”
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room
• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001
2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
“We believe the Voice reaffirms the core principles of truth-telling, justice and self-determination outlined at Uluru.”
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long)
• Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long)
• Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
“There is nothing about the Voice that contributes to Treaty,” Senator Thorpe told City Hub.
Deputy Chairperson Cr Ross Hampton said, “I attended the Voice Referendum Engagement Group meeting in Yulara and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, on the lands of the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples, last week where we discussed our role in engaging with First Nations communities and the broader Australian public, to ensure all Australians are able to fully participate in the referendum and walk together to a better future.’’
• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above
5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment
6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
“For there to be Treaty our Sovereignty must be recognised and the
Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001
3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
“Our CEO, Yuseph Deen, and NSWALC Councillors, Cr Anne Dennis and Cr Toomey, recently attended the United Nations Permanent Forum on the Rights of Indigenous People at the UN in New York where we argued for our right to self-determination and the recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples,” the NSWALC statement said.
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
“At NSWALC, we represent the best interests of all Aboriginal peoples in NSW, and we believe the best step forward is through Constitutional recognition and a pathway that supports Voice, Treaty and Truth telling, ’’Cr Hampton said.
However, NSWALC is concerned about the increase in racist rhetoric in the Voice discourses, something many First Nations twitter users called out last week.
• Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, Randwick NSW 2031 Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005
4. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
This rampant rise in racism would surely come as no surprise to Senator Thorpe who recently called out former Greens Colleague Senator Sarah Hanson-Young for failing to stand up against racism in the party. Senator Hanson-Younf rejected the accusation.
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
“I’ve experienced racism all my life, in every workplace, and The Greens were no different,” Senator Thorpe said on Insiders
• Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above
5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.
6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
Cr Grace Toomey, NSWALC elected councillor for the Central Region is attending Voice workshops this week across central NSW, inlcuding
“It is very important we encourage people to engage in respectful dialogue in discussions about the Voice. Our community is diverse, we will have differing opinions. It’s important that we treat people with respect and actively listen,” Cr Hampton said.
We want to be acknowledged as Sovereigns in this countrySenator Lidia Thorpe finds herself unable to support either side of the campaign. Photo: Facebook
Waverly Council has rejected a motion to oppose the AUKUS pact, which seeks to deliver nuclear submarines to Australia.
The motion, proposed by Greens Councillor and Deputy Mayor Elaine Keenan, asked the council to note Waverly’s anti-nuclear history, and call on the Albanese Labor Government to withdraw from the pact, sign a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons, and redirect allocated funds to housing and climate costs.
It also asked councillors to write to other councils across New South Wales, informing them of this resolution, and requesting that they move a similar motion.
“If the AUKUS plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines goes ahead it would result in a huge expansion of militarism and could have dire outcomes not only in the Waverley Council area but the whole region,” Cr Keenan told City Hub.
“We are about to hand over hundreds of billions of dollars of our tax payers money to other countries – one has to ask what benefit does that have for our community?”
Councilors voted not to pass the motion at a ratio of eight to four, opting to keep the council out of the AUKUS discussion.
Mayor Paula Masselos, who voted against the motion, believes the issue sits outside of the council’s purview.
“AUKUS is a complex foreign affairs and defence matter which is the responsibility of the Federal government, and therefore outside the purview of local government,” she told City Hub
Other councilors were more critical of the motion itself, finding it unfocused and wishful.
“This motion is a bit of a fruit salad […] it’s almost a Greens wish list of things,” said Cr Steven Lewis.
The AUKUS pact is a three-way partnership between Australia, the UK, and the United States. It’s “first major initiative,” according to a statement from the US White House,
www.catprotection.org.au
/catprotectionsocietynsw
Rehoming Organisation Number R251000224
is to “support Australia” in “acquiring conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.”
“This project will drain $368 billion, at least, from vital public services, like health, aged care, education the environment and climate action,” said Cr Keenan. It is unconscionable that in a cost of living crisis, Labor can find $368b for nuclear submarines.”
Cr Keenan has stated that the motion’s
rejection is not the end, and resolved to continue working against AUKUS when asked if she will bring it up with the council again.
“There are campaigns currently being put together by Greens and other concerned community members and Unions. I would most certainly consider assisting those campaigns and informing our community by bringing forward future anti-AUKUS motions.”
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Call the Cat Protection Society of NSW on 02 9557 4818 or visit www.catprotection.org.au
Rehoming Organisation Number: R251000224
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The Fair Work Commission has announced a 5.75 percent pay rise for both the national minimum wage and the award minimum wage following the workplace tribunal’s annual minimum wage review.
Minimum wage workers will see their wages lifted from $21.38 an hour to $22.61, or $859.32 per week.
In this year’s annual wage review, the Fair Work Commission noted that currently only about 0.7 percent of Australian employees are paid the National Minimum Wage and approximately 20.5 percent of Australian employees are paid in accordance with minimum wage rates in modern awards. With the announcement, around 2.7 million workers, which make up a quarter of Australia’s workforce, will be affected by the changes.
There are 121 modern awards which apply to employees in the national industrial relations system in various industries and occupations and a small number of modern enterprise awards which apply to specific business enterprises.
we have determined will make only a modest contribution to total wages growth in 2023-24 and will consequently not cause or contribute to any wageprice spiral,” the tribunal reported.
Rooftop Facility, 209-211 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Optus Vodafone Ref: S0969, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009003
1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the monthly CPI indicator rose 6.8 percent in the twelve months to April, up from the reported 6.3 percent increase in March this year.
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long)
Despite this year’s national minimum wage increase being higher than last year’s 5.2 percent, Fair Work Commission president Justice Adam Hatcher, admitted that this would not maintain the true value of minimum wage due to continued inflation.
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
Rooftop Facility, 48 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Optus Vodafone Ref: S2145, www.rfnsa.com.au/2008003
2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long)
Hatcher stated that the increase was “the most that could be reasonably justified.”
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.69m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.1m long)
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter responded to the decision of the workplace tribunal, estimating that the ruling would equate to around a $4.6 billion increase in annual costs to NSW businesses.
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
“In the medium to long-term, it is desirable that modern award minimum wages maintain their real value and increase in line with the trend rate of national productivity growth,” he said.
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
Rooftop Facility, 134-138 William Street, Wooloomooloo NSW 2011
Optus Vodafone Ref: S8901, www.rfnsa.com.au/2011002
3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
“This large wage increase comes at a time when a growing proportion of businesses (about one in four employers) have indicated to us that they will shed staff in the next three months,” Mr Hunter said.
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.75m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (1.35m long)
The Fair Work Commission’s announcement of their annual wage review also stated that the total wages of “modern award-reliant workers” constituted a limited proportion of the national wage bill, and that the tribunal was “confident” that the increase in the national minimum and award wages would not result in a wage-spiral.
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.83m long)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (2.78m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
4. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installations as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above
“Business confidence also remains low, according to the Business Conditions Survey. This, combined with falling productivity levels, make now a bad time to be increasing wages by such a significant amount.”
5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment
6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
“We are confident that the increase
Hunter stated that the planned wage increases would be “inflationary” as business profit margins were already “completely squeezed.”
Existing Facility (Level 10), 1-19 Oxford Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Optus Ref: S0209, www.rfnsa.com.au/2010024
1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m in length)
• Replacement of three (3) existing 4G panel antennas (2.68m long) with three new 4G panel antennas (1.5m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
Earlier this year, The Australian Council of Trade (ACTU) made a submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual minimum wage review, calling for a pay rise of 7% for the lowest-paid workers. ACTU secretary, Sally McManus, affirmed that the 7 percent pay increase was “essential” as it would “help working people keep their heads above water.”
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter; the antennas are at level 10 plant room
• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above Existing Monopole, 19 Harris Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 Optus Ref: S5576, www.rfnsa.com.au/2009001
2. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Installation of one (1) new 4G panel antenna (2.69 m long)
• Replacement of two (2) existing 4G panel antennas (2.53m long) with two new 4G panel antennas (2.69m long)
• Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long)
“It is simply about survival for the lowest-paid workers in our country. There are real people behind the statistics of Australia’s cost-of-living crisis – the workers we rely on to deliver vital services in early learning, aged care, disability care, fast food, cleaners, security, and retail,” she said in a statement to The Guardian Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) secretary told ABC News that while the news of the 5.75 percent minimum wage rise was welcome, it was not enough to combat the cost-of-living pressures that workers were experiencing.
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
As reported by The Guardian , the RAFFWU spokesperson stated:
• Optus regards the proposed installation as a low-impact facility in accordance with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
which works out to 25 cents an hour or $10 a week,” explaining that the increase was still a “real wage cut.”
Rooftop Facility, Lakes Business Park, Building 2, 2-26 Lord Street, Botany NSW 2019 Optus Ref: S0490, www.rfnsa.com.au/2019001
3. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
Peak social services body, NCOSS, welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s 5.75 percent wage increase and called for assurance that the NSW Government would fund the wage increase as well as the 0.5 percent increase in the superannuation guarantee levy from July 2023.
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
NCOSS Acting CEO Mr McAlpine stated that rolling crises have driven an exodus of staff to industries which offer better pay and conditions, where the work is much less demanding, while frontline services were struggling to meet escalating demand.
• Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above Rooftop Facility, 65-71 Belmore Road, Randwick NSW 2031 Optus Ref: S0041, www.rfnsa.com.au/2031005
4. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.59m long)
• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (0.81m long)
• Provision for three (3) future panel antennas (up to 1.5m long)
“Without additional funding to cover wage increases – and, with inflation sitting at well above 6 percent, the other rising costs of doing business – these services will be struggling to keep the doors open,” he said.
• New ancillary equipment including remote radio units, cabling and antenna mounts
• Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter
• The antennas are at rooftop level and there is a slight increase in the overall scale of the facility
• Optus regards the proposed installation as Exempt Development in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 based on the description above
5. Notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of Industry Code C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.
“We need the NSW Government to provide the additional necessary funding for providers of services to people who are homeless, households who cannot afford to put food on the table, women and children fleeing violent situations, and people struggling with serious health issues,” he added.
“Inflation is at 6.8% and so 5.75%, while it is welcome because workers right across Australia are doing it tough, it is still a whole [percentage point] below the current inflation rate
The award rates of pay will be increased by 5.75 percent effective from 1 July 2023.
6. Members of the public may obtain further information on the proposed work, and we invite you to provide written comments about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to Optus’ representative c/- James McIver, Catalyst ONE Pty Ltd; phone: 02 4022 9533; email: consultation@catalystone.com.au and post: PO Box 1119, Crows Nest NSW 1585 by 26 February 2021.
points communicated to residents and the public through letters, text, and social media, creating an air of confidence in their vote.
“The local member Ron Hoenig (ALP) tweeted on the eve of the state election that only Labor would save the Waterloo Public Housing Estate. Chris Minns said Labor would freeze the sale of public housing. Linda Scott (City of Sydney Councillor, ALP) said the same,” she said.
“These were all written messages, texted, tweeted, or posted on their official social media pages, prior to the election.”
Over 2 dozen market owners have pursued legal action against operation managing company, Sydney Market Limited (SML) following major plans to construct a luxury dining/ event venue within the current Paddy’s Market area.
Filing with the Supreme Court earlier this week, 25 stall owners are requesting SML to withdraw relocation orders requested earlier in December of last year.
City Hub spoke with Yi Weng, who has been selling luggage and goods within the precinct for the past 25-years and is leading the court action.
“What we are doing now is to protect our property, our lives, and our valuable
relocation of stalls, however due to the lack of information leading up to the plans announcement it is not applicable. Weng says they’re “confident [they] can win the case and get legal action to protect our private assets and properties.”
Sydney Markets were reached out for comment.
Sydney Markets announced the plans back in December 2022 detailing the Doltone House sublet were to take up 300 market spaces, over 3000 squaremetres within the Paddy’s Market venue. When announced, market holders in the space where the precinct is to be
BY REBECCA HERNANDEZ
Occupants of the Waterloo South public housing estate remain concerned and confused as the Minns government has repeatedly given them conflicting messages about the future of their homes.
Over 3000 residents have been subjected to a turbulent period of false promises and impending realities as plans for redevelopment in the area have been frequently cancelled and reconfirmed.
Norrie MayWelby, one such resident, tells CityHub of the situation, describing the New South Wales government’s shifting attitudes preand post-election.
“They were unambiguously opposed to the Waterloo demolition project before the election,” she said.
“That the tune changes the moment they are in power is just crushingly disappointing to anyone not sensibly cynical about politicians.”
Indeed, prior to appointment significant portions of NSW labour discussed both preserving public housing and ending its privatisation. May-Welby points out that these were
She continues, discussing how she and other residents only became aware of ongoing plans for Waterloo’s redevelopment through government reports and media articles.
“We find out from Hansard [that] Minns says the Waterloo wrecking ball will be good to go. And from the Guardian we read the state Labour government is gung-ho on continuing the demolition plans of the previous Liberal/National government,” May-Welby said.
Amidst resident concerns, the government now appears firm in its intention to move forward with redevelopment.
NSW State Minister for Water, Housing, and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, assured The Guardian that residents will be considered, stating that they “would be rehoused within the suburb and offered spots back in the complex when the development is completed.”
“I totally understand the frustration and confusion surrounding Waterloo South for residents – there are timeframes that are out of our control but we are working hard to resolve our plan as quickly as possible,” she said. Looking to an uncertain future, MayWelby and her fellow residents are resigned – with no choice but to wait out the situation to its end.
“This too will pass,” she concludes.
assets,” Weng explained regarding the choice of legal action.
Weng explains that prior to the announcement of the development and notice of relocation in late 2022, there was no consultation from SML with affected market holders about plans for the redevelopment which would affect them. Plans for the development is to make space for a “high-end food and beverage precinct” led by Doltone House, a luxury venue and catering company. “They [Doltone House] are in no position to be trading in Paddy’s market and they are now coming to take up our stands and locations for free… We are shareholders, we have rights.”
Purchasing his stand for $300,000 back in 2003, Weng explained the reasoning for the relocation does not match the criteria of the occupancy agreement for his stall to be relocated. Weng acknowledges that SML can request
developed were given till the 20th of March this year to relocate.
Community groups and the City of Sydney Council have tried to intervene in the development since, with Council passing a motion aimed to protect the market area.
Deputy Mayor Sylvie Elsmore previously stated the concern from the local community was due to the development’s “gentrification of the markets” and potential loss of “social heritage.”
With legal proceedings set to begin soon, it is unsure if or when development will continue.
to protect our property, our lives, and our valuable assets
the tune changes the moment they are in power
Clearly, reality TV knows few boundaries and the producers are constantly looking at new concepts to reel in the suckers –sorry, I mean the viewers.
The most recent manifestation sees a mixed lot of contestants stuck either on an island or in some mountainous wilderness; a weekly saga of survival in which the eventual winner gets to take home a million dollar reward.
Both Nine’s The Summit and Seven’s Million Dollar Island are the usual predictable, contrived, reality fodder, over-flowing with human conflict, goodies and baddies, heartbreak, despair and the kind of shameless competitive zeal that a million dollar bounty generatesto put it simply, bullshit.
I recently took the opportunity to ask Chat GPT to come up with a series of ideas for new reality shows. I fed in all the usual key words like sex, anger, jealousy, stupidity, a million dollars, nudity, even more nudity, cliff hangers, people hanging off cliffs, babes in bikinis, bearded buffoons and a bedraggled group of contestants running
down a normally deserted beach. Wow –here’s just a few of the ratings winners that were generated before you could say ‘Naked Dating In Iceland’.
NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK: Twenty handpicked contestants spend ten episodes searching for a needle in a giant haystack with a promised million dollar
prize for anybody who can locate it. In the final episode it’s revealed that there was in fact no needle in the haystack and that the entire show was just a metaphor for achieving the impossible. Twenty hand-picked, now pissed off contestants, are all placated with $50 KFC vouchers.
LILOS DOWN THE AMAZON: There’s a million dollars again for the player who can navigate the 6,400 KM of the Amazon on just a lilo, surviving only on a diet of Spam and Pepsi and with a set of bow and arrows to deflate the opposition.
STORAGE WARS – THE MUSICAL: In the original Storage Wars, a bunch of thrift shop owners and the like bid on the contents of lockers abandoned by their owners. In the new season the lockers are all full of Elvis impersonators, both good and bad (some even dead!). The buyers only get to hear them sing when they successfully bid, with the option of signing them to a Las Vegas contract or flogging off their sequinned jumpsuits.
And yes you asked for it reality fans: NAKED DATING IN ICELAND: Couples from all over the world converge naked on a glacier in Iceland to match with a potential partner. Shrinkage and erectile dysfunction are no excuse as the horniest couples are rewarded with a 30min karaoke session with Bjork and an unlimited supply of canned herrings.
a Family Program consisting of two movies so children can also enjoy the festival buzz and a selection of horror flicks in the Freak Me Out program for lovers of the genre.
Moodley explained that the Screenability Program is a vital inclusion in the film festival as it’s a platform for filmmakers with disability to show their important works.
“We’re one of few major international film festivals that have such a program and it’s worked really well. There’s an enthusiasm for this program and audiences have enjoyed these films over the years so it’s very important for us to continue doing this.”
Australian films are prominent in this year’s festival with Warwick Thornton’s much lauded, The New Boy, selected as the opening night feature. The film premiered at the prestigious Canne Film Festival last month and received an enthusiastic response.
BY MARK MORELLINI
This year, the specially curated program consists of 239 titles from 67 different countries most of which are Australian premieres and several world premieres.
Festival Director Nashen Moodley recently sat down to speak with City Hub about the SFF, which is the longest running and most prominent film festival in the world. With smaller countries such as Yemen now producing movies, the role of cinema in spreading cultural awareness is paramount.
“Cinema is very important in revealing stories about places and it’s a very accessible artform. It’s one that can have such a vast influence over people who see these films,” enthused Moodley. “It’s wonderful that movies are produced in countries like Yemen as these films have such impact and they can be seen all over the world. That’s the beauty of a film festival.”
Moodley explained that many filmmakers who have had their feature
films and shorts screened at the SFF over the years have carved successful careers in the industry as this film festival heightens their profile.
“It doesn’t just bring these filmmakers to a public audience, but also to an industry audience. We have many film professionals in Sydney and in Australia who watch these films and look for new talent so that’s what I think is important for up and coming filmmakers – it’s an important steppingstone in their careers.”
Several programs in this festival should be of interest to festival attendees. There are 13 titles that have been produced by First Nation filmmakers,
Cinema is very important in revealing stories about placesPhoto: Belinda Rolland
Set in the Australian outback in the 1940s, The New Boy is an exhilarating story of an orphaned 9-year old Aboriginal boy (played by outstanding child actor, Aswan Reid) who is sent to a monastery. There, he is taken under the wimple of a cranky, less than pious nun played by nun other than Cate Blanchett. Bound to be a winner.
Screwball comedy The Big Dog, relationship drama Love Road, psychological thriller Run Rabbit Run and queer coming of age tale Sunflower should also prove to be popular choices. Australian documentaries including The Dark Emu Story, Keeping Hope, The Last
Daughter, Rachel’s Farm and The Cape should also captivate curious audiences.
Moodley strongly recommends heading along to any screening that may appeal, as most of the movies at this film festival may never re-appear on the silver screen again.
“Some films may go on for cinematic distribution but most will never be seen again any time soon in Sydney. It’s changed a lot over the past 10 years. It’s becoming more and more difficult to see a broad range of international cinema in our regular cinemas.”
But the SFF is not just about movies. The Hub is, in a sense the centre of the
MONSTER (Japan) – When a young child starts to behave strangely, he claims he’s a monster. “Could his teacher be responsible for the boy’s distress?” his mother asks. An intense and mysterious drama.
THE DARK EMU STORY (Australia) – An inspiring documentary re-telling the story of Bruce Pascoe’s book Dark Emu. Australia was asked to revise its history and a heated discussion evoked. Should Pascoe’s work be refuted by academics?
THE NEW BOY (Australia) – A 1940’s drama directed by Warwick Thornton centreing on a young Aboriginal orphan whose angst subsides once his relationship with a nun blooms. But what unusual powers does he possess? Cate Blanchett delivers another remarkable performance.
festival where people can go to have a drink before or after watching a movie and meet up with friends.
“It’s a useful meeting place for audiences to talk about cinema. For local and international filmmakers it’s really a vital spot for them. What is wonderful is that filmmakers from
night of dancing after the Australian premiere of hilarious Kiwi flick Red, White & Brass
Recently announced is that the Hollywood action packed blockbuster, Indiana Jones & The Dial Of Destiny, will be the premiere movie closing the festival. The final instalment to the highly successful franchise should ensure that tickets sell fast!
around the world say to me, “Wow! The Mayor has given you the Town Hall to have your film festival? That would never happen in my city!”
The Hub will also be hosting film-based trivia nights with prizes up for grabs and talks with filmmakers including Jane Campion and Rachel Ward. There will be an after party on the gala opening night and themed parties for movies including ‘80s cult classic Hairspray, horror flick Late Night With The Devil, and a free
When asked whether the movies screening at this festival should only appeal to lovers of arthouse cinema Moodley was quick to respond. “No definitely not because our program is so incredibly varied. We want everyone to come along - but not every film is for everyone. Through the range of films we present we want this to be a festival for everybody. We want everyone to feel they have a space at this festival and for children to come along when they’re young and for 70 years after!”
And what hopes does he have for the SFF in 10 years time?
“If in 10 years time we’re getting more people to the festival and we’re still showcasing the best films from all over the world and we’re also still providing a platform for new exciting Australian filmmakers then I’d say we’d be in a very good space.”
We’re one of few major international film festivals that have such a programThe Big Dog Monster Run Rabbit Run The Dark Emu Story
His new album features surprise guest vocals
(See p.28)
BY RITA BRATOVICHThe atrocities that the Nazi regime inflicted upon Jewish people during its formidable reign have been depicted many times in many art mediums, yet each new story that is told still has the same potency, still shocks and saddens. At the same time, because the story is being told by a survivor, it restores faith in the human spirit.
So it is with Driftwood, a new musical based on a stage play by Jane Bodie which in turn is based on the memoir by Eva de Jong-Duldig. Driftwood tells the story of Slawa Horowitz-Duldig and her
husband, Karl Duldig, both artists living in Vienna, Austria during the 1930s. The narrative begins with their courtship, marriage, the arrival of Eva, their daughter, and the ominous first overtones of the Anschluss. Slawa, an inventor as well as an artist, has just patented her design for the foldable umbrella (yes, she actually invented it!) The concept of “shelter” is used as a very clever leitmotif throughout the musical.
Forced to flee Europe, Slawa, Karl and Eva make a new home in Melbourne, after spending two years in an internment camp.
The story is told in flashback. Eva (Bridget Costello) is a teen when we first meet her. She is aware that her parents have a traumatic past but she has never been able to extract details from them. Finally, one day, she is presented with a large cardboard box. In it are letters, documents, photos and other paraphernalia. As she sifts through and selects various items the relevant scenes are played out.
The music and lyrics by Anthony Barnhill are in the style of Sondheim. Barnhill has also included several traditional Jewish songs and infused the original music with a hint of cultural nostalgia. The three piece band adds a folk authenticity to the music. Be sure and see this stunning new Australian musical.
June 7 – 18, Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst darlinghursttheatre.com
After huge success at London’s National Theatre and an additional follow up West End run, Consent makes its Australian premiere for a three-week season at the Seymour Centre. Indeed, discussions and considerations around consent can often be just as complex, intense and multi-layered as Nina Raine’s exceptional and acclaimed play. Yet, consent is not the only storyline here. The play could just as easily have been called “Trust” or “Relationships”.
Brought to the Australian stage by the award-winning Outhouse Theatre Co and directed by Craig Baldwin, this excellently scripted production really is a perfect example of quality design and direction. Visual metaphors are used throughout, with the minimal staging often
emphasising these points. The backdrop to the whole stage is a mirrored glass partition so the audience often catch glimpses of themselves reflected in the relationships being explored on stage. The powerful (and quite grotesque) courtroom scene suggests that the audience is the judge and jury, directly involved in the onstage drama, and we are forced to decide where guilt, consent and injustice may (or possibly may not) have taken place. Although the acting is consistently superb throughout, some of the accents were a little meanderingly imprecise. One attempt at Geordie, for example, sounded comically more Welsh than Northern. Until June 24, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale
www.seymourcentre.com
The ultimate destruction of mankind on Earth is hastened by a plague of gigantic mutant rabbits. Only the heroic actions of an activist group called Tangleweb can save humans from extinction. But they need to get to Mars to do it. Enter, a mega-rich entrepreneur with a rocket ship who’s prepared to take two Tangleweb scientists with him to the Red Planet where he intends to declare himself king.
That’s the basic premise of Rabbits
On a Red Planet, a new Australian musical premiering at Flight Path Theatre. Co-written by Andy Leonard and Irving Gregory with original music by Ryley Gillen, it is a sci-fi adventure parody with some subtle political/social commentary.
Leonard plays Rob Muskus, the entrepreneur. He is joined on stage by Isabelle Kohout as Dr Janice Evelyn, a Tangleweb scientist, and James Burchett as Adam, a data analyst / double agent. Jenny Woolley and Sara Camara make up the ensemble. This is the first presentation from newly formed theatre company, Carrot & Stick Productions and it’s a brave venture; staging a quirky sci-fi musical might be more daring than a trip to Mars. However, it’s always refreshing to see new Australian works by emerging talent in a theatre whose aim is to bring art to the people. And there just may be some prescient lessons to be learnt from this play. June 8 – 24, Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, www.flightpaththeatre.org
In its first week of release, the new John Farnham documentary, Finding the Voice took well over $2 million at the box office, making it a contender for the most successful Australian documentary ever. The same week saw the film’s soundtrack album debut at number 2 on the ARIA charts.
“We seem to be on track to creating a box office record,” said Mikael Borglund, chief executive officer and managing director for Beyond International, the documentary’s producers.
Directed by Polly Stockwell and produced by Olivia Hoopman, other key Finding the Voice creatives
The Covid restrictions in 2020 was the first major hurdle. Then in early 2022, Glenn Wheatley died. Wheatley had been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, and was the main conduit between Farnham and the production team.
“Glenn was the guiding force who really wanted to get this film made, and he was the connection to John,” Borglund said.
Throughout the production process Farnham remained at arms length and left negotiations to Wheatley. If there were any concerns that the production would stall or even stop, these were soon allayed when Wheatley’s wife, Gaynor stepped into the breach.
Legendary Australian actress and comedy icon, Mary Coustas has embarked on a deeply personal and emotional journey with her latest project, This Is Personal. This captivating theatre production draws inspiration from her autobiography, “All I Know: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Life,” as Coustas delves into the intricacies of her life, exploring the universal themes of love, loss, resilience, and self-discovery.
“I’ve been doing this for too long to not deliver something that’s worth it. I take comedy very seriously. I want it to be the best it can be. I have enough people around me to challenge the material - and me - to deliver the best I can”.
include Borglund’s additional executive producers Paul Clarke and Martin Fabinyi.
All would embark on a long journey to get the film made.
“We started discussions with Glenn (Wheatley) in 2019 and we brought Paul Clarke onboard to write a treatment, and then Glenn took it to John,” Borglund said
“John then said ‘Let’s put it together’.”
Unusual for anyone giving access to their life’s story, Farnham did not make any demands for editorial control.
“It was a pretty brave thing to do,” Borglund said.
“There was an agreement that was negotiated with John’s lawyers and they did not see anything until the fine cut.”
“Gaynor was critical to bringing this production to fruition,” Borglund said. Once everyone saw the rough cut, they knew they had something.
“Everyone was in tears,” Borglund said. “We didn’t realise that in part of his career there was a real struggle, and people love that story of the rise and the fall and the rise…but behind the scenes it’s not all what it appears and for many people in the creative arts, it is a tough journey.”
In late 2022 Farnham was diagnosed with cancer from which he is recovering.
“From ‘Sadie’, he was a pop star, and this doco will give people a greater understanding of John and for people to see John as the huge star that he is,” Borglund said.
“I’m just so sad that Glenn didn’t get to see it.”
“It’s more than an extension of my autobiography. It’s got very physical elements. There’s a lot of physical comedy in it. There’s a lot of profound moments; a lot of deeply dramatic moments. A lot of funny characters that I slip in-andout of that establish the world that I came from, and then the one I went into as an actress. Ultimately, it’s about love; about who we are and where we belong, and who we leave behind, and what we inherit along the way”.
This Is Personal delves into universal themes that transcend Coustas’ personal story. The production addresses the complexities of familial relationships, the pursuit of dreams, the pain of loss, and the strength found in resilience. While the show is deeply personal, it’s equally very funny.
Mary’s advice to aspiring creatives, “Ask yourself why you’re doing it. If it’s to be noticed, there may be a better shortcut through social media or something like that. If it’s to tell truths and to wrap them up in great storytelling; if it’s to impact on human beings and to transfer whatever talent you have, and you wrap it up in something and you give it over to the public; then you need to be prepared to scale up as much as possible. And you need to work really really hard to make it the best that it can be”. Lastly, Coustas assures us that her signature character, Effie, of Acropolis Now fame, is ever-green. “I’ve done my best work in the last 10 years. The most daring, bold, well-written, and well-executed stuff; Effie will never die as far as I’m concerned”. Coustas concedes This Is Perfect is the perfect counterbalance to her satirical Effie character, and the two will co-exist long into Australia’s future. June 13 – 17, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood www.theconcourse.com.au
The Powerhouse Museum recently announced the acquisition of the archive of the 1980’s Australian fashion house Studibaker Hawk.
Consisting of 22 garments, fashion illustrations, silkscreens, fashion photography, catalogues, look books, media scrapbooks and posters, the archive will complement the four Studibaker Hawk dresses already in the Powerhouse collection.
Founded in 1982 by Janelle Miles, David Miles and Wendy Arnold, Studibaker
Hawk’s signature dress became one of the 1980’s most sought after party frocks. Inspired by 1940’s and 1950’s fashion, the label’s distinctive dresses combined original textile prints with extravagant sculptural silhouettes. Miles also cites London’s punk scene, which she experienced firsthand in London in the late 1970’s, as a design influence. Production of the dresses involved metres of screen-printed fabric, which were cut into layered flounces with padded and wired hems, then decorated with diamantes and feathers. The production
After months hidden behind a construction fence, Sydney Place finally opened in March this year revealing a spectacular new entertainment precinct in the heart of Circular Quay.
With Sydney’s tallest office building at its core, the plaza-styled precinct is surrounded by several architecturally unique buildings and structures designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.
Its retail offering includes fine dining, food courts, great bars, cafes and takeaways. Adding a European vibe are three intimate laneways buzzing with dining and entertainment.
A centrepiece of Sydney Place is a large, perforated steel canopy that seemingly balances atop the triangular Plaza Building. Designed by acclaimed indigenous artist, Daniel Boyd in
collaboration with British architect Sir David Adjaye, the artwork is intended to be interactive and dynamic, allowing dappled natural light to filter through the holes and create random patterns on the ground.
Hidden Realms is another public artwork, an installation of neon sculptures that illuminate one of the walkways in the plaza. Chinese-Australian artist Louise Zhang collaborated with Indigenous artist Dennis Golding to create a piece that takes inspiration from their respective cultures.
“By incorporating artistic expression into our built environments, we hope to create more inviting, enjoyable and inclusive spaces that spark conversation and connection, while paying homage to the people and places that were here before,” says Steve McGillivray, Project Director for Lendlease
www.sydneyplace.com
was labour intensive, the fabric cut by hand on long tables and heat set in tumble dryers.
Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said the Powerhouse is “thrilled to accept this iconic collection from Studibaker Hawk,” stating that the garments “demonstrate the designers’ exceptional
skill and creativity and capture a unique moment in Australia’s history”
“The Powerhouse collection is made richer through this important acquisition and we look forward to sharing this collection with our communities and audiences into the future.”
www.maas.museum
Taking place in South Eveleigh’s Innovation Plaza and along Locomotive Street, Dark Day Dark Night is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a night time feast and tasting experience, celebrating fire, music, performance, food and the breweries and wineries around Australia.
The free entry event will feature food, music and sips by the fire. Visitors can also attend a number of guided tours and blacksmith demonstrations, providing them with a glimpse of South Eveleigh’s industrial past.
The event will feature a lineup of Sydney’s best chefs, restaurants and beverages. Visitors can enjoy a selection of dark beers, wines and spirits from several artisanal suppliers. Lovers of art can also take part in a Sip and Sketch life drawing session.
As the sun sets, catch a glimpse of South Eveleigh’s industrial past on a guided tour of the 130 year old Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop. On this lantern led adventure, guests will learn about the precinct’s heritage and be guided through areas that are not usually open to the public.
Dark Day Dark Night will also see Innovation Plaza come to life with a number of Indigenous performances by Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts and artists like Andy Golledge Band, Crawfish Po’Boys, Zia Jade and DJ Victoria Anthony. Fires, integral to blacksmithing, will light up the plaza, including performances from fire dancers and flame throwers.
June 22 & 23, 4pm – 9pm, 2 Central Avenue, Eveleigh southeveleigh.com
BY REBECCA HERNANDEZ
The brewery at the centre of a global craft beer revolution, Sierra Nevada is a refreshing golden oasis in the dry Aussie desert. Combining a pioneering spirit with the finest ingredients, Sierra Nevada crafts a taste to back its legendary reputation. Through the alchemy of fermentation, brew masters work their artisanal magic and transform everyday hops, malt, and yeast into award-winning beers and ales – for enthusiasts and locals alike to enjoy.
Sierra Nevada is shipping all across the globe, eager to bring its vibrant flavour right to your doorstep.
It was a habit of chasing curiosity that created the first sparks of Sierra Nevada. Many years of backyard tinkering and hidden science projects had led founder Ken Grossman to his ultimate discovery: homebrewing. Simultaneously fascinated and driven by an innate talent for crafting, he would continuously push the envelope further, playing with more hop-forward flavours at a time when American beer wasn’t known for taking chances. Under the banner of ‘The Home Brew Shop’ in Chico, California, Grossman would work to hone his craft – quietly scouring salvage yards and defunct dairies to find the tanks, pipes, and valves on the side before finally opening Sierra Nevada –after his love of hiking – on November 15, 1980, in a hand-built brewhouse.
Taking his first sip of a laboriously crafted, 13-hour stout, Grossman knew his journey was just beginning. The Sierra Nevada Pale Ale that followed began a craft beer revolution that still sends shockwaves across the world today.
Sitting down with Sierra Nevada International Brand Ambassador, and brother to Ken, Steve Grossman, it becomes apparent that a clear and simple love for the craft sits at the company’s core.
“What started us on this, what it was is that we love drinking ale,” he said. “And every time we expand [the range], its basically because those are the beers that we love drinking.”
These days, the company continues the work of its founder in earnest, never forgetting the power of bold tastes, quality ingredients, and a can-do attitude in the process. Sierra Nevada’s finely curated range has been praised by reviewers, authors, and journalists alike, noting each beverage’s palate-stirring complexity and
depth. Their signature Pale Ale is known for its aromas of pine and citrus, which gives way to a subtle and sweet taste of caramelized malt, while their iconic Torpedo IPAs are full hops ahead, packed with intense and explosive flavour. The company achieves such a diverse yet beloved profile through a harmonious mix of skill and innovation – pairing the
best people with the best facilities to create the best that craft beer has to offer. With custom-made dry hopping machines inside state of the art, (not handmade) breweries, there is no compromise for quality at Sierra Nevada. From scrappy start-up to one of America’s top independent craft breweries, the
company is also still 100% family owned and operated, and uncompromising in its identity despite its storied history.
Grossman also puts an emphasis on the inventive spirit that drives continues to drive the company today.
“We do a lot of experimentation I think,” he discusses.
“We’ve always been innovative and collaborative and I think that’s what sets our industry apart. We all like to share ideas to improve the overall quality of craft beer in general.”
There’s more to Sierra Nevada then quality, magic, and an inventor’s ingenuity however. The craft beer brew masters are also leaders in sustainable corporate management. Winning the United States Environmental Protection Agencies ‘Green Business of the Year Award’ in 2010, the company has only ramped up their efforts towards a greener future. Constantly looking to a world bigger than beer, Sierra Nevada is committed to highquality, low-impact brewing – investing in environmentally friendly methods of production such as powering their breweries with the largest solar array in the industry, diverting 99.8% of their solid waste from the landfill, and building the first and only ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’ (LEED) Platinum production brewery in the US. Actively passing up the chance to brew more easily and cheap, Grossman and Sierra Nevada know the difference between the cost-benefit and doing the right thing.
“We do it because we care,” he said. “[Ken and I], we grew up hiking and spending every summer as a youth in the outdoors, along the Sierra Nevada mountain range – its where we got our name. And so its so important for us that we preserve that, we preserve our environment. It’s embedded in us.” Overall, cracking open a Sierra Nevada beverage is enjoying a drink that does some good. Perfect for relaxing evenings at home, parties on the beach, or anything in between, there’s simply no going wrong with the smooth and iconic flavours that can’t be beat. With recipes beloved and refined for over 40 years, produced by passionate individuals with a love for the craft, all utilising the finest ingredients available, Sierra Nevada is truly the best choice around.
Natalie Mering is a west coast American singer, who in a few short years has become a fan favourite with her particular musical style. She performs under the moniker, Weyes Blood, inspired by the Flannery O’Connor novel, Wise Blood. Known for her exceptional vocal clarity and extraordinary range, Mering has a reputation for producing music of
knew that they were experiencing an exceptional performer who was comfortable with her prowess on stage.
The show was largely drawn from Titanic Rising and her latest work, And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow, but also featured “Grapevine”, “Children of the Empire”, “God Turned Me Into a Flower” and other more familiar songs. Titanic Rising’s “Andromeda” was what
F
ollowing the release of their 11th studio album, But Here We Are, the Foo Fighters will return to Australia and New Zealand this year. In the coming months, they will be performing in Japan, Brazil and Abu Dhabi before heading to Australia in late November.
The 15-time Grammy winners will perform in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane before travelling to New Zealand to perform in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington in January 2024.
This will be Foo Fighters’ first Australia and New Zealand headline tour since 2018. Though the band had scheduled shows in both countries last year, they were subsequently cancelled following
Produced by Greg Kurstin and Foo Fighters, But Here We Are has already received universal acclaim. The ten piece album features tracks like ‘Rescued’, ‘Under You’, ‘Show Me How’ and ‘The Teacher’. It is their first album since Hawkins’ death. As they tour Australia, Foo Fighters will be joined by special guests including QLD punkers The Chats, who will join them in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, and UK duo Hot Milk, who will open for the band in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. General public tickets go on sale on Thursday, 15th June and can be purchased from premier.ticketek.com.au
great beauty that is multi-layered in its interpretation and is often referred to as baroque pop.
A packed Joan Sutherland Theatre at Sydney’s Opera House welcomed the singer and her band with rapturous applause before even a note was played.
From the very first, the audience
many were waiting for and the singer and her band did not disappoint. Candelabras set across the stage provided atmosphere to the simple and effective lighting, while video projections added to the mood. It all ended at an economic 90 minutes to a standing ovation with Weyes Blood and the band returning to another ovation.
BY EMMY WHITE
J
ake Shears’ brilliant new album, Last Man Dancing, was released on Friday, 2nd June on Mute. The project features two highly acclaimed recent singles “Too Much Music” and “I Used To be In Love”, as well as a collaboration with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.
In his own words, Shears describes Last Man Dancing as “a journey through the ultimate house party”, incorporating both sing-along moments and deeper, darker pieces. In many ways, it feels like the
album Shears was born to make, demonstrating his lifelong love affair with club culture, while also adopting the sound of a spiritual homecoming with “Voices”, his highly anticipated creative reunion with Kylie Minogue. The album’s songs vary from the disco groove of “Too Much Music” to the funk workout “Do The Television”, which Shears says “is about language and the loss of meaning, changing symbols and forgotten history.”
The album reaches its crescendo with what Shears refers to as “The
Suite”, an instrumental-led mix including “Mess Of Me”, “Doses” and “Radio Eyes”. Featuring the voices of Big Freedia, Iggy Pop, Jane Fonda and Amber Martin, it sees the album reach almost dystopian depths, before it finally closes with the cinematic track “Diamonds Don’t Burn”.
When discussing the inspiration behind Last Man Dancing , Shears said “It’s inspired by all the overthe-top house parties I’ve thrown throughout my life.” www.jakeshears.com
Marrickville Metro will host its inaugural Festiville this weekend, celebrating all that’s great about Marrickville, the Inner West and Metro itself. The Festiville program will span two days, across two floors and will be too good to miss.
The aim is to bring together a community that’s rich in cultural diversity, talent and spirit, by encouraging local businesses, performers, and schools to share their offerings. For one big weekend, Marrickville Metro will be a festival hub with activities spread over both levels. There will be mini themed villages around the centre including Beautyville, Kidsville, and Marketville.
The whole thing kicks off with a warm Welcome To Country by much loved Gadigal man, Uncle Ray Davidson. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the festival. Martha, an inner west indie songwriter and performer who is steadily garnering a fanbase. She’ll be singing her folk-infused songs on the main stage.
Music of another kind comes care of the 35 strong St Pius Primary School choir who will perform a stunning selection
of tunes along with a three-piece ensemble. Not to be outdone, Wilkins Public School will showcase three extraordinarily talented rock bands - The Marrickville Pigeons, The Amplifiers and Daisy Chain.
For something slightly different, the Inner West Vietnamese Language School will share their rich culture through a beautiful live performance of traditional music and dance.
Round the kids up for a very special
treat. None other than Bluey and Bingo will be at the centre in person, dancing and singing on stage, then meeting and greeting their little fans.
Food is integral to any festival and Festiville is no exception. Eateries throughout the Metro will be serving up special treats and offering discount deals across the two days. You’ll also be able to learn some cooking tips and get advice. Jimoto will demonstrate how to use Japanese spices authentically. One of the food highlights will be a special guest appearance by MasterChef 2021 Runner Up, Pete Campbell, who’ll show you how to cook a meal in 30 minutes, and maybe answer some of your pressing kitchen questions. Around the centre you’ll be able to pick up fashion bargains, win prizes, get free advice and demonstrations on makeup, hair, tattoos and piercing, men’s grooming and beard treatment, and even free 5-minute massages.
Plus, don’t miss the fabulous art tour around Marrickville Metro. Guided by Inner West Council, you’ll be shown large and small scale artworks in and around the site and be told the stories behind them.
COME TO FESTIVILLE THIS WEEKEND.
The majority of film sequels never do as well as the original film, with a rare few exceptions – Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse is one of those exceptions. This film has an overall theme of growth – whether that’d be personal or environmental. Characters from the first film like Peter B. Parker have changed from the ‘I don’t need a sidekick/mentee’ to a proud father of an adorable daughter. His character rocks the slippers and baby carrier, while excitedly having multiple photos of his daughter on his phone which he shows to everyone. And the introduction of new characters like Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya) who
is the embodiment of old school British punk raging against the system and chaotic good and Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni) who once saw the job as his world’s Spider-Man as easy before getting a reality check.
Overall, the movie is visually beautiful and brings in variations of Spider-Man from across every form of media: Lego Spider-Man, animated TV show versions of Spider-man, old school comics and even shots of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s versions of the friendly neighbourhood hero. And the humour isn’t forced but clever and timed perfectly.
In cinemas now
Count Dracula returns to the big screen in this hysterically violent horror comedy flick which is indisputably the surprise movie of the year!
Nicholas Hoult plays the role of Renfield, Count Dracula’s henchman. He’s a servant of the prince, having spent many years together in a lunatic asylum. Count Dracula’s plan is to join forces with an equally evil arch villain and rule the world, unleashing pain and suffering. After having murdered countless people to fuel Dracula’s evil existence, Renfield finally sees the error of his ways and decides to break away from this toxic relationship.
And so the fun begins as he attempts to redeem himself fighting darkness and evil to save the world.
What follows is a hilarious, fast paced, action packed, and bone crunching blood fest with death defying stunts that should have audiences laughing and turning away from the screen simultaneously.
Renfield is a feast for the eyes and ears with surprisingly stunning CGI and sound effects that compound the momentum and enjoyment of this movie.
High quality silliness pervades this funfilled cinematic time-filler. 1/2
In cinemas now
This is a quaint British film, very loosely based on a true story.
Dave Fishwick played by Rory Kinnear, is a successful small business owner in the small northern England town of Burnley. He is a man of simple means with a big heart and lots of spare cash which he is happy to loan out to people in the town. One such loanee half-jokingly suggests that Dave open up his own bank and the idea settles and ferments in Dave’s brain.
Big snobby bank execs in London catch wind of Dave’s plan and a legal battle
ensues in a classic Dave vs Goliath tale. This film has all the cliches and not much insight beyond the facts of the story, but it isn’t really trying to do anything else but raise a smile. Eighties British rock band, Def Leppard (one of the real Dave Fishwick’s favourite bands) give a cameo concert performance towards the end of the film.
There aren’t a lot of surprises within this story, but the story itself is refreshing in its rustic authenticity.
In cinemas now
BY MARK MORELLINIBased on a Stephen King short story written in the late 1970s, the story surrounds an entity which attaches itself to a house and the effect it has on a family who are emotionally distraught after a recent tragic death.
“There’s a monster in the closet!” the young girl screams but family members disbelieve her – that is until the entity is seen by others.
This is initially an eerie and spinechilling horror flick which uses all the tricks including creaky doors, strange ominous sounds in the dead of night, and traditional jump scare moments to harness the desired reaction from
audiences. The first half of the movie works on suspense getting audiences ready for the ‘climactic horror’ which transpires in the second half.
The performances from the ensemble cast cannot be faulted and production values are high, but unfortunately the movie is flat owing to the absence of original material.
There was no surprise in the final scene when the cliched ‘just when you thought it was over…’ moment concluded the movie. Will there be a cliched sequel to look forward to? Let’s hope not…
1/2
In cinemas now
This year, the popular Bondi Festival will feature everything the public has come to expect and lots more they never could have imagined. Best of all, the festival celebrates a long-awaited homecoming to its original, now beautifully refurbished, Bondi Pavilion.
This year’s program features an inclusive melange of delights, with something for all the family, something just for the grown-ups, a bit of theatre, cabaret, music, dance, a laugh or two, food and beverage, and something special for non-human family members, too.
“We’ve got such an exciting program this year with such a variety of offerings that everyone should find something in it for them. And it’s so great to be able to showcase our brilliant local talent as well as host some terrific international artists.” says festival director, Rachel Chant. “It’s going to be a wonderful, vibrant two weeks in Bondi.”
The now iconic Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel will, as ever, spin like a glowing landmark, a beacon to the central hub as well as a great way to get a seagull’s view of the festivities and the beach. Another favourite fixture is the Bondi Festival Ice Rink, offering a rare opportunity for Bondi visitors to skate on real ice.
Bondi Festival’s 17-day program boasts more than 30 events, performances and activities across a variety of genres and will be shared over a number of locations apart from its core hub in the Pavilion. Bondi Beach and surrounds, Badlambs Barbershop, The Blue Hotel Bondi, Campbell Parade, and Queen
Elizabeth Drive will all host events. The festival will open with a day of First Nations dance, workshops, food, music and immersion into the area’s original culture. Marang, which translates as “sand dunes” in Dharawal language, will take place in the Garu (northern) courtyard and on the land of the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal people. Dig into some bush tucker, learn to weave, create shell-art, get a taste for First Nations’ fare at the pop-up food truck, invest in wares at the market stalls and watch traditional dance by Jannawi Dance Clan.
Among the highlights of week one of the festival is comedian and songstress, Gillian Cosgriff with her award-winning new show, Actually Good (which actually is). Her natural rapport with an audience and simple, down-to-earth humour has made Cosgriff a reliable crowd-pleaser.
For the littlies (under 10s) Ants by innovative Melbourne company, Polyglot Theatre, is an experiential
adventure that will entertain and may accidentally educate. Giant ants with giant breadcrumbs do their insect thing, gradually encouraging young humans to join in.
In a Herculean-level challenge of mental athleticism and literary stamina, 24 Hour Party Playwright pits 6 writers, 6 directors and 15 actors against the clock. Aided by caffeine, inspirational objects and a semi-dream state, the writers will hand their manuscripts to the directors and actors who will prepare six plays for performance that same night. It’s theatre on the edge. Week 2 is filled with a whole new selection of goodies.
Waterloo is a stunning, highly acclaimed one-woman play written and performed by Bron Batten. In this riveting piece of contemporary theatre, Batten takes her audience on an emotional and psychological trek. Using the backdrop of a fraught romance, Batten explores the boundaries of human behaviour when it comes to politics, love, war, and
veganism. Funny, confronting, thought provoking.
A queer treat of pink icing and decadent chocolate cream, CAKE will either be the talk of the festival or will strike attendees dumb with shock and awe. A richly layered torte of circus, acrobatics, burlesque, and clown craft, suggestively served with whipped frenzy, this show is for the 18+ sweet tooth.
One of the most exciting premiere events in 2023 is the Pavilion Paw Parade. Who said it’s a “catwalk”? With a local celebrity leading the way, the canines of Bondi will show those felines how to slink. However, if your dog isn’t very graceful, there will be plenty of other activities to keep those paws and jaws busy.
Things keep being wild and thrilling in Week 3. Brisbane based company, Pink Matter, blends spoken word and street dance in an energetic, visceral expression of raw sentiment with Betwixt
Award-winning drinker of non-awardwinning wines, Tash York will ask you to leave your insecurities at the door and embrace hers instead. Drag slayer, cat-lover, and contributor of 80% of the vocals in three-part harmony, the incomparable Tash York presents cabaret like you’ve never seen or heard it before. Together with her lush-ess backup singers, The Red Red Wines (Peppy Smears & Vivian Fonteyn), and copious cheap grog, Tash will make it an evening you’ll never remember.
This is but a tiny morsel of the feast of art, culture and entertainment that will light up Bondi Beach this winter. Visit bondifestival.com.au to discover more.
June 30 - July 16
