Councillor defends right to ask questions By Peter Hackney Ms Vithoulkas told City News that after she Lynda’s fight for City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas placed her Question on Notice, CEO Monica hris Peken has defended her right to ask questions, after Barone asked her to withdraw it. animal rights C claiming the City’s CEO asked her to withdraw “I refused because it was a valid question,” said BY Peter Hackney Lynda Stoner can remember the exact moment Photo: a Question on Notice directed to Sydney Lord Ms Vithoulkas. that led her to become one of Australia’s leading Mayor Clover Moore. A City of Sydney spokesperson confirmed that animal rights activists. Questions on Notice are posed in writing at “the CEO cannot request Councillors withdraw “It was nearly 40 years ago and I was visiting least a week before Council meetings, to give a question” – however the spokesperson claimed my parents’ place in South Australia. The TV was respondents time to research their answers. Ms Ms Vithoulkas was not asked to remove her showing footage of harp seal pups being battered Vithoulkas’s question to Ms Moore concerned question. and skinned alive. I just couldn’t get it out of my Kings Cross cheesemonger Claudia Bowman’s “The CEO informed Councillor Vithoulkas head. involvement in the upcoming Local Government that Council had no involvement in the events “When I got back to Melbourne, where I was living NSW (LGNSW) Conference. planned as part of the LGNSW Conference. at the time, I bought a copy of Peter Singer’s book Ms Bowman, who ran unsuccessfully on Ms In light of that, the CEO sought clarification Animal Liberation and read the first three chapters Moore’s election ticket last year, was scheduled to on whether [she] wanted to proceed with her in the back of the cab before I even got home. That host an ‘Artisan Cheese and Wine Appreciation question,” said the spokesperson. was it, I stopped eating meat straight away.” Course/Tasting’ on October 3 as part of the Ms Vithoulkas insisted she was indeed asked Lynda had just started working on Cop Shop, Lynda Stoner conference. to remove the question, and questioned why the the hottest new show on Australian TV. She was “Ms Bowman is a member of the Clover CEO was involving herself in the matter at all. already known for her work on The Young Doctors go off on a tangent.” Moore Independent Team political party,” wrote “I have been advised by the CEO that all and The Paul Hogan Show but Cop Shop propelled Last year, ALNSW exposed the horrific practices Ms Vithoulkas in her Question on Notice. Questions on Notice are answered by the Office her to new heights as one of the country’s most of Hawkesbury Valley Abattoir. Shocking footage “Which other [cheesemongers] were of the Lord Mayor,” said Ms Vithoulkas. “So why famous actors – not to mention the sex symbol of a taken by the group aired on ABC-TV’s Lateline and approached/invited to provide an activity in the did the CEO contact a Councillor to even discuss generation. led to new laws requiring animal welfare officers at LGNSW 2013 Partners Program?” she asked. a Question on Notice that was put to the Lord “It was funny because I was being sent to do TV every NSW abattoir. “Who made the decision to award the business Mayor?” interviews to promote Cop Shop but all I wanted to Now the general public has a chance to help the opportunity to … a member of the Clover Moore A spokesperson for the Lord Mayor said: “The talk about was animal rights,” she recalls. organisation continue such work, with the annual political party?” City’s CEO acts independently and was not After Cop Shop, roles on The Flying Doctors, ALNSW fundraiser scheduled for World Animal Day (Friday, October 4) in the Grand Hall at Sydney given any instruction in relation to this Question Prisoner and Chances followed, but the nation’s Boy’s High School. on Notice.” favourite blonde bombshell had much more to offer. Dubbed ‘Animals and Art’, this year’s event will The spokesperson said all activities at the In an eloquent yet relatable way, Lynda educated feature master didgeridoo player Russell Dawson, LGNSW Conference were arranged by LGNSW countless Australians on the horrors of factory readings by poet and novelist David Brooks, – a statement backed by the organisation itself farming and abattoirs via her media appearances, paintings by Animal Liberation founder Christine and by Ms Bowman, who forwarded an email and was ultimately offered a role as a lobbyist at Animal Liberation NSW (ALNSW). Townend, composer/conductor Kerry Woodward, trail about the matter to City News. Today, Lynda is the organisation’s CEO – a pianist Simon Marlow and much more. The trail showed that an official from LGNSW position that encompasses everything from directing Says Lynda: “This is a great chance for us to raise contacted Ms Bowman in March, seeking a quote campaigns to answering phones. some much-needed funds and host a fabulous night from McIntosh & Bowman Cheesemongers on “You never know where the day will take you,” she out at the same time!” hosting a cheese and wine course. says. “You might have certain things planned but Animals and Art commences 6.30pm Friday, The event has now been dropped from the someone will ring up about an atrocity happening to October 4. Tickets $45. RSVP essential: LGNSW Conference schedule, with organisers cattle out the back of Bourke and the whole day will [email protected] or (02) 9262 3221. Councillor Angela Vithoulkas citing a lack of registrations. Pyrmont Community Concerns raised over Centre open all week ‘Keep It Local’ initiative Published weekly and distributed in the CBD, Pyrmont, BY Jonathan Mimo classes… now the activities Ultimo, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Darlinghurst, East BY Peter Hackney completely unprofessional. At worst, The Pyrmont Community help get people together and Sydney, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, The City of Sydney Council’s another misstep for what has to be the Centre will be hosting an it has become a place for the Chippendale and Glebe. Distribution enquiries call 9212 Open Weekend to celebrate its ‘Keep It Local’ push has become a Lord Mayor’s worst year ever.” people,” said Mrs Dardick. 5677. Published by the Alternative Media Group of Australia. refurbishment and new seven- point of contention, with some of the Ms Vithoulkas asked: “Is Ms The Open Weekend will While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, day-a-week operations. City’s own councillors questioning the Schofield being paid to run this The City News takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors From Friday, September begin at 6pm on Friday with initiative’s purpose and independence. website? Is the City paying consultants or omissions. ABN 48 135 222 169 27 to Sunday, September an exhibition of photographs Liberal Councillor Edward Mandla to set up and maintain something the 29 the centre will be abuzz illustrating the theme of ‘Why has alleged the initiative is nothing City doesn’t own?” Group Publisher: Lawrence Gibbons with activities to mark the I Like Pyrmont’ while the more than an attack on NSW Premier When asked for further clarification, Group Manager: Chris Peken improvements and attract new Pyrmont Sings! and Pyrmont Barry O’Farrell’s attempts to reform the City of Sydney spokesperson Group Editor: Marcus Braid patrons. Players groups entertain the local council boundaries, while both Mr advised City News to direct questions City News Editor: Peter Hackney Friends of Pyrmont crowds. Mandla and Living Sydney Councillor to the Office of the Lord Mayor. Editors: Adam Hunt and Michael Koziol Angela Vithoulkas have raised concerns Convenor Mary Mortimer From 10am to 4pm on A Lord Mayoral spokesperson said: Contributors: Joshua Tassell, Max Chalmers, Madelaine over the ownership of the Keep It Local believes the celebration Saturday, centre activities will “Nell Schofield is employed within the Wong, Mason McCann, Jonathan Mimo and Paul McPhun website. will highlight the centre’s include Pyrmont Sings!, a Office of the Lord Mayor as a Policy Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone On Monday, a City of Sydney importance to the community. Officer on short-term contract. Her role Live Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley pottery display, and quieter spokesperson said: “A keepitlocal.net. “It is the only public space supports the Lord Mayor to deliver Dining Editor: Jackie McMillan pursuits such as a book au website was established by the City [of its kind] in Pyrmont. There the resolutions of Council. The work Advertising Managers: David Sullivan, Toni Martelli, exchange, Scrabble, chess, of Sydney, after a Council resolution in is no school or church hall so includes supporting the Keep It Local Robert Tuitama, Debra O’Kane and Suzette Frater stitching and table tennis. June endorsed a community awareness it is a very important space, website. Design: Joanna Grace The Pyrmont History campaign on proposed NSW and our residents and staff “Nell’s extensive communications Publisher’s Assistant: Deeksha Chopra have been working hard to Group will also host Government changes to planning laws and journalism experience, and Distribution Manager: Danish Ali make it available for different exhibitions of photographs, and local government.” involvement with successful community sections of the community,” artefacts and stories from The spokesperson said the website Cover Photo: Chris Peken - Lynda Stoner campaigns … are ideal qualifications Email: [email protected] she said. Pyrmont’s extraordinary past, cost $14,500 to create and maintain, and that its aim was to inform people for this role.” Advertising: [email protected] The Pyrmont Community while the famous free Pyrmont about the potential impacts of creating Contact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007 Centre provides opportunities Community Bank sausage “super-sized councils” and other Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 for fitness, recreation and sizzle will begin at midday. much-needed services for proposed local government reforms. Web: altmedia.net.au Finally, on Sunday the children such as playgroups, centre will celebrate Family But according to the WhoIs Lookup after-school care and holiday registry, the online database of domain Day to show off their facilities If you have a story you’d like to tell us: care. names and registrations, the website to parents and children. [email protected] Regular attendee Jillian was in fact established and is owned by Dardick praised the centre These include the children’s sole trader Nell Charlotte Schofield. for its role as a vibrant choir, kids’ karate, ballet, Ms Schofield is a long-term supporter community hub. soccer, music and movement, of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore “I moved here three-and-a playgroup and again, a and ran unsuccessfully on Ms Moore’s altmediagroup altmediasydney half years ago and there Pyrmont Community Bank election ticket last year. was nothing except for gym sausage sizzle. Mr Mandla said: “At best, this is

3 opinion Cross venues under inspection during the actual times when statistics Syria: Help lift the humanitarian blockade by Joshua Tassell show violence actually occurs?” he BY Paul McPhun The Office of Liquor, Gaming and and without access to healthcare which is and two medical staff. Across the country said. Paul McPhun is the Executive Racing (OLGR) has warned Kings killing hundreds every week. some members of the armed opposition A recent report from the state’s Director of Médecins Sans Frontières, an Cross licensed venues to remain This week, Medecins Sans Frontiers have also been involved in criminal Auditor-General exposed the annual vigilant and abide by their licensing independent international organisation coordinator in Syria, Dr Jean-Hervé behaviour against ordinary Syrians, $1.02 billion cost of alcohol abuse to conditions following the conclusion of dedicated to medical humanitarian aid. Bradol has called on the international aid workers, journalists and prisoners the government. public submissions to the review of the Julie Bishop, Australia’s new Foreign community to help end ‘the humanitarian of war. While other members of the The Foundation for Alcohol Liquor Act 2007. Minister faced perhaps the most blockade crippling Syrians living in opposition may disavow these acts, the Research and Education (FARE) has OLGR Director of Compliance Paul important first week on the job of any opposition-held areas’. For the past abuses persist, and continue to hinder the defended the government’s tougher Newson said they expect to conduct previous incumbent for a generation. two years, the bulk of international distribution of humanitarian aid where it enforcement of specific Kings Cross around 300 inspections of Kings Cross Ms Bishop has travelled to New York to humanitarian aid – provided by the UN is already cruelly lacking. parameters. licensed premises this financial year. participate in United Nations Security and the International Committee of the The Australian Government recently “Previous efforts to weaken [alcohol “OLGR, together with police, Council deliberations seeking to resolve Red Cross (ICRC) – has been channelled championed an initiative at the G20 to service] legislation to shift its primary the terrible conflict in Syria, and in through Damascus and distributed galvanise more international support for will be actively monitoring licensed focus from health protection to industry particular ensure that chemical weapons according to the whim of the government. medical/humanitarian action in Syria and venues - both overtly and covertly - to pandering are now seen for what they will play no further role in that conflict. This same government prohibits the to seek to build agreement from parties to ensure that they abide by the Kings were - an ill-conceived and colossal There has been much diplomatic provision of medical assistance to people the conflict to allow humanitarian access, Cross regulations that are in place error on the part of government,” said discussion focused on the recent chemical living in opposition-held areas. winning support from eight countries. and operate in accordance with their FARE CEO Michael Thorn. weapons attack in al Ghouta, eastern “The blockage must be lifted,” Dr Ms Bishop should continue with this licence conditions and the liquor laws But by enforcing blanket restrictions Damascus. Médecins Sans Frontières has Bradol says, “starting with the eastern humanitarian objective, and do all in her to prevent intoxication and alcohol- over the course of the week, Mr been supporting a network of doctors suburbs of Damascus whose residents power to ensure that the humanitarian related violence,” he said. Nicolaou believes regular patrons are working in this area and reported the have been exposed to chemical weapons blockade crippling Syrians living in OLGR has issued 18 penalty unfairly targeted. harrowing effects of that attack on the and are still facing bombing raids and a opposition-held areas is lifted. notices to 11 Kings Cross licensed “Offenders need to be banned from patients treated with our assistance. blockade.” Australia’s good relations with key venues for breaches of the special the precinct and every venue in it at However, these victims represent only Just a few days ago, a field hospital in allies of both the Syrian Government conditions since December. peak times, but instead the focus is on a small proportion of the thousands al Bab in northern Syria, was bombed by and the opposition provide avenues to Australian Hoteliers Association people having dinner on a Monday or treated by Médecins Sans Frontières’ the Syrian airforce, killing nine patients urge all parties to commit to ensure the NSW CEO Paul Nicolaou has panned Tuesday,” he said. own hospitals operating in opposition safety of civilians, journalists and aid stricter monitoring. “We need to be looking at targeted controlled areas for over a year, dealing workers in Syria, and to ensure that UN measures on a Friday and Saturday with the massive impact that the conflict agencies, the ICRC and NGOs are able night when the problems occur - not is having on civilians both in terms of the to provide emergency assistance either cosmetic measures that do nothing violence of war and the complete collapse from Damascus or from neighbouring but cost money and inconvenience the of the Syrian health system. countries. public,” he said. The focus of the diplomatic As humanitarian aid workers, it is Mr Nicolaou attacked the community on finding a non-violent not for us to take a position on possible enforcement of regulations and said solution to the threat of further chemical retaliation for chemical weapons strikes the answers lie deeper and outside the weapon use is laudable but will do or on an armed intervention. However, ambit of individual venues. nothing to alleviate the suffering of we are duty bound to speak out when aid “How about more CCTV, more these civilians who now live under is so demonstrably being prevented from transport or more police on our streets Aerial view of Kings Cross bombardment by conventional weapons A doctor from Medecins Sans Frontieres reaching the people who need it most.

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up a bit of a frenzy of almost hate towards a Backpacker “frenzy of hate” minority, which in this case will be those people news in brief BY Adam Hunt Sydney is the most visited region by who choose to stay in a backpackers.” Chalk ‘graffiti’ laws Square neighbourhood. Burgeoning numbers of backpackers are international backpackers in Australia with Emily, a backpacker living at the Chilli Blue prohibit rainbow Sydney Lord Mayor Clover extending their stay in Sydney due to economic 423,000 staying in the city last year - an hostel on Victoria St, has been working full-time crossings Moore said: “We’re pleased pressures overseas, and the trend is straining in Sydney for almost a year and said residents to be partnering with Green increase of 8.4 per cent on the previous year. Legislation has been community relations in Potts Point. must have been aware of the hostels when Square Water to make International backpackers contributed $985 introduced into NSW Local residents have banded together to moving to the area. stormwater available for million to the NSW economy in 2012. Parliament to ban the use “I have been living at this hostel for 10 and businesses and residents compel 24 hostels in the area to introduce Carl, a resident who has lived on Victoria St of chalk on any premises voluntary plans of management to quell noise for 30 years, said he had never experienced an a half months and work 40 hours a week,” she for the first time – and without the permission of in a way that benefits and antisocial behaviour. The group have issue with backpackers and felt a small group said. “People know that they’re living next to a the owner. The plan would the environment and is threatened to lobby State Government to of residents were intolerant towards young hostel so they can’t really complain about it that effectively prohibit chalked commercially viable.” introduce regulation over the sector. travellers. much – obviously it’s a bit annoying but they’ve rainbow crossings and even City of Sydney Councillor Jenny Green “I have lived on this street since 1980 always known the hostels are here.” children’s games such as Don’t become a said that noise from backpacker drinking and and I have never had a single problem with Figures from the Bureau of Statistics show hopscotch on footpaths statistic – get moving partying in the streets had worsened in the last backpackers,” he said. that Potts Point is Australia’s second most and streets. Greens MP The Ian Thorpe Aquatic year. “I think there are lots of people who have populated suburb with 13,600 people residing David Shoebridge said: and Fitness Centre (ITAC) “The last year it has been much more a fairly mean spirit, and particularly as they per square kilometre. “This Government is going in Pyrmont has launched difficult because of the increased numbers of enter late middle age, they just become quite One resident who wished to remain to be putting on the statute a new campaign to backpackers coming in,” she said. censorious about the behaviour of people in anonymous said he and other locals would take books laws that make it an reduce obesity and health “The backpackers are using the hostels like their twenties. action if the noise did not stop. offence not just for kids to complications such as their homes so they’re starting to become a lot “Sometimes four or five people start to whip “I can see residents banding together chalk a hopscotch court heart disease, diabetes and more social on the streets to form their own version of response,” … but for Mr Stace to have depression. ITAC Centre drinking and partying – so he said. “Should that occur I hope it is chalked ‘Eternity’, or for a Manager Darren Crumpler you’ve got all the noise urged people to make a a peaceful response, but when people street artist to put a rainbow affecting nearby residents.” crossing on the road.” commitment to healthier have their civil rights ignored history A resident of Potts Point Stormwater to bring living today. “Don’t wait for shows normal people can become tomorrow, today is the day said that disruption to her down household bills sleep made it difficult to deeply passionate when backed into a to get moving,” he said. concentrate. corner.” Sydney residents will “The benefits … go further “It is the emotional and Ian, a resident of Potts Point, said reduce their use of drinking- than just the physical; physical stress of waiting new people moving to the area wanted quality water by using exercise has been found for summer to arrive and to gentrify the suburb. recycled stormwater for to reduce stress, boost knowing that the noise will “The biggest problem is in the last their toilets and laundries ‘happy’ chemicals and recommence in full force,” five years you’ve had people move in, – and enjoy cheaper utility improve self-confidence.” bills to boot – following a she said. they’ve sold the big house and they’ve Mr Crumpler said new new agreement between the “To face a busy day in moved in and they want to make this a members could join ITAC City of Sydney Council and for just $1. The campaign the office and be expected sterile and clean environment,” he said. a private water utility. The comes as statistics show to perform at a high level Carl emphasised that it would never plan will see stormwater solely be an affluent residential area. that within two decades, when feeling tired and collected at 20 sites to half of all adults worldwide “They want to turn this area into stressed due to a lack of service 7,000 residents and will be overweight. Visit sleep on a continuous basis Vaucluse,” said Carl. “Well it’s not 8,500 workers in the Green www.itac.org.au for details. is unspeakable.” Backpackers revel at a hostel in Sydney Vaucluse and it never will be.”

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Try again, Tony: your say on the Life is a cabaret for Balmain BY Madelaine Wong Volunteers won’t have to say anything but get new government The cheeky and much-loved ‘Not Quite to star in the show. BY Michael Koziol Cabaret’, a night of wining, dining and “We start off in a drunken, irreverent Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s new government has definitely not refining, will return to Balmain’s wedding,” Ms Bradshaw said. “It’s all the met a skeptical reception on the streets of Sydney’s Exchange Hotel for a second season things you shouldn’t say or do at a real inner west, with locals expressing concern about its first beginning in early October. wedding.” week priorities. After four years running, this season will After that it’s anyone’s guess. City News spoke to shoppers in Glebe, Balmain present a combination of fresh performances ‘Not Quite Cabaret’ has gained notoriety in and Leichhardt on Sunday, four days after the new and greatest hits from previous productions. Balmain largely by word of mouth. Dubbed administration was sworn in. Deborah Bradshaw, the director and an as a social and relaxing night out, it is also The government’s decisions to cut the Climate actor in the show, said the success of the a throwback to the all-in-one entertainment Commission, regulate the publishing of information on concept owes to its originality. ethos of yesteryear. asylum seeker boat arrivals and the inclusion of only “It’s very different to anything else that is “‘Not Quite Cabaret’ has that lovely feel one woman in cabinet were the most unpopular. on offer,” she said. “The audience feel like it’s like in Hollywood times, where people could “The way I look at it you can either be a climate Prime Minister Tony Abbott personal and they get involved - it makes them eat, drink and have some entertainment,” Ms sceptic or you can believe in climate change, but researcher from Elizabeth Bay. “I think they’re just feel like it’s their night. Bradshaw said. whatever your view is, I don’t think you should get rid getting ready, so you can’t really judge as yet.” “It’s called ‘Not Quite Cabaret’ because “In the 40s and 50s, people got dressed of the [Climate] Commission,” said Harsha, who works She said strengthening the economy to withstand there’s no singing, and no dancing. It consists up for a night out but only went to one venue. in taxation. another financial crisis should be the Coalition’s first of short funny plays and short funny sketches.” That’s the feeling when you walk in - your Cecilia, a student at Sydney University, questioned priority. There’s also, of course, lots of audience whole night is set up for you.” how women’s affairs would be treated by the new Holly, a bartender from Balmain, wants the participation. The profile of the production has been government. government to legislate for gay marriage but feels it is The loose plot line will centre around elevated through interaction on social media. “There’s only one woman in the cabinet, and there unlikely. She said the Climate Commission should not a farcical wedding, with two lucky crowd “Making people feel good is our social should be more,” she said. “We’re supposed to be a have been disassembled. members playing the bride and groom. media strategy,” said social media fairly egalitarian society where the advancement of “There’s a lot of scientific basis for global warming, manager Megan Wilkes. women is not something that’s strange.” we probably shouldn’t be regressing on that front.” Ms Bradshaw said she owes Many were concerned about the welfare of asylum John, a retired transport economist from Abbotsford, the show’s success to both the seekers and the revelation at the weekend that the objected to the sacking of senior public servants and performers and the community. government will not announce boat arrivals as they Steve Bracks, the former Victorian Labor premier who “I’ve had so many women in occur. was relieved of his diplomatic post in New York before Balmain come up to me and actually “I feel they’re regressive over where they’re going to even taking it up. hug me at the end of the show,” she take this country,” said Trish of Balmain, who works in Locals frequently cited the NBN, DisabilityCare said. “Its got a great community feel administration. “Mostly it’s about the boat people, and and Gonski as ideas they want the new government to to it because it’s laid back and in a the inability to recognise that this is a global issue and follow through on. beautiful venue.” we have to work on it.” “Probably all the Labor policies, the big picture ‘Not Quite Caberet’ kicks off its “He’s hiding things about boats coming in already, things,” said Kate from Petersham, who works in the new season on October 3 at the moving the goal posts,” said one Leichhardt resident. public service. Exchange Hotel in Balmain at 8pm. Others were willing to give the new government the For Tom, a Balmain student, it was even simpler. The production runs Thursday and chance to prove itself. “It sounds bad, but hopefully [they] screw up so the Friday nights until November 8. “So far so good I think,” said Dulanja, a clinical other guys can get in,” he said.

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Leichhardt a 40km/h-only zone? Renew project By Marcus Braid to enforce. Greens Councillor Daniel Kogoy is pushing “There’s one thing of putting up a speed limit targets Forum for mandatory 40km/h zones across the entire for wherever you like,” he said. “You could put By Mason Mccann Leichhardt municipality, but the plan has been up 10 kilometres if you wanted to but it’s pretty Ten vacant shop fronts in the Italian artoon: Peter Berner Peter artoon: met with early scepticism by other councillors useless doing that if there’s no simple way of Forum will be the first sites to host the C and the roads authority. being able to enforce it. Renew Leichhardt initiative, which Council Mr Kogoy has lobbied Leichhardt Council “I accept the argument of if you have a progressed to its second stage on Tuesday. to reduce speed limits to mitigate the risk of serious accident, it reduces the probability of a The unanimous decision will see disused pedestrian fatalities in the district. fatality - that’s well established. But to simply to premises play home to a series of pop-up arts “Reducing the speed limit to 40km/h on all say that for health reasons people have got to go and culture projects aimed at revitalising the roads in the municipality would make the road walking or riding bicycles, I am sorry no I can’t spirit of the troubled retail precinct. Stage system safer for all users, including motorists,” agree to that.” one consisted of a $25,000 scoping study to he said. “It would also encourage healthier A spokesperson for Transport NSW said each identify potential sites. lifestyles by getting more people walking and road would be considered individually when Mayor Darcy Byrne was “extremely cycling.” enforcing speed limits, including in Leichhardt. pleased at the progress that has been made Mr Kogoy pointed to research conducted by “Leichhardt Council has a number of 40 on the project”. Monash University and The Heart Foundation km/h zones in place,” the spokesperson said. He said the Forum used to be one of revealing that speeds above 40km/h vastly “RMS is happy to work with Leichhardt Sydney’s most iconic destinations, but that increase the risk of pedestrian fatalities. Council on proposals for the introduction of it’s now a “ghost town” with vacancy rates as “Research into the chance of a pedestrian new 40 km/h high pedestrian activity or local high as any shopping precinct across the city. fatality occurring as a result of a motor vehicle traffic area zones. Each local road will need to be More than 60 per cent of stores are currently crash shows that, ideally the vehicle speed will considered individually, as it is not appropriate empty. be less than 30km/h,” he said. to reduce all roads without due consideration. A Council officer confirmed the ten “When the impact occurs at 40km/h, the “There are no municipalities in NSW stores subject to the project were under pedestrian has a 20 per cent risk of fatality, but signposted entirely 40 km/h.” strata title, and the co-operation of the if the speed is increased just 10km/h to 50km/h - Mr Kogoy’s motion to investigate the 40km/h Forum’s receivers, SV Partners, would not the most common speed limit in the Leichhardt limit was on the agenda for this week’s Council be required. The Italian Forum Limited was Municipality at the moment - the risk of fatality meeting but was not discussed due to limited placed into voluntary administration on increases to 60 per cent.” time. It will be carried over to the October August 19. But Liberal Councillor John Jobling described ordinary meeting. Renew Leichhardt would be “giving Mr Kogoy’s plan as a “whole lot of nonsense”. people a reason to walk back into the forum”, “If that’s the basis of his point – to get people Mr Byrne said, and is expected to be in to walk and cycle – we are now in the realm of operation by Christmas. my fellow Councilllor’s view that cars should be Stage two is budgeted to cost $126,000, banned entirely,” he said. with ongoing costs expected to be less. “In other words, you walk, you rode, you Additional sites on Norton St, Parramatta biked or you get on your horse. A lot of people Rd and Darling St in Balmain will also be just simply can’t do that.” considered. Mr Jobling acknowledged the evidence that The Council will write to nearby local suggested slower driving speeds reduces risk of governments in an effort to extend the fatalities, but said the proposal would be difficult The Greens say 40km/h zones will save lives Renew project to other areas.

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Don’t miss Parramatta Road opportunity, say developers By MICHAEL KOZIOL The State Government’s sensitivity to have always seen the suburban model as the Citizens jury Chief Executive of the Urban Taskforce community attitudes about change is Australian dream.” Chris Johnson says the State Government is understandable, Mr Johnson said. A 2011 Projections indicate Sydney will to tackle alcohol at risk of going “weak in the knees” over the Productivity Commission report found 64 accommodate an extra 1.5 million people BY Joshua Tassell Executive Director, Iain Walker renewal of Parramatta Rd. per cent of Sydneysiders did not like the over the coming 20 years, making the The City of Sydney has said: “By asking everyday Mr Johnson, whose organisation idea of a population increase, compared to development of high-density corridors a commissioned the Thomas Kelly people to use their judgment to represents property developers and 52 per cent in Melbourne and 38 per cent necessity. Youth Foundation to collaborate find common ground after being financiers, welcomed last week’s in Hobart. UrbanGrowth NSW, the government with not-for-profit research group informed by experts of their own announcement of a $200 million “Sydney is leading the pack around the agency responsible for the project, said New Democracy Foundation choosing, we expect to produce redevelopment program for the ailing country in expressing concerns about towers are more likely around the western to develop a new approach to a set of useful recommendations highway, but warned it would not go far growth and change,” Mr Johnson said. section of Parramatta Rd at Strathfield and tackling the problems of alcohol- which the public trust as they’re enough without a more ambitious target for “That’s creating tension with those who Granville. And Mr Johnson argued that the fuelled late night violence. being made by people like job and home creation. heritage quality of existing buildings in From a pool of 20,000 them.” The construction of the areas such as Annandale needs to be metropolitan citizens, they will The role and input of experts, WestConnex Motorway will take respected. convene a Citizens’ Policy interest groups and community cars off Parramatta Rd and allow Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne Jury of 43 randomly selected groups will be entirely up to the for a renewal project that would reiterated plans to turn the road participants to begin meeting in jury. plant trees, add bus lanes, replace into a precinct for live music and February 2014. “There will be submission footpaths and remove power poles. entertainment, which would require “Those people can’t have any from various lobbyists and all The government has also flagged rezoning by the state government. alignment with political parties those stakeholders that will be the rezoning of the corridor to “With a vacancy rate of over 30 per and interest groups or lobbyist interested,” Ms Green said. “It allow for apartment buildings of cent in retail properties on Parramatta groups, so they will be quite could be doctors, it could be six to eight storeys, and up to 16 Road, we cannot afford to wait independent in that sense,” said politicians, the alcohol industry, stories in some areas, which would for decades to begin the economic City of Sydney Councillor Jenny government – a whole range.” create 25,000 new homes and jobs rejuvenation of the run down strip,” Green. Scott Weber, President of the over 20 years. he said. “It’s the most democratic, NSW Police Association, argues But Mr Johnson said the target But Mr Johnson told City News there true representation from the that an independent office should be closer to 100,000 homes was no conflict between the two plans, community with informed should be established. and jobs, attainable by developing which would both allow for a “vibrant, briefings to allow them to work “The regulation of liquor licensing needs to be not just the road itself but a block mixed-use environment”. through to make decisions and independent of vested industry back on either side. He said towers Leichhardt Greens Councillor recommendations.” interests,” he said. of 20 to 25 stories would be Rochelle Porteous told The Sydney The jury will be tasked “Under the Department appropriate near existing transport Morning Herald there had been “zero with delivering at least five recommendations to ensure of Trade and Investment’s hubs. consultation” with local councils and Sydney’s nightlife remains accommodating watch, industry “What I’m trying to encourage expressed concern about local planning vibrant. The City of Sydney has been given the complete is the vitality and the absolute policies being ignored. has said the recommendations freedom to write its own rules plusses of a more urban But UrbanGrowth NSW says it must be “specific, measurable, with disastrous consequences. environment,” he said. “If we try intends to consult councils and other actionable, realistic and attached That can’t be allowed to continue to have one foot in both camps stakeholders in the formulation of a to a timeline”. if NSW wants to reduce its [suburban and urban], it’s just not structural plan to be completed by New Democracy Foundation heavy alcohol toll.” going to achieve its potential.” Chief Executive of the Urban Taskforce, Chris Johnson December.

12 groups, ‘til eventually I ended up in AA.” In the two years that Smith has been living alone, he has found the stability he was looking for and is able to live a much more

Singled Out hris Peken By Luke Cox C positive life. He now only spends half of his nights alone in the Being single in Sydney is great. There are more small-bars and apartment. The other half is spent reintroducing himself to family restaurants than ever. It’s a fast-paced and beautiful city with plenty of Photo: life. culture to be enjoyed. People are more progressive and liberated. The In stark contrast to the story that Magenta tells, Smith’s solo benefits of living in a modern society means there is more freedom to battle with substance abuse and depression has been severe. Not find new ways of living your life than ever before. many people, no matter how healthy and functional they are, Women particularly, are taking advantage of this. The shackles of have the moral courage to take his path and live alone. traditional gender roles need no longer apply and being in a relationship Smith says that in the early days of his recovery he did go to that manages full-time work with playing house just doesn’t seem that social media for connection, but after seeing what was on offer, appealing. More and more women are liberating themselves by choosing lost interest. to live alone. It seems that, as society progresses, men are being forced to “I wasn’t going to take it any further. Everybody tries to make catch up with the change. him or herself more appealing. Not dishonest and not honest, but As wonderful as this is, certain considerations need to be addressed. they don’t tell the whole story.” A twenty or thirty-something career woman, who is vivaciously making Magenta puts it this way, “Social media gives you this the most of her modern life, may get to forty and have second thoughts. opportunity to create a fantasised version of yourself. There’s What if at some point the joys of living alone might become an alarming so much Photoshop that can go on or filters. You can create any ordeal? After all, everyone needs someone to love. persona from just an image.” Singled Out is a theatrical collaboration that was put together in Actress Eloise Snape, who plays a range of eclectic roles in response to the statistic that by 2020 one third of living arrangements Singled Out, found that exploring the topic of single living for her in Sydney will be ‘solo households.’ It is the brainchild of eight performances opened her eyes to the less-obvious positives. different writers from varying backgrounds and will provide the perfect “Immediately you would assume that a play about people opportunity to reflect on a modern life to try and figure out where it’s living on their own is going to be depressing,” explains Snape. heading. “It’s not depressing at all,” she continues. First time playwright, Emma Magenta, who usually writes “There are so many wonderful things about people having emotionally-loaded and honest adult fiction, has contributed a piece that their independence. It doesn’t necessarily have to be dark and deals with the issue of social media. In doing so she has opened up a new depressing.” layer of complexity in modern life. At the end of the day, living alone isn’t always isolation and Late last year, Magenta created her first Twitter account and began alter egos, but it isn’t always single life and small-bars either. It’s delving into what she describes as “the other side” of the Twittersphere. Eloise Snape so easy to get sucked into thinking that the wave of youth can be “I’ve kind of jumped into the belly of the beast and explored why world,” she continues. ridden forever. In the end, satisfaction is measured by how much a most people are there,” she says. person deals with their issues and learns to put differences aside. Inevitably single life is a stage to be enjoyed and passed through. This “Most people are just venting their personal issues.” Singled Out promises a unique exploration of our private moments means confronting difficult emotions. Marc Smith* (real name withheld) Magenta’s social experiment has revealed a world of people who crave and public confessions – particularly the joy and freedom of solo living connection, yet are too anxious to deal with their loneliness in a healthy is a single dweller with a different perspective. and the sometimes hidden realities of the solo living person. way. Instead they have gone to social media for instant gratification, and “I had a wife and young family, but I just couldn’t stay stable,” he Smith, the man of monster determination, makes his feelings on the kept themselves isolated. reveals. matter clear when he says, “people that are in their thirties and forties “There’s therapy there and the chance to exercise your feelings, “I couldn’t understand why my moods were all over the place. that are single, are pretty shit.” (LC) but it’s probably not really helping you develop as an individual. It’s Honestly, I left her and the kids and I just had to find out. October 2-12, Seymour Centre, City Rd & Cleveland St, probably creating more walls between you and your issues and the “I ended up seeing a psychologist and joining some different support Chippendale, $15-25, 9351 7940, seymourcentre.com

13 EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

sophisticated, modern Japanese dishes of Head Chef Italian sausage, won me. Speaking of Italian meat, the Kerby Craig when he was at Koi in Woolwich, and shiny red Berkel meat slicer (and the lad operating it seems he’s only got better. Sipping delicate Dassai it) provide much to salivate over too, like boards 50 Junmai Daiginjo Sake ($39/180ml) I peruse the bearing Prosciutto San Daniele ($16/50g) and Tetsun beverage list – wine, Japanese whisky and inported Al Barolo ($10/50g) cheese. When he’s not slicing beer – they’ve got it all, with a range that belies the meat, it seems our tattooed lothario is also a dab restaurant’s size. Having taken the edge off my work hand at pasta making; and there’s something mighty day, I explore Japanese beers with Tako ($20), plump satisfying about assessing his skills as you watch him tentacles of sustainable Fremantle ‘giant’ octopus twist and pinch. A gleaming copper Scanpan bearing with shio koji potato, baby sun rose, pickled lime joyously simple Bucatini Cacio E Pepe ($20) definitely juice and soy; the mellow and slightly sweet Echigo made the grade. For a companion wine, pluck the Koshihikari ($17/500ml) rice beer proves my favourite. easy-drinking 2010 Antica Enotria Falanghina ($48/ Yebisu, Kirin and Asahi beers take me through a gently Franco Franco bottle) from the regionally arranged Italian list. Ume updated Nasu Dengaku ($18) and soy-braised pork Ricotta Polpette ($8/4 pieces) slide down with a belly, Butaniku no Kahuni ($22) with cracking and While much ado has already been made about bright yet simple tomato sauce, and prove a perfect Two bites into the delicately seared signature Scallop fermented Chinese cabbage. It’s enough to revive this new Crown Street entry being owned by a start to a feast, Italian family-style: Braised Baby Lamb Carpaccio ($21), with the exotic accompaniments the most jaded of palates (and rule out interesting (multinational) steakhouse chain, I’ve already been ($27/$35), roast Potatoes ($7) and grilled Trevisio of soy brown butter, finger lime, young sorrel and desserts) so the smart sommelier plied me with back three times. Rather than bemoaning the Radicchio ($12). And at these prices, Nonna would dulse, and I’m kicking myself for not heading to Ume Japanese whisky instead… expensive fittings, get stuck into a chewy Neapolitan be pleased. sooner. The understated white tiled room (once 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills (02) 9380 7333 style pizza from the dome shaped oven, while 628 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 9318 0500 a butcher’s shop, then home to Bistrode) quietly umerestaurant.com.au watching the pizzaiolo work. The Con Patate ($21) francofranco.com.au oozes confidence. And it should – I first ate the Modern Japanese $$$$ bearing perfectly cooked potato, red onion and Italian, Pizza $$

$ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30 selection! Yachiyo Gozen ($21.50) taken in a venue that makes you feel L’otel was jumping. Sliding between with sushi rolls, sashimi and like part of the family. The freshly rowdy groups doing ten-buck meals DARLO, KINGS X – to fuel a share-plate dinner that eggplant and melted cheese, and tempura is my favourite, but it’s big. shucked Pambula Oysters ($3.50/ with ten-buck beer jugs, I settled in wraps with Chocolate and Caramel served with beer-battered fries. & SURRY HILLS Tempura Gozen ($14.50) delivers a each) revealed there’s a real chef with a pot of chalky Baked Goats’ Spring Rolls ($9.80). Buffalo Wings ($8) are excellent, good selection of deep fried; or opt in the kitchen. Daniel Mulligan Cheese ($11) with tortilla chips. I Royal Albert Hotel 140 Commonwealth Street, and the Pulled Pork Burger ($18) for health with their ever-changing (ex-Pilu at Freshwater) aces both followed it with a plate-sized 400g This back-street local was quick Surry Hills (02) 9281 2522 is all kinds of juicy - great against Sashimi Gozen ($17.50) - last seafood and Italianate flavours, from royalalberthotel.com.au Weston’s Twist Winter Spice Cider Angus Rib Eye ($32) served on to jump on the dumpling train, but month it was delicate red gurnard Black Cobia Fillet with Cloudy Bay Pub Bistro $-$$ ($5.60/310ml). the bone with the marrow cleverly with the dust having settled on and indulgent blue fin tuna, great Clams, Artichoke and Chicory ($30) the proverbial hanging birdcages The Local Taphouse 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst revealed, black cherry and roast with Ginban Daiginjo-shu Sake to silky Kipfler Potato Gnocchi and bike; it shines brightly as an You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d (02) 9360 0088 thelocal.com.au ($19/100ml). eschallot jus and hand-cut duck with Pork and Fennel Ragu ($24). intimate public house where craft struck craft beer nirvana at this Pub Bistro $$ 208 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills fat chips. Not being a mainstream Nick Davies’ craft beer list is also beer lovers unite. I was kept happy sensitively renovated Darlo pub Katsu Yachiyo (02) 9690 2424 yachiyo.com.au beer gal, I took it in with Czech with the pretty, hoppy (and locally that boasts 21 lagers, ales and ciders This tiny Devonshire Street spot is Japanese $$ exciting – offering bottled beers, like the pretty To Øl Eurodancer Cernovar ($4), and Ninth Island made) Grifter Edward Pale Ale on tap. Go the whole hog with a my current work lunch favourite, Pinot Noir ($32/bottle), which Tasting Paddle ($15/5 x 90ml), or let mostly because it manages to ($12/330ml) plus 20 on-tap options. ($6.00/middy), while my dining INNER WEST lasted into a better-than-average companion cooed over Apple Thief the barman triangulate you a beer transport you far from the 91 Evans Street, Rozelle pub dessert: a whopping slab of Cider ($9). The menu hit is Crab, - mine was a fruity Coopers Extra corporate grind. They have a sense The Welcome Hotel (02) 9810 1323 Prawn and Spinach Dumplings ($13), Strong Vintage Ale ($7.00/310ml). of generosity that sees a simple Ricotta Fritters ($14.50) dotted thewelcomehotel.com warm Chocolate Cake ($7) packing but there are enough bite-sized The menu rejuvenated my love for gozen lunch morphed into a with chocolate chips and drizzled Modern Australian, Seafood, Pub Bistro a clever chipotle punch. options - from Seafood and Kaffir pub classics, like moist Chicken degustation, with salad, miso soup, with warm apple blossom honey, $$$$ 68 Victoria Road, Rozelle Lime Sugarcane Skewers ($12) to Schnitzel Parma ($20) judiciously agedashi tofu and chawanmushi; and were the crowning glory on a Ruby L’otel (02) 9555 1900 rubylotel.com.au Shanghai Soup Dumplings ($10) coated with Napoli sauce, grilled that’s all before your actual lunch wonderfully unexpected pub meal, On a bleak winter’s night Ruby Pub Bistro $$$

14 EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

it is sexy; ditto watching him use more spherification The Sebel Pier One’s restaurant sits right on the to form the “olive” in your (well-balanced) Martini wharf’s edge, practically underneath the Harbour Magic ($21). What’s clever about his cocktails is taking Bridge. This means it’s perfectly placed for (sensible) something familiar, like a gin and tonic, and improving public transport options, with plentiful (timed) parking it: the Jellied G & T ($11) - basically a Hendrick’s gin spaces too. I popped in just as Executive Chef John and tonic jelly cube that fizzes on your tongue. A Slaughter was finalising his seasonal spring menu. whisker of LSD would improve it further; after all, the Luckily his 200g Grass Fed Beef Fillet with Café de bar (owned by Doug and his partner Georgie Dodds) Paris Butter and Duck Fat Chips ($30) is the kind of is called the Rabbit Hole! Similarly, offerings from dish that defies seasons. Stroking my urge to eat hot Chef Tomoyuki Usui’s kitchen take a Ferran-Adria-for- weather food, a trio of Pan-Seared Citrus Pepper beginners track; modernising familiar dishes like roast Scallops ($18) arrived on a bed of moist salted Rabbit Hole Bar cucumber ribbons with a pleasantly light dressing. It chicken and potato into Sous Vide Chicken Breast, ate well against a glass of Western Australian Swings Roast Thigh, Potato Puree, Crisp Potato Cubes, Potato & Dining Front and Roundabouts Chardonnay ($10) that carried Film and Passion Fruit ($32). (Despite how it reads, through nicely to Pan Fried Ocean Trout ($30). My “Pick it up, flip it over, try to catch the balls in your it’s friendly, filling and accessible.) Tiede Wagyu Tartare, nicely-cooked trout arrived on a slightly wintery mouth,” says Doug Laming with a cheeky grin. He’s tall, Onsen Egg and Truffle Meringue ($21) and the brulee- Restaurant lemon, parsley and squid risotto, but it’s hard to tattooed and handsome, and at only 26, a surprisingly style Strawberry Mousse ($19) (think: shortcake) You only have to glance at Watsons Bay on a sunny complain as you’re lapping up the unseasonably warm sophisticated molecular mixologist. The balls in dessert also generate smiles! day to see that we Sydneysiders are wedded to water rays while Sydney chefs scramble to keep up! question contain tequila, sugar syrup, and Cointreau, Basement Level, 82 Elizabeth Street, Sydney views. However after you spend an hour cruising The Sebel Pier One Sydney, 11 Hickson Road, Walsh and together with a lick of salt balanced upon a lime, (02) 8084 2505 rabbitholebar.com.au for a park, you might appreciate me pointing out a Bay (02) 8298 9999 sebelpierone.com.au they form Doug Laming’s Margarita ($12). Consuming Bar, Modern Australian, Cocktails $$$$ waterfront spot that slides quietly under the radar. Modern Australian $$$

ROCKS & CBD was my favourite. Hopefully this was just an off night, like Beer Braised Short Rib, Citrus feel, with multiple spaces to enjoy. from Shellharbour is delightful. Underground, 52 Martin Place, because local competitors Chat Gel, Pencil Leeks and Salted Beer Classier surrounds have seen a Throw in local booze – 2010 Délisse Sydney (0401) 52 32 52 Thai have set a high benchmark… Lollipop ($36). Leigh’s Honey Jack natural attrition toward folk more Cuttaway Hill Estate Chardonnay Thought has gone into every aspect delisse.com.au Regent Place, 486 Kent Street, Daniel’s Ice Cream, Chocolate interested in sipping Lychee Ginger ($40) grown less than 100km of the new Délisse flagship store’s Café, Breakfast $ Sydney (02) 9283 8686 Honeycomb, Raspberry Sorbet and and Elderflower Slings ($16) over away and Pigs Fly Apple and Pear Spanish Paella ($26.50) in one of the décor and produce selection, all Senyai senyai.com.au Salted Caramel Fudge ($16) is too Cider ($8.50) from Bowral (75km venue’s open-air courtyards. There’s the way down to a specially crafted By importing a waterfront Thai Thai $-$$ good to share. away) – and you have a South Coast coffee by Bay Coffee, meaning your house (which was slated for One Six Eight 6/168 Kent Street, Millers Point also pizza, like the quirky Hot, Sweet and Savoury ($12/$18/$23) adventure that’s well worth the trip. Latte ($3.50) will compliment your demolition) piece by piece in a Chef Leigh McDivitt (ex-3 Weeds) (02) 7900 4857 with leg ham, crème fraîche, corn, Design your own-shared meal from shipping container, Senyai have first solo venture gives diners the onesixeightrestaurant.com.au morning croissant. The Ham and mint, provolone and jalapenos - a short list that includes Clyde River created a bit of magic tucked opportunity to make business Cheese Sandwich ($9.50) – which Modern Australian $$$$ made in a ground-floor kitchen Oysters ($12/4), Seared Scallops down the back of Regent Place. lunches a bit more exciting, of course means baguette – uses where you can also get takeaway to ($12) with house-made (hot) sambal imported French bread that is The long narrow cottage is stuffed with whimsical dishes like Duck GREATER SYDNEY eat on the beach. and moist Swordfish Belly ($18) chewy and flavoursome, even in a with a riotous visual feast of Thai Prosciutto ($18) with octopus, 27 The Corso, Manly with sweet soy and pickled apple. moister Tarragon Chicken Sandwich memorabilia, from advertisements broccoli and shaved duck yolk on a The Ivanhoe Hotel (02) 9976 3955 Even the bread comes from Berry ($9.50) incarnation. Package deals to cabinets full of knickknacks and blood orange cloud. At night there’s With alcohol-fuelled violence ivanhoehotelmanly.com.au Woodfired Sourdough just 73km remove the guilt by making a products. My meal wasn’t quite as plenty of 4-hour parking plus the plaguing Manly, this pub undertook Pub Bistro $$-$$$ cake selection mandatory. Café wow-worthy, with an errant but option of a 6-course Tasting Menu a total renovation by Paul Kelly, the Flanagans Dining Room away. Gourmand ($6) offers your caffeine tasty entrée of Betel Leaf Prawn ($70/head). It’s full of hits like Fried man responsible for The Bourbon Sitting facing a straight golden surf Thirroul Beach Promenade, The fix with two bite-sized selections ($4/each) arriving after my Crispy Green Tomato ($15) with hay- and The Oaks. The resulting airy, beach in a gently renovated 1940s Esplanade, Thirroul (02) 4268 1598 from the gleaming rows of pastries Fish ($29) main that lacked the smoked goats cheese and tasting modern hotel has a whitewashed beachside kiosk eating from a menu flanagansdiningroom.com.au – the rustic lemon meringue pie balance I’m used to in Thai cuisine. portions of the wilder combos, and gently weathered Hamptons focused on locally caught seafood Seafood $$

like the refreshing Ginger Ninja ($16) FOOD NEWS BAR FLY By Rebecca Varidel with lemongrass and Aperol, and the spicy Dragons Breath ($17), or the tongue in October is rammed with events to invigorate the cheek offering Love You Long Time ($17). most jaded of palates. My interest has been piqued by While the theme is a little kitsch, the food is Omnivore running from the 3rd-6th October. It’s the authentic. Prawn and Chive Gow Gee ($11) French group’s first foray into Australia, and the festival and Sesame Prawn Rolls ($10) are the best has a focus on young cuisine. They’re bringing in a host of this side of Dixon Street. The mains are a international talent, like Samoan-born Michael Meredith, fusion of Asian cuisines, with Malay, Thai and to collaborate with our own cutting edge chefs - including Nonya all making appearances. Standout is Ross Lusted, Hamish Ingham, Pasi Petanen and Daniel the Nonya Curry ($17), a classic Malay dish, delicious in its perfect balance of creaminess, Puskas. The program includes both masterclasses and sweetness and spice. Disappointing are the meals. I’ll be heading down to see the (rather handsome) Dragons Den Food Viet Rolls ($10), spilling over with sauce on Michael Meredith in action with Hamish Ingham at The the inside and served with a second garlic-y Woods ($85/head); Ross Lusted’s Masterclass ($45/half & Wine Bar dipping sauce – which probably would have day pass); and the all-star Omnivorous Party ($80/head) sufficed. Duck Pancakes ($18) are DIY and on Saturday 5th October too. Buy tickets quickly, these By Alex Harmon very tasty, but a tad overpriced for four little events will sell out… A new Asian tapas cocktail bar in the vein of Mamasan parcels. It is however a great place for lazily starting www.omnivore.com has emerged on Bondi Road. Although the darkness your weekend, then rolling down the hill to enjoy this inside suggests late night cocktails, the weekend yum endless summer. cha from 12pm-4pm also lures in curious passers 227 Bondi Road, Bondi (02) 9365 5110 by. I’m a sucker for no-fuss a la carte yum cha and dragonsdenbondi.com the Den does it well. Cocktails are Asian-inspired Asian, Yum Cha, Cocktails $-$$ UPSTAIRS

$ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30 AT THE BANK “Hardly stir it to enjoy the smoke,” my namesake EASTERN SUBURBS lots of Greek options. End the night of artfully arranged driftwood had confided from the other side of the bar with a with Wine Poached Pear ($16) been converted into an impromptu wink. Although the only real mirror was behind Anatoli combining custard, semolina and dining area in the white Donna the upstairs back bar, fellow redhead Rebecca and I Anatoli offers up elegant Greek caramelised almond. It’s a cute and Hay style space. Food takes a while discovered we have a lot in common. We don’t get food in a fine dining setting inside tasty dessert offering many textures so settle in for beers, ciders and hangovers! Hello. And we both have a preference The Eastern hotel. Pork Cutlet on one spoon. Mantra Chardonnay ($13/glass). The for a smoky Scotch. Then there’s the Rob Roy. ($30) comes with a side of Level 1, The Eastern, 500 Oxford buzzer system means your entrée Snap. So, as I’m sometimes apt to do, I handed my moussaka that should be a dish Street, Bondi Junction of Sydney Rock Oysters ($23/6) trust over the bar, and she delivered. Bobby Burns: unto itself. Team it with the healing (02) 9387 7828 arrives with the mains of DIY Fish Ardbeg or Talisker, sweet vermouth and Benedictine. powers of a Rosemary Mule ($17) anatolirestaurant.com.au Tacos ($21) and Beer Battered Fish Winner. From the list: try a Mid-West Sour ($16) and Taramasalata ($10). Whole Greek $-$$ & Chips ($24). They were both a or Madagascar Manhattan ($17). Make sure to mop Artichoke ($10) swimming in lemon Watsons Bay Hotel little lacklustre, bested by a bowl of them up with duck sausage rolls or devilled eggs. butter was messy but enjoyable; Perched on Sydney’s South Head, Char-Grilled Split Corn on the Cob Sorry guys: with all-girl band She Rex playing live, it in contrast, showing Greek food’s this hotel certainly is popular, with ($8), so it’s hard to recommend. was our night - it was a feminine full moon, after all. versatility, Bonito with White 1500 other people also enjoying 1 Military Road, Watsons Bay (02) 324 King Street, Newtown (02) 8568 1900 Anchovy ($25) is light and summery. lunch on the day I dined. This 9337 5444 watsonsbayhotel.com.au upstairsatthebank.com.au The wine list is pages long, with meant even a re-purposed table Pub Bistro $$-$$$

15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

we asked him ‘What’s that you’re singing?’ and we sang along. Before you knew it, he asked us ‘if I write it will you record it? Of course I VILLAGE PEOPLE said ‘Yes’. The timing was perfect.” A MURDER IS Many musical acts throughout the years cannot boast an extensive Perfect timing that also included the enlisting of Broadway regular career. Line-up changes, shifts in popular culture trends and even Jim Newman who donned a plethora of flannel and denim in his role the mundanity of low funds can often spell disaster to longevity. as the iconic Cowboy. ANNOUNCED However, New York boogie-instigators Village People prove they are Line-up solidified, these guys intend to send the crowd into a hip- by no means close to slowing down. swinging frenzy at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre in what will be their One thing is for certain - “A huge responsibility rests upon The Village People solidified their place in musical history with everyone loves a good murder the head of anyone who portrays thirty-sixth year of touring. disco-reverberating anthems, including Macho Man, In The Navy and “The secret to our longevity is our audiences around the world. mystery, and that’s exactly what her – purely because she is an Go West, as well their memorable and often imitated stage attire. audiences will be getting with icon of the genre by her longevity. The day they go away is the day we hang up our hats and uniforms!” However, it was one song that etched them into the collective (CD) Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Playing a female amateur detective consciousness forever - one simple tune that is so darn catchy it is Announced. who wins ‘every time’ with her Oct 12, Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $115- played at every retro nightclub and party to this day - the immortal 129, 9550 3666, ticketek.com.au “A murder mystery gives us the unusual, often comical devices, is YMCA. It earned the Cop, Native American, Sailor, Construction opportunity to prove how clever a challenge set by not only Agatha Worker, Cowboy and Biker a cult-like following on a worldwide we can be to solve a murder Christie,” explains Farr. scale, with claims that the group had finally given disco a face unlike long before police or detectives; Agatha Christie’s A Murder is any other - they had become the ‘Kings of disco’. it gives us a chance for one- Announced will bring the inner “If memory serves correct it was Rolling Stone Magazine that upmanship,” explains acclaimed detective out in everyone, and coined that, along with a caricature drawing,” reminisces Felipe actress Judi Farr, who will be according to Farr you can’t ask Rose, who has maintained his place as the original Native American playing the role of Miss Marple. for much more. character within the group since its inception in the 1970s. “A man on the run, guilty or not, “Mystery, suspense, and a lot of “It’s nice to look back in time… [We had a] good time on stage, Cobbett Aaron Photo: really takes our imagination away fun, what more can one ask from difficult and hectic at times, but overall great! But I’m the type of from the mundane.” an evening in the theatre?” (AH) guy that looks to the future.” Farr is very aware of the duty that Sep 27- Oct 27, Sydney What a bright future it still is, 25 years have passed since the release comes with playing such an iconic Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, of that toe-tapping, arm-flailing brilliance. The group formed a strong character in the murder mystery Walsh Bay, $95-110, 9250 1999, bond with Harry W. Casey of funk kings KC and the Sunshine Band genre. sydneytheatre.org.au through touring and Casey was an incredible asset to the Village People’s new single Let’s Go Back to the Dance Floor. “There was no plan going into it,” Rose confesses. “It was very organic how it happened, Harry was singing a hook and Photo: James Morgan Photo: QUAY TO THE CITY Aunty Donna Curated by Janice Muller, the for this one as the larrikins For a bunch of zany former art- based quartet will unleash Australian Theatre for Young run you through their old school students, Aunty Donna their absurdist and sexually- People (atyp) celebrate their stomping ground where they seems a fittingly bizarre name suggestive sketch comedy fiftieth anniversary by inviting robbed and assaulted civilians for a comedy troupe. during two self-titled shows at you to attend a walking tour and police. This is a poignant The title was inspired by their their Sydney Fringe Festival debut. of theatrical performances in and well-orchestrated childhood judo teacher’s aunt, They arrive after sold-out historical locations along The window into the early days of group member Broden Kelly seasons at the Melbourne Rocks. colonial history. As audiences explains. International Comedy Festival Juxtaposed against the navigate through haunted “We thought if we want to be a and as People’s Choice winners contemporary architecture of alleyways, cobbled streets, and funny group we should name it at the 2012 Melbourne Fringe the Harbour, these talented nineteenth century houses, after a funny person.” Festival. young actors pay homage to the performances evoke a true “She died during a judo lesson With influences like Monty Sydney’s colourful nineteenth sense of the intriguing past while we were practicing Python, WWE wrestling and century past. It’s a past we which is too often hidden by forward rolls,” adds troupe their high school SRC, it’s hard often forget about, when the modern-day landscape of mate Mark Bonanno. to say for certain just what the Rocks were inhabited by The Rocks.(SC) Joined by Adrian Dean and Sydney audiences are in for. wharfies, freed convicts, and Until Oct 5, atyp pop-up Zach Ruane, the Melbourne- “You’ll see a bit of Ministry the infamous gang the Miller’s box office, 140 George St, of Silly Walks, Point Push, who terrorised Sydney, $15-25, NB this is a interrupted by a The Rocks for two decades walking/climbing/exploring clothesline or a from the 1870s. tour, 9270 2400, choke-slam,” says Participants need to be fit atyp.com.au Kelly. “Followed by a monologue that encapsulates leadership,” adds Bonanno. (EJ) Sep 27 & 28, The Factory Floor, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, $22, auntydonna.com

Arts Editor: Leigh Livingstone Contributors: 16 STAGE Alastair Wharton, Alex Britton, Alexandra English, Alexis Talbot-Smith, Music Editor: Chris Peken Andrew Hodgson, Angela Stretch, Anita Senaratna, Cheryl Northey, 18 SCENE Live Music Editor: Chelsea Deeley Craig Coventry, Emily Jones, Gavin Fernando, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, James Harkness, Joseph Rana, Katie Davern, Katie Mayors, 20 SOUNDS Leann Richards, Lena Zak, Lisa Ginnane, Luke Cox, Luke Daykin, Lyndsay Kenwright, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Mel Somerville, 21 SCREEN For more A&E stories go to Michelle Porter, Nerida Lindsay, Nick Hadland, Paul Gregoire, Ruth a&e www.altmedia.net.au Fogarty, Sam Crassweller, Suzy Wrong, Tom Wilson 17 MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR It is widely regarded that Michael Jackson was (and After Jackson’s untimely death in 2009 Cirque reached for some always will be) the undisputed King of pop. out to the estate and they agreed to put the show He was a creative genius who pioneered impressive together. Jackson’s family have attended and Farmer says advances in music production, created gravity-defying they were overjoyed by the outcome of the production. dance moves, and was always trying to better his self “The show is built in such a way that it really honours both musically and personally, as well as encouraging Michael,” she says. humanity to ‘heal the world’. “In the excitement of the show you keep waiting for It makes sense that the innovative Cirque du Soleil him to take the stage, the only piece missing is when be the ones to take on the official task of celebrating he’s going to enter.” LLC I.P., Cirque-Jackson Photo: Jackson’s huge life and music with their visual feast - Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour is not just for Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour. hard-core fans, although there will be some hidden General stage manager and collaborator on the gems for those that truly worshipped the entertainer. creation of this spectacular show, Seanne Farmer “You can expect to see an amazingly dynamic show that says that Jackson was a fan of the immensely popular is filled with the best of the best.” entertainment company. Farmer continues, “The music itself is magnanimous, it’s “[Michael] would frequently make these under the just a thriving, pumping show.” (LL) radar trips to Las Vegas to see the shows and tour Sep 26-29, Allphones Arena, Edwin Flack Ave, backstage. It was always part of his goals to collaborate Sydney Olympic Park, $89-189, 132 849, with Cirque and do a show someday.” ticketek.com.au SUPER DISCOUNT FAULTY TOWERS It may be titled Super Discount, but Back to I just don’t know how they did it,” he says Back Theatre’s inventive new production plans cryptically. THE DINING EXPERIENCE to deliver a first-rate comic experience as it “It’s just so fragile and beautiful, but also just Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up a three- premieres this month. so odd. You would never believe that someone course meal – complete with lashings of The convention-breaking ensemble, which would think to make this thing.” (EJ) chaos and mayhem. Sure, you won’t get has been working with actors with perceived Until Oct 19, Wharf 1 Theatre, Pier views of strolling wildebeest but you do get disabilities for 25 years, is teaming up with 4/5 Hickson Rod, Walsh Bay, $30-65, the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Theatre Company and Malthouse sydneytheatre.com.au Touring worldwide for the past 15 years and Theatre to challenge with a residency in London’s West End, Faulty audiences to think Towers The Dining Experience arrives at the differently about disability. Sydney Opera House - bringing one icon to “It’s about representation, another. Fully immersive and interactive, the specifically about disability fourth wall is removed allowing Basil, Sybil representation and the Busby Jeff Photo: and Manuel to bounce off the audience – power play of assuming you almost literally - as they dine. can speak on someone’s Only partially scripted, the antics can lead behalf,” says actor David anywhere depending on where the actors Woods. and diners decide to take it. The laughter Super Discount opens with a begins as guests wait to be seated and room of fictional characters doesn’t let up until the cheese platters as they audition for the are cleared away - hopefully without any chance to play real-life ‘Siberian hamsters’. actor Mark Deans in a Affectionately inspired by the John Cleese superhero role. Taking on BBC series from the mid-seventies, the confronting ideas of agency original scripts aren’t used, hence the ‘faulty’ and empowerment, the play spelling. Artistic director Alison Pollard says, will be buoyed by surprising “I didn’t want people to think they were humour. getting the original so I spelt it differently.” A “mind-boggling” visual The Sydney cast features Paul O’Neil (Basil), sequence, painstakingly Karen Hamilton (Sybil) and co-creator Andy choreographed by Antony Foreman (Manuel). Hamilton will startle Stay away from the waldorf salad and audiences, says Woods. definitely don’t mention the war. (GW) “There is something in this Sep 24-29, Sydney Opera House, show that I did not think Bennelong Point, $139-189, 9250 7777, was physically possible and sydneyoperahouse.com.au

THEATRE & Timor-Leste, the hope is that elements and “breathtaking” Schmitz takes the path of a light- Theatre. (HC) spirited protagonists defy PERFORMANCE Doku Rai becomes a beacon of vaudevillian moments will hearted whodunit play. The vibe Until Sep 28, Bondi Pavilion traditions and escape their light for other productions in its typify Gaul’s execution of the is vaudevillian and the characters Theatre, 1 Queen Elizabeth Drive, suffocating world of wealth. DOKU RAI promises to be country to follow. (AH) play, to be held in a completely aboard the 1925 luxury liner Bondi Beach, $25-40, However, Williams insists rough, raw and full of chaos. Until Sep 28, Carriageworks, reconfigured Tap Gallery. Empress of Australia are over- 1300 241 167, rocksurfers.org romance will still anchor the play “I think what’s really great 245 Wilson St, Redfern, With a cast including Thomas the-top. ROMEO AND JULIET as it has across the centuries. about this work is that it’s $35, carriageworks.com.au Campbell, Branden Christine, The dialogue is full of charming Following his STC debut “In this hyper-superficial part performance & theatre, Philip Dodd, Nicolas Hope and turns of phrase and quips but with last year’s Under Milk PENELOPE It’s not your universe…they meet each part rock concert, part visual Arky Michael, director Kate soon things take a disturbing Wood, 27-year-old co-resident average retelling of Homer’s other and strike up an authentic art installation and part East Gaul says she is excited to bring twist, and eventually the stage is director Kip Williams leads a Timorese fairytale,” explains epic, The Odyssey. Walsh’s richly textured script to full of screams and crimson as a talented young cast and crew connection,” says Williams. Carriageworks director Lisa Written by critically-acclaimed Sydney audiences for the first murderous rampage takes place. in the production, with Eryn “There’s something eternal Havilah. Irish playwright Enda Walsh, time. (EJ) Not for the faint of heart, Jean Norvill in her first STC about that idea of love at first Doku Rai is full of variety as it Penelope tells the story of four Until Oct 6, Tap Gallery Upstairs Empire: Terror on the High Seas appearance as Juliet and Dylan sight.” (EJ) attempts to merge traditional suitors, aged in their 50s, who Theatre, 278 Palmer St, explores the horrors of war and Young as Romeo. Until Nov 2, Drama Theatre, Sydney and contemporary culture. have vied for the love of an Darlinghurst, $33, sirentheatreco.com Victorian times, with fantastic Williams’ interpretation Opera House, $50-$95, Being the first international ageless Penelope for 30 years. EMPIRE: TERROR ON costuming at the perfect explores darker themes of (02) 9250 1777, production to come out of Darkly humorous farcical THE HIGH SEAS from Toby backdrop of the Bondi Pavilion rebellion and chaos as the sydneytheatre.com.au

18

THE NAKED CITY OEUVRE D’ART ESCARGOT! TALKING THROUGH YOUR ARTS MCA’S YOKOJOBS CAMPAIGN “Never be embarrassed by anything you do,” states an improv thirty-second Youtube video. The job criteria requires a bit-part hag from the New York Reality TV School. A higher educational description on who they are, a micro-retelling on their favourite facility where students are rigorously trained to become exciting artwork, and a pin-prick of role-playing out their experience in confident members of reality shows by superseding expectations service-driven roles. With a casting disclosure that the MCA of cast-mates and audience. reserves the right to use for promotion any video as part of the It was in 2009 when the school’s doors were opened and I Yokojobs campaign. chatted to the founder Robert Galinsky for radio. The school Any potential employee might be considered for the possible qualifies people to develop a lack of self-awareness on camera ‘show’, which I guess would mean a spot on a reality ‘show’. (AS) with an opening lesson on dancing unselfconsciously to camera War Is Over! (if you want it), Nov 15-Feb 23, Museum of while someone dosy-does insults. Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks, $32, Galinsky himself has been quoted as describing his learning mca.com.au experience as “an uber-meta-circular-[expletive] of camera-seducing, cast-seducing viewer”. You may recall the white-heeled Jerry Seinfeld, from the sitcom classified as being a show about nothing, well, Galinsky built an entertainment school out of nothing by emailing an advertisement to hundreds of reality TV wannabes. Within two weeks he matriculated Boardman Brett Photo: 28 hopeful nobodies wanting to be ‘somebody’ screen stars by learning to be more like themselves. Fast forward to the present day and we can circle an advertisement introduced by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) who pose us the question, “Want to be part of something BIG?” MCA are seeking “enthusiastic, bright, bubbly, art-lovers with a superior sense of customer service.” The twenty-something positions are for Visitor Service Officers for the major survey exhibition running from the end of the year through to By Coffin Ed, Miss Death & Jay At the time the psychedelic moo-cows February 2014 called War is Over! (if you want it) Katz quickly became a security risk and we by Yoko Ono. seem to recall at least one case of ‘cow- The potential new recruits are to submit their The annual Art & About Sydney napping’, not to mention numerous wanna-do applications by selling themselves in a event has descended upon our incidents of drunken weekend louts fine city and once again the attempting to ride the hapless bovines. average punter is probably It does however beg the question scratching their head in what security arrangements have been PASSION AND PASSION - ANDREAS SMETANA bewilderment, wondering what made to safeguard the whopping 100kg Passion and Passion, an exhibition resigned to his fate, waiting for it’s all about. Last year the festival snails, especially during the late night of photographs by Andreas the landscape to consume him? saw the erection of a typical hours when the hoons and ram-raiders Smetana is a study in duality, Each picture creates a similar suburban home outside the Hyde normally run amok? iconography and realism. paradox. Separate, yet part Park Barracks. Inside there was a No doubt the city’s extensive network Smetana placed half-clad men of the whole, the translucent constant rainfall and you needed of surveillance cameras will come into and women in a transparent covering both protects and to put on a raincoat just to brave play and maybe a ‘Snail Attack’ swat plastic cross and captured exposes the vulnerable body this walk-through drenching team will be on standby at the Town them in a variety of urban and within. experience. Hall, ready to go to the rescue of any bucolic settings. The effect is a These depictions are intriguing, striking mixture of expanse and intellectually challenging and At the time, the irony of the city’s installation under attack. The Lord constraint. oddly beautiful. They ponder homeless continually dealing with the Mayor Clover Moore is already on Passion and Passion 3 shows an infinite possibilities and are a winter rain as they slept rough, did not record as stating “These giant snails Aboriginal man with his arms quest to reconcile the opposing escape us. We would have loved to have will bring a sense of fun, culture and outstretched, framed against an forces of nature and man. (LR) seen the costly prefab house moved to creativity to our city,” and it would be endless red plain spotted with Until Sep 29, Black Eye Walla Mulla park in the ‘Loo to become a major international embarrassment spinifex and dust. His hands Gallery, Suite 3, 138 emergency accommodation but sadly if one or two were to go missing (later are raised in supplication. Is he Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, it disappeared as quickly as it was first resurfacing at a certain dinosaur park in begging for freedom, or perhaps, Free, blackeyegallery.com.au erected. Queensland). ‘Passion and Passion’ by Andreas Smetana Oh well, after all, we are talking about Personally the snails are a bit too ‘art’ and who are we to criticise this Disneyesque for our liking, a bit like slab of cultural largesse funded by the the giant yellow ducky that graced ANSEL ADAMS - PHOTOGRAPHY public purse when it brings joy to the the Sydney Festival earlier this year. faces of small kiddies and yet another We would have clearly opted for FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA photo-op for a busload of Chinese something a bit more edgy, out there, Any excuse to have an Ansel Adams the exhibition also showcases images tourists. challenging and uniquely homegrown exhibition is a good one. The National that even the most devoted followers of Take the Snailovation installations for – maybe a giant funnel-web spider or a Maritime Museum’s decision to host the figurehead’s work won’t have seen example, which feature some twenty- humongous illuminated redback ready the otherwise loosely linked concept before. four mega molluscs, spread around to scare the daylights out of any late- of Adams’ photographs with water in Despite the watery theme, there is the city and billed as “an inspiring night acid tripper. them, is forgivable. Indeed it is warmly a wide selection of works on show. reminder of the importance of We can’t quite see the relevance of welcomed by photography buffs The full range of Adams’ repertoire everywhere. is demonstrated, as well as his love environmental awareness and action”. snails as “an inspiring reminder of Adams is a hugely iconic figure for of working with difficult light, his eye The luridly coloured gastropods, which the importance of environmental photographers. He is renowned for for composition and detail, and the have already done the rounds of the awareness and action”. Let’s face it, being a pioneer and for developing many masterful ability that has earned him the overseas art circuit and would not look you either eat them, l’esgargot style, techniques, styles and philosophies that respect of generations of artists. (LC) out of place at Clive Palmer’s dinosaur or you detest them - and given the shaped modern photography. Until Dec 8, National Maritime park, are a variation of the brightly latter there’s no greater pleasure than The exhibition includes many of his Museum, 2 Murray St, Darling painted fibreglass cows that dotted the crunching one of the slimey suckers most famous works, Yosemite National Harbour, Free, streets of Sydney some years ago. underfoot! Park and The Tetons are covered, but anmm.gov.au/anseladams

20 TAYLOR AND Louis London are a Sydney band who’ve been hard Getaway Plan or similar melodic hardcore, albeit with THE MAKERS - at work in the studio after receiving attention from much softer, less abrasive tones. With mellow organs, GYPSIES FLEE taste-makers FBi and Triple J for their debut EP On clean reverbed guitars, and subdued snares, it sounds A concoction Your Lips We Roared. more wholesome and inclusive, with the particular of introspective A strength of the band is lead singer Ed Saloman’s style of climactic build that Louis London does so folk melodies vocals. They are similar to the tone of Jeff Buckley and well. and riotous Matt Corby, rich and strong with occasional peons of This Night Time was recorded in a fly-fishing shack O’Donnell Ted Photo: rocking, Gypsies pure, hard-hitting falsetto. near Jindabyne, and Saloman says this relaxed setting Flee is a remarkable debut album. Songs When asked about the band’s musical influences, affected their sound. like Brothers, Silly Old Man and Mervyn’s Saloman says the band all have varied tastes. “I think the whole week was a pretty cool experience. Compass are stirring, soulful and injected “It’s hard to pin down in terms of specific bands, We were fairly isolated and spaced out...The with overwhelming optimism, tunes such however, more broadly I’d say we lean towards bands drumming rim-clicks was a bit of a breakthrough... I as Strangers Heart and #26 are fast-paced who create a big and emotive sound… not so much think it’s a pretty earthy sound in comparison to the and compel listeners to move. The album stadium rock, or anthemic rock. usual high-hat back beats that you get. Then when you is raw, yet polished, and leaves you with “We really dig the Foals-Maccabees-Bombay Bicycle add the main guitar riff, the whole song took a slightly an itching to experience the sounds in Club UK vibe, but then also some slightly more different turn from what we were expecting.” a euphoric live setting. Standout songs traditional rock bands like Turin Brakes and Young the Louis London are keen to keep writing, recording are the liberating anthem City Limits, with Giant. Simultaneously, I can say that we’re very much and touring “as much as the public and industry will its honest, sing-along inducing lyrics and closing in on a more groove-based vibe too - Nick, allow” and are looking at “the possibility of heading closing track The Feckless Feud which Jack and Karl are all very solid jazz and R’n’B musos.” over to the States for a couple of months to give it turns almost heavy rock in its chugging The variety in stylistic backgrounds is evident, that a nudge over there,” following the end of their local angry riffs and vocal anarchy. (CD) aforementioned groove is clearly heard in Go Quietly, tour. (HC) while the tropical and triumphant Old LA from their Sept 28, Upstairs Beresford, 354 Bourke St, Surry first EP flits around to Beach Boys-style backing Hills, Free, 9240 3000, upstairsberesford.com.au; OCEAN vocals, wails and drum builds. Structurally and lyrically Oct 8, Jurassic Lounge, Australian Museum, 6 LOUIS LONDON PARTY - SPLIT their latest track This Night Time brings to mind the College St, Sydney, $16, jurassiclounge.com Surfer Rock has never been From The Other Side, a song shelter of a Queensland House with the simply done a greater Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE oozing with that classic living room. With their disservice.Split amazing sound of their own Dragon: For a band famed Swervedriver: Maybe one Mob, get set for a ruckus! sound that captured the debut studio album takes a surfer reincarnations of some for epic songs of rock of the only chances you Fri, Sep 27th, The Metro loyalty of a thriving fan Riverbank working its way sounding guitar classical gems. Under their and roll debauchery, it’s have to hear the revered Theatre base. into the musical conscious and mixes it not often they decide to album Raise in its entirety. talented conductor Fengde Tumbleweed: Wollongong Sat, Sep 28th, The Annandale of their loyal fans, it will be with a bedroom records style. The result completely strip back all Since its release back in wreckers Tumbleweed Liu, these young men and Hotel a night to test drive their they have created. However, 1991, Swervedriver have have had a solid couple of women will play a blend of will make eyeballs drop out of heads new material as well as it wont be a problem for only grown with songs decades in their stoner- The Rusty Datsuns: well-known masterpieces with boredom. The lyrics are uninspired Formed at the tragic hear some old favourites. Auckland formed foursome such as Son of a Mustang rock glory. After an amazing and traditional Chinese and run along the unvarying theme of occurrence of the 2011 Sun, Sep 29th, Union Hotel, being a spoilt hipster with a drug habit. Dragon, as they take the Ford creating moments opportunity touring with music, including Ode to Red sounds from various points of pure riff-rawness that legends of grunge Nirvana Brisbane floods, The Rusty Newtown Likewise there is no noticeable variation Datsuns are folk-masters Beijing Golden Sail Flag and the theme music in the guitar. Just the same thing over and in their stellar career and sound as fresh as the day on their only Australian of The Magnificent Seven. lay them bare throughout they were created. This tour, these guys have since with the finger-picking Symphony Orchestra: over in every song. Unfortunately the edge. They enrapture every For one night only, the A night of beautiful notes production’s low budget has not been their tour of the Southern night will be a chance to built on their success Hemisphere. The guys will hear an abundance of other through their iconic sound audience member, shining eclectic members that and sounds that may not be compensated for by clever mixing and be on form to strum out classics from pivotal points and sporadic releases. their finely strummed make up the Beijing Golden heard again in Sydney for charismatic performances. (LC) classic tunes such as Show preceding their disbanding Their new single Mountain ukuleles and guitars over Sail Symphony Orchestra quite some time. (CD) Danny Across The Water. in 1998. With support from is due to be released from the perfect harmonies that will grace the noble halls Tue,Oct 1st, Sydney Opera Thu, Sep 26th, Lizottes, Dee Why Charlie Horse and Greta the latest album Sounds were first realised in the of the Sydney Opera House STORIES WE TELL Stories We Tell is a Canadian the polar opposite of her, was TIM WINTON’S documentary film by acclaimed perhaps one of the best and writer/director Sarah Polley. worst things Diane ever did. THE TURNING The story follows the life of Funny, touching and tragic, the Tim Winton’s The Turning is short stories into big screen Polley’s mother, Diane - an story of Diane’s life is based simply a masterpiece. This is adaptations. actress, wife, and all-round on interviews with those that a collection of short stories, It is a magical journey that whirlwind of a personality. knew her best - friends, family, each helmed by a different takes the audience through the Described by one of Diane’s lovers. Diane died when Polley director but wound together maze of life and the complex friends as “so far outside of was young and this film is in by Winton’s uniquely beautiful relationships, struggles, dreams herself, that sometimes there many ways a search for an writing. The Turning, although and emotions that humans was nothing inside”, Diane explanation of who she was. long, leaves audiences wanting endure. lived life by the seat of her (LG) coerced her into prostitution more. An experience not to be pants. Marrying Polley’s father, WWW LOVELACE at gun point. The idea for the film came missed. (NL) about a few years ago when WWWWW Lovelace is a low-budget Seyfried delivers a powerful director, producer biographical drama about performance in this sexually and screenwriter, infamous porn queen Linda explicit film which is camp Robert Connelly Lovelace who starred in Deep and contrived at times. Most decided to assemble Throat, the first scripted adult characters are clichéd and 17 Australian movie phenomenon which seem cartoonish. directors from allegedly inspired the sexual Lovelace is insightful and diverse artistic revolution of the 1970s. explores a porn star’s tortured disciplines to tell 17 Lovelace (Amanda Seyfried) world, her plight to escape Tim Winton stories. escaped her strict religious They were each upbringing only to marry pornography, the horrors of domestic violence, her given an open brief hustler Chuck Traynor (Peter and worked with desperation to take control Sarsgaard) who introduced their own crew to her into the seedy world of of her life and the suffocating turn Tim Winton’s pornography. Physically and need for redemption. (MM) iconically Australian mentally abusive, he later WWW

Australian version (Seinfield’s Julia Louis Dreyfus features in the PLANES American release) and this ensures ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US Planes is the Disney spinoff to the a character that stands out like a As expected, One Direction: This is Us features hit children’s movie franchise Cars sore thumb. hordes of screaming crazed teen banshees, and it lands just in time for the A feel-good film that will keep the stadiums that seat the populations of regional school holidays. kids entertained for a couple of Australian cities, charming English boyishness, Dusty (Dane Cook) is a crop- hours. (LL) and all those ubiquitous catchy pop songs in dusting plane with a fear of heights WWW 3D. and a crazy dream of Directed by Morgan Spurlock of Super Size competing in a famous Me fame, One Direction does the same thing around-the-world aerial the Justin Bieber documentary did by making race. pop superstar puppets seem likeable and Planes flies under the down-to-earth. DisneyToon banner as Whether this is a genuine portrayal or opposed to the usual Pixar whether the guys are spoon feeding the collaboration and contains sweet lines about their fans and mums and a lot of the same successful then going off to be less wholesome without elements as Cars but the the cameras, is not clear. Pixar production is missed, One Direction weaves live performances making this a standard through behind-the-scenes footage, lots of animation. fangirls, and their rise to fame. It is more In a move to localise appeal enjoyable than non-1D fans may think but Jessica Marais (Packed to only if you can handle a cinema full of giggles. the Rafters) voices the (HC) role of Rochelle in the WW½

R.I.P.D Nick Walker (Ryan growing inside Chloe’s chest. been cheated by his enemy – of unlikable misfits through the without too many twists and her in equal measure. Reynolds) is dead and is given a Michel Gondry tackles Boris the Necromongers – and left house of doom in this idiotic, turns, and with some hilariously This film will keep you choice, join the R.I.P.D (The Rest Vian’s cult surrealist novel, on a desolate planet to die. low budget and unoriginal quirky one-liners. It’s a must watch thinking days after you’ve in Peace Department) to hunt but text cannot always be The film once again has those F-grade feature, which should for any action-thriller fan. (JR) left the cinema. (TW) the evil dead, or be eternally translated to screen. sun-scorched planets common have been released straight to WWWW WWW½ damned as a crooked cop. Mood Indigo is beautiful and tragic, to the series, and Riddick DVD – or better, shelved. (MM) R.I.P.D is a light-hearted romp but there is something missing, a astoundingly manages to rampage WW BLUE JASMINE When her SALINGER is a feature-length with an interesting concept sense of hope that would allow past poisonous alien predators crook ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) documentary that looks into but poor execution. The cast is the dark to contrast with light. and two separate teams of WHITE HOUSE DOWN loses all their money and goes to the curious and controversial competent but the dialogue is Gondry seems to have invested gruesome mercenaries. (JR) Why did it take Hollywood so prison, Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), life of the infamous Catcher in a disgraced Upper East Side the Rye author J.D. Salinger. clichéd and the plot predicable. too much time in creating his WW½ long to bring back the basic socialite, moves to San Francisco The film covers everything from It’s not bad, but seems more absurdist world rather than formula that makes an action to live with her shelf-packing, gold- his childhood to a nervous suited to late night TV than adapting the book. (ATS) YOU’RE NEXT is a horror/ movie a classic? – Keep it simple. hearted sister (Sally Hawkins). breakdown and the post-traumatic WWW the big screen. (LR) comedy that will have film White House Down tells the story Blue Jasmine is hilarious, awkward stress caused by his time in WW2. WW buffs of this peculiar genre of macho Capitol Policeman and moving. Woody Allen once It also suggests Salinger to be less RIDDICK Just when unexplainably enjoying a John Cale (Channing Tatum) again works wonders with a of an unsociable recluse and more MOOD INDIGO Colin you thought Hollywood smorgasbord of brutal and who proves his skills when he perfectly balanced cast and of a PR genius wishing only to be (Romain Duris) meets and falls couldn’t get any cheesier. nauseating gore while laughing becomes the only man standing an emotive, original script. referenced to his work and never in love with Chloe (Audrey The third film in the Riddick at the twisted black humour. between the President and a Blanchett thrives while making to engage in celebrity status. Tatou). After a particularly quirky series tells the story of Richard Australia’s Sharni Vinson is group of ruthless mercenaries. Jasmine a complex, neurotic It’s worth a watch if you are marriage, their idyll is disrupted B. Riddick (Vin Diesel), a wanted wasted as the hero, a female This is what every action movie protagonist; you hate her, interested in this author. (LK) when a water lily is discovered outlaw and convict who has Rambo of sorts leading a bunch should be: straight-forward, love her and understand WWW

22 FREEWILLASTROLOGY by Rob Brezsny reckoning, Cancerian, you will soon be in the celebrate the “Sea-Parting Festival” by strolling the massive welfare benefits and tax breaks latter category. A big silence is settling over you back and forth along the temporary path. The the federal government has been doling out ARIES (March 21-April 19): I’ve got a good as new amusements and amazements rise up phenomenon has been called the “Korean to them all these years. Now picture this: The afeeling about your relationship with within you. It will be understandable if you feel version of Moses’ miracle,” although it’s more Pope issues a statement declaring that since intimacy in the coming weeks. Judging from reluctant to blab about them. They need more reasonably explained by the action of the tides. Jesus Christ never had a single bad word to the astrological omens, I think you will have a time to ripen. You should trust your impulse to I foresee some sweet marvel akin to this one say about homosexuals, the Catholic Church good instinct about how to drum up interesting remain a secret and a mystery for a while occurring in your life very soon, Libra. Be ready is withdrawing its resistance to gay rights. I fun with your most important allies. You’ll to take advantage of a special dispensation. am envisioning a comparable reversal in your just naturally know what to do to make your LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Insight is not a light life, Capricorn -- a flip-flop that seems equally collaborative efforts synergistic. So by all ebulb that goes off inside our heads,” says SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The desire improbable. But unlike the two I named, yours for revenge is a favorite theme of the means cash in on this potential. Don’t just sit author Malcolm Gladwell. “It is a flickering h will actually unfold in the course of the next back and hope for the best; rather, call on your entertainment industry. It’s presented as being candle that can easily be snuffed out.” Take eight months. If it hasn’t already started yet, it imagination to provide you with original ideas glamorous and stirring and even noble. How that as a constructive warning, Leo. On the one will soon. about how to make it all happen. hand, I believe you will soon glimpse quite a few many action films build their plots around the new understandings of how the world works and hero seeking payback against his enemies? AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Matteo Ricci TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Would you be what you could do to make it serve you better. Personally, I see revenge as one of the top was an Italian Jesuit priest who lived from bwilling to go to extraordinary lengths to On the other hand, you’ve got to be extra alert three worst emotions. In real life, it rarely has k transform aspects of your life that you have for these new understandings and committed redeeming value. People who actively express 1552 to 1610. For his last 28 years, he worked felt are hard to transform? Now would be a to capturing them the moment they pop up. it often wreak pain and ruin on both others and as a missionary in China. Corresponding with good time to do that. Luck will flow your way if Articulate them immediately. If you’re alone, themselves. Even those who merely stew in it his friends and family back home required a you work on healing your number one wound. talk to yourself about them. Maybe even write may wound themselves by doing so. I bring this lot of patience. News traveled very slowly. Unexpected help and inspiration will appear if them down. Don’t just assume you will be able up, Scorpio, because now is an excellent time Whenever he sent out a letter, he was aware you administer tough love to any part of you to remember them perfectly later when it’s more for you to shed desires for revenge. Dissolve that there’d be no response for seven years. that’s addicted, immature, or unconscious. convenient. them, get rid of them, talk yourself out of What would you express about your life right Barriers will crumple if you brainstorm about indulging in them. The reward for doing so will be now if you knew your dear ones wouldn’t learn new ways to satisfy your frustrated yearnings. a great liberation. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): After a storm, British of it until 2017? Imagine describing to them wildlife lover Gary Zammit found a baby in an old-fashioned letter what your plans will GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I bet your normal f SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Just for a heron cowering in a broken nest. Its parents paranoia levels will decline in the coming few days, would you be willing to put be between now and then . . . what you hope C were dead. Zammit took the orphan under his i weeks. Fears you take for granted won’t make your attention on the needs of others more to accomplish and how you will transform nearly as much sense as they usually seem wing. He named it Dude, and cared for it as it than on your own? The weird thing is, your yourself. Right now is an excellent time to take to. As a result, you’ll be tempted to wriggle grew. Eventually he realized that Dude was never selfish interests will be best served by being as inventory of your long-term future. free from your defense mechanisms. Useful going to learn to fly unless he intervened. Filling unselfish and empathetic and compassionate ideas that your mind has been closed to may his pockets full of the food that Dude loved, as you can stand to be. I don’t mean that PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The cosmos is suddenly tantalize your curiosity. I won’t be Zammit launched a series of flying lessons -- you should allow yourself to be abused or lgranting you a poetic license to practice surprised if you start tuning into catalysts that waving his arms and squawking as he ran along taken advantage of. Your task is to express the art of apodyopsis with great relish. You a flat meadow that served as a runway. Dude had previously been invisible to you. But here an abundance of creative generosity as you know what apodyopsis is, right? It refers to the imitated his human dad, and soon mastered the are my questions: Can you deal with losing the bestow your unique blessings in ways that act of envisioning people naked -- mentally motivational force that fear gives you? Will you art of flight. Can you see ways in which this story make you feel powerful. In the words of might have metaphorical resemblances to your undressing them so as to picture them in be able to get inspired by grace and pleasure theologian Frederick Buechner, you should go their raw state. So, yes, by all means, Pisces, rather than anxiety and agitation? I advise you own life, Virgo? I think it does. It’s time for your “to the place where your deep gladness and enjoy this creative use of your imagination to work hard on raising your trust levels. mind to teach your body an instinctual skill or the world’s deep hunger meet.” self-care habit that it has never quite gotten right. without apology. It should generate many fine CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Sometimes CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Imagine a ramifications. For instance, it will prime you to dpeople have nothing to say because LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): For four days jscenario like this: The CEOs of five crazily penetrate beneath the surface of things. It will they’re too empty,” writes author Yasmin gtwice a year, the East China Sea recedes rich U.S. corporations, including a major encourage you to see through everyone’s social Mogahed, “and sometimes people have to create a narrow strip of land between two defense contractor, stage a press conference to masks and tune in to what’s really going on in nothing to say because they’re too full.” By my Korean islands, Jindo and Modo. People announce that in the future they will turn down their depths. You need to do that right now.