Emma Life after Donovan prison CD GIVEAWAY Law & Order Forum The Dø, The Grates May 27 and more... Page 9 The Review – Pages 11-14

NUMBER SEVENTY-ONE MAY ’09 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND

Ian Maxwell Photo: Ali Blogg $3.5m for clean technology business

Robert Morr ison

Climate change. We all know it is an issue, but who is actually doing something about it?

Local Surry Hills business, BT Imaging, has recently won over $3.5 million as part of the Federal Government’s Climate Ready program. Producing state of the art technology known as CleanTech, BT imaging is paving the way for climate change initiatives as they sell to manufacturers all over the world, helping make the production of solar cells cheaper. Ian Maxwell, CEO, says he is pleased with the Government’s recognition but feels On April 25 over 1,500 young people “abducted” themselves as part of The Rescue, organised by Invisible Children to demand action for the there is still much work to be done. “We thousands of children forced to fight as soldiers in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) who have been involved in an ongoing war in Uganda for like the fact that we are making renewable energy cheaper [but] we all have to get the past 23 years. serious about the use of CleanTech before it is too late.” The abductees walked from Milson’s Point to the Botanic Gardens, camping overnight as they waited for media, celebrities and law makers to With the predisposition of high costs, arrive, “rescue” them and bring attention to the cause. The Sydney event was one of 100 events held in cities worldwide. Photo: Esther Turnbull renewable energies have often been shunned because they are not economically For more information: www.invisiblechildren.com viable. However, according to recent reports released by DESERTEC-Australia, market trends suggest that renewable energies will soon be cheaper than their coal-based The Australian government has often Ian Maxwell believes, “The Australian the government pays people for excess Mr Maxwell maintains that the individual is and nuclear alternatives. In a number of been slow to adopt new technologies Government is now starting to get serious energy they generate and put into the just as important. “People should be actively countries it is already cheaper to build such as solar energy, meaning they must about alternative energy, and the grants electricity grid.” choosing clean technologies when there is a solar energy electricity plant than a instead import foreign products rather than for companies like ours really do help. While the energy sector is finally seeing a choice. And for those who can afford it, traditional coal-powered plant. export Australian technologies. However, The next step is `feed-in-tariffs’, where renewable energy as a serious possibility, please put solar cells on your roof.”

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Managing Editor Andrew Collis

John McInerney Photo: Andrew Collis Cars versus bikes versus pedestrians

Pa m Dagw el l says “high difficulty” roads require to accommodate cyclists, and even in advertising,” he said. “The motor car existing footpaths to become shared Victoria every pathway is a shared path.” has dominated public spending for too FEATURES EDITOR Sydney Council is determined to paths to enable safe cycling and Cr McInerney emphasised the concept long in this State, to the detriment of the Dorothy McRae-McMahon attract more people to cycling as a form encourage new cyclists onto the bicycle that pedestrians have right of way at all wider community. We can’t just keep of transport and inner city residents network. “Low-speed cycling is not a times and that Council will work hard building roads as we have in the past. opposed to the campaign will have threat to pedestrians when managed to provide appropriate safety structures Finally the RTA has come on board with to adapt. appropriately,” the Strategy states. such as signage, coloured paths, dividing us about this.” “Cyclists who obey the law and ride lines and raised separating studs, etc. Geoff and Lyn Turnbull of Redfern are sensibly on a shared footpath are no “Education is the key and will include A link to the Cycle Strategy and regular walkers around Redfern Station less threat to pedestrians than a car that community presentations, bike days and Action Plan 2007-2017 can be found and Lawson Square and are concerned runs a red light or does not give way to school workshops as well as newspaper at www.cityofsydney,nsw.gov.au about a Council plan to allow bicycles to pedestrians.” share footpaths in some areas. A street Lyn Turnbull said the 10km speed sign showing a pedestrian and a cyclist limit recommended for cyclists on shared NEWS EDITOR with “the path is there to share” slogan paths is not enforceable. “A Council Trevor Davies in between is currently being advertised Ranger would have to see the bike Councillors unite to support in City newspapers. Mr Turnbull said his rider speeding or be called if a collision wife is an uncontrolled epileptic and in occurred, for fines or penalties to be of danger of hurting both herself and those any use,” she said. Affordable Housing Strategy nearby if she is startled and unable to Donna [surname withheld] and control her body actions. “We were her partner use Little Eveleigh Street SSH developments be reduced but then want under the impression that adults were frequently to walk to work. They are to retain the right to sell at whatever price not allowed to ride on footpaths unless both blind. They say it is a quiet, On the issue of affordable housing, the market will bear,” Ms Hale said. accompanying a child,” he said. friendly street and the few cars that we may have a united City of Sydney “The affordable housing levy is used Bicycle NSW Chief Operating Officer, use the road travel slowly because of Council. In fact, on this occasion, the successfully in many overseas cities in Elizabeth Hole, said there has been speed bumps. Donna said this is not smaller parties are publicly speaking both Europe and the US. It will help PHOTO EDITOR no alteration to that rule in NSW but the case with many cyclists. “I’ve been out in defence of the Council’s Draft maintain diversity and an available Ali Blogg Council has made changes to the abused on a number of occasions just Affordable Housing Policy as developers workforce in the city,” said Greens designation of some infrastructure from for momentarily being in their way. My move against the public interest. Councillor Irene Doutney. footpath to shared path, upon which partner has had his cane mangled in Greens Councillor Chris Harris said: bicycle riding is permitted. the wheels of a passing bike. They have NSW Greens spokesperson on “The City of Sydney is going to do its ASSISTANT EDITOR Esther Turnbull Shared paths, on-road bike lanes plenty of room to go around us lowly Housing, Sylvia Hale MLC, and Greens bit as well. We are looking at all surplus and new two-way, on-road separated pedestrians,” she said. City of Sydney Councillors Chris Harris Council-owned sites to see if we can DESIGNER cycleways are all part of Sydney Council’s Ms Hole, for Bicycle NSW, said her and Irene Doutney, have called on include new affordable housing in any Robert Young Cycle Strategy and Action Plan which organisation supports the leadership property developers to stop opposing redevelopment. We have an exciting PRINTER aims to increase bike use as a form of and initiatives taken by the City. “The more affordable housing in the City new housing project in partnership with Spotpress PTY LTD transport by 500 per cent over the next key benefit here is the safety gains from of Sydney. the government on our Bay Street depot 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place 10 years. separating bicycles from motor traffic,” “The Urban Taskforce, the lobby site in Glebe.” Marrickville, NSW 2204 When the Strategy is fully she said. “We also support the Shared group representing property developers, Labor Party Councillor Meredith www.spotpress.com implemented there will be 200 kms of Path [education] Campaign designed is obviously worried about the City Burgmann told the SSH: “I certainly safe cycling infrastructure throughout to increase the safety and amenity for of Sydney’s quest to provide more support the Council’s affordable housing REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS the city. The 75-page Plan draws on riders and pedestrians on the new shared affordable housing in Sydney. The strategy and also call on developers not “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors extensive social research and expects paths,” she added. Council’s excellent Draft Affordable to put obstacles in its way. Developers who make this publication possible.” a surge in the bike riding population to Ms Hole did acknowledge, however, Housing Strategy is currently on have a false belief that their bottom line bring benefits, including reduced road that the shared paths will have different exhibition and the developers’ lobby will be affected by affordable housing Reem Al-Gharabally Perry Johnstone costs and congestion, lower air pollution speed limits depending on the local doesn’t like it because the City of Sydney strategies but history has shown us that John August Katherine Keefe and greenhouse gas emissions and council area they are in and that “it is proposing a four per cent affordable well thought out schemes can deliver Benjamin Ball norrie mAy-welby less overcrowding on public transport. would be up to the individual [council] housing levy on new large residential high quality affordable housing and also Laura Bannister Nicholas McCallum Increased physical fitness and emotional insurance companies to ascertain who projects,” said Ms Hale. keep developers happy.” Jane Barton Kate Lamb wellbeing are also likely outcomes. is liable in a collision.” She was particularly critical of the Independent Councillor Marcelle Tara Clifford Kelly Lane The Australian Pedestrian Council, City of Sydney Independent Councillor, role played by the Urban Taskforce. Hoff concludes that “there is an Lindsay Cohen Sarah Malik however, is not convinced. It forecasts John McInerney, is a committed cyclist. “The claim by the Urban Taskforce that ongoing misconception that additional Lee Conley Ellice Mol serious injury or worse for pedestrians, “We are in a trial period now where the private sector is being ‘blocked’ development costs, such as levies, are Wendy Collis Lisa Moon particularly young children, the disabled we are moving into the modern world from providing affordable housing is passed directly to the consumer. There and the elderly. Council chair, Harold of transport. What we are proposing just ludicrous. Unlike developers in are always more robust explanations Pam Dagwell Susannah Palk Scruby, said their legal advice is that for cycling in Sydney is the ‘norm’ many overseas cities, Sydney developers for price movements as developers Linda Daniele Andre Rangiah Councils could be faced with huge overseas,” he said. “Half the population represented by the Urban Taskforce have will maximise profits by charging the Flint Duxfield Vanessa Watson damage claims if people are injured while of Stockholm comes into work on done all that they can to resist affordable maximum sale price that the market will Eve Gibson Scott Winter using shared paths. bicycles, in Germany all roads and housing schemes. They continually allow, irrespective of the introduction The Cycle Strategy document paths are paved in different colours demand that levies and charges on new of a levy.” May 2009 N ew s 3

Darlington’s forgotten street

a M a nda Robb creating outside seating like on Norton Street.” In 2005, the SSH reported on the However, Gencturk’s biggest battle is Redfern Chamber of Commerce and the need for a parking permit. Owning local business owners’ proposal three shop fronts does not give him the to maintain and preserve the shop right to a permit and he has paid over fronts on Abercrombie Street. City of $3,000 in parking fines. Sydney Councillor John McInerney Rebbeck and Gencturk, alongside visited the area, informing locals of other shopkeepers, have felt the future action to be taken. The $20 impact of the new Eveleigh Markets. million Redfern upgrade granted at Whilst Rebbeck considers the markets that time, was to be shared between a grand boost economically for the Redfern, Regent and Abercrombie area, he states: “An integration of Streets. the markets with the already existing businesses, is in order, so they are not It is now 2009, and the local an opposing threat. My Saturday trade residents and business owners of has noticeably decreased since the Abercrombie Street are still waiting. opening of the markets.” Newsagent owner, Andrew Packham, Constructive suggestions were asks, “Has Council washed its hands also made. Packham suggested a of this precinct?” lighting orbit for the street “a must” Owner of Tripod Café, James for pedestrians travelling between Rebbeck, has, like many other vocal the train station and the University residents, raised his concerns about at night. Rebbeck proposed a city Marching together Photo: Ali Blogg the future of Abercrombie Street. bus route to be directed from the city Whilst paying the Council footpath down Cleveland Street to Newtown, rental fees, he still has no authority to via Abercrombie Street, bringing maintain and perk up the presentation more people to the precinct. He also Redfern RSL marches on outside his café. proposed the idea of a more communal Peter Gencturk, owner of Papa feel in the area, such as a community Nichol a s McC a l lum In an attempt to stave off a merger or something that the RSL is very eager to be Murphy’s, agrees with Rebbeck, notice board, facilitating an accessible closure, the Redfern RSL club is following a part of. So eager in fact, that at a recent adding the desperate need to clean focal point for local news and events. On Sunday April 19, the members the trend of numerous other clubs across AGM in March this year, members had to up the street, by removing the graffiti Packham sums it up by stating: of the Returned & Services League in the city and cashing in on the underlying agree that the club’s current location was and adding some new street furniture. “Darlington is a blank canvas with Redfern proudly marched from their value of its real estate. not essential to any future redevelopment. “We need to make this stretch look positive potential. We are being club to Redfern Park for a service In June 2008, Redfern RSL, in However, Deputy Chair Ron Shurmer appealing. This is achievable – placing neglected, and it is time our voice was and wreath-laying ceremony. Led by conjunction with developer CB Richard confirmed that whilst the DA has been retaining walls in front of the cafes, heard, and action taken.” mounted police and a Scots marching Ellis, announced that it was allowing given the okay from board members, the band belting out ‘Amazing Grace’ on expressions of interest for the revamping developer has guaranteed the first floor the bagpipes, there was a definite air of of the Redfern-Gibbons Streets site. In a of the future structure for the use of the will hopefully attract. “We need new, doors for two years as the existing pride from the gentlemen and women press release from that time, then General RSL club. “The club can only stay viable bonza young members to keep the club building is demolished and rebuilt into that had served their country. Manager Peter Butcher heralded the site’s if it stays where it is,” he said. going,” hoping that future employees at the new tower. He also acknowledged potential to expand its membership base He also stated that whilst the the ATP will choose to wet their whistles that such a large-scale reconstruction There was also gratitude expressed to a younger demographic. development is essential to the club’s there, just opposite the railway station. in the current financial climate carries by the people along Redfern Street “By providing a modern club future, a merger with any of the struggling The current DA will turn the existing the same risks of stagnation presently who stopped to pay their respects to environment we believe we can better clubs nearby is not something that has clubhouse into an 18-storey skyscraper. playing out at the former CUB site in the returned servicemen and women. appeal to the demographic of the been ruled out by the board members. Apart from the first floor RSL club, the Chippendale, but there is little choice in However, continued veneration for surrounding area and attract more “[A merger] would have to be a remaining storeys will be comprised of 13 the matter. the members of Redfern RSL faces an members in their mid-20s to mid-30s,” commercial decision, though it is not levels of residential space, a supermarket, So, as with their march, there is hope uncertain future. An ageing membership Mr Butcher said. something we’d like to do.” a further two levels for commercial use from the RSL that the sun will shine on and uncertain financial times has The release also stated that the Mr Shurmer added that the club’s and six levels of basement parking. the future of the club and its members provided a not entirely unwelcome redevelopment coincided with continued future depends on new people joining, Ron estimates that, when construction as they look for a new beginning in a chance for new vitality at the club. gentrification of the Redfern area, something that a sparkling new building begins, the club will have to close its new clubhouse. The new Glebe Point Road

Steph a nie Gesl ing four weeks earlier. He is also pleased per cent”. with the upgrade but concerned about Paul Feain, owner of the Cornstalk Saturday on Glebe Point Road: maintenance. “They have to have a plan Bookshop, says he borrowed $50,000 the markets are alive with shoppers, to take care of the streetscape … the trees to keep his business afloat during the stall holders and dogs out for a stroll; haven’t been watered in the time we’ve three-month period that his shop was tourists and locals peruse the shops been here.” blocked by the roadworks. “It’s absolutely and cafes; others wander along under “I think it looks good”, says a café disgraceful what they did and the way an overcast sky. customer. “It’s a shame about all the they treated us.” businesses that have closed down, though. Tina from British Sweets and Treats April 4 was the day the City of Sydney A City of Sydney street performer is concerned that many who used to had chosen to Celebrate Glebe Point Road. replies, “That’s capitalism for you – out frequent Glebe shops are unaware that the Musicians and street performers hand out with the debris; you can’t have all the upgrade is complete. “A lot of people don’t Glebe branded bags, badges and coffee same shops, got to have something new know it’s finished. I think it’s going to take vouchers to mark the end of the street to look at”. Spoken in jest, perhaps, but a long time to recover from the losses.” upgrade that has taken many months to for some it seems this statement is a little The changes to Glebe Point Road may complete. too “on the money”. well have been costly for some businesses Some shopkeepers are pleased with the Local resident, Kate Parsons, says, “It but joining those celebrating will result. “It’s fantastic”, says George of Deli does seem disproportionate that for a undoubtedly be the visually impaired who for Your Belly, “a bit disturbing while they change of footpath people have lost their now have footpath warnings for crossings did it … but a great result”. livelihoods”. and people with physical disabilities who Another business owner, Adriano According to Luis Otero of Marcellus can spin around the area via the accessible Enjoying improvements to Glebe Point Road Photo: Ali Blogg Matteoni, opened Clipper Café just Hairdressing, “business is down 40-50 crossings.

Local Resident… Patrick McKay 0408 018 208 Local Knowledge… Your Area Specialist LJ Hooker Newtown Working For You… 02 8595 1888 ljhooker.com.au 4 N ew s May 2009

Public Notice Proposal to Establish Alcohol Free Zones In response to requests from residents and NSW Police, the City of Sydney proposes to establish alcohol free zones (AFZ) in a number of streets in the City Central, Leichhardt, Newtown, Redfern and The Rocks Local Area Police Commands. AFZ give police the power to confi scate alcohol to prevent alcohol related anti-social behaviour and crime. Any person observed to be drinking in an AFZ may have the alcohol in their possession immediately seized. AFZ in the City of Sydney Local Government Area are enforced by the NSW Police. You are invited to express your support or opposition to the proposed AFZ. Please provide your comments in writing and address them to the Chief Executive Offi cer, City of Sydney no later than Wednesday 20 May, 2009. You can lodge your views by: Mail: GPO Box 1591 Sydney 2001 • Fax: 9265 9222 • Email: [email protected] The following streets are proposed alcohol free zones: CITY CENTRAL LOCAL AREA COMMAND LEICHHARDT LOCAL AREA COMMAND REDFERN LOCAL AREA COMMAND 1. George Street from Campbell Street to 1. Glebe Point Road from Parramatta Road to 1. Redfern Street from Gibbons Street to Druitt Street Bridge Road Elizabeth Street 2. Liverpool Street from Douglass Street to 2. Cowper Street from Glebe Point Road to 2. Lawson Square Wentworth Avenue Wentworth Park Road 3. Lawson Street from Gibbons Street to 3. Central Street from George Street to Pitt Street 3. Franklyn Street from Cowper Street to Abercrombie Street Francis Street 4. Wilmot Street from George Street to Pitt Street 4. Eveleigh Street from Lawson Street to 4. Mitchell Street from Catherine Street to 5. Bathurst Street from Kent Street to Caroline Street Wentworth Park Road Castlereagh Street 5. George Street from Redfern Street to 5. St Johns Road from Ross Street to 6. Pitt Street from Park Street to Turner Street Wentworth Park Road Cunningham Street 6. Elizabeth Street from Redfern Street to 6. Glebe Street from Cowper Street to Bay Street 7. Goulburn Street from Sussex Street to McEvoy Street Castlereagh Street 7. Bay Street from Broadway to 7. Regent Street from Redfern Street to Wentworth Park Road 8. Castlereagh Street from Goulburn Street to Boundary Street Liverpool Street 8. Glebe Point Road from Bridge Road to 8. Botany Road from Boundary Street to Federal Road 9. Park Street from George Street to Raglan Street Castlereagh Street 9. Forest Road from St Johns Road to 9. Gardeners Road (northern side) from Arundel Street 10. Eddy Avenue from Pitt Street to Elizabeth Street Dalmeny Avenue to Primrose Avenue 10. Bridge Road from Gottenham Street to 10. James Street from Young Street to Pyrmont Railway Street Marriott Street 11. Union Square/Union Street from Harris Street to 11. Colbourne Ave from Lyndhurst St to St Johns Rd Murray Street Waterloo 12. Lyndhurst St from Bridge Road to Darghan St 12. Paternoster Row from Union Street to Pyrmont 11. Phillip Street from Walker Street to Pitt Street Bridge Road NEWTOWN LOCAL AREA COMMAND 12. Wellington Street from Walker Street to 1. King Street (eastern side) from Whateley Street 13. Pyrmont Street from Point Street to Bunn Street Cope Street to Goddard Street 14. Edward Street from Bunn Street to 13. Walker Street from Wellington Street to 2. Whateley Street from King Street to Pirrama Road Phillip Street Wilson Street 15. Pirrama Road from Harris Street to 14. Raglan Street from Botany Road to Cope Street 3. Thomas Street Murray Street 15. Cope Street from Raglan Street to 4. Railway Lane from Thomas Street to 16. Murray Street from Pirrama Road to Union Street Redfern Street Angel Street 17. Point Street 16. George Street from Raglan Street to 5. Newman Street from King Street to John Street 18. Day Street from Liverpool Street to Druitt Street Thomas Street 17. Pitt Street from Phillip Street to Kellick Street 19. George Street from Druitt Street to Market Street 6. Whitehorse Street 18. Phillip Street from Pitt Street to Cope Street 20. Darling Drive from Union Street to the Western 7. Norfolk Street 19. Raglan Street from Pitt Street to Cope Street Distributor 8. Hordern Street from King Street to 21. Dixon Street from Goulburn Street to Victoria Street Chippendale Factory Street 9. Mechanic Street from Church Street to 20. Balfour Street from Cleveland Street to 22. Elizabeth Street from St James Road to Egan Street Meagher Street Liverpool Street 10. Campbell Street from O’Connell Street to 21. Bartley Street from Abercrombie Street to 23. St James Road from St Mary’s Road to Elizabeth Street Balfour Street Elizabeth Street 11. King Street from Church Street to THE ROCKS LOCAL AREA COMMAND 24. College Street from St James Road to Missenden Road 1. George Street from Market Street to Liverpool Street 12. Missenden Road from King Street to Alfred Street 25. Park Street from Castlereagh Street to Carillon Avenue 2. King Street from Sussex Street to William Street 13. Longdown Street Clarence Street A full list of streets with maps can be viewed at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Maps are also on display at the Town Hall One Stop Shop, Glebe Neighbourhood Service Centre, Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre and City Libraries.

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au General enquiries and after hours assistance 9265 9333 TTY 9265 9276 [email protected] You can subscribe to a number of the City’s online publications at cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/subscribe May 2009 N ew s 5

Have You Heard? THE FAST NEWS WITH TREVOR DAVIES Bus routes cut everywhere? Tara Clifford, in this issue, writes about the cuts to the 311 bus service. Andrew West, last month in the Sydney Morning Herald reported that: “The Rail Tram and Bus Union fears the planned changes (to the 311 bus route) could signal cuts to other services. The secretary of the Union’s bus division, Raoul Boanza, said the 326 and 327 services from Bondi Junction to City via Bellevue Hill, the 355 between Marrickville Metro shopping mall to Bondi Junction via Alexandria, and the 361 from South Bondi and North Clovelly to Bondi Junction could also be under threat. We are worried that, little by little, Sydney Buses is trying to make these secondary routes less and less frequent,” he said. “Then you get into a vicious circle because the more irregular the service becomes, the more the patronage drops off and then they say, ‘Hey, it’s not viable’”.

Promising beginnings Roy Wakelin-King, the RWA’s new CEO, is certainly making an impression. In the RWA’s new Bulletin he writes: “I was pleased to be able to attend the REDWatch meeting on 5 March 2009 with the Minister for Planning and Redfern-Waterloo to hear first-hand some of the issues of interest and concern to the community.” It also looks like the Aboriginal Housing Company’s Pemulwuy project is about to get approval. A new Minister and CEO. What an improvement!

Developer’s Lobby responds

Robert Sprour at Redfern Supermarket Photo: Andrew Collis In this issue Greens MP Sylvia Hale, Greens Councillors Harris and Doutney and Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff get stuck into the Urban Task Force and accuse them of undermining the city’s affordable housing policy. The Task Force has responded. Its chief executive, Aaron Gadiel, says that developers have Opinion divided over new IGA been trying to get more affordable housing into inner city suburbs for years. Mr Gadiel says that more affordable housing can be built on a commercial basis. K el ly L a ne a petition against the DA for Souths traffic problems and maintaining the “Councils in inner suburban areas should not be prohibiting the development Leagues, which included the proposal suburb’s village quality. of compact, high amenity, pedestrian friendly urban communities,” he said. Local businesses and residents are for a supermarket. REDWatch’s Geoff Turnbull said that “For example, the City of Sydney’s Draft Affordable Housing Strategy expressly divided over the proposal for a new Karellas Investments lodged a DA the supermarket could generate more supermarket on Chalmers Street in on February 13 for the internal fit-out business for the suburb. excludes studio apartments from its definition of affordable housing. The Redfern. Submissions against the of a SUPA IGA on the ground floor of “One of the big problems for Redfern City of Sydney also restricts the ability of developers to build apartments with development application for a SUPA the Leagues Club building. Managing shops in particular is that there isn’t a three or more bedrooms – denying families the opportunity of more affordable IGA on the ground floor of South Director, Vasilli Karellas, said the great deal that pulls people into that living close to the central business district. There are many home buyers eager Sydney Leagues Club closed last month, supermarket, if approved, would be of shopping strip,” Mr Turnbull said. “If to establish themselves in secure homes close to work and services. There after almost two years of opposition similar size to a Coles or Woolworths and people can get their major things within are developers willing to build these homes for them at an affordable price.” from some members of the community. would provide a full range of products, the community ... then people are more Mr Gadiel said what Councils must do is abandon any plans to impose new including fresh fruit and vegetables, deli, likely to spend time within that area.” or increased levies on development. “The City of Sydney’s plan for a levy on Redfern Supermarket owner, Robert meat and seafood. “We believe the area Local business owner, Con Grafinikis, newly-built homes would unfairly burden owner-occupiers. As much as $900 Sprour, said: “The Government says could do with a full-range supermarket agrees that a supermarket would be a it’s going to help small business, but that offers quality, service and value,” helpful addition to Redfern. “I think it will million may need to be raised by this new tax. The plan taxes young families how will something like this help small he said. be nice for the area. It will keep people struggling to buy a home of their own to subsidise those who are renting. business?” Complaints have been made The IGA would be open from 6am here, instead of them going somewhere Council rules are also forcing up the cost of building new homes – pricing about predicted parking problems, to midnight, seven days a week, with a else.” them beyond the reach of many ordinary home buyers.” increased traffic flow and noise in the free shuttle bus picking up passengers Public housing tenant, Ross Smith, Do you agree with the Urban Task Force or the Council? area, as well as the impact to businesses at Central, Redfern and Green Square. said: “IGAs are only franchised corner Why not email your comments to [email protected] already struggling to stay afloat. Helen Ashton, a long-term resident of stores. For people to get reasonably “I’m paying high rent here,” Mr Sprour Redfern, said: “A big supermarket like priced shopping they would have to said. “I won’t survive. They’re going that would just change the character of go to Marrickville, Bondi Junction or Redfern and Erko stations to be deserted? to run me down and then I’m going to the place. We’ve already got plenty of Broadway.” Fast News has been contacted by quite a few station staff from Redfern and have to close down.” Mr Sprour, who small businesses open until 9 or 10pm at Sydney City Council said that Erskineville about the rumoured staff cuts still being negotiated with State has owned his shop for 10 years, was night and other IGAs around the corner.” all submissions would be carefully not informed of the DA by Council The debate follows a similar case considered by City Planners and the Rail. The changes seem drastic. Erskineville: 4 staff down to 2, includes because both his business and residence in Erskineville in February, where a outcome of the development application abolishing the Station Master’s and Duty Manager’s job. Fewer ticket sellers lie outside the 75-metre radius of the supermarket development was rejected will be determined in the next and less maintenance for ticket machines will mean longer queues. Station proposed site. In 2007 he submitted by Council on the basis of predicted few months. staff positions will be cut leaving many stations unmanned and ticket windows closed. Proposed abolishment of transit officers will see a steep increase in crime related incidents and will make stations less safe. Cleaning staff on stations will be cut leaving stations open to more vandalism. Cutting so many Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity staff will mean in an emergency there will be less people to evacuate stations and protect public safety. Barry Rule from the ASU said: “The state government isn’t listening to the pleas of rail workers and their unions. We need to make for young people our system better not worse. Rail workers and the public have had enough and the cuts to services have to stop.” SSH community.” influence the programs the NCIE and “The young people selected for the YMCA develop – which will not only As its recent media release indicates, YAC will work under the direction and benefit their local community, but young we learn that great things are planned guidance of the YMCA – the committee people from all around the country,’ NOTICE UNDER SECTION 145 OF THE CO-OPERATIVES ACT 1992 for the new National Centre for creator and key NCIE Operator. The continued Mr Bellear.” The directors of the Planet X Housing Co-operative Ltd have determined to hold a Indigenous Excellence opening in YMCA will play a pivotal role in To be eligible for selection, youth meeting on 7pm 25 May 2009 for the members of the co-operative to consider, and George Street Redfern later this year. collaborating with the committee and the applicants must meet the following if thought fit, amend its rules for the purpose of converting the Planet X Housing The NCIE, will become “the first multi- NCIE to ensure programs and activities criteria: Cooperative from a co-operative with share capital to a co-operative without share use complex to offer world class sport, implemented are meeting the needs of Aged between 12-18 years capital. It is proposed that the paid up share capital of the co-operative will become education, art and cultural programs the local young community.” Passionate about youth issues for young Indigenous people. Fostering NCIE Director and Indigenous Leader, Living, working, going to school, or part of the general reserves of the co-operative. The rules proposed for the co- talent and encouraging excellence, the Sol Bellear, believes the Youth Advisory hanging out in the South Sydney area operative are available for inspection at 15/15 Smithers St Chippendale NSW 2008 NCIE will provide young people the Committee is a once-in-a-lifetime Wanting to develop skills in leadership during usual business hours. Any person, including creditors, who wish to object to foundations they need to succeed in opportunity for young people to make a and to meet and collaborate with other the transfer to a co-operative without share capital should lodge the objection in their future endeavours.” difference. ‘This is a unique and exciting young people writing before 25 May 2009, to: opportunity for young people from the Maybe someone you know would be Nominations are now invited for the local Redfern-Waterloo community to able to meet the criteria and has a dream The Registrar NCIE Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). have their voices heard on a national about learning and giving leadership? Registry of Co-operatives & Associations “Seven positions are available to young scale. people in Sydney aged between 12-18 ‘Through this initiative, local kids can For more information, to apply online 154 Russell Street (PO Box 22) who demonstrate passion and enthusiasm speak on behalf of their peers on issues or to download an application form, BATHURST NSW 2795 on youth issues affecting the local that are really important to them and visit www.sydney.ymca.org.au/ncie 6 N ew s May 2009

conditions for public housing residents across the State but would also create jobs. “This significant investment will ensure electricians, plumbers, painters, carpet layers and others will have more work. It will keep people in jobs in these difficult times – it’s as simple as that,” he said. The remaining $5.4 million will fund upgrades to 2,000 homes in Sydney, Marrickville and Glebe. Before the announcement, the politicians toured a property in Glebe that was receiving much-needed maintenance. Tanya Plibersek said: “When the work is done we’ll be able to house a very needy family in this home.” The $9.2 million is part of $130 million to be spent by the Federal Government in NSW on social housing maintenance. “This significant investment will generate around 2,000 jobs across the State and be used to upgrade around 31,000 homes by June 2010,” Ms Plibersek said. The Federal Government will also spend more than $6 billion over the next three years to build 20,000 public housing homes across Australia, including 6,000 in NSW. A further 3,000 homes will be built under a NSW Government plan. Ms Plibersek said the new homes would help the Federal Government’s goal of halving homelessness by 2020, as well as generate economic activity and create an estimated 50,000 jobs. “That’s very important at a time of global Upgrades to public housing herald “new era” economic downturn,” she said. Verity Firth said that Housing NSW David Borger, Verity Firth and Tanya Plibersek in Glebe Photo: Andrew Collis would continue to spend the regular $140 million allocated to maintenance. “This K el ly L a ne NSW Housing Minister, David Borger, “This really is a new era for public spent on 1,404 of those homes in Redfern money will employ 50 social housing and Federal Housing Minister, Tanya housing,” Mr Borger said. “It’s already been and Waterloo. residents over a two-year period, help Public housing properties in Plibersek, made the announcement in well received by our tenants.” Mr Borger said the state of public housing maintenance contractors take on 250 Redfern and Waterloo will receive Glebe last month with local member for More than $9.2 million will be spent in Redfern and Waterloo would be greatly apprentices, and improve the living much-needed upgrades as part of the Balmain, Verity Firth. on the maintenance of 3,104 homes in the improved by the upgrades. He also said conditions of social housing residents across Federal Government’s stimulus package. inner city, with more than $3.8 million to be the scheme would not only improve living the State,” she said.

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ADVERTISEMENT Kristina Keneally MP MEMBER FOR HEFFRON

New Metrobus Service for South Sydney

I write with great news for South Sydney residents – a new Metrobus serving commuters in Rosebery, Zetland, Waterloo

Overlooking Fitzroy Gardens Photo: Ali Blogg and Redfern.

A few weeks ago I joined the Premier, Nathan Rees, and More grass for Kings Cross Minister for Transport, David Campbell in Waterloo to announce Peter W hitehe a d upgrade. A Kings Cross Neighbourhood Tract Consultants, which has so far a new Metrobus route from Rosebery to Lane Cove. Community consultation followed on earned $424,560 for preparing “design The City of Sydney has promised October 14 and draft designs were made work and documentation for the “Fitzroy Gardens and Lawrence available for public viewing. upgrade” seems focused on maximizing The expansion of the popular red Metrobus services – Hargrave Reserve will be refreshed The 2011 Residents’ Association views of the El Alamein Fountain and and linked as a community gathering President, Dr. Sacha Blumen, was providing more lawn for an area that already operating between Kingsford and Leichhardt as Route place and an important village square, disappointed: “We frankly don’t is overshadowed by buildings. Plans 10 – to South Sydney is a great result for our community. to include more green space, public understand where the desire to change to move fig trees do seem to have been conveniences and an improved the predominately paved area near abandoned but no estimate of the cost playground”. Macleay St to a predominately grassed of this project is available. The new Metrobus Route 20 is proposed to run from Rothschild area, as appears in all three design If the fountain is to be highlighted, Apart from the guff about a village options for Fitzroy Gardens, has come perhaps some thought should be given Ave, Rosebery, past Victoria Park, past the new residential square (how twee can we continue to from.” to that adjacent signpost with foreign be?) it seems a good idea to transform According to Council’s timetable there cities and kilometric distances pointing development in Waterloo and Redfern, past Central, through what cynics describe as an unsanctioned should be “community consultation in all the wrong directions. Macleay the CBD and across to North Sydney, up the Pacific Highway camping ground and exotic bird toilet. on detailed design mid 2009”. We are Street resident, John, chuckles: “My On the other hand loyal locals cannot in the fifth month now and many are grandchildren reckon there are so many to Lane Cove in the North. see why Council is mucking up a much- wondering how the grassy knoll solution backpackers around here because they loved meeting place. of the initial proposals can be developed can’t figure out how to get home!” It So what is the progress on this project to deal with the real challenges of would seem a shame to splash millions Last year we increased services on the Botany Road corridor, slated for completion before Christmas this urban design problem. What can on a refurbishment around a testament 2010? be done about the Police Station and to parochial ignorance. Perhaps some and last month we increased capacity on the 343 routes and On Tuesday July 1, last year, Clover Ward Avenue which combine to divide local school kids with knowledge of introduced a new, regular 348 service east-west through Moore hosted a Community Workshop, Lawrence Hargrave Reserve from Fitzroy geography could help Council out. the first stage in planning for this Gardens? South Sydney. The new, Metrobus 20 service will provide frequent and efficient transport between South Sydney Transport changes trap the elderly and the CBD and on to North Sydney and Lane Cove. With more than 600,000 people having travelled on the Ta r a Cl ifford Route 10 Metrobus, and patronage up by 81% since it The Government has cut a critical started, a State Transit evaluation of the first stage of the bus link for elderly residents through its decision to remove a vital “loop” trial has concluded that the Metrobus model is a positive from the 311 Eastern Sydney route. The removal of the Ithaca Road, one for commuters. Billyard Avenue and Onslow Avenue loop has stranded residents with limited mobility who relied on the The new north-south Metrobus Route 20, running between bus due to hilly terrain. Rosebery and Lane Cove, will begin in October following

Jane Rogers, Manager of South consultation with councils about the final route and layovers Sydney Community Transport, says: at each end of the service. “They are trapped down there... their lifeline is cut.” State Transit Authority (STA) officers This is another example of the Rees Government working to have said that removing the loop will speed up the service with the intention deliver more public transport options for commuters and I look to provide new more accessible buses to support the older and noisier polluting forward to using the new service when it begins later this year. buses. But Ms Rogers says: “While the buses Elizabeth Bay residents campaign Photo: Ali Blogg are now accessible for wheelchairs and If you would like any further information on the Metrobus, prams they are not accessible if they Village” shuttle bus with a route from Transport Minister to walk up the hill, please check out www.sydneybuses.info/metrobus.htm don’t go to where you live.” According Woolloomooloo to Redfern, it currently or personally come up the hill with his to Ms Rogers, disadvantaged residents only operates two days a week and its aids,” says Ms Rogers. or contact my office on 9699 8166 or via email at now have to rely on taxis or community services are yet to include the Elizabeth The removed service came into effect transport to do necessary tasks such Bay loop. on Sunday April 26 and is one of a [email protected] as visiting the post office or buying Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, number of changes described as a “new groceries. has called for these smaller community improved network” for Sydney Buses’ South Sydney Community Transport buses to complement the 311 and to Eastern Region. (SSCT) is a non-profit organisation that expand funds to cater for a daily non- The Government is yet to say Kristina Keneally MP provides some transport for elderly and peak service to fill the gap created by whether it will provide the increased disabled people but securing a place is the loss of the loop. This would provide funds to cater for expanded services. Member for Heffron very difficult, due to limited services, a free service using buses that can Ms Rogers remains unhopeful and Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 and it is more costly than STA services. easily negotiate the narrow inner-city believes the Government will say it “Someone is going to have to pick up local roads. does not have the resources. “I hope Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 the pieces. It is not the quality of service Local residents are also calling on that for the sake of the older residents Email: [email protected] they used to have,” says Ms Rogers. Mr Campbell himself to take the hike the Government does not cry poor in While the SSCT runs a “Village to up the hill. “We want to invite the this matter,” she says. 8 N ew s May 2009

access to the railway and other locations, a six-level car park under York Street, and, of course, a statue of the monarch herself. Because of her long reign, but the subsequent demise of her empire, there were plenty of statues of QV lying on scrap- heaps around the world. Strangely, when Sydney showed an interest in acquiring one, they took on a value which would have done her proud, but would have stretched the Sydney budget. The statue which now dominates the entrance to the QVB was loaned permanently at no cost, by the Government of Ireland – probably because of the good work Doug had done in building up a rowdy St Patrick’s Day into an Irish Week in Sydney, among other contributions to the local consular community. Then there is the Pitt Street Mall. There were plenty of nervous Neddies on this one, starting with the existing retailers. Its obvious success may be judged by the world-high rents currently paid by the shops involved. Another of Doug’s achievements, yet to be built-on (so to speak), is the purchase of land in front of the Town Hall – between George and Pitt Streets. The land was bought subject to existing tenancies. The intention is to create a Town Hall Square, worthy of the city. Subsequent councils have renewed the leases to date as they wait to acquire the necessary number of buildings. A non-Council project which had Doug’s support was the light rail to Lilyfield. Against Doug Sutherland back on the Town Hall steps Photo: Ali Blogg that, he never supported the Monorail – probably the first (of many) non-profit public-private partnerships. With his term as Lord Mayor now two Doug Sutherland and the city he loves decades gone, what does Doug Sutherland do for an encore? Well, he still lives in Ba rr ie McM a hon Generation P. He contracted polio as a Mayor for three terms. At this time Nelson Meirs, then third time lucky. Sydney – on the Darling Harbour side now. teenager. This took two years out of his (1970s-80s) his ALP connections did not The achievements of his term as Lord He is the president of the City Branch of the This is a profile of a local legend – life – one year in hospital, the next year particularly help his practice. He says that Mayor are listed by Doug as follows. The Labor Party, and a delegate to the relevant someone who has made a significant recuperating at home. He has walked with business, from where he draws his clients, restoration of the Queen Victoria Building committees. contribution to our community. Doug a stick ever since. The year of recuperation is more apolitical nowadays. (this was the original Sydney produce At age 76, Doug still runs a busy Sutherland was Lord Mayor of Sydney determined his future career. He could study Doug’s performance on Burwood Council market, made redundant by the move of accountancy practice, with a city office from 1980 to 1987. This profile looks accountancy at home. He subsequently attracted the attention of the ALP head- that market to Haymarket and Flemington). and the Burwood office. He is President at Doug’s life on the way to becoming graduated from Macquarie University in hunters who could see they did not have The restoration of QVB was not simply the of the Burwood Chamber of Commerce. Lord Mayor; his achievements in office, economics and financial studies. enough talent on the City of Sydney Council. renovation of an old building by a private Retirement is not an option. I respect his and since. Doug started an accountancy practice in Doug dutifully moved from Burwood to developer. Much Council effort went choice – it is not as if he owes us anything. Burwood, and entered local government Elizabeth Bay, and was elected to Council into the bright idea in the first place. The The way local politics are developing, Doug Doug was born in the Great Depression politics as a Labor alderman. He served on for the Kings Cross Ward. He stood for Lord interior design to convert from a market to Sutherland might go down in history as the and grew up in Burwood. He is of Burwood Council for 15 years, including Mayor, unsuccessfully against Leo Port, then a modern retail centre, the underground last ever Labor Lord Mayor of Sydney. A contemplative Earth Hour

Mir i a m Pepper

The Professional Dog Walkers March 28 was the third annual Earth Hour event. People across the  7 days a week world turned off their lights and electrical appliances for an hour,  Experienced in walking all sizes in acknowledgment of their own contribution to climate change, and  Max 3 dogs per walk or as an expression of solidarity in taking 1 to 1 per request action. The event organisers, WWF, estimate that the message of Earth  Alexandria, Newtown, Hour reached around a billion people Erskineville & surrounds and that almost half of Australians took part.  Reasonable rates Hotly debated is whether a gesture Phone Jenny on 0431 562 948 like Earth Hour really matters or is or email [email protected] even helpful. Critiques of the event abound. They suggest that individual Sydney Harbour Bridge lights out Photo: Paul Heyward action to turn our lights out distracts from structural changes about the point. But so few of them were turned as much about a celebration of our re-powering of our economy, that off. The arch of the Harbour Bridge commonalities and our diversity, as it participating in Earth Hour makes us feel went out. So did the face at Luna was about turning lights off. And as like we’ve done our bit and substitutes Park. The light in the rotunda, where much about symbolising a commitment 9310 Pepsee for taking other actions. They say that the performers and contributors stood, to get serious about and grapple with burning candles emits greenhouse gases did not (a matter over which we had no climate change in our homes, our CUT & COLOUR SALON and that feel-good actions don’t come control). Neither did the lights on the communities and in our politics, as 4927 Style cuts for a great price for everybody close to addressing the challenge of majority of nearby buildings. We couldn’t about the contribution of the event itself 276 ABERCROMBIE ST DARLINGTON climate change. see the stars, in this International Year of to greenhouse gas emission reductions. For Earth Hour, I took part in a multi- Astronomy, any better. During a guided If Earth Hour prompts public faith vigil organised by the Australian meditation, participants fell totally silent, conversation about how far we as a Religious Response to Climate Change heads bowed. A magic few minutes. But society are from where we need to be, 24/7 access to cars parked nearby (ARRCC). About 100 of us gathered on alongside us, the revellers continued. if it opens up debates about how to Sydney’s Observatory Hill, and with While we experienced, in microcosm, galvanise political will to bring about Sydney and Melbourne picnic rugs in tow we settled down to some of the widely voiced problems a shift away from fossil fuels, and light candles and share music, prayer, with Earth Hour, there was a deeper especially if it invites us to be the change 1300 769 389 stories, song and meditation. meaning to our event. Muslims, Hindus, we wish to see, then it would be foolish www.goget.com.au It was a night of contradictions. Christians, Buddhists, Jews and others to dismiss it. It is hard to deny the beauty of the sat together in contemplation and lights of Sydney from that vantage conversation. For us, Earth Hour was See Opinion – page 10 May 2009 FEATURE S 9

Handing over the key Photo: Ali Blogg Housing When? Evidence-based practice for ending homelessness

Dorothy McRae-McMahon

Opening the Housing When? forum on homelessness to a full theatre of interested people from various agencies who gathered in the Sydney Masonic Centre, Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff observed that the City of Sydney was the only Council in Australia Life after prison to have a department dedicated to New beginning Photo: Andrew Collis homelessness. She pointed out, that in a day when the global economic crisis L aur a Ba nnister trying to get a short cut to that elusive to reduce the return to prison rate. started sharing his skills and hobbies is adding significantly to the causes happiness and ending up right back Christopher says his involvement in with others. of homelessness, this focus in a major Christopher [not his real name] is a where you started.” a free employment application program “I’m starting to fill my week with city is critical. man who understands the hard-hitting Wayne Watson, a spokesperson for the helped him to secure part-time work. He activities where I can meet other people effects of the criminal justice system. Community Restorative Centre (CRC), believes the program, one of the only and break up the lonely periods,” says The City of Sydney joined with the says many ex-prisoners he works with he was involved in, eased some of the Christopher. “That is one of my biggest Mercy Foundation to bring together The 50-year-old father of two has feel they face community stigmatisation. difficulty in adjusting from the routines aims right now. That, and giving my speakers of international reputation to been through more struggles than most “[They] often feel an acute level of of prison to a fast-paced, seemingly children as much love as I can.” discuss the latest in both research and parents, raising his young children self-consciousness in ‘mainstream’ hopeless existence outside. experience in making a difference to the whilst single-handedly attempting to communities and worry that they will One of the biggest battles Christopher lives of homeless people. secure an affordable living environment, not be accepted,” he says. has faced is working to re-build old PRISON: LAST RESORT The keynote address was given by Mr stable employment and forge ties with “Many recent releasees are in the relationships and commence new ones. OR FIRST OPTION? Philip Mangano, Executive Director of a community whose experiences are process of attempting to address the “You feel so separate from other people Wednesday May 27, 7.30pm the United States Interagency Council markedly different from his own. harm they have inflicted on their family … employers have trust issues with you South Sydney Uniting Church on Homelessness and now advisor For almost a decade of his life, and friends as a consequence of their and others judge you based on their own 56a Raglan St, Waterloo to President Barack Obama. What he Christopher was incarcerated in offending behaviour … [which] can lead stereotypes of what a person who has offered set the agenda for the day. Over numerous prisons across the State. to a deep sense of shame and a desire to been to gaol should be like.” Law and order campaigns? the decades, those dealing with the issue “I have to say I made some great friends further disconnect.” But Christopher refuses to give Privatisation? Prison for reform or of homelessness have normally offered there … but there was always this Watson claims that social dislocation, up, and after 30 years of separation, punishment? Alternatives? ideas about how to care for people on underlying feeling of violence,” he says. coupled with often unstable and has recommenced contact with his Greg Smith – Shadow Attorney General the streets with refuges, meals, medical Despite the sometimes-hostile inappropriate accommodation, unsteady father. “It’s really important to resolve & Shadow Minister for Justice support, counselling and other forms of tendencies of fellow prisoners, employment due to poor education and differences … especially for my kids.” care. Philip Mangano was urging that Christopher declares the hardest part lacking vocational skills and the absence Christopher’s determination to ensure Lee Rhiannon – Greens Member Legislative Council we move right away from that approach. of the retributive process occurred post- of a legitimate income all contribute to his past does not dictate his future is It may seem obvious, but he was prison, during his efforts to assimilate the likeliness of ex-prisoners re-offending. finally paying off. After visiting a housing Penny Sharpe – Labor MP asserting that the only effective way into the inner-city population. Almost 50 per cent of inmates will organisation every day for several forward is to provide homes for the “You become a bit of a loner,” he says. return to gaol within two years of months in a desperate attempt to secure a Prof. Eileen Baldry – Associate Dean School of Social Science UNSW homeless – real homes, not refuges “It’s so hard to get back on track their release. home for his family, he was finally given with services. He painted the image of a when you feel behind the eight ball. You Flexible transitional support programs, one he describes as ‘a bit of a dump’, Presented by the South Sydney Herald & homeless person actually holding a key imagine the lifestyle of those around you such as CRC’s Exit Checklist, Getting Out which has now been upgraded. the Social Justice Task Group of the Sydney which opens the door to his or her own and it seems so out of reach that you Book and an intensive accommodation He currently attends a church Presbytery of the Uniting Church in Australia home and the wonder and joy as that just go back to doing what you know, program, are fast emerging as vital tools and does volunteer work and has happens for people! Of course, most of us would immediately see big dollar signs before our eyes as we ponder that idea. However, in realty, every research The dream for Zimbabwe – Talking with Sekai Holland statistic in the places around the world which have tried this approach, indicate Dorothy McRae-McMahon values like “tolerance, transparency, very obvious in the Zimbabwean that it is far cheaper to “end homelessness integrity, accountability, justice, equality, situation. than keep servicing it”. It would be hard for most of us to respect, solidarity, self-reliance and When Sekai spoke in the Parliament He gave an image of us all now imagine being bashed and tortured inclusiveness.” One could reflect that, of Zimbabwe supporting the proposals having the opportunity to be part of a by forces in the government of your if this is achieved and those values are which outlined the future for that “conspiracy” for good – the Latin for country because they are opposed to upheld, it could be a model for the rest country, she said: “Let us restore hope the word meaning “breathing together”. your political party and then planning of the world! to our people; let us practice charity He saw the best ideas as crossing many to have a reconciling and non-violent When asked whether she thought that here at home. As elders in this Chamber, boundaries of culture and nation as relationship with them less that two there were generations of consequences let us begin together to prepare a solid people begin to see that there is nothing years later. following colonial oppression, Sekai heritage for generations to come by naïve about the vision of actually ending agreed. People think that, when the re-establishing the great African practice homelessness by moving away from That is, nevertheless, the goal of colonial reign ends, democracy and of intergenerational continuity based the social service approach and into a the Movement for Democratic Change justice will immediately prevail. on respect and honesty … I appeal in business economic framework. Those in Zimbabwe and its Minister for However, as suggested by the Brazilian conclusion, that the previous acts of who take this approach stop the endless Healing, Reconciliation and Integration, leader, Paulo Freire, in his book Pedagogy betrayal of agreements by yourselves we cycling of need and create people who are Sekai Holland. Given the history of its of the Oppressed, when they claim their made together be something of the past.” transformed by entering a room of their relationship with President Mugabe, it freedom, the oppressed have only the In speaking with Sekai Holland, it is own and becoming a neighbour. They would be more understandable if there Sekai Holland now Photo: Ali Blogg role model of their oppressor before clear that her government is prepared may need some support systems around was a planning for a seizing of full power them. Therefore, it may take generations to try to live out its dream at some cost them, but nothing like those required for and a bringing down of its opponents. and impunity so as to reconcile of struggle before true freedom is to itself, trying to reframe the whole people who have no home of their own. Instead, the MDC is committing itself Zimbabweans to become one nation attained. There is also a reluctance on life of Zimbabwe and model a different Mangano saw the breadlines, soup to try to walk the way of Mahatma focussed on social, political, cultural the part of leaders of other countries society with a leadership of compassion, kitchens, charity run shelters as being like Gandhi. Its mission statement reads that and economic development to improve who have been subject to racism and humility and justice. using typewriters in a day of computers. its goals are: “To heal the wounds caused the quality of life for all.” This goal will colonialism, to critique indigenous May the world support them in all they He gave figures relating to the old by generations of injustice, intolerance be achieved through the upholding of leaders of other states. This has been are trying to do! support systems costing $US150,000 for 12 months of care for one person versus approximately $US33,000 if you provide States, Canada and the United Kingdom. to Housing, both in New York City. This the Netherlands, Ms Madge McGuire consensus that the only viable, sensible the person with a home. There was a 63 The forum went on to hear a was followed by perspectives from a who works with Homeless Women in and effective way to go is to provide the per cent reduction in health expenses, teleconference with Ms Rosanne number of local “consumers” of homeless Adelaide and Ms Felicity Reynolds CEO homeless with a home. Obvious when for a start. Statistics like these have been Haggerty of Common Ground and Dr services. In the afternoon there was a of the Mercy Foundation. you think of it? Maybe, but it has been a consistent in work across the United Sam Tsemberis the founder of Pathways contribution from Mr Rokus Loopik of There is a rapidly growing global long time coming! 10 COMMENT & OPINION May 2009

Editorial The Federal Government’s stimulus package has delivered much-needed funds for repairs and maintenance to public housing properties across the State – including $3.8 million for repairs to 1,404 homes in Redfern and Waterloo.

Cartoon: norrie mAy-welby norrie Cartoon: Last month, Greens MP Sylvia Hale paid a visit to the Marton Building in Waterloo. A letter was subsequently sent to the Housing Minister, David Borger, detailing a number of serious problems, including: a broken door to a control room containing electrical connections for a disused fountain; a disused watering system for gardens, with reusable components discarded; a section of fencing left lying where it had fallen; lights at the front entrance permanently on; and five lights in Cope Street not working at all. The SSH notes that some improvements have been made recently, in particular with respect to cleaning, although unreliable lifts (in this and other public housing blocks in the area) remain a real concern. The Housing Minister promises a “new era” for public housing. Tenants can only hope so.

Comment Earth Hour

Comment and other Higher education blackouts Ba rr ie McM a hon why we need 132,000V cables to bring electricity to our 240V homes. We have had an interesting Ultra-high-volt cables cut down month electricity-wise. We switched transmission losses from the Hunter shake-up our lights off altogether for Earth Valley generators to the CBD and Hour on March 28. Since then we, nearby consumers. in Sydney, have had three power But this gain in efficiency comes at Australians to go out and spend. That before Vice Chancellors in the budget. blackouts – on March 30, April 4 a price. 132,000V cables are obviously many have saved it suggests they have Second, the real equity issues in and 13. fragile elements. Even if Earth Hour more sense than him. education relate to the 30 per cent didn’t cause their failure, something That’s $23 billion from two stimulus of students going from primary to What did we hope to achieve with did. packages that will do absolutely nothing secondary school functionally illiterate. Earth Hour? It was a consciousness- At this point, a White Knight enters to lift the nation’s productive capacity. They have little hope of seeing the inside raising exercise – we were reminded in the person of Clover Moore. Why Instead, we are looking at big deficits of a uni. That’s where the government to switch our lights off, not only once not use local gas-powered generators? and what my kids would call a “maxed should focus its efforts. a year, but at every opportunity. She calls then green transformers. Let- out” credit card. Third, parents (voters) are sceptical of Maybe, even, the corporates will down transformers, from 132,000V to Not surprisingly, Denise Bradley has ‘plans’ to give a university education to switch off their night lights – usually 240V are scattered around the network Br enda n Nel son MP recommended more money – in the everyone who wants one. They rightly advertising. The government can anyway. Replace them with generators, order of $6 billion. She has set targets for suspect that dumbs down university prompt the corporates in this direction fuelled by natural gas available in Minister for Education, Science and increasing participation of low income and creates a ‘university or bust’ culture, by eliminating the cheap off-peak our mains. Training 2001-2006 students (20 per cent of students by demeaning the ambitions and outcomes tariffs. These have passed their use-by The advantages of the green 2020), the proportion of the population of those in pursuit of trades. date. They were brought in to give transformers are: 1. the reliance on Here we go again, I hear you say. with undergraduate degrees (40 per cent What would I do in this situation with inflexible coal powered-generators a fragile ultra-high-voltage transmission Another review of Higher Education of 25 to 34 year olds by 2020) and that the money already blown by Mr Rudd? night-time load. Now the coal-owners is eliminated; 2. Gas-turbo-generators and one of the more than 160 reviews, all eligible students will have access to We must ensure critical mass. A use this artificial night load as an are very flexible; 3. Gas has half the inquiries and committees established university. number of universities should merge. argument against solar power. carbon footprint of coal. by our “decisive” Prime Minister. This Accountability of universities is to Two in each of South Australia, NSW The climate skeptics say, correctly, The green transformers would still review though, makes sense – sense be further tightened for accreditation, and WA. I also believe it is time for that little power was saved during be connected to the electrical network to do it and sensible to have Professor research and teaching standards. Like the core of CSIRO and ANU explore a the Earth Hour. As stated above, the – to take back any surplus power (in Denise Bradley undertake it, given her many in the sector, she hankers for an merger and also elements of CSIRO with savings come during the rest of the the event of future blackouts, say) and great leadership of the University of independent national tertiary education other unis around the country. Australia year. The skeptics also say, again to provide a backup in the event of a South Australia. regulatory body. I’m not sure about this would immediately have a genuinely correctly, that the inflexible coal-fired green transformer failure. In much the one. The argument goes that such an world class, top ten research intensive generators don’t like sudden load same way as roof-top photovoltaic cells The last shake-up of the nation’s independent body takes decision making institution the envy of the world. changes like Earth Hour – maybe the are connected to the network. universities was undertaken in 2003 out of the Minister’s hands, presumably Redirect funding from some collective switch-off caused a voltage The green transformers have a following a year of intense dialogue meaning better outcomes. questionable offers in universities to core spike in the network which damaged couple of drawbacks (of course). A informed by six ministerial discussion The fact is that the public expects sciences, humanities and social sciences those precious 132,000V cables. turbo-set is noisier than a let-down papers. It ultimately delivered more than someone to be accountable for what all of which are bleeding. Rationalise Before we jump to this causal transformer, and there is that pesky $11 billion to the sector over a decade. happens in the sector. From my course offerings amongst unis. Sydney connection, we should ponder exhaust stack. Those reforms ushered in limited fee experience the Minister must be in a and UTS did it with nursing, why not deregulation, 25,000 more HECS places, position to tell a university that it will other courses? Recognise that not all competitive funding pools for excellence train nurses instead of lawyers. The universities should be undertaking in teaching, institutional collaboration, Minister also needs ready access to research. Why can’t research effort be regional funding loadings, student reliable data to inform decision making. concentrated where there is critical mass Readers’ over, the dignitaries – federal, scholarships ($6,000/yr), Aboriginal Neither will occur in the model proposed. and expertise, allowing some unis to state and local – armed funding, and income contingent loans The most controversial proposal is concentrate on teaching and scholarship? Letters services personnel and media to students enrolled in accredited private that of student centred funding. In plain The Government might also admit all wandered through this grassed institutions. language that’s a voucher. David Kemp that it was wrong to ban Australian area then herded to the side talking Research and innovation received bowled that up in a leaked cabinet fee payers from their own unis. That’s Grant money but incessantly at normal pitch while an $8.3 billion boost under Backing submission 10 years ago and spent $250 million up in smoke. Bring them not courtesy! photos were taken and remarks Australia’s Ability. the next year in a witness protection back with a HECS style loan. An noted. The first performer waited We also saw reforms to university programme! Australian can miss out on a HECS patiently to begin and eventually governance, voluntary student unionism There is no doubt this has great merit. place in medicine at Monash but can’t The remembrance celebration in the MC asked people to quit and changes that caused many in the The question though is how Sydney Uni pay his/her own way in Australia, but Redfern Park on ANZAC Day began wandering across the performance sector to celebrate my redeployment to and UNSW will cope with the students a Malaysian citizen can. On the other before I arrived but I was there area and said the performer would the Defence portfolio in 2006! at a number of other NSW unis that hand an Australian can go to Malaysia for most of it – awards, candle not be using a mic – hoping Now Julia Gillard contemplates will presumably flee them for the lure and get a Monash medical degree as a lighting, etc. the talkers would take the hint; further reform in an environment in of sandstone. fee payer. Go figure. The formal part finished, the quieten or move away. Eventually, which government tax receipts are A couple of points first. The There is much to commend in “entertainment” was announced the performance began, but that falling in a contracting economy. Kevin Government has no money. Worse, the Bradley Review. Although the and it was kindergarten let loose. background noise continued for Rudd has dashed to the bank with the following spending sprees it has debt, Government has run out of money, The MC said the first performance some time. national credit card to raise the lending currently accumulating at the rate of $2 there is real reform that can still be was on the grassed area in M. Moffat limit, get a cash advance and tell billion a week. It will put pensioners undertaken. front of the stage. Their “part” Alexandria The Review May ’09 11

Documenting history and community

Eve Gibson Donny Woolagoodja is a respected the animals, the language, and then the leader within the Mownajum people. Wandjinas made everything. On Thursday May 14 Gleebooks community and he’s also well known Wandjinas then gave us the law to is launching the book Mowanjum: 50 as an artist. Donny says: “It is a history follow and gave us the land.” Years Community History. Mowanjum book about our people and it’s written Some readers may remember is an Aboriginal community situated for our young people and the wider the depiction of Wandjinas in the just outside Derby, Western Australia. community.” Dreamtime section of the Opening The book was self published and Ceremony at the Sydney 2000 The book is a celebration of the past self funded by Mowanjum’s Artists of Olympic Games. The Wandjinas have 50 years for the Worrorra, Ngarinyin the Spirit of the Wandjina Aboriginal no mouths because their power is so and Wunambal people who make Corporation (MASWAC). The artists great they don’t need to speak. up the Mowanjum community. The collaborated on a joint painting that Mowanjum shows true insight of the meaning of the word mowanjum, for was auctioned to raise the money for history of the people of Mowanjum the Mowanjum people, means “settled the book. and a glimpse of the community as it at last”. The book,Mowanjum , explores Mowanjum is a very spiritually is today. The book illustrates the many the history of the community through rich community and one of the ways different stories that have been shared stories, photographs, art and language. this community shares their stories and this is a community with stories Mowanjum shares the valued stories is through painting the Wandjinas. definitely worth hearing! of the people of Mowanjum in their The Wandjinas can be described as own words through their telling the supreme creators of the Worrorra, Mowanjum is published through Fremantle of personal and shared stories of Ngarinyn and Wunambal people. Press. If you wish to buy a copy of the book you community. The book shows the rich David Mowaljatlai (1992) explains can purchase it from Gleebooks, or online from and ever-present culture that still exists how the Wandjinas made everything: Fremantle Press www.fremantlepress.com.au/ within Mowanjum, as it did in the past. “Wandjinas came from the wind and books/art_and_photography/1095 . This book is a document of what life traveled the land and made this earth, Sydney launch: May 14 at Gleebooks, was like as well as a way of passing the and sea, and the mountains, the rivers, 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe. culture to younger Mowanjum people. the waterholes, the trees, the plants, Memorial for Mum Shirl and Father Ted

Margo Hoekstra area and elsewhere, so that their experiences could be taken into In 2006, the year after Fr Ted account. Kennedy died, members of the The artists, under the direction of community of St Vincent’s Church Tom Bass, integrated this information, in Redfern approached Tom Bass and over time, a maquette (model) was and the sculpture studio school at developed which reflected the spirit of Erskineville to design a memorial. Mum Shirl and Father Ted Kennedy’s This was followed by multiple work together. It was decided that the meetings to discuss the nature of work would be abstract in nature and this project with Marnie Kennedy, Fr symbolic of nurturing and political Ted’s sister, who continues his work power, with a strong emphasis on in Redfern, and other members of reconciliation. the church community including The model for the sculpture was Catherine de Lorenzo, Bronwyn presented at a church meeting on Made in Japan on the Red Stage Crosby and Danny Gilbert. Ann Sunday March 29 this year and at The Photo: Harriet Gordon-Anderson Weldon, Mum Shirl’s niece, came to Block family picnic on Saturday April the meetings when she was able. 18. It was generally well received Head for the Hills It was decided that the memorial by local people and the church should be a tribute to the work Fr community. The symbolism of the Laura Bannister there was plenty on offer at the six entertainment stages. Ted and Mum Shirl did together. piece had whole-hearted support. The Emerging acts such as Made in Japan delivered explosive, They worked to establish a society artists are working to resolve some Saturday April 18 marked the ten-year anniversary Bloc Party-esque tunes on the Red stage whilst DJs Heavy of justice and freedom for all citizens concerns about the design. of a much-loved inner-city fundraiser – the Surry Hills G and Christo worked their turntables at the Big Day Out – Aboriginal “cousins” living with The Memorial will present the Festival. Lilypad stage. dignity and in equality with white spirits of Mum Shirl and Ted The BIKESydney Wheelzone area tapped into some settlers. Kennedy by way of connecting hands. The community gathering has grown enormously since of the more pressing social concerns facing city-dwellers, In November 2007, a meeting Mum Shirl, and for over a quarter of its grassroots days in Shannon Reserve on Crown Street, by encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport. was held at St Vincent’s where a century, Ted Kennedy, lived with with this year’s festivities in Prince Alfred Park involving Free workshops and servicing run by Cycle Recycle, an the community which had been the problems of the most vulnerable 150 volunteers and pulling crowds of almost 90,000. organisation that advocates the re-use of abandoned bikes, associated with Mum Shirl and and underprivileged in the area, and Whether they had risen bright and early to snap up some taught the eco-minded crowd how to fit their helmets Father Ted had an opportunity to strove to alleviate their suffering in coveted vintage threads or locally designed fashion, popped correctly and fix flat tyres. reflect and share with the artists what immediate and practical ways. For in to see a sustainable food cooking demonstration by one Those who donated a gold coin on entry to the Festival these two amazing people had meant this reason hands have been chosen to of the area’s leading chefs, or brought the kids along for knew exactly where their money was going; for the last to them. symbolise their activities. some family friendly entertainment, there was a sight, smell four years in particular the event has been the predominant In principle, Council approval was There is a seating base which and sound to cater for every taste. income source for the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Center, sought and granted for the sculpture represents Australia. Two arms rise up And if the wildly diverse throng of market-trawlers could providing crucial services including childcare, English to be placed on the footpath outside, from this – a dark arm representing draw themselves away from perusing the 250 vibrant stalls, classes and advocacy for those in need. near the space between St Vincent’s Mum Shirl rises up directly out of the and the old Presbytery. land mass, expressing her Indigenous Over several months additional relationship with the country. The investigation was carried out by the lighter arm representing Ted Kennedy hospitality for which they were both hand are arranged to suggest prison Organisers invite the Redfern community to a meeting at the Redfern Community artists, to seek out and meet with rises from “off-shore” expressing the well known. The lighter hand forms bars, referencing the significant Centre, 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern, on local Aboriginal people, particularly immigrant status of white settlers. a shelter above and is linked with the incarceration problems confronting Tuesday May 19 at 6pm to see the model relatives and friends of Mum Shirl, Above the land mass, the two arms dark hand, which curves under the Indigenous people, and Mum Shirl’s for the work and artists’ impressions who were intimately involved with co-operate – stretching up to form shelter to provide support and nurture. determination to advocate for this of how it will look on the footpath. her and her activities in the Redfern an open archway of welcome and The fingers of the nurturing group. 12 The Review May ’09

When: Opening and Book Launch Fri May 22, 6pm Exhibition runs till Sat June 27, 12-6pm (Tue-Sat) Artist Talks Brenda L. Croft: Sat May 23, 3pm The Reviews Jakob Jakobsen: Sat May 23, 5pm Temporary Services: Sat May 30, 4pm Theatre Review Film Review Where: by Jane Barton by Lindsay Cohen Performance Space Carriageworks 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh Special Events: Allan Kaprow Information Session Thu May 26, 6pm Locksmith Gallery 6 Botany Rd, Redfern SquatSpace Tour of Beauty Sun May 31, 1pm (Meet at Carriageworks entrance) Redfern Film Screening Tue June 16, 7.30pm Sue Ingram from the series Conference Call (1992) Photo: Brenda L. Croft Performance Space There Goes The Neighbourhood Jerry Springer – The Opera Mary and Max Exhibition and book project The Concert Hall, Director: Adam Elliot Sydney Opera House Starring: The voices of Toni SSH Beginning with an exhibition and Danish activist practitioner Director: Gale Edwards Collette, Philip Seymour opening and book launch, There Goes Jakob Jakobsen. With: David Wenham, Hoffman, Eric Bana … Performance Space presents The Neighbourhood creates a space The exhibition will be opened David Bedalla, Kate Miller-Heidke Genre: Claymation There Goes The Neighbourhood, a in which to engage in dialogues by prominent Indigenous activist major curatorial commission and about the politics of urban space, Gary Foley. The genius of Jerry Springer – The You thought you knew about book project by local curators offering multiple points of contact, Opera is its melding of content and claymation didn’t you? Wallace and Zanny Begg and Keg de Souza. communication and participation Artists: form. The content is the lowest Gromit and Gumby and any number Exploring the global phenomena for visitors – from artist talks, film Daniel Boyd, Brenda L. Croft, Lisa Kelly, common denominator of pop culture of squeaking blue French blobs that of gentrification through the local screenings and a tour of the Redfern- SquatSpace, You Are Here, 16beaver, but the form is the highest vehicle are supposed to amuse kids because frame of Redfern, the curators Waterloo area by artist collective, Temporary Services, Michael Rakowitz, of cultural aspirations. Much like they can turn themselves inside out. have gathered artists, activists, SquatSpace, and guest speakers. Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Berthold Brecht’s Three Penny Opera or But you ain’t seen nothing till you’ve philosophers, writers, architects, The exhibition includes works by Evil Brothers, Miklos Erhardt and Little Mel Brooks’ The Producers, scandalous, seen Mary and Max. community groups and local major international, Australian and Warsaw, Jakob Jakobsen, Democracia, hot-button issues – generally seen as The beauty of claymation is its planners around a common theme local artists including photomedia BijaRi, and a re-enactment of Allan unfit for musical review – are set to ability to morph into any shape and within Sydney’s (and arguably, artist Brenda L. Croft, Biennale of Kaprow’s Push and Pull: A Furniture music and elevated to a higher plain. in a way that is much more clever Australia’s) most contested suburb. Sydney 08 artist Michael Rakowitz, Comedy for Hans Hofmann. The form, that is, opera, allows a new than your normal run-of-the-mill “reading” or understanding of the way two-dimensional animation, or of the world. even worse, computer animation, In truth no content will ever be which is just a set of keystrokes on more shocking that the original a computer. Springer show, though Thomas and That it takes forever to move Lee come close. In the first Act, set in every little piece that fraction of the Springer studio, we are treated to a a centimetre at a time means that tap-dancing Ku Klux Clan number, a claymationists are not only insane hilarious nappy fetishist coprophiliac, but have a wicked sense of humour a pre-op transsexual, an overweight and an outrageous take on life (and pole dancer, and a complete chorus, probably bad eyesight). Gumby but this is warm up. typified this when he melted while Things get really interesting at the having a shower and popped out end of the Act when Jerry is shot in of the kitchen sink and scared his a studio brawl. The second Act sees mother because he was naked even him in hell, confronting all the lives he though he normally doesn’t wear any has wrecked, and forced to adjudicate clothes anyway. Go figure. between Jesus and Lucifer. God For Adam Elliot the humour is less makes a brief appearance, singing ‘It surreal but extremely observational. Ain’t Easy Being Me’. It deftly raises Obviously he’s been moving clay the question: Does TV have a moral since he was 7 because the sense of responsibility? wonderment and bemusement of The opera form allows a more 7-year old Mary in 1970s Melbourne visceral communication of the feelings dominates Mary and Max even as participants experience on the Springer she grows up. It’s also a touching show. This is achieved through the innocence that breaks the emotional Geordie Robinson, Jamie Vargan and Lindsey Chapman Photo: Andrew Collis music, which is choral, sublime, and defences of bitter and lonely Max in references Wagner, Handel and Bach. far away New York. Already dubbed a cult in Britain, Jerry Mary and Max is a non-stop Stepping into the light Springer – The Opera, despite its shock smileathon and the claymation is value, its meditation on the F and C extraordinary. Just how he gets it words, pushes public debate and forces to rain on clay and not have the Wendy Collis destroys,” says the flyer, and all the the time” and regularly self medicates the audience to question its complicity whole thing turn to mud I’ll never characters in this production, held at with booze and drugs to mask the in junky trash culture. Offensive, understand. The poster is confronting. A grown the Newtown Theatre (April 2-11), are worthlessness she feels as a result of effective and very funny. Although the Rating: Full price admission, adult smiling and ironing a pair of living present lives inhibited and stifled the sexual abuse inflicted upon her in show had only a six-night run, it will two choc tops, medium popcorn, jeans while wearing a black t-shirt by events of the past, which they are childhood by a family member. Tess most likely return. medium drink and cheese (Gromit). emblazoned with the words: “My unable to transcend. feels powerless to help her friend ‘Uncle’ raped me when I was eight An early scene introduces Jaimee, who is continuing to self-destruct [email protected] [email protected] and all I got was this lousy T-Shirt.” played by Jackie Alexander. Jaimee is and refuses to seek professional help. Another shows a display of greeting a gorgeous but troubled young woman “Being a friend just doesn’t feel enough cards, with a pink card stating “You’re who drunkenly rings her friend Tess sometimes,” says Tess. suicided there years ago, but he too has together that makes it worthwhile”. a special Molester” located in the and beseeches her to come and retrieve Tess, played by Lindsey Chapman, a dark secret. Standing in Footsteps has a universal Abusers section, incongruously her from her kerbside revelry. The also continues to be abused by her Though dealing with tense and and ultimately uplifting message. In alongside Engagements and Diamond scenes are not confined to the stage, own father through his sustained confronting issues, the play concludes adulthood it is often necessary to Anniversary. The posters are by ASCA due to a clever juxtaposition between withholding of affection from her. Tess’ with a message of hope for Jaimee, seek professional help to resolve the (Adults Surviving Child Abuse), the interior action and film segments first breath was her mother’s last, and who learns it can be necessary to open issues of the past, in order to embrace an organisation supported by Sarah of the characters experiencing street her father can’t look at her without a an old wound in order for it to heal a healthy future. For those who do Vickery’s play, Standing in Footsteps. life, student life and swimming in the sense of loss. A “hottie” moves into the properly. Tess, too, learns that “finding not have family support on such a ocean. empty apartment next door to Tess, yourself in pieces is never easy but it journey, the value of unswerving loyal “It’s what’s left in the dark that Jaimee is sick of “feeling like shit all which has been vacant since a man is the journey of putting them back friendships cannot be underestimated. The Review May ’09 13

electronica, hip hop, rock, indie, infused with a bit of sci-fi. Olivia dances robotically on stage, switching between keyboard and guitar. She brings something new to the Bring us back to the Dø musical arena that is enchanting, albeit exasperating to watch. Somewhat novelty and kitsch, the Dø are essentially two very accomplished entertainers. Their debut album,A Mouthful, was like an intoxicating potion when it was released late 2008, but it was even better to see them come to life at the Metro Theatre in Sydney. When the Dø perform live they recruit percussionist José Joyette from the UK, an accomplished drummer who is an instrumental part of the experimental yet tightly rehearsed stage show. Percussion is a staple in the group’s music. They frolic on the stage using samples and percussion to hollow out your head and fill you with the The Dø Photo: Supplied dancing gas that makes you feel good. Olivia sings Ellice Mol the Dø are far from your typical Eurotrash not easy to place a finger on what type of which makes for an already eclectic blend. in English, and her Parisian quirks are duly pop group. band they actually are. Apart from making the name of the band noted, yet the language of their music is Review of performance at the Metro Whichever way you look at it, there’s out of the first initials of its two members, universal. Theatre, April 4 In fact they pull so many tricks out of nothing boring about them, even when the the Dø also references the first note in the I predict 2009 will be a big year for the their bag (quite literally – a small bag that frenzied duo retreat into their quieter tunes. musical scale: Do. “Doe, a deer …”. Dø, as they continue to tour the globe. They Even though the lead singer wears a Olivia keeps around her neck filled with The duo is one part Finnish, Dan Levy, Eccentric, indeed, their compositions are certainly one of the most entertaining dress that looks like a black garbage bag, glitter and maracas and other toys) that it’s and one part French, Olivia Merilahti, cover many genres from gypsy, country, pop, live acts I’ve seen in 2009. Upbeat with an offbeat sense of fun Artist Profile: The Grates

head-space. The distraction of recording at home is an element, as the album becomes your whole life, and you become very style minded. Plus the price is not much different, so we jumped at the opportunity.” When Skyring was asked how she compares this album to their first one, Emma Donovan – she said: “We wanted this album to reflect us more as people. Patience Proud Gumbayngirr lady is so spontaneous and natural with her writing and she applied this in Emma Donovan Photo: Andrew Collis a different way with her lyrics. Then the arrangements organically came. SSH musical family. “My father’s originally We spent more time with each track, from a place called Geraldton, and with the purpose of this time writing Emma Donovan is a great singer. he’s a Naaguja and Yamatji man. I an album, more so than a bunch of In a word, soulful. In a Carriageworks have a mother from the north coast, songs.” warehouse to film a video clip for her the Nambucca Valley, and she’s a The Grates recently played live song, ‘Ngarraanga’, Emma’s voice Gumbaynggir-Danggali woman,” on Channel Ten’s Rove. Decorating reverberates. We hear the song again Emma explains. the set with two trolley loads of fake and again (the repetition meditative), “I come from a huge musical animals and stuffed toys, Skyring and the performer is the consummate family. My mother and her mother laughed, “Yeah, I think we kinda professional, lip-synching perfectly, and father were singers. When I freaked the producers out with all our and more impressively, maintaining was a young girl I was brought up stage stuff, as five minutes later the a focus on the song’s narrative and on country music, so my roots are in stage becomes audience seating, and The Grates Photo: Supplied emotion. country music. But as I got older, I the workers were running around like started getting into reggae, started lots of ants cleaning up after us!” ‘Ngarraanga’, which means getting into R&B.” Amanda Robb throughout Australia in May. The band is well known for its ‘Remember’, is a tribute to the A founding member of vocal trio, Singer Patience Hodgson live performances, with the Austin Stolen Generations, and includes Stiff Gins, as well as the award- Brisbane band, The Grates, is infamously known for her Batman Chronicle stating: “The Grates are traditional language. “Ngarraanga winning Black Arm Band, the self- Australia’s ultimate party trio. After and Army clad outfits on stage, what live music is all about.” Ngiinundi Yuludarra”, the singer described “proud Gumbayngirr lady” huge success with debut album, alongside guitarist John Patterson and Their upcoming Australian tour sings – “Remember Your Dreaming”. has also appeared on a number of Gravity Won’t Get You High, the band’s drummer Alana Skyring, co-produced promises high energy, quirkiness and The song embodies and calls forth a Australian Indigenous compilation second album, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, this album, donning the role for the an offbeat sense of fun only the Grates dignity. It’s uplifting. CDs. She has sung alongside many of has made them international stars, first time, and we had the pleasure to can pull off. Asked what’s in store With the inclusion of her Australia’s most respected Indigenous with the LA Times stating: “Patience catch up with band member Alana, with the much-anticipated Sydney traditional language, Gumbayngirr, performers, including Frank Yamma, and Co. are sure to be everyone’s about the experience. show, Alana replied, “Yes, we have through her songs, Emma is Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, darlings and day now.” “It was a completely different a theme building up that will come committed to educating the Kerriane Cox, Christine Anu, Tiddas, process. The producer really left it together on the night ... But we will community to understand more Yothu Yindi and Jimmy Little. Having just come home from up to us to judge when we thought a keep you guessing!” about the depth of Aboriginal In 2004 Emma traveled to Greece touring the US, not to mention song was ready, which, collaboratively, If it’s anything like shows in the culture and spirituality. Her new to perform for the opening of the scoring a co-management deal with made us more responsible for our past it’ll be more than worth the wait! five-track EP, also called Ngarraanga, Indigenous Australia Now exhibition rock celebrity and former Nirvana music.” to be released this month, includes prior to the Olympics, and then to manager, Danny Goldberg, the upbeat Asked why both albums were The Grates with special guest Children Collide traditional spoken word by Uncle Palau for the 10th Festival of Pacific threesome are about to kick off their recorded in the US, Skyring replied: at The Forum, May 8. Tickets through Moshtix: Harry Buchanan, with backing vocals Arts. In 2005 she recorded her final tour for Teeth Lost, Hearts Won “It’s all about being in a different www.moshtix.com.au or 1300 438 849. on ‘Ngarraanga’, ‘Changes’ and ‘Try’ debut solo album, Changes. She has by Gary Pinto (CBD) and Juanita performed at the Dreaming Festival, Tippins. the Perth International Arts Festival, Expect to hear more often the name the Australian Performing Arts Opera House with the Melbourne May 15 on VGM and distributed by The SSH has three copies of Emma’s and the voice of Emma Donovan. Market in Adelaide, the Waitangi Symphony Orchestra, and has also MGM (songs will also be available new EP to give away. Simply send Originally from northern New Day Ceremony in New Zealand, toured to Paris. via iTunes from Emma’s web site: an email to [email protected] South Wales, Emma grew up in a the concert hall in the Sydney The Ngarraanga EP is released www.emmadonovan.com). 14 The Review May ’09 A prize catch

Scott Winter display of hot-headed male chefs, but a tough, quietly focused team of sweet The Balkan Continental Restaurant Croatian Nanas. “Darlinks, you must (predominantly seafood, however meat try the special hot Balkan chippies,” she lovers and vegetarians are well catered said with a warm smile. How could we for), is situated at 217 Oxford Street refuse? Darlinghurst, is now a well-known, The main was a Char Grilled Seafood longstanding institution. Most nights, Platter, Spicy Croatian Sausages and a its two floors are packed full of fresh dreamy Seafood Risotto, and, of course, fish and happy Sydneysiders. It’s also a side of home cut hot “chippies”. All overflowing with hearty Croatian soul. arriving at the table in less that ten minutes, I was determined to find No arrogance, no fuss and genuine fault somewhere. I did notice no hanging about, because everything that the third floor was incomplete, happens fast and thoroughly, without but was enthusiastically assured by the stress or sloppiness sometimes Tonchie, our generous host with the found in busy places. most, that plans for an intimate, fine After ordering a medley starter of dining corporate/private function area Light Crispy White Bait, Succulent were well underway, proving there’s Peeled King Prawns and Crispy plenty more fish in the Balkan Sea. Calamari with a simple best-selling Mains $20-$38 JUNE Balkan Salad, I couldn’t help but Culture Jam at the MCA as part of Creative wonder what kind of highly strung BYO Wine Only Oh Really Gallery Sydney, Friday June 5, Time TBA. Children’s Menu whiz kids were rocking the kitchens for MAY Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Regular Opening Times an ocean of satisfied smiles. Simon Degroot: Opening Night May 14, 6-9pm, til May 17. Diner’s Club, American Express and EFTPOS Thursday to Sunday 11am-6pm Curious, I took a walk by the open Beastman: Opening Night May 28, 6-9pm, til June 4. 55 Enmore Road, Newtown side plan kitchen. And to my surprise Service: Monday-Sunday Lunch and Dinner there was not the expected bustling Reservations advised: 029 331 7670. Winter’s ethereal splendour

Andre Rangiah Presented at The Ivy’s swanky York (DKNY). Maticevski bravely third-level ballroom, Maticevski turned down an extended position Each year on the cuff of May, we opened with delicate, stunningly cut at the global design house, deeming unwillingly release our attachment pants and blouses, before moving to the gig creatively draining. After to the warm rays of summer and tailored jackets that focus on clean working two seasons at Cerruti in prepare for Sydney’s wet winter. lines (suitable considering the bleak Paris he returned to Melbourne in Bikinis, board-shorts and budgee economic climate). The collection 1998 to launch his own label. smugglers become buried deep closed with eveningwear. Sheer, Maticevski’s unique manipulation within our closets relinquishing full-length gowns soared down the of traditional fashion silhouettes space for winter essentials: tweed runway in an ethereal splendour. and world-class fabrication created coats, wool sweaters and trench Aquamarine gowns embellished a collection that marked a desirable coats in every hue. For the fashion with intricate knife pleats were departure from conventional loving, a single event makes standout pieces that are sure to consumer driven fashions. Tucking, the testing transition tolerable, grab the attention of buyers across draping, and turning his textural Rosemount Australian Fashion the country. fabrics into fascinating works of Week. Refined make-up direction from art, Maticevski’s fashions provoked MAC and hair by WILD LIFE an emotional response from many Sneaking his collection prior were the perfect complement to the watching. to the official launch of Fashion impeccable garment construction, With a well-designed, sellable Week was Melbourne-based exquisite materials and consummate and creative collection it is no designer Toni Maticevski. Titled attention to detail that embodied wonder Maticevski has been around The Agrum Collection, the show, Maticevski’s designs. the world and back, riding on talent says Maticevski, was a “selection of The designer with Macedonian and work ethic alone. Surrounded pieces that I’ve been working on for heritage studied fashion at RMIT by creative, elegant garments, it is the past two years that never made University graduating with First indisputable that the fashion season it to the runway or weren’t right for Class Honours. He was then granted has well and truly arrived. Long, the time. I’ve also included pieces a Fashion Group International relaxing days at the beach seem from past collections and private Award and a placement with a trade-off worth taking. Well … Maticevski’s Agrum Collection Photo: Supplied client pieces”. mega-brand Donna Karan in New almost.

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SSH advertising works: "Since our ad has been in the SSH, it's been phenomenal. It has really raised our profile in the community. Interest has increased ten-fold from the old food distribution network way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo home delivery of low-cost fresh fruit & vegetables Donations to the SSH The SSH gratefully accepts donations Uniting Churches The Food Distribution Network is a not-for-profit organisation that T he South Sydney Herald i s and in-kind support. If you would delivers boxes of fresh and inexpensive fruit and vegies to older an independent not-for-profit like to make a contribution you can people, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and community newspaper, produced do so, anonymously if you wish. carers who live in the City of Sydney and need assistance living mostly by volunteers, published by By mail: PO Box 2360 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012. By electronic independently at home. For $9 you can have a box of 6-8kg of fruit the South Sydney Uniting Church, distributed without charge to transfer: BSB 062 231 ACCOUNT and/or vegies delivered to your door each week or fortnight. Please 30,000 readers from Zetland to NO. 1021 8391. Contact the Editor: call 9699 1614 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. South Sydney Uniting Church Woolloomooloo. [email protected] 56a Raglan St Waterloo These services are funded by the Home and Community Care Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday programme and the AIDS Trust of Australia. Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 Welcoming people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations WHAT IS HAPPENING IN and identities. Peace with justice, integrity of creation.  REDFERN WATERLOO? Get the latest from www.redwatch.org.au Tongan Uniting Church  (South Sydney)  email [email protected] for free email updates  Worship 1pm Sunday    or call Geoff on 9318 0824 Mid-week service Friday 7-8pm Ps Sione Hau 0431 144 247     Glebe Cafe Church  Cnr St Johns & Cambourne Sts Glebe  ALL WELCOME! Gathering Sunday 7pm  South Sydney Uniting Church Free For All/Eight O'Clock Sharp  Music nights Thu 8pm JOIN 110 MILLION ARTISANS, FARMERS, PRODUCERS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS INCLUDING (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU, ANNIE LENNOX, EDDIE IZZARD, STOMP, SIGUR ROS, DUDU SARR, SUZANNA OWIYO, CARLOU D, THE ZAWOSE FAMILY AND ISMAEL LO AND MAKE SOME NOISE FOR FAIRNESS IN A BIG BANG! Steph Gesling 9518 9413  Newtown Mission DRAWING CLASS 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday 12-4pm Sat May 9 & 16 Rev Ps Doug Clements 9519 9000

Special Offers for a ‘taste of justice’ at only ½ the price with special coupons presented nd th between 2 -17 May 2009 (Fair Trade Fortnight), 3.30pm-6.00pm For drink-in coffees only, strictly no takeaways ‘taste of justice’ is sponsored by The Fair Trade Coffee Company, Paddington Uniting Church a community café supporting the building of peace with justice locally and globally. Contact Adrian Spry on 9690 1427 Oxford St Paddington Worship 10am (1st Sunday of the month) Previous and new participants, & 7.30pm Sunday Collect For Kids Appeal adults and children welcome. Church Office 9331 2646 All materials provided. In partnership with South Sydney Community Aid Multicultural Gold coin donation. Pitt Street Uniting Church Neighbourhood Centre and Connect Redfern, Surry Hills Shopping Village 264 Pitt St, Sydney is launching a Collect for Kids Appeal to seek donations of soft toys and Drawing by Gaylene Smith Worship 10 am Sunday canned food. & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 All donations can be made by placing items into a collection bin located BABANA Aboriginal Men’s Group BABANA within Surry Hills Shopping Village. Wayside Chapel The next BABANA meeting is on Friday May 29, 29 Hughes St Potts Point The Lord Mayor of Sydney and Member for Sydney, Clover Moore MP 12-2pm, Redfern Community Centre. Worship 10am, launched the Appeal on Wednesday April 29 at Surry Hills Shopping Village Bible Study 5pm Sunday Photo by Eve Gibson (pictured). Contact: Mark Spinks 9243 3546. Redfern Ps Graham Long 9358 6996 Contact: Jhan Leach, Manager of South Sydney Community Aid Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre, on 9319 4073.

COME CELEBRATE FAMILIES WEEK 09

Free Free

● BBQ Lunch Love to Sing? ● Aboriginal Dance ● Youth Entertainment ● Giveaways Women, if you love music and can hold a tune, come along to our fun, Free friendly and free six-week vocal and performance classes. When Midday - 6 PM Friday 15th May Where Woolloomooloo PCYC We are also including a free six-week beginner’s “Learn to Read Music” class. Cnr Cathedral & Riley Streets No previous musical experience required. Orientation Evening May 12. Contact : Mark Spinks on 9243 3546 For more info call Wendy 9599 2597 or Lea 9560 8986 or email [email protected] or visit www.endeavourharmony.com OPENDAY - Everyone welcome

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Verity Firth MP Kristina Keneally MP Clover Moore MP Carmel Tebutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 111-117 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2010 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9357 6366 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9357 6466 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 S PORT May 2009 More than your average footy club

Perry Johnstone ago. The principal of community support and community living was alive and well The new breed of inner city residents, before the villages became a prominent who sit outside a café drinking their catch cry. skim milk lattes, think that they are It was that same community spirit living the village life and have a great which saw the club recently donate sense of community spirit. The true money to the bushfire victims and long-time locals will know that the the flood victims which ravaged the inner city will never be a village made communities of Queensland and Victoria up of families who send their kids a month or so ago. out of district for schooling and don’t The current committee is made up participate in supporting their local of people who all grew up in the area sporting teams. and were educated in the area. They all still work and live in the area and most For 60 years the Alexandria Rovers have importantly are giving back to their local provided a safe haven for boys and girls of community as volunteers. These same the inner city of all ages, races, creeds and people are looked upon as being boofy colours to play sport in a friendly family footy heads by the new breed. environment, along the way learning Hopefully next time when the new such important life skills as team work, breed of village dwellers are ordering discipline, respect for themselves and each their lattes they will look around and see other, physical fitness and racial tolerance, if the proprietors are supporting their local to name just a few. club or are they putting the profits into Christine and Kim Photo: Andrew Collis A youngster may come from a broken their wallets? I’m sure the answer can be home, but once they belong to the written on the back of a Rose Bay School Alexandria Rovers they belong to a giant report card! Athlete profile: Kim Byers family. Age: 10 The greatest! It was the Alexandria Rovers Football For all the latest news on the Sport played: Netball Club that formed and started Alexandria Alexandria Rovers, log onto Team: The Pearlers a DR i a n Spry calls for, Teen can deliver. Erskineville Bowling Club many years www.alexandriarovers.com.au Favourite colour: Green The Pearlers are our local South Well, howdy! So what’s happening Sydney team, and Netball Australia Favourite movie: Spy Kids in the wide, wide world of sports? would be well advised to keep an eye Favourite music: Justin Timberlake and Sierra on these talented girls. The future Yay for Raven Bron! Favourite sportsperson: Cathy Freeman Not since the heady days of Opals are here on our doorstep. What do you want to be when you grow up?: 1964, when a young Cassius Clay These young Indigenous athletes Zimm y Wat t ZW: How do you train for a Half A singer (Hip Hop, R&B) stood over a prone Sonny Liston only need encouragement and their Marathon? Where would you like to live?: and declared to the world, “I am natural athleticism will shine. Bron Lee, member of running group BL: I have been following a training In a big mansion on a mountain the greatest!” have we seen such The Pearlers play at Heffron the Ravens, is all set for this year’s guide from last year’s Sydney Running School: Mount Carmel confidence in a young sportsperson. Park. Christine’s team has been Sydney Half Marathon on May 17. Festival. Each week has one long run, Christine “Teen” Duckett is confident, winning, and she’s looking Support the Ravens and help raise a mix of shorter training runs, and Do you like school?: No. I’d rather play sport! brash, and “up front”. Always forward to Saturday’s game. funds for Breast Cancer Network a little bit of cross-training (which I Best NRL team: St George-Illawarra ready to “kick butt” (in the nicest Any other sports? Yes, Christine Australia. interpret as ‘optional training’!) My Speak about family: I love my family (Chris, possible way), Christine is a ruthless aims to be Middle Weight Champion favourite part is the Sunday long run. Danese, Christine, Anna, Shanise, Kiffa, competitor – but always lovable. of the World, and issues a challenge Zimmy Watt: How does running I like mapping out new routes and Kingston, Pop, Leane) The complete netballer and to Anthony Mundine! When I ask this figure in your life? exploring different parts of Sydney, Do you want to play netball for Australia?: Yes all-round athlete, Teen can play 12-year-old girl if she feels confident Bron Lee: Since my first jog around and the rhythm that you can get into Talk about Indigenous issues: People should either Wing Attack or Wing Defence. about taking on a world-class fighter, the block with my dad, when I was when you know you’ll be out there know that Aboriginal people are nice! Loud and aggressive or quietly I get my reply – completely deadpan – about 11, I’ve been a runner. We don’t for a while! determined, whatever the situation “Get real, Adrian. I am the greatest!” run together anymore, but it’s still I’ve also had some trouble with my something we share. shins and knees, so at least once a day I started work as a union organiser a I spend 20 or more minutes stretching few weeks ago, working with CBD office ... the most tedious and painful part cleaners, which means I get home quite of training. late (since I can only see them when they start work, which is of course after ZW: Any strategies for running this everyone else has gone home). So I’ve year’s event? been rediscovering the joys and struggles BL: Well my usual strategy seems of early morning training. to be: a quite fast first few km’s as I’m spurred on by nerves; then just try ZW: What road running experience to keep up a decent pace and enjoy have you had? myself. And finish with as much of a BL: I’ve run in more City-to-Surfs than sprint as I can muster. I can remember, did one half marathon in high school, and another last year. Visit www.everydayhero com.au/the_ravens WANT TO GET FIT? WORK OUT AT REDFERN’S WORLD FAMOUS Flying high Photo: Ali Blogg TONY MUNDINE GYM Tearing it up at Fernside WHERE GIANTS ARE MADE • SINCE 1985 A l e x a nder Fl eming to show off their skill and expertise. and reaffirmed the importance of The day kicked off early with lifestyle activities such as this. “It’s Not even the grey skies and the scooter and rollerblading really important that young people looming rain could keep the scores competitions before moving into the feel they have a place where they of skateboarders and scooter main event – the skateboarding. can be themselves. Skaters have a riders away from the 10th Annual As the clouds grew darker the particular culture and it’s important Fernside Skating Competition. competition intensified, as older that we support that. Sport, fitness and more experienced competitors and healthy lifestyle programs are so The competition, held at the skate battled it out for first place. important for social and physical health, COMMUNITY GYM - BOXING park in Waterloo, took place on Saturday The competition was a great and getting involved early you can WEIGHT TRAINING - CARDIO April 4 in front of an excited young display of young people getting carry it through to your adult life.” crowd. Skaters from all over Sydney involved in local events, with all The event was just one of many that KICK BOXING - FITNESS & DANCE STUDIO came to try their luck in the competition, volunteers, judges and administrators are organised by South Sydney Youth OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM with equipment, gift vouchers and cash drawn from the community itself. It Services, which also offers counselling prizes of up to $200 for the taking. was organised as a part of National and other community initiatives. CORNER EVELEIGH & VINE STREETS REDFERN From front flips to tail whips, Youth Week, and was overseen by spectators were treated to an incredible South Sydney Youth Services. Starting next month, the organisation 9319 0316 display of technical mastery, as kids Director Shane Brown praised is offering free Hip-Hop classes of all ages jumped at the opportunity the efforts of everyone involved, for teenagers aged 12 to 14.