IN THE SAME BOAT? ART GOES VIRAL SOCIAL JUSTICE  PAGE 6 REVIEW  PAGES 9-10 READ SSH ONLINE SOUTHSYDNEYHERALD.COM.AU FREE PRINTED EDITION EVERY MONTH TO 10,000+ REGULAR READERS

Number One Hundred and Ninety Four ~ July 2020 Circulation 10,000 ~ First Published 2002

ALEXANDRIA | BEACONSFIELD | CHIPPENDALE | DARLINGTON | ERSKINEVILLE | EVELEIGH | GLEBE | NEWTOWN | PADDINGTON | POTTS POINT | REDFERN | ROSEBERY | SURRY HILLS | ULTIMO | WATERLOO | WOOLLOOMOOLOO | ZETLAND It’s time to try Plastic Free July

ENVIRONMENT is such a pristine environment and yet shearwater adults are MARJORIE LEWIS-JONES unwittingly feeding their chicks plastic fragments. Dr Jennifer A new book by Plastic Lavers, who works with the Free July founder Rebecca shearwater population, once Prince-Ruiz and author found 276 pieces of plastic in one Joanna Atherfold Finn chick. That is just unfathomable. encourages people to quit It’s sickening. It’s negligent. single-use plastics. In this It’s a problem that humans are Q&A they explain why. 100 per cent responsible for and it is not some distant example. How did the Plastic Free July challenge grow into a movement How bad are Australian statistics across 177 countries? when it comes to plastic waste? JAF: Plastic Free July started RPR: In Australia we have with a question that Rebecca a mixed record when it comes posed to a small group of to plastic waste. Although we friends and colleagues in WA: increased our overall recycling “I’m going plastic free next rates in 2017-18, the national month. Who wants to join plastics recycling rate was me?” The book charts how 9.4 per cent. Over half of this that question turned into an was exported for reprocessing “accidental campaign” as the – typically to countries where idea gradually rippled out manufacturing is also occurring into the community and then and as these countries follow across the nation and into other China’s lead and ban imports countries. The growth was not at of plastic waste this is set to all orchestrated, and that is part become even more challenging. of the charm of Plastic Free July. One of the most effective steps It is something people can do to governments could take is to be proactive about their plastic require recycled content in waste in their own way. Some plastic packaging and products. people just focus on the “top 4” This would help support the single-use plastics, others go recycling industry and decrease completely zero plastic waste the demand for virgin plastics. for the month and others make the challenge a new way of life. What changes have you implemented in your life since working on the book? What did you learn through working JAF: I’m far more conscious on this book about what plastic about reading the small print. is doing to the environment? It is easy to see a green leaf JAF: I think the biggest printed on a bag and just impact on me was to learn assume it’s environmentally more about hidden plastics – friendly, but that is often not in many tea bags for example, the case. Rebecca gave me some and also in bags that purport great produce bags for fruit and to be environmentally friendly vegetables and these now travel but that actually just break with me along with my reusable up into smaller pieces of grocery bags. Our family has plastic. These forms of plastic also been doing a lot more home don’t break down and so baking, which greatly reduces the problem spreads in a plastic packaging. That has been subversive way. I was also a response to the pandemic too. incredibly shocked at just how It seems as though many people low our recycling rates are. are reverting back to a more Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (left) founded Plastic Free July and her new book co-authored with Joanna Atherfold Finn outlines why we should all commit to reducing plastic waste. simple and sustainable way of life. Photo: Supplied How bad is plastic for creatures and ecosystems? What is one thing people can do to take up a lot of room and if we businesses are reducing their Plastic Free July: The Inspiring Story of a JAF: One of the stories that really reduce their use of single-use plastics? all did just that it would make a reliance on single-use plastic, Global Environmental Movement and Why hit home was the effect of plastic JAF: Pre-packing some huge difference. There are many so there really is something for It Matters by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and on Lord Howe Island’s flesh-footed produce bags and a reusable stories in the book about how everyone in learning to be part Joanna Atherfold Finn, is published by shearwaters. Lord Howe Island water bottle or coffee cup doesn’t individuals, communities and of the solution. S NewSouth Publishing, July 2020, $32.99. 2 NEWS JULY 2020

ISSN 2652-4538

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo. The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church.

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MANAGING EDITOR Marjorie Lewis-Jones ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Collis NEWS EDITOR Lyn Turnbull ASSISTANT EDITOR Louisa Dyce ARTS & FESTIVALS Anna North Community Development Officer Adam Antonelli and Bilingual Educator Denise Fung in Waterloo. Photo: Andrew Collis BOOKS Catherine De Mayo Has the community seen the and Northcott Connect? Or the EDUCATION details of the plan or reason loss of the Housing Communities Melinda Kearns Enough is enough ENVIRONMENT for the changes as promised Program, the Tenant Participation Miriam Pepper before lodgement? NO. Resource Service and the UNSW HUMAN AFFAIRS the communities they represent. Was the matching human Community Development Program Brittany Johnson WATERLOO REDEVELOPMENT The latest version is in the services plan developed? NO. – despite the promise that there FAITH Dorothy McRae-McMahon MIKE SHREENAN form of the part “masterplan” Will the City share full would be no loss of services in HEALTH for the Waterloo redevelopment details of the lodged plan the area? Should I ask whether Megan Weier I have had the pleasure of recently lodged with the City of before any changes are made the taxpayer-funded research and LEGAL & FOOD Maidie Wood working with the Redfern Sydney, which was supposed to by its processes? NOT YET. evaluation reports will ever see the LOCALS and Waterloo community for be matched by a comprehensive Will LAHC continue to fund light of day? Better not I suppose. Adrian Spry over 14 years – four years as a human services plan. the Community Development It is time that the government THEATRE Catherine Skipper community development worker It has been nearly five years Officer, the Aboriginal Liaison and those given the responsibility FILM and 10 years as Executive Officer since NSW Minister Brad Officer, or the bilingual educators to serve the community step Lindsay Cohen at Counterpoint Community Hazzard’s insensitive “have I got who have all supported the up, show some leadership and MUSIC Services (The Factory). good news for you” announcement Waterloo community on this honour their undertakings. It is Tess Ridgway in the lead-up to Christmas complex journey to date? NO. time they realised the damage SPORT & FITNESS Steve Turner As part of that work, I have 2015, that the government would Will the community be given and unnecessary trauma they URBAN DESIGN witnessed how this community attempt a third go at redeveloping independent support at crucial are causing through their Geoff Turnbull has been poked and prodded much the Waterloo social housing estate. times such as during the formal action and inaction. It is time SUB EDITORS Cathie Harrison like a doctor performing surgery During this time, there has exhibition phase? LAHC has said we as a community stand up Melinda Kearns on some unfortunate patient. been three-and-a-half years it cannot justify funding for this. and say enough is enough!

DISTRIBUTION This has been under the guise of start-and-stop consultation Will the human services plan If the government is genuine [email protected] of planning and redevelopment and an array of promises that has been promised for over about community ownership, DESIGN proposals and place-based made for how the community 16 years ever eventuate? With it needs to stop the waffle, the GasolineGroup | www.gasolinegroup.com.au interventions by “well-intentioned” would be meaningfully this government’s bureaucratic empty placations and the shallow PRINTER government departments, engaged during the journey. wrangling and deflections of attempts to engage. It needs to Spotpress Pty Ltd | www.spotpress.com politicians and expert consultants. The release of the preferred responsibility – who knows! make its Waterloo plans public as “We gratefully acknowledge the All of them have promised to be masterplan in January 2019 Can we meet the executive promised and treat the community many volunteer contributors and distributors who make this better than the last. All of them was followed by a year-and- officer in charge of the with the respect and decency it publication possible.” promised community ownership a-half of complete silence as redevelopment? Not anymore. deserves, and stop taking away REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS and guaranteed complete the government was busy Can we meet the Minister meaningful resources and support Alice Anderson Patricia Morgan David Angell Peter Murphy transparency. All have failed to focusing on itself, its department responsible? NO. from the Waterloo, Redfern and Adam Antonelli Thea Ormerod deliver their undertakings before restructures, rebranding and the Will I mention the Waterloo Surry Hills social housing estates. George Barrett Julie Patterson Andrew Chuter Miriam Pepper riding off into the sunset to chase politically shifting landscape. history website, the Ross Smith The government needs to put Philippa Clark Stephen Pickells Pat Clarke Sue Plyde their next career move while There was no care given to memorial or the independent social an end to the inward, selfish focus Lindsay Cohen Tess Ridgway leaving behind anxiety, frustration the community. The original workers for relocations? The Redfern on itself and realise the impact of Gregg Dobson Heather Robinson Louisa Dyce Stafford Sanders and confusion. This has only plan was changed and lodged Morehead Street community its in/action. Public servants are Rosalind Flatman Nina Serova exacerbated mistrust between behind closed doors, leaving centre, perhaps? The rumoured supposed to serve the public – Katie Gompertz Michael Shreenan David Gore Catherine Skipper government departments and the community in the dark. withdrawal of funding for RedLink not themselves! S Kat Hines Aline Smith Alexandra Hogan Gai Smith Perry Johnstone Laura Jones Gary Speechley Anne Jordan Adrian Spry Roger Jowett Seda Star Laura Kelly Velvet Steele Caitlin Kensey Scott Geoff Turnbull Waterloo-Redfern development updates Claire Lewis Steve Turner Marjorie Lewis-Jones Marg Vazey Chris Lodge Stephen Webb norrie mAy-welby Megan Weier URBAN DESIGN assesses the material provided what happens if LAHC provides housing units with 70 LAHC Julie McCrossin Justin Whelan and prepares its own proposal space for the PCYC or similar social housing units facing Cope Isobel McIntosh Alan Williamson Sam McNair Bill Yan GEOFF TURNBULL for consideration. LAHC’s own community facilities nearby in Street. The middle tower will have proposal and supporting reports Waterloo. The LAHC proposal and 126 private units and some St DISTRIBUTORS Alice Anderson Matt McLennan Waterloo South site plan released were not released. studies are referenced but are not George affordable housing above Eleanor Boustead Dorothy McRae-McMahon In response to community available until formal exhibition a childcare centre. The northern Gabrielle Brine Marie Moradinis Michael Condon Jane Morro requests, Council has released the Council reworks Redfern build-to-rent later this year. part of the site has 30,000sqm of Yvonne Cowell Margaret Neale site plan for Land and Housing LAHC’s proposal for the commercial offices managed by Alice Crawford Jim Patsouris Jules Cure Pepsee Corporation’s Waterloo proposal PCYC and surrounding site was Waterloo Metro redesign consultation Mirvac with a reduction to 160 Sue Dahl Des Perry Peter Dodds covered in the June SSH. The map reworked by Council staff in their The Mirvac and John Holland car-parking places and a small Heather Robinson Perry Johnstone Lincoln Sharp provides the location of the nine proposal for what should happen Joint Venture is getting feedback increase in retail and public space. Anne Jordan Desley Haas Colin Sharp tower buildings between 20 and on this site. In the proposal, LAHC on its early planning for above the Contact Faye on 1800 171 386 or Gabriel Haslam Adrian Spry 32 storeys, three buildings of 15 gets similar floor space and height Waterloo Metro. It is unlike the email WaterlooMetro@transport. Rod Haslam Rikki Taylor John Lanzky Margaret Vazey storeys, and other buildings up to but the Council planning proposal earlier proposal with tower heights nsw.gov.au to comment. S Julie McCrossin Rosie Wagstaff norrie mAy-welby Naomi Ward eight storeys as well as the location is highly prescriptive. The reduced and greater height facing Mary Ellen McCue Diane Whitworth of parks and streets. The plan proposal includes both an option Cope Street. The southern tower More information on the SSH website is subject to change as Council for retaining the PCYC onsite or for will contain 475 Igloo student or at www.redwatch.org.au JULY 2020 NEWS 3 Wear the Change for migrant and refugee women

LOCALS days outside of it) her resolve didn’t waver. “For me, it is about MARJORIE LEWIS-JONES transparency and equality,” she said. “What I choose to wear can NEWTOWN: As Covid-19 contribute to the empowerment lockdowns lifted, Newtown- of workers not their exploitation, based sustainable fashion label, it can protect our environment the Social Outfit, came up with not further its destruction.” a fun way to raise awareness Jenny took the Wear the and vital funds for its non-profit Change challenge to the NSW community programs. Parliament and other women leaders who got involved as The idea was #WearTheChange2020, Wear the Change ambassadors an ethical fashion styling challenge included Greens Senator held during #RefugeeWeek2020 Mehreen Faruqi and City of – funds from which will Sydney Councillor Jess Miller. support women from refugee The Social Outfit is a fashion and new-migrant backgrounds label as well as registered with training and employment charity and social enterprise pathways in the fashion industry. whose purpose is to employ To fundraise for and train people from refugee #WearTheChange2020 participants and new migrant communities. committed to wearing the same All the funds raised from garment every day – styled in #WearTheChange2020 will five different ways – from June help the Social Outfit expand 15-19. Their aim was to rally its free community training sponsors but also to show the programs for refugee and community their commitment to newly arrived migrants. fashion that is “made fair, made “We know that work empowers for good and good for the planet”. women and supports families Greens Member for Newtown to have a positive settlement Jenny Leong quickly jumped experience in Australia,” said Mehreen Faruqi and Jenny Leong embraced the challenge of wearing the same garment for five days to raise funds to support the Social Outfit and its work with migrant and on board as an ambassador Camilla Schippa, CEO of the refugee women. Photo: Supplied and committed to wearing the Social Outfit. “All our clothes same garment every day in are made ethically right here through #WearTheChange2020 will “After the stress and uncertainty Refuge Week. Then she realised in Newtown by our incredible help the Social Outfit sustain of recent times,” Ms Schippa said, *A total of $49,990 raised including parliament was sitting! sewing team from refugee and these important efforts.” “these funds are certainly helping $2,707 raised by Westpac as an Despite having to wear the new migrant backgrounds. Wear the Change raised just us feel excited about the future now employee initiative (likely to be matched same Louise Zhang Shell Top “Having come through Covid-19 under $50,000*, an incredible we know the full-colour extent to by the bank – amount to be confirmed). each day for three days straight a little worse for wear (in terms achievement, thanks to a great which you, our community, are www.thesocialoutfit.org in the chamber (and for two of our finances), the funds raised effort by everyone involved. standing with us.” S

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Apply now: Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 6 entry in 2021 Applications close 1 August 2020 For more information, visit: www.gawura.nsw.edu.au/ our-school/enrolment-application/ Sydney Square, Sydney, NSW 2000 E: [email protected] P: 02 9286 9664

www.gawura.nsw.edu.au 4 NEWS JULY 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE Compulsive internet use by teens TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney linked to emotional issues

SPONSORED persists into a teenager’s later years, effects compound, MICHAEL SPENCE and emotion dysregulation As we start to return to some form of normality, can become a problem.” it is important that we continue to follow the A new study has found The research also suggests advice of medical experts, while our economy internet addiction in teenagers that teaching adolescents gets moving again. leads to difficulty regulating general emotion regulation emotions. However, there was skills, for example through For all of us, Covid-19 has been a time to reflect no evidence that pre-existing programs at school, may not on the world we live in and think about the world emotional issues are a predictor be as effective in reducing we want to share after the pandemic. of obsessive internet use. compulsive internet use as more Photo: supplied direct approaches like limiting Published in the peer-reviewed time spent on the internet. To continue stopping the spread of journal Emotion, the paper is the “We were surprised to find the “Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 follow these three steps: first longitudinal study to examine negative effects of compulsive coronavirus pandemic, high the connection between internet internet usage on things like school students are more addiction among teenagers and the ability to set goals and reliant on the internet than ever emotion regulation difficulties. understand one’s emotions, before. The internet is both a Over 2,800 adolescents remained stable across all site of learning and play, which from across 17 Australian four years of the study.” makes it difficult for parents high schools took part in the The study found no evidence to monitor,” said Dr Donald. study. Participants were from that, among young people, having “While it might be difficult years 8 to 11 inclusive. pre-existing emotion regulation for parents to control internet WASH TURN ON PHYSICAL Lead author from the University difficulties leads to problems access, our study suggests that HANDS THE APP DISTANCE of Sydney Business School, Dr regulating their use of the internet. parents and schools have an James Donald, said the research Collaborating with researchers important role to play in teaching tested two hotly-debated ideas: from the Australian Catholic their kids about healthy internet first, whether compulsive internet University, the team found that use, monitoring the activities LIBERALS’ PLAN FOR UNIVERSITIES use leads to emotion regulation compulsive internet use has more they engage with online, and Across the board people agree that Scott difficulties over time; and second, severe effects on “effortful” forms ensuring they have meaningful Morrison’s university plan is a disaster. whether underlying emotion of emotion regulation such as and engaging offline activities regulation difficulties lead to difficulties pursuing life goals and that provide balance.” S The changes announced make it harder and this compulsive behaviour. understanding one’s emotions. more expensive to go to university. Fees for “Parents and schools have an “Our research shows some degrees will more than double. Even Scott important role to play in teaching compulsive internet use has little Morrison’s former colleagues, former Prime their kids about healthy internet impact on less complex emotional Minister Malcolm Turnbull and former Deputy use. We observed a pattern of processes like self-acceptance Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop have behaviour over time that suggests and awareness,” said co-author internet addiction leads to emotion Professor Joseph Ciarrochi. spoken out against the changes. Authorised by Dr Michael Spence, Vice regulation problems, but not the “A 12-month period of Chancellor of the University of Sydney. Youth unemployment has gone through the roof reverse,” said Dr Donald from the compulsive internet use might not Contact Details – Security & After Hours: in this recession, with around one in six young Business School’s Discipline of be as harmful as we first thought. 1800 063 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523 people unable to find work. In these already dire Work & Organisational Studies. However, if this behaviour [email protected] circumstances, Scott Morrison’s changes mean that many young people now will be locked out of university. Where everybody feels equal and welcome If you get the marks, and you’re prepared to work hard, you should get the opportunity to go LOCALS to university - simple as that. ANDREW COLLIS ROBODEBT REDFERN: The Park Café on The Government has agreed to repay the money Chalmers Street is an integral that was illegally taken under the Robodebt part of the community, scheme. If you were a victim of this scheme then welcoming coffee connoisseurs, please ensure that you are reimbursed for what crossword and Rabbitohs fans, you are entitled to - most refunds are expected artists and writers, dog lovers to be made before November 2020. and dogs. New owners Peter and Elly Huttly have a happy Labor has called for a Royal Commission into the and hopeful story to tell. Morrison Government’s illegal Robodebt scheme. Peter and Elly Huttly at the Park Café in Redfern. Photo: Andrew Collis The Huttlys grew up in the ELECTORATE OFFICE housing commission flats on Elly was with Australia Post for They also want to support local My electorate office provides support with Walker Street. Elly was born there, 20 years, then left and worked organisations including the Centrelink, Veterans’ Affairs, Medicare, and Peter moved there when he for a union organisation that PCYC, Souths Cares, the Salvos Immigration, NBN and other federal matters was 12. “Our mums were single represented postal workers. and South Sydney Uniting Church. - please contact us anytime for assistance parents and did the best job in Peter’s path was not dissimilar. 2020 has brought significant raising the both of us,” Elly says. “I worked in a few of the major challenges. “Coronavirus (contact details below). “As kids growing up in Redfern, city hotels, in cooking roles, absolutely gutted Peter and me,” JUSTICE OF THE PEACE it was fantastic,” says Peter. aspiring to become a chef. I Elly says. “We took over the “The city was our playground, ended up in the corporate world, business on January 13 and we My office has reopened and Justice of the and though we were exposed to working for Australia Post in their saw the virus really come into Peace services are now available – but things that kids shouldn’t see, international section for 23 years.” effect around the end of March. appointments are essential. Please call my we had a core group of friends; The couple lived in Redfern up Unfortunately, we had to close office to arrange an appointment. we supported each other through until their mid 30s, then moved our doors for a number of weeks, many hard times and those to Mascot. but the hardest part was having friendships are still strong today.” “Our dream was always to to tell our staff we had to stand The couple started dating as purchase a coffee shop. We were them down for that period.” TANYA PLIBERSEK MP teenagers, and soon were married. regulars at Harry’s [Park Café] and Staff members Debbie Elly recalls: “After leaving school always would say to him, when and Ally are back at work. Federal Member for Sydney I wanted to become a chef and did you want to sell please keep us in Oley is now making coffees 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW 2016 a few stints as an apprentice in mind,” Elly says. “So when Harry most mornings. T: 9379 0700 E: [email protected] various hotels. I joined Australia decided to sell, he came to us first, Peter says: “Redfern will Post, hoping to work in the and we jumped at the chance.” always feel like home to us. mail centre kitchens, but that Peter and Elly hope the Park We look forward to greeting never eventuated and I found Café is a place where everybody our regulars as well as new my way into human resources.” feels equal and welcome. customers.” S JULY 2020 NEWS 5 Jenny Leong MP STATE MEMBER FOR NEWTOWN

Thank you, Newtown! The past few months have been incredibly tough for so many people. In our local neighbourhoods, where so many of our residents are renters, young people, artists, creatives, musos, international students and non citizens and so much of our community is about vibrant and busy bars, Mick Mundine and Alex Tui are pleased to see the gym’s bare bones – a glimpse of the fabulous fitness facilities to come. Photo: Supplied cafes, cinemas, venues and retail outlets, Pemulwuy – Elouera Tony Mundine Gym shapes up things have been particularly tough.

SPONSORED new space located next to the We believe the gym is a vital affordable housing. The new gym ingredient of the Pemulwuy It has been truly inspiring to see that at AMANDA FLEMING consists of the main floor plus a Project as it will be a gathering a time when there is so much cause for mezzanine level with lift access. place for people to connect and REDFERN: Our gym manager Both floors will house a boxing spend time whilst pursuing their despair, our community has come together. Alex Tui and Uncle Micky were ring, and a sauna will be installed goals. The gym will offer first-rate on site at the new Elouera Tony on the main floor. facilities and provide a welcoming, At a time when they could have chosen Mundine Gym last week with a The gym will have a wide range inclusive fitness environment for fear, the good people of the Newtown photographer. Alex uploaded a of the most up-to-date resistance our community. S number of photos on social media and cardiovascular equipment electorate have chosen kindness. afterwards and was happy to as well as weights – with fully people together ing report that there was a great buzz qualified staff on hand to help ng ri b and excitement among former members achieve their health and We have made a video to thank all gym members when they saw the fitness goals. Our amazing new of the incredible people who have bare bones of the new gym. facilities and fitness programs will cater for all levels ensuring no one pemulwuy worked so hard for our community We are currently planning the has an excuse to not to get fit and during this time. Use your phone fit-out. We are working hard to improve their overall health and Authorised by Michael Mundine, CEO, make the most of our fabulous wellbeing. Aboriginal Housing Company Limited camera to scan the QR code on the image below to check it out. Residents query new housing code

URBAN DESIGN Rosebery, most residential homes “As you are aware the government have retained and sympathetically deferred the commencement of the WAYNE MOODY preserved the character of the local government area at your request area, including predominately in 2018 and again in 2019. This ROSEBERY: It used to be single-storey California bungalow- was to allow time to reflect on the considered a sleepy little suburb. style houses with garden frontage. housing needs and local character of But lately Rosebery residents However, since the introduction your community in order to prepare have been concerned about of private certifiers, regulators a planning proposal, and if necessary proposed developments and now have allowed the knock-down amend local planning controls to the introduction of a low-rise and rebuild of two-storey homes best provide for two-storey medium- medium-density housing code that overshadow other residences, density housing in your area.” proposed by the state government are completely out of character All that residents are requesting for implementation in July 2020. and don’t maintain the intended is some accountability at the frontages and streetscape as set right time to the right people. You can also watch the video here: The Rosebery Residents Action out by the “covenant” and the We seek appropriate notifications bit.ly/thankyou_newtown Group (RRAG) formed itself as a “Rosebery special character” to residents at application stage; sign of strength and solidarity, in as identified by Council for the penalties for not having regard opposition to the massive Hillsong Rosebery estate. to the code and regulations (eg. Like and share the video to help us Church entertainment centre and The new code for low-rise reg 1.20(2)(c) – an active and bible college that was to be built medium-density will allow valid covenant that is stipulated spread the message far and wide. in 2008. Created with only eight further development of each on Titles of Land); penalties for people, the grassroots RRAG has block by allowing it to be providing false or misleading grown into a congregation of more divided into smaller blocks for information; and appropriate than 150 members and meets only duplexes and subdividing a long checks on private certifiers. when required. block with the rear block then At the time of going to the press, Residents took on and won becoming “battleaxe block” the Residents Action Group has against local Council in 2012 when or dual occupancy, which will engaged the services of a local the City of Sydney thought it was further erode the green frontages barrister who will provide legal Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown a good idea to locate a garbage and cause more overshadowing advice on the strength of the transfer and truck parking depot and crowding. covenant and its enforceability. If you have a question or are keen to be involved, send a text to in one of the vacant factories, as While Council has now started RRAG hopes to be able to rely on 0421 665 208 with your name, suburb and message and we’ll well as the Dan Murphy’s and to show its support for the this advice in support of its fight to give you a call or you can email [email protected] McDonald’s developments on residents, is it too little too late? have the covenant adhered to, and Botany Road. Council only commissioned a also use it to notify the new Building We know we must take our fair community survey in June 2020, Commissioner in regards to enforcing share of new housing and we do to seek residents’ opinions and an active and valid covenant. Authorised by not want to stop development. Our to allow them their say. It has Council has agreed to Jenny Leong MP concerns relate to the continued taken way too long for Council to commission its own legal team to State Member for Newtown disregard of the original and take action and enforce the local review the status and enforceability existing covenant that sets the planning law to protect the estate. of the covenant. S 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 character of the Rosebery estate. It appears Council had two years T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 While the area has seen massive to do this, as noted by Minister RRAG spokesperson [email protected] developments in specific parts of Stokes’ letter to Council: [email protected] 6 SOCIAL JUSTICE JULY 2020 Working to extend the safety net

HUMAN AFFAIRS We’ve raised our voice with including $1.5 million specifically our partners to call on federal for people seeking asylum. DEE DAVIDIAN and state governments to extend As part of Refugee Week in vital safety-net measures to June, we held an online forum HOW many times during the everyone living in the community, where we invited the Jesuit Covid crisis have we heard regardless of their visa status. Refugee Service (JRS) Australia politicians say, “We’re all in the The campaign has involved a and other church members to boat together” – while continuing concerted effort of story collection, share stories from the frontline. to leave some people in our leadership development, writing We’re asking everyone to take community out of the rescue to Members of Parliament, direct two key actions to help people Jesuit Refugee Service Australia CEO Carolina Gottardo is keen to receive food bank donations to help vessel? lobbying efforts and getting media currently left behind: people who are suffering most in the Covid-19 crisis. Photo: Supplied attention. Throughout the pandemic, In May we welcomed the NSW 1. Write to your federal MP and 2. Drop off a food donation at a Sydney, find a food bank service Uniting has worked alongside government announcement to ask them to ensure everyone in series of food bank drop-off offered by a Uniting Church or other faith groups and civil provide $20 million in emergency need has a safety net, including points throughout Sydney as other organisation near you. S society organisations in the assistance for international access to Jobseeker and part of a new collaboration with Sydney Alliance to address this students, and recently $6 million Medicare. the Catholic Archdiocese of More information: Dee Davidian inconsistency. for all temporary visa holders – Sydney and JRS. If you’re not in at [email protected] Regular income needed for asylum seekers

HUMAN AFFAIRS Unlike refugees, who can access the Jobseeker and Jobkeeper AMY CHENG payments provided by Centrelink, people seeking asylum do not LIVING without a regular income have access to these. The ASC can make life difficult for anyone, is proud to be a part of the NSW but the situation is particularly Joint Partnership Working Group difficult for asylum seekers, for Refugee Resettlement whose who do not have access to the advocacy, amongst others, has necessary government benefits. led to the NSW government’s Many of them work three or four package. But more is needed. part-time jobs to keep themselves “People from all walks of and their families afloat. life are saying, ‘We want an Australia that includes everybody, However, when the Covid-19 it doesn’t exclude some,’” she pandemic hit this year, many said. “It’s so important that of these jobs were affected. people [like asylum seekers] feel Frances Rush, CEO of the included. People do need access Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) said to basic income. The idea that their need for a regular income people become destitute because became even more urgent when they’re not included is terrible.” restrictions came in. “A lot of that This year, Refugee Week went happened to other Australians, digital for the very first time. but most other Australians had The week helps raise awareness JobKeeper or JobSeeker. People of the issues affecting refugees, seeking asylum aren’t eligible for and this year’s theme was about any of that support,” she said. celebrating the year of welcome. The centre, a not-for-profit “Normally, in a non-pandemic organisation in Newtown, time, there will be lots of functions provides practical and personal people could attend,” Ms Rush support for people in the said. “[There are] lots of ways to community who are seeking interact and celebrate diversity asylum. When most of Australia and the story of people who’ve went into lockdown, the centre come to seek refuge, and the continued to operate by keeping better Australia is for it. But in its primary health clinic open, a pandemic … we can’t bring providing healthcare assessments, people together,” Ms Rush said. consultations, counselling, The ASC marked the week physiotherapy, and other services. with an at-home movie night. “We set up a hotline and the Australians were invited to biggest request was ‘we have join by making a donation. no food’”, Ms Rush said. “So, They would then receive a movie from that week on, we’ve had night pack, which included really tremendous support from recipes, talking points, and volunteers and our staff and the movie recommendations. community, from getting donations “That idea of ‘share a meal, of food and us buying it.” share a story’ is part of this year’s To help ease the stresses of the theme in the context of welcome,” pandemic, the NSW government Ms Rush said. “And in the context announced it would provide more of a pandemic, I think welcome than $6 million assistance for and how we look out for each multicultural communities, which Frances Rush (CEO) with football legend Craig Foster, staff from Jarjum College in Redfern and the Asylum Seekers Centre (Frances is back right in green pants). other has really been highlighted Photo: Supplied includes people seeking asylum. in the community.” S Although the centre welcomed this announcement, Ms Rush “You can’t pay your rent on one-off payment because you don’t how do you top up your phone? If See ‘Working to extend the safety net’ story believes a Centrelink payment a one-off payment. You can’t have a sustainable income,” she you can’t make contact, how do above to take action to extend Jobseeker is the only long-term solution. negotiate with the landlord on a said. “If you’ve got no income, you get help when you need it?” and Jobkeeper to asylum seekers.

This page is sponsored by Uniting, the services and advocacy arm of the Uniting Church NSW and the ACT. Please note that Uniting has no editorial influence on the content of this page. uniting.org JULY 2020 COMMENT & OPINION 7 Reliance on God

FAITH a sense of empowerment and I have a choice in my actions. OMAR CHAAR I choose how I respond. I have to be patient. All these people AS a Muslim, born and raised are gathered here to surrender in Australia, you are faced with to God, just like me. They are challenges that test your faith. my brothers and sisters whom I You are questioned about your must be kind to and look after. beliefs, you are different from One of the teachings of the the norm around you, and you Prophet Muhammad (peace be are dealt situations where you upon him) is to “Tie your camel must defend certain aspects first, and then put your trust in of your religion to counter Allah (God)”. This highlights people’s misconceptions. the ideal Muslim relationship between God and creation. One key feature that comforts The rituals completed during me is that God is all-knowing. Hajj date back to Ibrahim AS He is aware of the struggles that and his family. Perched on top I face, and I will be rewarded for of the mountain with nothing my efforts. I experience this world and no one around her, his wife with the awareness that I have a Hajar peered into the distance. greater purpose; whether it’s my She saw no one. She ran down the cartoon: norrie mAy-welby career, day-to-day errands and mountain and across the valley chores, or practising my faith. and climbed another mountain, To be able to cope, I rely on God. peering into the distance again. I reflect on the trials in my Yet, nothing could be seen. Stop Black Deaths in Custody life, the interactions I have with Her son Ismael AS was crying family, friends and complete from thirst. His mother, not EDITORIAL BLM protests around the world. basis – why, why, why did they strangers and I see it all as having a single drop of water to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody take away their child? This alone a test – a test that God has give to him, continues running FAITH BLACK Families have joined together to is a difficult task, retelling and chosen for me. I remembered back and forth between the promote awareness of inequalities reliving the chain of events which this life lesson while I was mountains, with the harsh EACH time I see BLM initials I in the system and gain justice for led to the death of Mother, Father, completing pilgrimage (Hajj). ringing of her child’s cries. think of the generations before their loved ones who have died Son, Daughter without receiving We are taught to stay patient Hajar took action to the best of us who have paved the path in custody at the hands of both answers or ever seeing a single during this time and not quarrel her capabilities. God sent the to freedom. The Black Lives police and correctional officers. conviction laid on the authorities. with others. Imagine 40-degree angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to strike Matter movement resonates The rally in the Domain on Aboriginal Deaths in heat. Tens of thousands of the earth and bring out water for with First Nations, bringing July 5 saw thousands gather, Custody Families deserve people from different cultures her and her child. To this day, to light systemic racism, including representatives from justice and are requesting that and walks of life moving in the this run of Hajar is performed by police and prison brutality. School Strike 4 Climate, the cases be reopened, including same path around the Ka’ba millions of pilgrims who perform Maritime and Construction cold cases, with independent (the cubed structure covered in Hajj, as well as a constant supply The recent death of George Divisions of the CFMMEU. investigations into each. a black cloth located in Mecca). of fresh pure water that serves Floyd in Minneapolis sent Protesters took part in a smoking People are encouraged to Personal space is non-existent. to quench the thirst of millions. ripples of anguish throughout ceremony and demanded an end attend events in the coming You can only take a step at a She took action, entrusted God Aboriginal families recalling to the genocide of Aboriginal weeks, and details can be found time, seeing just a centimetre and received her reprieve. the death of David Dungay Jr. and Torres Strait Islander on the Indigenous Social Justice of the white floor in front of In recent times we’ve all faced at Long Bay in 2015, who cried people through incarceration Association website. S you. Everyone is there for a global pandemic. The buzzword out repeatedly, “I can’t breathe”, and deaths in custody. the same reason. It feels as was “unprecedented”. Humanity as six burly correctional officers Families paid tribute to their Faith Black is a First Nations woman and a though people are pushing and has been impacted upon in deprived him of oxygen. loved ones by retelling stories descendant of the Batjala people, Fraser shoving you. You are being various ways, some losing Safe and peaceful rallies in June so others might understand Island, and Meriam people of Merisle in swept in the direction to follow. their jobs, some with having and July have coincided with other the pain they suffer on a daily the Torres Strait. She is a member of ISJA. But you look around and they to home-school their children, are walking at the same pace. some facing health concerns. I remember thinking to myself, The not knowing could have that God has placed me in this been seen as problematic. Messages we convey to children position, and it’s as though What were the next steps? He is asking me, how will you Through the Muslim’s deal with this? Are you going perspective, life during Covid can help prevent DV to get angry at the stranger that was dealt with in the same way accidently trotted on your toe? as any other trial. I do what is KATIE GOMPERTZ ƒ Picture a man about to hit ƒ He’s 9, and he notices his mum Are you going to be patient? in my capacity and rely on God. someone – a woman, a man, a gives him more pocket money That’s where my reliance on I take the precautions stated by IN late June a major newspaper child, a wall. Is it at this moment than his sister for the same God comes into action. the health authorities, as this is ran the headline “Tiny tots he has decided he is more amount of work. Is it then? I know that God would not in my control. However, I don’t sex agenda” criticising a important, more relevant than put me through something I live in fear of the “what ifs”. “professional development the person he is about to abuse? ƒ Now go back further. He’s a boy was unable to handle. “Allah “Whoever puts his trust in course, for preschool teachers, Maybe no. of 3. He’s with his mum in the does not burden any individual Allah, then He will suffice him” that requires them to ‘secretly’ girl’s section of a department more than his/her capacity” (Quran 65:3). And what more can study subjects ...” and I won’t ƒ Go back, see him as a store looking up at a white shirt (Quran 2:286). This gives me a person ask for? S finish that sentence. younger man at work where that says “Happy and Smiley”. he’s received someone else’s Later, they’re in the boy’s section Firstly, let’s be clear that the payslip, a female colleague. where the T-shirt says “Brave they’re young and continues children through the complexities course is not “secret” – it’s on full They have the same job, the and Strong”. It’s right here all the way through their lives. of our society – whether that’s display here multiverse.com.au/ same experience, the same that the imbalance and social Early education is perfectly with two mums, two dads, a mum my-friend-has-two-mums/ qualifications. Is it in this structures of stereotyping start. positioned to help navigate our and a dad or a single parent. S Secondly, it’s been widely moment he decides he is studied that the societal more important than her? From 18 months to 6 years of age WOMEN DEAD IN JUNE: 4 violence. Call 1800 RESPECT construct of gender (and Perhaps a little. are some of the most formative years WOMEN DEAD IN 2020 SO FAR: 27 (1800 737 732) or visit their website. subsequent gender‑focussed when it comes to how boys and DO YOU NEED SUPPORT? • Safe Steps is a 24 hour family marketing) has negative and ƒ Watch him, as a teenager, girls see themselves and how they violence response centre. Call lifelong effects on children as when he sees his sister assigned view their peers. The messaging • If you or somebody you know is in 1800 015 188 or visit their website. young as 18 months old. household chores for pocket that girls should be happy and immediate danger, call 000 now. Can we consider for a moment money and he gets to mow smiley, and boys should be brave • Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 • MensLine Australia (24 hours) that all things associated with the lawn. Is it then? and strong sounds so simple, but 1800 671 442 TTY (Hearing impaired) 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours a day, gender stereotyping may have a those messages set kids up for • Rape Crisis Service 1800 424 017 7 days a week) significant impact on inequality, ƒ His sister isn’t allowed to go failure in how they view themselves • Interrelate Family Centres 1300 736 966 • Lifeline provides all Australians with one of the key precursors to out by herself, her dad grills her (particularly in the way they deal • 1800 RESPECT – 24 hour hotline for access to 24-hour crisis support domestic violence? on a date who’s picking her up, with their own emotional wellbeing) any Australian who has experienced, & suicide prevention services. he gets to go out, no questions and how they view others. or is at risk of, family and domestic Call 13 11 14 or visit their website. Let’s do a quick exercise: asked. Is it then? That messaging starts when 8 FEATURE JULY 2020 Public housing transfers well managed?

‘Going Home’, collage, 2020. Image: Carolyne Miller

HUMAN AFFAIRS they wanted to transfer to a transfer is that CHPs will provide One issue that came to light If you are living in a capital different landlord or even which more diversity, and the competition when large numbers of people city, are on a full pension, in a SUGANTHI SINGARAYAR landlord they might transfer to. between landlords would ensure were transferred on a single date high-rent area, and have been In order to carry out the transfer better services for tenants. is that not everyone managed to means-tested, the CRA benefit is BETWEEN October 2018 and the state government had amended However, the TU’s report argues fill out forms transferring their around $67 weekly (according September 2019, the NSW the NSW Housing Act so that that where landlords did not have rent and/or their Commonwealth to Professor Darcy). This money government transferred the the ability of the tenant to make to provide information about their Rental Assistance (CRA) to their does not come into your bank management of over 14,000 a choice or have a voice in the services to the tenants but rather new providers or the CentrePay account, it goes directly to the public housing rental agreements transfer process was removed. to the state government, and where forms that allowed the money CHP via your Centrelink account. throughout NSW to 10 In consequence, the report said, CHPs have been provided 20-year to be transferred via Centrelink If for some reason there has Community Housing Providers many tenants were disengaged contracts to manage the tenancies, by the due date. Some service been a mix-up, a person on a (CHPs). from the process and did not competition to provide better providers found other ways of pension is not going to be able have a clear understanding of services is not going to happen. dealing with this issue, including to find an extra $67 or be able In March this year, the Tenants’ what was happening. The lack In its response to the draft allowing longer times to process to pay the back-dated rent. Union of NSW (TU) published a of choice also meant that in some report, the DCJ pointed out that forms and data and making a The report mentions a mother report, Change Management: Social cases new service providers although each CHP “has its own determined effort to find out of four who had continued to Housing Management Transfers disregarded standards of policy regarding rent, eligibility what was behind this mix-up. pay her original rent and had not Best Practice Report on the tenants’ respectful customer service. and access, they are contractually In other cases, people were received any information that she experience of this move. The report recommends that in obliged to base these policies evicted from their homes. was in arrears. She had changed The TU commissioned the future transfers tenants are given on the requirements of the DCJ Professor Darcy emphasised her email address while with report because it was concerned the opportunity either individually, community housing policies”. that this was a small number of the Department of Community that the management of over or in groups, to decide whether The DCJ goes on to say that people, but they were also the and Family Services. However, 14,000 public housing tenancies or not their tenancy is CHPs are independent and “people who were most likely she only found out that she was was moving from a single transferred and to whom. distinct from government and it is to get confused and not get the in arrears at the first inspection, landlord – the state government In its response to the draft important that they stay that way forms done right”. They were also three months after her transfer to – to multiple not-for-profit report, the Department of because their business model is not the people “with quite complex a CHP. At this point, she signed landlords, each with their own Community and Justice (DCJ) viable without “the tax exemptions family lives and so on, they’re the forms for CRA and CentrePay different processes and policies acknowledged that while it had and other benefits that flow from people who are going to be most and yet, at a future date, she which might impact negatively “enabled” legislation that allowed charitable status”. The whole point vulnerable to those sorts of things was taken to court for being in on public housing tenants. the transfer of the management of the transfer was to encourage and I have interviewed people arrears. At the time that she was While over 95 per cent of of tenants without their consent, alternative delivery mechanisms as part of that research, who interviewed she was homeless. tenants transferred reported a this was done after a large number and diversity and therefore basically, you know, were now The DCJ has acknowledged positive experience, it is the 5 per of tenant forums and individual “forcing the standard public sleeping on their friends’ couch”. that when carrying out “future cent who did not that is of concern visits “to ensure that tenants were delivery model through absolute When asked what happened to transfers, early and more to the TU, because that 5 per cent informed and were assisted during policy consistency negates one of those people Professor Darcy said comprehensive planning around represented people who were the the transfer process”. It added: the basic tenets of the program”. that, if people have been evicted a small cohort of highly complex most vulnerable or had the most “It should be noted that large- The author of the report, for being in arrears, until they tenancies is required to avoid complex needs, the people that scale reforms such as the SHMT Professor Michael Darcy, argues pay those arrears they will not issues at go-live and post-transfer. we would assume would require (Social Housing Management that it is not that community be able to access social housing. This has been noted by CHPs the most amount of help during Transfer) program could not housing is not as good as Public housing tenants pay as well”. S a transition of this nature. have been achieved effectively public housing but rather that 25 per cent of their income to Its concerns resided in the or efficiently without mandatory the different providers have their landlord. When people The SSH was unable to get a response fact that public housing tenants tenant transfer legislation.” different approaches and it’s were transferred to a CHP this from the Community Housing had not been able to make an According to the TU report, the “a bit of a lottery” as to which 25 per cent, and the added CRA, Industry Association or a Community informed decision as to whether government’s stated reason for the you get as your provider. is given to the new landlord. Housing Provider for this article. The Review The Review – July 2020 9 Arts & Culture in Your Neighbourhood

Hayley Megan French (right) during her artist’s talk with Felicity Castagna at galerie pompom on June 13. Photo: Supplied Painting the suburbs David Art Wales with his Warhol-esque art and his rescue shit tzu Mr Puppy. Photo: Supplied

ART impression of warmth, light, space, while the always present, dense and often edgy shapes The Warhol of Darlo Catherine Skipper of green foliage provide an essential gravitas. Small is also a new direction in French’s ART How many events have you staged this year so far? HAYLEY Megan French’s small (9 x 11 work. While at first sight the rows of tiny A bunch. 2020 began with David’s Art Sale, cm) painted-over Polaroid photographs images seem uniform, as do rows of grid-like Anna North my retail art installation in Taylor Square. mounted on Tasmanian oak are beautifully suburban streets, close inspection reveals I merged a posh gallery with a discount store. presented, placed at a comfortable signature differences. Houses with the same AFTER 20 plus years in New York City Then Work Inc asked me to recreate it in eye-level in a grooved shelf running floor plan but placed at a different angle artist David Art Wales is back in Sydney. their North Sydney co-working space for a along three sides of a square space. on the block, a high or low front fence, Earlier this year he returned to his favourite few months. For that I collaborated with a two halves of the one structure painted in inner-city suburb and since then the “Warhol textile artist named Sam Tannous who built We walk along looking closely at each different shades, the focal – or not – driveway of Darlo” has been busy. Not even Covid- arms for Mike, an armless boy mannequin I tiny image, noticing the differences in and the car, or the placement of trees, all of 19 slowed him. Instead, the image of the found in the trash outside Gowings during colour palette, the detail or lack of it, the which have their own personal or societal molecule inspired his latest show, Going Viral, the ’80s. I needed Mike to be my stand-in as arrangement of trees, the deployment of narrative. There is often humour in the showing at Duckrabbit’s street window, 138 the David’s Art Sale cashier. Then I staged space, much as we would if we were walking details French has chosen not to erase from Little Eveleigh Street, Redfern, until June 30. BuyMyLife.co, where I sold my old life in along a footpath bordering the broad the reality of the Polaroid, such as the single NYC. At the same time, I was still working road of an Australian suburb. In this way, striped towel on a wonky Hills hoist. Do you work daytime or night? on How I Felt, the series I showed at we appreciate French’s observation that In an artist’s talk at galerie pompom ( June On a typical day I might start work at 6am Duckrabbit in 2019 (adding 50 more pieces). walking her neighbourhood was important 13) both French and her interviewer, writer and go till 8pm, fall into bed, sleep till 1am, Once lockdown hit I switched to collaging to her process as it familiarised her with Felicity Castagna, were mutual in their positive and then work till 4am, fall asleep again, the Covid molecule into old pop culture. details that became inscribed as “home”. re-evaluation of the suburb and its community then wake up at 6am and start all over. It’s a The result isGoing Viral, the lockdown opening Late in 2018, French began documenting life, defence of an aspirational ethos, and recipe for burn-out but after a few months of which had two sets of 10 guests, all carrying with Polaroids her experience of living in affirmation of the uniqueness of individual I can hang a whole show. Then I need pool noodles to maintain social distance! the western suburb of Guildford where she suburbs. Perhaps a response to the erasure recuperation until inspiration strikes again. and her partner have bought land and intend of character from larger Sydney as urban, high- Can you describe the process that produced the building their own house. Her growing love rise, homogenised redevelopments increase and Have you always been so productive? lighthearted, beautiful and profound Going Viral? of Guildford – unceded land of the Bidgigal consequent replacement of actual community As a struggling artist in NYC during the Going Viral began when I first laid eyes on Clan, home to Australia’s largest group of life by “community centres”, they ask us to ’90s I was super prolific and sold a lot of that Covid-19 molecule. I figured it was a Arabic-speaking people, and also site of the reconfigure the suburbs as rich and complex. work, even to celebs, but I was still just scraping photo taken through a microscope but then heritage-listed Pipeline, integral to Sydney’s Several in the audience queried their by. So in ’99 I broke up with art and started a I read that the image was created by medical first reliable water supply – has led her to enthusiastic reconnection with suburbia, consultancy called Ministry of Culture (www. illustrators to help the public grasp the virus. reassess the value of the often maligned one person noting the total absence of ministryofculture.com). For 20 years I worked That visual identity made the virus part of our Australian suburbia. In 2019, French’s project people from French’s images. It is true with clients like Nike and MTV – and did lexicon of villainy: the skull and crossbones, expanded to include two places with which that while her images convey warmth zero art. When my wife and I moved back Darth Vader, Donald Trump, and now Covid. French also feels a strong connection – and richness – the pipeline for instance to Sydney two years ago, art and I finally got The molecule brings to mind classic sci-fi like Kunanurra in WA and Toowomba in QLD. becoming a thing of beauty and a metaphor back together. The reason I’m so prolific now War of the Worlds or Day of the Triffids so I started French makes use of a less restricted colour for connection – at the same time, they are is probably because I bottled it up for 20 years depicting it as an invading alien or an exotic palette (formerly a hallmark of her work) strikingly empty of activity. Life is implied and now that the cork’s popped I can’t stop. plant. And people responded. I’ve lost friends to as a means of signalling unique aspects of but it is private: to know the suburb, to see Covid but I don’t want every association I have each suburb. Light and dark purples and its character, its fullness of being, we have How has Mr Puppy changed your life? with this time to be sad and negative. Going complementary yellows identify regional to walk it, as French tells us from the start. I ran the Ministry for 20 years with a team I Viral is my way of imbuing the heartbreak of Toowoomba, the more outback Kunanurra is loved so making art alone in Sydney felt pretty coronavirus with a touch of lightness, even painted over in shades of ochre and burgundy, Hayley Megan French lonely till this little rescue shih tzu named Mr humour. The job of artists is showing people and Guildford, anchored to Sydney, while The Pipeline (A Suburban Painting Project) Puppy came along. She sits beside me all day a different way to see things. In that way, my maintaining the light and dark burgundies, galerie pompom every day and comes on errands. Famous artists prints are positive mementos of a dark period introduces a range of warm blues and May 13 – June 21, 2020 have assistants. Artists like me have a dog. in history that we’ve weathered together. yellow greens. Notably, the colours leave an www.hayleymeganfrench.com 10 The Review – July 2020

disrupted by an itinerant family. categories for Best International wonder. Being awestruck – whether The family descends on the area like Feature Film and Best Documentary by watching an electrical storm, The Reviews marauders. Kids and cows kick and Feature. It is the first documentary hiking the Himalayas or watching bellow in noisy confusion. Hatidze is in the history of the Oscars to life on the ocean floor – doesn’t just Film/TV Review suited to a film, while production happy at first to find the family are receive a nomination in both leave us temporarily thrilled. An by Lindsay Cohen and acting standards aren’t quite as ethnic Turks like her and her mother, categories. View Honeyland on the increasing body of research shows good. Jennifer Connolly, though, is and she grows particularly fond of documentary and current affairs that it does our psyches lasting good. at her steely and sultry best, trying one of the boys. She is less happy to streaming service iwonder. Even a hospital room overlooking to hold train operations together. learn that their farming techniques a garden can improve a patient’s Mind you, she’s no Tilda Swinton, are invasive and haphazard. » [email protected] health (Florence Nightingale Connolly’s film equivalent who was Hussein (the father) is pressured observed this in the 19th century). every bit as odd and extraordinary by the need to feed and clothe his Luckily for us Australians, apparently as the train she travelled on. seven children and refuses to heed Book Review just looking at the ocean is good Bong Joon Ho, the director of the Hatidze’s wisdom about ancient by Catherine DeMayo for us. So is paying attention, living film and writer of many episodes methods for harvesting wild honey. in the moment, taking our time of the TV series, won an Academy Propelled by production quotas, and savouring everyday things. Award for Parasite (2019). He has an he dismisses her advice about Reading this book in early 2020 Snowpiercer extraordinary ability to animate the keeping half of the honey to sell and brought home to me how much Movie (2013) absurd while addressing contemporary leaving the other half for the bees. access to nature and beauty is Director: Bong Joon Ho class realities. And interestingly, he The consequences are terrible. unevenly distributed. Witness the Stars: Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, based the film on a French graphic Hatidze, who is in her mid-50s, numbers who flocked to Sydney’s Tilda Swinton novel, Le Transperceneige, first cares for her ailing mother, Nazife, parks and beaches during the TV Series (2020) published in 1982. Next time I should in their threadbare hut – cajoling Covid‑19 restrictions – and how the Creators: Graeme Manson, review that – or leave it to my SSH her to eat, scolding her for not ease of such access varied dramatically Josh Friedman book reviewing colleagues to do so. moving her legs, dressing her depending on your postcode. Starring: Jennifer Connelly, Daveed wounds, and singing to her. She also Phosphorescence Others of Baird’s prescriptions Diggs, Mickey Sumner Rating regularly carts honey for four hours Julia Baird are more familiar: loyal friends, Genre: Off the rails Film: 4½ piercings to the market in Skopje, earning HarperCollins Australia, $32.99 community networks and a TV Series: 4 piercings just enough to buy bananas and supportive family are enormously In 2013, the film Snowpiercer was a few other essential items. While published well before helpful for those dark nights of released to critical acclaim from critics To the outsider, her existence Covid-19 reached Australia, this the soul. “Meeting wonderful and mixed reviews from the people Film Review may look sparse and lonely but book – subtitled On awe, wonder and people is luck; keeping them who paid to see it. I was both, yet by Marjorie Lewis-Jones she has a deep affinity with the things that sustain you when the world in your life takes thought, didn’t review it because I enjoyed it land and its creatures. While the goes dark, is a timely read for this care, forgiveness and devotion. too much – bad films are much easier film doesn’t idealise her life, or global pandemic. Dr Julia Baird is an Friendship is an art and a gift …” to review. Whether this says more underplay her longings, it does author (her 2016 biography of Queen At times the connection between about me than the film I’m not sure, show how sharing and conservation Victoria was widely acclaimed), her chapters and the book’s central but either way I had high hopes for are key to her survival. TV presenter and journalist. In 2018, themes seems a bit thin. Baird devotes the TV series of the same name and Macedonian directors Tamara she received an honourary Doctor chapters to her struggle (ultimately same premise released on Netflix Kotevska and Ljubo Stefanov filmed of Divinity from the University unsuccessful) for the ordination early on during the lockdown. their debut during bitter snowstorms of Divinity in Melbourne. of women in the Sydney Anglican The TV series is set seven years and oppressive heat over three A keen ocean swimmer, Baird starts Diocese; her encouragement of after the environmental collapse of years to bring Hatidze’s strength Phosphorescence with descriptions women with PhDs to use their Earth when a deep freeze covers the to life on screen. “Hatidze acts of the hypnotic creatures that light Dr titles; the pernicious influence planet leaving a 1,001-carriage train Honeyland with the bees as if they were her up the oceans and briefly glow in of Instagram and other social media to permanently circle the globe with Directors Tamara Kotevska family and she takes care of them dark skies (think jellyfish, fireflies). on the self-image of young girls. humanity’s survivors. With passengers and Ljubo Stefanov as if they were her children,” says This luminosity is a metaphor Phosphorescence is part self-help divided into classes from the front to Starring: Hatidze Muratova Kotevska. “And through that, for what we need to sustain us in book, part memoir, part social the tail, rebellion from the tail against Genre: Documentary even though her life is very harsh, difficult times, she says – and goes commentary, but is at its best when first class is a constant threat and a Hatidze doesn’t feel lonely.” on to suggest where to find it. Baird sticks closely to the central recurring theme. The movie is set Lost ways. Lost bees. Lost serenity. To watch as the scenes Baird is no stranger to pain and question: What really matters 14 years after the climate apocalypse, It would be hard to watch this twice unfold is a slow and meditative grief. Her own life experience, when life seems unbearable? when that threat is realised. So, it’s a Oscar-nominated documentary experience. When Hatidze harvests particularly of aggressive cancer But I quibble. This is an uplifting sequel of sorts (perhaps, the second and not feel devastated for honeycomb from rock crevices requiring three major surgeries, book, well written and researched. series hasn’t been released yet). Hatidze Muratova – one of the to reveal their molten goodness, while raising two children as a single Read it, ideally somewhere where you The TV series is great but may last Macedonian wild beekeepers it is profoundly mysterious. mother, gives her an air of credibility. can look at the ocean, a rainforest, not reach the cult status of the film. whose harmonious relationship You could watch her for hours. Some of her book’s most powerful or at least a patch of green grass. with the bees and her isolated The format and set are restricting Honeyland was nominated in insights come from her discussion » [email protected] almost by definition and better mountain environment gets the 2020 Academy Awards in the of the importance of awe and Elaborate, effortless neo-soul

MUSIC You’re across a lot of elements in your through the last 30 years. And is songs (piano, guitar, vocals, beats). one of my biggest inspirations. Tess Ridgway How does your creative process work? She seems like one of the most Where do you begin in making a song? genuine and real people ever. 18YOMAN (verbalised as 18 I think it comes from an initial year-old man) is Vin Goodyer’s idea, either on piano or guitar, and What’s next for 18YOMAN? neo-soul solo project – he sings, then I’ll slowly build around it. I’ve been spending the majority plays keys, guitar and produces Something that I’ve really been of my conscious life working on the beats. Sydney-based, Goodyer leaning into is getting other people samples for a lot of rap music is managed by Calibre/Oneday involved, I find it’s always going to overseas. Something that I’m just and a team in the States. be a more rewarding experience. finishing is music for season three of the ABC podcast Little Yarns As 18YOMAN he has released a How do you find doing a solo project? which is an Indigenous language handful of tracks the last few years I really, really, really enjoy it and program for pre-schoolers. So, really and each one is a shiny ruby – notably it’s incredibly important to me. I excited for that to come out in the single “Swimming,” which features spend every day producing songs next few months. I’ve finally got singer Mia Elnekave. Hear their for other people which involves a heap of songs coming out, too, smooth vocals harmonise like gentle deadlines and a bit of stress so which I wrote in America last year, waves across water. His sound it’s very nice to follow my own so I’m very excited about that! has been compared to the likes of curiosity and rules without any D’Angelo and Blood Orange – pressure every now and again. What makes a perfect song? formidable company, but Goodyer I think a perfect song has to keeps his head well above water. Who would you like to collaborate with? be relatable. Something that can 18YOMAN’s languid looping That’s a bit of a tricky one, I would connect people or where they orchestrations are elaborate yet say Meshell Ndegeocello. She is an can find a commonality. I guess effortless. These grooves will amazing bass player and singer/artist something that everyone can play 18YOMAN Photo: Calibre Music Management pleasantly resurface in your head. who has made incredible albums on the piano, if that makes sense. JUNE 2020 COMMUNITY NOTICES 11

VOLUNTEERS’ NEWS Uniting Churches PAT CLARKE information at ABC Friends, We need each other now, www.abcfriends.org.au or you can catch up with them WELCOME to the Covid-19 on Facebook and Twitter. winter 2020 issue. Can you more than ever. believe half a year gone, Face to Face – Joshua’s exhibition at the and what have we got? Orchard Gallery South Sydney Uniting Church Hope we all haven’t lost our Joshua’s works are now on 56a Raglan St, Waterloo joie de vivre and ability to show at the Orchard Gallery, laugh at life’s madnesses. South Sydney Uniting Church. Public worship suspended These unique and touching Follow @sundayssuc for prayers, About the Oz Ballet’s YouTube artworks are available for music and reflections exercises – thanks for asking! purchase on the gallery’s Rev. Andrew Collis Did them every day until I got to Instagram: @orchardgalleryau 0438 719 470 the last one, How to Do Jumps, The gallery hopes to reopen www.southsydneyuniting.org.au where my utter ineptitude was in the near future. apparent and it wasn’t because of Leichhardt Uniting Church Availability of SSH issues for the no ballet slippers or tutu. I’m sure 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt our featured ballet dancer from near future We are still doing limited (near Norton St, December, Lincoln Sharp, free parking behind church) would be laughing himself out distribution (up to 10,000 of his grande jetes if he could copies in July), but IGA stores Public worship suspended see me. Now back to walking throughout South Sydney have Revs Radhika & the laneways of Marrickville. copies in stock each month. Adrian Sukumar-White Subscribe to the SSH Update on www.leichhardtuniting.org.au the website where we will send School holidays are July 6 to July 17 out a new list of pick-up points Mustard Seed Uniting Church As always check with your as part of the Update in July. local Council for lots of holiday Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, www.southsydneyherald.com.au activities to suit all ages. Ultimo City of Sydney has SSH Volunteers’ Meeting Public worship suspended plenty of ideas at whatson. Volunteers’ meetings will Rev. David Gore cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ resume at the Cauliflower Hotel, 0449 875 065 articles/schoolholidays 2pm on the first Saturday of mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au the month. All volunteers Newtown Mission and friends welcome. National NAIDOC Week 2020 – always 280 King St Newtown was, always will be … Public worship suspended Dates have now been set from SSH Update Rev. Graeme Tutt Volunteers and readers November 8-15, postponed from 9519 9000 July. Tyrown Waigana, a 23 year- are invited to subscribe www.newtownmission.org.au old proud Noongar and Saibai to the SSH Update – South Islander, based in Perth, is this Sydney Herald digital Paddington Uniting Church newsletter (bit.ly/2AX8nIY). year’s winner of the prestigious 395 Oxford St, Paddington Receive monthly news, National NAIDOC Poster Public worship suspended Competition (see it on page 3 opinion, culture, sport & Rev. Danielle Hemsworth-Smith courtesy CC BY-NC-N4 4.0). more. There’s also a link to the PDF copy of the SSH, and Office 9331 2646 information on volunteering. www.paddingtonuca.org.au Our ABC I try not to get too partisan Goodbye for this month, and Pitt Street Uniting Church in this column, but honestly as always take care. You never 264 Pitt St, Sydney the ABC is close to my heart. know when this coronavirus Public worship suspended Aunty has given us the best will be resurgent, as new Revs Karyn and Gareth news and current affairs, even- cases in Victoria increase. Burchell‑Thomas handed opinions and sterling Office 9267 3614 programs. And once again the Until next time, www.pittstreetuniting.org.au LNP government has decided to Pat Clarke cut even more from their already Wayside Chapel reduced budget. Lots of updated Advertising in the South Sydney Herald shows [email protected] 29 Hughes St, Potts Point you’re thinking about the community around you. Public worship suspended (Please note that Wayside is That the people who have kept you going until now, still open for those in need) matter. REDWatch Pastor Jon Owen Office 9581 9100 To survive we need each other – let’s invest in REDWatch will meet 6pm Thursday July 9 where Council and LAHC www.thewaysidechapel.com will present on Waterloo and Redfern developments. our community. The meeting will cover: St Stephen’s Uniting Church • Elizabeth Street – what has been approved for community consultation 197 Macquarie St, Sydney Explore our online and print advertising packages now: • Waterloo South – background to the current Planning Proposal request Public worship suspended Rev. Ken Day Join via Zoom meeting – ID: 848 3481 9983 (Password: 732248). southsydneyherald.com.au/advertising Office 9221 1688 Book to join meeting at The Factory (limited spaces available). www.ssms.org.au Email [email protected] or [email protected]

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Tanya Plibersek MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich MP Jenny Leong MP Federal Member for Sydney State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Newtown 672 Crown St, 112a Glebe Point Rd, Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, 58 Oxford St, Paddington 383 King St, Newtown Surry Hills NSW 2010 Glebe NSW 2037 Rosebery NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2042 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9230 3352 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 12 SPORT & FITNESS JULY 2020 Pride in the jersey

SPORT

STEVE TURNER

JOHN Lanzky reports that Souths have played some heavy games against the in-form Roosters and Panthers. A gutsy win against the Bulldogs has restored confidence. The Rabbitohs are in the top eight, with games against the Tigers and Knights in coming weeks. The team should pick up the wins.

John says: “Alex Johnston deserves better. He has been a loyal Souths man for a long time, and always gives 100 per cent. He has been told he needs to move on due to salary cap restrictions. It makes me wonder how the Roosters fit all their players in and still have money to spare. I just don’t get it! “I also believe we have players within the group who are not performing to their full capacity. I won’t mention names but certain players should have a good, hard look at themselves and show some pride in the jersey. “I will say that Latrell Mitchell is improving week to week. He is involving himself in attack and defence and will only get Latrell Mitchell – improving week to week. Photo: Rabbitohs.com.au better as he adapts to the style of players around him.” Simpson’s daughters tested the PGA tour’s first player with “I mentioned to the that point, I think, seven out positive for Covid-19, leading to three victories during this commissioner last week that of 2,300 positive, which is Coronavirus scare him withdrawing from last month’s pandemic-interrupted year. based on our numbers, our amazing. But I do think the World number six Webb tournament as a precaution. Most importantly, Simpson is stats, the safest place anyone elephant is in the room and Simpson is competing on the Simpson, who leads the tour trying to stay healthy. He does can be in the United States the tough thing that they’re PGA tour again after his family in FedEx Cup points and scoring not believe that doing his job is right now is on the PGA tour,” dealing with every week had a coronavirus scare. One of average, is attempting to become putting him or his family at risk. Simpson said. “We had at is these positives.” S Bring on the Winter soup sports doco

Angelique Watkins Hungry? Well, this is what you need: series green split peas, potatoes, onion or Who doesn’t love warm, lumpy-free leeks, garlic, cumin, black pepper, SPORT/FILM veggie soup on a cold winter’s day! cayenne pepper, vegetable stock, Add a chunk of fresh home-made LINDSAY COHEN celery (if you have it), lemon juice and bread, smothered in Nutelex (or your za’atar mix (thyme, cumin, coriander, preferred butter-type spread) and we’re IN this weird sports-free world, to win a match (Sunderland ’Til I Die). sesame seeds, sumac – or that lemon sports junkies such as yours truly Indeed, Sunderland ’Til I Die is not away on a cloud of chilly-day comfort. pepper mix works as a substitute, or are looking far and wide for their fix. really about the soccer team at all but I love soup, without lumps. My leave out – salt and chilli flakes). Replays of old matches provide no the ridiculously fanatical and obsessive suspense or thrill, so desperate times supporters riding the emotions of their favourite is green split pea with call for desperate measures. Bring on team’s failures and very rare successes. Lebanese spices, a sprinkling of You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to taste. the sports documentary series, a The series is more symbolic social za’atar mix on top. This is something relatively new phenomenon tailor made commentary about the demise of the you can make easily at home and Just one thing I suggest you do as a for the pay‑per‑view generation. British working class and the collapse of with your regular pantry supplies. rule, cook the split peas separately industry in Northern England than it is There is nothing new about sports docos, the plight of a team of multi-millionaire It’s healthy, yummy, vegan-friendly with no salt (15 mins), but add plenty (and kid-friendly), quick and cheap! but at a time when most people aren’t players, coaches, managers and owners. of salt when cooking the potatoes! getting out much, the traditional 90-minute The Last Dance, The Test, and Drive to This kind of soup has only a few steps, Do the onion and garlic in a bit of sports star expose doesn’t suffice. This long Survive are no deeper than the grooves with room to substitute ingredients olive oil, add the spices, cooked format documentary allows for more on a ball or a car’s tyre. There is nothing as needed. It has a bit of the “chuck potatoes, split peas, then everything personalities and detail, and a more in-depth that these alpha-male (and they are voyeuristic look at goings-on. But the basic always male), supremely fit, amazingly it all together in the pot” going on, else, blend, serve with a generous prerequisites, a good story and interesting talented athletes have in common so it’s a brilliant weekday saviour. sprinkle of za’atar and you’re done! characters, are even more important. with the vast majority of humanity. And that’s where the most hyped of all the Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to death sports doco series, The Last Dance, fails. ride a high performer and watch them Column sponsored by There is no denying that Michael Jordan fail, but if you want to vicariously live is a freakishly talented and driven athlete. through others and hope they succeed, But the story of his journey from the then have children. S BADDE MANORS CAFÉ middle class of Brooklyn to extreme wealth 37 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe and success is not nearly as interesting Ratings Tel 9660 3797 (Open seven days & nights) or relatable as a cricket team overcoming Sunderland ’Til I Die: 4½ wins a season Authentic coffee-house culture of the 50s and 60s. Warm and inviting. a cheating scandal (The Test), car racers Drive to Survive: 3½ hundred kilometres per hour risking their lives for their careers (Drive The Test: 3 hundred more runs from Steve Smith to Survive) or a soccer team struggling just The Last Dance: 2½ metres tall