 Feature — page 10  REVIEW — pages 11-14 Poverty An evening with and the Cat homeless Power

NUMBER one hundred and twenty-TWO FEBRUARY ’14 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Australian of the Year Adam Goodes When Australian rules football player (with the Sydney Swans) and anti-racism campaigner Adam Goodes was made 2014 Australian of the Year, this was his response: “Tonight I was honoured to be named 2014 Australian of the Year. I am deeply grateful to the many people who have inspired and supported me over a lifetime. This recognition is as much – if not more – about them as about anything I have achieved. “In this role, I expect I’ll be further humbled as I meet Australians from all across the country and all walks of life – and hear about their aspirations for our country. “There will be chances to reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead for our nation. One of those – which I feel passionately about – is the work being done to prepare for a referendum to recognise the first Australians in our Constitution and remove discrimination from it. “I’m proud to have been chosen for this honour. I’m also proud of the 40,000-plus years of history of my ancestors, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. And yet that impressive Australian story is still missing from Australia’s founding document. “What a great day it will be for our nation when we fix that historic exclusion.”

Adam Goodes Photo: Heath Bennett

Julie McCrossin a significant opportunity to promote the working towards a referendum to businesses, offering Qantas staff and as an Ambassador is part of a broad interests of Indigenous people. include Australia’s first peoples in travellers opportunities to experience range of partnerships Qantas has with Adam Goodes has long been engaged “Qantas has a longstanding the Constitution. “I’m a longstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous people, organisations and in various good causes. In what follows commitment to promoting reconciliation supporter of this recognition,” Goodes culture and using the airline’s unique supporters, including Reconciliation he talks with Julie McCrossin about between Aboriginal and Torres Strait told me. position to educate business partners Australia, the Yothu Yindi Foundation, his role as a Qantas Ambassador. Islander people and the broader As a Qantas Ambassador, Goodes and customers about Indigenous art, the Clontarf Foundation, the Australian community,” Goodes says. “It’s an is also pleased he will be helping the culture and excellence in education, Indigenous Education Foundation and Andyamathanha man and AFL honour for me to play an active part in national carrier to educate employees sport and the performing arts, as well Bangarra Dance Theatre. S champion, Adam Goodes has added engaging the public in their Indigenous and the public through the Qantas as broader Indigenous issues. Qantas Ambassador to his long list program.” Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The Qantas currently employs 355 Julie McCrossin’s radio interview with of high profile community activities. Goodes is also looking forward plan is all about providing employment Indigenous Australians. Goodes hopes Adam Goodes can be heard on Radio Q As a proud Aboriginal man, Goodes to working with Qantas to promote opportunities to Indigenous people, to help see that number increase. on all national and international Qantas believes this role with Qantas offers him the Recognise Campaign which is supporting Indigenous-owned The involvement of Adam Goodes flights from March to May 2014. 2 News February 2014

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Phone/fax 02 9319 1373 Proposed drunken The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. NEWS violence laws stir [email protected] Phone Lyn 0400 008 338

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MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3288 Joel Pringle Redfern NSW 2016 Leticia Cabral Satiro Luiz Photo: Claire Mahjoub On January 21 NSW Premier LETTERS Please send letters and emails to: Barry O’Farrell announced a suite of The South Sydney Herald. measures to address drunken violence Local crowned International Email: [email protected] in inner-Sydney entertainment Supply sender name and suburb. Size: 150 words or less. zones. This announcement followed Student of the Year We may edit for legal or other reasons. campaigns from the Sydney Morning other cultures, it’s adding to yourself Herald and News Ltd publications By Ada Lee FOUNDING EDITOR sparked by the recent tragedies because it’s something different, Trevor Davies (25.5.1956—14.6.2011) something that you don’t know,” she involving the deaths of young men. When 22 year-old Leticia said. “You don’t know much about Cabral Satiro Luiz first came to Parliament is set to be recalled early to your own culture until you compare Australia from Brazil to study at consider a package of legislative reforms, your culture with something else.” which could be in place by early 2014. the University of Sydney (USYD), In 2012, she helped organise a The proposed changes include blanket she was excited to meet people Photo: Thinkstock talent show for CET’s annual awards venue restrictions such as 1.30am of all different nations. It’s this lockouts and final drinks at 3am in ceremony, showcasing acts like Managing Editor FEATURES EDITOR enthusiasm that led to her being Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon an area broadly covering the CBD and club, was quoted on the website of Chinese folk dancing and a pipa music crowned the NSW International Kings Cross area, with exemptions for American magazine VICE questioning performance. She also volunteered Student of 2013. Barangaroo, Star Casino and some whether the lockouts would actually for Engineers Without Borders early tourist venues. Free busses will shuttle have stopped recent high-profile violent 2013, assisting in an event that revellers from Kings Cross to the CBD attacks. Leticia comes from a small rural encouraged Aboriginal and Torres on weekends. “The two main ones being talked town called Oliveira in Brazil. She However, the surprise move that has about that resulted in the death of two Strait Islander high school students left there when she was 16 years most alarmed civil liberties and law and young men were separate - one was to consider a career in engineering. NEWS EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR old to go to a selective school in the Lyn Turnbull Esther Butcher justice experts is the introduction of about 9pm and the other 10pm,” Mr She was rewarded for all her mandatory minimum sentences. Under Levins was quoted as saying. city before starting a mechanical work on October 10 last year when the proposals, a “one-punch” attack that “Nobody is going to a nightclub at engineering degree at Universidade StudyNSW and the NSW Department results in death will receive an eight-year 9pm, then leaving after getting shitfaced Estadual de Campinas. In July 2012, of Premier and Cabinet presented her mandatory minimum sentence, but only and knocking some poor kid out ... she received a Science Without where alcohol or drugs are involved. Some people have drinks with friends, with the NSW International Student Borders scholarship and left Brazil to The overall package received other people listen to music - these guys of the Year Award in the English mixed responses, with general [perpetrators of violence] go to the city study engineering in Australia. Language Intensive Courses for ASSISTANT EDITOR Proof reader acknowledgement about the impacts alone, get into a fight and go home. Upon arriving, language was the Louisa Dyce Miriam Pepper Overseas Students category. of violence, but questions about the “Goodgod and other venues like it most difficult hurdle. “I used to be USYD Pro-Vice-Chancellor, fairness and likelihood of success of rely on that late trade to turn a profit. DISTRIBUTION a good communicator but when I Professor Tyrone Carlin, says Ross Smith the laws. If they can’t support themselves under got here I couldn’t talk to people,” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover the new laws, The Dip won’t be able to CET nominated Leticia for her [email protected] she said. “You can’t understand Moore, a long-time campaigner for better stay open either.” ongoing commitment to building DESIGNER equipping Council to deal with venues Others are saying that alternative what a person is saying. It’s very stronger student communities and Robert Young www.theloop.com.au/rdfy that fail in their responsibility to address solutions need to be considered. frustrating.” her leadership skills in creating violence and drunkenness, welcomed Greens NSW transport spokesperson, She also recalled reluctance and opportunities for international PRINTER the actions, but called for improved Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC, has launched shyness among other international students to meet and integrate with Spotpress PTY LTD public transport. a community campaign calling on 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place students to cross cultural boundaries. Australian students. “On city streets late at night there are the government to re-instate 24-hour Marrickville, NSW 2204 “Many people have a strong tendency www.spotpress.com tens of thousands of people yet the last weekend trains cancelled in 1989 by the Leticia said her experience in train from Kings Cross leaves at 1.44am then Greiner government. Dr Faruqi also to stay with other people from their Australia has been “life changing”, REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS and the next is not until 5.14am. That’s expressed concern about the impacts on own nationality,” she said. But she enabling her to develop public “We gratefully acknowledge the many when numbers of people on the street entertainment precincts bordering the persisted in trying to bring different volunteer contributors and distributors speaking skills, empathy for who make this publication possible.” are at their peak and they’re frustrated lockout zone. cultures together. other nationalities and a better they can’t get home easily,” Cr Moore “The problems with mandatory Kieran Adair Caitlin McDonald She began giving speeches understanding of worldwide Adra Anthoney Isabel McIntosh said. sentencing are well established, but Alice Appel Barrie McMahon and leading forums at the Centre education systems. Returning Sandra Beeston Justine McNamara A campaign opposing the laws, called I think there are real risks associated Jack Butler Christine Morrow Save Our Nightlife, has sprung from with the government’s approach to for English Teaching USYD (CET), home late February, Leticia is now Laura Buzo Sarah Mulholland Joe Castley Lucy Munro Facebook and the group has already blanket lockouts and curfews in the encouraging students to join hoping to share what she’s learnt Liesa Clague Olivia Nigro organised one rally, with more planned. CBD, particularly for suburbs adjoining Lindsay Cohen Michael Page extracurricular activities and meet of Australia’s “good educational Todd Dagwell Victoria Pearson Michael Mackenzie-Shreenan, the lockout zone such as Newtown,” Dr Douglas Dingwall Elaine Pelot-Syron people from different countries. system” in order to improve Brazil’s Alex Fleming Miriam Pepper co-ordinator of an inner-Sydney Faruqi said. “When you get to know people from own system. S Georgia Flynn Jesse Peters community services organisation “The last thing we want is to see a Mathew Gilliland William Rivera Jemima Hall Michael Shreenan and a former Special Constable in his transfer of unsocial behaviour from Misa Han Libby Hogan Gai Smith native Scotland, thought that some of Kings Cross and the CBD to places Jess Hunt Andrea Srisurapon Lyndal Irons Rowan Taylor the measures where ill thought out and like King Street. Instead of shifting Julia Jacklin Kate Texilake likely to impact on innocent people. the problem, the government has to Brittany Johnson Michael Texilake Perry Johnstone Geoff Turnbull “We should remember that more address it at a root level, which includes JOSEPH MEDCALF FUNERALS Kelly Lane Charles Turnbull Ada Lee Marg Vazey people die daily through domestic comprehensive 24-hour public transport Providing personal care for the local community Qinling Li Chelsea Wallis violence, suicide and drug overdoses, and holding licensees accountable for Rebecca LeMay Angelique Watkins Cate Long Vanessa Watson with little if any public attention, the service of alcohol in their venues, Claire Mahjoub Peter Whitehead let alone outrage,” Mr Mackenzie- including significant penalties for norrie mAy-welby Kate Williamson • Family owned & operated Julie McCrossin Brendan Wong Shreenan said. licensing breaches.” “The proposed eight-year mandatory The issue of licensee responsibility • 100% Australian & fully independent DISTRIBUTORS minimum sentence is based on failed was also raised by Mr Mackenzie- • We cover all Sydney suburbs Georgina Abraham Rohan MacDonald logic. People who engage in violence Shreenan. John Berry norrie mAy-welby Eleanor Bousted Marry Ellen McCue rarely give second thought to the “Barry O’Farrell’s proposals • Pre-paid & pre-arrange funeral plans Gabrielle Brine Barrie McMahon consequences of their action, and completely take the heat [away] from Sam Choy Mark McPherson don’t rationally consider their options licenced venues’ responsibility for • Joseph Medcalf has been serving Sydney since 1880 Michael Condon Dorothy McRae-McMahon Yvonne Cowell Reece Meredith before acting out. Mandatory minimum the environment that they create and •  We offer personal attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alice Crawford Jane Morro sentencing will do little to make people profit from.” S Ron Crowley Margaret Neale Sue Dahl Jim Patsouris think.” Peter Dodds Pepsee Andrew Levins, DJ and operator of The above measures were passed by the JOSEPH MEDCALF FUNERALS Food Distribution Network David Polkington Melissa Gibson Heather Robinson food venue The Dip in Goodgod small NSW parliament on January 29, 2014. Perry Johnstone Serving Sydney since 1880 Lincoln Sharp Anne Jordan Desley Haas Colin Sharp Gabriel Haslam Ross Smith Call 02 9698 2644 available 24 hours Rod Haslam Adrian Spry Tony Hogan Tony Steele Office & Chapel 172 Redfern Street, Redfern Jennifer Jungheim Lani Tuitavake Correction Anthony Kable Lyn Turnbull Off-street parking available Susan Kable Margaret Vazey In our December issue we ran an article by Andrew Woodhouse which claimed Jennifer Laffan Brian Vazey John Lanzky Rosie Wagstaff that a proposed canopy at Fitzroy Gardens in Kings Cross was to cost “over $2m”. www.josephmedcalf.com.au Peter Lonergan Naomi Ward Kyran Lynch Peter Whitehead The correct figure is in fact $200,000. We apologise for this inaccuracy. Julie McCrossin Alex Warner February 2014 News 3

Kevin Rudd in a Nemo costume and Tony Abbot in a chicken suit. Mr Hatfield-Dodds spoke of the renewal he experiences going camping and spending time at the beach, in the mountains, and by the river. To close the session, the speakers offered words of encouragement to people who are new to campaigning or are considering getting involved. “You are not alone. There is a campaigning niche for you. It might not be the organisation that you first come across, and it might even be something that you start yourself. There is a group of people out there that you can belong to and make change in the world,” Ms Corkish said. “For people totally new to The youth of today campaigning, I would say that it is a lot of fun,” Mr Hatfield-Dodds offered. “You can meet likeminded people, make some lifelong friendships, and Troublemakers, clowns and prophets get something worthwhile done while you’re at it.” S Zac Hatfield-Dodds, Meagan Story and Tess Corkish Photo: Miriam Pepper (from video) Further information: Miriam Pepper Ms Story was a guest speaker at the works with youth to explore of NSW. Australian Youth Climate Coalition: NCYC panel session “Troublemakers, sustainability issues and develop Campaigning for change can be www.aycc.org.au “Every little thing that somebody clowns and prophets: a look inside action plans to make change in their tough, and at times result in negativity, Youth Leading Australia/OzGreen: does makes a difference. But if the world of Christian environmental lives, schools and communities. cynicism and burnout. Ms Corkish, www.ozgreen.org.au one person does something, then campaigning”, together with fellow Mr Hatfield-Dodds, a student of Mr Hatfield-Dodds and Ms Story have “Go Fossil Free” fossil fuel divestment encourages another person to do the young activists Zac Hatfield-Dodds sustainability science at the Australian each been involved in activism for campaign: same thing, and that person gets and Tess Corkish. In a wide-ranging National University, comes from a some years, and shared how they stay www.gofossilfree.org/Australia somebody else on board and so on, discussion, the speakers shared their family background of social justice positive and seek renewal. They talked National Christian Youth that will ultimately change the world. motivations for campaigning, the and environmental activism. He is about their cause as motivation, and Convention: www.ncyc.com.au Just by loving one other person we connections between their activism currently campaigning for the various valued the encouragement that comes can make the world a better place. It’s and their faith, opportunities for and structures of the Uniting Church to through encountering and working not simple, but in some ways it is.” barriers to social change, and how divest from shares in fossil fuels. Ms with others on the journey. For Ms Youth of today, a regular article to stay positive and effective in the Corkish is involved with the Australian Story, meeting the other panelists on local youth and related issues, is kindly sponsored by So said 16 year-old Pittwater High long term. Youth Climate Coalition’s schools team, on the day and knowing that there Appetite Cafe student Meagan Story at the National Ms Story is a leader in the Youth developing workshops and programs are other Christians campaigning Appetite Cafe Christian Youth Convention (NCYC) Leading the World program, which for school students to drive change for for change was a boost. Ms Corkish APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 Regent St, Redfern ood in Parramatta in early January, about is run by sustainability leadership a safe climate future. She is a Catholic talked about the role of humour, and + eople Tel 9699 4069 campaigning for change. organisation OzGreen. The program and studying teaching at the University related experiences of following both

As The University of Sydney invests in our future, we want our neighbours – both business people and residents – to enjoy the social, cultural and recreational benefits we generate for everyone who calls Darlington and Camperdown their home. Having been part of the fabric of this area of the inner city for more than 150 years, we know that we have many neighbours and want our contribution to benefit everyone. Our development program for the next seven years, known as our Campus Improvement Program, is intended to enhance that tradition. Now, you can see for yourself. The Campus Improvement Program will be on public exhibition until 28 February 2014, and we welcome your feedback. As well as defining the location and purpose of new buildings and infrastructure across six campus precincts, the Campus Improvement Program provides details about public spaces, pedestrian and cycle paths, retail amenities and services, parking areas, heritage and conservation, sustainability measures, and improved community access to University facilities. The University of Sydney is seeking planning approval for the Campus Improvement Program from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure as a State-Significant Development. To view and comment on our Campus Improvement Program, please visit www. majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au and put The University of Sydney: Camperdown- Darlington Campus into the search box. Anyone can make a written submission to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure about our plans. The University will also hold community information sessions in the foyer of our Services Building (G12), 22 Codrington Street, Darlington. The purpose of these sessions is to share our vision with you and to answer your questions. The dates for the sessions are Wednesday, February 5, from 5-7pm; Saturday February 8, from 2-4pm; and Saturday, February 15, from 11-1pm. The University of Sydney wants its developments to improve the amenity of the neighbourhood we share, so please get involved and help us make our community an even better place to work, live, study and relax. Michael Spence Vice-Chancellor and Principal Community contact details Security and after hours: 1800 063 487 (free call) 24hrs a day, 7 days a week Enquiries: 9114 0523 Email: [email protected] 4 News February 2014 food miles by Louisa Dyce

Trying to find seasonal fruit and veg produce over the Christmas break brought to my attention how strangely difficult it can be to buy local and fresh food. All of the local farmers’ markets had shut and I had to go supermarket shopping for my fruit and veg. I won’t name the supermarkets but in one I found cauliflower labeled as “fresh” being released from a block of ice and in another supermarket I found lemons. Yes, they are out of season, so I didn’t expect to find them – and they were imported from America.

So, I have to ask you as I asked myself, “How far would you go to buy fresh produce if you had to pick it yourself?” To ask another way, “Do you think of ‘food miles’ as in how far your food has to travel to you before you can buy it and eat it?”

The people at Food Connect explain it far better than I can – how all of our small actions add up to a much larger environmental footprint.

Globally – The conventional globalised agriculture and food system is unfair and out of balance in the following ways: Bicycles for hire Photo: Ben Aveling – Un precedented land clearing and rural communities are displaced in a global land and water grab to keep the system expanding; – We’re witnessing diminishing plant variety and Postcard from a cyclist diversity; – High dependence on fossil fuels and synthetic in Melbourne chemicals, all of which are reaching their peak; – Sm all and family farms rapidly declining with

Ben Aveling stand near where you want to be, and Bourke Street Mall and a no-bikes corporate agribusiness taking over; leave the bike there. It costs $2.80 for sign. Oops. Not for the only time, I – Obesity and diabetes now affects 400 million people; They say you never forget how to a 24-hour membership that includes rode where perhaps I shouldn’t have. ride. Not true. Having now ridden as many trips as you want – so long Mostly, I managed to stick to bike – Contributes to 33 per cent of global greenhouse a bike for the first time in maybe as they are all under half an hour. If paths and quiet streets – both more gas emissions; 20 years, it takes a few minutes a trip takes longer, an extra half hour common in Melbourne than Sydney. – 40 per cent of food purchased is wasted; to become comfortable on a bike costs $2, a third half hour costs $5, That Melbourne streets are laid out again. It’s not something I would and each half hour after that costs in a grid also helps, I only need to – 1 billion people, mostly rural women and children, have tried in Sydney but Melbourne $10. They want lots of people taking count how many blocks east-west are starving and malnourished. is far more cyclist-friendly – more lots of short journeys. and north-south – something else bike-paths, wider streets, fewer Apart from the initial wobbles, I struggled with and I overshot Locally – We’re facing a crisis in skills shortage: cars – and a bike hire scheme which were not helped by my failure regularly. – From 1990-2007 Australian grain farmers numbers called Melbourne Bike Share. to adjust the seat, the bike works fine. After three trips between the Nothing flash, just three speeds. And same points, the physical wobbles dropped by a fifth; Every couple of blocks, there are a bike lane next to the bike stand, had gone but the navigation wobbles – Da iry farmers have declined by three-quarters; bike stands. You pick up a bike at heading in the direction I want to go. remained – I still hadn’t found a route your nearest bike stand, ride to a All good, until the bike lane ends at I was comfortable with. Most drivers – Family farmers are squeezed to “get big or get out”; were bicycle friendly, but it only takes – As Australian agriculture has become more “efficient” one. Nor was I sure Melbourne’s and achieved higher levels of “productivity”, the pedestrians were safe from me. I gave financial and social burdens on many farmers and up, and took the tram. Melbourne Bike Share’s website their families have reached and exceeded breaking has maps showing where the bike point; stands are and where bike paths are, – Ge tting big often means taking on huge debts, which but not both on the same map. The Melbourne TravelSmart Map is better creates high levels of stress and anxiety. The rates of – it has both the bike stands and bike suicide and depression amongst male farmers and paths, not that it’s practical to consult agricultural workers is more than double that of the a map while cycling. Depending on urban employed population. where you’re going, you need local knowledge to find the nearest stands Upon reading this, I find it quite overwhelming. to yourself, to where you want to be, It’s certainly confronting to think how far-reaching are where the bike paths are, and which streets are likely to be busy or not the effects of our food purchasing choices – not least with busy at any given time of day. For regard to food miles. It’s something to keep in mind when tourists, this is a problem. we buy anything. It all counts. For keen cyclists visiting Melbourne with time to research each trip, I strongly recommend Melbourne Bike Share. For the rest of us, I’d recommend caution. Column sponsored by Melbourne’s hills may not be steep, but the learning curve is. S TAPEO CAFÉ Melbourne Bike Share is 82 Redfern St, Redfern www.melbournebikeshare.com.au Melbourne TravelSmart Map is available at: Tel 8084 7237 (Open seven days, late Thu-Sun) www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ Many local cafes are expanding their menus to cater parksandactivities/activemelbourne/ for vegetarians. Tapeo Café & Tapas Bar in Redfern walkingcyclingandskating/pages/ wheretoride.aspx. has several delicious veggie options. Come in and ask! Wearing a helmet is mandatory in Victoria. Most of the bikes have helmets, or you can buy your own for $5 from any 7-Eleven. February 2014 News 5 You could lose your best mate in just six minutes

Andrew Collis

This summer the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has a clear message with regard to leaving dogs in cars: don’t do it. The Value of the ABC

The Dogs Die in Hot Cars education The ABC has been part of Australia’s cultural fabric campaign was launched at Jubilee Park in Glebe on January 28. Not leaving dogs unattended in motor vehicles may seem for many decades. It has played a vital role in our like common sense but the statistics are alarming, especially so with regard to nation life from emergency broadcasts in troubled the City of Sydney local council area. The key findings of the RSPCA NSW, time to coverage of events that shape our nation. based on data gathered throughout the state between 2008 and 2013, report 466 complaints about animals locked Since it began, the ABC has subjected every in vehicles (94 per cent in relation to dogs), with the City of Sydney the local Government to scrutiny, and we should all be council area with the most cases – 21 complaints. “It’s not that Sydneysiders are very thankful for that. especially careless or cruel”, said RSPCA NSW spokesperson Lukas Picton, “it’s just that Sydney is the city with the For me one of the most important values that highest population.” Jennifer Fishburn, who enjoys time Australia has is a free and frank media that is part in the park with her dog Nash, thinks it may also have to do with the popularity of holding a democratically elected government of dog ownership in Sydney. “There are so many great parks, the Council to account. has done so much for dogs in the city. I wouldn’t have Nash if I didn’t live here so close to the park.” Any individual can stand up and criticise what their RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman explained that on a typical summer’s day of 28 degrees Celsius the Matt French, Steve Coleman, Patrick Jones and Tara Honeyman with Lucy the dog Photo: Andrew Collis politicians and government is doing. I’m grateful temperature inside a locked car can reach 50 degrees within six to ten Mr Coleman continued: “It’s so challenge to Sydneysiders. “We’re to live in a society in which someone can criticise minutes. “A dog cannot survive this,” important for owners to consider the hoping that 20,000 people will pledge he said. needs of their dogs, whether they are to never leave their animals unattended the government, the government can respond, “The onset of heat stroke is marked by planning to go shopping or to the beach, or locked in a vehicle. We hope this excessive panting, increased salivation, or whatever. If dogs are not allowed at will have a positive impact on public and everyone goes home safely. the production of thick, white saliva and the beach, for example, make another awareness and that the statistics will red or pale gums,” Mr Coleman said. plan for the day. Never leave an animal begin to decline.” “If not alleviated, or the dog removed in a car, not even with the windows Those who take the pledge will I’ve recently returned from visiting camps housing from the hot environment, additional down and not even if you think it’s just receive a free bumper sticker and symptoms can include depression, for a short time.” key-ring to show their support for the Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. The conflict weakness, dizziness, vomiting and Tara Honeyman is Companion campaign. diarrhoea, convulsing, internal Animals Liaison Officer with the City Under the Prevention of Cruelty to haemorrhages and organ failure. Death of Sydney. She is proud of the City’s Animals Act, there are serious fines in Syria is a stark reminder that the ability to stand can occur quickly, or may follow hours support of responsible pet ownership, and even prison sentences for people or up to two days later.” citing the free six-week dog obedience if their pets suffer heat stress from up and criticise safely is something very precious Dogs don’t sweat, except to a minor courses offered quarterly in various city being locked in a hot car. If an animal degree through their foot pads, so parks, as well as free microchipping and suffers as a result of being left in a car, and something worth defending. they can’t tolerate high temperatures. desexing services. “When the City was the maximum penalty is $5,500 and Dogs use panting as a way to exchange approached by the RSPCA about this can carry a six-month prison sentence. warm air for cool air. But when the air campaign we were very keen to help. If an animal dies as a result of being However, in the last couple of days we’ve seen temperature is close to the dog’s body We’ll help distribute the Dogs Die in Hot left in a car, the maximum penalty is temperature (about 38-39 degrees), Cars information cards and direct people $22,000 and can carry a two-year prison the Prime Minister complain bitterly about being cooling by panting is not an efficient to support the RSPCA’s online pledge.” sentence. S process. This is when heat stroke Mr Picton said the campaign pledge at can occur. justsixminutes.com.au entails a serious www.justsixminutes.com.au scrutinised by the ABC. He has said that the ABC takes “everyone’s side except Australia’s,” is trying Return of Glebe Youth Services to take away the ABC’s international broadcasting service and cut their funding. Rowan Taylor became involved in an effort to ensure has said that it is performing all urgent GYS’s future tenancy of the building. repairs to allow GYS to return to the On December 30 the Land and Jamie Parker, member for Balmain, led premises as soon as possible. This is a particularly petty response to criticism Housing Corporation announced a rally held on December 11 at Glebe Despite this positive step, there are that the Glebe Youth Services (GYS) Public School, which over 100 people still issues being faced by GYS and its that does not befit the role of Prime Minister. building at 84 Glebe Point Road, attended. Mr Parker summed up the patrons – primarily lack of access to would re-open by mid-February. concerns of many when he said: “This services during the time that it has This was a relief to many in the is about government greed winning had no building. GYS has attempted to Tony Abbot should keep his pre-­election promise community, as GYS has not been out over community needs … they’re maintain services using the facilities able to operate at capacity since they locking out kids and selling off precious available, with activities such as sports not to cut funding to the ABC – it is too important were locked out of the building on assets buildings – it’s a disgrace.” As well classes being held in public parks. November 27. as the rally, hundreds signed petitions However, it is still limited in what it an institution to play politics with. and sent in letters of support to GYS. can provide until it can access the Staff members and patrons arrived to Although GYS staff say they building again. find they were unable to open the doors maintained good relations with the Hilary Chesworth of Redfern Legal Tanya Plibersek of the building, and were later told that Land and Housing Corporation, they Centre says that the current situation the building had been deemed unsafe were unable to acquire a copy of the fire makes it “very hard to manage case due to sub-standard fire ratings. The safety report in question. Jamie Parker work for young people at risk”. She abrupt nature of the eviction caused believes that the Land and Housing believes that the next step to guarantee major disruptions to GYS’s operations Corporation were “negligent” in their the future of GYS is to petition for a new and sparked fears about a possible handling of the situation saying “while lease once they return. S attempt by the state government to safety concerns are paramount … (they) privatise the building. should have identified any safety issues Note: The SSH was refused a copy of the Hundreds of community members long ago”. The Department of Housing fire safety report, due to copyright reasons. 6 News February 2014

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Psychology Rebecca Morris and Anthony Luck Photo: Claire Mahjoub Urban Nature wellbeing centre 216 enmore rd (cnr edgeware Rd) Health check for the harbour enmore nsw 2042 Andrew Collis has focused, over a number of years, into engineering sea walls is needed on introducing artificial rock pools to to conserve the species that lose their As a young child in Cornwall, sea walls throughout Sydney harbour natural homes; without it we will lose Caring, confidential psychological services England, Rebecca Morris felt an to increase biodiversity. Under the many of the species that cannot live on to help you deal with life’s difficulties affinity with the ocean. She loved to supervision of Associate Professor sea walls as they stand currently. The swim and surf. She was a surf life Ross Coleman and in collaboration pots are a relatively inexpensive way saver before studying zoology and with designer Anthony Luck of ECS for councils and other businesses or Bulk billing available on referral from GP fishery science at Cardiff University. Services, Ms Morris has installed organisations to sustain the intertidal This year sees her part of the Centre 20 concrete pots along the sea wall biodiversity of cities where sea walls for Research on the Ecological at Blackwattle Bay. At low tide the are inevitably going to replace vast Contact Elizabeth Munro on 0408 612 808 Impacts of Coastal Cities (University pots, produced by Antique Stone and areas of intertidal platforms. The or at [email protected] of Sydney) and part-way into doctoral measuring approximately 300mm in aim is to produce documents on the research toward better understanding diameter, mimic rock pools, attracting long-term durability and biodiversity of sea-wall ecosystems. Her particular various marine species. benefits of these types of sea-wall area of interest is Blackwattle Bay. “We installed the first 10 pots late enhancements. This information will last year, and with the help of tiny then be used by councils, initially It’s important work on a number cameras we have been able to measure throughout Sydney harbour, to make of levels. the visitation rates of fish and crabs, their sea walls more environmentally More than 50 per cent of the Sydney as well as algae growth and so on,” friendly. This research could be harbour foreshore features sandstone Ms Morris explained. “We’ll also note applied to the management of sea or concrete sea walls. Unlike rocky the visitation rates of predators, which walls worldwide.” foreshores, these small, flat, vertical are crucial to biodiversity.” The wide- Ms Morris has found members of surface areas are not conducive to angle cameras are designed to capture the public quite curious about her intertidal organisms or mobile species time-lapse images, which, over the work. “Some people stand and watch like limpets, sponges and anemones; next two years or so, will provide what I’m doing [at the pots],” she said. crabs, snails and starfish. As a result, detailed information on the health of “They seem to be very interested and biodiversity is reduced and the overall the bay and harbour. to care about the foreshore.” health of the waterway tends to suffer. “We’ll see what colonises naturally,” The City of Sydney, through its Moreover, the demand for coastal said Ms Morris, who collects data from Environmental Grants Program, defence will increase, in Australia and each pot every two weeks. She will has been strongly supportive of the rest of the world, as sea levels rise also be able to compare her findings the research, providing the funds due to global warming. with similar trials at Cremorne Point that enabled the installation of the Ms Morris describes her work in and Careening Cove where a 118 per- cameras. The Council has also helped terms of “putting biodiversity back cent increase in mobile species activity to foster public awareness. “Sophie into sea walls”. has been recorded over a seven-month Golding, the City’s urban ecologist, The Centre for Research on the period. has been a pleasure to work with,” Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities Ms Morris summarised: “Research Ms Morris said. S February 2014 News 7 Pepper Berries ripen, café to reopen

Qinling Li

REDFERN: In February the Purple Goanna Café on 137 Redfern Street will start over as “PepperBerries at Redfern”. Newly at the helm will be STAFF PROFILE Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, the well- known Aboriginal hospitality teacher from Yaama Dhiyaan. “We want to provide fresh and easy Indigenous food for everyone and make this place feel like home. We hope this café will be a destination for everyone,” she said.

The café will be painted and adorned but the new menu is still under discussion. “We are going to have nice pies or cakes with great coffee. The menu is really healthy and food will SUSAN be easy to grab to go.” The ingredients are seasonal and will be supplied from In December The Big Issue various places, including the Blue community bid farewell to the Mountains and South Australia. “I will Operations Manager Susan. be there from 6 to 8am in the morning Susan has managed the Sydney Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo Photo: Sandra Beeston to help service our customers,” Aunty office for two-and-a-half years, Beryl said. overseeing many important PepperBerries at Redfern will retain “I have lived here for over 50 years and I it Bush ’n’ Berry Indigenous Art Café. cafés pop up here and the quality of the changes. None more important its focus on Aboriginal food. Aunty have seen many changes here. I want to It wasn’t until 2010 that Suzanne Grech coffee offered locally has improved a than the office’s transition Beryl explains how she generated the be part of the change and I want young took over what then became the Purple lot,” he said. Adam will again have his from the “shoebox” on Regent café’s new name: “I decided to call people to be part of it too,” she said. Goanna Café. Whatever the changes, studio upstairs and this time has called Street to the new headquarters in Redfern. it PepperBerries after native pepper, Operating in Redfern for some eight the café has always been known for its it BLAK SPOT. which grows on the bush and has a years, the café has been through great Aboriginal caterings. Aunty Beryl said that she missed the The move has helped The pungent flavour.” She said some dishes transformation, having been renamed “I can still recall my favourite food old days when everyone in Redfern Big Issue to evolve and such as pies would be seasoned with and redesigned several times. Founded there was crocodile burger,” says the gathered together. Adam Hill is offer programs such as the Vendor Café and Women’s pepper berries. in 2007 by long-term Redfern residents Aboriginal artist Adam Hill, who convinced that PepperBerries at Redfern Subscription Enterprise, which Students from Yaama Dhiyaan are Linda Burney and Bonnie Briggs, the occupied an art studio upstairs from will be reinvigorated as such a meeting give greater opportunities to on board to put their hospitality studies café began its life as Survival Expresso 2007 to 2010. During that time, the café point. “The café used to be a spot where marginalised, disadvantaged into practice here. “It is another place Bar. The next year, the café was under was a meeting spot for Aboriginal artists, Aboriginal people met. I am confident and homeless people. for students to gain work experience as the management of Colin and Sue who were invited to exhibit or sell their that Aunty Beryl will bring this feeling A long-time customer of the chefs and baristas.” Aunty Beryl wants to Vincent. They offered Indigenous food artworks at the premises. Adam has also back. It will once again be a place for magazine, Susan was attracted be a part of the new change in Redfern. along with Indigenous art, so they called seen how Redfern has evolved. “Many the community,” he said. S to The Big Issue because she loved the idea of social enterprise. She sees it as having both “head and the heart”.

“It’s probably been the best job I’ve ever had, including A desert-being initiative running my own businesses. What I have tried to achieve, especially with the vendors in Amelia Whitney one family of hundreds in the region the vendors’ reception area is that I am currently targeting. [to create] a place that always In February 2013, I met Sumar “‘the I face difficulties in reaching Sumar feels welcoming.” One of the camel man”’ on a three-day, two-night when not in India, due to his illiteracy, vendors, Marcus, can see that safari tour into the Great Thar Desert, and communication is proving to be she has accomplished this. “I Rajasthan, India. troublesome. However, I perceive this think just the general vibe of as further incentive to assist in not the place is a lot better.” On our wild adventure into the only his education but also for the Susan is off to enjoy her vast lonely desert Sumar had taken generations around him which without retirement and begin a new my friend and I to visit the isolated the help of this initiative may never challenge in the country, sandstone villages, to collect camel have an opportunity to go to school. “growing roses and vegetables and working out how the food (guar gum) and to wells where In a country where the divide between universe actually works”. we had observed five men operate a rich and poor is becoming bolder and traditional “pulley” system to extract wider at a disproportionate rate, an She will be missed by all at the the precious water. We had trotted education is essential, and the ability to Sydney office where she was over the dunes for several hours each speak English is extremely favourable. able to adapt well to working at The Big Issue and, according to day, though admittedly many of the For less than $20 USD a child can Petra, has “made a team out of best hours were spent slurping freshly go to school for a month. the Sydney office”. brewed goats milk chai, nibbling hot- For less than $1 USD a child can go off-the-pan chapatti and curiously to school for a day. From all at The Big Issue community, vendors and staff, questioning Sumar on desert life. I will be returning to India in April we wish Susan all the best for Over this memorable time we’d 2014. I will spend an indefinite amount the future and thank her for a learned that Sumar can speak four of time there to make the arrangements commitment and hard work. Indian languages and dialects fluently, for sending children to school, and to If you would like to volunteer a considerable amount of Japanese and teach Sumar the basics, in order to ease at The Big Issue or if you or the fundamentals of several European our communication challenges. One anyone you know could benefit languages, grâce à tourisme. He speaks day he’ll be whizzing around Gmail. from becoming a vendor English with great eloquence and an The number of children that I am able for The Big Issue, please impressive vocabulary yet, of course, to make these arrangements for will contact the Sydney office for his “camel tongue” is nonpareil. be determined by the amount that I more information: 125-127 Ironically, Sumar is completely am able to raise and the amount that Little Eveleigh St, Redfern; Phone 8332 7200 or email illiterate in every language and even I am able to personally contribute. I [email protected] has difficulty in reading numbers. hope that, in the three months until As one cup of chai leads to another, April, I’ll be able to secure a minimum Photo by Peter Holcroft in the traditional Indian manner, of three children enrolled for a year’s Sumar and I shared our stories, education. S Amelia Whitney in King Street, Newtown Photo: Andrew Collis The Big Issue is Australia’s our knowledge and our dreams. leading social enterprise. I remember Sumar sharing his dream Amelia has a stall beneath the “I have It is an independent, not­ with me that one day he wished to my own personal contribution it had expectations had been exceeded. a dream” mural on King Street where for‑profit organisation that have his very own camel. I cannot finally been made possible. From here onwards I intend to help she is selling exquisite Indian arts and develops solutions to help homeless, disadvantaged fully explain why, but every aspect Sumar had bargained aggressively Sumar generate business with the help crafts items including small paintings on and marginalised people of Sumar had touched me and I freely and was fortunately able to buy the of Captain, by offering these wonderful paan leaves (a unique gift!). Proceeds positively change their lives. felt inspired to share his dream: that same camel that I had ridden on my tours to visitors of India. I’d like to one go towards her Indian education project. The Big Issue magazine is one day Sumar should have his very first visit to Jaisalmer, “Captain” – day have a Mrs and Baby Captain, but, Drop by for a look and a chat! You can published fortnightly and sold on the streets by vendors who also follow Amelia’s progress at her own camel. we were both exuberant! The bond for the immediate future, my dream purchase copies for $3 and Just nine months after my previous between Bedouin and camel should is to raise funds in order to send local Desert Being Initiative fundraising page sell them for $6, keeping the visit I returned to India. On January not be underestimated and it was so Indian children to school. www.gofundme.com/6ewvb8 and difference. Facebook page and blog. Amelia 1, 2014, Sumar bought his very first, clear that their years of touring the Not one person in all of Sumar’s to find out more visit: his very own, camel. With funds that desert together had created a strong extended (even by Indian standards) is happy to receive emails at thebigissue.org.au I had raised from family, friends and and respectful relationship. All of my family can read or write and this is just [email protected] 8 News February 2014

Sol Bellear, Raymond Munro, Cathie Pittman and Cathie Craigie at the Speak Out tent (Donna Ingram not pictured) Photo: Lyn Turnbull Yabun – surviving and flourishing Lyn Turnbull steps into Victoria Park before I started netball player to represent Australia. said: “We were influenced by the Black since her grandmother was able to bumping into old friends, both black She was talking of the team deciding Panthers and certainly Malcolm X purchase the house she still lives in BROADWAY: One regret that Adam and white. It took quite a while to make that a way to try to counter the lack and TV made us aware of what was back in the time that it was possible for Goodes expressed about being named it across the park to the main stage of attention the media was paying happening.” tenants to purchase their own houses. Australian of the Year was that he which over the years has showcased to netball was to regularly turn up Donna Ingram spoke about how, “We managed to keep our ways so would have to miss attending Yabun the huge range of music of Aboriginal for training glamorously dressed in as a child, she was always around, that our kids still like to play outside, this year. For the last 12 years, Yabun and Torres Strait Island cultures from stilettos. Takisha Stanton spoke of the as older members of her family were which is something you don’t see with has been the friendliest place to spend across the country. Leah Flanagan, encouragement her uncle had given her working in Aboriginal organisations in the newer people who’ve come to the January 26 – a place where you can with her hauntingly beautiful voice, in her dream to play rugby league. “He Redfern. “I always said I’d never work area. You just don’t see their kids. “I escape the jingoism of red, white and was playing her acoustic guitar when told me no man could take the pain in an Aboriginal organisation because want my grandkids to get the best blue, fake tattoos and flag-draped I arrived. of giving birth, so go and put your it just seemed too hard … but then education they can, but it’s my job to drunken people at a drug-and-alcohol- The acts on the main stage show shoulder into it.” they tricked me. When I got a job at make sure they remember who they free event with some great music, a flourishing musical culture, while Cathie Craigie facilitated a the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs as are and where they come from.” activities all day for the kids and over in the Speak Out tent the day’s conversation about how Redfern has a typist I thought all I had to do was While all had different memories plenty of places to sit and have a yarn program tackled issues that still changed since the 1970s when the type, but of course you’re reading as and stories to tell about the past with friends in Victoria Park. need to be addressed. Early in the core Aboriginal organisations were you’re typing and then that sort of lit all agreed that the gentrification of afternoon, a panel discussed “The founded. When Sol Bellear arrived the flame when you knew about the Redfern was bringing changes that Having lived in Redfern for 33 years Double Whammy for Women? Racism in 1968 as a young man, it was just stolen generations … I only learnt the have irrevocably altered the area and I know what Adam Goodes means. It and Sexism in Sport” with Marcia Ella, after the referendum to recognise true history when I was 19.” it will be a struggle to retain Redfern’s was impossible to walk more than 10 who in 1987 was the first Indigenous Aboriginal people in the census. He Cathie Pittman has lived in Waterloo Aboriginal heart. S Inquiry into social, public and affordable housing

Rmoss S ith sectors has its own unique criteria and fit within any of the other terms of the SSH may provide useful background other social goods such as education, purpose. The term “social housing” is reference. Your submission may material to assist you in writing your strongly in the affirmative, and The NSW parliament is currently frequently used by the government include facts, opinions, arguments submission. Public housing provides chronicles a betrayal of this position conducting an inquiry into social, public to divert attention from a particular or recommendations for action. The seldom-mentioned benefits to the over the last 60 years by numerous and affordable housing. You can make a member of the trilogy. submission, once made public, is broader community. It reduces demand actors, most notably the commonwealth submission and have your voice heard! Submissions can be made in writing. protected by parliamentary privilege. in the private housing market in both government. Other formats such as video and Submissions can be mailed to The the rental and purchaser sectors. This The 2010 thesis, “Evaluating Social It is worthwhile recognising that the audiotape are also acceptable. Director, Select Committee on Social, reduces the prices paid, which in turn Housing Policy: A Wicked Problem?” term “affordable housing” is neither If you are making a submission Public and Affordable Housing, NSW increases the affordability of your by Doctor Lucy Groenhart, provides a an absolute nor definitive term. The on behalf of an organisation, please Parliament House, Macquarie St Sydney personal housing. comprehensive analysis of the history affordability is not expressed in indicate who has authorised it, for NSW 2000. Submissions can also be At the State of Australian Cities and policy of public housing in NSW. It dollars and cents. It is expressed as example, the executive committee, lodged online at: www.parliament. National Conference 2012 the paper covers the period from its inception to a percentage of the current market president or chairperson. Ensure that nsw.gov.au/socialhousing. The closing presented by Professor Patrick Troy today. It is downloadable from http:// rent in that particular location and your name, address and phone number date for submissions is Friday, February of the Australian National University unimelb.academia.edu/LucyGroenhart/ is applicable for a small number of are included with your submission and 28, 2014. provided a detailed analysis of Papers. years, during which the owner receives keep a copy of your submission. For more information on this inquiry the history and purpose of public The inquiry is an opportunity to financial rebates from the government. You can write a brief letter or a and how to make submissions, please housing in Australia, and tracks its make your views known on a subject The wages of the tenant do not vary substantial research paper. You can also visit: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ “progress” through to today (http:// that will have an impact on all of in direct ratio to the rental market attach appendices and other supporting socialhousing. To contact Committee soac.fbe.unsw.edu.au/2011/papers/ the residents of NSW, reaching into movements. documents. Staff for assistance drafting or lodging SOAC2011_0073_final.pdf). In his new the future of NSW. Housing, in all of “Social housing” is an umbrella term Your submission should address a submission, phone (02) 9230 2111 book, Accommodating Australians: its aspects, affects all sectors of the that covers the public, community, and some – or all – of the inquiry’s terms or email socialhousing@parliament. Commonwealth Government Involvement community, both present and future. Aboriginal Housing Office government- of reference. The term 1(h) – any nsw.gov.au. in Housing, Pat Troy answers the Making a submission puts your views owned-and-operated sectors of the other related matter – means that your The article “Public housing and question of whether affordable housing on the record for the NSW government housing marketplace. Each of these submission does not have to exactly you” in the November 2013 issue of is a basic right for all Australians, like policy makers to consider. S February 2014 COMMENT & OPINION 9 Opportunity for reflection and respect EDITORIAL

SSH

T he aWArd of Australian of the Year to Indigenous athlete and community leader, Adam Goodes, could invite in all of us a new reflection on our relationships with the first owners of this land.

Someone recently suggested that the Aboriginal people were not actually the original owners, but I don’t think many of us would be interested in recognising some people who were possibly here more than 40 thousand years ago. Also, they were not affected by the arrival of those of us who came more recently. Many of us celebrated the “Sorry Day” led by the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. It was certainly a special event. However, saying cartoon: norrie mAy-welby “sorry” means little unless we then enact a new relationship with those people who were affected by our taking over their land. There is now more discussion by Adam Goodes, and the various parties represented in the federal parliament, about changing our Constitution to recognise Indigenous people. Although such changes would, in one sense, be symbolic, such formalities do matter and could lead us into further activities related to justice and equality. The response by the monarchists that this could lead to violence, given some graffiti-ing activities around Australia/Survival Day, the honouring of, and developing enlightening and encouraging lives. should not be taken seriously. deeper and more just community All of us who have migrated here The very fact that the monarchists among us. We experience the over the centuries, both as boat people The power of sharing drew attention to the Australia/ many gifts of Indigenous people and as other immigrants, live each Survival Day activities is not really in our own South Sydney area. day with a profound sense of gratitude helpful. Why don’t they simply In fact, the SSH was begun around for all that we have received from our humanness speak out in favour of the change in 13 years ago precisely because we this land, that which was so carefully the Constitution, so that all sorts of felt that the mainstream media respected and cared for by its people are gathered into its support? only published bad news coming Indigenous owners. Maybe we could faith relate to that neighbour with The SSH fully believes that out of the Redfern/Waterloo area. learn much for our future by listening compassion and understanding. such a change is the least we can We knew that, in fact, there were and looking at the way they did that. Dyoroth McRae-McMahon As we dare to share our own do to respect those who are the many great stories of the life of May our country, one day, be vulnerabilities, we could see traditional owners of this land. We Indigenous people here, both as genuinely “the land of the fair go” so In a culture like ours we are that as daring to also love are also glad that Adam Goodes was individuals and as part of this that we can all truly celebrate our life encouraged to aim for success ourselves in a way which adds recognised as one of our leaders, in community and there still are those together each year. S and, generally, to hide our to our capacity to love others. failures. Even if we are religious, If we really lived together and regularly confess that we like that, it could transform the have done wrong, we tend to world. Obviously, if we were do that privately, or in a formal to try to bring in that change, New state seat of Newtown manner before a priest, who some of us would need to have keeps what we say confidential. the courage to expose our comment 30 per cent. Similarly in the area of are a whole range of talented and own realities and to bear the Marrickville transferred to Newtown, passionate Greens who would make Fr Laurence Freeman (who is consequences of doing that. Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Greens MLC the Greens received more than 42 great MPs and be strong advocates a Benedictine monk), suggested As I wrote this, I realised that, if per cent of the primary vote, 10 for their communities in parliament. in a recent lecture that, if we I am serious about suggesting this The new state seat of Newtown is one per cent higher than the ALP. This is an exciting time to join the shared our failures, it could way of living, I have to begin the of the most environmentally aware The Greens have consistently Greens and actively participate in transform all of our lives. Instead process myself. So … I will share and socially progressive areas in NSW. demonstrated their commitment to a political movement for change. of focussing on competing, we that I am a person who struggles During the 2013 federal election, the working with the local community The defeat of the same-sex might encourage and comfort with an over-large ego. As my ABC Vote Compass survey of 1.5 million on issues such as marriage equality, marriage bill and the moves to restrict each other. We might establish beloved partner used to tell me Australians found that Grayndler and protecting public services such women’s rights by the passing of a culture which was honest before she died, “You are showing Sydney, the federal electorates covering as TAFE, pushing to redirect the foetal personhood (Zoe’s Law) in about everyone being human, off again, darling. Stop drawing Newtown, had the most progressive wasteful $11.5 billion being poured the lower house have both been at possibly even celebrating the way attention to yourself!” I’m sure constituencies in NSW. into the Westconnex toll road the hands of the Liberal and Labor humanness binds us together. that my children supported her into effective and efficient public MPs in state parliament in 2013. Imagine if political and other in saying that and some of my Voters in this area are much more transport solutions, moving to 100 This has shown the Greens to be the leaders shared their failures brave friends, too. I am also likely to agree with the Greens on per cent renewable energy, ending only political voice in parliament and then their genuine dreams ungrateful for my relatively good issues such as stronger public health coal seam gas mining and fighting to consistently stand up for social and visions for who we might health and strength, too lazy to and education systems, marriage for planning decisions to be made justice. We present a progressive all be together. As we faced our exercise properly, even though I equality and strong action on climate on the principles of Ecologically alternative to the conservative own humanness, we might well have a gym close by and lots of change than anywhere else in the Sustainable Development and with coalition government, as well as discover that we look at each other opportunities to do more walking. state. The 2011 state election results meaningful public participation. We the discredited NSW Labor party, with new eyes and become far less That is just a start! I don’t demonstrated that Greens policy will continue to do so in the future. who sadly seem to have abandoned punishing and mean, especially believe that any of us would be on these issues resonates with the I’m proud of our tradition of their core values over recent years. in regard to those in need. capable of sharing all our failures people of Marrickville, now part grassroots decision-making and The next election in 2015 is a Successes could even be more with others, but maybe we could of the Newtown electorate. On the working closely with the community. great opportunity for the people of special because we recognise at least begin in a modest way and two-party preferred count, there This is why our membership surged Newtown to elect a representative that we have managed to move together bring about a different was a difference of only 676 votes during the 2013 federal election. who shares their values on issues of past a failure, to genuinely society. Surely those of us who are between the ALP and the Greens. The Greens preselection process for marriage equality, action on climate put it behind us to start again. religious could lead the way? If we The new seat of Newtown now has Newtown commences in February. change, worker’s rights and investing Loving our neighbour as we truly believe in a gracious God, parts of the electorates of Heffron, As usual, this will be a democratic, in our public services like schools love ourselves could take on an we can afford to be honest about Sydney and Marrickville that receive grassroots process, where any member and hospitals. S entirely different dimension. ourselves. And knowing that we a strong Greens vote. When I stood can nominate for preselection and all As we look at the neighbour, are not God, we could live in ways as a candidate for Heffron in 2011 local members vote to select the final Penny Sharpe, ALP MLC, will we could see a human person which are openly and truly human. and 2012, the Greens primary candidate. Among the hundreds of provide her comment on the new who is on the same vulnerable May our God be with us, however vote in these areas was close to Greens members in Newtown, there seat in our March issue. journey as ourselves and therefore we understand that God! S 10 FEATURE February 2014 Homelessness is not a diagnosis Homelessness is caused by poverty. And no, homelessness is not caused by mental illness, choice, drug addiction, alcoholism, unemployment, brain injury, intellectual disability, physical disability, illness or family breakdown. however, these things can all create poverty and poverty can lead to homelessness.

Felicity Reynolds trying to get a job or continue a job whilst you have no stable place to overty doesn’t, of course, live? Nowhere to shower, nowhere to Palways lead to homelessness, cook, nowhere to prepare for work, but poverty is the underlying nowhere to store your clothes and cause of all homelessness. I am other belongings and nowhere safe? yet to meet a wealthy unemployed or mentally ill person who is There is a high proportion of chronically homeless. mentally unwell people who are homeless, not because of their Family breakdown can mean that mental illness. It is because too someone previously well supported many people diagnosed in early in a home and a relationship with adulthood end up living in long-term an employed partner must suddenly unemployment and poverty. Living try to live on a single wage, support on a disability support pension keeps payments or a single parent benefit. you poor and sometimes makes you Anyone living on benefit payments homeless. Living with the impact of in Australia is living in poverty. relapses in your illness can create disruption to living arrangements In Australian cities, housing has that are not easily dealt with when become so expensive to rent or buy you have little money and your that anyone living in poverty has problem-solving skills may have great trouble finding affordable been compromised during periods housing. Not being able to afford of illness. housing, because you are poor and housing is expensive, leads Of course, it is a great pity that to homelessness. addicts and alcoholics are also over-represented in the homeless So, why am I telling you these population. I still haven’t met a basic facts? Because homelessness wealthy addict who is homeless. is widely misunderstood and it Being addicted to something makes is time for those of us that know you poor, very poor. It is also not more about homelessness to clarify unreasonable to suggest that many exactly what causes it. I’m mindful addicts have created their own that current public discourse on poverty. I’d be the very first to agree homelessness very rarely mentions that a fulfilling life and a stable poverty and unaffordable housing. housing career is only possible if the Instead, I am seeing an increase addiction is appropriately dealt with. in the misunderstanding of it and However, while the answer here is a certain “pathologising” of those about treatment and recovery, it is who experience homelessness. also most definitely about housing. Ever tried to get clean on the streets? One of the reasons I know this is Nope, that doesn’t work either. because the Mercy Foundation has a grants program that has a focus It is also important to place on ending homelessness. We invite addictions and homelessness in community organisations to submit context. Many homeless addicts proposals to undertake projects had a poor start in life and were that will “end” the experience of themselves brought up in poverty. homelessness for a particular group There is even some growing evidence or number of people or families that some homeless people acquire in their community. You’d think an addiction or mental health there would be widespread mention problem after becoming homeless of linking people with affordable (not always before). Homelessness housing – but no, not much. itself is traumatic and traumatising.

Far too many groups would like to So, I invite everyone to have run living skills courses or education another think about the causes programs or case management or of and solutions to homelessness. any number of activities which don’t Whilst there is no easy answer over necessarily include linking people the long term and some homeless with any type of housing. people will need ongoing support, Illustration: Ada Qian treatment, education and case Don’t get me wrong, these can be management, the very first response incredibly worthwhile things to do some don’t. The notion that everyone able to apply those living skills. managers and a couple of educators to homelessness must always be and there are definitely some quite should do a living skills course or I call this approach “case – everything looks like it needs to be about housing. vulnerable people who need those somehow prove they have adequate managing” people out of case managed or educated. types of supports to sustain housing. living skills before being offered homelessness. There is no evidence As for preventing homelessness However, everyone – vulnerable or housing is problematic. For two for its effectiveness. It doesn’t work. Such things are incredibly across our population? As I not – needs housing. First. reasons: homelessness is unsafe Stop trying to do it. The saying useful, when needed, when they mentioned before, that’s about and a place to live and a living that “If you only have a hammer, are provided in conjunction with poverty – not pathology. S The notion that every person who skills course (if needed) is far more everything looks like a nail” is housing. So is employment. Having becomes homeless has inadequate effective if you have a home, a base, relevant here. If you have no houses, a job relieves poverty and addresses Felicity Reynolds is the CEO living skills is patronising. Some do, a community in which you might be but you do have several case homelessness. But can you imagine of the Mercy Foundation. The Review February ’14 11

A film about heroes

Victoria Pearson they don’t know.” Pilger first visited Utopia 28 years ago Two thousand people attended during the filming of his documentary the premiere of London-based The Secret Country. After returning in documentary filmmaker John Pilger’s 2013 he discovered that the conditions latest project, Utopia, at the Block in in which the locals were living had not Redfern on January 17. improved – they’d worsened even. Rosalie Kunoth-Monks, a Utopia The documentary centres on a group of Elder and guest speaker at the film’s Indigenous Australians living in Utopia, premiere, has lived in the area her entire a region in the Northern Territory above life. “I was born there in 1937 in the river Alice Springs. that runs down it, in the dry river bed. The film, which first showed in the I live in the community – it’s not a nice United Kingdom in mid-November, place, although it’s your home. And I’ll initially struggled to find a distributor in continue to live there until I die, I guess.” Australia as various local cinemas felt the In regards to the film, Rosalie says content was too dark for local audiences. it’s a true account of history, as well However, Pilger’s opening address at as current issues. “People who aren’t the film’s premiere insisted the film is up in the Territory don’t understand not intended to scare: “This film is about what our people are going through and heroes. This film is not about victims. It’s the policies that are inflicted on us. I about struggle and resistance. It brings think the rest of Australians need to be together some of the most admirable aware of what’s happening to certain Rosalie Kunoth-Monks is assisted from the stage by her granddaughter after speaking at the premiere Photo: Lyn Turnbull human beings I’ve ever met. groups within Australia and how that “It’s not telling you, the Indigenous certain group is of course the nation’s people, anything you don’t know. It’s first people.” of the Indigenous community across allows us to look at our leadership and it’s an oppressed and silenced voice. perhaps not telling the non-Indigenous Robert Eggington, director of the Australia more broadly. “It’s not just how we are represented at a leadership That’s why we need films like Utopia.” people who are here things they don’t Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation, about what Utopia does in terms of white level. Leadership that bleeds with our know. But it will tell, if it can get to them, feels that Utopia will impact not only consciousness and humanity – what it people, and individuals that understand The film is currently running a limited the majority in this country many things those who watch it, but also members does for Aboriginal people is that it the pain – that’s absolutely crucial, but screening in venues across Australia. ‘Chu Xi’ – Chinese Horse New Year’s Eve

Qinling Li

Sydney Chinese New Year Festival includes many events over two weeks. Even though Chinese people in Sydney can watch Chinese art performances from the festival launch and watch lion dances in the city, they will still miss the Chinese New Year in China. Chinese food in Sydney’s Chinatown is so different from local Chinese food in China. Nothing here is equal to having a New Year reunion dinner with family in China.

Chinese New Year Eve, also called Chu Xi is on January 30 this year. It marks the last day of 2013 in the lunar calendar, just one day before the Spring Festival. In Chinese, Chu Xi means “annihilating the monster Xi”. The ancient Chinese legend tells how Chinese ancestors used firecrackers, red couplets and lanterns to oust this monster. This evening is a very special time for every Chinese person. We fly back to our hometown no matter how far Shaanxi Folk Culture Troupe Puppet show performs “Journey to the West” (Chinese New Year Festival Launch, Sydney) Photo: Vibewire Change Media away we are. We make dumplings and prepare the reunion dinner no matter how long it takes. We watch the Spring to share with others. In Beijing, if you provincially, a family reunion dinner in the street. one should be stuck into the ground and Event Gala Evening and enjoy fireworks go into the streets, you can see many is important to every Chinese person. While waiting for midnight, the elders a stick-shaped one needs to be handheld. until midnight. folk artists perform, such as paper-cut After making dumplings and having a play Mahjong while the young people Small butterfly or dragonfly fireworks This Chinese New Year is the Year art, shadow plays or blown sugar art. big feast, the family sits together and enjoy candies or snacks. Greeting friends can rotate and short firecrackers are of the Horse. In China there will be When I was young, I was captivated by watches the live Spring Event Gala through WeChat, emails or messages deafening when you throw them to many celebrations and performances, the Chinese sugar art and clay art: the Evening on television until midnight. is another tradition during this time. the ground. Boys are always more brave though the traditions vary from region artists can drip sugars from a big spoon Besides some traditional Chinese Compared to the cities, celebration than girls as they dare to try all kinds to region. There are over 20 provinces to paint different animals and pinch clays performances, such as Beijing Opera in the countryside is more traditional of firecrackers. It is exciting to light the and 55 minorities, each with its own to make colorful animation characters. or martial arts, this year artists from where families encircle the stove for firecrackers and fireworks. way of celebrating Chinese New Year. What Chinese people love the most all over the world have been invited, long conversations. I have visited “Happy Horse Year!” “Happy Spring For instance, people from Yunnan is the Chinese food on the streets. Many such as the Hungarian shadow theatre my grandparents who lived in the Festival!” When midnight comes, the Province write their wishes on all local snacks and traditional Chinese group, Attraction, French actress Sophie countryside and it felt warm spending sound of New Year wishes arises. The kinds of New Year lanterns and place dishes make you gluttonous! These Marceau and Korean actor Lee Min-ho. all night talking to them. fireworks from all over the city deafen them in the river. Every family from traditional snacks such as Tanghulu Also, some dramas created on the basis The most memorable time would you. Then in the following days, Chinese Wuzhen Town takes part in a “long taste really different from the Chinese of some Chinese social issues will be be firecrackers or firework displays people will be busy visiting with friends street banquet” – taking its table out food in the Sydney New Year Market. performed, as well as practical guidelines with my younger cousins. A variety of and families. It is such a good time to and placing home-cooked dishes on it Even though traditions vary with regard to helping an elder who falls fireworks are on offer: a rocket-shaped keep contact and cherish relationships. 12 The Review February ’14

Reeves would be one-dimensional, a home offers two kinds of freedom. playwright and director and two that a coherent plot would be absent First, home offers freedom from plays per actor. At the moment, The Reviews and that there’d be some cool fight the depression, degradation and Short+Sweet claims for itself the scenes and special effects. And while even disdain that homeless people title of “the world’s biggest little Film Review today’s commercial surfing circuit. all that is true, 47 Ronin is even less may experience on a daily basis. festival”, taking place across Australia by Jennifer Blau One of its most memorable than the sum of its limited parts. Furthermore, it can offer freedom as well as in India, Malaysia, the moments was a Korean surfer who Not only does Keanu remain from physical assault and from Philippines and New Zealand, and almost seemed to dance on his wave, expressionless and monotone for verbal vilification. Above all, the having extended beyond theatre lost in his own reverie and at one the entire film (if he was trying to idea that emerges most strongly to include dance and cabaret. with the ocean. We also witnessed exude Samurai level-headedness or is that having a home represents The theatre festival provides a him immersed in a barrel of water, oriental inner peace it didn’t work) freedom from fear by offering a much-needed creative platform, lit from below to warm the water by but all his co-actors are equally safe haven. “My home”, says one encouragement and possible an open fire. The simple life, indeed. unimaginative in their portrayals participant, “is my sanctuary”. professional advancement for But there were some spectacular of Japanese medieval stereotypes. Second, having their own aspiring writers, directors and moments, too. Big name surfers – It doesn’t help that all the environment offers people the actors. The Wild Card offerings at Mick Fanning, Tom Curren, surfing sub-plots are so pointless as to freedom to be themselves. A roof the King Street Theatre, ten plays enormous waves – others risking be head-scratchingly confusing over one’s head is not really a home in all, showed an impressive variety life and limb, experiencing some and even the “monsters” are an unless people are able to “own” of approaches from a twilight-ish incredible wipe-outs. One could anthropomorphic mess that would the space and to use it in ways horror (“Moon Boy”, writer, Sarah only marvel at the tenacity and do Star Trek proud (the owl alien that make them feel comfortable Seal, director, Les Davidson) to social skill not only of the surfers but the ninjas were a particular favourite). and happy. They may wish to satire (“Bringing Work Home”, cinematographers, too. Stephanie 47 Ronin is no Crouching Tiger, dance, to sing, to have their own Simon Tonkin) and settings from Gilmore’s elegant sequence on a Hidden Dragon. There is none of music, or just to sit, to dream and the interior of a Pharaoh’s tomb Spirit of Akasha single fin was deliberate and highly the epic scale, grand beauty or huge imagine a future. The joy this kind (“Sarcophagus”, Jim Searle) to the Director: Andrew Kidman effective in conjuring the spirit of choreography. The CGI special of ownership brings is beautifully seat outside Bath, Bed and Table Sydney Opera House Concert Hall the late great Michael Peterson, effects are mostly limited and invoked through animation. (“Dry Erase BJS”, Brian Walker, Sydney Festival to whom the film was dedicated. of varying effectiveness. Clearly “The Things That I Left Behind” Brett Garland). Smoothly managed Peterson, who passed away last year, there wasn’t a lot of the budget left (Ensemble Video Creators: transitions, owing to well-managed Back in the hippie days of the after a lifelong battle with mental after splashing out on Keanu. Akira, Carla, Chris, Gordon, change of mostly simple props on early 70s, many of us yearned for illness and drugs, was the star of But credit where credit’s due, Graham B, Graham S, the one hand and on the other, an an alternative lifestyle where you the original movie, his glides and some of the sword fighting scenes Flor, Lisa, Matthew, Michael effective selection of music, gave the could drop out, take off up the coast cutbacks at a perfect Kirra Beach are really well done and if that’s W, Michael G, Joasia, Ray) is a whole an unexpected integration. and live the simple life of long, slow embodying the essence of the film. your thing then 47 Ronin might meditation on the cost of being in Some small visual details are days on the beach, living off the land Multi-talented Kidman (director, be worth a look. For everyone constant transition. The things left memorable. The revelation of the dry and growing your own vegetables, photographer and musician) else, at least stick to martial arts behind can be a ring, a letter, a stereo leaves as the sinister Moon Boy draws not to mention a range of herbal was one of many contributors films that get the accents right. and encyclopedias, a suitcase … and back his sleeve in preparation for the substances. Not a bad idea when you to the cinematography, which perhaps a son or even a family. kill, the contrast between the simple think of it. Has anything changed? included several leading oceanic Rating: One Keanu too many. However, this lyrical piece does not shift of Joan and the horribly scarlet It would be the silver-haired rather filmmakers all bringing their stop at regret or ruefulness but moves robes of the Cardinal, Prince of the than blonde that would remember own visual interpretation. PS My Top 5 Films for 2013 are (in into playful and comical fantasies. Church rather than a representative the first screening of Morning of As a surf film it works, and at order): Zero Dark Thirty; Rush; Filth; The lost letter metamorphoses of God (“A Maid of Conviction”, the Earth, that seminal early 70s times it works extremely well. American Hustle; Anchorman 2 into tongue-in-cheek destiny- Suzan Dalziel, James Graham), the surf classic by Albert Falzon, yet Magnificent waves in Hawaii, Bali, changing mail, the ring becomes the nauseous use made of a lime green its popularity has endured. With Mexico, Australia and even Ireland protagonist in a sad tale of rejected handkerchief in “Dry Erase BJS” a soundtrack including G Wayne (yes Ireland!) are shown. Moreover, it Film Review love, and the most charming of all is and the sense of being in traffic Thomas’s lyrics “there’s no formula captures the beauty and simplicity of by Catherine Wood the epic journey of Charlie the roving maintained by “The High Road” for happiness … unless you open up the surfing lifestyle, the mesmerising and independent-minded tennis ball. (Seth Freeman, Kathy Petrakis). your heart”, we heard the alluring formula of surfers in unity with Both these moving and Some dialogue is very memorable. message that surfing and getting the ocean and natural world. As an challenging short films deserve The parodying of sporting in touch with our true selves and armchair surfie-chick and occasional a wider audience than they commentator jargon and more than nature would bring happiness. surf-book editor these days, it’s may achieve. Homelessness is a irritating government department Sydney Festival’s Spirit of Akasha is enough to inspire me to mix up preventable state and while these automated telephone responses as a new Australian film that celebrates some of the old brew with a dash of films stand alone as artistically husband importunes wife for sex was Morning of the Earth’s ethos of “spirit of Akasha”, buy a Kombi and presented stories, they showcase the very funny, as are the verbal antics in soul and spirit and reaffirms its head up the coast all over again. need to find acceptable solutions. “The Peach” (Alex Dremann, Sarah values in a surfing climate today Connor) as the characters attempt to dominated by big business and the Spirit of Akasha soundtrack is For further information contact establish who is to be the victim. Also professional surfing circuit. Akasha, available now and the film opens [email protected] memorably intriguing, are the semi- according to the filmmaker, is the in cinemas on January 30. comic speculation on the afterlife fifth element, the centre of all things »»[email protected] (“Sarcophagus”) and the tense debate – the spiritual force that Earth, Air, between student and teacher in Fire and Water descend from. Film Review “Sacred Profane” (Kirsty Budding). Director Andrew Kidman by Lindsay Cohen Theatre Review However, “Poo Poo Pee Doo” Stories from the Suitcase undertook an ambitious project for by Catherine Wood (Anna Yahyah) distinguished itself Two Short Films this year’s Festival in introducing by its sheer joy in, and enthusiasm Director and Digital the film’s screening with live for, the imaginative possibilities of Artist: Sarah Emery performances from a range of the stage. With absurd pantomime Milk Crate Theatre musicians paying homage to the characters, the Sailor and the Darling Harbour original film soundtrack at the Captain, a playful engagement January 20, 2014 Sydney Opera House Concert with Shakespeare through rhyming Hall. While it was nostalgic to verse and the incorporation of hear renditions of old classics as Milk Crate Theatre (Artistic Caputlets and Mountainscrews into well as an appearance from G Director, Maria Freeman) works its ridiculous plot, this small play Wayne Thomas himself, the end with an Ensemble of artists who are evoked an atmosphere of carnival. result was a bit fragmented and socially marginalised or who are or The allusion to an earlier tradition tentative, despite the obvious have been homeless. The Ensemble of theatre through the costumes, talent and efforts of musicians was involved at every stage of the makeup, and in particular the very involved. A seemingly wasted creation of the two short films, amusing use of a parrot mask was opportunity to show some footage “Homefull” and “The Things That well supported by the charming props from the Morning of the Earth I Left Behind”, that make up the and the strategic use of trumpet. 47 Ronin film – or even a range of imagery presentation Stories from the Suitcase. It is not surprising that Director: Carl Rinsch Wildcards 2 referencing the Spirit of Akasha – “Homefull” (Ensemble Short+Sweet, of which this session Starring: Keanu Reeves Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney on a large screen above made this Video Creators: Chris, Lisa, is only a sampling, hopes to Genre: Keanu Reeves Sat Jan 18 – Mon Jan 20, 2014 section slightly disappointing. Carla, Joasia, Pee-Wee, Flor and expand to China, New York and King Street Theatre, Newtown When Kidman’s film began in the Helena) is an exploration of the the United Kingdom in the near second half, all was revealed. Albert I wrote most of this review in importance of home and belonging future. Besides being a showcase for Falzon’s “moments of pure bliss” were my head even before I entered through a combination of animation, Short+Sweet was founded by Mark talent, the program contributes to evident in some beautiful sequences the cinema. So to say that 47 the spoken word and revealing Cleary in 2002 at the then Newtown the building up of a theatre-going – surfed and filmed just for the love Ronin was predictable and met my close-ups of the participants. Theatre, now King Street Theatre. audience around the world. of waves. And that is the point of expectations is no understatement. Homelessness is not just being Over time, rules have evolved to this film, that surfing is an expression It’s also not a compliment. without a place to live but being the present-day demands of a strict »»[email protected] of a way of life, possibly lost in My expectations were that Keanu without a place to call home. Having ten minutes time limit, one play per The Review February ’14 13 Lo’s last show (in Sydney for a while)

live music review by georgia flynn

Loene Carmen Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton Street, Petersham December 13, 2013

Petersham Bowling Club is the sort of venue that prides itself on being “a bit worn and beaten-up around the edges” – airport carpet; bingo tables; an incongruous statue of a pharaoh on a tiny stage. But, there Loene Carmen and Cec Condon Photo: Supplied is an undeniable touch of whimsy in the venue, found in the canopy of lanterns and lights overhead. difficult to come by in her repertoire the bee”. for the evening. There is a puzzling sense of nostalgia Loene Carmen, Sam Worrad and From the opening lines of “Black for a time and place – and moment – Cec Condon take to the stage with Tambourine” – “We all know/ we ain’t lost, which pervades all of Carmen’s little fuss, while members of the low- got long to go” – Carmen expertly music. Perhaps this is a part of her key crowd talk amongst themselves. positions herself as the patron saint of musical inheritance; Carmen is the When Carmen starts singing – all those who have suffered heartbreak daughter of Australian musician Peter suddenly, almost without warning – the or who have been broken by a life Head. In August this year, Carmen murmuring ends for a single, arresting lived hard. and Head released an album of father- moment. More energetic and defiant songs, daughter duets, The Apple Don’t Fall Far For newcomers to Carmen’s music, particularly “Oh Apollo!” from her From The Tree. the first impression is all about 2009 album, It Walks Like Love, offer a Her country, folksy style represents the voice. necessary reprieve from the depressive, a longing for a time that has come Even with the unwavering beats red wine rawness of “Lonesome Beauty” and gone – or perhaps just the idea Cat Power at the Circus Ronaldo Tent Photo: Georgia Flynn supplied by Condon’s drums and and “He Calls Me Flames”. The faster of a time that can exist only in music. Worrad’s unassuming bass, Carmen’s beats also present Worrad and Condon But, there is no denying the emotional voice is what demands attention. with the opportunity to demonstrate honesty – a bit worn and beaten-up Bewitching Hour Containing it requires every adjective their considerable skills, which may around the edges – that permeates that reviewers can think of to convey not have been fully utilised providing Carmen’s music. hot nights spent drinking whiskey at increased affect to Carmen’s poignant In January Loene moved out of her – Cat Power hotel bars, talking about love lost or storytelling. inner-city home for a sojourn in the US. never fully realised. The set ended with “The Bee”, a song Fans can anticipate some new songs Once the shock of the voice recedes, about a single, suspended moment of and recordings in the near future. after midnight it is all about the lyrics. Carmen is perfect simplicity – “I’ve never felt so at her best when she is melancholy, still/ I’ve never felt so free/ as when www.loenecarmen.bandcamp.com/ and songs for the world-weary are not we were sitting there/ you and me and releases live music review by georgia flynn She has been known to experience wrenching anxiety during shows. She Cat Power has been known to slouch on stage, Circus Ronaldo Tent, Sydney to hide behind whatever is nearest Festival, Hyde Park to her. Some of those present have Friday January 24, 11.59pm been burned by her demons before. Then again, it is telling that Cat Over the course of the Sydney Power fans are willing to brave a Festival, Hyde Park has been rainy night at the tail end of the transformed into something Sydney Festival to stand outside a of a circus. A walk home from circus tent in spite of the potential work can see you navigating an for disappointment. Perhaps the absurd, inflatable Stonehenge, crowd is united by optimism – or, experiencing the appetising scents perhaps there is a resignation to the wafting from the jaunty yellow food fact that her siren’s voice will keep van, or overhearing story-time her dedicated followers coming at the lawn library at twilight. back for more, no matter how often her anxiety cripples her. While the carnival atmosphere is Circus Ronaldo Tent is a intoxicating during the protracted uniquely intimate setting for the daylight of Sydney’s summer performance. There is a small, months, there is something upright piano squeezed into the haunting about a carnival at night. cramped tent, which is festooned Elizabeth Rose, awarded Next Big Thing at FBi Radio’s SMAC Awards (2013) on January 14. The Sydney electronic artist has just released her self-titled Long after the Friday night with lights angled directly upon EP through Inertia Access. The SMAC Awards are FBi’s annual awards for the crowds have dispersed and the the stage. In a space like this, there Sydney creative and music industries. Taking place at Carriageworks, the vendors have closed down their venue’s Director Lisa Havilah took out the night’s top award for an individual – is nowhere for Marshall to hide. the SMAC Of The Year Photo: Liam Cameron Leah Flanagan at Yabun 2014 Photo: Lyn Turnbull stalls, a crowd of people mill around Yet during tonight’s performance the entrance of the Circus Ronaldo she does not seem to want to hide. Tent. Festival Village is oddly silent She appears as moody and fragile as one minute away from midnight, ever – clutching her electric guitar save for the people forming an like a raft – but her voice reaches orderly line in the drizzling rain, those pure, suspended notes with ease. waiting to hear Cat Power play. She may not be entirely comfortable, There is a palpable sense of but the power of her music has anticipation – as well as a degree of always been her ability to ruminate self-satisfaction in a crowd that is on her own raw nerves. The small pleased with itself for securing one performance space merely accentuates of the sought-after tickets to her the intimacy of her revealing lyrics performance. The dripping umbrellas and her ethereal, affecting voice. and the muddy grass underfoot only If she is searching for amplifies the sense that these are truly validation, it is present in full dedicated – and deserving – fans. force in the audience’s reaction However, there is a faint shudder of to her performance. anxiety moving through some sectors An emotionally exhausted but of the crowd. Chan Marshall – the elated crowd disperses into the Berlin choreographer Sasha Waltz collaborated with baroque orchestra Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin to present her first opera: a majestic reimagining of one of the woman behind the stage name Cat rain, surprised to find that the world’s great romantic tragedies, Dido & Aeneas. Henry Purcell’s 17th-century masterwork is the myth of a queen, a soldier and the illicit love that tore them apart. Waltz’s version transported the audience into a wondrous underwater realm, where submerged dancers glided gracefully around a glass aquarium-stage. Sydney Lyric Power – has an unsettling history witching hour has passed and at The Star, January 16-21 (Sydney Festival). Photo: Claire Mahjoub of unpredictable performances. that it is Saturday already. 14 The Review February ’14 Mozart marathon SSH

Newtown resident David Angell is tackling one of the marathons in the world of classical music. Over the course of almost 12 hours, spread over the weekend of February 28 – March 2, David will be conducting Orchestra 143 in performances of all (well, nearly all) the symphonies of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This is not a case of programming the single symphony by Bizet, the four by Brahms or even the nine by Beethoven. Mozart wrote 41 symphonies in his sadly short lifetime!

Even deciding what to play was not an entirely simple matter, as David explains. “Mozart’s symphonies are traditionally counted as 41. However, it has been known, for some time, that at least two of these were not actually by Mozart. No. 2 is nowadays generally agreed to have been written by Mozart’s father Leopold, who possibly sought to cash-in by pretending his then six-year-old son was the composer. And No. 3 is by a different composer entirely, Karl Friedrich Abel. Then, on the other David Angell conducting Orchestra 143 and soloist Graham Nichols in rehearsal for the orchestra’s 10th anniversary concert at Robertson, December 2012 Photo: Irina Pollard hand, there are further symphonies which almost certainly are by Mozart, but which for some reason didn’t welcome,” says David, “and it would ten years conducting Orchestra “We intend to play the part Mozart I found that they were to play the make it into the standard 41. In the be terrific if some people were there 143, it’s still going to be a steep wrote – it only lasts a minute or complete Mozart symphonies at the end we decided to play the 41, leaving for the whole project. We don’t learning curve, requiring him to two, and leaves the listener hanging beginning of March. It struck me as a out the two ‘fakes’. This omits the have time to thoroughly rehearse master a symphony every day for in mid-air, expecting more – but great idea to do the same thing here probably genuine ‘extras’, but you have all the symphonies, so we will be the next month. “I usually manage a we’ll take the risk of frustrating the on the same weekend, turning it into to draw the line somewhere and we relying on the performers’ innate bit on the bus going to work in the audience. After all, we’re supposed to a world-wide Mozart marathon.” felt that 39 separate symphonies was musicality and past experience. morning, and a bit more on the way be playing only Mozart this weekend.” probably enough for a weekend.” Probably there will be imperfections: home. Add in an hour or two every The idea for the Mozartathon came The venue for the Orchestra 143 Enough, indeed. Although some in recognition of this we will not evening and it’s done – I hope!” from the other side of the world. Mozartathon will be the East of the earlier symphonies, composed be charging the audience an entry An oddity of the Mozart symphony “During 2013,” says David, “I spent Lindfield Community Hall, 9 while Mozart was still a young boy or fee, though we would appreciate cycle is No. 37. This is really a some time in the UK. I conducted Wellington Road, East Lindfield. a teenager, come in under 10 minutes a donation to help cover costs.” symphony by Michael Haydn, a an orchestral concert near Oxford, Friday February 28, 7-10pm – very short for a classical symphony – If each musician is faced with friend and colleague of Mozart. and played viola in a number of Saturday March 1, 2-5pm the last five go for about half an hour learning his or her own part for Finding himself short of time to performances in London. One of Saturday March 1, 7-10pm each. Even playing three or four of 39 symphonies, imagine David’s complete the symphony which his these was with The Angel Orchestra, Sunday March 2, 2-5pm these begins to sound like a marathon, workload. As conductor, he needs employer wanted, Haydn convinced based in Islington. (Yes, that’s The Sunday March 2, 7-10pm but doing 39 requires a huge amount to have a good knowledge of Mozart to lend a hand by composing Angel Islington if you ever played No fixed charge for admission, of stamina from the musicians. everybody’s part in every symphony. a slow and majestic opening for the Monopoly!) When I came home, I suggested donation $1 per symphony. And from the audience too? Although David has already studied work. “People shouldn’t take classical never thought to remove my name www.orchestra143.org “Audiences will certainly be a number of the pieces during his music too seriously,” suggests David. from its email list, and, as a result, www.the-angel-orchestra.co.uk

South Sydney Crossword

Wordplays... Across Ode to Chlorophyll Necessary Protection 1. Pound to dust 5. Poppy product O lovely leaf of course Protective colours 7. Bordello boss violet and green you must have the poet 10. Faraway Shield us from white- to sing your unique song 12. Wildebeest orange heat hidden deep 13. December 24, eg Beating down on our Earth. 14. All over the shop in many bonded forms Frivolously we strip off our 17. Archaic in your secret heart green protection 19. Lascivious tiny electrons No longer able to 20. Redback's method of execution buzz shelter in the Down in the sunlight violet shadows. 1. Gramps Free of masters working a wondrous 2. Femme fatales We slowly bake in the fierce equation 3. Cuban jig mindless radiance. CROSSWORD BY D.W. so we can eat and breathe… 4. Approximate touchdown time Shortly we will be done - First correct entry 5. Wild marjoram – Marg Vazey Nicely. receives a prize. 6. Brought on – Marg Vazey Send to: 8. Picks up 9. Grandeur, sovereignty South Sydney 11. Bout finisher WORDPLAY – Creative Writing Group – CLUB REDFERN, Crossword 15. Ma's sis' 2/159 REDFERN ST 6-8pm – Weds 5 & 19 february. PO Box 16. Eagle claw Phone Andrew on 8399 3410. All welcome 3288, Redfern 18. Sided prefix last month's solution NSW 2016 20. E or dog suffix February 2014 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

BABANA Uniting Churches Aboriginal Men’s Group Next meeting Friday, 12-2pm February 28 SATURDAY ART CLASS Babana Shed open Mon-Fri (72 Renwick St, Redfern) Contact: Mark Spinks 0411 282 917 South Sydney Uniting Church (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) 12-4pm Sat Feb 8 & 22 South Sydney Uniting Church 56a Raglan St Waterloo More info 0438 719 470 Worship (Eucharist): 10am Sunday Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 All materials provided. Welcoming people of all ages, Previous & new participants welcome. cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities. Gold coin donation. Peace with justice, integrity

Painting: Gaylene Smith of creation.

Glebe Cafe Church recruit volunteers who would De Porres House Cnr St Johns Rd Cana – be happy to companion (114 Flinders St, Darlingjurst): Celebrating people in our community. February 5 at 5.30pm & Colbourne Ave Glebe Our dream is to have 2/3 Nagle House (114 Flinders St, Worship Sun 7pm Community people helping each other care Darlinghurst): February 13 at ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate for someone so they get to 10.30am, February 17 at 5.30pm Ohver t e last few years we experience positive friendship Garden Shelter Uniting Church candlelit concerts Thu 8pm have watched homelessness and support. (56a Raglan St, Waterloo): Allison Forrest 9518 9413 increase. We have homes in the city, February 12 at 6pm shelters and a farm close by. Cana Farm People leaving jail, refugees, We see 100s of people each (100 Kingswood Rd, Orchard Hills): Leichhardt University Church those suffering with mental week who are lonely and need February 9 at 4.30pm, February 12 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt health issues and addictions to feel connected. at 2.30pm, February 13 at 3pm are also part of this population If you would like to learn (near Norton St) and are struggling to survive. more about our charity Thank you and please Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday The services are doing what please come to one of our do not feel coming to an Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 they can to support people. information sessions. Should information session means you www.leichhardtuniting.org.au However, it is not enough. you have a group who would are making a commitment. We all need to feel cared like to do something together for and to have a sense of that would be terrific too. Please RSVP to Anne Jordan belonging. The information sessions [email protected] Newtown Mission Cana Communities is are being held in the city and Julie Sneddon 280 King St Newtown launching a campaign to at the farm. [email protected] Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday Rev Ps Doug Clements 9519 9000 Volunteers’ news Pat Clarke & Ross Smith of the amazing shows and and 2, 2-6pm. Bookings are Paddington Uniting Church acts and theatre on offer. essential and open from Rev Ben Gilmour Welcome to a South February 7 on 9265 9333. 395 Oxford St Paddington Sydney New Year 2014. Chinese Lunar New Year We’re looking forward to This is Year of the Horse in Back to School Church Open 10am-2pm another 12 months of the the Chinese calendar, and as Congrats all our back-to- 1st and 3rd Saturdays best community news the usual there are numerous free schoolers and their parents, Worship Sunday 7.30pm Inner City has to offer. events on offer, including the along with first-timers. Parade and Dragon Boat races. Hope you enjoy your year. Office 9331 2646 As we didn’t have an end-of- year get-together, thank you Sydney Mardi Gras 2014 UN International to all our brilliant writers Just when you thought it Observances Pitt Street Uniting Church Woolloomooloo to Redfern from 2013, and welcome was safe to stop celebrating By resolution the United Rev Margaret Mayman our trainees, first-timers Sydney in summer, along Nations has declared 2014: Redfern to Broadway 264 Pitt St, Sydney and, of course, our regular comes Mardi Gras with the – International Year of The Village to Village bus is a free hop-on, hop-off service which deliverers and contributors. Fair Day in Victoria Park on Crystallography Worship 10 am Sunday enables residents of the City of Sydney to access local businesses, You are inspiring, all of you! Sunday February 9 and the – International Year of & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) hospitals, shopping centres, restaurants and universities. Parade on Saturday March 1. Family Farming Office 9267 3614 Sydney Festival – International Year of Small These FREE buses operate every Thursday and Friday. It’s farewell to the Sydney Living in Harmony Festival Island Developing States Festival for another year Running from March 1-31, – and International Year Wayside Chapel For more information please call: 8241 8000 and we hope you and your there are various exhibitions of Solidarity with the or visit our website: www.villagetovillage.com.au family members were and activities, including Palestinian People. 29 Hughes St Potts Point Like Us. Follow Us. adventurous enough to jump Aboriginal Heritage Tours at Worship 10am on Stonehenge in the Festival the Royal Botanic Gardens on Pat Clarke & Ross Smith Rev Graham Long 9358 6996 Village and attend some Saturday and Sunday, March 1 [email protected]

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Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich Carmel Tebbutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 150 Broadway, Broadway Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2007 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 SPORT February 2014

The Ravens meet each Sunday at 3pm at Redfern Oval (Cnr Phillip & Chalmers Sts in Redfern). New members (and beginners) welcome! Phone Adrian on 9690 1427. RAVENS RUNNING Jayze Tuigamala (Best and Fairest Under 7 Div 1) with NRL players Buddy Gordon and Nathan Merritt and world boxing champion Anthony Mundine Photo: Supplied GROUP Rovers get set for new season Perry Johnstone All up, the club handed out over 180 officials for the following representative trophies and presentation gear made up teams in 2013: Australia Indigenous ALEXANDRIA: On a glorious summer of a bag, jacket and shirt to all players, Under 16; NSW Indigenous Under 16; day in December, the players, sponsors, officials and sponsors. It took the total NSW Under 16 Young Guns; South officials and supporters got together to just over the 300 mark for goodies to Sydney SG Ball; South Sydney Under and celebrated another great season, in hand out on the day. 17; Sydney Indigenous Under 17; and fine fashion, at the AlexandriaR overs’ The club was lucky to have Souths’ Sydney Indigenous Under 16. A great Annual Presentation Day. first grader Beau Champion there to help achievement for all concerned! hand out the gear. He did a great job and With footy pre-season kicking off In 2013 the Alexandria Rovers Rugby was very enthusiastic in offering praise again in February, it should be another League Football Club fielded 16 teams in to the younger kids. great year in 2014 for the club! S the South Sydney competition, making This year the Rovers tasted it not only the biggest club in the inner premiership in the Under 12 NSW As we head into our 66th year of providing city but one of the biggest clubs in the weight-restricted class and by winning rugby league to the boys and girls of entire district. the Under 8 competition. The Under 7 the inner city, all the information about In 2013 our club had over 240 team also made the grand final and seven our club’s preparation for season 2014 registered players and coordinating other teams played in the semi-finals. can be found at our official website: presentation gear was a mighty task. Our club supplied players and www.alexandriarovers.com.au

Making waves: Athlete Profile: Rhiannon Carr Louisa Dyce out of her position in the all schools Does she ever take time off? I don’t meet. Rhiannon had to then undergo think so, because in January just passed Let me introduce you to a very an operation on her heart. And because Rhiannon came third in NSW for her talented individual by the name of of that operation they found out she age in the 100m Butterfly. You ask what Rhiannon Carr. She is a swimmer has Parkinson White Wolf Syndrome. is so good about this? Well, I have the and a very good one, too. Simply put, it’s when the electrics in privilege to tell you that Rhiannon will be the heart don’t work properly so the swimming in the Australian Open again Rhiannon has faced a great deal heart doesn’t work the way it should. this April and competing in the 50m and of adversity to be where she is now. Rhiannon came back in 2011 in March 100m Butterfly as well as the Freestyle Several years back her life changed and not only swam but won the Speedo in the 50m, 100m and 200m events. scarily but it has made her what she is Sprint in the 50m Butterfly. The next If she can maintain this momentum, today. At the age of 10 her heart would year in the same competition she won her coach Hamid Mobarrez, who qualified beat erratically every time she tried the 50m Freestyle. How brave is that! for the 2000 Olympics, thinks Rhiannon to do any physical activity. Rhiannon At 13 she qualified for the nationals. can achieve her dreams. I believe him. didn’t have any choice but to give up It was her first major meet. She came I have to remind you that, apart from her sports. So athletics, nippers, rugby into that meet ranked 25th in all of making waves in the pool, Rhiannon league, basketball and netball had to go. Australia and left the meet ranked is a normal girl. She goes motorbike She did have inspiring role models ninth. She swam her personal best riding with her brother and likes going in her family, however. Her brother and and her ranking for ninth place was to the movies and having a good time sister were committed to swimming. Her for Butterfly. In my opinion, that’s the with her friends and family. She is so mother, Donna, asked Rhiannon at the hardest swimming style, and it shows unwavering in her goals that she trained time whether she wanted to swim for just how talented Rhiannon is. throughout the school holidays. She fun or swim in competition. If Rhiannon What! Yes, there’s more. Rhiannon doesn’t get any time off for training and did want to swim in competition then went on to qualify for the Australian trains every weekday morning, twice Donna would help her with everything. Open short course. That in itself is a in the afternoon and Saturdays too. This has all worked out very well. great achievement. At the beginning I do admire her and I really like her At 12 she was competing at school of this meet she was ranked 52nd. work ethic. Rhiannon says: “If you like and won three gold medals at school Then she swam her personal best, something and you are good at it, train state. However, when Rhiannon’s which was 1.03.56, and improved her hard and don’t give up if you fail.” Great Rhiannon Carr Photo: Supplied problems arose again she had to drop ranking to be 23rd in all of Australia. words to live by. S

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