CITY HUB May 2025 by Alt Media

Labor wins federal election in a landslide of red

BY CHLOE SARGEANT

In a historic victory for the party, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a second term for Labor in the 2025 federal election.

It marks the first time a Prime Minister has won back-to-back elections since John Howard in 2004.

The result was confirmed by ABC's Antony Green on Saturday May 3. Early in the evening, counts indicated a clear swing toward Labor across key battlegrounds nationwide, and no path forward for the Coalition to make a majority government.

After Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded, Albanese's passionate speech pointedly included a powerful Acknowledgement of Country (something that various conservative candidates rallied against during the campaign), and he became visibly emotional as he thanked Australians for their support.

"We decided that to win the election, we would go through [the issue of the cost of living crisis], rather than around that," Treasurer Jim Chalmers told ABC

"I think the biggest reason for what looks like a very good result tonight is Anthony's leadership.”

Labor's campaign focused on addressing cost-of-living pressures, modest tax cuts, increased healthcare funding, and improved housing affordability.

The biggest reason for what looks like a very good result tonight is Anthony's leadership

The Coalition relied on their track record with economic management to address the cost of living crisis, which fell flat, as did the focus on nuclear power. Dutton also had to walk back several key policies, most notably his stance on eliminating remote work for public servants after it received heavy backlash. Dutton will not only not be the next PM – he lost his seat in parliament altogether.

Dutton held the Queensland seat of Dickson by a tiny margin of 1.7%, but

was unseated by Labor's Ali France. She now holds the historic title as the first Labor candidate to ever unseat an opposition leader in a federal election.

INNER CITY SYDNEY ELECTORATES STAY RED & INDEPENDENT

Sydney’s inner city has stayed red and independent this election.

In Wentworth, independent Allegra Spender retained her seat, with a 0.4% swing in her favour. At time of publishing, Spender received 37.2% of first preference votes, with Liberal Ro Knox following with 36.9%, and Labor’s Savanna Peake receiving 12.8%. Wentworth was a seat to watch this election; historically a safe Liberal seat surrounded by Labor territory, Wentworth’s boundaries were recently expanded in the redistribution.

In Grayndler, a historically safe seat for Labor, the PM won convincingly, receiving 54.2% of first preference votes at time of publishing. Hannah Thomas certainly made a mark however, with the electorate seeing 0.3% swing to the Greens.

The very safe Labor seat of Kingsford Smith stayed red. The preference count shows Matt Thistlethwaite leading by a whopping 30,599 votes and 4.4% swing to ALP at time of publishing.

In the Sydney electorate, also a safe Labor seat, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek was re-elected, leading by 37,308 votes at time of publishing. The Greens’ Luc Velez put up a hell of a fight this campaign however, receiving 21.5%

Photo: Lukas Coch / AAP

Coronial inquest into Bondi Junction stabbing continues

BY LYDIA JUPP

Acoronial inquest into last year’s Bondi Junction stabbing continues, with the failures of the mental health system emerging as a central theme of the proceedings.

Joel Cauchi, 40, stabbed 16 people with a Ka-Bar USMC military knife during an attack at Bondi Junction Westfield on April 13, 2024, killing six. He was shot dead by Police Inspector Amy Scott only minutes after the attacks began, who was awarded with the Commissioner’s Valour Award for her efforts in preventing further killings.

“I actually felt nauseous as I ran in, because in my head I’d resigned myself to the fact that I was probably going to die,” Scott told the inquiry on Tuesday morning.

The inquiry has heard of Cauchi’s “preoccupation with death and murder”, with Counsel Assisting the Coroner Peggy Dwyer SC telling the inquest that police searches of his

phone had unearthed evidence of “rudimentary planning” of the attack.

“Mr Cauchi was preoccupied with weapons, with violence and with mass killing,” she said on Monday.

“There were bookmark pages on serial killers, searches containing mass stabbing incidents in Australia and searches in relation to serial killers.”

On the day of the attack, Cauchi had searched for information on the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

Swastikas & homophobic graffiti found on The Impy & across Inner West

BY LYDIA JUPP

Locals in the Inner West recently found homophobic graffiti and hate symbols daubed throughout the area.

Officers attached to Inner West Police Area Command commenced an investigation after offensive graffiti was located on a number of political posters in the Newtown, Enmore, and Erskineville areas.

They believe the vandalism occurred between 1.30am to 2am on Tuesday April 22.

At the time of publication, police have located 27 political posters, and two structures in Newtown that have been vandalised with offensive symbols and words.

A swastika was also found at the Imperial Hotel in Erskineville, spray painted over a sign declaring that the venue was "proudly LGBTQIA+."

In a statement to City Hub, Chief Operating Officer of Universal Hotels, Richie Haines confirmed the incident.

"Given the symbol was also painted onto a number of other buildings and signs in the Erskineville and Newtown area, it does not appear to be targeted specifically at the Impy," he said.

"Notwithstanding, the entire Universal Hotels and Imperial team condemn these cowardly actions in the strongest possible terms. There is absolutely no place in our society for such senseless hate and intolerance."

 There is absolutely no place in our society for such senseless hate and intolerance

The iconic venue is a Sydney institution and was added to the NSW State Heritage Register earlier this year.

Public display of Nazi symbols is banned in NSW, and carries a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment, or a $11,000 fine, or both.

CAUCHI “SERIOUSLY UNWELL” AND “FLORIDLY PSYCHOTIC” DURING ATTACK

The mental health system has been criticised for failing to support Cauchi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, a condition that had worsened in recent years.

The 40-year-old had stopped his medication on the advice of his psychiatrists in Queensland about five years before the attack, and was told to “self determine” whether to take it again.

Cauchi had been experiencing homelessness in Sydney in 2024, away from the support of his parents and the mental health system.

Psychiatric evidence was “clear and unanimous that Mr Joel Cauchi was floridly psychotic” on the day of the attack.

What these records unequivocally show is a man who was seriously unwell

“What these records unequivocally show is a man who was seriously unwell,” said Dr Dwyer.

The hearing is scheduled to run until May 30, and will hear oral evidence from 40 witnesses, including psychiatric experts from overseas.

“Our ultimate hope … is to provide much-needed answers about how the tragic events of April 13, 2024 occurred and how such events can be prevented in the future,” Dr Dwyer said.

CORFLUTES ALSO VANDALISED

A number of posters for federal election candidates across multiple parties were also vandalised, with NSW police seizing several for forensic examination.

Some of the corflutes belonging to Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi were vandalised with Islamophobic and ableist slurs, and swastikas.

Faruqi said the vandalism was “vile and cowardly” and attributed it to the Greens’ “unwavering stance” on Palestine.

“It’s a disturbing reflection of the racism, Islamophobia and harassment

that continues to target those who dare to speak up for Palestinian lives and human rights."

Police have released CCTV of a man seen in the vicinity of Erskineville Road at about 1:50am yesterday, and are appealing to the public for assistance. He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his early to mid-20s, about 180cm tall, of medium build and with mid-length brown hair.

Anyone with information about the graffiti, or CCTV or mobile phone footage related to the incident, is urged to contact Newtown police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Photo: Screenshot / Youtube

Photo: Supplied / Destination NSW

Multi-million dollar transformation of Paddy’s Markets unveiled

BY JANANI SRINIVAS

The highly anticipated Hay St Market at Paddy’s Market has opened its doors in Sydney’s Chinatown.

The doors opened for the first time on 26 March, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the newly transformed beloved Sydney icon ton April 9, alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

The transformation has been three years in the making and spans over 3,000 square metres of Paddy’s Markets. It is also home to over 48 traders, offering over 25 different cuisines.

This multi-million dollar transformation is set to revitalise the Haymarket precinct, increase tourism to Haymarket, and create more than 300 jobs.

“We’ve left no stone unturned in creating Hay St Market at Paddy’s – an affordable destination that Sydney can be proud of, where visitors can eat, drink, and shop. Inspired by some of the world’s best markets, we’ve built something extraordinary that harnesses Sydney’s cultural diversity, offers a twist on tradition, and taps into our collective love of food and beverage,” says Joseph Murray, Group CEO and Managing Director of Doltone Hospitality Group.

MORE THAN JUST A MARKET

“While our food offering is phenomenal, we are also excited to bring to life the specialty traders within Hay St Market at Paddy’s,” added Murray.

“Consumers can brighten their day with beautiful blooms from Flowers by Agnes Harrington. You can swing by The Goods for a treasure trove of delights, including artisanal homewares, elegant crockery

and captivating books, or visit the Urban Farm by Greenspace, where sustainability and produce meet innovation. There truly is something for everyone!”

We’ve built something extraordinary that harnesses Sydney’s cultural diversity

Hay St Market won’t only still feature the stalls and fresh produce of Paddy’s Markets but also integrate it with the new food experience as well as Market City’s entertainment precinct.

“Millions of people visit Paddy’s Markets each and every year, and

the launch of Hay St Market offers more reasons for locals and tourists to come to Paddy’s for an added food and beverage experience,” says Dale Doonan, Interim CEO at Sydney Markets Limited.

“Paddy’s has been a destination in Sydney’s Haymarket for decades, and our traders will continue to offer their vast array of wares, including gifts, technology, clothing, fresh produce, souvenirs and much more. This incredible partnership and launch of Hay St Market at Paddy’s will continue to revitalise Haymarket and officially starts an exciting new chapter in the story of Paddy’s”.

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Photo: Supplied

Friends of Ultimo’s concerns about the Blackwattle Bay development

BY JANANI SRINIVAS

Inner West residents are speaking out against the proposed Blackwattle Bay development, warning that the plans ignore the community’s needs. Leading the charge is Friends of Ultimo (FoU), a community-led group that's been active for over a decade.

Their main concerns?

Overdevelopment, and lack of affordable housing and public infrastructure.

“The first thing we’re opposed to is the density,” said Jean-Pierre Alexander, one of the group’s core campaigners.

“The location is not really good for the people who are going to live or work there, but also it blocks the view and the sun for the people in Jacksons Landing.”

 This is about building something that will benefit everyone, not just another cluster of luxury towers

The redevelopment includes multiple high-rise towers along the Western Distributor, which FoU says is out of step with the neighbourhood and doesn’t consider long-term liveability.

“This is the last piece of public land in Ultimo… available for redevelopment,” Alexander said. “We’re missing the opportunity to build what is needed for the community.”

The project currently consists entirely of private apartments and commercial office space.

There are no plans for public or social housing—something the group says is sorely needed, particularly for essential workers who are being priced out of the area.

New Taronga Wildlife Hospital to help heal, protect & teach

BY JANANI SRINIVAS

Construction on Australia’s first ever wildlife specialist teaching veterinary hospital has now begun at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.

The new $80-million state-of-the-art hospital is set to replace the current facility, which has been playing an important role in wildlife care since the 1970s.

unique biodiversity against increasing natural disasters. The Black Summer Bushfires of 2019-2020 affected billions of animals, including koalas, platypus, and critically endangered amphibians, all of which were treated by Taronga’s hospital team. The fires and their devastation demonstrated the need for a new wildlife hospital.

“There’s nothing for nurses, doctors, police, for people who work in the city,” said Alexander. “They have to live 40 kilometres away.”

The group is also raising red flags about the lack of necessary community facilities in the plan. “There is no provision at all for amenities—schools in particular, but also health, sport, leisure, culture,” he added.

This isn't the first time Ultimo residents have seen public land redirected away from community use. Alexander recalled when land earmarked for a school on Wattle Street was instead turned into luxury apartments.

SYDNEY FISH MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROTEST

In March, Friends of Ultimo held a protest outside the Fish Market to spotlight their campaign.

“That went very well,” Alexander said. “We had quite a number of people, and we had also the local member for Balmain [Kobi Shetty] who addressed the meeting.”

The group has been actively lobbying through submissions, community forums, and meetings with local officials. They’re urging others to make their voices heard before it's too late.

“They can write to the Planning Minister, the Infrastructure Minister, the City of Sydney,” Alexander said.

The group isn’t about stopping development altogether—they want to see affordable housing and the public amenities to support a growing population.

“This is about building something that will benefit everyone,” Alexander said. “Not just another cluster of luxury towers.”

The new Taronga Wildlife Hospital will expand the zoo’s critical rescue and rehabilitation work by delivering new surgical, rehabilitation and recovery facilities to cater for hundreds of animals per year.

 …marine turtles to echidnas, possums, sea birds, snakes and everything in between

According to Cameron Kerr AO, Taronga Conservation Society Australia Chief Executive, Taronga’s wildlife hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo already treat a variety of animals, now they are just getting facilities to help them even more.

“Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals in Sydney and Dubbo treat approximately 1,500 sick, injured or orphaned native animals for treatment and rehabilitation a year, caring for a range of wildlife from marine turtles to echidnas, possums, sea birds, snakes and everything in between,” said Kerr.

“The new Taronga Wildlife Hospital will allow our expert veterinary team to care for and protect even more of our precious, native animals, and inspire future conservationists and veterinary practitioners to protect Australia’s unique species,” Kerr continued.

TARONGA WILDLIFE HOSPITAL

TO BE “A TRULY UNIQUE FACILITY”

The new facility is also going to be a dedicated specialist teaching hospital, which will further enable widespread training of wildlife carers, students, and veterinary practitioners.

The facility will also work to provide even more protection of Australia’s

“As natural disasters become more common, veterinarians and vet nurses are increasingly being called upon to rescue and rehabilitate severely impacted wildlife,” said Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment.

Some of the things included in the new facility are a pathology lab for onsite analysis and testing, Australia’s first Zoo Nutrition Centre dedicated to managing the diets of the zoo’s animals, public viewing galleries through which zoo guests can safely watch animal health checks and other veterinary procedures, and much more.

The new hospital is being funded by the NSW Government through a $40.7 million investment, with another $40 million being raised through philanthropic donations.

Photo: Infrastructure NSW

Photo: Supplied

Government to target tree vandalism with harsher penalties

BY LUCIA LOVELL

The NSW Government has announced a major crackdown on illegal tree clearing, proposing to more than double fines for individuals and triple penalties for corporations, in response to a spate of high-profile tree vandalism incidents across Sydney.

Under the proposed changes, individuals could face fines of up to $6,000 per tree, while corporations could be fined as much as $18,000 per tree. Repeat offenders and those clearing trees in heritage, foreshore, or nature reserve areas would be hit with even harsher penalties.

Councils would also be encouraged to fine per tree, rather than per incident — meaning a company that illegally destroys 12 trees could face fines of up to $216,000.

CASTLE COVE AND LONGUEVILLE AMONG WORST-HIT

The announcement follows several high-profile cases of tree vandalism,

including the destruction of 265 trees in Castle Cove — an area the size of 14 tennis courts — and nearly 290 trees in Longueville’s Woodford Bay Reserve last year.

In Ashfield’s Allman Park, four magenta lilly pillies were destroyed in December, with Inner West Council now preparing legal action.

“Council staff are preparing a brief of evidence for potential prosecution through the courts and are seeking legal advice on whether the costs

WSU plans 400 job cuts amid $79 million deficit for 2026

BY NAOMI LAWRENCE

In a tough move affecting hundreds of staff, Western Sydney University (WSU) has announced plans to cut up to 400 jobs due to a projected $79 million deficit for 2026. The cuts are driven by a sharp drop in student enrolments, putting the university’s finances under heavy strain.

Vice Chancellor Professor George Williams said the cuts were necessary for the university’s long-term survival.

I’m keenly aware this is a challenging time for our university

“Unfortunately, the University is facing further budget impacts for 2026 and beyond due to a further, large deterioration in our student load,” he explained in a statement.

He added that changes in student behaviour, with many undertaking fewer courses due to cost of living pressures, along with international student caps and increasing competition, had made it harder to maintain financial stability.

Originally forecasting a $6.5 million deficit, WSU now expects the shortfall to rise to a staggering $79 million by 2026. As a result, the university plans to reduce its staff by 300 to 400 positions, including cutting 120 vacant roles.

WSU JOINS UTS AND ANU IN FACING FINANCIAL CRISIS

WSU’s financial troubles follow similar announcements from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), which also revealed plans to potentially cut 400 jobs as part of a $100 million cost-saving initiative.

“I’m keenly aware this is a challenging time for our university and our staff and we are working to

of removal and replacement can be included,” said Inner West Councillor Jo Carlisle.

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said the council has dropped its investigation into a 2022 case where 250 trees were destroyed due to lack of evidence.

“A ‘barren wasteland’ remains where there were once more than 250 thriving trees, including an 80-year-old angophora,” Taylor said.

The reforms also propose that illegal

clearing be recorded on planning certificates, with future changes potentially lowering the burden of proof for prosecutions. In extreme cases, jail time could be considered.

Minister for Planning Paul Scully said the reforms would help “better protect the existing tree canopy”, particularly amid increased housing density. As NSW battles worsening urban heat, Environment Minister Penny Sharpe added, “Tackling illegal tree clearing is an essential part of this”.

A ‘barren wasteland’ remains where there were once more than 250 thriving trees

The consultation period is open until June 4. Local Government NSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the move, saying, “we need to ensure that penalties act as a sufficient deterrent for the small minority who think they're above the law.”

minimise impact as much as we can and to provide our people with all necessary support,” said UTS Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfit.

Meanwhile, the Australian National University (ANU) is also dealing with its own financial struggles, projecting a deficit of $140 million. The university has already made job cuts, salary freezes, and strict budget measures across various departments to address the shortfall.

The National Tertiary Education Union described the job cuts as a “kick in the guts for staff.”

Union President Millan PintosLopez criticised the move, saying it contradicted ANU’s recent investment.

“In July 2023, ANU committed to a $16.75 million land purchase for a health precinct to house world-leading translational and research work,” he pointed out.

Over 800 ANU staff recently passed a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Julie Bishop and Vice Chancellor Bell over financial management concerns, including allegations that university funds were used to pay a business partner of Bishop’s as a consultant.

Photo: Waverley City Council

Photo: Western Sydney Uni

SUNSET SIPS & FESTIVAL FEASTS: THE MAGIC OF PYRMONT IN MAY

As autumn paints the Pyrmont Peninsula in hues of amber and gold, the Nights in the Peninsula program invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community across May and June.

This vibrant lead-up to the Pyrmont Food and Wine Festival on May 17–18 transforms the precinct into a nocturnal playground, where every evening offers a new experience.

A TOAST TO THE SENSES AT SYDNEY WINE CENTRE

Begin your evening adventures with a journey through France at the Sydney Wine Centre's French Cheese and Wine Tasting on Thursday, May 8. From 7–9pm, indulge in nine exquisite French wines paired with matching cheeses, curated in collaboration with Simon Johnson Provedores. This guided tasting promises to transport your palate across Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and beyond, all within the cosy ambiance of 'The Vineyard' Tasting Room at 119 Harris Street, Pyrmont.

LAUGHTER ECHOES AT THE FOUNDRY THEATRE

For those seeking a hearty laugh, the Foundry Theatre hosts the internationally acclaimed Umbilical Brothers in their show The Distraction. Performances run from May 15–18 at 8pm each night. Experience a unique blend of physical comedy and multimedia wizardry that has captivated audiences across 40 countries.

The Foundry Theatre, located at 55 Pirrama Road, offers an intimate setting to enjoy this comedic spectacle.

A GREEK SOIRÉE AT MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC

Step into the heart of 1970s Athens every Friday and Saturday night at Mediterranean Magic's ΑΘΗΝΑ 1972 dinner and live music performance. From 7:30pm, savour a traditional Greek three-course meal featuring dishes like Arni Kleftiko and haloumi with Cretan figs.

As the night unfolds, live bouzouki

Now in its 13th year, the festival is a free, open invitation to enjoy Pyrmont at its best

music fills the air, inviting guests to dance the Hasapiko and Zeibekiko, embodying the spirit of a true Greek glendi. Located on the waterfront, it’s a feast for all senses.

RHYTHMS AT THE DUNKIRK HOTEL

Every Thursday in May, the Dunkirk Hotel becomes a haven for live music enthusiasts. Starting at 5pm, the main bar comes alive with performances from local artists, offering a perfect backdrop

for after-work relaxation or a casual night out.

Nestled in the heart of Pyrmont, the Dunkirk’s historic charm and vibrant atmosphere make it a staple in the local nightlife scene.

PYRMONT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALWHERE EVERYONE IS INVITED

Culminating the month's festivities, the Pyrmont Food and Wine Festival on May 17–18 at Pirrama Park is a celebration not to be missed.

From 11am to 6pm each day, over 30 wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across New South Wales gather to showcase a curated selection of more than 100 wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits. Attendees can sample, sip, and learn directly from passionate producers.

Culinary delights abound, with gourmet food trucks and stalls offering everything from freshly shucked oysters and blow-torched cheesy scallops to African BBQ and German street food. Highlights include the Cheeky Naked Oyster Bar, The Star’s Fat Noodle stand, and specialty offerings from celebrity chef Luca Ciano. Art lovers can enjoy installations and painting classes led by local artists, including the renowned Jane Bennett, whose vivid depictions of Pyrmont and Ultimo bring the neighbourhood to life. Families are warmly welcomed with a dedicated Kids Zone, featuring face painting, games, and a jumping castle, alongside a Parents’ Chill Zone perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the harbour. Live music fills the air across two stages throughout the weekend. The Harbourside Stage hosts soulful performances from Jo Fabro and the RnB/Soul-driven Crown Jewel Band, while the Sunset Stage features Crown Jewel Duos and the dynamic act As Seen on TV Now in its 13th year, the festival is a free, open invitation to enjoy Pyrmont at its best — a celebration of the suburb's creativity, vibrancy, and community spirit. Whether you're sipping a glass of Hunter Valley shiraz, savouring a plate of Asian street food, or dancing barefoot to sunset tunes, the Pyrmont Food and Wine Festival promises a weekend of unforgettable moments. As the sun dips behind the skyline, casting that dazzling golden glow across Pirrama Park, the sense of connection and joy is palpable. This is Pyrmont in its loveliest and most genuine form — lively, welcoming, and full of heart.

Photo: pyrmontfestival/Inst a g r a m

Photo: pyrmontfestival / Instagram

Photo: Mark Dickson / Deep Field Photography

PYRMONT FESTIVAL

17-18 May 2025

PIRRAMA PARK, PIRRAMA ROAD, PYRMONT

FOOD . WINE . BEER . GIN . LIVE MUSIC

Get ready for a taste sensation like no other, as the Pyrmont Festival returns to Sydney in May 2025 with an explosive lineup of mouth-watering food, wine tastings, and live entertainment.

Free entry - everyone in the community is welcome

Wineries from NSW wine regions

Oyster Bar and Japanese Aburi Bar sourced from the Sydney Fish Market

Local breweries, distilleries and food trucks

Free live entertainment from local musicians

First date friendly

Art classes & exhibitions

Accessible access to all parts of the park

Taste, Sip, Create: Win One of Our Unforgettable Food, Wine, and Art Prizes! (Total prize pool worth over $4,000)

SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT THE WEBSITE

WWW. PYRMONTFESTIVAL. COM.AU

HubARTS

SINNERS

Coogler's gangster-vampire musical is a bloody, beautiful masterpiece (See p.22)

BY IRINA DUNN

f you missed seeing RBG: Of Many, One the first time around, this is the chance to catch up on a virtuoso performance by Heather Mitchell playing the inimitable Jewish jurist Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller, who also wrote the extraordinary play Prima Facie, imagines the significant moments in Ginsburg’s life, from her childhood to her last days when she died at 87.

The ‘Notorious RBG’, as she came to be known, had a brilliant mind, topping the classes she attended at school and university, thrashing her male peers. There were 550 male students enrolled at the time. And by the way, she graduated joint first in her class.

After battling sexist attitudes which denied her employment, she eventually started

RBG: OF MANY, ONE NEANDERTHAL BLOOM

working on cases that protected the rights of women, for which she became known. Her secretary pointed out that Ginsburg’s briefs (legal) were peppered with the word “sex” and suggested that “gender” was a more suitable word to give the male justices to read.

In 1980, Jimmy Carter appointed her to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and Bill Clinton nominated her to the Supreme Court in 1993, where her dissenting opinions indicated how progressive she was.

Heather Mitchell presents Ginsburg’s legal career through Suzie Miller’s brilliant script. It reveals Ginsburg’s love for her family, her husband and children, her sharp mind as she makes her way through the thickets of the law, and her great if subtle sense of humour.

BY JOSH KERWICK

Rose and Finn are the newest arrivals to the Pine Grove Aged Care facility. Rose is a retired teacher ordered there by her doctor and Finn is a university student, part of Pine Grove’s costcutting scheme: offering students free board for working at the home. Such is the premise of Tom Gleisner's Bloom, a highly entertaining and uplifting piece of theatre.

Bloom’s success is in tackling universal subjects like aging and intergenerational friendship with heart. It’s also extremely funny in that quintessentially Australian, laconic way – the simplest punchline generates massive laughs. The script is aided by the sensational

ensemble who give the comedy real life. However, the real standouts were Evelyn Krape as Rose and Christie Whelan Browne as Mrs MacIntyre.

The choreography during the musical numbers is mostly functional rather than impressive, meaning it isn’t as visually dynamic as other musicals. It can make Pine Grove feel a bit stagnant; perhaps that’s the point, given the residents are supposed to feel trapped there.

Still, that hardly takes away from the joy that is watching STC’s Bloom. What makes the show such a memorable experience is its earnestly emotional tale of crossing the generational divide, and how we’re always better off working together.

Especially amusing are Mitchell’s brilliant depictions of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, which had the audience roaring with laughter at the former, and clapping in agreement with the latter.

The soundtrack to the play are operative arias that Ginsburg loved, and much depends on the lighting technician to create the atmosphere of the different settings of Ginsburg’s life.

Priscilla Jackson brings Suzie Miller’s script to life as she applies her directorial talents to the staging of this remarkable play, and together – writer, actress, director –present a production that, in my opinion, is one the best I have seen in my decades of attending the theatre.

BY MARK MORELLINI

Adults-only standup comedy

Neanderthal at the Sydney Comedy Festival starred Alex Lykos in his first venture on stage.

This show pulls the curtain on male behaviour, especially to men’s intimate relationships with women.

“The show is titled Neanderthal - it examines the inner-workings of a male,” explains Lykos. “The idea came to me after I saw yet another incident on the news of men behaving poorly. I thought, ‘why do men keep behaving this way?’”

“I have become interested in how different men act when around their wives/partners and when they are not around them. The show has forced me to look within myself and reflect on my intimate personal relationships.”

Lykos says he wants to create shows with a social consciousness.

“I am just trying to have fun with how men “really” think and hopefully people can come along, have a good laugh and perhaps the show can trigger some discussion.”

The show was presented in a shipping container, the perfect venue for this style of show. Air-conditioned and boasting beautiful interiors, it

accommodated 75 people – wherever you sit you’ll be close up and personal to the stage.

Anyone who sees Neanderthal should be prepared for a fun-filled and hysterically funny night out.

Photo: Sydney Theatre Company

Photo:

Photo: Supplied

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH SUNDANCE

HIT 'TOGETHER'

Photo: IMdB BY JOSH KERWICK

The 72nd Sydney Film Festival (SFF) will open in June with the Australian premiere of Together, a daring new feature film from Melbourne-based writer and director Michael Shanks.

The film, which became one of the breakout titles at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, will screen on SFF opening night at the State Theatre.

Together stars real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco as Millie and Tim, a pair of city dwellers who relocate to the countryside in search of peace and simplicity. But their attempt at a quiet life quickly unravels amid strange events, a creepily over-friendly neighbour (Australian

actor Damon Herriman), and a surreal, supernatural encounter in a nearby cave.

What begins as a portrait of domestic disconnection spirals into a surreal and body horror-inflected ride, one that brings the couple closer “together” in terrifyingly unexpected ways.

Billed as a genre-bending blend of relationship drama, dark comedy, and supernatural horror, the film marks Shanks’ feature debut. Known for his sharp comedic work and VFX-laced shorts, the director brings a uniquely stylised vision to the screen, pairing emotional nuance with escalating unease.

Sydney Film Festival Director Nashen Moodley praised Together as “a fiercely

PALESTINIAN FILM FESTIVAL

BY JOSH KERWICK

The 13th Palestinian Film Festival (PFF) features narrative films and documentaries created by Palestinian people.

2025 features The Teacher from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Farah Nabulsi, feminist comedy Thank You For Banking With Us, a compilation of shorts made under bombardment titled From Ground Zero, and more.

Festival director Naser Shakhtour says it’s a chance to see Palestinian stories actually told by its people.

“What [PFF is] trying to do is say that we are not different, that we have

a lot of commonality… Underneath it, there are lots of stories of beauty, love, disappointments and family challenges. We’re a festival for Palestine to show all its complexity and colours.”

“This year specifically, given the intensity of the genocidal war on Palestine, we want people to feel hopeful… We want to show that there’s love, resilience, and people who want to create a hopeful future for everyone.”

The Palestinian Film Festival screens nationwide from May 1–11.

original work” and a bold way to open the 2025 program.

“Michael Shanks has crafted a film that shifts seamlessly between tones and genres, anchored by fearless performances from Brie and Franco,” said Moodley.

For Shanks, having the film open Sydney’s premier film event is a personal milestone. “Despite our US leads, this is an Australian film through and through,” he said. “I’m so proud to be showcasing the amazing talent we have in our

TELSTRA

local industry. I got altitude sickness at Sundance, so I’m especially glad the premiere in Sydney should be a bit easier on the body.”

The film will be released in Australia later this year.

The full SFF program will be announced on 7 May, with early program highlights already available online.

The Sydney Film Festival will run from 4 to 15 June. Tickets for the Opening Night Gala and Flexipasses are available at sff.org.au.

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TO UPGRADE A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 4G/5G

AT: 1 WAY STREET MARRICKVILLE NSW 2204

1. The proposal on the existing monopole consists of:

• Removal of (6) panel antennas 2.533m long

• Installation of (3) panel antenna 2.688m long

• Removal of (9) Remote Radio Units and (3) Tower Mast Amplifiers

• Installation of (3) Remote Radio Units and (6) Tower Mast Amplifiers

• Replacement of (3) Junction Boxes

2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564: 2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

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Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2204006

Photo: IMdB