LOCAL ELECTION 2016 SCULPTURES FROM THE SEA CITY OF SYDNEY – YOUR CANDIDATES – pages 6-7 THE REVIEW – pages 11-14

NUMBER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE ~ SEPTEMBER ’16 ~ CIRCULATION 22,000 ~ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Lessons of history – local connections

LYN & GEOFF TURNBULL

WE recently spent a month in southern Africa. It was just the right mix of a two-week camping safari and travel by ourselves. We had the big animal photography, amazing scenery, travel with a good friend from uni days, as well as encounters with people from lots of different cultural groups. For us it was not only a break from our daily life in Redfern but also an opportunity to see some similarities and contrasts between our community and those in very different places.

We visited the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site, north of Johannesburg where our common human ancestors lived more than three million years ago. We climbed through one of the Sterkfontein Caves, where the fossil remains of a human ancestor Australopithecus africanus were found in 1947. The visitors’ centre Maropeng, which means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main local indigenous language, is an engaging mix of theme park ride and museum. You travel down a dark bumpy tunnel in an inflatable raft back in time to the Big Bang, to emerge into a large light-filled interactive museum with a similar feel to the Questacon National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra. It explores genetic diversity and evolution linking the Out of Africa story of humanity with the fossil finds in this archeologically rich part of South Africa. The final section of the gallery focuses on the human diversity both within South Africa and across the world and leaves visitors with questions of how our species will face Reflections and contrasts: Southern Africa’s surprising connections with our local issues Photo: Geoff Turnbull future challenges for survival. A highlight was the first night but what impressed us about South Gender Diversity, which told the valuable for public housing. over. Racial segregation laws were of our safari, camping at Dqae Africa is that it now has prominent stories of 12 South African people District Six was established as a used to forcibly remove more than Qare San Lodge, a social enterprise institutions, like the Apartheid from different faith traditions. mixed community of freed slaves, 60,000 people to barren outlying owned by the San Bushmen in the Museum in Johannesburg, which It truly is now a rainbow nation. merchants, artisans, labourers and areas aptly known as the Cape middle of the Kalahari Desert. One acknowledge the truth of its We visited St Georges Cathedral in immigrants in the late 19th century. Flats, and their houses in District of their elders shared stories that history. In contrast, Australia still Cape Town where Desmond Tutu was Like Millers Point and The Rocks, Six were flattened by bulldozers. showed us how they lived in that struggles with its black history and archbishop and still preaches many District Six was a vibrant centre with So great was the reaction to arid part of Botswana and held doesn’t yet have museums that Fridays, but as we were there on a close links to the city and the port. the destruction of the community echoes of life for remote Australian adequately tell it from other than Sunday we heard the present minister By the beginning of the 20th century, that over 30 years later most Aboriginal communities. Another a mainstream white perspective. grapple openly with the implied however, the process of removals of the area is still not rebuilt. highlight of the safari was to camp All sides of the history of homosexuality in David’s grieving and marginalisation had begun. There are just large areas of green for two nights on an island in the colonialisation, the apartheid era, at the death of Jonathan in the Old In 1901, black South Africans were grass growing over the uneven middle of the Okavango Delta the democratic elections in 1994 Testament reading from 2 Samuel. displaced from the district and, as ground left after the demolition. and be shown around by locals (only a year after the Mabo ruling We found a different kind of happened around the world, the more In 1994, the old Methodist church who poled our mokoro (canoe). when our high court overturned synergy with Australia in Cape prosperous moved out from the inner on the edge of the district was While Namibia and Botswana were terra nullius) and the triumphs and Town’s District Six Museum. city to the suburbs leaving the area transformed into a vibrant centre amazing, it was some of the people disappointments with the Truth and It told stories all too similar to to poor families from many different celebrating the lives and stories of and stories of struggle from South Reconciliation Commission are told. the experiences of people living in cultural backgrounds. The area the families and residents who were Africa that really struck a chord. The temporary exhibition at NSW public housing in Waterloo became a neglected ward of the city. evicted. “Through this space we Australia may have boycotted the Apartheid Museum when we and Millers Point who are being On 11 February 1966 it was have created an arena which enables South African sport in the 1970s visited celebrated Journeys of Faith displaced because the land declared a white area and by 1982, us to reaffirm our identity, celebrate to put pressure on a racist regime, – Navigating Sexual Orientation and they live on is now deemed too the life of the community was our heritage Continued on page 2 2 NEWS SEPTEMBER 2016

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

NEWS [email protected] Phone Lyn 0400 008 338

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MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3288 Redfern NSW 2016

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Responsibility for election comment is taken by the News Editor, Lyn Turnbull. Uncle Claude Williams, Terri Janke (Deputy Chair), Shane Phillips (Director), Leslie Williams (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Steven Davis, April Long, Kirstie Parker (CEO), and Hannah Davis (Program Manager) at the NCIE in Redfern Photo: Andrew Collis

FOUNDING EDITOR Trevor Davies (25.5.1956—14.6.2011) Funding fuels Friday night fun and fitness ANDREW COLLIS The minister visited the NCIE engage in positive activities and reduce criminal and anti-social to announce the funding. “This to steer at-risk people away from behaviour across NSW. S REDFERN: On August 18 Leslie grant will help continue the great a path of crime,” Ms Upton said. Williams, NSW Minister for work of the NCIE. This program Kirstie Parker, CEO of NCIE, NCIE is a safe and culturally appropriate MANAGING EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR Aboriginal Affairs, announced a will focus on sport and health, said the centre’s Friday Night Live place for young Aboriginal and Torres (Acting) Marjorie Lewis-Jones Dorothy McRae-McMahon $125,000 investment in a program and help young people develop events see local Aboriginal and Strait Islander people to get healthy, that encourages Aboriginal important life skills in a safe Torres Strait Islander young people stay fit and connect with the community. youth in inner Sydney to get environment,” Ms Williams said. come together for free, fun and The centre plays an integral role in involved in healthy and positive Attorney General Gabrielle Upton healthy activities in a safe family- the health and wellbeing of the local activities on Friday nights. said the grant is part of the NSW friendly environment. “NCIE opens Indigenous community. Its facilities Government’s Community Safety its gates to the local community, include a Fitness & Aquatics Centre and NEWS EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR Lyn Turnbull Louisa Dyce The Friday Night Live youth Fund, which will deliver $10 million offering 3on3 basketball and an outdoor oval. Friday Night Live is an program is run by the National in community grants over four years. Oz-Tag, robotics workshops, movies, innovative use of this space, purchased Centre of Indigenous Excellence “Today we are investing in strong music, cultural activities such as by the Indigenous Land Corporation (NCIE) and targets Indigenous people evidence-based projects to promote weaving and dance, and more.” in 2006 with the agreement of the aged between 12 and 18 in Redfern, safety in communities, to provide The program is one of several local Indigenous community. NCIE is an Waterloo, Glebe and Darlinghurst. opportunities for young people to community projects designed to alcohol and smoke-free environment. ASSISTANT EDITOR SUB EDITOR Kris Shalvey Miriam Pepper

DISTRIBUTION Lessons of history – Ross Smith [email protected] local connections DESIGNER Robert Young Continued from page 1 the next generation to gain an www.theloop.com.au/rdfy and confront the complexities education was very like listening PRINTER Spotpress Pty Ltd of our history.” to Shane Phillips talk about his www.spotpress.com In Cape Town the Hop On, Hop Off work in Redfern and Waterloo. tourist bus allows you to participate It was half a world away and yet in a walking tour of one of the there was so much reminding us REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS townships. We were disappointed of home. We have returned with “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors that we were the only two people a renewed appreciation for the who make this publication possible.” who got off the crowded bus that strengths of our community and Sunday to take up the opportunity are back tackling the challenges David Angell Erin Links S Ben Aveling Vangeli Kollias of a guided tour of Iminzamo that await us. Gabriel Azzi norrie mAy-welby Yethu Township with one of the Anya Beniac Julie McCrossin township’s community development Lyn Turnbull is the news editor for Laura Buzo Bronwyn Monro workers. His enthusiasm as he the South Sydney Herald and Geoff Anne Camac Jim Monro Community development in Iminzamo Yethu Township echoes work in Redfern and Waterloo Photo: Geoff Turnbull talked about his work empowering Turnbull edits Inner Sydney Voice. Philippa Clark Michael Page Samuel Clark Miriam Pepper Pat Clarke Sue Plyde Lindsay Cohen Tess Ridgway Georgia Flynn Michael Shreenan Katie Gompertz Blair Silverlock Jemima Hall Catherine Skipper Kat Hines Gai Smith Liz Hughes Emily Straney Lyndal Irons Maani Truu Darren Jenkins Alexander Turnbull Perry Johnstone Geoff Turnbull Laura Kelly Marg Vazey Maggie Korenblium Andy Walker Kelly Lane Peter Whitehead Bec Lewis Kate Williamson

DISTRIBUTORS

Eleanor Boustead Julie McCrossin Mark Bridget norrie mAy-welby Gabrielle Brine Mary Ellen McCue Sam Choy Matt McLennan Michael Condon Dorothy McRae-McMahon Yvonne Cowell Jane Morro Alice Crawford Margaret Neale Jules Cure Jim Patsouris Assure Psychology Sue Dahl Pepsee Peter Dodds David Pocklington Food Distribution Network Heather Robinson Urban Nature Wellbeing Centre Melissa Gibson Lincoln Sharp Perry Johnstone Colin Sharp 216 Enmore Rd (cnr Edgeware Rd), Anne Jordan Ross Smith Enmore NSW 2042 Desley Haas Adrian Spry Gabriel Haslam Tony Steele Caring, confidential psychological services to help you deal with Rod Haslam Gavin Straney Jennifer Jungheim Lani Tuitavake life’s difficulties. Bulk billing available on referral from GP. Anthony Kable Alexander Turnbull Contact Elizabeth Munro on or at Susan Kable Margaret Vazey 0408 612 808 Jennifer Laffan Rosie Wagstaff [email protected] John Lanzky Naomi Ward SEPTEMBER 2016 NEWS 3

The Big Issue City2Surf team 2016 Photo: Peter Holcroft Sore legs but happy souls in City2Surf

The hands-on workshop showed how ochre is transformed into paint for use in Aboriginal art Photo: Supplied THE BIG ISSUE people in one place enjoying themselves, especially the people SAMUEL CLARK running to the people who came out and gave support along the Ochre brings science to life for kids FOURTEEN vendors, three way. My legs were painful for Womens’ Social Enterprise weeks after, but it was worth it.” YOUTH OF TODAY families how ochre found in to studying or working in science workers and three Street Soccer Newtown vendor Robbo said, soil is transformed into the by showing the strong connection players joined staff and supporters “It wasn’t as easy as it seems, SARAH SCROOPE paint used for hand stencilling between western and Indigenous to form the largest ever City2Surf especially at the end. Once I and other Aboriginal art. scientific knowledge,” Dr Wilson said. team from The Big Issue on August stopped at the end it was hard REDFERN: Indigenous soil scientists “Ochre is a part of our soil and The National Indigenous Science 14. The team also raised the most to walk again. It was a lot of fun from the NSW Office of Environment it has been used for thousands Education Program (NISEP), an money from the City2Surf fun run though. Along the way I was giving and Heritage (OEH) explained the of years as part of Aboriginal Inspiring Australia-funded project of for The Big Issue. high fives to all those who came out ‘Science of Ochre’ to kids through culture and art,” Dr Wilson said. Macquarie University, and Redfern to support the runners. I’m already an interactive workshop at Redfern “This workshop shows families the Community Centre are partnered Chris Campbell, the State looking forward to it next year.” Community Centre on Sunday science behind the art, the different with soil scientists of the NSW Office Operations Manager of The Big Issue With 371 donations to the group, August 21. ochre colours, soil types and binding of Environment and Heritage as part in NSW said he was touched by the the fundraising helped highlight agents that have been used for of a Family Science Fun Day. S support. “Hearing people shout out to many that they were supported Art and science were entwined as hundreds of thousands of years in ‘Go Big Issue’ from the sidelines and valued by their community. kids created paintings using ochre – art and ceremony,” said Dr Wilson. Sarah Scroop is Senior Public Affairs Officer really meant a lot to me and all the “Some donations blew me off and heard how Indigenous knowledge At the workshop families for the Office of Environment and Heritage. team. One of our vendors made it my feet” admitted David S. and western science connect. also heard OEH’s Indigenous to Bondi with his walker. Another A big thank you from all at The event, rounding out National scientists talk about soil from a YOUTH OF TODAY, A REGULAR ARTICLE vendor finished the 14 kilometres The Big Issue for the support you Science Week celebrations, was one western perspective and also of ON LOCAL YOUTH AND RELATED on his motorised wheelchair. show us every day. S of a series of workshops coordinated its traditional and cultural uses. ISSUES, IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY That may not have been possible by the National Indigenous Science “The workshop was an opportunity APPETITE CAFE had it not been for a member of If you or anyone you know could Education Program (NISEP) to showcase the impact of our soil the public who was kind enough benefit from becoming a vendor for that brings ‘science to life’. research and a way to make science to help charge up his battery at The Big Issue, please contact the APPETITE CAFE Sydney office: 125-127 Little Eveleigh Dr Kate Wilson, OEH’s Executive real and part of everyday life. APPETITE the top of heartbreak hill.” cafe : redfern 82 REGENT ST, REDFERN ood Director Science Division, said “We also hope that we inspired + Pyrmont vendor Rachel agreed: St, Redfern; phone 8332 7200; eople TEL 9699 4069 the hands-on workshop showed these kids and created pathways “It was amazing to see so many email [email protected]

Change a life, keep culture strong. Aboriginal carers needed now!

GREENS FOR SYDNEY LINDSAY JOHNSTON & DE BRIERLEY NEWTON ▲ Double affordable housing in new developments ▲ Help make a difference. No to Eveleigh and Waterloo Become a Foster Carer. selloffs To find out how you can help contact our Carer Recruitment team: ▲ More women’s shelters p: 02 8782 0300 e: [email protected] ▲ Grants for live music

GREENSFORSYDNEY.ORG www.kari.org.au Changing Lives. Keeping Culture. Authorised by Chris Harris Suite D 1/275 Broadway, Glebe NSW 2037 4 NEWS SEPTEMBER 2016 LINDA SCOTT The Alex has been saved! & SYDNEY LABOR GARY SPEECHLEY

ALEXANDRIA: On August 11, news was released that plans to redevelop Over the past 12 years, our city has The Alexandria Hotel site have been scrapped. The developers have fallen behind, Housing affordability is walked away – tails between their beyond crisis point. legs – after selling the site to the Merivale group who plan to renovate The Alex and re-open it as a pub. In 1980, the median house price was two- This is an astounding victory for and-a-half times the annual household the residents of Alexandria who The Alexandria Hotel rescued – and to be restored Photo: Bec Lewis income. Today, it is five times annual rallied, repeatedly, to save The Alex. The drive and persistence of people household income. In the City of Sydney, such as Ben and Michelle Noblet, Mitchell Road Auction Centre site, due to its heritage status. and countless other Alexandria but winning against a consortium To learn of the plans for The it is 12.5 times. residents, show that communities of Property Unit Trust investors Alex, Justin will be attending can achieve strong outcomes. to save The Alex is huge. the September meeting of the It could have been too easy to lie The Alexandria Residents’ Action Alexandria Residents’ Action Homelessness is also worse than ever. down after the first development Group also would like to thank the Group on Wednesday September proposal for complete demolition staff of the City of Sydney, who were 14 at the Alexandria Town Hall Over the past decade, homelessness in and a four-storey apartment block able to secure an interim Heritage in Garden Street from 7pm. was rejected, and say “job done”. Order on The Alex and who engaged Residents have been told that Sydney has increased by 25%. But developers are persistent beasts. a legal team to assist us, the residents, renovations will take between six Locals rallied again to reject at the Land and Environment Court. and eight weeks from mid-September the even more bizarre seven- We greatly appreciate the legal to complete, so look forward to the It's time for a change. storey proposal, proving that team’s work with us to have our re-opening of this iconic landmark. S Alexandrians are prepared to fight objections and ideas reformulated hard for what they believe in. to maximise our impact before The Merivale press release document Over the past four years, as the only Labor The Alexandria Residents’ the court, and the recognition that can be accessed at https:// Action Group congratulates you objections from communities like alexandriaresidentsactiongroup.files. councillor at the City of Sydney, I fought all for your success today. It’s an ours cannot be merely brushed wordpress.com/2016/08/merivale-saves- for the City to provide access to support Alexandria “Castle” moment – and aside, as if coming from an anti- the-alex.pdf. we hope one of many more to come. development ratbag fringe. Justin Hemmes has set up a website at and legal services to public housing tenants Developers were clearly shown how According to Ben Noblet, Merivale http://ouralex.com.au that invites those the “vibe” of Alexandria works! has committed to not over-develop interested in the renovation of The Alex impacted by the Waterloo Metro. The community has had success the hotel and to keep it family and to register for input into the process, as in changing development outcomes, community friendly. The interior will part of community consultation during the including the altered design of the be restored rather than developed, design phase for the beer garden area. I fought for the City to improve cleaning and other services to Woolloomooloo. I campaigned for the State Government to reinvest monies from the sale of Millers Point back into affordable housing projects.

Labor has outlined a positive and progressive vision for a fair, fun and sustainable City. Planting the first of the trees in a new campus planting program on National Tree Day (31 July) Photo: Supplied Labor will unlock the City's vacant buildings to provide more affordable housing. A sustainable future We will create incentives for owners and SPONSORED it will save money that we can put and the free filtered water stations developers to provide affordable housing. towards research and education. we have installed across campus GREG ROBINSON We have also developed a program where bottles may be refilled. We will protect public housing and its to avoid the dumping of furniture, The University of Sydney is proud IN the 21st century, as the fittings and equipment in landfill. to support environmental events tenants. population grows and our resources Any furniture that we cannot use that raise awareness and promote diminish, sustainability is a or recycle is given a new lease of participation in sustainability. fundamental challenge facing us life through ‘Project ReLIFE’. When During Earth Hour 2016, we Labor will deliver more childcare and all. At the University of Sydney, the Victor Coppleson Building was achieved a 19 per cent reduction we are committed to leading the demolished, earlier this year, we in power across campus compared before and after school care places. We will way in creating a sustainable and donated the furniture and fittings to to the previous Saturday, and on set a target for more open green spaces of environmentally friendly campus. Tokaikolo University in Tonga. That National Tree Day – the largest university was ravaged by Cyclone community-based planning and 20% by 2025. Labor will bring to the City We have put in place a number Ian in 2014. We are working with nature care event in Australia – we of strategies, facilities and services Heilala, an Australian charity that were delighted to plant the first of of Sydney Council a talented team with a to reduce the carbon footprint of helps developing countries around the trees in a new planting program our daily university operations. the world to protect the environment we are rolling out across campus. diverse range of backgrounds who are in For example, we have installed and that supports international We are pleased with our progress touch with the community. solar energy systems in a number development through the reuse in generating sustainable practices of our buildings, including the of commercial office furniture and will continue to strive to Charles Perkins Centre, the Sydney and fittings and related goods. improve, reducing our impact on the Labor has the record, vision and team to Business School, Abercrombie The University also has an urban environment by developing these and Student Accommodation and community garden on the Darlington other initiatives. S deliver a fair, fun and sustainable City. the Queen Mary Building, with campus that aims to encourage fresh another 17 buildings scheduled for produce consumption and provides installation across the Camperdown a clear knowledge of its benefits in and Darlington campus. our students by introducing them Vote Labor on September 10 By the end of the year, we will to harvest, eat and learn sessions. have 796kW of solar panels installed, The University of Sydney app Authorised by Erin Watt, 99/26 Kirketon Road, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 generating 1,000,000 kWh of clean highlights where students and staff Greg Robinson is Director, Campus Infrastructure energy per annum for use within can find the closest facilities to help and Services. Authorised by Michael Spence, the University. When completed, support our sustainable campus. Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Sydney. this will be one of the largest city This includes the locations of end Contact Details – Security & After Hours: rooftop solar installation projects of trip facilities to encourage people 1800 063 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523; in New South Wales, and of course to walk and cycle to campuses [email protected] SEPTEMBER 2016 NEWS 5

An update on marriage equality Equality is one of the values at the heart of the Sydney community. For years we have fought together to make sure people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status or sexuality, are treated equally both in law and in society.

That’s why the government’s continued inaction on marriage equality is so disappointing.

As the 45th Parliament met for the first time last week, Malcolm Turnbull pressed ahead with Tony Abbott’s destructive delaying tactic of a plebiscite on marriage equality. ‘My team is heaven sent’ says Shelley Brunson (centre) with Aqued Kamada (left) and Wakako Hayase. Photo: Bec Lewis The plebiscite will be expensive – it will cost at least $160 million to run, excluding additional New op shop for Ultimo costs for yes and no campaigns, support, advertising, etc.

An interview with Shelley Brunson The plebiscite will be divisive – we’ve already seen requests to suspend laws that prohibit INTERVIEW to bring fresh retail ideas and for men, women and children and mix and change merchandising housewares to camping gear, books hate speech and we’ve heard many reports SSH options. Freedom of expression of to music CDs are in abundance. of the mental and physical toll negative my spiritual beliefs is welcomed, European, American and Australian What were your first impressions community involvement draws in designer clothing, belts and shoes messages may have on the LGBTI community of the shop and neighbourhood? volunteers and donations beyond my are gems for the finding. Porcelain and their families. The old op shop was called imagination, and my American retail and lace from Germany, Norway and Revelation Op Shop and was musty, merchandising experience is trusted. England are there for the discerning lacking light, and very small. The And the outcome is phenomenal! eye. Many immigrants returning home The plebiscite will not be binding – new MustardSeed Op Shop was donate all their cherished items to us. Cory Bernadi and other senior Liberal MPs presented as a blank canvas and Can you tell us a little moved around the block to the Harris about your team? What are your hopes and have expressed that if the plebiscite result is Uniting Community Centre. We My team is heaven sent! All come plans for the shop? in favour of marriage equality, they will not acquired rooms in the historic as volunteers from the Uniting A Springtime Grand Opening manse of the original Presbyterian Church (elders, members, and is being planned for the op shop be bound to vote in favour. Church – with a foundation stone even the minister David Gore), the incorporating the centre, church laid by Miss Harris in 1886. The Harris Community Centre, the NSW and community restaurants, with As parliamentarians we are elected to make name change to MustardSeed Op Housing residents and locals. We tours of the building, a sizzle Shop provides opportunity to share are screening and forming rotating and samplers, jazz quartet, meet decisions like this every day, and we have a welcome and invitation to the shifts. My op shop angel Semy Chae ups and picnic enjoyment. a responsibility to respect those processes. church. The neighbourhood has a enables the MustardSeed shop to be wonderful homey feel and the centre open seven days a week, from 11am Who benefits from sales proceeds? There was no plebiscite when John Howard is located on the green at the end to 4pm daily. Energy, friendliness, Profits go to the MustardSeed first changed the Marriage Act. of Quarry Street, Ultimo, inviting and “let’s have fun” are contagious. Uniting Church, helping with staff people to sit and eat lunch outdoors. expenses, church maintenance and Jazz on the weekends and young What kinds of things are repairs to maintain its outreach. That’s why Bill Shorten and I lodged a Private families strolling with their children available from the shop? The Harris Community Centre Members Bill on the first day of parliament create the atmosphere. Quotes Our pricing varies to suit the also benefits in rent and pedestrian from the old times are engraved in customer and the ideal is to keep the flow, and we will spread the word of to make marriage equality law. If Malcolm sandstone on the paved walkways. merchandise flowing out the door! classes offered such as English as a Turnbull allows his MPs a free vote, we would Every time a repeat customer comes Second Language, Tai-Chi, Yoga, What has surprised you most he or she will experience innovative children’s play groups and event room have the numbers to pass it on the floor of over the past month or so? wares placement, complete clothing rentals, to continue the dedicated parliament and make marriage equality law. As Manager of the op shop, displays and new seasonal stock. We work of creating community and I was given free artistic licence mix it up with emphasis on clothing multicultural unity. S This is the third Private Members Bill I have put forward for marriage and I will keep fighting Dementia Awareness until we see marriage equality in Australia. If you agree that we should avoid a plebiscite HEALTH thought processes that significantly incorporates mental stimulation and affect a person’s social, occupational keeping the body and heart healthy. and make marriage equality law now, MARIE HEALY and day-to-day functioning. The diagnosis of dementia is based I encourage you to email the Prime Minister Some people develop noticeable on history, from the patient and SEPTEMBER is Dementia Awareness deficits in memory and thinking but their family, and examination by a at [email protected]. au and Month. Dementia is a health are still able to manage independently. doctor. Investigations are usually call on him to grant his MPs a free vote in issue many of us will experience A diagnosis of Mild Cognitive undertaken to rule out uncommon ourselves or in somebody close to Impairment has been used more causes that may be treatable; most our parliament. us, with our ageing population. recently to describe this condition; forms of dementia do not show According to Alzheimer’s Australia, it is not well defined, and not all up on blood tests or scans. almost one in 10 people over 65 people will progress to dementia. Alzheimer’s Australia and Your Tanya Plibersek years of age have dementia. There are several forms Brain Matters are useful websites of dementia, including on this topic. S With the wear and tear of life Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy comes a reduced ability for the Body disease, and vascular and Dr Marie Healy is a GP with interests in aged body and brain to repair, and some alcohol-related dementia. and chronic care and health promotion. reduction in memory can occur. While age is the biggest risk factor This advice is general in nature; please Dementia, however, results in severe for dementia, studies indicate the risk see your GP for specific health advice impairments in memory and other can be lessened by a lifestyle that regarding your individual circumstances. 6 NEWS SEPTEMBER 2016 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION 2016

As the Council of the City of Sydney is one three questions raised by our readers. 2. COMMUNITY INPUT – How do you playing in advocating for the inner-city of the councils not subject to amalgamation One non-aligned independent candidate propose to ensure broad community input community? it will have an election on September 10. standing for councillor was also given the into Council’s planning, programs and For the first time it is compulsory for opportunity to respond. service provision? Five candidates have nominated for the business and property owners within the Lord Mayor’s position, with 38 candidates 1. PROGRESS – What do you and your team 3. ADVOCACY – Given that the decisions of City of Sydney to vote. A total of 22,972 contesting the nine council seats. want the Council to achieve in the coming the state government will have big impacts non‑residential voters were verified by the The SSH asked each Lord Mayoral candidate term and what programs and services need on local communities in the City of Sydney, NSW Electoral Commission as eligible to to respond on behalf of their team to to be reassessed? what issues and role do you see Council vote at the 2016 City of Sydney election. S

LIBERAL We will install regular Council SYDNEY We need to get greater THE GREENS protect women from “listening posts” at all the public involvement and harassment outside City’s local markets. We MATTERS awareness of Council’s plans reproductive health clinics. CANDIDATE LIST want to be in constant through technology such as CANDIDATE LIST We want to revive Sydney’s contact with people who Brisbane’s Virtual Brisbane, Shauna Jarrett (Sydney), CANDIDATE LIST Mark Smith (Darlinghurst), live music scene by providing have a suggestion or a which enables early public Craig Chung (North Ryde), Caroline Alcorso (Glebe), grants to live music venues comment to allow us to Margaret Harvie (Potts Point), consultation on proposed Christine Forster (Surry Hills, Lindsay Johnston (Pyrmont, and bands, and exempt keep improving our service Lorraine Chung (Sydney), developments. Unlike the Lord Mayoral Candidate) and Lord Mayoral Candidate), small bars and music venues to the community. Maurizio Vespa (Glebe), way the City went about the Adrian Bartels (Potts Point) De Brierley Newton (Glebe), from lock-out laws. Angela Vithoulkas (Sydney, future plan for the city, where We have also announced and Christopher Brentin Lord Mayoral Candidate), community comments were the formation of a Small (Darlinghurst) not in photo PROGRESS Mat Beeche (Surry Hills), and invited when it was almost COMMUNITY INPUT Business Advisory Council Grace Zou (Sydney), a done deal, we will open up We have a positive agenda to ensure our SMEs have a Grassroots democracy Edward Mandla (Sydney) plans to public comment PROGRESS of bringing stakeholders voice, as well as a Chinatown drives the decision-making not in photo early in the process. The Greens’ polices are together to find solutions and Leadership Forum to processes of our party. Our underpinned by four listen to a community Sydney Matters will Greens Councillors will engage get Sydney humming again. principles: ecological that is feeling unheard. PROGRESS take a democratic and with the community affected Conversely, Clover Moore sustainability; social equality Sydney Matters Independent open approach to plans by, and near to, every major has become increasingly and economic justice; focused on a few pet Team was formed because and decisions. development. The Greens’ ADVOCACY grassroots democracy; view is that the community projects to the exclusion of we heard the community say Clover Moore’s adversarial and peace, non-violence should decide the type of issues which can make a big the current City of Sydney stance continues to cause ADVOCACY and disarmament. development rather than impact on people’s lives. administration is out of touch. more harm than good. Sydney Matters believes Our ambitious vision for some external bureaucrat We want an administration We want doing business with For example, Council is a strong and pro-active Sydney begins with better who may be influenced by that gets out of the Town Hall Council to be easy so we will in an excellent position relationship with the State options for homeless people outside forces. We will also bunker to address the issues to work on alternative Government is the most and homelessness reduced. work with the small business minimise unnecessary red tape, that we need to deliver on. measures to keep the city effective way to ensure We propose that the top community and assist improve turnaround times on We want the City to embrace safe while restoring its the best outcomes for of all council depots be them to establish Business development applications and technology to promote modernise Council processes. night-time economy. I have Australia’s biggest city. converted into facilities and Improvement Districts. put the case to the State tourism and make it much There are 33 suburbs within housing for the homeless. We want a green city, so Government on winding easier for the community to our boundaries. They comprise We would also look to offer ADVOCACY instead of wasting money back lock-out laws and have more say on planning a wonderfully rich and diverse women-only housing. on grand schemes like these are now under review. and other policy decisions. Greens on Council work We want to create a vibrant set of communities, cultures trigeneration, we will incentivise Clover was not invited to We want the affordable closely with our State 24-hour economy, where and lifestyles. Equally, every component of all residents to install solar the negotiating table. and Federal MPs to hold iconic areas in our city are community has its own developments doubled to 14 panels and rainwater tanks the State Government to Homelessness is not revitalized and it is safe and specific needs whether it be per cent and an audit of all and implement a bicycle account and apply pressure just a Council issue but a easy to get around no matter traffic management, shopping council-owned properties to overturn destructive hire scheme to address our State one as well. I have what time of the day. hours, issues around schools to ascertain which would policies. We support underutilised bike paths. proposed a City of Sydney or transport services. be suitable for affordable constitutional recognition of Homelessness Prevention And we want to make We will cut back on Clover’s While the City Council can housing. We also want an local government to protect & Solution Forum that will sure all of our community over-the-top $18 million public do a lot, it must ensure it has audit of all vacant properties Sydney from interference bring together government voices are heard and that art program and instead durable working relationships in the LGA. If after six months by the State Government. agencies, community Council, as guardians of with both the State and these properties have not redirect millions of rate payer and not-for-profit service their taxes, address issues Greens will maintain our Federal Governments, been leased or sold, we dollars to more organic, providers to ensure such as transport, parking, strong links with community whichever parties may be in would double the rates. grassroots initiatives that will we focus on providing safety, waste management, advocates in Sydney and power. Being at loggerheads, create a more vibrant and effective assistance. homelessness and other We would recognise same- support these groups in inclusive Sydney art culture. public amenity. as has been the case in recent sex marriages from other their opposition to Casino Maximising positive years, is damaging for all jurisdictions and provide safe Mike’s policies, which will outcomes on infrastructure our communities and limits aged-care facilities for people destroy what makes Sydney COMMUNITY INPUT COMMUNITY INPUT projects is also important what can be achieved. from rainbow communities. the place we love to live in. to me. But the time to Today, community input into One of our key policies is Sydney Matters is an Where appropriate, we will consult is when they are what happens in the City is We would build dedicated to establish Community independent party provide Council resources for in planning – Clover has an afterthought. The current cycleways that interconnect Forums to empower village unencumbered by party public enquiries into State missed the opportunity to administration even keeps across the city, create more communities to champion allegiances or baggage. Government decisions. be involved in WestConnex input into planning, programs open space and provide grassroots improvements impact mitigation early on and service provision by facilities for young people We will resist the existing and solutions. The best and now prefers to posture elected councillors, who aren’t including more skate parks State proposals for the Central ideas come from the people and divide our community. part of the majority party, to and sporting facilities. to Eveleigh and Waterloo who understand the drivers the bare minimum. Decisions We want to substantially proposed redevelopments behind their opportunities are made behind closed doors. increase the number of and the Wentworth Park site. and challenges. women’s refuges and SEPTEMBER 2016 NEWS 7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION 2016 City of Sydney Electorate Meet your candidates for 2016

CLOVER following the most extensive LABOR centres, open up community ERICA LIU COMMUNITY INPUT community consultation spaces for out-of-hours I want Council to improve MOORE process in our City’s history. school care and deliver INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE LIST the level of community INDEPENDENT New policies and programs more sporting fields. consultation on local are always put on public Norma Ingram (Erskineville), CANDIDATE LIST government projects beyond exhibition so the community Darren Jenkins (Newtown), CANDIDATE LIST COMMUNITY INPUT Erica Liu (Haymarket) compliance, increase public can have their say, and we Linda Scott (Newtown, awareness of consultation Labor will bring a diverse team Catherine Lezer (Redfern), actively approach relevant Lord Mayoral Candidate), opportunities and ensure of councillors to the City of Kerryn Phelps, stakeholders to seek their Graham Brecht (Surry Hills), PROGRESS that consultation plans Sydney, with a diverse range of Philip Thalis (Surry Hills), views. The meetings at Holly Rebeiro (Erskineville), are adhered to prior to backgrounds and experiences. I want Council to: Clover Moore (Redfern, which Council makes its Ian Roberts (Woolloomooloo), project implementation. We are committed to holding Lord Mayoral Candidate), decisions are public and the Jonathan Yee (Sydney) and • Support and preserve Council should investigate monthly street stalls in Jess Scully (Glebe), community can speak. Damien Minton (Redfern) Sydney’s cultural the appointment of an locations around the City. We Jess Miller (Surry Hills) heritage and reform the independent party to audit We will continue to deliver on will introduce community Robert Kok (Haymarket) Rocks, Oxford Street compliance with community transparent government. We PROGRESS councils in the style of are open to suggestions on and Haymarket. consultation requirements. Labor’s vision for Sydney is community cabinets hosted how to do things better and I also want to establish PROGRESS for an affordable, sustainable by the previous Federal Labor • Improve cleaning and will use new initiatives such as open discussion forums for In the past decade, we and liveable City of Sydney. Government. And Labor is maintenance of council Citizens Juries (as we have on residents and businesses. have invested $1.2 billion in committed to evidence-based assets, and improve night-time safety and climate Property prices and median community facilities. Our infrastructure planning with waste disposal services change) where they can work. rent are skyrocketing and major priority in the coming clear time frames for when for local businesses. ADVOCACY the City’s latest Winter term is the delivery of infrastructure will be delivered. Street Count is the highest • Work with stakeholders Council needs to work high-quality developments in ADVOCACY it’s ever been. Labor will to devise alternatives to very closely with the State Ashmore and Green Square. The greatest threat to what unlock the City’s vacant ADVOCACY current State Government Government to protect We are overseeing a $1.3 we have built over the buildings for affordable “lock-out laws”, which are the interests of inner city billion infrastructure plan in Labor will end the blame game past 12 years is destructive housing, create incentives destroying local businesses. residents and businesses. Green Square, including the and the empty grandstanding. development proposals from for owners and developers For example, Council should Gunyama Aquatic Centre • Invest in infrastructure to the State Government. to provide affordable Over the past term on apply greater pressure on and sporting park, Green promote local business, housing, and protect public Council, we have provided a the State Government to Square library and plaza, a WestConnex will be a disaster and promote tourism. housing and its tenants. voice for local residents on a change its lock-out laws, range of new parks and a for our city. The planned St number of State Government • Work with the NSW Police establish an open forum for fantastic new community Peters interchange would have The City of Sydney has a projects and issues. We to increase safety. discussion, and encourage space which includes a new serious impacts on southern vital role to play in directly have advocated against the participation of all • Focus on securing funding childcare centre. We will deliver sections of the City by pouring addressing climate change. WestConnex, for improved stakeholders to establish the from the State Government a $81 million infrastructure thousands of additional Labor will set a target for solar public transport options right balance between the for new schools. program to integrate Ashmore cars a day into already energy, divest the City from in the Central to Eveleigh safety of residents, the vitality into Erskineville through congested areas like Ashmore, fossil fuel companies, deliver Development Project, for a • Provide and encourage of the city and the provision Alexandria, Erskineville, landscaping, new parks air filtering technology, and new public school in Ultimo, an increased number of of entertainment facilities. Redfern and Green Square. and childcare centres. set a target for green spaces and to invest monies from quality childcare facilities. of 20 per cent by 2025. We will reduce our greenhouse The State Government’s the sale of Millers Point gas emissions by 44 per cent proposals for Central to As the City’s population back into new social and and source 50 per cent of our Eveleigh are also of great rapidly increases, it is affordable housing. electricity from renewables. concern. The plans for experiencing a 3,300 shortfall Labor will put the people We will act to reinvigorate the redevelopment of in childcare places and its of Sydney first and Sydney’s nightlife while Waterloo Estate would sporting fields are falling work to deliver the best ensuring safety by advocating see unprecedented levels in disrepair from overuse. outcome for residents. for reform of the lock-out of residential density, Labor will fund new childcare laws. We will do everything condemning people to live in we can to stop WestConnex substandard living conditions. pouring traffic into the Under my leadership, southern suburbs of our City. the City will continue to play a leadership role in COMMUNITY INPUT opposing WestConnex and Under my leadership, the advocating for appropriate Council has developed a development in the Central world-class system of public to Eveleigh corridor. consultation. The strategy document that guides our work – Sustainable Sydney 2030 – was developed 8 SOCIAL JUSTICE SEPTEMBER 2016

Uniting marches in the Palm Sunday Rally for Refugees, March 2016 Photo: Supplied Uniting backs a National Summit on asylum seekers

ALEXANDRA HOGAN academics, including government 2,000 leaked incident reports from by the government last year to the complex visa application and policy advisers, have urged our the regional processing centre more efficiently deal with the appeal process. These hardships IN the midst of mounting outrage leaders to adopt a more practical and on Nauru, telling a harrowing “legacy caseload” of boat arrivals combined with existing trauma at the conditions inside Australia’s compassionate regional framework. story of deteriorating mental from 2012 to 2014, this process has from their experiences can seriously offshore detention centres and Earlier this year UnitingJustice, a health and self-harm as well as seen many already traumatised affect these people’s emotional concerns over the future of people unit of the Uniting Church’s National routine neglect, abuse and torture. asylum seekers in the community and psychological wellbeing. seeking asylum here, the Uniting Assembly, and the SJF made Disturbingly, though children have their applications and Uniting has advocated successfully Church is calling on the Federal submissions to the Department of only represent 20 per cent of the subsequent appeals denied – and for improved access for asylum Government to hold a National Immigration and Border Protection detained population, nearly half some returned to detention. seekers to tertiary educational Summit to look at better ways in response to its Humanitarian of the reports involved children. In addition to advocating for a opportunities, and the Give Hope of dealing with the issue. (refugee) Intake Programme. Uniting Coming on top of many damning regional protection framework, team have recently received over urged the Federal Government to reports about conditions in the increased humanitarian intake three thousand dollars’ worth of Give Hope: Uniting for Asylum become a role model in our region in offshore camps, the Nauru Files and the closure of offshore camps, vouchers and gift cards to help Seekers, a campaign by the NSW/ protecting human rights by boosting have increased pressure on the the Give Hope team is running people afford food and essential ACT Synod’s Social Justice Forum the annual intake of refugees to government to find a better solution. a practical support initiative items during their anxious wait (SJF), has been calling for an 60,000 by 2020 and lead a genuinely Alongside this is a collective call for asylum seekers living in the for visas. S increase in the humanitarian intake multilateral and protection-focussed to end the cruel and callous way in community. The 9,000 people living of refugees and asylum seekers plan in responding to the issue. which refugees and asylum seekers on Bridging Visas in NSW must More information on the Give Hope and a complete closure of offshore Last month, the debate escalated in the Australian community are survive with minimal financial campaign, upcoming practical support detention centres. This latest call for sharply when The Guardian being dealt with via the so-called support and face prolonged periods appeals and future activities can be a National Summit comes as 1,800 published the “Nauru Files”: over “Fast Track Process”. Introduced of uncertainty as they undergo found at www.givehope.org.au Language matters when it comes to suicide

KIM BORROWDALE Stop using the phrase world punished and imprisoned about tough times. Real or perceived start of the article. It seems simple “committed suicide”. people who attempted suicide. judgment can have a negative impact but it will make such a meaningful WHEN we talk about suicide we Evidence shows that this phrase However, in the last 50 years on their willingness to seek help. difference if we all pause and need to carefully consider the works against changing behaviours most, but not all, countries Imagine if your loved one took consider our language when talking words we use says Kim Borrowdale, and attitudes related to mental have decriminalised suicide. their own life and your congregation, about suicide. S Head of Communications for illness and suicide prevention. In Australia, while it may not your primary support network, was Suicide Prevention Australia. Many people in our national Lived be illegal to take your own life, reluctant to acknowledge how they SPA provides national leadership for the Experience Network (LEN), a group the term is used in association died? Would you feel comfortable suicide prevention sector in Australia. Suicide is heartbreakingly common of people who have been touched by with crimes. They committed a talking about how you’re feeling? As the lead agency of the National in Australia and the world. In this suicide, have told us that, the use murder. They committed rape. How conflicted would you feel Suicide Prevention Coalition, it fosters country, more than 2,500 people take of this phrase can be traumatising, Imagine this was your son mourning your loved one knowing partnerships to change attitudes to mental their own lives each year. This is putting already vulnerable people or daughter or your friend or that you are surrounded by a illness and suicidal behaviours, and seeks more than double the national road at further risk of suicide. It can also colleague. Imagine this was you. sense of disapproval or shame? to harness the voices of professionals toll. Suicide costs the community reinforce stigma and reduce their People from our LEN tell us and those with lived experience of dearly – emotionally, socially willingness to reach out for help. that when they attempted or were So what language is helpful? suicide attempts and suicide. and economically – and causes So, you’re thinking: Everyone says thinking about suicide, they did not To promote a positive shift in the http://www.suicidepreventionaust.org immense personal grief and loss. it. What’s the problem with using it? want to die. They just wanted the terminology used to discuss suicide, Donate to suicide prevention Suicide Prevention Australia When I started work at SPA, I used pain to stop. They thought suicide use the short guide (below) along today at https://www. (SPA) members and colleagues are to use the phrase too – so I asked the was their only option. These people with the resources noted at the suicidepreventionaust.org/donate dedicated to working collaboratively same question. Just one conversation are not criminals. In life and in to develop a community that knows about why I shouldn’t use it meant death, they deserve our compassion. Instead of using (Stigmatising terminology) Please use (Appropriate terminology) how to ask for help and how to I never did again. You may feel the give help. A big part of this is same after I share what I’ve heard “I feel ashamed and see the Committed suicide Died by suicide encouraging conversation about from people who’ve lost someone to judgment in their eyes.” Successful suicide Suicided suicide – in a safe and supported suicide, have attempted to take their Religion and connection to a faith- way. There are some great online own life, are caring for someone with based organisation or community is Completed suicide Ended his/her life; Took his/her own life tools to help with this such as R suicidal behaviour or are affected proven to be a protective factor for U OK? conversation resources and by suicide in some other way. suicide. However, some people in Failed attempt at suicide Non-fatal attempt at suicide the Conversations Matter website. our LEN from a number of religious What’s one simple thing “My son is not a criminal.” and cultural backgrounds have told Unsuccessful suicide Attempt to end his/her life you can do to help create a At the beginning of the 19th us of the struggle they have in their Table taken from “Suicide and language: Why we shouldn’t use the ‘C’ word”, by Susan Beaton, Dr Peter Forster and supportive environment? century, most countries around the community to stand up and speak Dr Myf Maple. Published in InPsych, February 2013, and is available at www.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=5048

This page is sponsored by Uniting, the Board of the NSW and ACT Synod of the Uniting Church responsible for the work of community services, chaplaincy and social justice advocacy.

www.uniting.org ... to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice SEPTEMBER 2016 COMMENT & OPINION 9 Good religion, bad religion

FAITH A recent study at the University of Oxford found that men and women DOUGLAS GOLDING are “naturally religious”, but this innate tendency can take many forms. WE hear a lot about bad religion There are probably more believers in these days – the media tell us about the Rabbitohs in South Sydney than Islamic terrorism, and about priests there are in Allah, and this belief can who abuse children, and about occasionally become ugly. Burmese Buddhists persecuting Evidence that suggests human Muslim Rohingas and about Hindus beings are inherently religious is attacking people who defy the caste not always good news. It can lead system. And more. to fanaticism and the belief that “only my beliefs are right”. The What many of us don’t realise is great 20th-century theologian Karl that what the media report are the Barth reminded believers that: “No new, the different, the unusual. The undertaking subjects men to so severe first three letters of NEWS are NEW. a judgment as the undertaking of The old, the accepted, the usual, are religion … God treats it as arrogance, not news, from a media perspective. and men as illusion.” (Quote from cartoon: norrie mAy-welby In the days of my first job as a his commentary on the Epistle to the reporter, the law allowed us to report Romans.) divorce cases, including the names of So, how do we tell the difference the parties. Divorce was difficult, and between “good” and “bad” religion? Cells or flats for social housing? expensive, so many couples simply We need more than media reports. separated, or they stayed together We need to understand that belief COMMENT Fund Work Group set up by the NSW does not need a repeat of the British without really being a couple any and non-belief are both acts of faith, Government because it wanted to experience, nor can it afford a repeat, longer, “for the sake of the children”, as there is no “scientific” evidence ROSS SMITH provide a solution to the supply of social under Serco’s stewardship. or to avoid censure from their families. that any particular religion is true housing in NSW does not ring true. A As a side issue, Serco’s six month So divorce was unusual, and celebrity or false. We need to consider what THE recent discovery that the British far more plausible reality is that the results report said its “pipeline” of divorces even more unusual, so most believers do, what goes largely Serco/G4S detention centre operator findings of the British Parliamentary major bids in the Asia Pacific included they made news, often BIG news. unreported, rather than what we see group has made overtures to the NSW Inquiry into Serco, and the attendant “additional prison opportunities” in Papers like the misnamed weekly and hear and read in the media. Government seeking the contract souring of Serco’s relationship with NSW. Does the NSW Government’s Truth thrived on these stories, and We need to understand that our to manage public and community the British Government, caused Serco clandestine involvement with Serco the evening tabloids, like the one I judgment about what is good and bad housing has rung loud and strident to look for other playgrounds. indicate a desire to apply prison started work on, found they sold lots says a lot about us as well as about alarm bells in the social housing Serco’s claim that “we support management principles to social of extra papers. what we are judging, and that what is sector in NSW. government and non-government housing? Some private eyes made big money good for one person or one group may agencies including not-for-profits A former Serco senior staffer gathering “evidence” for divorce cases not be good for another. What is good These overtures began in 2015. The by bringing expertise in large scale- has been appointed by the NSW – climbing ladders leaning against at one time may be bad at another fact that they were kept out of the projects and from social housing Government to review the outsourcing the walls of houses and flats to take time – 75 years ago Germany and public arena has added to concerns experience in the United Kingdom – privatisation – of NSW prisons pictures of couples in flagrante delicto Japan were our worst enemies, today over the NSW Government’s readiness where we provide integrated facilities which are currently operated by the which would later be presented in they are among our best friends. to engage with a contractor which is management and housing services for Department of Corrective Services. court. Today divorce is so common Some people apply the happiness the subject of a British Parliamentary welfare and immigration applicants” A current Serco senior staffer, who that it no longer makes news, and test, promoted by the English Inquiry. The inquiry found the Serco/ has a similarly false ring. is also an official of a club whose when it does, the names cannot philosopher Jeremy Bentham in G4S group had provided substandard The most recent example of British membership includes the NSW be reported. the 18th century – what is good public housing with pest infestations, expertise in large-scale social housing Premier, was employed for a self- In the same way, we hear a lot about is what makes someone happy, and “intimidated” tenants by entering projects was the redevelopment of the proclaimed “unique skill set” which bad religion, which, in my years of what is best produces the greatest homes without knocking, under Heygate Estate in Southwark, part of included personal relationships with experience, is comparatively rare. One happiness for the greatest number. government contracts worth hundreds the wider program to regenerate the government ministers, both past or two bad priests make news, but On that test, most religions get a good of millions of dollars. Elephant and Castle Estate in London. and present. hundreds of good priests preaching mark, but none score anything like The decision of the NSW Family The Knock it Down or Do it Up report Has the NSW Government decided and teaching, and comforting and 100 per cent. S and Community Services Minister, of February 12, 2015, prepared by that the service delivery and asset helping people in need does not Brad Hazzard, to not comment on his London Housing Assembly, identified management components of two make news, because that is what a Dr Douglas Golding began work as a June 2016 meeting with Serco or to the redevelopment as a disastrous government agencies – Family and priest does, or is supposed to do. One cadet reporter on the now defunct discuss the NSW Premier’s Innovation foray into housing estate regeneration Community Services plus Corrective Muslim fanatic slitting the throat of Sydney Sun and other papers in Sydney Initiative, which focussed on social in conjunction with the private sector. Services – should be delivered by an “infidel” or shooting at random in and Melbourne before becoming the housing reform, has further heightened The amount of social/affordable single private sector contractor under a shopping centre makes front-page first lecturer in journalism at Deakin the concerns held within the social housing delivered fell drastically short a unified model? The social housing news, but thousands of Muslims University and later at the University of housing sector. of the original proposal, to the point sector awaits the answer to this worshipping in hundreds of mosques Technology, Sydney. He was also “set Serco’s claim that it became part of of being miniscule, while the profits question with bated breath, as do the up to five times a day and learning to apart” as a Methodist preacher. He is the Social Housing Capital Investment of the developer were large. NSW people they service. S live better lives and to care for the old now a part-time adult education lecturer and the sick is simply what we would in religion and history and the “seniors’ expect, and is not reported. minister” in a Sydney Anglican parish. Grandmothers urge: ‘Stop the child abuse’ READERS' LETTERS reaches out to every needy soul. GUEST EDITORIAL statements from Peter Dutton, the the children being detained on Nauru God says, you are accepted, you Minister for Immigration and Border is being so cruelly violated.” She added, Proud to be gay and Christian are loved and you are mine. One of CLARE FORBES, PAMELA JONAS, Protection. “We, as grandmothers, urge everyone the first affirming churches I found AND HELEN HILL The leaked documents – the to see the film Chasing Asylum, to read As a gay man and as a Christian was the Metropolitan Community Nauru Files – include over 2,000 the reports of the abuses on Nauru I am proud of my identity. I’m just Church at Petersham. I’ve also had GRANDMOTHERS A g a i n s t incident reports. They outline published by The Guardian, and to the way God has created me. Why positive experiences at St Joseph’s Detention of Refugee Children shocking evidence of physical and join with Gillian Triggs in calling on would God love any of us any the Catholic Church in Newtown, call on Malcolm Turnbull and the sexual assaults, self-harm attempts, the government to close the camps, to less? There is nothing mentioned in and St Luke’s Anglican Church in Australian Government to act now poor living conditions, poor medical bring the refugees (small in number the Bible about same-sex orientation. Enmore. I’m currently a member to immediately bring the refugees on treatment, hunger strikes, injuries, but huge in their impact on our There is plenty about love. I don’t at South Sydney Uniting Church in Nauru to the Australian mainland. threats and lack of accountability national integrity) to the Australian like homophobic people coming Waterloo, where I contribute to the The Nauru Files reveal that the abuse of corporations running the centre mainland now.” along and saying something different pastoral ministry and have a role against children, women and men is and the Department of Immigration The Nauru Files are the latest in from what I know to be true in my in regular worship – without any horrendous. It is far worse than has and Border Protection (DIBP) charged a long line of reports documenting own experience – that God loves shame or guilt whatsoever. I would been reported by the government and with their care. shocking treatment of those who have diversity and that God loves me. strongly encourage any GLBTIQ its private contractors. Despite only making up 18 per cent sought help from Australia. What I have learned is that there reader to consider the message of of the population in detention from Grandmothers Against Detention are churches where people really do love as expressed in the ministry Clare Forbes, Chair of Grandmothers May 2013 to Oct 2015, children were of Refugee Children say to Malcolm care about being gay and Christian. of Jesus Christ. Visit an affirming Against Detention of Refugee Children involved in an alarming 51.3 per cent Turnbull, “One child in Detention The Good News of Jesus Christ is church and meet loving people. says: “The harm that is being done is of the incident reports. Within this, is one too many’. We say, “Refugee alive and well in such churches. In Ian Bayly incalculable. Malcolm Turnbull has there were seven reports of sexual and asylum seeker children detained Jesus – his compassion for all – God Waterloo the ability to stop this horrendous assault of children, 59 reports of assault on Nauru are being deprived of their cruelty. He must bring the refugees on children, 30 of self-harm involving childhood. We call on the Australian on Nauru here. He must act now. children and 159 of threatened self- Government to stop being part of this elected members of the Federal He must show that he can lead with harm involving children. child abuse. As a first step to restoring Parliament. Grandmothers Against Clare Forbes, Chair, Grandmothers Against humanity and integrity. He must save Ms Forbes states, “Grandmothers these children and their families to Detention of Refugee Children suggest Detention of Refugee Children (GADRC), these children and their families.” Against Detention of Refugee Children health, we call on the government to you use something like the letter at Pamela Jonas and Helen Hill, Members of Ms Forbes expressed dismay at the urge all Australians to express their bring them here.” www.southsydneyherald.com.au to Executive, GADRC. For more information extraordinary inhumanity of the outrage that the safety and wellbeing of Let us all write a letter to recently add your voice to this protest. S contact [email protected] 10 FEATURES SEPTEMBER 2016 Jenny Leong MP STATE MEMBER Anglicare’s ‘We Care’ campaign supports FOR NEWTOWN victims of domestic violence

is incredibly difficult ... issues of Remember, it can be very hard to Community investment in solar powered beer is a small safety, upheaval and financial stress, walk out on a partner you may love, and the basic issue of where to go and to leave everything that you step towards big change next, are complex for starters. So know and have built together. It instead of asking her why she doesn’t can be hard not to feel like you’ve Recently, on a sunny Sunday afternoon, over 150 people from across leave, we need to offer the woman failed. Our job is to be there for concerned the means to leave. the person who’s suffering, to let Sydney gathered to launch a unique solar energy project that brings We also haven’t fully them know that we love and value together the beer brewing expertise of Young Henrys with the solar comprehended that violence is all them, and to assure them we’ll be about control. Sure, we can blame there for them if they summon the energy knowhow of Pingala. alcohol or drugs or unemployment, enormous courage to make a change. but not every bloke who drinks or Obviously, if there’s an imminent It’s a special collaboration – not just because it will deliver loses his job beats his partner, and danger, our first job is to call for help. ‘solar powered beer’ – but because it allows community many people in great jobs with no As ordinary people we can do addictions do. Violence is a choice a lot to help rid our country of the members to come together to invest in small-scale to exercise control over someone epidemic of violence for ever. We Andrew O’Keefe says ordinary people can help rid else in the most brutal way, and can teach our sons respect, and renewable energy. our country of domestic violence Photo: Supplied we need to recognise the many we can teach our daughters to forms of controlling behaviour expect respect. We do this in how I was there to show support, as was the Lord Mayor of Sydney, FEATURE that are part and parcel of abuse. we conduct our own relationships, Clover Moore, and Bruce Jeffreys, one of the founders of GoGet. Raising awareness about the through discussing the influences in ANDREW O’KEEFE prevalence of domestic violence their worlds that promote disrespect, Pingala is a Community Renewable Energy supplier that mobilises is vital because, until people and by talking to them about how MOST women fleeing violence need understand the extent of a problem, they can recognise violent and local communities to help choose, build and operate solar farms on some very basic things – including they have no motivation to fix it. Next controlling behaviours and avoid the roofs of local host sites, like schools, car parks or breweries. stability and a sense of normality we must ask ourselves whether we succumbing to them. In everything for their lives and their kids. We contribute to the sexism, inequality we do, we should plant the idea in Care aims to provide this through and belief in male authority that their hearts that all people deserve to I am proud to disclose that I am an investor in Pingala. its care packs. It also sends a strong underpins a lot of violence and have their human dignity respected, message of support to those women controlling behaviour. When we no matter who they are. We won’t Initiatives like Pingala are what our community is about. Instead of and kids: “We believe in you, we address these issues, we can start always get this stuff right, but change waiting for politicians and the powers-that-be to catch up with what value you, we’re here for you.” to prevent violence from occurring won’t happen at all if we don’t try. S in the first place. In the meantime, is needed to solve the climate change crisis, Pingala harness skills, There are still big things we raising awareness will hopefully Andrew O’Keefe initiated the “White ideas, resources, expertise and vision from across the community to don’t yet widely understand about motivate us to lend our hearts and Ribbon Foundation”against domestic domestic violence. First, many practical support to the women (and violence. Help Anglicare deliver care find solutions that actually make a difference. people still ask “why doesn’t she just some men) who suffer from violence. packs filled with toiletries and phone leave?” when the real question is So how do we help women stand cards to women escaping domestic It's not just among the so-called 'lefties, latte-sippers and hippies' “why doesn’t he just stop?” Leaving up for themselves in crisis situations? violence at www.wecarepacks.com.au of the inner city and inner west that you can find this happening. Right across NSW, from Broken Hill to the Liverpool Plains, communities are coming together to reject polluting fossil fuels in favour of renewables – because we know that they are the answer Stalking the streets for a sustainable future. FEATURE

The Pingala-Young Henrys collaboration involves 56 community MEX SARA investors who are funding the installation and operation of a 29.9kW STALKING the streets, parks and solar farm on the brewery’s roof. Each of these investors – and the maps these days are the Pokémon GO hunters, all aiming at and 200 or so applicants who missed out on shares for this project – capturing pastel-coloured beasties understand that taking local action right now to help mitigate the in red and white balls using their smartphones as fishing gear. It impact of global warming is better than waiting for governments would appear though they are not to act. only casting for critters but also spinning gold for the creators. We know that strong communities working together to Released in Australia in July, transition to renewables, to collectively pool resources and Pokémon GO uses augmented reality developed by Google, a Google spin- skills, to harness nature to save it, is the only way to go. off called Niantic and the owners of the original game Nintendo. This is sure to be the first of many solar farms initiated by Pingala. Pokémon GO uses the smartphone’s Many more individuals will have the opportunity to invest directly in camera to project the Pokémon onto the map; it relies on geo-caching to other local renewable energy projects. Every one of them is making a use your smartphone’s location and great contribution to real change. direct you to where a Pokémon might be. Players must then walk to the Photo: iStock location and throw a Pokéball at it. Regards, The game is free to download but PokéBalls will cost you US $4.99 in Raglan Street has given it up generated $200 million in its first to buy 550 PokéCoins and US as “it took up too much time”. month and created a doubled share $99.99 buys 14,500 PokéCoins. In the Devonshire Street Tunnel price bubble for Nintendo, which In July, Niantic CEO John Hanke, a little girl and her mother, both has since slumped. It has been who also co-created Google Earth, with iPads, were clearly having a released in about 80 countries so said that “sponsored locations” fun time, as was a ten-year-old boy Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown far, banned in Iran. There is a court are coming to Pokémon GO as a in the park playing with his dad – challenge to ban it in India and the second component to Niantic’s delighted he’d reached level two. Can we help? Chinese authorities are unlikely business model. Advertisers would Although Google Maps has to see past their security concerns be charged on a “cost per visit” mapped 75 per cent of the world’s If you are concerned about a local issue or if our office can assist you and allow the geo-caching aspect. basis – the premise being that populated spaces (as of 2012) it will Clearly, many millions are playing the game drives foot traffic. be only those with smartphones, with a specific matter, please get in touch. worldwide and, like all smartphone On the first weekend in July, after good data plans and battery chargers games, there is achievement the game was released in Australia, in the countries that allow it who frustration built into the game play. Redfern Park was jam-packed will be able to chase an augmented Authorised by The fun part of the game, with players. Now it seems to have reality. There are probably tons Jenny Leong MP walking from PokéStop to PokéStop, settled down to a hardy few. of imaginary Pokémons in places catching Pokémon along the way, Joel, a 25-year-old IT worker where there is no clean running State Member for Newtown can be played without spending from Redfern, plays as he walks to water, where people don’t have a roof 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 any money. However, if you want and from work and feels that “It’s over their head or have been made to speed up your achievements an awesome game. Even if you refugees. How much clean water, T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 and points, enhancing your don’t play it often it is something housing and safety could be bought [email protected] experience by purchasing accessories you can go outside with friends with $200 million a month that the like egg incubators and extra and all play together.” While David game generates?. S The Review September ’16 11

Barefoot Divas with Producer Vicki Gordon at the Zellerbach Auditorium Oakland California USA 2014 Photo: Courtesy of Vicki Gordon Setting the stage for gender equity

Andrew Collis boards such as Ausmusic and ARIA, Although acknowledging a of Indigenous and culturally and in the context of the rock industry significant attitudinal shift towards diverse music practitioners, Ms AS a producer, manager, festival more broadly. “In the early ’90s there equality, Ms Gordon maintains a Gordon cited as inspirational the organiser, curator, board member was no recognised female producer rage for reforms. “For 30 years people Women’s Empowerment Principles and businesswoman, Vicki in Australia, only a handful of female have told us to be understanding, articulated by the United Nations. Gordon has long championed engineers, one woman running her to be patient and to be quiet. The “We clearly have the will and the equal opportunity and diverse own record label, 95 per cent of all issue of gender continues to divide intelligence to come to grips with representation in contemporary employed DJs were men, not one us. Women and men who speak gender and cultural equity and this music. On August 4 she delivered Aboriginal woman was employed out are afraid of being labelled needs to be addressed across the an address at Music Australia’s by any music industry company that troublemakers. But today I think I board, in all sectors of the industry, National Forum for Contemporary we knew of, and just one Indigenous am among troublemakers, people I at a policy level,” she said. Music Policy and Industry woman was signed to a major label. like to call visionaries, our agitators In 2009 Vicki Gordon founded Development at Customs House. There has never been a female and activists ... We are the ones Cicada International as a not- “Some say the music industry managing director or CEO of a major who want change, who believe that for-profit association to create responded slowly to the internet, record label in Australia to this day.” when you mix it up, culturally and opportunities for Indigenous, but this is nothing compared to It is this lack of gender and cultural gender-wise, it will be more vibrant, marginalised and disadvantaged the time it has taken us to deliver Vicki Gordon, aged 11, backstage at the Wanganui equity with respect to the business more interesting, and yes, a more young people to sustain wellbeing gender and cultural equity,” said Opera House New Zealand where she performed and technical areas of the industry creative and profitable industry …” through self-expression, self- and played guitar in the musical Hiawatha Ms Gordon, who has managed, Photo: Courtesy of Vicki Gordon (senior positions most pertinently) The keynote address included determination and creativity. marketed and/or produced standout that is of main concern. “It is the quotations from Amy Morgan More pointedly, Cicada empowers Australian artists including Vanessa decision makers who determine the of Beggars Music (Cat Power, Indigenous, marginalised and Amorosi, Brenda Webb, Emma DJs, Scratch and the first fanzine culture and future of the industry,” Warpaint and US rapper Kitty) disadvantaged young women and Louise, Katie Underwood, Sick for female musicians, Snatch. Ms Gordon emphasised. “It is the who is particularly critical of girls to address social and cultural Puppies, Ursula Yovich, Emma Socially aware and politically active decision makers who shape the face mainstream pop: “Young A&R barriers to their full participation. It Donovan, and the internationally from her early years Ms Gordon of the industry and are responsible guys are taken more seriously than also aims to assist the development of renowned Barefoot Divas. made her mark as a songwriter and for how it is projected and perceived women because there’s this weird new partnerships between Indigenous guitarist with the Brisbane-based by the mainstream, and far too few, tradition where knowledge of music and non-Indigenous artists and Her speech celebrated the rich feminist women’s band SPIT, at scandalously few, are women.” has always been considered male.” managers, industry service providers history of women working for a time when the Go-Betweens, In 2016 this is what our music Ms Morgan adds: “It’s quite hard and development organisations. change within the Australian music Zero, the Saints and the Riptides boards look like: ARIA Board – five to have children ... because of the Cicada is proud to announce industry. In 1988 Ms Gordon were coming into prominence. In men, no women; AIR Board – nine nature of the job, the industry is an inaugural Women in Music established Australian Women’s the Bjelke-Petersen “police state” men, no women; APRA Board obsessed by younger women. But the Awards slated for 2017. High- Contemporary Music (AWCM) era creativity was “a foundation for – 12 men, two women; AMCOS music industry is also only a mirror profile female artists from various as a not-for-profit association to social conscience”. Lindy Morrison Board – 12 men, one woman. to bigger social problems. And all cultural backgrounds have pledged improve the status of women working of the Go-Betweens was one notable “When I was elected to the Miley Cyrus is doing, even if it was in principle support for an event in the industry. AWCM produced peer with similarly passionate and ARIA Board in 2002,” Ms Gordon her decision, is being reflective of a that promises to be another Australia’s first Aboriginal and enduring feminist convictions. explained, “I was the first elected wider sense where to be successful as milestone towards full gender Torres Strait contemporary music With reference to various woman on that board [in 50 years] a young woman she has to take all equity in the industry and beyond. festival, With Open Eyes; the first developments throughout the 1980s to represent the independents. her clothes off and lick a hammer.” all-girl rock festival, Fast Forward; and ’90s, Ms Gordon lamented the There has not been another woman Acknowledging the often Andrew Collis is on the Board the first training program for female lack of female representation on elected to the board since.” underestimated contribution of Cicada International. 12 The Review September ’16

a powerful figure, who represents in got people like TJ. You probably haven’t and an important part of American every sense, the living presence of an heard of them, but they’re professional, history. The Reviews ancient culture. highly talented, and committed to If only the film had stopped there. However, the wonder of this opening making their own music, and for The first two-thirds of the film that cover Theatre Reviews Lily’s initial doubts of Kristy’s integrity is quickly dispelled by the entry of the whatever reason, they’re not on the Knight’s role in these incredible events by Catherine Skipper be justified? And is the dignified Stephen grumbling and argumentative would-be ARIA charts. is poignant and interesting at historical with whose struggle we feel the deepest campers. They present amusingly as TJ a great guitarist and songwriter, and personal levels. Knight falls in love empathy really telling the truth about readily recognisable urban “camping and skilled producer. He works hard with a slave girl while building an army himself? And will it be possible for Sam types”: the nervous Carol (Pamela and thoughtfully on all his albums from and leading the rebellion. to carry the burden of two lives sacrificed Young) who is afraid of creepy crawlies, the writing, to the performing, to the The rest of the film is a potted history to secure her welfare and still find some the cheery Margie (a very funny Kylie recording and the artwork. But he’s also of racial struggles in the South over the sort of peace? Coolwell) eager to display the latest smart enough to know when to bring next 100 or so years – emancipation, the The play is absorbing. From the camping gadgets including a sleeping in help. His albums are professional in rise of the Ku Klux Klan, the origins moment we first meet Stephen trying bag that converts to a tent if it rains, every aspect and they sound great on of the civil rights movement; all based to improve his English by listening to a the easily angered Wanda (Angeline headphones. around Knight’s family and his comrades A Nest of Skunks shock jock fulminating against “illegals”, Penrith), the moody mobile-dependent Although music hasn’t made him but told in a rush of chronological leaps Written by James Balian and we are caught up in his struggle for adolescent Chantelle (Alexis Lane) and rich – probably the opposite – TJ is has at odds with the deliberately paced Roger Vickery a chance to make a decent life for the very late-at-night drop-in, Jada designed his life around making albums. earlier passages. Directed by Travis Green himself and Sam. While his supposed (Matilda Brown). Interpersonal conflicts He lives in Japan with his beautiful It’s a shame that Free State of Jones The Depot Theatre, Marrickville lack of English seems to recede into create a tense atmosphere. partner, a woman who believes in him so doesn’t subscribe to the less is more August 3–13 the background, Miles’s ability to hold The initially compelling figure much she offers all her support because principle. Sure it’s based on a book the character as given is commendable becomes an exasperated Auntie Neecy she loves his music and wants him to but no director or writer should feel The very topical A Nest of Skunks is and deeply moving. It is Lee who is at (an excellent Tessa Rose), trying to keep making it. obliged to portray every page they’re set somewhere in a not too distant and the heart of the play, however. A quiet achieve a moment of harmony in In part we can thank her for TJ’s latest basing a film on. If Free State of Jones dystopian future. It pictures a situation woman who acts on the prompting of which she can reveal her purpose in album Black & Amber, which he’s been had more focus it would have been even in which refugees who attempt an her conscience, and although she is summoning her kin to her grandmother’s working on for the last two years. It more powerful and left an even bigger “unofficial” entry into a country, and severely tested and also to some extent special place. Gradually each of the might be his best album yet. impression. those citizens who attempt to protect exposed by the way events unfold, she group reveals the challenges in their One of my favourite tracks is the Rating: Three stars (and stripes). them, are socially denigrated by the term holds her moral ground. daily lives from feeling inferior in the Tom Kazas (The Moths) remix of »»[email protected] “skunks” and hunted down in Gestapo The play ran from August 3 to 13 workplace to violence within the home, “Days Like This”. It’s smooth, haunting fashion. and $5 of every ticket sold for the from boyfriend troubles to being in a and soulfully ethereal, and a beautiful Unfortunately, this scenario is all performances on August 3, 7 and 10 was lesbian relationship. The troubles of collaboration that sticks in your mind Book Review by too believable. The impression the donated to the Asylum Seekers Centre. the late arrival, the fair complexioned after just a couple of listens and probably Joseph Casterley audience is given of watching events It is estimated that more than photographer Jada, are shown through justifies the entire cost of downloading happening in the immediate present is 65 million people sought asylum in a nightmare sequence referencing Bindi the album. supported by the everydayness of the 2015 and the world is facing tough Cole’s photographic series Not Really an “Mini Moke” is another great track, chosen setting (design, Rachel Scane), decisions on how best to deal with Aboriginal (2008). with a great “Gimme Shelter” lead guitar a very plain kitchen and accompanying this unprecedented humanitarian Eventually the resolute Neecy feel. When sampling make sure you practical activities of cutting up veggies crisis. A Nest of Skunks asks us to reject achieves her several goals. Chantelle, stick around beyond the two-minute and making sandwiches. The refugees, unthinking condemnation of asylum symbolically lost and found, is given mark when the song shifts gears into Stephen (Brendan Miles) and his seekers, to subject government policies a more substantial sense of herself as a genuinely-uplifting extended mid- distraught 20-year-old daughter, Sam and media polemics to rational scrutiny other than a self-obsessed teenager section which will make your skin flutter. DARK EMU: Black seeds (Aanisa Vylet), who are being sheltered and to look to our own hearts for moral and the interpersonal conflicts of the I’m not going to tell you any more By Bruce Pascoe by courageous Lily (Penelope Lee), guidance. Like the resolute Lily, we group become less significant than their about the album, just jump on iTunes or Magabala Books, 2015 inhabit the pantry. In a stroke of genius, know what is right but like Miriam we common cultural heritage. The bravery of Bandcamp and have a listen. The whole the pantry has translucent walls so that can be easily convinced that our security Carol in taking back her grandmother’s thing will cost you about as much as a while Stephen and/or Sam are discussed necessitates oppressive and cruel action. cultural objects from the museum where Sydney hamburger and a beer. This remarkable book deserved the and argued over, both can be seen; sad she is employed is revealed and in a In the interests of disclosure I’ve honour awarded to it when it won the figures in the background, confined and final deeply moving and resonant scene, known TJ for 20 years and I’m making 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Award. ghostly, dependent upon others for their these valued objects are restored to their his latest video clip. Because I like him Basing its argument on impeccable survival. ancestral and rightful place. and I believe in him. sources, the writings of distinguished Lily, a bank teller by occupation, who We wish James, the talented, early Australian explorers, it gives a has adopted the guise of a “Bible-basher” committed cast, and the creative crew »»[email protected] picture of the Aboriginal culture these to protect her privacy from a pop-in who contribute so much to the impact men encountered that is very different neighbor ( Jeannie Gee), is part of an of Winyanboga Yurringa, success as the from the one that most of us have come underground network, comparable to production goes on tour to Geelong. Film Review to accept – that of the primitive hunter those which managed escaped slaves by Lindsay Cohen gatherer. Winyanboga Yurringa and fleeing Jews. She is a “short termer”, »»[email protected] Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong man born Written and directed by Andrea James accommodating refugees while a more in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond. Carriageworks, August 3-6 permanent place is found for them by He is a member of the Wathaurong her “handler”, Michael (Peter Condon), Music Review Aboriginal Co-operative of southern with whom she has a relationship based Presented by Carriageworks by Steve Walsh Victoria and has been the director of on trust and the shared belief in their and Moogahlin Performing Arts, the Australian Studies Project for the humanitarian cause. Ironically, Lily Winyanboga Yurringa translates Commonwealth Schools Commission. practises the most important teaching of from Yorta Yorta as “Women of the He is the author of many books, Christ, that we should love our neighbor. Sun”. Andrea James, a Yorta Yorta/ including Fog a Dox, which won the Free State of Jones Lily’s neighbor, Miriam, however Kurnai woman, was inspired by the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Director: Gary Ross does not share Lily’s perspective. A groundbreaking TV series of that name Young Australian Fiction in 2013. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, nice woman who enjoys gardening, she co-written by Hyllus Maris and Sonia The most striking things that the Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali represents the majority who too readily Borg and first televised in 1981. explorers witnessed were systems of Genre: Deep South accept the negative labels the media While the original series gave insight food production and land management; Black & Amber and the government employ to devalue into the lives of Aboriginal women knowledge a dispossessing nation, with TJ Eckleberg individuals and groups. She observes from the 1820s to 1980s, James’s play The only thing more disappointing its doctrine of terra nullius, suppressed. Akimbo Records, 2016 the black cars that carry the “Goons” portrays the experiences and problems than a film that has nothing to say is a These explorers saw domesticated or government agents patrolling the of contemporary urban Aboriginal film that tries to say too much. plants, sowing, harvesting, irrigation area and sees them not as symbols of women. At the same time, she seeks TJ Eckleberg is the future of music. Free State of Jones should be a great and, perhaps most telling, the grinding oppression, but as guarantors of law to highlight how the profundity of Not in a you’re-gonna-be-hearing-a-lot- film. It deals with a little known rebellion of seeds into flour and the preservation and order. As she genuinely likes her the personal and cultural connection more-from-this-kid Flume kind of way, in the South of the USA against the of both seed and flour in secure storage. neighbor Lily, how will Miriam react between these women, brought together but rather the future of musicianship Confederate army during the American They saw sophisticated systems of fish when Lily is uncovered as a harbourer by a camping trip “on country”, can give in a post-label, streaming, every person Civil War. There were a small number farming and harvesting. of “queue jumpers” and an enemy of them the strength and resilience to meet for him-or-herself world. of these regions where locals, including Pascoe reminds his reader of the the people? How will she react when current challenges to identity and the Just about anyone these days can make Confederate deserters and escaped respect Aboriginal culture deserves confronted with the human face of the complexities of modern life. something that sounds decent from a slaves, declared their independence by pointing again to the fact that “illegal”, the loving father, Stephen and On entering the theatre the audience purely technical standpoint. At one end and attempted to secede from the Aboriginal rock art is the oldest in the traumatised Sam, whose mother gave is invited to contemplate a mystical of the spectrum you’ve got 12 year olds Confederacy and join the Union. world. He also goes so far as to claim that her life to save her daughter? place. Long pale clusters like spectral building songs on Garage Band with Newton Knight (Matthew Aboriginal people were the first people Lily’s carefully guarded world is trees are suspended in space, drifts of Apple loops like sonic Lego. At the McConaughey) deserted to return to his in the world to make bread, 15,000 years turned upside down after Michael mist suggest remoteness and solitude, other end is Taylor Swift backed by an home County of Jones in Mississippi and in advance of the Egyptians. introduces the sophisticated Kristy and a mysterious stone disc compels army of engineers, producers, session lead a rebellion against the Confederate’s As for their being hunter gatherers, (Amanda Maple-Brown) into her safe us to question its significance. We musicians cranking out (deserved) hits tax men and its overtly pro-plantation Pascoe accepts that Aboriginal house. Can Kristy be trusted, and after contemplate also the figure emerging backed by a superpower label. owner laws. It’s a fascinating story about populations did move about a good deal so many twists and turns to her story will from darkness to stand upon the disc; Then somewhere in between you’ve the horrors of war, slavery and racism, following food Continued on page 14 The Review September ’16 13 Sydney’s media team make What’s coming up it five in a row

Matthew Power

THE Sydney Sailors held off the Western Walers to win 52-37 in the annual Reclink Community Cup on Sunday, August 14. A crowd of 1,700 turned out at Henson Park in Marrickville to watch Sydney’s media and music communities face off in a game of AFL.

Alex Dyson from the Triple J breakfast show led Sydney’s media team of Sailors against Siobhan Poynton and the Western Walers team of musicians that Three cheers for the 2016 Sydney Community Cup charity match, which included Rob Mills, Urthboy and raised much-needed funds for Reclink charities Photo: Rod Hunt Federal Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese MP. Down 16-7 early in the Community Cup since it began to pull everything together. second quarter, the Walers in 2012. Tan said she was happy Reclink has built a great working found inspiration from a “Best that “this year’s event went relationship with major partner On Ground” performance by well, everybody looked out for Young Henry’s and together we Lisa “Kiwi” Ropere to fight each other on the field and I’m are already looking at how we their way back into the contest. relieved that the Sailors can can expand next year’s event.” However, the Sailors’ accurate hold the cup for another year”. Yee said that the 2016 Sydney goal kicking and strong defence Adam Yee, a proud Waler who Community Cup raised over was enough to secure them the is also involved in organising the $20,000 in much-needed funding win and make it five in a row. Sydney Community Cup, sees for Reclink charities. This includes A founding member of the the event continuing to grow the support of arts and sporting Sailors, Sydney venue booker in Sydney because “we have a programs run for disadvantaged and media worker Kim Tan has strong core group of people that people in metropolitan and been involved with the Reclink work hard behind the scenes regional areas of Australia.

Drawing on the family dynamic Simpson’s sculptures feature collected rope, shells, salmon bones, driftwood, whipping twine and other found objects Photo: Dorian Photographics

SSH

Mother & Daughter Carolyne May Miller and Bea Spry Simpson sculpts TAP Gallery 259 Riley St, Surry Hills August 23-28 a ‘future museum’

CAROLYNE May has been from debris drawing using pen and ink and painting watercolours since she was a girl. She is entirely self-taught SSH 7 to October 1). A Canberra- and prefers to retain her own based artist, she has exhibited style. Her inspiration comes from SALLY Simpson’s work nationally in group shows and Mother and daughter duo Carolyne May Miller and Bea Spry draw inspiration from life – her struggles and successes; people, places, pets and more in creating their art. Photo: Andrew Collis reflects her fascination with competitions, most recently the many people and places she the way values and meaning the 2016 Blake (Art) Prize. has known; the rich experience interact with the material “The over-arching theme of of her daughter Bea maturing where she lived with her mother in Australia and overseas, including world. She uses unexpected my work is the consideration of from the wonder of childhood to Una and two brothers. Carolyne and from visits to Paris, the USA, methods and ocean debris to human relations with the land, womanhood; from family, pets and Una had many successful exhibitions Caribbean Islands, Hawaiian Islands create sculptures that evoke the values we assign to it and the beauty of nature. Carolyne has over the years in Sydney, Melbourne, and her seven years as a resident of ‘artefacts and specimens’ and the way it changes over time,” a unique gift for colour, using her Canberra and Port Macquarie. the UK. Bea has completed courses thrum with fragile beauty. Simpson says. “In this exhibition palette to add texture, depth and Bea (Rebecca) Spry has continued in fashion design and illustration, She also references African I use materials collected from stunning beauty to her images. in the tradition of her mother and clothing design and construction power figures, voodoo forms marine debris which I then late grandmother – self taught, as well as screen-printing. and Christian reliquaries. stitch and detail to create ritual At the age of 15, Carolyne won with a unique style and involved Carolyne and Bea are artefacts for a ‘future museum’. first prize in the modern art section in art since she was 5. Bea draws currently working on a range of Objects for an Unknown “Ritual and time are of an exhibition in Port Macquarie, inspiration from people and places illustrated children’s books. Future Museum is Simpson’s combined to transform and fifth solo show – her second in empower our detritus.” Sydney at Stanley Street Gallery See www.stanleystreetgallery.com.au Ooooby’s mission is to in Darlinghurst (September make local food easy and fair everywhere www.ooooby.org

Catherine Skipper, Lyn Turnbull and Miriam Pepper with Rango at South Sydney Uniting Church Photo: Andrew Collis 14 The Review September ’16

South Sydney Puzzle by David Angell Wordplays Problem JACK REVER(E)IE 1112122 Here is a rectangle containing 35 numbers which add up to 66. 42 3 2211 Putting flesh Imagine a white world Your task is to divide the rectangle into 11 blocks: each block 2111211 on the bones where white flowers fall must contain a combination of numbers adding up to 6, and 5 1 3 1 6 14 of the past from a white sky 1 33 1111 no combination may be used more than once. Blocks must the sick man says to rest in soft piles consist of one or more squares connected horizontally or upon white grass covering vertically, but not diagonally. For example, you might use 11 a vision of himself 1 3 white fields, white hills one of these arrangements — 11 3 1 1 beneath dirty lamp chains 1 1 roll away 3 in badly lit diners into — but you may not more than one of these, since all three long macadam highways contain the same numbers. a white distance. a single moon-blanched field FIRST CORRECT ENTRY WINS A PRIZE. Send to South Sydney Puzzle, PO Box 3288, REDFERN NSW 2016 A world so hushed, who was it footsteps make no noise, that said hardly anything? Last month’s problem Last month’s solution voices are stilled, gestures A vision of himself suffice, and all thought rests By scrambling the letters of REDFERN you can find a 1. BEACONSFIELD — NEED BIFOCALS as desolated angel in its origin, description of a technologically minded sports official 2. CHIPPENDALE — APPEND CHILE blues and haikus the white mind — NERD REF. What other inner Sydney suburbs (found searching for emptiness of God. on the SSH front page) could be scrambled to give 3. DARLINGTON — DRAGON LINT two words describing: 4. PADDINGTON — DATING POND putting bones Because I can imagine 1. What your optometrist might tell you? Into the flesh of himself this white place, hold it sliding under 2. How you add a South American country to a list? for a second in my mind, a beach of sunflowers can I imagine God? 3. What a mythical flying reptile might find in its but mostly lingering Does he imagine me washing machine? on the corner of Moody Street imagining?.

4. Where single ducks go to meet other ducks? as someone else, — Catherine Skipper the interesting stranger.

Continued from page 12 Gungil Jindibah Centre at Southern ought to feel for a people so brutally — Catherine Skipper supplies, but he points to evidence Cross University to produce: Learning wronged. But I wish I could also have that shows their lives were a good from the Past. It was a chilling given them Pascoe’s account of the deal more sedentary than has been account of the cruelties inflicted on achievements and the dignity of the WORDPLAY — CREATIVE WRITING GROUP CLUB REDFERN, recognised. Aboriginal families and communities cultures that pre-existed colonisation. 2/159 REDFERN ST — every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. And beyond the fact that Aboriginal as “welfare” officers systematically took It is colonisation that has damaged Contact Yvonne on 0415 226 854. All welcome. peoples had farmed and managed the their children from them. It shocked this fine people. We should not blame land they loved, the testimony of the the boys deeply to learn of this. I the victim. explorers also points to a sophisticated pointed out to a School Assembly No one to whom I have social organisation and to a democracy that they were the first generation of recommended this book has failed that worked to maintain peace across non-Aboriginal Australians to know to be deeply affected by it. the continent. the truth – the Bringing Them Home When I was teaching at St Ignatius report by Sir Ronald Wilson and Mick Edited extract reprinted with permission from The Swag, College, Riverview, I spoke to House Dodson had not yet been published. Meetings about a 1994 document that It was important for the boys to Spring 2016: theswag.org.au the NSW Department of Community know that part of the Aboriginal story »» [email protected] Services had contracted the then and to have felt the sympathy we

Chalmers St, Redfern 1st Wednesday of every month Bookings via Facebook TRIPOD CAFE (sydneysunsetsessions) 262 ABERCROMBIE ST, DARLINGTON PH: 9698 8677 OPEN 7 DAYS Photo of Zana Rose by Andrew Collis MON-FRI 7AM-5PM SAT-SUN 8AM-4PM

Tag your Instagram pics #sshphotos and we will include 5 of the best photos, from all suburbs in SSH Instagram Gallery South Sydney, here each month. See all photos online: SELECTED BY BEC LEWIS FOLLOW US @southsydneyherald southsydneyherald.com.au

Alexandria Sydney Park Waterloo Sydney Sydney @neeravbhatt @australian_elena @beclewispix @craftybird @mertonkidd SEPTEMBER 2016 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

VOLUNTEERS’ NEWS A COMMUNITY OF FAITH Uniting Churches PAT CLARKE DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON

Thank you and farewell Andrew while he is away. ‘We wish you Our Minister of the South Sydney Uniting Church, A huge thank you to Anthony Steele (Andrew) a fulfilling, interesting and the Rev. Andrew Collis, is away for the next four for his deliveries of the South Sydney cultural experience in Boston and on months in Boston on long-service and study leave. Herald (SSH) in the Newtown area over your visits to New York. Keep in touch, While he is away, our church will receive some very many years. Our best wishes to him and remember we love photos!’ special pastoral and preaching ministry from Sister South Sydney Uniting Church 56a Raglan St, Waterloo and his wife Mel on their relocation Anne Jordan of the Cana Communities, which cares New Managing Editor Marjorie Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday to Singapore. for homeless people. Nine other people will also bring Evening Prayers 5pm Lewis-Jones, has just completed preaching and presiding gifts. During the period, we (2nd Sunday of the month) Welcome new drivers and this issue, and we are fortunate to will celebrate the Season of Creation, including one Sister Anne Jordan 0499 464 002 volunteer deliverer have someone of her experience Sunday when people bring their pets or photos of www.southsydneyuniting.org.au We have two new volunteer drivers, and interests to help steer our them. On November 6, we will have a focus on care Regina and Peter, who will drop off independent community newspaper. for survivors of child abuse – Blue Knot Sunday. The Sacred Lounge Cnr St Johns Rd & copies of the paper to our volunteer The following are our guest preachers: September is a very busy month Colbourne Ave, Glebe deliverers from Woolloomooloo to Worship 7pm Sunday being Dementia Awareness Month September 4 Tau’alofa Anga’aelangi (Ocean Sunday) – Marrickville. Regina and Peter will Uniting Church ministry candidate ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate assist Volunteer Coordinator Ross under the auspices of Alzheimer’s candlelit concerts 8pm Thursday Australia. To find activities contact: Office 9518 9413 Smith with getting SSH out to our September 11 Pastor Ray Minniecon (Flora and Fauna www.fightdementia.org.au. Sunday) – Indigenous pastor www.sacredlounge.org.au community. Also welcome to Matthew, who will deliver 500 copies in Redfern September 25 Dr George Emeleus (Cosmos Sunday) – Blue September is a national Leichhardt Uniting Church and Alexandria starting this month. theological scholar awareness and fundraising initiative 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt about all cancers affecting men, October 2 Alison Clark (Blessing of animals – St Francis (near Norton St, free parking The Rev. Andrew’s bon voyage behind church) not just prostate and testicular and St Clare Sunday) – musician and aged‑care volunteer get‑together was held at the South Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday cancer. For more information: Sydney Uniting Church, after the October 9 Margaret Vazey – lay preacher and artist Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 www.blueseptember.org.au. www.leichhardtuniting.org.au Sunday service on August 21. This is October 16 Rev. Sue Emeleus – Anglican Deacon a lovely old church, with community Also in the news this month: November 6 Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon (Blue Knot Mustard Seed Uniting Church space and garden. It was a good Save the Koala (Wilderness Society) Sunday) Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, opportunity for me to catch up Ultimo and Big Heart Appeal by the National November 13 Dr Miriam Pepper – with other volunteers, writers and Worship 9.30am Sunday Heart Foundation.. environmentalist and social scientist distributors, and to meet – for the Rev. David Gore 0449 875 065 first time – our fabulous designer, November 20 Rev. Susan Pickering (Reign of Christ – Until next time. mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au Rob Young. I also chatted with the Celebrating Community Sunday) – Leichhardt Uniting Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon and Pat Clarke & Ross Smith Church Minister Newtown Mission Sister Anne, who will be filling in for [email protected] December 11 Rev. Dr Clive Pearson – public theologian 280 King St Newtown and educator Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday Rev. Graeme Tutt December 18: Rev. Dr. William Emilsen – 9519 9000 Waterloo Recycling Workshop retired historian and educator www.newtownmission.org.au Workshop and market open Fridays 9am-12pm. For all other Sundays, the preacher is Anne Jordan. Paddington Uniting Church Turunga Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo (lower car park). Andrew Collis will be back at the start of January 2017. 395 Oxford St, Paddington Affordable furniture and household goods. Anyone is very welcome to join us and to stay for Worship 10.30am & Donations gladly received (no white goods or electrical apps). morning tea after the service. Our services begin 7.30pm Sunday at 10am. Rev. Ben Gilmour Volunteers welcome – phone Naomi on 0407 576 098 Office 9331 2646 Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon is the Minister-in- www.paddingtonuca.org.au Association of South Sydney Uniting Church

Pitt Street Uniting Church Women’s 264 Pitt St, Sydney Reconciliation SATURDAY ART CLASS Worship 10am Sunday BABANA Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman Network ABORIGINAL South Sydney Uniting Church Office 9267 3614 www.pittstreetuniting.org.au Meeting on September 29. MEN’S GROUP (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) 10AM-12PM at the Babana Shed 12-4pm September 10 & 24 Redfern Community open Mon-Fri Wayside Chapel REDWatch Centre. 29 Hughes St, Potts Point Meetings first Thursday (Cnr St Johns Rd & All materials provided. Worship 11am Sunday of the month at The Factory Hugo Street Redfern. Colbourne Ave, Glebe) Previous & new participants welcome. Community Centrte. Rev. Graham Long Phone Geoffrey Turnbull 10am cuppa followed by Gold coin donation. Office 9581 9100 Contact: Mark Spinks More information phone 0415 415 139. (02) 8004 1490. meeting till 12 noon. www.thewaysidechapel.com Email [email protected] 0411 282 917 Artwork by Naomi Ward, 2016.

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

Tanya Plibersek MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich MP Jenny Leong MP Federal Member for Sydney State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Newtown 150 Broadway, Broadway 112a Glebe Point Rd, Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, 58 Oxford St, Paddington 383 King St, Newtown NSW 2007 Glebe NSW 2037 Rosebery NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2042 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9230 3352 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 SPORT & FITNESS SEPTEMBER 2016

Grand final greats: the Alexandria Rovers Under 11 team romped home to victory over the Matraville Tigers on August 14 Photo: John Donnelly Rovers trounce Tigers to take premiership

PERRY JOHNSTONE in front of family, friends and task and hit back with a great try. great attacking play and stinging This team struggled for numbers supporters. With two minutes to go before the defence. The boys now had control all year due to injuries, so to see ON a beautiful sunny Sunday half-time break, the Rovers put and were determined not to let them overcome this and win the afternoon at Redfern Oval on August The game started at a frantic their bodies on the line to hold the the game slip away from them. premiership was a massive effort by 14, the Alexandria Rovers Under 11 pace with the Tigers in control much bigger Tigers players out With every passing minute all the players and the coaching staff. team was preparing to take to the and taking an early 6-0 advantage. for two consecutive sets on our the boys were one step closer to This victory kept alive the club’s field in the grand final of the South The signs were not looking too try line. Then with less than 20 redemption and as the full-time current streak of winning at least Sydney District football competition. good as the Tigers seemed a seconds to go, our boys scored a siren sounded they were jumping one premiership nine years in a The opposition was our local foe step ahead, but thankfully some converted try to take the lead 10-6. for joy and celebrating being row, and this was premiership the Matraville Tigers, who last year heroic last line of defence stopped The Rovers came out on fire crowned premiers for 2016. number 77 in the club’s history. defeated our boys in the grand final them increasing their lead. in the second half scoring three The boys got into a huddle and These kids live the Alexandria of the Under 10 competition. The As the game settled into a good unanswered converted tries to take sang the Rovers victory song in Rovers club motto to engage, learn boys were eager to make amends rhythm our kids warmed to the a commanding 28-6 lead, with some front of jubilant family and friends. and inspire! S

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS The September 24th @THE NCIE Harmony Bake-Off SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 26 SEPT to 7 OCT ENROL NOW: AGES 6 -14 FREE KOORI KNOCKOUT COMMUNITY EVENTS Featuring The Cleftomaniacs FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: FRI 30 SEPT 5 - 10pm: basketball + oztag (ages 12-18) With special guests movies, gaming, robotics The Bridge on the River Choir DEADLY DISCO: SAT 1 OCT Saturday 24th September - 7:30pm Sth Sydney Uniting Church (doors open at 7.00pm) 6 - 10 pm: DJs, dancing, stylin up Adults: $30 Concession/Seniors/Students: $25 Ages 14 -17 No adult, no entry Children under 12: Free Supper provided with loads of homebaked goodies All events @the NCIE are alcohol, smoke and drug free. Tickets at www.trybooking.com/MFCL More info: ncie.org.au Ph: 9046 7800 OR at the door

Where excellence happens NCIE.ORG.AU | 9046 7800| 180 GEORGE ST, REDFERN www.thecleftomaniacs.com.au