Neighbourhood Media Newtown Magazine | October 2023

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ISSUE #8

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Dear Newtown

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HISTORY The Birth of a Suburb

FEATURE Just for Laughs is Back: Nov 12 - 20, 2023

FEATURE

We are back with our final release for this year, and we think it’s hilarious! We are celebrating the return of Sydney’s best comedy festival - Just for Laughs, which kicks off from November 12th at various venues across Sydney. We were also lucky enough to catch up with one of the headline acts, Dara O’Briain, to hear about his trip down under and this year’s show.

For those wanting more laughs, we have a round-up of the best local Comedy/Stand-Up nights in and around Newtown/ Enmore. You can learn about the Early Land grants that led to the birth of Newtown, we have lots of community news + features, a great local Gig Guide highlighting the best upcoming Live Music + HEAPS more.

We hope you enjoy the issue - and we can’t wait to be back in early 2024!

Love, Neighbourhood Media x

Dara Ó Briain! Catch him on Nov 14 at the State Theatre

ARTS Laugh out Loud, Locally

COMMUNITY The Ban on Pokies Signage - Will it Help?

COMMUNITY Dine out for Dignity on Oct 17 and Help End Homelessness

COMMUNITY A Letter From Local MP, Jenny Leong

MUSIC Gig Guide - Best Live n’ Local Music

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PUBLISHER - Neighbourhood Media DESIGNER - Robert Everett CONTRIBUTORS - Isabella Edwards, Jamie Apps, Tahney Fosdike, Alec Smart & Rob Everett ADVERTISING - Georgie Pengelly - 0416 972 081

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY There is no better time to shop local, make sure to show your support

HISTORY

By Matt Murphy

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THE earliest land grants in the area date from 1793 when Lieutenant Thomas Rowley was granted 100 acres bordered to the east by what is now Australia Street. To the west of Rowley’s grant was a further 40 acres issued to Jane Codd. In 1794 four 30 acre and two 25 acre grants that covered the area between what is now south King Street and Edgeware Road were issued to some NSW Corps privates and emancipists. Superintendent of convicts Nicholas Devine was granted 90 acres on the east of south King Street in 1799 which bordered a grant he received in 1794 of 120 acres. Union Street is the border separating these two grants and is still the border between Newtown and Erskineville.

The north of the suburb, on both sides of King Street, was issued as a 240 acre grant to incoming Governor

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Early land grants and what led to the establishment of Newtown and Enmore.

William Bligh in 1806 as a gift from outgoing Governor King, after whom King Street would later be named. King granted Bligh the land to compensate for the low pay the role of governor received. However King did not know Bligh was being paid more than double what he received. Bligh named his estate ‘Camperdown’ after a naval battle he fought off the Dutch coast in 1797.

Much of the land in these early estates, particularly to the north, was not considered good for farming and was soon subdivided and sold by their owners to house country villas or, particularly along the main street, to tradesmen or merchants. Near the corner of what is now Missenden Road and King Street a small village emerged, O’Connelltown, named after Bligh’s son-in-law who inherited the property.

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Further south of the bridge over a deep but dry creek at what is now the junction of King St and Enmore Rd, another village was forming. The Sydney Gazette editorialised on 24 November 1832 ‘the neighbourhood about the spot known as Devine’s farm has obtained the name of Newtown’, though there are references to the area being called ‘New Town’ from at least 1827. Local legend has it that the suburb was unintentionally named

by John Webster when he opened a store in the new village and named it the ‘New Town Store’ to differentiate it from his former shop though this has since been disproved as Webster was not a landowner in the area until 1843, and was still a convict until 1836.

It is more likely that the name was bestowed owing to the area being the first ‘new’ commercial centre away from the city.

The council tried to change the name of the suburb to South Sydney in 1893, and to Newton in 1901, so as to avoid confusion with New Town in Tasmania, but met strong resistance from ratepayers.

Enmore was named after Enmore House which was built by Captain Sylvester Brown in 1835. In 1842 it was purchased by Joshua Frey Josephson who in 1848 was the Lord Mayor of Sydney. The house was demolished in 1883.

Newtown Council, which included Enmore as one of its wards, was established in December 1862. The council was absorbed into Sydney Council in 1948. Nowadays Newtown straddles two council areas; Sydney and the newly amalgamated Inner West Council. All of Enmore is in the Inner West Council’s area.

The area now known as Erskineville was also considered part of Newtown Council until it formed its own council in 1872. The new suburb was originally known as Macdonaldtown but the locals never took to it. Despite the area being called Macdonaldtown, establishments like the school and hotel used the name Erskineville, taking their name from ‘Erskinevilla’ the homestead built by Reverend George Erskine in 1832 which was demolished in 1961. The suburb’s name was officially changed to Erskineville in 1893. Like Newtown and many other small inner-city councils, Erskineville council was absorbed into Sydney council in 1948.

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JUST FOR LAUGHS

By Isabella Edwards

Just For Laughs: Sydney is back for its 11th year! With an exciting week-long line-up of iconic international and home-grown comedians, Just for Laughs: Sydney is not to be missed.

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INITIALLY kicking off in Quebec forty years ago, Just for Laughs is the side-splitting comedy festival that’s been bringing fits of laughter to international audiences for decades and has returned for another raucous program in Sydney from 12th – 21st of November. This year’s line-up will include such shows as The All-Star Gala hosted by Urzila Carlson, The Alternative Show hosted by Geraldine Hickey and the Just for Laughs Australia Live tappings hosted

by Melanie Bracewell.

With many International and Australian comedians alike scheduling their own tours to coincide with Just For Laughs, Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice as throughout the week, there will also be hysterical stand-alone performances in addition to the variety shows. Expect to see the likes of Dara O Briain, Phil Wang, Catherine Cohen, Gabriel Iglesias, Andrew Schulz, Kevin Bridges, Nina Conti, Sam Morril, Russell Kane, Becky Robinson and many more! Including group, duo and variety performances with such acts as My Therapist Ghosted Me, Musical Comedy is Cool, hosted

by Tom Cardy and Sooshi Mango and Friends. With such a wealth of comedians and acts, there is something to tickle anyone’s fancy!

Just For Laughs: Sydney is one of the few events in Sydney’s entertainment calendar that really brings together a plethora of performers from not only all over the globe but from completely different genres, too. From viral internet

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sensations like Trevor Wallace and to the musical stylings of Catherine Cohen and Tom Cardy to the traditional heavyhitters like Dara O Briain and Gabriel Iglesias, there is truly something for everyone.

You can catch these acts at a range of Sydney’s most iconic performance venues like The Sydney Opera House, The State Theatre, The Factory Theatre and Qudos Bank Arena. The highly anticipated All-Star Gala is set to be an enormous show, with the star-studded line-up set to include such comedians as Dara O Briain, Dilruk Jayasinha, Nina Conti, Tommy Little, Joanne McNally and Russell Kane.

The Just for Laughs: Sydney All-Star Gala is the comedy event of the year, with a hilarious mix of your favourite comedians as well as some newer faces. In past years, this annual sell-out gig has seen the likes of Eddie Izzard, Bill Burr, Dave Hughes, Noel Fielding, Judith Lucy, Rob Beckett, Wil Anderson, and the late great Cal Wilson. This year’s All-Star lineup features Host Urzila Carlson featuring Joanne McNally, Russell Kane, Tommy Little, Nina Conti, Dilruk Jaysinha and Dara Ó Briain. It is truly an event not to be missed, so get your tickets now!Mark your calendars and clear out the 12th to the 21st of November and take advantage of the comedy event of the year grab your tickets now!

To find out more about your favourite comedians and when and where they will be performing head to justforlaughs. sydney

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“It’s a sell-out gig every year and has seen the likes of Eric Idle, Eddie Izzard, Margaret Cho, Bill Burr, Martin Short, Dave Hughes, Noel Fielding, Judith Lucy, Kevin Bridges, Steph Tisdell, Nish Kumar, Rob Beckett, Celia Pacquola, Tommy Little, Wil Anderson, Denise Scott, Reggie Watts, Danny Bhoy, and the late great Cal Wilson”.

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JUST FOR LAUGHS

By Isabella Edwards

Just For Laughs: Sydney – Dara Ó Briain on his current tour and returning to Sydney.

There are many famous faces in the line-up for Just For Laughs: Sydney, none perhaps as quick-witted and high-spirited as Dara O Briain. We had the pleasure of catching up with Dara ahead of his return to Sydney with his currently touring show, So…Where Were We?

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IRISH funny-man Dara O Briain is set to return to Sydney for the upcoming Just For Laughs: Sydney between the 12th and the 21st of November. This year, Dara will bring his current show So…Where Were We? down under.

Originally written and performed as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, Dara states, “This is a show about reunions”. He explained that the show has evolved since he began touring it on and off since September 2021 (interrupted by COVID-19). “We’ll be up to show 162 or 163 by the time we get to Sydney, so it’ll be very polished”, Dara joked. “Really, I like to give myself the leeway to do a lot of things that kind of characterise what I do - a lot of audience messing around”. Dara’s comedy is not only known to be highly entertaining but a master of improvisation and crowd work.

While audiences will recognise Dara from various programmes, Mock The Week – a British improvisational comedy show, was perhaps his most notable regular appearance, having hosted it for 17 years. Whilst the show ended late last year, it has shown itself to be an enduring staple of comedy amongst Dara O Briain’s fans worldwide.

“The Aussies and New Zealanders, the locals who are comedy nerds who have seen Mock The Week on the Internet, who have seen the Live at the Apollo stuff – they’re really interesting to me”.

Of his international audiences, Dara said: “Sometimes they can be incredibly kind.” It was at this point in the interview that Dara – who was speaking to us via video call from his home in the UK - pulled out a giant puppet of himself, “Somebody in Toronto made a puppet of me – he’s in a proper suit and everything… I had to go all the way to the West Coast, into Calgary and Vancouver with this puppet. The puppet has been on a ferry, and it’s been through various security checks.”

His travels will soon bring him to Just for Laughs: Sydney, where he will join a wealth of other international and Australian comics for a week of fantastic comedy. “When I’m touring, I’m on my own, and the Just for Laughs Gala, which is in the Opera House, will be, you know, with like ten other comics, and I don’t get to see other comics very often.

It will also be ten other comics in Australia, so they’ll be friendly,” Dara joked. “Just for Laughs in Montreal with those American comics - they are not friendly people.”

He laughed. “So, it’ll be fun to be among, you know, Aussie and New Zealand comics, but also it’s in the Opera House”. Dara has previously performed at the Opera House during his 2017 tour Dara O Briain Live. “The walk to it is just the most fun…you just walk along, and there are all the people milling at the bars, and then you walk to THE Opera House”, he said with amazement.

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“While the cast of the Gala is yet to be announced, Dara is confirmed to be performing his own show, So…Where Were We? at the State Theatre, which he described as “Insanely beautiful”.

In addition to performing a set at the Just For Laughs: Sydney All-Star Gala, Dara is also confirmed to be performing his own show, So…Where Were We? at the State Theatre, which he described as “Insanely beautiful”.

With a busy touring schedule and over 25 years in comedy and TV presenting, Dara says he is still passionate about performing. “It would be very easy to slip into a kind of, you know, ‘here we go again’. You know, because you could name towns that are less interesting to visit than Sydney over the course of the tour. But they are very much the mainstream. You tour the UK, and you’re on the motorway, going here and there”.

“There was a point in May of this year where it was like a list of British town names: Crawley, Bedford, Hastings. On and on and on. But things like the Australian and New Zealand gigs are the prize you give yourself.”

“That’s the work. Obviously, and that’s fine, and that’s how you make money by going to every town in the UK. But it is a lot of towns like, I mean, It’s 60 million people wedged into the country, and they built theatres in every town, and you go to town after town, and that can get to be a bit of a grind. So, the prize at the end is the Opera House or Hammersmith Hall, things like that…Sydney is the dessert at the end of a very long tour.”

Dara also shared how the Internet has impacted his career and created new opportunities.

“The Internet has kind of developed a thing of bringing my clips to people - that all happened in the last ten years - so the point when you might have been going “okay, here we go again”, suddenly I was able to do Oslo. Suddenly, I was able to do Auckland. On various tours, new bits kept being added, new towns, new places to visit. On this tour, we did Athens and Cyprus for the first time.

In Athens, there were two people in the front row, one called Orpheus and the other called Thanos, and you’re going, ‘Well, that writes itself.’…

That kind of stuff is so lovely.”

“I’m in show business, for Christ’s sake. I’m 51 and in show business. If I were in a band, not only would the band be over, but the legacy tour would be over, too. But I’m still in the middle of it…So we [comedians] get a really long chance to get to do this for years and years. What’s kept it interesting is that every now and then, you’ll go somewhere totally new, and that’s lovely.

It’s great.”

Sydney is a hotspot for Australian comedy, particularly for new comics honing their skills and finding their voice. On almost any night in Sydney, a comedy show is happening. To end, Dara had some words of advice for up-and-coming comedians; “Get as much stage time as you possibly can while you’re trying to find your voice. Everything else will look after itself in terms of when breaks come and what happens. You should be thrilled to get any chance. Be thrilled to get the gig that’s a three-hour drive away with only 20 minutes on stage.”

“Just try to get on stage as much as you can. For free, for nothing, for anything at all, just because you will find your voice, and that’s everything. It didn’t click for me for a while…You learn by doing, so take any gig you can.”

While the cast list for the Just for Laughs Gala is still to be announced, you can book a ticket and find out more information here: justforlaughs.sydney/all-star-gala And to see Dara O’Briain at his solo show, So…Where Were We in Sydney, on November 14th, head to: justforlaughs.sydney/dara-obriain To keep up-to-date with Dara Ó Briain, you can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @daraobriain or check out his website daraobriain.com YOURNEIGHBOURHOODMEDIA

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ARTS LAUGH OUT LOUD - THE BEST COMEDY NIGHTS AROUND They say laughter is contagious and with all the Superstar comedians in town for the 2023 Just for Laughs Festival, we’re sure you’re aching for more! Check out where you can get your funnies fulfilled locally.

BUDDY’S COMEDY - 2nd Thursday - Every Month - 7:30pm Buddy’s Bar | 391 King St, Newtown | $15 Join the team at Buddy’s for a hilarious night of comedy on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:30pm upstairs at Buddy’s Bar. Featuring 6 world-class comedians every week, it’s the perfect night out to get you through the mid-week hump. With 45 self-serve taps of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, you’re bound to find a new favourite drop. There’s awesome food options available from a menu brought to you by the Rub-A-Dub team. Whether you’re out with a group, on an awkward first date or flying solo, you’ll feel right at home in this warm, intimate, and welcoming space. Complimentary beer or wine with every ticket purchased online.

Tickets: trybooking.com/eventlist/buddyscomedy : buddysnewtown

IMPROV COMEDY CAGEFIGHT - Monday from 7:30pm Waywards | 324 King St, Newtown | $15 At the Cagefight, comedians have a limited time to win the votes of the audience, and no one in the audience gets picked on at the Cagefight. Instead, the audience are part of the show and help the performers with suggestions and humour! You will vote for your favourite comedians via our electronic voting system. The crowd’s favourite comedians will perform a second time each night. These guys also host corporate events, combine a comedy workshop with a meal and drink The Bank!

Tickets: improvcomedycagefight.rezdy.com/ Contact 0438579356 or dave@improvcomedycagefight.com.au for more info!

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RAT & KLUB - Monday from 6:30pm Moshpit Bar | 642A King St, Erskineville This is an intimate show with a fun, casual vibe where comedy fans can see a diverse line-up of comedians.You can often catch special guests coming through to work on new material - these guys have hosted people like Dave Hughes, Becky Lucas, Sam Taunton, Aaron Chen & Michael Hing! What really makes the show fun, however, is the range of experienced and new local comics we have jump up each week. There’s a wealth of comedic talent in Sydney & Rat Klub is one of the best ways to see what the local scene has to offer. And a quick heads up, because we’re in the know - as we come into spring and summer there will be a lot of big comedians wanting to tighten up their material for next year’s festival season! There are drink specials available all night for RSA holders as well as group ticket discounts.

We also have drink specials all night for RSA holders as well as group ticket discounts.

Ticketing link: trybooking.com/events/landing/988107 : @ratklub_comedy

THE WHARF REVUE - Pride in Prejudice | From Nov 8th Seymour Centre | Cnr City Rd + Cleveland St, Chippendale The Wharf Revue is back for another year of sensational satire with Pride in Prejudice.

Satirical content is up by 7%, the average laughter quotient is indexed at 8.3% over the forward estimates but the Wharf Revue defies the cost-of-living pressure by keeping the ticket price at the same level as last year!

Take that, Phillip Lowe!

“The Wharf Revue is now a national institution and it just keeps on giving…a sea of hilarity ” Limelight Magazine “a night of uproarious laughter and cheeky hilarity by (the) stunningly talented Wharf Revue:” Canberra Times Ticketing link: https://www.seymourcentre.com/event/the-wharf-revue-pridein-prejudice/ : seymoursydney : seymoursydney : jokeoffcomedy

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JOKE OFF COMEDY - Wednesday from 7pm Kelly’s on King | 285 King St, Newtown | $15 A weekly comedy room showcasing a diverse lineup of premium comedians every Wednesday. They also host a comedy competition twice a year, you can go in the draw to win a massive cash prize, with the winner voted by the audience and a panel of judges. You can regularly catch acts such as Luke Heggie, Nikki Britton, Michael Hing, Chris Ryan, Tom Cashman, Cameron James plus up and coming local acts you’re bound to love.

Tickets: powerbombcomedy.com/joke-off-comedy : @jokeoffcomedy : jokeoffcomedy

COMEDY STORE SHOWCASE - Every Thurs, Fri, Sat Evening Sydney Comedy Store | 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021 | $34.50-$49.50 The crème de la crème of the comedy world coalesces at the Comedy Store every week to give audiences the Sydney Comedy Store Showcase.Presenting household names, cult comedy faves, secret special surprises, and the hottest new talent in the country! Each night at the Comedy Store is a carefully curated comedy experience designed to get the blood pumping with non-stop chuckles. With drinks included in every ticket and an incredible cast of stand-up talent absolutely bursting with belly busting laughs, this is the hottest ticket in town.

www.comedystore.com.au : comedystoresyd : comedystoresydney

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COMMUNITY

By Tahney Fosdike

The New South Wales government has introduced a series of reforms to address the impact of pokie addiction and money laundering. These reforms aim to create a safer gambling environment by tackling issues associated with poker machines in the state.

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SINCE September 1, all pubs, clubs, and venues with gambling facilities in NSW have been required to remove any signs advertising gambling from their exterior walls.

Banned words include ‘VIP Room,’ ‘Golden Lounge,’ ‘Player’s Lounge,’ and pictures of dragons, coins, and lightning motifs.

Despite bans, venues are already finding loopholes, with The Royal Sheaf Hotel in Burwood displaying a sign with the words “Phòng VIP” (“VIP Room” in Vietnamese), according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Nonetheless, venues failing to comply with the sign removal face hefty fines, starting at $11,000 per offence.

Exceptions may be granted for venues unable to remove signage due to circumstances beyond their control, with an additional three-month compliance period.

The legislation extends existing laws prohibiting poker machines from being visible from the street. Changes aim to eliminate the promotion of pokies and curb the negative impact of gambling addiction across the state.

The NSW government’s commitment to minimising gambling-related harm includes a range of initiatives, spanning legislation, regulation, data management, certification, education, and training. Focusing on the

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long-term sustainability of clubs and pubs within NSW communities underpins these efforts.

In addition to the ban on gambling signage, other reforms include: Capping the number of gaming machines in circulation.

Implementing cashless gaming with mandatory bankaccount-linked cards.

Banning political donations from gambling clubs.

Establishing a buyback scheme for poker machines.

Australia houses over 20% of the world’s gaming machines, with NSW alone boasting over 100,000 pokies.

NSW gamblers lost $4.6 billion on pokies last year, while gaming operators and the government profited substantially through taxes. Critics argue reforms might infringe on personal freedom and could potentially drive gambling underground. However, with concerns over money laundering and gambling addiction, the reforms underscore the need for intervention in what is seen as a public health crisis.

Join our community @ “Of course, change isn’t easy,” said former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet when the reforms were announced, “Taking action to stamp out crime and help our most vulnerable community members is a complex task. It has consequences for us all, especially the pubs and clubs that are the lifeblood of so many communities across NSW.” The NSW government has also announced initiatives, including no-interest loans and grants to support communities and venues transitioning to cashless technologies and pursuing new revenue streams without compromising their operations. A government task force will also closely monitor the rollout of reforms focusing on industry viability and job maintenance.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do the right thing and create a better NSW, and we must not let the challenges hold us back,” Perrottet said in his announcement.

You can visit the NSW government website for more detailed information on the legislation and reforms. If you or someone you know in NSW is struggling with gambling-related issues and needs assistance, GambleAware is available to help. They can be reached at 1800 858 858, and further information is available on their website: gambleaware.nsw.gov.au

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COMMUNITY

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Dine out For Dignity and help end homelessness.

ON TUESDAY October 17th (International Day for the Eradication of Poverty), Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is proudly partnering with Inner West businesses for the inaugural Dine Out for Dignity event.

What is Dine out for Dignity?

The concept is simple. Local restaurants, pubs and cafes have committed to donate a generous % of proceeds on October 17th to support the community’s most vulnerable who rely on Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s essential services. Your part is easy. Just make a booking with one of the participating venues on October 17th and you’ll be making a positive difference in our local community. You can find all the participating venues on NNC’s website: www.newtowncentre.org.

Why does Newtown Neighbourhood Centre need support?

There are more than 37,000 people experiencing homelessness in NSW. In the Inner West, vulnerable and at-risk community members visit Newtown Neighbourhood Centre every day in need of support. Due to funding, the drop-in service is open for only 3 hours a day MondayThursday. Funds raised through Dine out for Dignity ensure people doing it tough can access this essential service as the Centre are aiming to expand those hours of support.

This special initiative is being generously supported by local businesses and you can get behind it as well. Just dine out on Tuesday 17 October. Check out which venues are participating in this inaugural Dine out for Dignity event at: newtowncentre.org.

NEWTOWN

HALLOWEEN PARTY LIVE music performance in the carpark from TRUE VIBENATION + FREE BBQ + costume competition for people AND pets + craft + pumpkin carving AND MORE NEWTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE 11-13 DARLEY ST, NEWTOWN

5PM FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 14

COMMUNITY

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Dear 2042 Locals,

With my Federal Greens colleagues Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Senator Janet Rice and community members calling for a rent freeze outside the Sydney hearing of the Senate Inquiry into the rental crisis

I’M Jenny Leong, the Greens MP for Newtown and your representative in the NSW Parliament.

Over the past year, I’ve heard countless stories from people in our community who are struggling to pay their rent, find an affordable share house to live in, or are sleeping in cars or on couches. Rents are rising four times faster than wages, evictions are on the rise, and too many renters are just one rent increase away from homelessness.

All sides of politics are finally acknowledging the harsh reality: NSW is in an unprecedented rental crisis.

Unfortunately, this acknowledgment is yet to be followed by concrete action to actually address the crisis our communities are facing.

That’s why I have introduced a Bill in NSW Parliament that would freeze rents for two years and buy time to implement long term solutions to help cool the overheated property market and get the cost of housing under control.

If the Minns NSW Labor Government is serious about supporting renters and alleviating the crushing cost of living pressures faced by the more than 30% of people across our state who rent (and over 55% in Newtown 2042!), they can support and pass our Bill when Parliament resumes in the next few weeks.

But, shamefully, they’ve so far refused to support a two-year rent freeze and are still dragging their feet on delivering their election promise to end unfair no grounds evictions. Without a freeze on skyrocketing rents and protection against eviction for no reason, renters across the state are exposed to the whims of a completely broken private rental market.

The scale and severity of the crisis needs to be matched by radical solutions that put people - and not profits - first.

In the past, Governments at all levels have shown that this kind of action is possible in the face of a crisis.

During the pandemic, the Federal Government doubled JobSeeker and lifted more than one million people out of poverty. In Victoria all rents were frozen and evictions banned for 6 months, while in NSW commercial rents were frozen and evictions also banned. And just last December, as energy bills began a steep climb, NSW Parliament was urgently recalled to pass laws to cap coal and gas prices.

The Greens know that a rent freeze alone won’t solve the crisis. It’s the start - not the end - of desperately needed reform to pull a handbrake on the runaway profits big investors and developers are reaping from the housing crisis and to make renting more secure and affordable.

Hitting pause on rents for two years now would allow the NSW Government to take considered, long-term measures to improve housing affordability across the state and ensure everyone has a secure, affordable place to live - regardless of whether they own their home.

These measures include massively investing in new public and social housing, implementing controls on short term rentals that are driving down housing supply, and introducing mandatory inclusionary zoning so all private developments include genuinely affordable housing. They also extend to restoring and filling the more than 3,000 public housing dwellings that currently sit empty in NSW due to poor maintenance, and taxing property investors who choose to keep perfectly habitable homes empty in a housing crisis.

All these reforms will take time, ambition, and political will for genuine change: right now, what renters need is urgent action.

Will you join our campaign to freeze rents and demand NSW Parliament act to fix the rental crisis? Sign the petition by scanning the QR code or head to: jennyleong.org/fixtherentalcrisis Yours sincerely,

Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown P.S. - Whether or not you rent, if you’re concerned about a local issue or if our office can assist with a specific matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 9517 2800, emailing newtown@parliament.nsw.gov.au, or visiting our office at 383 King Street, Newtown.

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SOMOS Up Close 2023 Neilson Studio at Sydney Dance Company 1 - 12 November World Premiere

by Rafael Bonachela

sydneydancecompany.com Photos by: Pedro Greig (Top) and Justin Ridler (Bottom)

ARTS Have you been missing the live music scene? Needing a live entertainment fix?

Well, rest assured we’ve got you covered.

Check out these epic gigs coming up in Newtown (and slightly beyond).

DRIFT: THE ‘CANDYLAND’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH PRIVATE WIVES AND DIP Friday October 20th | Tickets $15 | Doors open 7:30pm Bootleggers | 285 King St, Newtown Drift, the emerging alternative rock ensemble from the Gong, unveils their highly anticipated EP- "Candyland."

This powerful collection of songs that navigates the complexities of mental health.

SWITCHED ON: GOGO PENGUIN Thursday 26th October | Tickets $69 | Doors 7pm City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place Sydney UK instrumental trio GoGo Penguin make their longawaited maiden voyage to Australia for an electrifying performance guaranteed to take audiences on a journey from the rhythmic and ethereal to danceable and downright banging.

HALLOWEEN PARTY FT. MISTAH CEE Saturday 28th October | Free | from 9pm Marly Bar, 145 King St, Newtown Newtown’s unmissable Halloween party, with a themed venue, prizes for best dressed on the night and headlined

by TikTok superstar DJ, Mistah Cee.

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THE LEAGUE WITH MARI + LIVE BAND, LEE MONRO (FIGGKIDD), DXVNDRE, BECANIMAE, FLOW STATE, PROLIFIK Saturday 4th November | $30 + BF | from 7:30pm Bank Hotel, 324 King St, Newtown The League is set to redefine the hip-hop landscape.

Curating a roster of artists, that within their respective pockets, are nothing short of legendary, The ultimate showcase of lyricism and energy. Tickets available now.

VODKA CRUISER ON TAP LAUNCH PARTY FT MURRAY THE ORIGINAL RED WIGGLE Friday 10th November | FREE | from 9pm Marly Bar, 145 King St, Newtown Vodka Cruiser is launching on tap and the team at Marly Bar are throwing a party to celebrate with giveaways and a themed venue, best of all?! The Original Red Wiggle MURRAY will be performing a DJ/MC set.

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GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS PRESENTS ALEX THE ASTRONAUT Friday 17th November | $39.80 + BF | from 9pm Bank Hotel, 324 King St, Newtown An unforgettable original lyricist, the music of Australian singer/songwriter Alex the Astronaut cycles through a series of radiantly detailed slices of life, as she joins us for this intimate show.

SYNTHESIS 2.0 Friday November 10th | Tickets $15 | Doors open 8:30pm Bootleggers | 285 King St, Newtown Deeper Rhythm presents a night of techno acid and breakbeat. Barney Kato, Dj Kanka, DJSparx, Vixxie + more.

SICK VISOR TRICYCLE TOUR WITH FLORDIA MAN & THE SWEATY BETTYS Saturday November 11th | Tickets $15 | Doors open 7:30pm Bootleggers | 285 King St, Newtown Melbourne duo Sick Visor are here with their explosive new single, ‘Tricycle’, a rowdy sing-a-long about friendship and not wanting to ride your tricycle in the rain.

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SWITCHED ON: EZRA COLLECTIVE Wednesday 22nd November | Tickets $69 | Doors 7pm City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place Sydney 2023 Mercury Prize winning British jazz-funk outfit Ezra Collective brings a thumping celebration of life via the sounds of South London to City Recital Hall for Switched On.

SINGULAR VOICES: LLOYD COLE Monday 11th December | Tickets $79 | Doors 7pm City Recital Hall, 2 Angel Place Sydney UK icon of literate pop, Lloyd Cole returns to the City Recital Hall in a stripped back solo performance dedicated to his four decades of brilliant songcraft.

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FOOD/DRINK

By Alec Smart

The Stinking Bishops is an unusually-named diner in the heart of Enmore Rd Newtown. But don’t let the name put you off. It’s not run by a religious order and it doesn’t assault your olfactory senses, although Stinking Bishops is named after an infamously fragrant cheese that is hand-made in Gloucestershire, England (see history below).

S

LOCATED on the northern side of Enmore Rd, 400 metres walk from Newtown Station, The Stinking Bishops resembles a small, exotic wine bar.

To call the Stinking Bishops a restaurant is an understatement – it’s an appetising adventure for appreciators of cheese!

In the words of owner-manager Valentina Massaccesi, “The Stinking Bishops is a culinary journey of cheese exploration where cheese lovers embark on a tantalizing journey of flavours and textures…. It is a sanctuary where cheese aficionados come together, bonding over their shared love for all things cheesy.”

Although the artisanal Stinking Bishop cheese that inspired the name is currently unavailable in Australia, Valentina has sourced a delightful equivalent, along with a fascinating choice of other dairy delights.

“We curate a selection of the finest local and international cheeses,” she explained. “We are also famous for our delicious mac ‘n’ cheese, cheese soufflé, baked camembert, and Italian style porchetta [pronounced ‘porketta’, a traditional pork dish from the Lazio region that is stuffed with herbs and roasted for many hours over wood].”

So what might you expect when you enter the premises?

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“Our knowledgeable cheesemongers are always at hand, ready to guide you through this sensory adventure,” Valentina revealed, “with pairing suggestions that will elevate your cheese encounters to new heights.

“We have recently introduced a Cheese and Wine pairing experience, now available during happy hour Tue - Fri, 5 6pm, as well as for private functions and offsite catering.”

She continued, “With regular events, tastings, and workshops, we foster a community of like-minded individuals, united by their appetite for exploration and the desire to deepen their understanding of cheese,” Valentina declared.

“We also cater for offices/events with vibrant ‘grazing’ tables, and offer a variety of hampers and grazing boxes in different shapes for all celebrations.”

So, whether you’re a connoisseur or merely curious, The Stinking Bishops welcomes you to embark on a culinary journey for an extraordinary cheese experience.

The Stinking Bishops website: thestinkingbishops.com

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VARIETIES: There are around 2,000 cheese types in the world, of which France is estimated to make up to 1600 varieties.

ORIGINS: Although sheep and goats were domesticated in the Middle East approximately 10,500 years ago, the first evidence of cheesemaking appears in the art on Egyptian tomb walls that date back 4,000 years.

RAREST AND MOST EXPENSIVE: Pule cheese is a blend of 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat’s milk. Only produced in a boggy wetland in central Serbia, it requires 25 litres of milk to produce a single kilogram and retails for around $2000 a kilogram.

MOST POPULAR: The most commonly eaten cheese in the world is Mozzarella, mainly due to its presence in pizzas, although countless pasta dishes call for its inclusion, as well as enchiladas, frittatas and risottos.

Other top-sellers include Cheddar, Parmesan, Paneer, Feta, Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Camembert, and Brie.

T R A DT I O N A L I TA L I A N CUISINE cooked right in front of your eyes!

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Restaurant and Business of the year 2020 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding Restaurant 2021 Inner West Local Awards Best Business Person 2022 Australian Small Business Champion Best Restaurant 2018 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding Restaurant 2018 Daily Telegraph Best of Sydney Food award for Best Cheap Eats 2019 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding Restaurant and Business of the year 2020 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding Restaurant 2021 Inner West Local Awards Best Business Person 2022 Australian Small Business Champion Best Restaurant 2018 Inner West Local Awards Restaurant 2 5 5Outstanding k i n g st re e t 2018 Daily Telegraph Best n award ew t ow n Cheap Eats of Sydney Food for Best 2019 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding ( 0 2 ) and 95 1 6 0 of 85 Restaurant Business the7year 2020 Inner West Local Awards Outstanding Restaurant 2021 Inner West Local Awards Best Business Person 2022 Australian Small

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PETS LILY

LILY - Don’t let Lily’s picture fool you, this Golden Retriever has energy to burn. Lily lives with her favourite humans Glenn and Zoe in Newtown where she loves to explore all the local parks, play fetch and make friends with every dog she meets. Sometimes she gets up to mischief by collecting discarded balls she finds at the park and bringing them home to add to her ever-growing collection. She also has a tendency to steal her owner’s socks and hide them in the yard (However, with her cute face and lovely personality she is easily forgiven).

TARRAGON

TARRAGON - The cutest noodle-dog you ever did see.

Tarragon is a blue and white Greyhound, vintage edition, standing tall and proud at 8 years of age. When she’s not out and about in the neighbourhood on a ‘sniffari’, you can find her lazing on her favourite yellow velvet couch. She’s an allround big sweetheart with long legs and pointy goblin ears.

ALICE

ALICE - A 6 year old English Cocker Spaniel whose great loves in life are food, rolling in stinky grass and being in close proximity to any human willing to give her love and affection. But mostly food, she even does a happy dance for dinner and breakfast. Alice is a very soft, sweet and special dog, a 10 minute cuddle with her has been proven to melt any stress away, and may even add a few years to your own lifespan!

DIEGO

DIEGO - This cheeky Cardigan Corgi is almost 2 years old and has been a Newtown local since he was a pup. He loves to go to Sydney Park to explore, and his favourite snack is chicken and cheese (preferably together). He is a bit of a thief and likes to steal other dog’s balls at the back, but it’s all in an effort to get them to play with him!

Is your pet a star? Submit your photos to our Facebook page 22

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MILA - A 3.5 year old Husky x Belgian Shepherd who is a big gentle giant. She is very food motivated and loves her lamb, squeaky toys and having a rumble with other pups at the dog park. She’s very vocal being half Husky, and will share her opinions with anyone within earshot, whether they like it or not.

Be yourself at International Grammar School

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DEAN

DEAN - This is one well travelled cat! Dean the Tabby is a rescue that chose his family over a decade ago in London. Since then, he’s withstood four house moves without complaint, and the arrival of 2 human siblings (with some complaint/hissing). He is now happily settled in Newtown, where he loves hissing at dogs walking by, receiving pats from his humans, and sleeping, almost all day.

Secular, co-educational, early learning to Year 12.

Unique Language Programs Central location near Sydney CBD Out of hours care Exciting music and STEAM opportunities Kangaroo Valley rural campus

Scan to enrol today

Find out more at igssyd.nsw.edu.au Contact us 9219 6700 admissions@igssyd.nsw.edu.au

CROSSWORD

Name: _____________________________________________________

2042 - ISSUE #8

ACROSS 2.

The Just for Laughs festival began 40 years ago in which City?

5.

Dara O’Briain is performing his own show ‘So…Where Were We’ at which iconic Sydney venue?

7.

Which UK Instrumental Trio are making their long awaited return to Australia? You can catch them at City Recital Hall Oct 26

9.

Dara O’Briain hosted British Improv.

Comedy show ‘Mock The _____’ for 17 years

10.

You can see the Improv Comedy Cage fight at which popular Newtown venue?

11.

This Governor was issues 240 acres of land on both sides of King St in 1806?

DOWN 1.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

11

Name of the well-travelled Tabby originally from London?

4.

Across Jenny Leong has submitted a bill to the 2. The Just for Laughs festival began 40 Government that will introduce a rate _____.

11. This Governor was issues 240 acres of land on both sides of King St in 1806?

Down years ago in which City?

5. Dara O’Briain is performing his own show a 1.

Name of a high energy Golden Retriever Which local venue is hosting bigDine out for Dignity, held on 17th 8.

'So…Where Were We' at which iconic Sydney October, is hosted by which local community living in Newtown?

Halloween Party this year?

Oct 28 venue? organisation - Newtown ____________ Centre.

7. Which UK Instrumental Trio are making 3. Name of the well-travelled Tabby their long awaited return to Australia? You can originally from London? catch them at City Recital Hall Oct 26 4. Jenny Leong has submitted a bill to the 9. Dara O’Briain hosted British Improv.

Government that will introduce a rate _____.

Comedy show 'Mock The _____' for 17 years 6. Name of a high energy Golden Retriever 10. You can see the Improv Comedy Cage living in Newtown? fight at which popular Newtown venue?

8. Which local venue is hosting a big Halloween Party this year? Oct 28

EASY

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9

10

Dine out for Dignity, held on 17th October, is hosted by which local community organisation - Newtown ____________ Centre.

3.

6.

Date: _______

NOT EASY

TANYA PLIBERSEK FEDERAL MEMBER FOR SYDNEY HERE TO HELP

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

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.

My office offers Justice of the Peace (JP) services on Mondays (2pm4.30pm); Tuesdays (10am-1pm); and Thursdays (2pm-4.30pm).

Please contact my office to

STAYING IN TOUCH To keep up to date with my activities (incuding my mobile offices), issues and events - both locally and nationally, please subscribe to my eNews.

make an appointment.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES 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.

1A Great Buckingham St Redfern NSW 2016 Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au Authorised by T.PlIbersek MP (ALP) 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

02 9379 0700

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Join our community @ EAT/DRINK THE STINKING BISHOPS A culinary experience of cheese exploration where cheese lovers embark on a tantalising journey of flavours and textures. Nestled in the heart of Newtown, this unique cheese restaurant is a haven for those seeking an extraordinary cheese experience.

Built on a foundation of passion and expertise, the team curates a selection of the finest local and international cheeses. They are also famous for the delicious mac n’ cheese, cheese souffle’, baked camembert and italian style Porchetta.

The team at Stinking Bishops also offer offices/events with vibrant grazing tables, and offer a variety of hampers and grazing boxes in different shapes for all celebrations.

Prepare to be enthralled by the world of cheese!

5/63-71 Enmore Rd, Newtown 02 9550 6116 thestinkingbishops.com

MAKING A GRAMMAR EDUCATION POSSIBLE Scholarships and fee-assisted places available Is your boy an independent, creative thinker? Then Grammar may be the ideal school for him. There is no waiting list and entry is based on merit alone.

If families are worried about the fees, please note that Grammar offers a very extensive fee-assistance programme to help boys attend our School.

For more information about our Open Days and Scholarship Information Night, please visit www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au, or contact Tara Rennie at admissions@sydgram.nsw.edu.au.

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LORD OF THE FRIES The biggest vegan food chain in Australasia, redefining fast food with classic, satisfying plant based options. Indulge in crispy fries, mouthwatering burgers, delicious hot dogs and more. Experience the ultimate in vegan comfort food at our Newtown store, even better, mention Neighbourhood Media and receive 2-for-1 fries, they’ll even come with a sauce!

230 King St, Newtown 470 489 688 lordofthefries.com.au SYDNEY FISH MARKET The largest seafood market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, SFM sells over 100 different species of fish and seafood everyday.

Caught and brought directly to the market, the seafood is absolutely fresh and very high quality. SFM also hosts a number of other retail outlets including green grocer, bakery, butcher, supermarket, kitchen products, delicatessen, bottle shop and more. They have bars and eateries, so you can make a day of it. Parking on site or nearby. Buses, light rail, and ferry stop within easy strolling distance. Great location, great atmosphere, great seafood.

Cnr Pyrmont Bridge Rd & Bank St, Pyrmont - 9004 1100 - sydneyfishmarket.com.au

EAT/DRINK

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A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

WHO MADE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE!

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