Pemulwuy Consultation Project update Sydney Festival previews  page 9  THE REVIEW – pages 11-14

NUMBER NINEty-NINE DECEMBER ’11 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Australia’s first low-carbon community

Artist’s impression of Green Square Town Square Image: Supplied

Ann a Christie first low-carbon community,” said the will revolutionise local area environmental The Lord Mayor emphasised that local school, Waterloo Public School, is no Lord Mayor. sustainability in Australia. environmental sustainability was not the longer a comprehensive local school, but a City of Sydney Council has launched Tri-generation, a form of power using In addition to cutting carbon emissions, only concern, saying that aesthetic and special school for children with disabilities. the Green Square project, with Lord natural gas rather than coal, is so-called City of Sydney has an ambitious usability factors were also highly valued. No land has been set aside for a school. Mayor Clover Moore announcing the because it yields power, hot water and stormwater management plan to provide She wants Green Square to set “new design Council depends on the Department of $8 billion development as “bigger than cooling. 100 per cent of the area’s non-potable benchmarks” and achieve “beautiful Education to supply reliable projections Barangaroo” and the largest urban The first stage of the high-density mixed water needs. Shea’s Creek, a stormwater design and beautiful facilities”. about the demand for more schools, in development in Australia. residential, business and community channel that comes from Randwick and Although Green Square has an keeping with the increased population. infrastructure will be to construct a Kensington, will be filtered and the water underground railway station just one City of Sydney has provided updated Flanked by senior officials from 14-hectare Green Square Town Centre, accessed. stop from Central, this will need to be statistics to inform the discussions and Operations, Planning and Sustainability featuring a civic square the size of Martin All buildings will be designed to meet augmented to serve the new community. projections. John Dwyer, Senior Program divisions of Council, the Lord Mayor Place between George Street and Pitt Street. new standards so that they will fulfil the The new Government department, Manager, said that the “City is making the announced the start of the first phase of The heritage administration building at the City of Sydney 2030 sustainability goals. Transport for NSW, says it is investigating point very strongly” that the Department the Green Square redevelopment. South Sydney hospital site will form the There is even a feasibility study into the feasibility of extending light rail has to get it right. Green Square includes the suburbs of heart of the tri-generation operations and ducted waste disposal under the streets, through the CBD, to the University of NSW The Green Square redevelopment will Alexandria, Beaconsfield, Rosebery and an environmental education centre. thus doing away with rubbish trucks. and to the University of Sydney as part of take over a decade to build, with private Zetland. Unlike Barangaroo, Green Square By the end of 2013 the first community This technology uses suction through a transport “Masterplan” for NSW. building construction continuing up until has been planned to be among the most facilities in the Town Square will be a subterranean network. Sounds like 9,300 workers and 5,800 residents are 2024 and full occupation by 2031. sustainable, and one of very few natural completed and environmental technologies science fiction? From what Council projected in the Town Centre alone. City of Sydney will be involving the gas tri-generation powered communities, are expected to be installed. City of says, this aspect of innovation is not as A proportion of those residents will community in naming parks, streets in Australia. Sydney is taking advantage of this rare strongly advanced as the others, but still have children, but no schools have been and public places, including new streets “We want Green Square to be Australia’s opportunity to build infrastructure that a possibility. incorporated into the plans. The existing and malls. S 2 News December 2011

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Phone/fax 02 9319 1373 The views expressed in this newspaper are Cranial those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church.

NEWS [email protected] Osteopathy Phone Lyn 0400 008 338

ADVERTISING [email protected] A gentle and effective treatment Phone/fax 02 9319 1373 MAILING ADDRESS: Adults Babies and Children PO Box 3288 Redfern NSW 2016 • Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain • Unsettled Babies

LETTERS • Headaches and Migraines • Wry Neck (Torticollis) Please send letters and emails to: • Accidents and Falls • Ear, Nose and Throat Infections The South Sydney Herald. Email: [email protected] • Work-Related Injuries / RSI • Sitting, Crawling and Walking Supply sender name and suburb. Size: 150 words or less. • Pregnancy and Post-birth • Postural Problems Clover Moore, Cathy Kezelman, Max Eulo and Diane Someville Photo: Jack Carnegie We may edit for legal or other reasons. • and many more FOUNDING EDITOR Trevor Davies (25/5/1956—14/6/2011) Untying knots 02 9699 3791 of abuse www.osteopathycentral.com.au SSH to breaking the silence and sharing Managing Editor FEATURES EDITOR resources – sharing of themselves.” Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon REDFERN: On Saturday November 12, Pamella Vernon, representing Origins under blue skies and a magnificent NSW and the Alliance for Forgotten eucalypt, Adults Surviving Child Abuse Australians, a national peak group (ASCA) and supporting organisations of organisations that promotes the and individuals gathered in Redfern interests of half a million Australians Park for an event entitled “Sydney who experienced institutional or other Untangles the Knot of Child Abuse”. out-of-home “care” as children in the NEWS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Lyn Turnbull Ali Blogg last century – many of whom suffered Heather Robinson, chair of South physical, emotional and/or sexual Sydney Uniting Church, and Rev. abuse – shared a poem written by her Andrew Collis, minister at the Church, sister, Yvonne: “I understand emotional were hosts for the event. Uncle Max Eulo survival techniques / adopted by children from Babana performed a traditional under threat / to survive pain, trauma / smoking ceremony followed by Aunty abandonment and displacement …” The Assistant EDITOR NEWS CONSULTANT Norma Ingram’s Acknowledgement of poem concludes in recognition of courage Esther Turnbull Jonathan Bogais Country. There were about 40 people and loving support. in attendance, including Lord Mayor Heather Robinson said: “We met some Clover Moore (officiating), Greens new people as well as connecting with Counsellor Irene Doutney, Diane others already known to us. Support Someville of Aftercare and Stepping was given from the St Vincent de Paul Out, Mick McIntyre of the St Vincent de Society, the Lions Clubs of Sydney, Paul Society, Michael Shreenan of The Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, the ASSISTANT EDITOR Advertising Kate Williamson John Lanzky Factory Community Centre and John Teer Wayside Chapel and Souths Cares, in Got a tip for us and Cathy Kezelman of ASCA. The blue presence and/or words. Kristina Keneally DISTRIBUTION ribbon tied around the tree remained was unable to attend but sent a letter of Pat Clarke for a week, with a laminated poster support.” about a story? [email protected] explaining the meaning. The event was ASCA is a national organisation which The South Sydney Herald is your newspaper. DESIGNER held as a lead-in to Forget-me-knot Day works to improve the lives of adult Robert Young on November 19. survivors of child abuse. Donations Want to contribute? Go for it, we'd love “It’s painfully awkward to meet in made at various Forget-me-knot events PRINTER close proximity to the children’s play in November and online will help run Spotpress PTY LTD to hear from you. It's easy – just flick an 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place area,” said Andrew Collis. “Of course, Creating New Possibilities workshops for Marrickville, NSW 2204 it shouldn’t be the case that anyone’s adult survivors around Australia; provide email to [email protected] – or call Lyn www.spotpress.com childhood is threatened or marred by training to health care professionals in abuse of any kind, yet we acknowledge trauma specific services; provide 1300 on 0400 008 338 with ideas for news, the reality of children abused and trauma counselling to survivors in need REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS features, interviews, arts or sports stories. “We gratefully acknowledge the many neglected even as we claim this space (1300 657 380); and advocate nationally volunteer contributors and distributors for hope and healing.” He thanked all for the needs of adult survivors of child who make this publication possible.” present and added: “It’s an honour to take abuse in trauma informed care and Jane Barton Barrie McMahon part today alongside people committed practice. S Sandra Beeston Reece Meredith Leisa Clague Christine Morrow Lindsay Cohen Olivia Nigro Pam Dagwell Michael Page Douglas Dingwall Chloe Potvin Alex Fleming Gai Smith Steph Gesling Green star award for Patricia Tellis Mathew Gilliland Michael Texilake Jemima Hall Marg Vazey 1 Misa Han Libby Hogan Angelique Watkins Housing development JOSEPH MEDCALF Jess Hunt Malcolm Weihao Luo Peter Whitehead Lyndal Irons Geoff Turnbull to parking permits. Perry Johnstone Neil Whitfield FUNERAL SERVICES Rebecca LeMay Kate Williamson In Council’s south, residents of norrie mAy-welby Brendan Wong Housing NSW was recently honoured multi-unit developments approved after 2 Family owned & operated 2 Nicholas McCallum Nina Young with the national GreenSmart 1996 are not eligible to participate in Residential Development Award for the resident permit parking schemes. 2 100% Australian & fully independent 2 DISTRIBUTORS its Redfern East Development despite Council argues this helps to limit the 2 Pre-Paid & Pre-Arrange Funeral Plans 2 Jackie Dettman Gai Smith tenant-identified problems with the increase in parking demand and traffic Melissa McMahon Sue Dahl project. from new developments. It is coupled Georgina Abrahams Adrian Spry with Council limiting the number of Joseph Medcalf has been serving Sydney since 1880 Anthony Kable Di Everingham One of the elements contributing to parking places that they approve in new Susan Kable Pepsee and is a long-standing part of the local community. Rosemary Tyler Steph Gesling the project achieving five-star rating developments. Miriam Pepper Gabby Briene for taking “social housing to the next As the HNSW properties are Nicole Fleming Anne Jordan level in meeting sustainability” was the redeveloped the Morehead Street We offer personal attention 24 hours a day, Eve Gibson John Lanzky limiting of onsite parking. experience will be repeated, with public norrie mAy-welby Peter Lonergan 7 days a week, and cover all Sydney suburbs. Sam Choy Nick McCallum Public tenants outside the high- tenants being squeezed by loss of street Barrie McMahon Rita Mu rises need to park on the street so parking access and less available on John Berry Julie McCrossin returning tenants thought nothing site. This important interaction was 172 Redfern Street, Redfern Ross Smith Melissa Gibson about parking until Council recently omitted from the transport consultant’s Mark McPherson Brian Vazey 9698 2644 Chelsea Reid Margaret Vazey installed two-hour resident parking study for BEP2. Hopefully, this will be Gaylene Smith Heather Robinson signs in Morehead Street and tenants addressed in the new transport study Don Crowley Alex Warner discovered they were no longer entitled for the SMDA. S December 2011 News 3

The youth of today ‘Real life’ lessons make a difference Andrew Collis so on. The reality is that there are all kinds of people affected by homelessness. Kids are REDFERN: The Big Issue, which next surprised how many women and children year celebrates 15 years of service and under 12 are homeless.” There are currently social enterprise in Sydney, is now well about 10,000 homeless children under 12 ensconced in Little Eveleigh Street. Staff years of age in Australia. member, Melissa Brooks, NSW Coordinator The workshops help students to understand of The Big Issue Classroom project, has been some of the causes of homelessness. Family busy preparing and facilitating interactive breakdown and poverty are critical factors. workshops on homelessness in various “We point out that people are homeless primary and secondary schools. due to circumstances beyond their control. Children do not choose to be disadvantaged,” The work, she says, is highly rewarding. Ms Brooks says. “Guest Speakers are prepared “I’ve been with The Big Issue since May and paid for their time,” she explains. “It’s this year. We visit schools each week and good to see them developing their skills – sometimes student groups come to meet us public speaking and other skills that will here.” Since moving into the new premises, assist toward future employment.” The Big Issue has hosted workshops in its Students are encouraged to ask questions own classroom space (previously, meetings of Guest Speakers. According to Ms Brooks, were held at the Redfern Community they frequently want to know what they can Centre). Training of vendors also takes do in response to homelessness. “Students place on site. Vendors are prepared for roles learn that they can acknowledge homeless as Guest Speakers in schools. As of early people as people – they can treat them with 2012, e-Classroom facilities will enable respect, smile and say hello.” communication with students from all over No doubt many become avid readers and the country. supporters of the quality magazine. S Ms Brooks, who has a background in Youth of today, a regular article education, estimates that workshops have The Big Issue Classroom is currently operating on local youth and related issues, involved more than 1,500 students over the in Sydney (and Melbourne) and will be delivered is kindly sponsored by Appetite Cafe past seven months. Most come from years online via an e-Classroom workshop from early 8-11. “We usually start by examining some 2012. For all bookings and enquiries visit Appetite Cafe APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 Regent St, Redfern ood stereotypes of homelessness,” she says. “Kids www.thebigissue.org.au or contact Melissa Brooks + eople Tel 9699 4069 often assume that a homeless person is a on 02 9319 6300; [email protected] man with an unkempt beard, old clothes and Vendor Glenn Pilley is a Vendor and Guest Speaker on homelessness Photo: Peter Holcroft

NILS® NSW Summer in Sydney and our thoughts turn to holidays, entertainment and new experiences. Once again the No Interest Loans University is proud to be a leadership partner with the Sydney Festival, helping to open eyes, ignite debate and stimulate your senses. Scheme There’s a hub of Festival activity at the University in January. Here are a few highlights. NILS® is a community managed small loan program developed by the Art comes face-to-face with architecture in Vision in Motion, a project by the renowned Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service designed to assist low income artist Narelle Jubelin, which celebrates the University’s significant – though often overlooked – modernist architecture. people, i.e., receiving income support from Centrelink. Loans for approx. Visitors are invited to take a ‘modernist walk’ across the campus, visiting key sites $1,000 are for new essential household items, medical goods and other animated with temporary installations and videos, inspired by architecture and the built worthwhile purposes. environment. Australia’s most promising young architectural minds were challenged to design new performance spaces for three Sydney Festival venues: Festival Garden in Hyde Park, the Phone 1800 509 994 – 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday (except massive Turbine Hall on Cockatoo Island and the historic Quadrangle at the University public holidays) for information/eligibility/schemes in your local area. of Sydney. Youtopia is an exhibition of the models, prototypes and digital designs from our Master NILS® is not for emergency relief, bond or rent, living expenses or debt of Architecture students, capturing 30 outrageously theatrical visions and it’s all at the Tin Sheds Gallery, on City Rd. repayment. For help with credit & debt difficulties, please call the Credit And don’t miss Bright Club, where our academics try standup comedy in the Famous & Debt Hotline: Freecall 1800 808 488 Spiegeltent’s late night slot. See a line-up of lecturers, researchers and PhD-types from the University as they mine their area of specialty for comic potential. Be kind to them, they’re new to all this! This is truly the thinking person’s variety night. www.nilsnsw.org.au Further details: sydney.edu.au/sydney_festival/uni_events/index.shtml. Michael Spence Vice-Chancellor Community contact details Security and after hours: 1800 063 487 (free call) 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Enquiries: 9114 0523 Email: [email protected] 4 News December 2011

ADVERTISEMENT Tanya Plibersek MP Too old to work? Member for Sydney Misa Han for such discrimination. Making a complaint through the “There are two types of discrimination, Australian Human Rights Commission Complaints about age discrimination direct and indirect discrimination. Direct can result in a wide range of outcomes. issues have increased by 44 per cent discrimination might occur when a “The first stage is conciliation and it can Seasons Greetings this year, according to the Australian company wants to have a young image have a very wide-ranging and flexible Human Rights Commission. and prefers to hire younger people. remedy. If the case goes to a court or “Indirect discrimination can occur a tribunal, the remedy is generally the 2011 has been a remarkable year in Australian “Employment is a particular area where when there is some kind of rule or payment of compensation.” age discrimination has very damaging condition or policy that has the effect Ms Ross says that discrimination law consequences, whether it be applying of disadvantaging people and it’s not alone is insufficient to deal with age politics. negative stereotypes and assumptions to reasonable in the circumstances.” discrimination issues. “Discrimination exclude older people at the recruitment Ms Ross says that government and law is quite narrow and technical. I phase, or excluding older people from community organisations can provide think a lot of people don’t know about This is the year we have turned words into training and promotional opportunities, help for people who think they might discrimination law and often it’s a single for the same reasons, once they are in have been discriminated against because incident so it might be annoying or deeds and legislated to put a price on carbon employment,” the Age Discrimination of their age. insulting to make a complaint.” Commissioner Ms Susan Ryan said. “You can get advice about “When you have a complaint-based Ms Natalie Ross, Senior Solicitor at discrimination from community legal system, it’s only the odd individual who pollution. the Redfern Community Legal Centre, centres and from Legal Aid. You can makes a complaint and the vast majority explains that age discrimination involves also get information from the Australian don’t recognise it as discrimination. treating someone less favourably because Human Rights Commission and the NSW There has to be changes to education This is the year we have gained support in the of their age, but there are various settings Anti-Discrimination Board.” and culture.” S House of Representatives to secure a fair share of our nation’s mineral wealth through the Minerals Resource Rent Tax.

This is the year the Federal Government has committed $2 billion to help close the gender pay gap for social and community sector workers.

The 2011 ALP National Conference this month has shown Australians’ capacity to renew our vision for the future, even in the midst of such historic changes.

Labor moved to support a National Disability Insurance Scheme – a landmark reform in the coming years which will give Australians with disability the support they deserve. Carlos Ortiz (with comb), Amanda Turner and Geoffrey Moran, with Troy the dog Photo: Andrew Collis I am proud that the Labor Party has voted to Willing and able to work support marriage equality for all Australians, including same-sex couples. I look forward to Libby Hogan an awareness but also trying to find a he’s willing to come in at short notice way to create a working condition which when I need him.” Amanda Turner, International Day of People with doesn’t trigger anxiety or depression.” employment consultant with Ostara supporting Stephen Jones’ private members bill Disability on Monday December 3 One challenge in his field is trying PRA (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Australia) celebrates the abilities, contributions to prepare clients with confidence to offers ongoing support – and appreciates on marriage equality early next year. and achievements that people with meet with employers and ensure that a professional wash and trim. a disability make every day. The employers treat them as equals. “People Funding in this area is minimal, but day promotes the goal of full and with a mental health condition are not the government has acknowledged this Now is the time for each of us to spend time equal enjoyment of human rights for psychopaths, they are just people who disparity and is working on creating all people. have had bad breaks; either family, work incentives for employers. Member or external pressure on them that has for Heffron, Kristina Keneally, said: with our family and loved ones and I hope The day recognises people with created this mental health condition. I “I am pleased that the current NSW disabilities who have achieved, including think people need to realise that, on any Government has adopted my plans for you have a safe and happy break over the educators, builders, property developers, given day, every Australian probably goes disability, both in terms for two bills business people and for the first time, through some of those conditions and packages ‘stronger together’ and the holiday season. health and well-being providers. people need to realise that we are actually payroll tax exemption for employers who Business Development Manager the same people.” hire someone with a disability.” for Disability Employment Services When Geoffrey Moran, owner of Twist There are hopes that the proposed in Redfern, Douglas Brown, said that of Hair at 86 Redfern Street, became National Disability Insurance Scheme All the best for 2012 – I look forward to this area of service is still new and aware of the opportunity to employ a will provide more assistance for service developing. The group works with people part-time hairdresser with a disability, he providers and disabled people entering working with you again in the new year! who have a mental disability and assists was curious. “I was told that the person and staying in the workforce. in the communication process between was recovering from depression, and I Young People in Nursing Homes client and employer. could empathise with that,” Mr Moran National Alliance Director, Bronwyn Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, Labor Member for Sydney Mr Brown said: “The best value when said. “I’d been through it myself.” Two Morkham, said: “Governments have to looking for an employer is having an months later he is “very happy” with his continue their effort and grow their effort 150 Broadway, Broadway NSW 2007 awareness of what it means to have a new employee, Carlos Ortiz. “He’s a good in anticipation for the National Disability T 9379 0700 F 9379 0701 | [email protected] mental health condition. Not just having hairdresser; he listens, he asks questions; Insurance Scheme.” S December 2011 News 5

Donations can be made Reaching out to the most vulnerable online: www.vinnies.org.au Andrew Collis Vinnies again this year. Please phone about the needs of the poor. The list of “We’d like more people in need to Vinnies shops are able to 9319 1373 in relation to the Uniting activities and services – from refugee be aware of our welfare services at 317 This year, as it has done for 140 Church’s distribution of hampers in the support, mental health and disaster Cleveland Street in Redfern, and our provide (depending upon years, the St Vincent de Paul Society Waterloo area. Vinnies’ Regional Office recovery to counseling and home visits home visitation services,” Mr Gleeson supply) a variety of goods is reaching out to the most vulnerable at Redfern (9690 5600) is co-ordinating – is staggering. said, “and new volunteers are very including clothing and in our community. Voluntary members hampers across inner-city suburbs as well “Many people don’t know about our welcome.” are busy preparing Christmas hampers as Marrickville and Tempe. full range of services. Often people think This Christmas the lay Catholic household goods to families for delivery to homes in Erskineville, Contributions toward Christmas we are just the Vinnies shops, but the organisation (which receives no regular and people who are in need Enmore, Newtown, Darlington, hampers can be made at Tripod Café in shops fund our other services, especially funding from the Church) is asking all and are being assisted by Waterloo, Redfern and Surry Hills. Abercrombie Street, Darlington. Non- the main work of home visitation. Over Australians to take a moment and think Mini Vinnies members from local perishable food items are sought, as well 400 Vinnies volunteers visit those in need how a change in their spending could St Vincent de Paul Conference primary schools are also involved. It is as Christmas decorations and sweets. in the inner city every week,” Enmore change the lives of others. members. Centres are also a anticipated that more than 500 hampers There’s something deeply humane Conference Secretary Damian Gleeson Australians will spend over $750 will be delivered before December 25. about the Vincentian way, as even a says, “and yet the need grows. Demand million on Christmas presents. Many valuable resource for people on cursory reading of the Society’s website in inner-city areas has risen sharply as of us would prefer to give a gift to low incomes, enabling them to Sydney Regional President and reveals. “When the voice of the poor more and more people struggle to have charity rather than to receive gifts. This buy quality clothing, furniture Erskineville Conference President, calls, Vincentians willingly leave their one appropriate daily meal. Christmas, Vinnies will spend time Michael McIntyre, says: “The greatest prayers, or other religious practices, “Exorbitant rises in electricity and helping over half a million people. By and other household items at gift we can give to those in need is our knowing that they are leaving God for other essential utilities are creating supporting Vinnies with a donation to affordable prices. There are time; the time to consider how we can God.” additional heavy burden on families. its Christmas Appeal, you’ll be helping Vinnies shops at King Street, help those in need, the time to meet that Vincentians express their love for “We are also seeing more cases to maintain services which make a real need. By helping the Society with your God, and for all God’s people, by the where people in sheer desperation have difference to people’s lives: presents for Newtown, Elizabeth Street, time or donations, you give others a hand sweat of their brow and the strength of taken out loans from private lenders. It children, basics like food and clothing, Surry Hills and Glebe Point up, not a hand-out.” their arms. They seek to do this with is extraordinary that these loans come practical support for struggling families Road in Glebe. The South Sydney Uniting Church gentleness and humility, striving to be with interest rates of between 40 and 50 and emotional support for those who in Waterloo is proud to partner with selfless and genuine, yet passionate per cent. have no-one to turn to. S

Northcott gets active

Kate Williamson

SURRY HILLS: It has been 50 years since Her Majesty, the Queen of England, opened John Northcott Estate, a public housing estate in Surry Hills, Sydney. Northcott Estate was Sydney’s first high- rise public housing and part of the inner city’s slum clearance program. Considered an innovative public housing model at the time, over the years residents have endeavoured to keep the environment safe and harmonious for its community of approximately 1,000 people, given threats such as a high drug use, criminal activity and mental health problems.

Marguerite Perryman has lived at Northcott for many years and works at the community centre as Head of Fundraising and Events as well as Duty Officer. She feels continually challenged to find ways to get people together and take part in many of the activities organised such as exercise, arts and crafts and dancing. “I would like to see more people come into the community centre. I would especially like to see some of the elderly people come out of their little boxes and come down to the community centre – keep their minds active which is so important for their health,” Ms Perryman said. In the 50 years since Northcott was established residents have formed strong bonds with one another and are saddened by the passing of friends. Marguerite is excited by the concept to build a memorial garden and has recently received funding A petition in support of access at Redfern station draws 150 signatures Photo: Andrew Collis for this purpose. They plan to build a fountain, memorial plaque and sculpture that will become a feature of the estate and a quiet place for reflection. Ashes and mementos of loved ones who have passed will be laid out in the garden as well as Abercrombie Street upgrade acknowledgements set into the plaque. “I hope it will help bring people out Geoff Turnbull Council proposes to widen the Council also needed to address the about its revised plans for the new more. There will be plaques with nice southern side of the Abercrombie pedestrians’ issues from the station Abercrombie Street Business School. flowers. Sandy, who has passed, used to DARLINGTON: Council was Street footpath from Ivy to to the University along Lawson Street Trevor Davies was not forgotten like heather so we will plant heather for pleasantly surprised when a snap Codrington, undergrounding power and Little Eveleigh Street. – with support for a memorial her. Our visiting artist from Pine Street consultation at Tripod Café on lines, providing improved lighting One resident argued that Sydney either the “Trevor seat” idea or is interested in doing a sculpture of two Abercrombie Street produced 100 and, after the high turnout, hopefully University should contribute to possibly even a Trevor Davies Park residents, Sandy and Rick. This will become locals contributing their comments providing brick paving rather than the upgrade as their students were on Abercrombie Street in the Uni a feature. We also hope the Minister for on Council’s draft plans. Lord asphalt. Local residents took the major users of the area and the redevelopment. A barbecue in late Family and Community Services, the Mayor Clover Moore also turned up opportunity to push Council for a University representative said this November further supported these Hon. Pru Goward, will open the memorial and standing up a few stairs had a more village-like treatment dealing was not an unreasonable request ideas and relaunched an old passion garden,” she said. community discussion reminiscent with both sides of the road, improved and they would consider it. Probably of Trevor’s with a petition as the first As funding has been approved, Northcott of an old-style town hall meeting. maintenance on Charles Kernan a good answer given the University step in a campaign for proper access is on its way toward setting up the memorial Reserve and pointing out that will start discussions in December at Redfern station. S garden. Currently, residents are working through the design with artists, gardeners and landscapers. S 6 News December 2011 Research grant to combat Black Rat Malcolm Weihao Luo have set out to achieve under the Paddy Pallin grant there is enough money. I The Paddy Pallin Foundation was well aware of the amount of money recently awarded a $7,000 grant to supported by this grant, and am setting Helen Smith from the University of out to achieve a quantity and quality of Sydney, supporting her research on research to suit that budget.” the relationships between the Black Since its inception, the Paddy Rat and Australian native animals. Pallin brand has been synonymous with the Australian bush. To help the The Black Rat is a major threat to environment and to promote outdoor biodiversity, responsible for significant sports, founder Paddy Pallin established declines in fauna and flora through the Paddy Pallin Foundation in the competition, predation and disease. 1970s. Invasion of non-native species into Rob Pallin, director of the Paddy foreign ecosystems is one of the Pallin Foundation, believes that Ms biggest challenges for conservation and Smith’s research will lead to tangible restoration biologists. outcomes for conservation and Ms Smith said: “The Black Rats management within one of Australia’s have caused ecological imbalance by most iconic national parks. “Helen’s introducing new predation threats to research will highlight more effective native birds, lizards and micro-bats management techniques to maintain primarily through their ability to climb ecologically sustainable bushland trees, which the native Bush Rat does reserves,” he said. not. Few studies, however, have clearly The $7,000 grant for conservation- documented the impacts caused by the based research of Australian ecosystems replacement of native rodents with the comes on the back of sustained, long- invasive Black Rat. This is the focus of term growth and tangible outcomes Scholarship winners Zainab Kaabi and Nahid Karimi Photo: Verity Firth my PhD, and what the money from the within the ecology sector. The grant Paddy Pallin grant will be spent on.” conditions stipulate that candidates “My research will also quantify the must address conservation problems in ecological impacts of Black Rats on Australian ecosystems, and preference native Australian wildlife in Sydney will be given to research which deals Harbour National Park,” she said. with ecological community process. Ms Smith feels it is a tremendous The grants are open to postgraduate Life after politics privilege to receive support from such a students and Early Career Researchers prestigious foundation. “I am extremely (within three years of submitting a PhD), Verity Firth programs for public schools. she enrolled at Holroyd High School proud to be awarded a Paddy Pallin and will be administered through the The donations are tax deductible Intensive English Centre. She could not Grant,” she said. “For the aims that I Royal Zoological Society of NSW. S In the massive Coalition landslide and the foundation distributes these speak English and she had no formal of March 2011, I narrowly lost the donations via a scholarship fund to education having been home-schooled seat of Balmain. People often ask me deserving students and schools. Our by her mother in Afghanistan. When whether I was upset by the loss, and scholarships range from pre-school she entered the gates of Holroyd High the answer is, surprisingly, not really. to university and are both “equity” in 2002, she had never attended a Care for the living Of course, I would have preferred scholarships and scholarships for school before in her life. In 2006, SSH has shifted from a focus on care for to win; the bitter sting of defeat is “excellence” and often for both. with the help of the Friends of Zainab the dying to care for the living, with never “fun”. But for the four years They include scholarships for refugee Scholarship, she finished her HSC and SURRY HILLS: On Thursday December the development of a “community of that I was the member for Balmain students, for Aboriginal students, for is now close to completing a Bachelor 1, the Tree of Hope centre (cnr care” as a means of providing sustained, it was a very marginal seat and I talented musicians who wish to study of Medical Sciences at the University of Devonshire and Riley streets) held a ongoing support. always knew that holding it would at the Conservatorium and students Western Sydney. ceremony to mark World AIDS Day. Reece Meredith appreciated the be difficult. Also, I felt I had been from rural and remote areas. Nahid’s story is a tribute to the About 100 people gathered to take opportunity for communal sharing. extremely lucky. Although I had One of our most high-profile power of education and a reminder of part in the “Dare to Grow” ceremony, “There were people from all walks of entered a government in its last term, scholarships is the Friends of Zainab the contribution refugees make to our an opportunity to remember, to reflect life,” he said. “There was a period of I had the wonderful opportunity to Scholarship. This scholarship society when we give them a chance. and to give thanks. silence and invitation to speak aloud be a minister, and most rewardingly financially supports refugee students Applications are also currently open the names of people we love and miss. to be the NSW Minister for Education studying in NSW public high schools for the Foundation’s Stellar Astronomy Tree of Hope is a CatholicCare The whole thing was very respectful. for the last two-and-a-half years of and also supports refugee students in Scholarship for Girls. In last year’s program that provides pastoral and I felt serene.” S the Labor Government. their first two years of university. HSC, girls were only 22 per cent of the counselling support services for people total candidature for Physics. This is living with HIV/AIDS and for their For more information contact the I believe education is the best despite the fact that girls were 50.85 primary carers. Over the last 10 years Coordinator on 8306 2320 or visit portfolio in government. Education per cent of the total HSC candidature. ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS [email protected] is one of the few social levers left We are committed The scholarship supports girls in that enables government to change years 11 and 12 who choose to study the outcome of people’s lives. to Australia having physics. They receive “scholarship Unfortunately, educational outcomes packages” made up of financial and Good neighbourhood vibes in Australia are still very much linked a high quality, in-kind components such as books, a to socio-economic class. The statistics laptop computer, work experience at Reece Meredith Waterloo’s Summer on the are overwhelming. We have a system universal and life- the Sydney Observatory, a telescope Green was an intergenerational fun of excellence, but not necessarily of and individual mentoring. Each Two recent events organised by fest. There was great singing and equity. The education portfolio for changing public scholarship had a total value of up to the Waterloo & Redfern Events performances from the young people. a Labor minister has to be about education system $4,000. The response from scholarship Working Group and partner agencies One reveler commented: “Having lived addressing this inequity, about making winners was overwhelmingly positive (including The Factory Community in Waterloo for a good five years, I sure that education is the true equaliser with a number of girls talking about Centre) were well attended and always enjoy the Summer on the in an otherwise unequal world. I was the fun of meeting other girls “like highly successful. I (Heart) Redfern Green activities. The celebrations are very proud during my time as minister The scholarship was originally them” and how they never knew Neighbourhood Day was held at the a great expression of our community’s that, together with the Commonwealth, established in 2002 by Dorothy there were so many different career Poet’s Corner Shops on Morehead vitality with warm vibes and smiles we invested more than $1 billion of Hoddinott AO, Principal of Holroyd opportunities in science. Street on November 18, and Summer all around.” new funding into disadvantaged and High School to support a young But the Foundation is about more on the Green in Waterloo was held on Kids enjoyed playing on the low socio-economic status schools. Iranian girl, Zainab Kaabi to complete than just providing scholarships. December 2. blow-up slides, dancing and singing. This was the largest boost of new her HSC. Since then it has supported We are committed to Australia having Several hundred people enjoyed the funding in decades. dozens of refugee students through a high quality, universal and life- Redfern Neighbourhood Day entertainment and activities during the So, what is the Public Education their last two years of high school and changing public education system. included live music, face painting, show wonderfully sunny afternoon. The day Foundation? In 2006, John Howard into university. We advocate for public education bags, Healthy Living information stalls concluded with a free barbecue. changed the tax law to allow donations The young people supported in public debates and directly to and an Employment Expo. Participants The “Don’t Dis My Ability” to scholarship funds to become tax through this scholarship are nothing government. Our program is really only were encouraged to exercise regularly campaign was also launched on the deductible. The only problem was that short of extraordinary. limited by the amount of money we and think about food in terms of Green, with participants learning to you could not get this tax deduction Nahid Karimi was a beneficiary can raise and the support we receive nutrition. Inspired, this reporter took value the contributions all sorts of if you donated to a public school. of the Friends of Zainab Scholarship from school communities. We are very an opportunity to jump on the M20 Red people are able to offer. A government school is a government while studying at Holroyd High keen for volunteers and for advocates Bus and ended up in Botany where the These exciting outreach initiatives institution not a charity, and therefore School and then into her first year in local schools and P&Cs. S section ended. He then decided to walk bode well for all those participating no tax deduction was available. With of university. along Banksia Street towards Maroubra, in and celebrating Redfern-Waterloo’s considerable foresight the then NSW Nahid arrived in Australia from To learn more about the Foundation, crossing the railway line heading out to diverse and dynamic community; its Minister for Education, Andrew Afghanistan in September 2001. She to make a donation or to volunteer Port Botany container yards where a fab mix of cultures and people. Refshauge, moved to set up a Public and her family were in Port Hedland please visit our website at new curvy pedestrian overpass is being This reporter looks forward to more Education Foundation. Basically, the for eight months before moving to www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au constructed. He walked the distance to good times in 2012, and opportunities for Foundation is a registered charity that Sydney on temporary protection Verity Firth is Chief Executive of the Maroubra Junction before catching a community members to find new ways receives donations for scholarship visas. She was 13 years old when Public Education Foundation. 397 bus to the Beach. to share and express themselves. S December 2011 News 7 Screening for mental health ADVERTISEMENT Kate Williamson brain dynamics come to light and be often feel deprived, as all the parental & Sandra Beeston utilised in mainstream practice. “The attention goes to the mentally ill. That’s Kristina mainstream ways of defining mental why they feel quite rightly that they’ve A unique film festival took place illness and how they are categorised got to get on with their life (‘I can’t during the last weekend of November are now being looked at in terms of be stuck here because my parents are Keneally MP in multiple venues across Sydney, how we can add brain, biological and stuck here!’), but at the same time the including the Dendy Cinema in cognitive measures to enable a more amazing thing is how many siblings MEMBER Newtown. The One of Us Film Festival, objective view of mental illness. This really care, and they care for a lifetime,” FOR HEFFRON an idea of a young psychology PhD is an exciting development for the centre Professor Rosen said. Other themes student, Anna Watters, used film to as it has a strong focus on practice.” explored were Tourette’s, depression, explore mental illness and enhance With the momentum building around anorexia and happiness. ties between the Brain Dynamics these changes – changes that may lead Ms Watters worked to secure four With Christmas just around the corner I would like to thank Centre and the community. to better treatment for people suffering venues to hold the festival. In addition all Year 3 students from the local schools in the Heffron from mental illness – it is easy to see to Dendy Newtown, films were shown Having a supervisor receptive to why experts might be keen to share across three days in Parramatta: Event electorate who took part in my annual Christmas Card Design new ideas enabled Watters to take her knowledge. Public talks by doctors Cinemas, the Roxy Theatre, and Mars competition. I received many wonderful designs and it has idea and make it a reality. When senior showed deep concern for the suffering Hill Café. Rights were secured to show researchers, doctors and professors got associated with mental illness both for four feature films and a number of been a difficult choice. hold of the idea, many came forward patients and their families. The highly short films. Watters acknowledged expressing their enthusiasm. “It was like acclaimed Australian film Black Balloon her colleague, Kathryn Harvey, who it triggered a wave of excitement across screened on Saturday evening. helped with many aspects of the festival Each year my office chooses a theme to assist the students with the centre,” Ms Watters said. Post screening, Professor of including generating publicity. their designs. This year, our theme was "Christmas Lunch." Ms Watters explained that the Brain Psychiatry, Dr Alan Rosen, engaged With the success of the first festival, Dynamics Centre is now at a pivotal with the audience, sharing his expertise both hope that the festival will take point where international shifts are on autism and how families cope, place again in 2012. All proceeds from The winning card will be printed with the designing student’s taking place in diagnostics. These particularly siblings with an autistic the screenings went towards furthering changes could see much of the data brother or sister. “It’s very difficult to mental health projects at the Brain name, year and school on the card. The student who designs gathered through years of research in be a sibling in this situation. Siblings Dynamics Centre. S the winning card will receive a $40 voucher from Toys R Us along with a $200 book voucher for their school library. Four runner-ups will receive a $20 voucher from Toys R Us. The top 20 finalist will have their designs displayed in the Heffron Electorate Office as well as every entrant receiving a certificate.

I would like to give a special mention to the following schools whose entries really stood out this year. Our Lady of the Rosary Junior School, Eastlakes Public School, St Spyridon College Junior School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mascot Public School.

Also if you are planning to go away over the Christmas period my top five tips to protect your home are below.

• Arrange for a neighbour to collect your mail

• Cancel newspaper deliveries

• Leave a light on or fit timers on your lights

• Leave a radio on

• Don't leave any pets unattended

I would also like to mention The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal which is currently at the Kmart store in Eastgardens Shopping

Pete Wilson with children Louis, Joseph and Rose Photo: Jemima Hall Centre. It is one of the nation's largest Christmas gift appeals and an annual tradition for many families, including my own. Gift donations are placed under Wishing Trees located in Kmart Public pre-school fees to quadruple stores, in readiness for distribution to people in need and will

Malcolm Weihao Luo within their budget. However, with the She said that not all parents have run from November 14 to 24 December. To find your closest rise in fees, many parents have had to access to Health Care Cards, even Kmart store you can visit www.wishingtree.kmart.com.au Fees at some NSW public pre- think about their pre-school placement.” though they may be struggling to afford schools will rise to four times higher Ms Walton suggested that some fees. “Principals have also expressed a than the current rate in 2012, despite children would miss out on attending concern that they have to look at the I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas the squeeze on family finances in the pre-school under the Pre-school financial status of a family, which they and prosperous New Year. present tough economic climate. Enrolment Policy because the cost is find offensive,” she said. “Again, it will outside the range they can afford. come down to parents having to make A number of the state’s pre-schools One Sydney mother, who will be a decision about how much they can Regards are on the verge of hitting the $40-a- affected by the new policy, said she afford to pay to allow their child to have day mark following fee rises imposed doubted she would be able to pay for access to a pre-school in those vital 12 Kristina Keneally, MP for 2012. her children to attend pre-school and months before they start school.” The disclosure, in Pre-school Classes the change is forcing her to consider Spending in the 2011-2012 NSW Fee Schedule 2012, published by the taking a second job or remortgaging Government budget comprises $29.346 Department of Education and Training her home. million to support government-run (NSW), comes despite concerns that The new policy states that children pre-schools. The State Government Kristina Keneally MP many parents will struggle to cover the from low-income families (as has commissioned Professor Deborah Member for Heffron cost of pre-schools next year. determined by a current Commonwealth Brennan, from the Social Policy “The pre-school fees currently being Health Care Card) attending a pre- Research Centre at the University of Phone: 9699 8166 paid in the government-run pre-schools school class will be eligible for fee NSW, to conduct a review supporting have been within the ability of parents relief. This helps school principals all children in NSW having universal Email: [email protected] to pay,” the president of the Federation determine who requires fee relief in access to a quality early childhood Mail: Shop 117/747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 of Parents and Citizens’ Association, some circumstances, but Ms Walton education in the year before compulsory Helen Walton, said. “Many parents does not believe it is a comprehensive schooling, including government-run choose their pre-school because it is guide. pre-schools. S 8 NEWS December 2011 Seeking the centre

Andrew Collis

The Australian Democrats are in a rebuilding phase. The Central Sydney tripod cafe Branch has been meeting monthly 262 Abercrombie St, Darlington at the Aurora Hotel in Surry Hills. Ph: 9698 8677 Open 7 days Working teams have been established Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat-Sun 8am-4pm to revise policy guidelines and generate new ideas. Visitors are welcome to attend the meetings.

State President, Drew Simmons, is optimistic. “We’re seeing a big increase in Pepsee membership lately,” he says, “especially among under 35s”. Mr Simmons attributes CUT & COLOUR HAIRSALON the attraction to the party’s openness to Swedish massage and Shiatsu available new ideas, and to core values of social liberalism. “Democrats values are about 276 Abercrombie Street Darlington 2008 a fair go, about having a conversation,” Mobile: 0403 110 832 he says. “The major parties are stuck in ideologies. The community doesn’t want tribalism.” A diehard Rabbitohs fan, Mr Simmons grew up in a very conservative context, on a sheep and cattle property in Brewarrina. He attended senior high school in Bowral before taking up a cadetship with the Highlands Post. “My Drew Simmons in Regent Street, Redfern Photo: Andrew Collis Sydney and Melbourne first editor taught me to tell the story attractively and fairly,” he recounts. to compromise with Labor but not with working to ready possible candidates 1300 769 389 “I ran away to the Snowy for a year,” the Coalition. The Democrats would seek for the upcoming Local Government www.goget.com.au he says, “before working as a restaurateur conversations with both major parties.” elections in September 2012. in Sydney, then a nine-to-five job with While wary of forces that erode The Central Sydney Branch area covers 24/7 access to cars parked nearby Sensis”. For the past five years, Drew democracy, such us personal greed and the Federal electorates of Wentworth, and his partner have enjoyed living in media monopolies, he is encouraged Kingsford Smith, Sydney and Grayndler; the “socialist” inner city. “I love it,” he by groups like GetUp! and the Occupy and the State electorates of Heffron, says, “but I’ll retire on the land”. movement, which show that Australians Marrickville, Sydney, Vaucluse, Coogee, “I’ve learned from family and friends are motivated for change. “I have Balmain and Maroubra. on the Right and the Left. The strength confidence in Australians safeguarding of the Right is a willingness to plan for democracy,” he says. If readers would like to find the future, while the Left represents care The Central Sydney Branch of the out more information, they for the marginalised.” Australian Democrats meets on the last can email the Branch at Assure Mr Simmons thinks there is room Tuesday of each month at the Aurora [email protected] in Australian politics for a rejuvenated Hotel: 325 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. or visit the website at Psychology Democrats party. “The Greens are willing Starting at 6.30pm, the Branch is www.democrats.org.au Urban Nature wellbeing centre 216 enmore rd (cnr edgeware Rd) Responsible service of oxygen enmore nsw 2042 Sandra Beeston widely used by oxygen bars to counter them, OxyMax in East Sydney offers arguments from their critics. One of them sessions of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Caring, confidential psychological services One of the latest trends to reach is Dr Lin Yiguang, an expert in oxygen therapy. Patients lie down in a zipped to help you deal with life’s difficulties our shores is the use of oxygen for toxicity at the University of Technology, plastic pressurised chamber at 4.4 psi recreational purposes, outside of the Sydney, who recently declared in the (much less than in hospitals) with 35 usual hospital context. O2 Bar, which Sydney Morning Herald that inhaling per cent oxygen and relax for an hour Bulk billing available on referral from GP opened in September in Darling pure oxygen can cause damage to the or more in the chamber, while being Harbour, offers 15-minute sessions body’s cells by increasing the amount of regularly monitored by trained personnel. of pure oxygen scented with various toxic oxygen radicals. This type of therapy claims that the Contact Elizabeth Munro on 0408 612 808 fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, Brigitte Borg says that this risk doesn’t pressure helps get more oxygen dissolved or at [email protected] jasmine, through a plastic hose really apply to oxygen bars, where into the blood cells, without the need to (cannula) inserted into the nostrils. the oxygen concentrations delivered to increase the oxygen percentage. the lungs would be a lot less than 100 Max Doerfler, OxyMax’s founder and The O2’s website claims that per cent oxygen: “The concentrations a registered nurse, says that some of his 15-minute sessions of 90 per cent pure delivered to the lungs will depend on customers are referred to him by GPs and oxygen (compared to 21 per cent in the concentration of oxygen from the physiotherapists, to help healing injuries, the “regular” air) can cure hangovers, oxygen source, the flow of oxygen from sleeping disorders, skin conditions like headaches and jet-lag as well as increase the nasal cannula and the individual’s psoriasis and scleroderma: “This is muscle recovery, energy and stamina. breathing pattern: concentrations are complementary therapy, it’s not supposed Sydney Central “My personal belief is that oxygen likely to be less than 50 per cent, by the to replace the treatments that you get from bars are misleading to consumers in time they get to the lungs.” your surgeon, from your physiotherapist, the ‘benefits’ they provide”, says Ms But she says that while there is little it actually assists in speeding up the Panel Beaters Brigitte Borg, Certified Respiratory evidence to show harmful effects from recovery quite dramatically.” Function Scientist and Deputy Head of breathing short-term, low levels of Hyperbaric therapy is used a lot by L ic. No.: 18843 the Physiology Service at the Lung Health oxygen in healthy individuals, they have athletes (even Lance Armstrong would Promotion Centre, at the Alfred Hospital the potential to put some individuals at have his own hyperbaric home set-up), in Victoria. increased health risk: “There are some and a lot of them come to him, such as She says she could find no individuals with respiratory disease or tennis players, footballers, and martial 154-156 Regent St, Redfern long-term trials looking at the use who have had the drug bleomycin as arts practitioners. As to what he thinks of oxygen and its benefits outside of part of therapy for cancer who may of Oxygen Bars, he’s never been in one: Ph: 9319 6044 use in healthcare: “While oxygen levels be placed at risk by breathing oxygen “I really couldn’t judge it, I know that may be increased in the blood during concentrations greater than that of air my main approach is for accelerating the period of time that increased oxygen for short periods of time.” healing and promoting health. I looked Fax: 9319 2223 concentrations are inhaled, the oxygen Oxygen bars also pose occupational, on the internet at what’s happening in blood levels return to pre-oxygen health and safety risks: “Increased other countries, and some people would inhalation levels within about five oxygen concentrations in the atmosphere push this for anti-ageing and for wellness, [email protected] minutes of ceasing breathing increased increase the chances of fire and if a fire sure, not a problem! But for me that’s concentrations. It is unlikely that there occurs the fire will burn more intensely. something secondary, [..] I wouldn›t want would be long-term benefits from short- Gas stored in cylinders also has risk to promote it as a fashion trend.” Insurance - Private - Fleet work term oxygen use in normal healthy associated with it.” In the meantime, the public seems individuals.” Another use of oxygen derives from happy to embrace the new oxygen bars, Fleetcare Repairer The American Lung Association has hyperbaric oxygen treatments given in and whether or not their health benefits declared oxygen bars harmless to normal hospitals, and can be found in several claims are genuine, more research will healthy people, a stamp of approval healing centres in Sydney: one of need to be done. December 2011 COMMENT & OPINION 9

faith Room at the inn Dorothy McRae-McMahon have even a stable in which to sleep, but do so on our streets. We have made something very In this spirit, we celebrate the romantic about the traditional opening of the Common Ground birthplace of Jesus Christ. Each project in Camperdown, opposite Christmas, whether we are the old Children’s Hospital. This Christian or not, many of us love to is very special accommodation see “Christ in the manger” scenes for homeless people which gives in shop windows, in churches them both the dignity of having and in our own homes. There is their own home and the support something very lovely about a they need to deal with often little baby lying on the hay in a complex and disturbed lives. manger, surrounded by loving It originated in the United States parents, shepherds, sometimes and has proved beyond doubt that, if wise people and animals. you care for homeless and struggling people enough to actually give I wonder what the scene would them permanent accommodation, have looked like had Mary and alongside appropriate on-site support Joseph been admitted to the inn? staff, not only do they almost Possibly, when the angels told always stay off the streets but it the shepherds, people may have costs far less than trying to respond gathered around in a bedroom? Of to their emergencies and needs cartoon: norrie mAy-welby course, in ancient writings, we don’t as they live on the streets and are really know what is literal truth given a casual bed for overnight. and what is a scene set to tell, in The opening of this Common editorial a different way, a more profound Ground housing happened a few truth than history would invite. weeks ago and consists of 104 e are so fortunate to have a encouragement to possibilities for take it for granted. Thank you. Whatever the reality of the birth one- and two-bedroom units as Wteam of volunteer writers community”. At the risk of sounding of Jesus, we are challenged to move well as areas for socialising by reporting on local news and simplistic, it’s about love and truth. To our advertisers and sponsors, beyond the romantic picture and residents and 24-hour assistance researching stories for the SSH. too, we say thanks, several of whom to listen to the greater message with security and medical facilities, It strikes us again, as we put the The SSH is committed to contribute regular and informative which may be there for us. A child counselling, employment training finishing touches to this 99th maintaining, for our writers and columns. We value the provision of born in some shed among hay and and living skills. All this is worth issue, just how conscientious readers, a standard, and goal, of quality space for community notices and animals is a child at risk. If we saw celebrating as a great Christmas and generous are our writers and journalism – fair, investigative, original in particular for small and local it happening here, we would no gift to those concerned and one photographers, and how precious reportage – even as we continue to business advertisements. It’s exciting doubt bring in the social services we hope will be just a beginning. the legacy of our founding editor, take delight in human stories; positive to witness a renewed vitality and to see what was going on and how However, there is another aspect Trevor Davies, and all who have and uplifting features; informed film, confidence on the part of small the parents could be supported. worth celebrating in all this. worked on the paper over the years. theatre, book and music reviews; businesses in the area. South Sydney Of course, it is not just pregnant There is a building company who artist profiles and athlete profiles. is home to some of the city’s best women and their husbands for metaphorically heard the cries of The legacy entails celebrating markets, cafes and restaurants, whom there may be “no room at the homeless and responded with diversity and inviting discussion on We aim to launch a new website independent book and music shops, the inn” after they have left their great generosity and commitment. important issues, and giving voice early next year and to consolidate small bars and pubs, galleries, homeland. We could reflect on Grocon Building Company built this to stories not likely to be covered independence both in financial and homewares, fashion and more. all the people who do that and facility, as well as a Common Ground in mainstream media. The legacy professional terms. It strikes us again come to our shores in desperation project in Melbourne and Brisbane, is about loving the people and just how precious is the trust of the Every blessing this Christmas only to be turned away. at cost. They did not make any profit places of South Sydney – “adding South Sydney community. We don’t season, and peace in 2012! However, seeing it is Christmas and encouraged other contractors time, maybe this year we could associated with the project to do celebrate the opening of “the the same. Their commitment to the inn” for a number of homeless vulnerable sets a fine example for all people who would normally not of us this Christmas. S Pemulwuy Project – readers’ letters AHC community consultation night Dump the rubbish dump were classist and betrayed a lack of We are an elderly couple who have sensitivity to his audience. Some of the Michael Texilake public plaza; commercial businesses able to operate with ongoing financial resided in the City of Sydney for the solutions on offer were simplistic – more including a gym, a childcare centre and autonomy. past 30+ years and have purchased an PCYC facilities, “moving up in society”, On Tuesday November 22, the City a student apartment complex; and 115 Several members of the audience apartment in Rosebery to be near our and so on. I was hoping to hear of of Sydney and the Aboriginal Housing underground parking spaces for residents also registered concern that a number family, to help out as grandparents, and, commitment to well-funded and long-term Company (AHC) held a public forum and business operators. of fundamental principles of the original importantly, to be in a quiet environment youth services, in particular for Aboriginal at Redfern Community Centre chaired Notably, the commercial parking social plan developed for the Pemulwuy in our old age. We are very disturbed that kids over-represented in our gaols. We all by an independent facilitator, to lot proposed previously (which was Project were no longer included or the City of Sydney is proposing a garbage agree it’s an intolerable tragedy, don’t we?. present the AHC’s latest plans for the criticised over traffic concerns and were greatly reduced. As the AHC depot directly opposite the apartment we Name withheld Pemulwuy Project. its lack of sympathy with the City of readily acknowledged, opportunities have purchased at 144 Dunning Avenue. Waterloo Sydney’s plans for a greener city) is gone, for affordable home ownership for Why, when there is industrial land around Lord Mayor Clover Moore spoke to the with the project now expected to generate Aboriginal families was previously held the canal, do you want to pollute the gathering and presentations were given income from the increase in student out as a key strong point of the plan, as environment in a residential area? Why First step in reducing number of by the AHC’s project manager, Greg apartments, all of which will be available a way of helping those families to secure have you approved many residential and youth on remand Colbran from Dei Corp, their architects for students from all backgrounds and a home and also to foster a sense of light industry developments and then I attended the event hosted by the Norton and Jago as well as other rented at commercial rates. ownership amongst residents that would done a turn-around and want to make consultants engaged to refine the plans. The atmosphere on the night was empower them to discourage antisocial a peaceful and clean environment into SSH and heard Greg Smith discuss the The Pemulwuy Project, the AHC’s a telling mixture of celebration and behaviour in the neighbourhood. a rubbish dump? Please reconsider this challenges of working with disadvantaged vision for regenerating the area known apprehension. While most attendees Under the latest proposal there will no outrageous decision. and vulnerable children and young as The Block by creating a multi-purpose were enthusiastic about the project, longer be any such opportunity, for two Mary and Arthur Kernaghan people in juvenile justice. I was pleased residential and cultural space, has been several community members voiced reasons: the AHC believes it will have Rosebery to hear he is committed to reducing the years in the making. With this latest surprise at the scale of the project (up more control over what happens in the intensive bail check-ups the previous phase, the AHC is hopeful the project to six-and-a-half storeys high), while community if it remains the landlord; and Government introduced. This practice will finally come to be built, citing a others were disappointed to see much the AHC could not ensure those homes Blurred vision for juvenile justice was resulting in many young people on commencement date of May next year. of the land given over for purposes other would remain Aboriginal-owned once it Last month I went along to The Factory bail being targeted by police to ensure Over the years the project has than Aboriginal housing. As one person had sold them to private owners. Community Centre to hear the Attorney they were complying with onerous met both fierce opposition and vocal said, “The whole purpose of The Block Further concern was raised that, while General present a “vision for the future” conditions. The removal of this practice support from various groups, and has was to give Aboriginal people somewhere the Lawson Street end of the development in respect of the juvenile justice system. as a measurement in the State Plan is changed noticeably in response. In this to live.” is receiving detailed attention – as I was a little surprised that he spent a a welcome first step in reducing the latest version, the AHC has given close The AHC acknowledged this concern, demonstrated by the multiple pictures on good 10 minutes dwelling on past cases number of young people held on remand consideration to those earlier concerns but argued they have a responsibility not the night showing how it will look when of serious crime involving youth. Even and further developed the proposal. only to provide housing, but to ensure developed, including a new footbridge he admitted that these were exceptional in NSW, which is currently over 5,000 per As it now stands, it will provide: 62 that housing and the organisation built over the rail-line to increase public cases and not relevant to the need for year. I await the release of the review of homes for Aboriginal families, ranging managing it remain financially viable. access and visibility, as well as cultural reforms to a system which sees far too the Bail Law soon, which hopefully will in size from two-bedroom apartments The student apartments are expected to spaces and public areas – the sections many children in detention, on remand, be a big jump in the right direction. to four-bedroom townhouses; cultural generate sufficient income so that the of the development intended solely as and caught in vicious cycles of punitive Name withheld spaces including an art gallery and AHC and the Pemulwuy Project will be places for Aboriginal Continued on page 10 institutionalisation. Some of his comments Waterloo 10 FEATURES December 2011 Gender diversity on the agenda

Tracie O’Keefe for the Australasian region so government and interest groups Protesters marched from Hyde have a better idea of the issues. Park to the Sydney Convention The Redfern Community Centre, Centre on Saturday December 3 to with its huge “Sorry” painting in the send a message to Labor members foyer, was a warm and welcoming at the National Conference to back venue. Food was donated by changes to the Marriage Act. The sponsors. People came from many previous day saw the inaugural different parts of the country. Sex and/or Gender Diverse The opening speaker was Sydney’s (SGD) Human Rights & Dignity own, world famous, norrie mAy- Conference (Australasia) held at the welby, who is presently fighting Redfern Community Centre. Topics in court to retain the world’s first such as document changes, legal set of documents declaring hir rights, federal anti-discrimination “sex non-specific”. After doctors Watch this space for new mural Photo: Gai Smith laws, Medicare rights, anti-poverty examined norrie they stated issues and disability rights were they could not determine what discussed, with speakers including sex norrie was so they declared activists norrie mAy-welby and hir neither male nor female. Dreaming of a new mural Katherine Cummings, journalist norrie said: “I don’t know where Katrina Fox and SGD human rights the idea of binary sex came from, the Lleisa C ague complete, involving a cherry-picker painted over on numerous occasions. campaigner Tracie O’Keefe. notion than every person is either donated by a local businessman to This led to Aiken’s repainting of the masculinely gendered and male sexed NEWTOWN: Writing as a Yaegl- allow the upper part of the mural to be entire bottom section with a Newtown When a child is born nearly or femininely gendered and female Manx woman I would first like painted, and $1000 worth of paint. “Declaration of Independence” that everyone wants to know what sexed, and oppositionally attracted. to acknowledge the Gadigal land The original design was just the featured a large blank space and the sex it is, whether a boy or girl. It was here before I got here, and in which this story begins. One top section with the view of the earth invitation “Sign here” that is still in Shall granny knit blue or pink? although at first I thought I was the of Newtown’s largest and most from Apollo 8, the face of Martin place, and a large representation of the The reality is, however, that many only one who didn’t fit it (when I prominent murals painted by New Luther King Jr and the words “I have a Aboriginal flag painted at the bottom. children are born with a mixture of was shouted at for playing with my Zealand-born Canadian artist, dream” written in large Gothic letters, The story is also symbolic of human male and female, or without male female cousin’s doll when I was Andrew Aiken, and Juilee Pryor near which is the quotation from struggle. Juilee Pryor writes about and female characteristics. They four), after I grew old enough to pay – as well as other members of Genesis 37:19: “Behold the dreamer herself and Andrew as “very damaged are called intersex. Sex is a matter attention to the broader culture of Unmitigated Audacity Productions – cometh; Come now therefore and let and maybe even a bit mad at the of degree, just like hair and eye newspapers and television, it became went on display in August 1991. us slay him, … and we shall see what time”. Aiken was on the run from colour. Odd how children are still apparent that many others in society will become of his dreams.” the law for a major crime for which not taught this at school, isn’t it? found the binary idea ill-fitting. The two artists met when they were The upper section of the mural has he served time in the UK. He is now Some other people also display Women’s Lib and Gay Lib challenged both painting the side of the same remained unchanged from its original married and lives in Canada. Pryor’s differing degrees of masculinity some of the sexist, genderist, and building on the same street. They concept. It needed to be restored in husband had abandoned her, leaving or femininity in their gender type heterosexist assumptions, but the sex painted the words from John’s Gospel: 2011, however, after a fire destroyed a her destitute with three children under behaviours. A boy who behaves binary is still legally reified, from the “Light Shineth in the Darkness.” In temporary ticket booth set up nearby. six years of age and facing imminent feminine may be shunned but a insistence on registering even babies their mutual struggle with “despair The mural’s lower part has gone eviction. girl who is a tomboy can often be born with clear intersex conditions and confusion”, they came up with the through numerous changes – from the To the side of the iconic mural a thought of as cute. What does that as male or female, to the ban on great humanist message on the side of original collage by a group of people; new artwork will soon be added: “We say about our ingrained misogyny? anyone not in a clearly opposite the building: “I have a dream.” to the removal of the raised garden have the dreaming.” More details on Sex and/or gender diverse (SGD) sex relationship being married. The making of the mural is a beds; to the defacing with racist this important work will be given as people comprise intersex, transexed, “This year, almost miraculously, colourful story. It took 27 hours to graffiti which Aiken and Pryor quickly soon as they become available. S transsexual, transgendered, Kevin Eleven came through for us, androgynous, without sex and allowing Australians who don’t gender identity, cross dressers and fit the binary to have appropriate people with sex and gender culturally identification in their passports, with specific differences. They are people no more onerous requirement than The key points: who experience variations in physical a doctor’s letter. There is growing Pemulwuy `` Residential will include 62 dwellings, up to 4 bedrooms per home presentation and social behaviour support for raising children without other than stereotypically male or sexism and gender bullying, and `` Mixed usage will include commercial, cultural and residential, including female. Each group may have its own growing support for disallowing the Project a childcare centre, commercial student accommodation and a gym physical, psychological, social, legal surgical alteration of intersex children `` Approximate 115 underground car spaces will be provided for residents and political issues not necessarily without their informed consent. Continued from page 9 and business operators related to any of the other groups. “There is more to being human people to live (Louis, Vine and Eveleigh One in 100 people experience than fitting a narrowly defined box of `` Purchase of homes in the project no longer an option streets) did not rate a single image or some kind of sex and/or gender sex, gender and sexuality, and even if detailed description on the night. `` NRAS funding, which is available for low-income workers who might diversity. Sometimes it may be most people would be happy in such What was evident though is that Louis earn too much to qualify for public housing, has been secured to provide obvious, other times even the a box, society is healthier if it allows and Vine streets in particular will include affordable housing for all the residential complex persons themselves do not know the free and full expression of all. none of the fundamental features of the that they have been born different. “I am norrie, my passport denotes `` Commercial child care and student housing, open to users from all social plan, such as public space, line Many of these groups of people, in my sex as “X”, and I am committed backgrounds, have been included to generate income so the AHC can be of sight to neighbouring areas, or mixed a society that values male/female to the better wellbeing of all people residential-commercial-cultural use. financially independent and secure and masculine/feminine as ultimate, regardless of how they fit other While Caroline Street, the Community may suffer terrible discrimination, people’s ideas about sex and gender Centre and parts of Eveleigh Street Points of concern raised at the meeting: harassment, violence and neglect. propriety. I hope this conference will have direct line of sight to Redfern `` Purchase of homes no longer an option for residents They are often positioned as other, will bring together more energy and station, with wide open public areas and `` The project now includes other uses that are wider than the AHC’s defective, weird and unacceptable. connections and shared experience a mixture of commercial, cultural and Many people from SGD groups are to help us as sex and gender diverse original purpose of providing homes for Indigenous Australians residential, all of Louis and Vine streets unable to have the correct documents people to be free from unfair will remain enclosed behind an even `` Scale of the project – up to 6.5 storeys above ground to match their identities, leading to discrimination and persecution, larger building than has previously been `` Caroline Lane reconfiguration may create secluded locations in known embarrassment and discrimination. and to live better, healthier, happier the case, now expected to be six-and-a- problem areas There are presently no anti- and more fulfilling lives.” half storeys tall. Residents on Louis and discrimination laws in Australia to The City of Sydney endorsed the Vine streets will have no line of sight to `` The residential precinct, particularly on Louis and Vine streets, protect people on the grounds of their conference. Clover Moore sent her anything other than their own immediate incorporates none of the key principles for safe healthy communities sex and/or gender diversity. You can support and very best wishes to the street and surrounding walls, and no that underpin the project’s social plan bring a case for discrimination at the conference assuring attendees that direct access to any of Pemulwuy’s public Australian Human Rights Commission Sydney will always do its best to spaces or cultural/commercial areas. If you want to submit your opinion prior to the DA submission, contact for being discriminated against support this group of citizens and The AHC and Dei Corp were clearly Andrew Turnbull the Design Director at Scott Carver before December 6 because you are male or female but fight discrimination and inequality. interested to listen to these concerns of by email to: [email protected] not if you are from an SGD group. Whilst the federal government has the community, most notably by seizing The issues discussed at the made noises that it is interested in the opportunity to join a meeting that conference included legal identity helping people from SGD groups Council is conducting with concerned and protection, SGD children’s to gain equality it has been slow in residents from Caroline and Lawson until December 6, with the Development the Department of Planning to delay rights, family rights, religious making changes to the law. S streets to discuss the reconfiguration Application to be submitted on closing the window for public comment reactions, SGD sex workers, SGD of Caroline Lane. The AHC is to be December 16. on the DA until the New Year, to ensure disabled people, mental health For more information about the commended for this engaged and Noting this is close to the Christmas adequate time for all concerned parties to provision and Aboriginal SGD Australasian Sex and/or Gender Diverse responsive attitude, and has emphasised holiday period, the AHC also assured consider the application and contribute rights. The conference made Human Rights & Dignity Conference, that community responses are welcome audience members that it would ask their views. S human rights recommendations visit www.sageaustralia.org The Review December ’11 11

Festival Director Lindy Hume presents “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” Photo: Sandra Beeston Sirens Big Band Photo: Karen Steains

Sydney Festival Them swinging ladies The Redfern focus Artist Profile: Sirens Big Band Sandra Beeston Aboriginal and Women artists to the Sandra Beeston outdoors, as the Trocadero will take jazz. It gave them the idea of putting mainstream. over Elizabeth Street in the CBD. “It together an all-female big band, On November 9, in many homes “Lindy Hume has had an Every January, in the wake of is going to be a massive party in the as a way to give more women the (and offices), eager punters were at extraordinary vision in bringing Black New Year celebrations, there’s city, we’re really happy,” says Ellen opportunity of learning about jazz. their computers counting down the Capital to fruition, but also in supporting another good reason to party Kirkwood, a trumpet player in the “We don’t hate guys! We just want minutes to 9am to secure tickets Barefoot Divas, and the vision that I again: Sydney Festival First Night, Sirens Big Band. to break the trend of the all-man online for the 36th Sydney Festival. had in relation to bringing Aboriginal which marks the start of three Ellen is delighted to be part of this band,” she says. “You go to a jazz artists, women artists, and Maori artists weeks of live music, theatre and experience again and to help bring gig, and most of the time it will be a In January, the Festival will again and women from the Pacific together,” exhibitions, featuring artists from back happy memories of the original group of just guys. Occasionally you take over the city and Parramatta she says. “It is a fantastic opportunity to all over the world and Australia. Trocadero. “My Grandma went once get maybe one, maybe-maybe-maybe (“Sydney’s second CBD”), with around provide a platform for these women to This year is no exception, and on with my grandfather when they were two women in a jazz band.” 80 events and more than 500 artists be seen and heard in the mainstream, Saturday January 7, the Festival younger and they completely loved it, As well as getting more women from Australia and around the globe. which is so often not available to them.” will take over Sydney’s CBD with it was the thing to do back in those musicians into jazz, they want to One of the expected highlights of the The six women singers are also plenty of free entertainment for days.” She also says that some people inspire younger girls to learn about 2012 program, and a first for Sydney backed by six male musicians, who punters of all ages. from the audience would come up jazz. “We’re also hoping to get that Festival, is Black Capital. That section all come from different backgrounds and say, “Oh thank you so much for message across to the other girls: jazz of the program refers to Redfern, like Greece, Peru, Sicily, New Zealand, One of the great successes of last doing this, it was amazing, I met my is fun, give it a go!” “a place of many stories” and “an Chile, adding to the cultural richness Sydney Festival was the recreation of husband at the old Trocadero.” Ellen has been playing music urban meeting place for Aboriginal of the show. the Trocadero, a dance club located in Sirens Big Band boasts 17 since the age of 5, first with Australians everywhere”, said Sydney Working with Vicki on the project George Street that was all the rage in members, all women, ranging from piano, then switching in favour of Festival Director Lindy Hume at the is award-winning playwright, Alana the 40s and 50s until its demolition 21 to 50 years old. “Sometimes it trumpet (“mainly because I could play program launch. Valentine, whose 2007 play, Parramatta in the 70s. Its 2011 reincarnation, the gets a bit crazy, but generally we get trumpet with other people”) when Carriage Works will host a number Girls, about the infamous institution, Trocadero Dance Palace at Sydney along quite well,” says Ellen. “The way her uncle gave her his to try. She has of exhibitions, talks and shows, such as won her critical acclaim. Like Vicki, a Town Hall, recreated the ambiance we run things is fairly democratic, recently been short-listed for the “I am Eora”, hailed as Sydney Festival’s long-term Redfern resident, she also of the original. The audience was able everyone’s opinion will be heard. It’s Jann Rutherford Memorial Award “most ambitious project ever”, featuring welcomes the Black Capital initiative: to swing and jazz it up on the dance- about playing together and having fun ( JRMA), given to young female jazz many Indigenous artists, performers and “Redfern is such a fantastically vibrant floor, as well as enjoy performances and creating good music, but there’s musicians each year. This award was musicians in an effort to “reflect the area, such a great Indigenous homeland, from singers, dancers and even aerial not a whole lot of ego that comes established by Sandy Evans and diversity of contemporary Aboriginal it’s great for Sydney Festival to have acrobats, to the music of an all-female into it, thankfully!” prominent jazz female musicians. practice”. recognised that it’s a good way to big band, the Sirens Big Band. Band-leaders, bassist Jessica Dunn Harriet and Jessica were given the Alongside “I am Eora” will be connect with the community.” The show proved so popular that and saxophonist Harriet Harding, award at the start of 2010 to get the featured “Walk a Mile in my Shoes”, As part of the writing process for Sydney Festival has put it back in initially met through a jazz course Sirens project going. “It’s pretty big!” a live act interweaving storytelling, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes”, Alana the 2012 program, as part of Festival taught by Sandy Evans, a renowned Ellen says. singing and spoken word, performed interviewed each of the Divas to then First Night. This time punters will jazz saxophonist who is a big advocate by The Barefoot Divas, six female weave their stories into the show. “It’s be able to dance the night away for getting more women into playing www.sydneyfestival.org.au singers who are all from an Indigenous been a great privilege to me to actually background: Ursula Yovich (Serbia/ have the trust and confidence of a lot Burarra) and Black Arm Band’s Emma of Indigenous women artists and Donovan (Gumbaynggirr) are both Indigenous women, who are connected few words between each song is not on stage.” spiritual connection to Redfern, even from an Aboriginal background, while with their culture,” she says. “Parramatta enough. Vicki says that a show like The storytelling also brought a though she couldn’t quite say until later Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika and Girls had a lot of connection to “Walk a Mile in my Shoes” gives “an greater dynamic between the women what had drawn her to this place. “But Merenia have a Maori background, and Indigenous elders. I learnt a lot from opportunity for the audience to engage on stage and helped them relate to certainly a big part of my work over the Ngaiire comes from Papua New Guinea. them about how to respect cultural with these women as individuals, both each other. Vicki feels that a big part last 25 years has been with Indigenous New Zealand-born creator/producer/ protocols and how to engage with what culturally and spiritually, through of her life’s work has been to build music and I continue to do a lot of work director Vicki Gordon has worked was important to them about their storytelling and through music.” bridges between Aboriginal, Maori in that area, and I believe it is directly for more than 25 years in the music culture … Every person you interview “Alana brings a real depth to their and Papua New Guinea Indigenous connected to my Maori ancestry.” industry, taking on many different teaches you something.” stories and their storytelling,” says Vicki. people, and Barefoot Divas is a perfect roles: musician, festival director, label Alana says audiences want to get “We’re trying to create something that representation of it: “You know, women Parramatta Opening Party manager, ARIA board director and more involved in the person’s life and is unique and different, and offer a little are great at building bridges, that’s what (Free) on January 14; more recently artist manager, working journey and the usual format where a bit more substance to what would we do, we do that really well!” Carriage Works: January 8-11 tirelessly to introduce Australian singer gets up on stage and just says a ordinarily be just a series of songs Vicki says she’s always felt a real, www.sydneyfestival.org.au 12 The Review December ’11

choice, at least until a moral dilemma The Reviews presents itself – such as how one should Not knockin’ treat a prisoner like Ingrid Betancourt. Film Review» Book Reviews » This is gripping writing, and a great, ‘History’s Door’… by Lindsay Cohen» by Margaret Vazey» thoughtful, soulful book. Tin Sparrow, Husky, Standard crowd. Tin Sparrow are quite pleasing, Hotel, Surry Hills, 12/11/2011 even if the crowd doesn’t seem to notice; they play well and I’m left Reviewed by Layth Saeed with the thought that I must check these guys out (if I ever manage to OK, I figure before we get down get my hands on a release, rest assured to brass tacks I should make a few you’ll see a review as soon as I do). Not things clear. Avid readers of the long after Tin Sparrow, the much- SSH, and I know you’re out there, anticipated Melbourne four-piece may recall that I reviewed Husky’s takes the stage. debut album, Forever So, last month, They play well and bust out a whole and I quite enjoyed it. I recently bunch of my new favourites, such as went along to their Sydney show at “Fake Moustache”, “Hundred Dollar the Standard Hotel in Surry Hills Suit” and close the set with “History’s and walked away with a resounding, Door”. While I’m still able to marvel Contagion Even Silence Has an End – My Six Years The Plantation meh. at the technical skill and proficiency Director: Steven Soderbergh of Captivity in the Columbian Jungle Di Morrissey with which they play their instruments Starring: Matt Damon, Ingrid Betancourt PanMcMillan, 2010 I should point out, however, that and the coordination it takes to pull Kate Winslet, Jude Law Virago, 2010 this sentiment was not due to Husky off those rich harmonies, I’m struck by Genre: Not-quite-apocalyptic themselves (who by all accounts are the feeling that I would probably get After reading the first few chapters very talented and skilled at what they more enjoyment from sitting around Ingrid Betancourt no doubt entered of Di Morrissey’s latest book, I felt that do) but more attributable to my own on a Sunday afternoon, listening to If there’s one thing that unites all political life as a hopeful idealist, and was I was reading an adult version of The state of mind at the time (having just the album over a quiet beer. of Steven Soderbergh’s films it is their elected to the Columbian Chamber of Tales of Babar: after some nasty things reviewed the album I’d listened to it The general ambivalence of the sense of heightened realism. And George Representatives, on an anti-corruption happened, everything was going to turn about six or seven times in the week crowd doesn’t help, either. People seem Clooney. Soderbergh and Clooney have ticket, in 1994. out for the best, and all whom the author leading up to the show) and further to be milling about; still involved in made six films together as director and Later, in 1998, she became a Senator favoured would live happy, privileged, due to the arrogance of the hipster conversations they started during Tin actor and co-produced many more also in the Columbian Government, and in well-connected, well-travelled, rich crowd that evening. Regrettably Sparrow’s set. I get the feeling that half starring Clooney. Contagion isn’t one 2002, was a Columbian presidential lives – and all the villains would get though, I can only give an account the people here think they’ve paid 20 of them. candidate. Ingrid Betancourt spent the their come-uppance. of what I experienced that evening, bucks to get into some VIP area of the Clooneyless though it may be, next six years between 2002 and 2008 Fortunately, I did not put the book so here we go. Standard and figure they may as well Contagion doesn’t suffer for any lack as a “guest” of FARC. aside, because suddenly it became the After wandering around Surry Hills stay for the show. of star power. Add Gwyneth Paltrow, Members of FARC, the Revolutionary story of a real family trying to survive for what seems a very long time, I As the show rolls on I’m almost Marion Cotillard and Laurence Armed Forces of Columbia, have taken a real conflict. As the Second World finally make it through the entrance beginning to feel sorry for Husky, Fishburne to the list above and you’ve many hostages over the past years. They War came to Malaysia and Australia, so of the Standard. Once inside I head they’re putting a lot of effort into the got ample proof that Soderbergh makes have also executed many. the lives of real people were disrupted. to the bar to grab a drink and settle show but it just doesn’t seem to be films that actors want to be in. Imprisoned in frightful conditions, They were faced with unexpected and into the surrounds of the new venue. hitting a chord with the crowd (or They don’t do it for the money starved, beaten, treated as a criminal, terrible situations. They responded in Looking around, I’m seeing a lot of myself for that matter) at all. As the though. Soderbergh’s films are generally committed to escaping whenever unexpected ways, and they were not apathetic faces quietly talking amongst final notes of “History’s Door” ring thoughtful and thought provoking possible, well educated and articulate, able to take the paths they thought they themselves while the support act, Tin out, I depart with a feeling that Husky (except for maybe The Girlfriend she has given us a blow by blow account had chosen. Suddenly change was upon Sparrow, attempts to warm up the probably deserve better. Experience – that was just voyeurism – of her life during this time. them, and they had to make the best of and the Ocean’s series where he cashed She was demanding, both of herself, it as they could. in big time). her fellow prisoners, and her captors. She Woven through this story are the Contagion is no exception. It is based exercised regularly, even in very narrow author’s real concerns for the social on the simple premise but the complex spaces, prayed every day, demanded of and environmental damage that events surrounding what could happen herself that she understand, and try to humans cause, sometimes deliberately, Caving in if a seriously infectious virus were let forgive, the people who were tormenting but often through ignorance or lack loose on the planet, a black plague for her, and that she did not blindly react to of empathy with the other – whether the 21st century. Think bird flu but much, unjust or brutal treatment, but received it other people, other places, or other life much worse. scornfully. Even when weak and tearful forms. Although the characters are not to dark star Being a Hollywood film I kept waiting she held on to her strong sense of who completely rounded, they are drawn well Nick Cave Tribute, the show to begin I’m discussing the for the conspiracy: the apparent Middle she was and who she wanted to become enough for the reader to identify with Enmore Theatre, 17/11/2011 possible song choices with a mate and Eastern plot that turns out to be a CIA – not bitter but wise. She tried to escape them, perhaps to like them, laugh or cry speculating on whether or not we’ll experiment that went very wrong. And several times, which often resulted in with them, or perhaps to recognise and Reviewed by Layth Saeed hear the likes of “Stagger Lee” and then the good looking local agent is worse treatment. Although she must cringe, at their failings. “Mercy Seat”. I feel a little skeptical unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. have been a pain at times to those living Overall, there is a sense of redemption Nick Cave. Just typing the name about anyone attempting to challenge On the run and fighting a lone battle with her, she exemplified resilience. as the unspoken family secrets are sends a permanent shiver down my the rolling ballad that is “Mercy Seat”, armed only with his wits and enough Her book is a warning to all aspiring revealed. There is a feeling of regret spine. He’s probably the biggest and as its complexity, both lyrically and improvised explosive devices to light up democracies: if the gap between rich that this family could not have sorted most important name in Australian rhythmically, might be just too much the moon, he finds the antidote, saves and poor is too great, young people will itself out sooner, and thankfulness that music, and, in my opinion, one of to handle. Furthermore, I feel as if the day and gets the girl. find it more attractive to join a terrorist rebuilding family connections after so the last, true, rock stars. Over the “Stagger Lee” might be, lyrically, just Instead, Contagion’s effectiveness lies organisation than to struggle fruitlessly many years of isolation and silence, course of his career he’s fronted a little too “out there”. in its documentary-like examination to gain a “fair slice of the cake”. proves achievable. bands such as The Boys Next Door, The lights dim, a solemn hush falls of how such an event could impact If there is lack of educational There is also a great sense of place The Birthday Party, Nick Cave and over the room and Alex Dyson and individuals and governments and almost opportunity, poor food, poor housing, in the descriptions of the tropical the Bad Seeds and his more recent Tom Ballard (Triple J’s breakfast team) trigger the collapse of society. I prefer my constant domestic violence, only jungles of Malaya and Sarawak, and project, Grinderman. The man has a begin the show with a few words. version though, even if George Clooney dangerous, demeaning, or boring work, a heart-felt plea for the protection and real southern-gothic sensibility and Shortly after, Kram enters the rich red would never appear in it. then the offer of money, clothes, food, conservation of those special inhabitants: is a storyteller in the true sense of glow of the stage, takes his seat behind Rating: Four Clooneys accommodation and power, then, for the Orangutans. the word. He can effortlessly conjure the drums and presents the first song of many people in these situations, the life feelings of disgust, love and sadness. the evening: “Red Right Hand”. While »» [email protected] of an armed guerrilla, seems the best »» [email protected] This is why the Enmore Theatre is he doesn’t bring anything extra to the packed to the brim with adoring fans original, he doesn’t take anything away. all here to pay tribute. With such a good start to the evening, other highlights of the first half include The lineup of Australian talent Johnny Mackay’s performance of The of “The Weeping Song”. I would even but I’m in love with this cover. She that song without being shocked all over is incredible: Adalita, Abbe May, Birthday Party hit, “Nick the Stripper”. say it’s the most innovative adaptation manages to capture the rising urgency again at the sickness that manages to Urthboy of The Herd, Alex Burnett of Mackay’s intense stage presence of the evening. throughout the song rather effortlessly spew forth. Lisa Mitchell gives a very Sparkadia, Dan Sultan, Lisa Mitchell, comes off more like he’s possessed During Intermission, discussion again and cracks her voice at just the right sweet and innocent performance of “Into Muscles, Johnny Mackay of Children than performing. Alex Burnett gives turns to the possibility of “Mercy Seat” moment. Aside from Bertie Blackman, My Arms”, kneeling under a spotlight. Collide, Kram of Spiderbait, Bertie the crowd a soulful rendition of the making an appearance. I still have my Urthboy surprises the crowd when he During the long walk home, I can’t Blackman, Jake Stone of Bluejuice and rare Boys Next Door single, “Shivers”. reservations till about halfway into the manages to rap out the entirety of “Stagger wipe the smile from my face, or shake Paul Kelly, who also had the honour of The real standout from the first half second part of the show when Bertie Lee”, with the likes of Jake Stone, Alex the feeling that somewhere the man a Triple J tribute show in 2009. of the show, though, would have to Blackman proves me wrong. I’m not Burnet and Lanie Lane providing help himself is staring into a glass of scotch Standing in the moshpit waiting for be Jake Stone’s dubbed-up version generally a huge fan of Bertie Blackman with the different roles. I can’t ever hear with a similar grin. The Review December ’11 13 A chip off the old Block Artist Profile: Perry Keyes

Michael Page

Waterloo-based singer-songwriter Perry Keyes lived in Hugo and Louis streets for the first nine years of his life, on the fringe of the area known as The Block. In the early 1970s, the precinct was going through yet another period of change. Although not quite in the same bracket as the current redevelopment, things were changing nonetheless.

Families that had been living there for many generations were starting to move out. The price of real estate and rent was going up. Waterloo’s newly built high-rises with their new amenities were seen as attractive relocation options. Image: Drawing by Deborah Beck “One of the great attractions moving Perry Keyes Photo: Supplied into the housing high-rise at Waterloo was hot and cold running water,” Perry recalls. “My uncle lived with us in Louis over there with your bad leg and keep For Perry, stories about the police’s Street and worked in the Eveleigh rail score’. It was, ‘You play fullback!’ Just like reluctance to patrol the area in the yards. I remember he would come home in that movie, My Left Foot. I couldn’t do 1990s were particularly damaging to Intimations from work and chop up the wooden soft all the things that the other kids could the welfare of Eveleigh Street. “All you drink and beer crates into chips to put but it wasn’t like the other kids ever said ever heard were things like ‘the cops in the copper heater so we could have that. I had a calliper as a kid and I was won’t go down there’. If you are a parent of tenderness hot water in our bath.” forever breaking it playing football. And trying to raise a family near there that’s In the 1970s life around Eveleigh it was usually because some kid would not a great message. There was no excuse SSH Ballard, Bronwyn Bancroft, James Street was pretty straightforward: “You be breaking it with his head, but neither for not going there and helping that Blackwell, Deborah Beck, Katherine stuck to a very, very small geography. The of us got really hurt.” community.” In the final weeks before Boland, Kate Briscoe, Peter Dittmar, idea of us going more than two or three Later when a Gough Whitlam Redfern has long had an unwarranted Christmas, Wilson Street Gallery at Tom Doherty, Heather Ellyard, hundred metres out of the area, to say initiative saw houses renovated and stigma attached to it, but in Perry’s music Danks opens Intimate, a cornucopia Christopher Gentle, Robyn Gordon, Abercrombie Street on our scooters, was designated for low-income housing for and his stories there is a wonderful of small works from well-known Ben Hall, Nola Jones, Anne Judell, unheard of,” says Perry. “In those days Indigenous people, Perry remembers affection for the area. “Those of us who artists to delight the eye and heart. Hanna Kay, Michael Keighery, Newtown was like Ashfield. It was like the media descending on his family, live there don’t care about what people Graham Kuo, Max Lyle, Alison a suburb. It had a Coles and a KFC. But one of the last non-Indigenous families say or think. I mean growing up with all Artist Heather Ellyard says: “Some Main, An Morison, Toshiko Oiyama, we’d only go there once a year.” living near The Block, in an unproductive the characters and with Souths playing at artists naturally work small, fondling Sarah Tomasetti, Emily Valentine and But within these boundaries there attempt to stir-up a story. “That part of Redfern Oval. I thought we were living every tiny detail, in love, slowly; others Ahn Wells. was always plenty of room for a child to town has always been a cheap way of in the perfect place.” dash off a gesture in a sudden flash, Works purchased at the exhibition play. “There were two parks, one on the making some news for A Current Affair. which holds its own, like a storm in can be taken home immediately. The north of Hugo Street which basically It always has been an easy target on a Perry’s latest record, Johnny Ray’s a teacup, blazing but contained … It Gallery will close on Christmas Eve was created because they knocked down slow news day.” Downtown, contains 16 tracks that can be challenging to find the right and reopen on January 18. some houses. It wasn’t really a park – Although it was long after the Keyes draw on Perry’s local environment place for an artist’s big or ambitious more a vacant lot. No asphalt, it was all family left The Block, Perry was saddened – the marginalised, often neglected work. But for the intimate, tender Intimate loose dirt and broken glass because it by the riots in 2004. “I remember some and rapidly decaying inner-city areas things almost anywhere can be A collection of small works from was also a place homeless people would disgraceful remarks around the time of Sydney – for their inspiration. accommodating. A nook, a cranny, a gallery and invited artists stay and drink.” of the riots about people going in and And in January Perry makes his place between a switch and a knob, can November 30 to December 24 Despite this rugged playground, Perry, bulldozing the joint. It’s sad that people theatrical debut at the Belvoir be roused to take on a tiny treasure.” 2 Danks Street, Waterloo who has a withered leg as a result of polio were pushed to that point and felt they Theatre in Buried City – “a show Amongst the treasures in this Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm in his infancy, remembers it as a safe, had so little control over the forces about a city and society redefining exhibition, you will find gems from Sunday by appointment inclusive place. “I never felt intimidated controlling their lives, and that those itself and the kindness of strangers a roll call of gallery and invited Phone/Fax 02 9698 8443 living there as a kid. It wasn’t, ‘You sit sort of things take place.” and the brutality of old friends”. artists: Suzanne Archer, Kristine [email protected]

Shop 6, 245-249 Abercrombie St, Darlington 02 9699 9875 Special Offer Book before December 15 to receive 15% discount on our Special Christmas Banquet Menu

“We wish you a saucy Christmas!” Royal Headache performing at Maggotfest at Marrickville’s The Red Rattler, November 5 Photo: Lyndal Irons 14 The Review December ’11

Adam Hill announces new art & style

SSH

He’s one of South Sydney’s more prolific and provocative artists, and his work continues to evolve. Adam Hill is excited to present the first examples of what he calls a “new adventure in ‘modern art’”.

“Already, this application has become addictive as I find it both refreshing as well as detoxing,” he says. “I feel I’ve found a connection I’ve needed for some time now.” Having declared a year “off ” painting, and having traversed 15,000kms of the Image: Adam Hill, ‘The Consequence’ (2011) continent, Hill found himself eager to begin producing again. “Constantly Kathy Divine at Heal and Nourish café on Cleveland Street (Book cover – Inset) Photo: Andrew Collis viewing vast landscapes on a variety of found doors and table-tops, naturally fallen Cells’, a result of workshops with Koori countries here, and constantly handling Eucalyptus branches and ‘bio’ enamel paint inmates at Goulburn Gaol earlier in the wood for campfires at night, I stumbled with the lowest VOCs (harsh chemicals). year, features in a combined exhibit at upon a unique application. Aiming to The use of power tools is strictly limited Goulburn Regional Gallery. dramatically reduce my personal carbon too. Relying on hand tools is proving “quite “I feel this style has considerable Mindful eating, footprint, I’ve chosen not to continue meditative”. The new works entail hand- room to evolve and also a great variety of painting on cotton canvas. Despite written text, often an “off the cuff ” emotion applications,” Hill says, “from workshops choosing carefully in the past, relying or a line sourced from personal writings. to public installations.” and more solely on ‘Australian-made cotton canvas/ The first pieces have attracted plantation pine stretcher’, I found myself attention. The first large piece, ‘Australia Readers are invited to contact the SSH to a low-meat diet would reduce asking ‘Why?’ when materials are regularly 0-223’ was selected as one of 40 finalists artist to arrange visits to his new climate change mitigation costs by discarded on the footpaths of suburbia.” in the Cricket Art Prize 2011 (www. studio space in Little Eveleigh Street, A new book compiled by Redfern about 50 per cent, a no-meat diet The artist has begun making use of cricketartprize.org). The second, ‘Brain Redfern. Email: [email protected] author, Kathy Divine, showcases would reduce mitigation costs by 70 the vegan lifestyle. Vegans Are per cent, while an animal-free diet Cool, to be launched at the Redfern would reduce costs by 80 per cent. Community Centre on December This study found that up to 2,700 9, is a collection of writings by million hectares of pasture and 100 the global vegan community. million hectares of cropland could be South Sydney Crossword The following is an extract from abandoned, resulting in a large carbon Across a chapter on ecological concerns. uptake from regrowing vegetation, in 1. Departs quickly addition to the substantial methane 6. Apiarists' cash crop Climate scientists are very and nitrous oxide emission reductions. 7. *Rustic one puts up quip* concerned about carbon dioxide Governments are increasingly faced 11. Go into the red emissions because this gas lasts for with the stark reality of meeting these 16. Russian stringed instrument hundreds and thousands of years in costs, more commonly in the form 17. Aircraft hop the atmosphere – in fact some of the of extreme weather events such as Down carbon dioxide released at the start the 2011 floods in Australia and 1. Lentil dish of the industrial revolution is still up the drought in China and the USA. CROSSWORD 2. African river there, warming the world. There is a Considering the cost of climate change BY D.W. 3. Possibly seldom-told but remarkable story of mitigation alone, the diet change 4. Pry how we can draw down a large amount option offers a growing appeal when 6. Disprove of this legacy gas by implementing compared to high-cost technological 8. Russian space station steep cuts in animal agriculture. solutions such as carbon capture and 9. Term of respect If all animal agriculture ceased: storage from coal-fired power stations. 10, 15 down. *Steal twice and look again* 60-80 per cent of global deforestation This argument alone is a compelling 12. Warren ---, Dirty Three performer (responsible for over a quarter of reason for diet change. (Vegans 13. --- M, NRL accolade global carbon dioxide emissions) Are Cool, Chapter 7, ‘Livestock’s 14. Watertight excuse would cease; Fire for deforestation Environmental Impact’ by Gerard 15. See 10 down and pasture maintenance would Wedderburn-Bisshop and Lefkothea cease (80-90 per cent of open fires Pavlidis from World Preservation First correct entry are deliberately lit); 70 per cent of all Foundation, pp 188-89.) receives a prize. agricultural land could be returned to Send to: forest or natural grassland, drawing The launch of Vegans Are Cool South Sydney Crossword down at least 20 years of carbon will be held on Friday December PO Box 3288 dioxide emissions in above and below- 9 from 6pm-9pm at the Redfern Redfern NSW 2016 ground carbon. Community Centre (29 Hugo St, This natural, low-cost and large- Redfern). Delicious variety of Denotes cryptic clue * scale draw-down of carbon dioxide is vegan food on offer. the basis for a study by the Netherlands Inquiries and RSVP: Kathy Divine 0430 966 222; last Environmental Assessment Agency, month which reported that a global transition [email protected]

For translation visit www.dharug.dalang.com.au December 2011 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

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 way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo

Uniting Churches Saturday Art Class South Sydney Uniting Church The Orchard Gallery 56a Raglan St Waterloo Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday 56a Raglan St, Waterloo Christmas Day 9.30am 12-4pm Sat. Dec. 10, 17, 24 Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 Welcoming people of all ages, Life Drawing 12-2pm Dec. 17 cultural backgrounds, All art materials provided sexual orientations and identities. Peace with justice, integrity More info. phone 0434 979 371 of creation. Detail of drawing by Gabriel Azzi. Glebe Cafe Church Cnr St Johns Rd ‘Shall We Dance?’ Friday, December 16th ABORIGINAL HOUSING & Colbourne Ave Glebe 6:00pm to 9:00pm Works by Johnny Bell COMPANY LTD AND THE RUN Worship Sun 6 for 6.15pm GROUP INVITES EVERYONE TO Eveleigh St, REDFERN (The Block) The Orchard Gallery Carol singing, Dinner, Sweets, ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate 56a Raglan St, Waterloo JOIN US AT THE FINAL… Entertainment and other surprises… candlelit concerts Thu 8pm THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT !! Huw Luscombe 9518 9413 To be opened by Adam Hill, 5.30-7.30pm December 17 C AROLS on the Information: 0424 591 949 Till February 17 BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG… Leichhardt University Church Phone 0438 719 470 BLOCK 2011 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt (near Norton St) Worship 6.30pm Sunday Volunteers’ news Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 pat clarke REDWatch Newtown Mission 280 King St Newtown Meetings firstT hursday I hope you’ve been enjoying the best of our Sydney Spring, apart Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday of the month at The Factory from the November rains. Now we can get out with our SSH bundles, Rev Ps Doug Clements smile at our neighbours, and nurture our herbs and vegies in pots and Community Centre. 9519 9000 gardens for summer, though I hope you’ve had better luck than me. Phone Geoffrey Turnbull Imagine my amazement whilst walking down Codrington Street, when (02) 8004 1490. Paddington Uniting Church I saw the GoGet TrevMobile. What a fitting tribute to our dear friend. Email [email protected] Trevor would have loved it, and it sure beats a shopping trolley. 395 Oxford St Paddington Church Open 10am-2pm Still trying to work out where everyone delivers papers to, so if you 1st and 3rd Saturdays haven’t got back to me with your maps or distribution areas, etc., I’d really appreciate it. Waterloo Worship Sunday 7.30pm Office 9331 2646 Volunteer of the Month: This has to be norrie, who gets on hir bike free and delivers a massive 1,800 copies all over Chippendale and Sydney Uni. Recycling norrie is also a brilliant cartoonist and contributor to the SSH. Workshop Pitt Street Uniting Church shuttle bus services 264 Pitt St, Sydney It’s official (almost) – there are over 50 volunteers getting papers out there as we end 2011. What a marvellous group you are! Workshop and market open Fridays Worship 10 am Sunday 9am-12pm. FREE shuttle bus services now run from Redfern to Broadway & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Diary Entry: Don’t forget our end-of-year get-together – from 6pm shops via the RPA Hospital; and from Woolloomooloo to Redfern Turungah Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 via Paddy’s Market and St Vincent’s. Tuesday December 13, Tripod Café (262 Abercrombie St, Darlington). (lower car park). Until our next issue in February, I wish you all a happy, healthy and Affordable furniture and These FREE buses are available to all City Of Sydney residents safe holiday season. household goods. Wayside Chapel and operate: Donations gladly received (no white 29 Hughes St Potts Point Until next time, Thursday and Friday of each week. goods Worship 10am, Pat Clarke (Distribution Co-ordinator) or electrical apps). Bible Study 5pm Sunday For more information and timetables please [email protected] Volunteers welcome call 9319 4439 or visit www.ssct.org.au Rev Graham Long 9358 6996 (phone Naomi on 0407 576 098)

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Jamie Parker MP Kristina Keneally MP Clover Moore MP Carmel Tebbutt 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 150 Broadway, Broadway 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 2007 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9379 0701 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 December 2011

swim for 50 metres – it’s a pretty hard thing to learn when you get older.” Sullivan encouraged parents to visit swimkids.com.au to learn invaluable Athlete Profile: water safety skills. When four kids at the Swim and Survive Active Family Fun Day performed Ollie Spry compact jumps from the pool deck into (Alexandria Rovers) shallow water, and waded out to another four kids with rescue tubes to pull them back to the deck, they demonstrated skills Favourite position: which maybe one day will save lives. Wing Figures from Royal Life Saving How did it feel to win the show that 50,000 children will leave premiership? primary school this summer unable to Good, exciting! swim, making them highly vulnerable to drowning. Best performance of the season: “The protection of children’s lives has Semi-final vs South Eastern G to be the highest of priorities,” Royal Life at Erko Saving’s CEO Rob Bradley said. Favourite NRL team: David Macallister, CEO Royal Life St George-Illawarra Dragons Saving NSW, said: “It is a fantastic Eamon Sullivan with Evangelos Keramitzis and children Giannis and Christo Photo: Andrew Collis opportunity for families to be part of Favourite players: a great family fun day where mums Matt Cooper, Jason Nightingale, and dads can get into the water with Dean Young, Ty Reece their children and practice water

Off-season activities: Collis Andrew Photo: Olympian efforts to safety techniques in a fun and safe Swimming and basketball environment.” Sullivan is back on track after suffering promote water safety a mystery illness during the World Cup meet in Moscow in October. “Sydney is Malcolm Weihao Luo aimed at teaching skills to encourage my base most of the time, and my typical safe participation in activities in, on day is consumed by hard training,” he The Ravens meet each Saturday at 7am on the corner of REDFERN: Olympic swimmer, Eamon or near the water. Basic principles of told the SSH. “My focus is on the 2012 Botany Road and Raglan Street in Waterloo. New members Sullivan, was greeted by a cheering resuscitation were also taught. Olympic trials next year in March; that’s (and beginners) welcome! Phone Adrian on 9690 1427. crowd on November 27 at the National the main goal now.” Centre of Indigenous Excellence “Kids who are taught water safety at When asked about a career post- Help us raise funds for the National Council of Churches’ (NCIE). Sullivan was the star of an a young age learn important lessons for swimming, Sullivan said: “I love food, Christmas Bowl Appeal – (see SSH website for details) Active Family Fun Day at the Centre, life,” Sullivan said. “But if they don’t and opening a café was my childhood sponsored by the Royal Life Saving’s learn water safety – being able to keep dream. So that’s definitely one of my Swim and Survive program, which is afloat for two minutes, or being able to options.” S RAVENS Let’s go RUNNING surfing now GROUP

Inset – Sam Hatcher, Jason Baron and Jack Checkley Photo: Andrew Collis Main – Marisa Wyss from Switzerland catches a wave Photo: Jason Baron Sydney Indigenous Tennis Program presents

Andrew Collis – kangaroos and wallabies, lorikeets, Instructor, Jason Baron, hails from Fundraiser BBQ Luncheon possums or bandicoots running by the Bateman’s Bay. A life-long surfer, he REDFERN: Sam Hatcher is excited to fire. Wombats not so often. Nearly always has also worked as a fitness trainer and on Clarke Island have established Redfern’s first and there’re dolphins, though – sometimes manager. “Sam and I were managing only surfing business. Located at 86 within 20 metres of surfers. There are gyms in the city. We were wearing suits December 11, 11.30am–4.30pm Regent Street, Australian Surf Tours stingrays and humpback whales.” and ties every day.” Two years ago, the Depart Wharf @ Circular Quay 11.15am (AST) is riding a wave of success. One Jack Checkley is the accountant and friends decided it was time for a change. of five surf schools vying for business promotions officer. He makes sure that Some thought they were crazy for (return 4.40pm) among enthusiasts, backpackers and youth hostels are stocked with AST planning to open a surf business in other visitors to Sydney, AST is the information material, and that the tours Redfern, but the “community feel” in Tickets are limited to the first 60 people only only school that offers the experience run smoothly. Not surprisingly, he’s Redfern was an attraction from the start. BBQ Buffet • Harbour Cruise • Auction & Raffle of camping and opportunities to also an avid boardrider. “We have a “We’ve found the people in Redfern really encounter native wildlife. few boards for sale here – second-hand supportive,” says Jason. “In fact, we’re Prizes • Drinks Bar • Entertainment • Bush Walks boards,” he says. “Right now there are keen to hear from community groups. Contact Faith on 0424 377 713 A typical two-day surf tour begins on a no plans to set-up a shop. We’re so busy We’d like to offer day tours for local Friday night at Central Station where 25 running the tours.” groups. Can you learn to surf in one day? [email protected] or so campers (men and women aged 18 The weekend safari is very reasonably Yes, you can!” The day tours will entail to 60 years) are taken by bus to a “secret priced at $249.95 per person, which trips to a beach close to Shellharbour – or Lua on 0449 519 777 location” on the south coast – by all includes travel, accommodation, food and one of only five National Surfing Reserves [email protected] accounts an “amazing place”. Participants instruction. Commemorative photographs in Australia. are provided wetsuits and boards. Most are also part of the package. “People Sam and Jason are also interested to All donations tax deductible. – Sam estimates 95 per cent – have “zero make friends on tour,” Sam adds. “You hear from locals who might like to join Please bring sunscreen, picnic rug or experience”. Yet most learn to stand up can make friends with people from all a Redfern Boardrider’s Group. S on a wave before the weekend’s out. “It’s over the world. Lots of people say the folding chair if possible. so good to see that happen,” Sam says. camp is the best time they’ve had in the For further details visit the AST “There’re always wild animals too country.” website: australiansurftours.com.au