Peace VOLUME ONE NUMBER FIFTY-SIX DEC/JAN’08 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOOfor ZETLAND christmas and the TheRed Turnbull new year! SunBand Why I voted for CD GIVEAWAYS the Greens The Review PAGE 10 Election reports pages 13-14

Housing Minister “No to Northern Territory intervention!” avoids questions

SSH

The NSW Housing Minister’s media adviser appears to have misinformed the SSH about a meeting between the Minister and property developers in Waterloo, amid residents’ concerns for the future of public housing in the area.

On learning that Matt Brown, Minister for Housing, was to tour Waterloo with members of the Redfern Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, the SSH approached the Minister’s department for information. The Department denied plans for the meeting, only to then concede it would take place. A request for a photo of the Minister and his hosts was met with resistance. Arriving at Waterloo Green at a time confirmed by the RWCC, the SSH learned that, at the Minister’s behest, the meeting had taken place some two hours earlier. In a briefing paper leaked to the SSH the RWCC said it was concerned to “minimise the negative impact of the area” that has resulted from the Government’s location of a large number of “high needs people in Redfern Waterloo public housing”. The brief details a need to improve administration of estates in the area and for the RWCC to take an active role in redevelopment plans. Local residents are concerned the Government’s long-term plan to mix public and private housing will polarise the community and undermine public housing in the area Photo: Jack Carnegie despite Planning Minister Frank Sartor stating at a recent estimates committee Demonstrators took to the streets in Redfern address child neglect and abuse, and that adequate of Indigenous communities under the Land Rights meeting that “there is no intention at all to reduce the amount of public to protest the intervention into Aboriginal long-term support is needed to assist Indigenous Act in the Northern Territory to be upheld, including housing in Redfern-Waterloo”. The Housing Minister failed to communities in the Northern Territory. communities overcome deep-rooted problems such the permit system. They also called for an end to respond to questions issued by the Demonstrators believe that Aboriginal control as alcohol supply, overcrowding and inadequate income management of Centrelink benefits for SSH which asked the Minister to guarantee that no part of the estate of country is key to strong and healthy Aboriginal housing, the high cost of nutritious foods and Indigenous recipients, and the reinstatement of would be sold or leased to fund any culture and community, that consultation is access to quality education. CDEP to restore the capacity of Indigenous people redevelopment, and to explain why he had not yet met with public housing crucial for designing initiatives appropriate to In particular, demonstrators called for the rights to control their own lives. tenants to hear their concerns.

See page 8 for more.

from all at the 2 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo News Telephone 0400 008 338 Phone/fax 02 9698 8949 The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church.

ADVERTISING [email protected] 0400 139 710 MAILING ADDRESS: Drug bust raises concerns PO Box 2360 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

LETTERS Please send letters and emails to: The South Sydney Herald. for health and safety Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. Size: 150 words or less. We may edit for legal or other reasons. Susannah Palk one and all. However, the fact that it is seen as Euston Road, Alexandria, was a risk-free drug, and is shown to be the scene of a police drug bust last popular amongst role models is of EDITORIAL COMMITTEE month with the seizure of over concern to both health professionals 3,500 ecstasy tablets estimated to and police. have a street value of $105,000. “One of our greatest concerns, especially among young people, is A 26-year-old man was arrested that it is regarded as a relatively and charged with a supply of com- benign drug. People believe it is mercial quantities of speed and of an not so dangerous”, says Paul Dillon indictable quantity of ecstasy. from Drug and Alcohol Research and This comes at a time when ecstasy Training Australia. or MDMA has made its way back Taking too much ecstasy can result into media headlines. Along with in high blood pressure, breathing Managing Editor Andrew Collis a number of police operations to problems and even death. Because stem the supply of ecstasy in recent it acts as a dehydrator, mixing it months, the drug has been associ- with other drugs such as alcohol ated with a number of high-profile which is also a dehydrator, greatly sporting stars who have been caught increases risk. using it. Wendy Valois, spokesperson for Many perceive the drug to be the NSW Police agrees. “Taking illicit relatively harmless, due to its drugs can be extremely risky. We’ve “friendly” effects. The fact that very had two people from NSW and ACT few people become addicted to it and who have died thinking they have the low number of deaths associated taken MDMA when in fact PMA was Co-Editor Dorothy McRae-McMahon with it are other reasons the drug is detected in their system.” so popular. PMA or Para-methoxyamphetamine Known as the “love drug”, ecstasy is similar in effect to ecstasy, as it speeds up the nervous system and acts as a hallucinagent and a stimu- acts as a mood enhancer. Recent lant. However, it is far more potent research on rats at the University of and toxic. Sydney has shown that ecstasy causes One of the major concerns with Euston Road in Alexandria Photo: Angelique Watkins an increased supply of oxytocin in ecstasy is that, being illicit, it is the brain. This is the hormone that unregulated. Ingredients are hard to “PMA looks like MDMA but is in “All drugs, whether sold illegally or is used to help bond couples as well get and manufacturers of the drug fact more dangerous. When you buy prescribed have risks and all depend as mothers to their newborn babies. often use substitutes, mixing other illicit drugs you don’t know what on the person taking them,” says Paul Co-Editor Trevor Davies Hence those on the drug often feel an harmful additives with the already you’re getting and whose put what Dillon. “People have to be careful and overwhelming sense of love towards dangerous mix. in the pill,” said Wendy Valois. know the risks involved.”

Free speech for those that can afford it

Nicholas McCallum and a decision on their use deferred Photography Ali Blogg pending further investigation. Syd- By a vote of eight to two, Sydney ney’s few remaining independent City Council has added fuel to the newspapers, which have lobbied for fire of the Howard Government’s the news racks, have been dealt a cross-media laws by imposing a serious blow by the new regulations, profusion of charges and red tape making it harder for them to distribute upon the distribution of newspapers within the CBD. on our streets. The State Labor party Labor Councillor Tony Pooley, who was split on the decision to intro- voted in favour of the DA, is in favour duce the legislation. Only Labor’s of news racks, but did not share the Verity Firth and Deputy Lord Mayor view that the new legislation was an ADVERTISING & CONTENT Chris Harris of the Greens opposed attack on free speech. Cr Pooley stated Ben Falkenmire the new measures for Distribution that there was no point in restricting Applications. the distribution of papers such as Mx while the proposal for news racks Councillor Harris has described the was explored. ASSISTANT-EDITOR legislation as an attack on free speech, Any newspaper distribution of Jessica Moore diversity and democracy, highlight- more than 40 days per year must SENIOR DESIGNER ing the breach in the principle of apply for a DA at a cost of $35 per Robert Young “freedom of political expression” site per day within the CBD and $18 established by the High Court. “I outside the CBD. Of course News Ltd PRINTER MPD think that it is outside [Sydney City will have no problem footing the bill 46-62 Maddox St, Alexandria 2015 Council’s] authority,” said Cr Harris, for its free newspaper Mx, but what stating: “This policy is objectionable hope is there for the few surviving REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS because it places unnecessary restric- independent rags like the City Hub Reem Al-Gharabally Ellice Mol Jessica Amos Susannah Palk tions on free speech and panders to and political publications like Green Caity Burridge John Stapleton the media giants. I will continue to Left Weekly? Anna Christie Claire Thompson campaign to overturn this policy.” The Council’s continued love affair Candice Chung Samantha Van While Sydney lays claim to being a with regulation does not extend to Ben Falkenmire Ben Walker norrie mAy-welby Peter Whitehead global city, its customarily progressive advertising and election handbills. Nicholas McCallum Scott Winter Lord Mayor, Clover Moore has taken a Charitable magazines like The Big step backward with regard to the new Issue are also exempt, but a battle “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors Distribution Applications. The news over the difference between a news- who make this publication possible.” racks in other global cities have been paper and a “newssheet” is surely on labelled “clutter” by the Lord Mayor, the horizon. A News Ltd vendor at Central Station Photo: Andrew Collis The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 3 News

Postcode 2016 – a high-risk zone?

Nicholas McCallum

It seems there is more trouble for poor old Redfern. Another government department is copping some flak. However, this time it’s not the police – it’s Australia Post.

If you have recently lost a credit card and want a replacement sent to your Redfern residence or PO Box, well good luck. This is because Redfern Post Office, according to two of the four major banks, is seen as unsafe and insecure. Westpac and the National Bank have the view that Redfern Post Office is in a “high-theft-prone zone”, stating that there is too high a rate of lost and stolen mail from the Post Office and mail boxes within the PO boxes at Redfern: How secure is secure? Photo: Ali Blogg 2016 postcode. Both Westpac and the National have compiled replacement card directly to him. But the obvious lists of high-risk areas that are regularly updated and question is why the PO Box for which he pays, in the Redfern is, sadly, represented. hope that it is an impenetrable Fort Knox of security, After losing his credit card on a trip over seas, is assumed insecure? And why is it that ANZ and the long-time Redfern resident and small business owner, Commonwealth Bank will post cards to 2016, while Mark, was told by his bank, Westpac, that he would National and Westpac will not? have to travel to his branch in Flemington to pick The staff at Redfern Post Office can’t understand up his card – a short journey of only 20 kms! Mark what all the commotion is about and neither does was told that Westpac would not send his card to Australia Post. his secure PO Box at Redfern Post Office because it It would seem that the National and Westpac banks was insecure. have been unfairly targeted by thieves within the 2016 So when the steam escaping from his ears postcode area. Perhaps it’s the reward systems these dissipated, the bank agreed to courier Mark’s banks offer or the designs on their envelopes?

Site of proposed development on Erskineville Road Photo: Angelique Watkins Our Locals oppose Christmas supermarket for a full list of City events visit www.sydneychristmas.com.au

VILLAGE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS in Erskineville CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Sydney Town Hall, MCs Angela and Penny, carols by Macquarie Street & The Rocks. Ellice Mol now is bumper to bumper from Sorelle, bands, Santa and lots more. From 22 November – 25 December three-thirty in the afternoon til seven 6.30pm – 8.30pm 8.30pm – 1.00am A development application o’clock at night.” has been lodged with the City of Owner of Café Sofia, Nick Vla- Reg Bartley Oval, Rushcutters Bay Sydney for a two-storey 2138 sqm hos says it’s the wrong spot for a Saturday 1 December BEST DRESSED CHRISTMAS supermarket on Erskineville Road. two-storey supermarket. “There’s Featuring: Jazz Nouveau WINDOW COMPETITION The Village Friends are calling for no access, Erskineville Road is a Small businesses in the Local open transparent consultation on bottle neck so it’s clogged enough Turruwul Park, Rosebery Sunday 2 December Government Area are encouraged the impact of the development. as it is.” to decorate their shopfronts in our “If you assume that 60 percent of Featuring: Club Havana Band Paul Howard from Village Friends shoppers are driving that’s 960 cars Best Dressed Christmas Window says the group was put together to per hour looking for a car space,” Mr Alexandria Park, Alexandria Competition. Win prizes to the inform the community. “Because Howard says. Even if 40 percent of Saturday 8 December value of $1300. this development is going to have shoppers take their car he estimates Featuring: The Hands a significant impact on the shops that 640 cars will be looking for Ward Park, Surry Hills in the Erskineville village and the parking each hour at peak shopping surrounding residential streets we times. As described in the DA the Sunday 9 December For more information, projection formed the group Village Friends supermarket will have a rear loading Featuring: Superheavyweights locations, competition details and we have launched a website dock and a basement car park with and Christmas walk map visit erskinevillevillage.org”. 31 spaces. “It’s an unwritten law that CHRISTMAS CITY WALK A petition in all the shops in the the majority of people drive to do www.sydneychristmas.com.au Erskineville village has returned over their shopping,” Mr Howard says. Grab a map and hit the streets to enjoy 1000 signatures so far in addition to The Village Friends are request- all the City Christmas fun. Including: or call 9265 9333. the 360 people who have already ing the developer perform a social tree locations, concerts, carollers, signed online. Mr Howard says the impact study. Mr Howard says there decorations, light projections and more. Produced by City of Sydney appeal doesn’t end there. “There are isn’t a need for the supermarket in upwards of 30 or 40 people who have the community. “Erskineville village written to the Lord Mayor plus we is gradually going through a quiet have a data base of some thousands improvement, a very nice florist Major Sponsors Charity Partner of people who have expressed their shop, the deli that wins the council concern about the development,” awards every year, some lovely res- he says. taurants, a new wine bar, we’ve got Mr Howard says the big impact is a great bakery, and a multinational going to be on parking, traffic noise company like this is going to destroy and congestion. “Erskineville Road the fabric.” 4 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 News

Vrastislav Ricardo Photo: Ali Blogg New Slavonic Festival “A celebration of good life in Australia”

Susannah Palk are so many things that Australians the young people.” don’t know about our culture. I want Ricardo sees the festival as an impor- Move aside Newtown, Surry Hills to share that.” tant way for young Slavic Australians and Leichhardt! Next year will be He has his work cut out for him. As a to embrace their heritage, and also to Sydney’s inaugural Slavonic Festival. definition, Slavonic encompasses a vast affirm Australia as a cultural melting A Nayika Indian dancer at the Redfern Community Centre Photo: Caity Burridge A celebration of all things Slavonic, number of peoples from eastern Europe. pot. “It is a celebration of good life from cabbage rolls, Polish sausage They include Russians, Ukrainians, in Australia.” and Czech beer to dance, music Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Serbs, Croats, and art. Slovenians, Macedonians and Bulgar- The Slavonic Festival will be held on the ians under the broad definition. first October weekend of next year. If Tea-lights, sweets “There are so many people in Aus- However, Ricardo does not seem you would like to be a part of the festival tralia from Slavonic backgrounds,” says daunted by his task of bringing this please contact Vrastislav Ricardo at the Vrastislav Ricardo, the Festival Man- vast group together into a two-day fes- below address: and frangipanis ager. “And everyone brings something tival. SSCA – Slavonic Festival 2008 interesting to this country.” “I have written to the embassies and Att: Vr. R. Bejsak Ricardo, the brains behind the event, consulates and the response has been Colloredo-Mansfeld for Hindu festival wants to show Australia what the very promising. However, we need to PO Box 3199 Slavonic people have to offer. “There get more people involved, especially Redfern, NSW 2016 SSH Redfern, Darlington and Chippendale. Dancing by the spectators ended Tea-light candles and frangipani the evening. flowers decorated the entrance Local resident Vimala Sarma, to Redfern Community Centre on Artistic Director of Nayika, is a Council commends car share schemes November 9 when about 100 people frequent user of the space at the attended a celebration of the Festival centre practicing her routines. She Ellice Mol Sydney City, with the possibility of of Lights – Deepavali. has been invited to perform in India more to follow. The Council has also at the Chennai dance festival. She said In the 1990s, we were all told to car recommended allowing members to use The festival celebrated by Hindus that though Nayika Indian Dance is a pool. Now the Sydney City Council is residential parking permits for their car marks the triumph of good over evil small organisation, it is a significant telling us to share. share vehicles. and comes after a period when the player in the Asian arts cultural scene Similar schemes operating in Aus- Hindu Goddess is invoked. Legend as it puts on quality performances Car sharing companies, such as tralia and overseas have been shown has it that on Deepavali day the to make such cultural experiences GoGet or Flexicar offer members a to increase public transport use and citizens of the ancient city of Ayodhya accessible in the inner city. range of cars parked around their area reduce demands on limited on-street welcomed back their King Rama after The next performance will be the which they book online and then use car parking spots. It also has a positive 14 years of exile in the forest and the ‘Lotus & Phoenix II’, on February for anywhere from an hour to a few effect on traffic congestion, which in defeat of the demon Ravana in battle. 23 2008, 7.30pm at the Sydney days. Members pay a monthly fee a city where congestion results in $4 The hero of the Indian epic returned Conservatorium of Music, as part of between $10 and $30 per month, billion in lost productivity every year, Photo: Angelique Watkins at dusk in triumph with his beautiful of the City of Sydney Chinese New depending on their own plan and com- can only be a good thing. wife Sita. Year Festival. Versatile musicians of pany, and then a small rate based on Car sharing schemes have also should assist that as “it will make more This also is the day that the God- the Sydney Sizhu Ensemble led by the time or distance they use the car for. resulted in a reduction of household cars accessible to more people”. dess Lakshmi is thought to visit the Tony Wheeler, and Vimala Sarma, The car sharing company pays for the travel costs for members, and accord- Car sharing companies are still homes of Hindus, who prepare for will celebrate Chinese New Year in registration, cleaning, mechanical and ing to McInerney, they “overcome the relatively new in the Australian market, her arrival by taking an oil bath in a unique concert featuring Chinese petrol costs. “It provides an incentive shortage of public transport on the and whilst many are enthusiastic the morning and opening their homes traditional music and classical Indian to reduce car use and provides efficient, weekend”. Essentially, they provide about the project, some drivers who to guests who are treated to delicious dances inspired by the symbolism of cost effective means of travel for people more flexibility for drivers whilst also already own vehicles are hesitant about festive treats and sweets. the lotus and phoenix. The lotus is a who wish to take this option”, accord- being environmentally friendly. switching across. Pooley says that “the The free show was organised by symbol of purity and beauty in both ing to Chair of the Sydney City Council Deputy Lord Mayor Tony Pooley benefits of car sharing are significant Nayika Indian Dance for the local Chinese and Indian cultures. Traffic Committee, John McInerney. knows a number of friends who use the [as] many inner city people only use community, who were treated not This show provides an opportunity The Council has recently approved system, and they’re all happy with the cars for short trips or on an irregular only to the lamps and traditional for Chinese traditional music-lovers to a 12-month trial of dedicated parking results. He says GoGet’s figures show basis. The potential that car share has Deepavali sweets, but also classical hear Chen Hong Yu, an inspirational spaces for car share vehicles. The trial that these schemes are becoming more is that it can take ten cars off the road Indian dances performed by students vocal artist. The Indian classical dances will see a total of up to 12 on-street attractive to a wider group of people for each car share car, and that’s a and friends of Nayika Indian Dance. featured will include pieces by Vimala spots and 10 off-street spots around and this council recommendation great benefit”. The students letterboxed streets in from the festival in Chennai.

6 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 News

HAVE YOU HEARD? THE FAST NEWS WITH TREVOR DAVIES CUB site and Pemulwuy Ben Falkenmire reports: “The developer of the CUB site in Chippendale, Frasers, has submitted its demolition application with the Department of Planning. Its application, once approved by the Department, will be made available on Fraser’s website along with other relevant documents which Frasers is in the process of updating. In response the Department, the consent authority for the project, is exhibiting an Environment Assessment (EA) until December 14 at the Information Centre (23-33 Bridge Street. Sydney) and the City of Sydney Council (Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney). In other Department news, the Aboriginal Housing Company has now lodged its DA for the Pemulwuy Project with the planning body and awaits a response.”

More traffic inS urry Hills – more danger for pedestrians? Brian Noad, from Surry Hills, reports on a meeting at the Medina on Crown Hotel, Surry Hills. He says, “At the meeting on November 21, A view along Abercrombie Street, Darlington Photo: Ali Blogg residents were jam-packed liked sardines into a small conference room, more suitable for staff training. The mood of the gathering showed to the City of Sydney, community anger over its failure to have a specific Shop owners sweat on Cabinet decision traffic-management plan for Surry Hills since 2000. With the opening of the Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor, detrimental impacts have Trevor Davies been inflicted on Surry Hills residents. “The City is committed to providing a safe environment,” Clover Moore, MP and Lord Mayor of Sydney said 10 POINT PLAN A lot has changed in Abercrombie when opening the meeting. Residents gave councillors and council staff Street Darlington with new shops coming an abundance of suggestions to bring the Lord Mayor’s promise into reality. Night lighting along the shop fronts in on line. There are lots more coffee shops Residents said that being able to walk or cycle to a mix of local shops, – from one about five years ago – with restaurants, news agencies, coffeehouses, parks and open-air markets Lawson and Abercrombie Streets another coming on line in the next within a safe traffic neighbourhood delivers a high quality of life and couple of months, as well as a mobile adds great variety and vitality to Surry Hills. It’s not about balancing the phone shop. It seems that everyone needs of motorists and pedestrians, but reducing car use and encouraging Greening of the Sydney University perimeter wants to move into Abercrombie Street. walking and cycling, the residents said. At the meeting workshops, suggestions proposed were: making Foveaux and Albion Streets two-way, Over-bridge access between Wilson Street and In 2006, a group of Darlington shop with cycleways; placing speed humps along the Fitzroy and Foveaux Street owners met to talk about ways to expressway; improving access to bus transport with new Surry Hills routes; the Australian Technology Park improve the Darlington shopping strip re-directing through traffic away from Short Street at Bourke and Flinders and came up with a 10-point plan. Streets; closing Marshall Street to through traffic to stop rat-running; Maintenance of the Redfern West/Darlington area, primarily Most of the 10-point plan seems to placing speed-humps along narrow Nichols Street, and reducing blind spots have been included in the City’s Local when turning from Nichols into Albion and Fitzroy Streets and making as revitalised residential area with appropriate commercial Action Plan (see online) and marked “shared zones” safer by driver education campaigns. for starting in the short term. amenities, such as improved hotel presentation Andrew Packham, the owner of the Darlington Newsagency told the SSH: Improved shop-front presentation, pathway development “Darlington is an interesting and vibrant Housing not an election issue says inner-city Libs shopping strip with much potential. REDWatch held a housing policy forum at Redfern Town Hall on and improved commercial premises The City of Sydney Council would be well November 12 – the same night as then PM Howard delivered his policy advised to commence improvements to speech. REDWatch organisers had been told by the local Liberals that Appropriate placement of public health facilities the footpaths and general lighting, as a their candidate wouldn’t be attending because housing was a not a Federal matter of urgency. Convening a meeting issue. At the policy launch, Howard mentioned it all the way through his of the business owners to discuss the individualisation of the Darlington Village speech. In hindsight, it probably doesn’t matter, but you can see how Darlington Fair – proposed. Sydney Council to shops would also be beneficial.” seriously the Liberals take the inner city. provide insurance coverage for public liability Andrew Packham went on to say: “Probably the most concerning of all the Redfern/Chippendale historical walking tours issues facing the shopping strip are mooted Kings Cross farewells a saint proposals to re-route foot traffic and perhaps Graham Long, the Wayside minister, writes in one of his weekly emails: bypass the Shopping Village from a changed “Little Hannah was about half my height but she could keep a room full South of city galleries and coffee walking tours exit at Redfern Station.” All the other of tough looking giants on their best behaviour at all times. Hannah, in businesses that the SSH consulted agreed. the early years of Wayside, ran our cafe and performed many other tasks Produce markets in the Rail Workshops / Technology The NSW State Cabinet will soon sign off in a voluntary capacity. The power of her presence didn’t come through on proposals for Redfern Station. Then the raised voice or tantrums but her strength of character was delivered with Park area a la Piermont, Homebush Bay, Fox Studios plans will come back to the community astonishing effectiveness through her tiny frame and tiny voice. Men for comment. The SSH has been told that who would kill each other for next to no reason would find themselves and Blackheath. the economic future of the shopping strip lining up quietly to be served by Hannah... when she was ready. Sydney’s has been taken into consideration. poorest people have lost a friend and an angel and Wayside will proudly lay to rest one of our human legends today.’’

Community Transport about more than just transport Redfern rapper’s life honoured Elsewhere in this issue of the SSH we report on the AGM of South Sydney Community Transport. While I was attending the meeting I had a chat Andrew Collis and creative space. He called it Basik Aboriginal Ministries, who led the with Redfern resident Michael O’Keefe who told me that community Sound. His motto: From the streets service, commended a passion for transport has been a lifeline for him as a person with HIV/AIDS. At times A funeral service for 25-year-old for the streets. social justice typical of hip hop at its his health has not been good and Community Transport help him with musician and producer Nathan The service was an emotional best, and commented on the quality regular hospital trips and once a month has provided him with important Bridger was held at St Saviour’s occasion. People younger and older, of love expressed in the life of Nathan social contact. If you want to get involved why not give them a ring on Church in Redfern on Friday Novem- representing the hip hop community, Bridger whose love for family, for 9319 4439 and make some friends! ber 23. Mr Bridger passed away the Redfern firefighters, police and friends, and especially for those most earlier in the week after suffering ambulance services, Babana Mens vulnerable to despair reflected that of burns in a fire that engulfed the top Group, local churches, staff and man- his God and Saviour. Fast News Christmas Wish List for 2008 floors of the former London Tavern agement of Railz on Regent and a great A very moving eulogy was given by on Regent Street. many friends were in attendance to Nathan’s father Ian, and a heartfelt Hillary Clinton in the White House • Troops out of Iraq • A progressive mourn the tragedy and to celebrate the message of gratitude and love by Federal Labor Government • The end to those draconian anti-terrorist laws Mr Bridger is known also by the life of a young man much admired for Nathan’s partner Jasmine. Com- that saw the outrage of the APEC weekend • And last but not least, the name MC Basik. The premises on his generous and caring spirit. Inside munity tributes continued afterwards Pemulwuy Project approved for development by the State Government. Regent Street included the recording the church a guard of honour was at the Redfern Community Centre Finally, peace and love to you all from all of us at the SSH! studio Mr Bridger worked hard to formed by the Basik Sound crew. with refreshments provided by the construct and to make a hospitable Pastor Ray Minniecon of Crossroads Survival Café. The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 7 News

South Sydney Community Transport remains

SSH outings. With the support of the City various community organisations like Council, a regular hourly bus service Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and South Sydney Community Trans- is operated from Waterloo across to the Inner City Regional Council. The port as been part of the inner-city Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and on to co-ordinator of Community Transport landscape for a long time. It started Broadway shops then back to Water- paid tribute to Terry’s hard work and its life as part of South Sydney Com- loo, in an hourly service three days a the advice he would often give to staff munity Aid and operated out of its week. Early in 2008 a new service will over the years. He will stay on the original home in the old St Luke’s be extended to Woolloomooloo. board but not in the chair. Church in Regent Street Redfern, At the Annual General Meeting last The AGM also needed to vote on a later becoming incorporated in month, South Sydney Community possible change of name from South about the mid ’90s. Transport was merged with Central Sydney Community Transport to Sydney Community Transport. At the Central Sydney Community Transport. It now has its office in Ogden Lane same time, a farewell was given to That was overwhelmingly rejected Redfern, at the rear of St Saviour’s its chairperson for the past 10 years, by the meeting when it was told that Church in Young Street. The project Terry Murphy. the cost of the name change would started out with one small bus and Terry was formerly a Labor Party be borne by the organisation and then a car to take people to hospital Councillor on South Sydney Council not by the State Government, even and similar appointments. This was and the City of Sydney Council. Since though it was the Government’s expanded to more buses which take his retirement he has been keep- idea. So South Sydney Community people on shopping trips and other ing himself busy as chairperson of Transport remains. Terry Murphy farewelled as Chair of South Sydney Community Transport Photo: Ali Blogg

Down and out in Newtown

Nicholas McCallum Burns described the current hous- ing situation as dire, deserving more If you happen to be strolling down attention than it is receiving. King Street on a Monday and you “It’s not a problem, it’s a crisis,” spy a barbecue outside the Newtown Burns said, highlighting the current Neighbourhood Centre, then pop increase of people in a situation of over and grab a sausage sanger for a transient homelessness. small donation. HARS and ICHOSS are assisting around 25 people a week into accom- The Centre, in partnership with modation for the homeless, but it goes the Housing Assistance and Referral a small way to meeting the needs of Service and the Inner City Homeless- the community, admits Burns. ness Outreach and Support Service, is “Safe, affordable housing is a right, doing a great service for community not a privilege,” she said, drawing members in need. Your money will particular attention to the gentrifica- go to helping HARS and ICHOSS find tion of Newtown and its shift toward safe and affordable housing for those becoming an exclusive area for who can’t. the wealthy. Centre Coordinator Lisa Burns, With the Minister for Housing, along with her staff and members of Tanya Plibersek, representing an the Newtown Mission, are assisting area so close to the epicentre of the the people that are falling between problem, it will be interesting to watch the cracks in social services and below future developments and possible the poverty line. Once a demographic solutions to the housing crisis. that was predominantly comprised of Assistance from HARS and ICHOSS older men, there has been an increase can be sought on Monday afternoons in diversity in recent years with young between 3:20 and 4:20, but watch out struggling families and single women for the barbies, grilling monthly, also coming into the picture. on Mondays. ICHOSS workers at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for the launch of a new service for the homeless Photo: Rebecca Dudding The Bard brings new hope to Northcott

Andrew Collis period, and then a concerted effort to A new Community Development think positively. Worker has been appointed to Following the successful Sticky The idea of staging something by Northcott. Catherine Carr, who is on a Bricks art project in 2006, and then Shakespeare arose out of observations yearly contract but without a working the loss of creative directors Big in the life of the Northcott community. budget, has organised funding for the Hart and Community Development “We’d remark that certain events new project by way of a City of Sydney Officer Dominic Grenot, as well as reminded us of scenes from King Lear, Cultural Grants Scheme. The Belvoir highly valued Crime Prevention or that certain people reminded us St Theatre has promised support and Officer Brett Degenhardt – all in the of characters from Hamlet or Romeo professional guidance, and further space of a few weeks – the tenants and Juliet. So we thought, why not do sponsorships are sought. at Northcott Estate experienced Shakespeare?” Ms Jones recalls. “We’re hoping to get local students Members of the Surry Hills Public Tenants Association make plans for 3 Days in December Photo: Andrew Collis something of a void. “We’ll actually present excerpts involved,” Ms Jones says. “High from various plays,” says Ms Jones, school students, as well as those from be good.” Pre-production will commence after Charmaine Jones, a trainer with who will be the Artistic Director of the the Australian College of Television The show will take place on April the summer holidays. the Central Sydney North Regional show. “Some of the sketches will be and Theatre, the School of Sound 21 at the Belvoir. SHPTA is planning “I’m feeling excited, and looking Tenant Resource Service, and member in Shakespearean language, and some Engineering, the Actors’ Centre in a big promotion for the project during forward to it,” Ms Jones says. “It will of the Surry Hills Public Tenants Asso- will be reworked in a more Northcott- Devonshire Street. I’m thinking that the 3 Days in December community be organised chaos, but we’re used to ciation (SHPTA), recalls a despondent ian language!” some kind of buddy system would event this month (December 3-5). that at Northcott!” 8 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 News Urban renewal or social breakdown?

Candice Chung what other people have said.” According to Mr Turnbull, there The future of public housing in the are also questions that remain unan- Redfern-Waterloo area remains grim swered. “When the RWA says it’s in the eyes of many residents as local not going to decrease the number of authorities enter into the next stage public housing in the area, are they of proposed redevelopments. referring to the number of public tenants in the area or the number of Despite promising that there will units in the area?” be no cuts to the amount of public Mr Turnbull pointed out that housing, the NSW Government has according to the 2006 figures from failed to convince long-time public Housing NSW, there is a clear housing tenants that they will not mismatch between housing and be disadvantaged under its urban family sizes – potentially leading renewal plans. to significant reshuffling of existing The redevelopments, first tenants after the redevelopment. announced in February last year, “Over time, the demographics consist of plans to “improve existing have gone from larger families in public housing stock” and promote public housing down to smaller “mixed housing” in the area. The ones because of a growing number Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) of single-parent families and elderly and the Department of Housing residents. There are more three- and (DoH) have said in October that four-bedroom units but the demand they will work together to boost is for smaller units,” he said. human services and conduct com- Local public housing tenant Ross munity consultation to ensure a Smith has fears that the impending smooth transition. changes can lead to fragmenting of Local community group REDWatch the community. believes there is a lack of transparency “If we go to a redevelopment phase, New developments in Waterloo Photo: Ali Blogg as the authorities enter into Stage 2 community ties will be broken,” Mr of the Built Environment Plan (BEP). Smith said. “You’re shifting people Waterloo area. for Heffron, Ben Spies-Butcher, said pushed out of the inner city,” Mr The group has urged members of the away from the services they’re used “Public housing is now increas- that with the influx of private home Spies-Butcher said. “By all means community to make submissions to to – the local doctor who knows the ingly concentrated on people with dwellers in the Waterloo area, the we need to have urban consolidation, the RWA before the plans are due to family, the butcher in the shopping extremely high needs, and there are falling proportion of public housing but we do oppose the process of be exhibited in March 2008. centre they socialise with – all of this not enough human services to cater can create disadvantage for exist- urban consolidation that places all “The whole consultation process has an adverse impact on individuals for those individuals. Non-public ing residents. the burden of that process on public is not as transparent as we’d like to and families.” housing tenants and private home “This process can leave public housing tenants and does so with see it,” REDWatch member Geoff Mr Smith also noted the concept of owners are less likely to tolerate anti- housing tenants more marginalised profit motives in mind.” Turnbull said. “The RWA has been “mixed housing” is likely to be diffi- social behaviours from the high-need and create political pressure for speaking to individuals rather than cult to make work in practice because tenants,” Mr Smith said. further gentrification which might More news on page 13... groups of people, so no one knows of the polarity of demographics in the Former NSW Greens candidate see public housing eventually

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For more information call CSU or visit 1300 135 435 www.csu.edu.au/courses/undergraduate/youth_ministry www.csu.edu.au Erko Berzerko! – a fair to remember

SSH

The Erko Berzerko Fair on Saturday November 3 at Erskineville Public School was a celebration of the school’s 125 years.

Billed as “a fair to remember our past and our future”, the fair included a local history display as well as forward-thinking presentations on “green living” and sustainability. The day began with an Aboriginal welcome ceremony. Then patrons enjoyed trash or treasure stalls, original jewelry and crafts, pre-loved books, plants from the school’s sustainable garden as well as the free entertainment all day long with headline acts including Erskineville musicians Jackie Orszaczky, John Kennedy, and Bernie Hayes. Amy Longhurst from Eastside Radio and Robbie Buck from Triple J were MCs. For the kids, and young at heart, there was a giant slide, bouncy castle and spinning teacups, hula hooping, loads of craft activities, air brush tattoos, old style games and races, and roving circus entertainers. The Fair raised funds to transform a former car-park in front of the main building back into a vibrant John Kennedy’s ’68 Comeback Special Photo: Andrew Collis children’s play and recreation area.

Hot’n’happy at the Newtown Festival

El l i c e Mo l ground. This year’s highlights included stalls such The Hat Empire where anyone could On Sunday November 11 over find the perfect hat from dozens of racks, 80,000 people gathered at Camperdown the New Zealand snack store which offered Memorial Park for Newtown’s biggest a wide range of New Zealand goodies from free community event, the Newtown original crinkle cut chips to the sweet soft Festival 2007 – “Dreamfest”. With entry drink Lemon & Paeroa, also known as L&P. by gold coin donation, the funds raised The diversity of music was another will go towards community programs at major drawcard as local artists were the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. showcased across three stages. There were a few stand-out acts on the day, According to David Stephenson, duty team including bands The Paper Scissors, The member of St John’s ambulance, the Newtown Mares, Peabody and Melanie Horsnell. (above) swing to the skies (below) shelter from the sun Photos: Caity Burridge Festival was a good event this year. This was Jai from the Paper Scissors said the festival Stephenson’s fourth Newtown Festival. “There was great. “It is always good to play for a is a nice mix of people. All in all it’s been a community festival because you get families more relaxed day than it has been in previous and kids, not just drunk adult as at a club,” years,” he said. “Everyone’s out here having she said. During their set, The Paper Scissors a happy day which is what we like to see.” attracted a huge crowd regardless of the heat. “As the temperature rose, people began “I was surprised by how many youngsters to hunt for the St John’s ambulance tent. there were singing along and knew the “It’s been a very well behaved crowd. We words,” Jai said. “I saw plenty of smiling faces have mainly had a lot of sunscreen and and everyone was dancing. It was very hot so water requests,” Stephenson added. St I’m glad people still got up and enjoyed it.” John’s ambulance members volunteered The Paper Scissors support community their day to ensure the safety of the crowd. events like the Newtown Festival because “The day is spent patrolling, walking they feel like giving something back to through and making sure patrons are fit the community. “The Neighbourhood and well and enjoying themselves.” Centre does some really good work and The festival featured market vendors selling helps people out, so we like to return the bags made out of records, Gozleme (the favour and help them out,” Jai said. “It’s Turkish delicacy), handmade leather crafts also great to get lots of people to see us play and gourmet doggie treats all on the one and introduce our music to new people.” 10 The Review December ’07/ January ’08

one by Belly, Veruca Salt’s American You’ll hear Lizzie singing. Thighs with a Magic Dirt EP, Life “The singing comes first. I wrote was Better. That was in the late ’90s. the songs on acoustic guitar and “It’s awful. I lost a lot of stuff in then we worked on the singing. a fire, a lot of music. So I’m still We’re kind of folky! After that, we rebuilding a collection. I have the went into a rehearsal space and second Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, one worked out the arrangements.” by Neutral Milk Hotel, the first Shins The new album, self-funded album, a Cat Power covers record. thanks in part to an APRA grant PJ Harvey’s White Chalk is amazing. (Sarah was awarded the 2006 Jessica I didn’t get into her last couple of Michalik Music Endowment) and records so much, but this one I have released on Sarah’s own Enchanted been listening to over and over.” Recordings, will be called The There’s the influence of her parents’ Shiralee. Like its predecessor, it was collection too. “Neil Young’s Harvest, recorded at Hothouse Studio in St of course, and early Beatles I really Kilda and produced by Magic Dirt’s like. People say it’s not that great, Dean Turner. It was mixed by Tim the early Beatles stuff, like ‘Please, Whitten who has worked with The Please Me’, but it’s simple and pure. Clouds, The Underground Lovers, It’s not easy to make music like that, Art of Fighting and Powderfinger. music that makes you feel happy.” “John read the book by Darcy The success of Peapod led to Niland and he told us about the extensive national tours with concept of the shiralee,” Sarah says. high-profile acts The Shins, Cat “It’s an Indigenous word that means Power and Sonic Youth in 2004 and ‘burden’, and can refer to a swag. In early 2005. “Touring with bands the story the burden is a little girl Red sun’s return is interesting,” Sarah says. “Seeing called Buster. She’s taken by her father An interview with Sarah Kelly of theredsunband what they do on stage, what they and the story is about them traveling repeat, what they do when something together, and their relationship. happens.” Sarah has also played a Theredsunband: John Matthews, Sarah and Lizzie Kelly Photo: Clare McLay For me, the shiralee is emotional few solo shows this year – enjoyable, baggage. The songs I was writing she says, but not as enjoyable as at the time explore that theme.” An d r e w Co l l i s John Matthews (drums, vocals) in the drums only after he and I playing with the band. “I feel lonely As we go to print theredsunband 2002. Sarah’s sister Lizzie joined them started to play. The focus, for us, is on stage by myself,” she says. is touring in support of Liam Finn. Theredsunband’s debut LP, Peapod on percussion, keyboard and vocals… message and voice. I think that’s “On tour we get to see musicians They’ll play the Annandale Hotel on (2004) included catchy singles It’s late afternoon and I’m sitting what I’ve always responded to.” who can really play. We learn so December 7 and the Clarendon Guest ‘Devil Song’ and ‘Sleep Forever’ with Sarah in a pub in Alexandria. As a visit to the very impressive much from just being with them. House in Katoomba on December 9. (“I used to have these dreams of I have a list of questions and website (www.theredsunband.com) I did get a chance a while ago traveling / I used to have these conversation starters – musical makes clear the band takes a holistic to write a song with Dan Kelly, dreams of going somewhere new / influences, tours, the new album – and approach to creativity. “John is a who is a much more technical Where we’ll sleep forever…”), as we work our way through most of painter,” Sarah says. “All our cover player. We were at Mt Macedon, well as more atmospheric tracks them. We begin by talking about images are from paintings by John. at Michael Gudinski’s mansion win! evoking landscapes and open spaces: the loud-soft redsunband sound. I hand-write all the lettering. [Mushroom Writers’ Workshop] ‘Got No Money’, ‘Ol’ Mexico’, “Because we don’t have a bass It’s important for us to keep a and we wrote a song together called The SSH has 5 copies of ‘Wide Skies’, ‘Astrovisionary’. guitar,” Sarah explains, “we need control over the visuals – not to ‘Playing it Cool with You’. I hope theredsunband’s new release a guitar sound with good bass. compromise on that. We have we get to record that one day.” Like An Arrow EP to give away. This month a new single, ‘Like I like Gibson guitars. I had an some beautiful photographs by And the much anticipated second To win a copy, all you need to do an Arrow’, is on high rotation at Explorer for a while, which was Cricket Saleh and Louise Davis, album? “It’s really good,” Sarah is listen to the single (go to Triple J, FBi and 2SER. A new EP great. I have an Epiphone SG now graphic design by Mathematics, and laughs. “I wrote a lot of the songs in theredsunband’s MySpace page by the same name has been released that I play through a Wasp amp. animated clips by Biddy Marone.” a rush. Over a two- to three-month www.myspace.com/theredsunband) (including four exclusive tracks Lizzie has a Korg MS-2000. Music, though, is Sarah’s first period. It sounds like us, and it sounds and complete the first verse which recorded in Sydney), with a new “Natural restraints work for us. love. “The first recordings I owned like we’re better at our instruments. begins: “It’s all about the feeling…” album ready for release in early 2008. We work with very few tools, and were on cassette, by Soundgarden We’ve been playing together for Send entries to [email protected] Principal songwriter Sarah Kelly our abilities are not so technical. and Frente,” she recalls. “I remember over four years. The sound is tighter. (vocals, guitar) started the band with I play bar chords. John learned sharing tapes with friends. I had And the vocals are up in the mix.

of art. In this installation there The General Will were DVD buttons to press, tools and toys all around inviting us Ca i t y Bu r r i d g e have an interest in the museum’s to come and play. It makes for a purpose and its place as a forum different experience from what The General Will is an artist- for ideas. One of the members of we are used to in the galleries. run initiative operating out of the collective sees the museum One of the group’s previous Brisbane and currently part of space as “a safe place for unsafe installations on The Goodwill the Arc Biennial (art, design and ideas” where people can experience Bridge was actually like a play craft) at the QUT Art Museum, life outside the square without centre. People on the bridge were where its artists have transformed completely leaving the box. invited to come and help build part of the gallery into a studio The General Will and its with the tools provided making space. This installation both individual members also have for an interactive forum for ideas. confronts the viewer with a shows in Sydney at such local The General Will is one of the scene of organised chaos at the galleries as Peleton in Chippendale very few artist collectives out same time as it invites us to and First Draft in the city. and about in Brisbane and in enter a personal creative space. It is exciting when artists control my opinion is doing an excellent The members of The General Will the space in which we view a work job at defying expectations.

Resource Performance Workshops Take A Break In Paradise Blow your Private Coaching Acting Workshops A place to switch off and revive 3 hrs from Darlington “Hop on the train and save the world - we pick you up at Lithgow.” own trumpet! Jane E Seymour Send your band / theatre Actor & Acting Tutor Newnes Hotel Cabins / art bios and pics to be MA,unsw;BADA,uk; ARTTS Inter.,uk Historic Wilderness Retreat published in the Review Newnes, Wollemi National Park (All pics must be • Shakespeare • Audition & Call-Backs • HSC 300 dpi at print size or will be rejected) TEL 02 6355 1247 9572 9049 Send to [email protected] www.rpworkshops.com.au www.lisp.com.au/~newnes [email protected] The Review December ’07 / January ’08 11

Mint tea at Cafe Mint Photo: Rebecca Fisher South Sydney herbs & spices

Sc o t t Wi n t e r Mint This popular leafy herb grows CAFE COMING SOON Saffron in most conditions that are not Saffron derives from the flower too dry. Its name derives from of the saffron crocus (Crocus the Greek nymph Menthe. sativus) and is dark red in colour. Greeks used to use mint to clean The flower has three stigmas. their banqueting tables and added These are often dried and used it to their baths to stimulate their restaurant • catering • cafe in cooking as a seasoning and bodies. It is used commonly in colouring agent. It is the world’s most dishes throughout the world. Yaama Dhiyaan is a Cafe and Function Centre most expensive spice by weight. Cafe Mint at 579 Crown Try a Saffron-flavoured paella Street, Surry Hills is known that specialises in modern Australian cuisine at El Bulli at 501 Elizabeth Street for its North African influence. using Indigenous produce and flavours. Redfern. El Bulli is well equipped The lamb, marinated in dried with all the modern touches of an mint and pomegranate molasses authentic Spanish bistro setting with a glass of warm refreshing YAAMA DHIYAAN is an plus savoury clay-dish tapas mint teas is recommended. exciting new venture offering and Sangria (made correctly). on site function services Lemon Grass as well as off site catering. Star Anise Lemon grass is a widely The seedpod of an Evergreen used Asian herb particularly It is located in the exciting Tree, this licorice-flavoured spice is in Vietnamese, Khmer, new North Eveleigh precinct much favoured by the Chinese who Thai, Lao, Indonesia, at 255 Wilson Street, Darlington. have had a great influence over the Philippines, Sri Lanka and YAAMA DHIYAAN is a truly Vietnamese cooking known for the Caribbean. It has a distinct unique opportunity for people its fusion of Chinese and French. citrus flavour and can be dried to experience the friendly service Hidden on the right of the and powdered or used fresh. and high standard of food offered junction between Bourke and The All Spice Thai Kitchen by Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, Fitzroy Street in Surry Hills is at 25 Allen Street, Waterloo an Aboriginal elder, and an the ChoChin French-Vietnamese is a great place to try lemon exciting young Aboriginal chef Restaurant. The signature dish grass. Try the Tom Yum Mathew Cribb, who has over is the tea-smoked duck breast Goong, a delicious seafood 10 years experience. with tea leaves in Orange, and mushroom broth blended Prune and Port Sauce served with coconut milk, chili and the on a bed of fresh vegetables. key ingredient: lemon grass. SOME OF THE CULINARY DELIGHTS ON OFFER

Fried Crocodile Wontons with Finger Lime Sauce and Snowpea Shoots Peppered Kangaroo Fillet with Roasted Beetroot, Rocket Salad and Balsamic Reduction Macadamia Nut and Thyme Crusted Emu Fillet on Crushed Yam with Native Pepper Berry Jus Pan Fried Chicken Breast with Bush Tomato Ratatouille and Crispy Emu Prosciutto Steamed Lemon Myrtle and Poppy Seed Pudding with Vanilla Anglaise and Chocolate and Wattleseed Sauce menu HOURS OF OPERATION Monday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm

INTERESTED IN BOOKING YAAMA DHIYAAN FOR YOUR NEXT FUNCTION OR CATERING EVENT? Call Event Services, Matt on 8399 0924 or email to [email protected]

SSH standard. Selected participants then we need have no fear of will also have the opportunity its demise. Literary creativity in Redfern author Elena Knox to read their work, appear “in Australia is alive and kicking.” has won a prestigious mentorship conversation with”, or participate Elena Knox works across text, as part of the Australian Society in panels at state and regional sound, film and performance. of Authors (ASA) Mentorship writers’ festivals, bringing their Her writing is published in Australia, program for 2007-08. work to the attention of publishers, USA, UK and New Zealand. Her literary agents and future readers. book V is a unique 100-page novella Local author wins Twenty writers were chosen from Speaking on behalf the judges, in lyrical prose, collapsing poetry into nearly 500 entrants, and will now Dr Fisher, Executive Director fiction into music: a racy tale of a ASA mentorship work closely with the mentor of their of the ASA said: “If these pop ingénue’s tragic encounters with choice to develop their manuscript applications are an indication of voyeurism, packet-mix art, corporate to the highest professional the future of Australian literature, morality and the 15 minutes of fame. 12 The Review December ’07 / January ’08 Live entertainment in Sydney

Pe t e r Wh i t ehea d MCs Angela and Penny, carols by Sorelle and Superheavyweights, a Tue Dec 4: 10.15pm THE COLOUR contempory funk and soul band. OF AUGUST at Newtown Theatre. Spanish writer Paloma Pedrero Closing Dec 9: NIGHT JOURNEYS creates a fascinating set-up for by Bill Kokkaris. Presented by Take Paula Roman and Mariana Soares. Away Theatre at Sidetrack, Addison Directed by Mark Cleary. The season (until 29th - late shows Tue-Sat) Rd, Marrickville, Wed-Sun. features a number of performances entirely in the Spanish language. Thu Dec 13: CLUB TAP. Words, music, comedy, dance, poetry, Thu Dec 6: CAUGHT SHORT burlesque with Robert Balas presiding. Indie Film Night celebrating 3 years of short flicks at TAP Gallery, Sun Dec 16: 11am-7pm TAP Gallery 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst. XMAS INDOOR ART, CRAFT & HEALING MARKET. Fri Dec 7: 8pm THE VERONICAS (supported by Dean Geyer) at the Thu Dec 20: 8pm CHRISTMAS Hordern Pavilion. Identical twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso WITH ENCORE at the Bondi have come a long way since starting Pavilion Amphitheatre. out in Bris Vegas. Two years ago A special Pink Ribbon Event to aid the two 22-year-olds released debut in the fight against breast cancer. album The Secret Life of… which ENCORE is a four-part vocal has sold more than 300,000 copies in group: Nate Butler, Eva Spata, Australia. Now they are on the verge Javier Vilarino and Clarissa Spata of going very big OS and touring with guest appearances from Oz with follow-up album Hook Me Marcus Rivera and rising rhythm Up. This album has been made with and blues star Daniel Aguilar. a range of prominent European, The little voices of Bangladesh American and Australian producers co-writing songs with the spirited Closing Sat Dec 22: 8pm TIGER sisters. The people at Warner Music COUNTRY at the Stables Theatre, are throwing everything behind the Kings Cross. A comedy of sex, drugs SSH Titled Little Voice the collection least 10 million and thousands girls’ international aspirations and you and questionable family loyalty with evokes the street culture and of refugees clinging to the should see for yourselves if it is paying Josef Ber, James Evans, Matthew Sydney Morning Herald degenerate infrastructure of fringes of the society. off. Lisa’s boyfriend, Idol discovery Moore, Eve Morey and Nicole photojournalist Lisa Wiltse one of the world’s most densely The collection received Dean Geyer, is the supporting act. Winkler Directed by John Sheedy. exhibited her first feature collection populated countries, Bangladesh. a nomination in this year’s Sat Dec 8: of photographs at the Blender Lisa’s series was shot in the Nikon-Walkley Awards Also closing Sat Dec 22: HELL 2pm DESTFEST at CarriageWorks, Gallery in Paddington in November. capital Dhaka, home to at for photojournalism. HATH NO FURY at Newtown 245 Wilson Street, Darlington. A program of dynamic, unique Theatre. Wayne Tunks directs his films, curated by Megan Spencer, latest play about 16 women set followed by a panel discussion. in an inner-west hair salon. 3pm CROSS CONVERSATION. Howard Morphy on the art of Mulkun Thu Dec 27: 8pm VIENNA WAITS Wirrpanda and the legacy of Dhakiyarr FOR YOU 2007. Join the 60-piece Wirrpanda. The Cross Art Projects Australian Philharmonic Orchestra 33 Roslyn Street, Kings Cross. with Donald Cant, Tiffany Speight, 6.30pm FREE FAMILY CONCERT Roy Best and Sally Cooper (violin), in Alexandria Park, Buckland St the Macquarie University Singers Alexandria. Featuring MCs Angela & Willoughby Symphony Choir and Penny, carols by Sorelle and The Hands, a modern pop quartet. Conducted by Benjamin Northey.

Sun Dec 9: 6.30pm FREE FAMILY Fri Dec 28: 2pm & 8pm VIENNA CONCERT in Ward Park, Devonshire WAITS FOR YOU 2007. Street, Surry Hills. Featuring Farewell this year with a bang! South Sydney Crossword ( ) * + , - ACROSS 6 Sort of yam perversely used as fake snow (9) 9,5 NYE ritual performed by many, known by few (4,4,4) . / 7 Rejoice! Let care be unbridled (9) 14 Idiosyncrasy can be an unusually rare catch (9) 8 Absolute confidence in one’s belief (5) 0 16 Devastating farm fire could require a 17 across of 8 across (8) 10 Charm is a recipe for it (8) 18 Charged with current energy (8) (' (( 11 Gnu turns on headless bird to loosen the belt (6) 19 The extremes of decadence illuminate pleasure (7) 12 With open arms embraces a ray of light (4) 21 Employed by us! (4) 13 Prescribed by Dr. F. Goofy after a soaking (2,3,3) 23 Consideration of others encapsulates community (6) () (* 15 Said to begin at home, it ends at indifference (7) 24 Brilliance excels art oddly – pardon my French (5) 17 We learn about rejuvenation (7) (+ 20 The talk before the walk (8) Last month’s solution (, (- (. (/ 22 Sliced peach for every one! (4) ( ) * + , - . A P J M C I TY O F 25 Graze marks resulting from scuffles ejecting the French (6) / (0 V I L L A G E S O O V 26 Closeness found in a one man city? (8) 0 E A C T LB A N K E T (' )' )( )) )* 27 Jolly gutless mercenary (5) NNI J A R L G R (( () 28 Chartism’s representation as the people’s party (9) U E R I L LWA A R R A (* )+ E N T R A N EC P U (+ (, S N G S P R I N G ), )- (- (. (/ (0 C D O T S E A S )' )( )) DOWN J O R D A N A P M )* )+ ), 1 Megaliths are possessed by the spirit (5) O E G R EEEN R Y )- ). F L A M E T R EE R L U ). )/ 2 Oddball said “we’re dough!” (6) )/ I U E M B L OO M 3 Semi-sacred fragrance evokes the emblem of Islam (8) )0 AAB L O N E O A D C *' 4 Bizarre green Martians remain alien (7) A G T S T A R F I HS *( 5 See 9 down S E AH T H E K C A Crossword by D.P. The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 13

News cont’d

ADVERTISEMENT Plibersek’s increased margin, responsibilities Tanya Plibersek MP Ben Falkenmire Labor member for Sydney in 2008 Choices, climate change and educa- after winning 67.4 per cent to 32.6 per tion,’’ she told the SSH. Increasing her commanding margin cent over Liberal candidate Georgina Ms Plibersek appeared on Channel Member for Sydney in the Sydney electorate to an unassail- Anderson, a swing of 2.65 per cent to 7’s election broadcast alongside Joe able 25 per cent, Tanya Plibersek is to Ms Plibersek. Hockey of the Liberals. When the result lead the nation as Federal Minister for The Liberal party secured 26.2 per became increasingly clear, Ms Plibersek Housing and the Status of Women. cent of the primary, more than four is reported to have been sympathetic Thank you and per cent ahead of Jenny Leong of the and consoling towards an emotional “There are a whole lot of areas I am Greens who roped in 21.2 per cent. Mr Hockey. interested in, but obviously enacting Jenny’s primary, a 0.4 per cent As the Rudd Government finds its Season’s Greetings the policies I have developed in hous- swing against her 2004 result, will be feet with new ministers and cabinet, ing would be a terrific challenge,’’ said disappointing for the Greens given the Ms Plibersek listed climate change, Ms Plibersek who acted as Shadow prominent role climate change played education and IR as immediate national I am very pleased to be re-elected as the Minister for Housing, Women and in the election build up. priorities, and affordable housing, child- Youth and Human Services. Ms Plibersek acknowledges it was care, a $50 million cancer centre near Member for Sydney. I am grateful for your The Slovenia descendent will one of the major campaign issues. the Royal Prince Alfred and a dental celebrate her tenth year as the federal “I think the biggest factors were Work program as key local priorities. continued support and will work hard to ensure I deserve your faith, and the significant swing to Labor which we achieved. Students’ ideas for adaptive reuse of Gardener’s Lodge Col James community, Paul Coe (Tent Embassy Sydney University staff and students, Movement), Michael Mundine local residents and kids, local MP The Australian community has placed great Her Excellency Governor Marie (Aboriginal Housing Company) and Tanya Plibersek, and the Governor Bashir officially launched the Beryl Van Oploo (Yaama Dhiyaan of NSW. trust in Kevin Rudd and Labor to restore initiative by the Redfern Aboriginal Hospitality Training College) at the After discussion with students community to process an “Expres- Carriageworks, Darlington on Tuesday involved and a wonderful commen- balance to the workplace, meet the challenges sion of Interest” to lease the former November 22. tary by the Governor, the guests had Gardener’s Lodge at the junction Ideas for the adaptive reuse of a taste of things to come with Aunty of climate change, launch an education of the Sydney University axis and the heritage listed Gardener’s Lodge Beryl’s damper and tea. Empowered City Road from the Council of the and environs, prepared by Sydney by the enthusiastic reception, Uni- revolution and address inequities in society. City of Sydney. University architecture students, were versity representatives will prepare displayed for a gathering including a full submission for discussion with A ceremony was arranged by rep- City Council representatives, herit- local community and Council early resentatives of the Redfern Aboriginal age architects, Eora Tafe College, next year. Many of you will be aware that I have now taken on the additional role of Minister for Housing and Minister for Women Save the Children Mobile Inner City Playbus in the Rudd Government. I am looking Australia forward to the great challenges ahead and Christmas Party 2007 the chance to implement our policies to address issues such as housing affordability, Where: Alexandria Park, Park Road, Alexandria homelessness and violence against women. When: Thursday 20th December 2007 The festive season is almost upon us. I Time: 10am till 1pm and my staff would like to wish everyone (Please note that if it rains, the event will be held inside Alexandria Park Community Centre). a healthy, happy and safe festive season.

Free fun activities for everyone! ♥ Mobile Play Bus equipment ♥ Face painting ♥ Balloons ♥ Jumping Castle ♥ Sausage Sizzle BBQ ♥ St George Foundation Zoo mobile ♥ Christmas Puppet Show ♥ Presents for all children

Jumping Castle kindly donated by:

Please contact the Mobile Play Bus Team if you require further Information: 0422 377 574 or [email protected] Hope to see you there!

Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP Labor Member for Sydney 422 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 9357 6366 | www.tanyaplibersek.com 14 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008

News

ADVERTISEMENT Kristina Keneally MP MEMBER FOR HEFFRON

Congratulations to Australia’s 26th Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and our local team, Tanya Plibersek in Sydney, Peter Garrett in Kingsford Smith and Anthony Albanese in Grayndler.

Labor’s team has ended eleven years of Coalition Malcolm Turnbull on election day Photo: Ben Bontia rule and a fresh team will now lead the way in creating innovative new policies which will set the direction of our nation for years to come. Turnbull wins Wentworth,

Things can only get better now. There was no loses bid for leadership

hope of improvement for the ordinary Australians Ben Walker in 2004. on evidence regarding his eligibility, It has to be said that Newhouse but the publicity may have lowered under the previous government. Incumbent Liberal MP and was perhaps unlucky in his campaign. Newhouse’s vote. Howard Environment Minister There were unprecedented “soap In the end, Turnbull’s campaign Malcolm Turnbull has defied the 6% opera” circumstances. Newhouse where he sought to highlight his creden- This is the change we have been waiting for, national swing toward Labor and broke up with his partner Dani Ecuyer tials on environmental and community retained the Eastern Suburbs seat of weeks before the election and she issues, and discredit Newhouse, proved the beginning of a new era in Australian politics. Wentworth by a marginal 3.6%. stood against him as an independent to be effective. At his press confer- A Rudd Government will be a government for all opposing the pulp mill decision and ence, while casting his vote, Turnbull Despite Turnbull’s high profile, Labor’s support of it. Newhouse also was nervous about the outcome and Australians and has committed to govern in the the result was not guaranteed. In became embroiled in a battle with thought there was a strong possibility Wentworth polling, the national swing Walkley-winning colour-writer for his parliamentary career was over. national interest. toward Labor showed the seat was The Australian Caroline Overington. Therefore, at his function at Bondi winnable by Labor candidate George He leaked emails from her that were Junction Waverly RSL he was very Newhouse after preferences flowing both flirtatious and threatening. Their pleased with the outcome. The next I am very excited that Kevin Rudd’s priorities from Green’s candidate Susan Jar- exchange culminated in her allegedly day, Turnbull was first out of the blocks nason. slapping him in apparent retaliation on to announce his candidacy for the for the initial days in office include education One of the key issues of the elector- the day of the election. Liberal leadership. ate was Turnbull’s decision to approve The final issue hampering New- and hospital funding, child care, broadband, the Tasmanian Pulp Mill. The Greens house’s campaign was his alleged As we go to press, the Liberals have urgent action on climate change and water and businessman Geoffrey Cousins ran disqualification from candidacy because chosen Dr Brendan Nelson as the strong campaigns against Turnbull. of failure to quit a government role in party’s new leader. Nelson defeated and repealing WorkChoices. The Greens will receive an estimated time for his nomination. Turnbull and Turnbull by 45 votes to 42. Turnbull 15% of the vote which is up from 11% Newhouse had conflicting accounts will become shadow treasurer.

I look forward to the opportunities associated with the incoming Government including increased Profile of a first-time voter prosperity and policies where working families and Andrew Collis the disadvantaged are treated fairly. Alexander Turnbull of Darlington, a first-time voter in this year’s I also look forward to addressing the many federal election, has been waiting to play his part in the democratic challenges that arise as a result of the previous process since he was six years old. One of his earliest memories is Government’s policies. feeling distraught following the 1996 election. He remembers crying and asking his parents, “Where is Mr As the member for Heffron and a Minister in the Keating going to live?” NSW Government I look forward with a great deal of 1.As a first-time voter, how did you optimism and hope to working with a Federal Labor find the election campaign? Which issues seemed to dominate? Which Alexander Turnbull outside the Darlington Public School polling booth Photo: Andrew Collis Government to improve services for the people of were not discussed adequately? political narratives. The only thing the Constitution. New South Wales. It seemed to me that the election that was totally excluded was any was mainly an exercise in Rudd mention of changing the Constitution 3.Approaching the polling booth, convincing the Australian people that so our federal system works. how did you feel? he was just as bland, conservative and economically unconcerned with 2.Which were the main issues of To be honest I was a little bit dis- anyone who wasn’t of the middle concern for you? tracted by being back at my primary Kristina Keneally MP class as is Howard. He seemed to school. Also, the great feeling that we leave Gillard to do most of the actual Coming right out of school and fac- might finally get to do over Howard. Member for Heffron leg work on Work Choices. ing a move to another city to get into Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 In terms of what was left out, eve- uni, a few issues that I have not had to 4.Who did you vote for? Preferences? rything and nothing. Everything came think about have come up, and others Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 up and then both candidates agreed, have stayed the same. At the end of The Greens then Socialist Alliance Howard trying to insinuate that Rudd the day I’m primarily concerned with in the Senate filtering back to Labor. Email: [email protected] did not in fact agree and then they Aboriginal affairs, housing, industrial The Greens then ALP in the House of went back to their own well-crafted relations, education and reform of Representatives. The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 15 Comment & Opinion

Faith Christmas God with feet on the ground

Dorothy McRae-McMahon

hy would it be important to have a God Wwith feet on the ground? This is the coming of the God in Jesus Christ which we celebrate at Christmas. If we reflect on situations in our own lives, it often becomes clearer.

How many of us find ourselves sharing a really tough situation – something painful and tragic, maybe something which has no obvious answer or relief, only to have the person with whom we are talking say something like, “I know exactly how you feel”? Well, they don’t and they can’t because no one can really get inside the life journey of another beyond caring, having sympathy and offering support. On the other hand, the God who enters deeply within each human life and becomes one with us does know exactly how we feel. This God offers us authentic and loving company on that journey, a sharing of our reality that is, in itself, healing and profoundly comforting. Then there are people who, when dealing with deathly issues in their lives, are faced with a family member or friend who says cheerfully, “You need to be positive about things, my dear!” Well, maybe. Or maybe that would simply be a further experience of wounding or false hope in a situation where we need to stay with the truth. Sometimes it is an insensitive request which is more comforting to the person responding than the person in trauma. The God whose feet are genuinely on our life’s ground, simply holds us and weeps with us and is afraid with us and gently stays there, respectfully cherishing us as we go. There is the God in the Hebrew Scriptures who gave us insight into the nature of the One who is earthed with us. This God says, in effect, “I am sick of your loud hymn singing... Let justice roll down like a river and righteousness like a never-ending EDITORIAL stream” (Amos 6: 23&24). This God is not sitting somewhere READERS’ LETTERS waiting to be worshipped from afar. This God is watching Memories of country music on SSH and experiencing what is actually happening on the ground the radio and looking for signs of real justice and love between us. I received my first ever copy We have now elected a new federal government. The SSH The God who is incarnate – that is, God made flesh – is not of the SSH with my box of cheap certainly welcomes the change, and recognises a certain fooled by talk of nations like us being the people of the “fair go”. fruit and vegetables and read relief and hopefulness among so many in our community That God, in Jesus Christ, treads on the ground and lives within with interest your article on long frustrated with the previous leadership’s hard-hearted economism and politics of fear and division. the weeping hearts of those whom we send away in despair from country blues singer David Paul “Elvis” Beckett and profile on our prosperous shores or leave on the streets of our cities without 2SER’s Philippe Perez. Philippe Particularly uplifting on election night were three references care and support. The God of Christmas Day feels the pain of racism talks about Overnight Express, made by PM-elect Kevin Rudd: to Indigenous reconciliation, and homophobia, of discrimination, loneliness and rejection. a country music program that migrant (and refugee?) welfare, and cultural diversity. This God almost certainly is joined with us in celebrations, goes till 6am. When the country With respect to reconciliation, and contrary to statements family gatherings, gifts, carols and decorations – laughs with music started at 2SER in 1980 with reported in the media just prior to the election, we are encouraged us and delights in our joys but is never separated from the Maurie Taylor and Garry Coxhead to hear that Mr Rudd promises a formal apology to the Stolen realties of the community within which that celebration takes the request program on Sundays Generations early in the parliamentary term, and understands went from 5 to 9am and I used to place. May your Christmas be a special and authentic encounter that this will entail consultation with Indigenous communities. go in to answer the phone. I later with the Christ who is within all love, justice and peace. There are also grounds to hope for the reinstatement of did the country music program Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP). on average twice a week, from Withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and commitments to education, Dorothy McRae-McMahon is a retired Uniting Church minister 3 to 7am, from 1984 to 1998! health, housing affordability, fairness in the workplace, and and Co-Editor of the South Sydney Herald We had many listeners from the international co-operation on climate change, a crucial step inner city to Lawson, Katoomba, towards keeping global warming below the two-degree threshold Blackheath and Newnes Junction. necessary to avert disaster – all this is very encouraging. The biggest surprise I got was in When this paper was first created, it was in order to participate 1983 when I went in with two in the promotion of a more just community. We wanted to move other presenters. Brian Howard past “grabs” and “spins” on our life together and add to a deeper was the presenter that morning, reflection on the complex realities of people’s lives. We hoped “Celebrating the lives of the diverse people of South Sydney, inviting discussion on and with him were Slim Dusty, issues of concern and interest, adding encouragement to possibilities for community.” Stan Coster, Reg Poole and Gordon to point to the struggles of the vulnerable among us and work Parsons! Yes, they were up on the towards a greater understanding and sharing of our resources. Partner with the SSH and 22,000 readers who are: 26th floor of Sydney Educational We believed that diversity in others is to be received and - savvy on a diverse range of issues Radio! Philippe, keep up the good gathered into our life with interest and inclusion and that to - passionate about the area in which they live celebrate survival and the amazingly creative initiatives of - looking to support community businesses and people work for many years! Joe Fitzpatrick ordinary people lifts the human spirit. [email protected] Millers Point Our hope is for a new government that honours us all and calls us to a brighter future. 16 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 Features

Walk Against Warming in the city on Sunday November 11 Photo: Jack Carnegie

SOUTH SYDNEY ENVIRONMENT Better alternatives than life and death

Anna Christie people who designed the split bins and signage for people to follow. few weeks ago a Sadly these innovations have lost A 66-year-old Sydney momentum, with public places for man was killed after recycling declining dramatically a dispute over water in past times. Although the NSW restrictions. He was hos- Department of the Environment ing on a Wednesday, so and Climate Change has a “Better it was not a breach of the Level 3 Practice Guide for Public Places water restrictions. Still, it escalated Recycling” and City of Sydney into a lethal event. has its “Guidelines for Recycling and Source Separation” the reality We will have to wait until the is that environmental standards criminal trial to learn exactly how in public events are slipping. such a benign neighbourhood Prince Alfred Park was literally encounter could get so out of hand. a rubbish dump after the annual Yet, we do know that battles over Surry Hills Festival. A visual resources can lead to war. Even inspection of bins revealed very many disputes that overtly seem to little recycling of containers, and a be about religion or tribal identity relatively high proportion of mixed are, at their core, about land, water, waste. It was like rewinding back L to R: Kiersten Fishburn, Cr Chris Harris, Leanne Lovegrove, Patrick Condon, Uma Kali-Shakpi, Larry Galbraith, and Kathleen Bresnehan Photo: Sharon Hickey fishing territory and the minerals to bad old days before the “Do the that lie under the ground. Right Thing” campaign – drink Previously I wrote about what containers littering the grass. to do about neighbours using the It had rained lightly, and dumped Come to Newtown! hose illegally on days other than on the pavement were batches of New library resources for Sydney’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Wednesday and Sunday. Some advertising flyers lying mashed of us might agonise over the in clumps, including one from Intersex and Queer community thought of dobbing in a neighbour a well-known Surry Hills gym. to the authorities; but anonymity I thought of picking one up and Dorothy McRae-McMahon items, collected since the late1990s. Pearson, thanked Philip Anderson is tempting when the alternative taking up the matter with the gym This collection is, for the most of Wyong Library for his impressive is to get into a violent row. management – I am sure, if nothing here was a sense of part, a lending collection available title lists and suggestions and the Actually, neither of these else, they would have been interested T real achievement at from Surry Hills, Kings Cross and State Library of NSW for funding. approaches is the ideal way to to know that their advertising the old Newtown Library Newtown libraries, with a strong Special thanks were given to Larry achieve deep, embedded behavioural material was wasted. But I thought as staff announced a new reference collection located at Galbraith for a major gift of his change in respect of the environment. better of it – why make it personal? collection of books which Newtown Library and some of the own books to the collection. Larry I believe that two complementary If systems are in place, there is will add to the lives of more seminal titles available at the spoke of his life journey and his approaches are needed: education no need for it to get personal. interested Gay, Lesbian, other City of Sydney branches. The recognition that books had been and the provision of alternatives. City of Sydney, lift your Bisexual,Transgender, Intersex collection’s items explore a wide very important to him along the One shining example of this is the game! Enforce your own public and Queer people, many of range of issues including GLBTIQ way. When he surveyed his very behavioural change that occurred places environmental guidelines whom live around that area. parenting, sexual and gender considerable collection, he reflected over the past decade or so in respect and make sure our Festival of The development of the identity, art, history, economics, that he could share them with of kerbside recycling. Literally Sydney, coming soon, does not process is outlined in the City politics and teen fiction. others and decided to donate them millions of dollars were pumped continue the regression we are of Sydney’s media release: The project ultimately aims to to the Library. Cr Chris Harris cut a into community education, and the witnessing in major events. “In 2006, the Library applied purchase approximately 1000 items, rainbow-iced cake and all present most innovative councils were able to the State Library to fund the divided evenly between fiction enjoyed a time of celebration. to achieve massive cuts in waste development of a collection and non-fiction. Over 450 items Items are searchable in the library to landfill – some up to 70%! If you would like to suggest specifically to cater for the needs, have already been purchased.” catalogue, itself accessible online. Another high water mark was environmental issues in South Sydney interests and experiences of the The launching event at the People who identify with the the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where GLBTIQ community. The $35,000 Newtown Library both marked GLBTIQ communities across recycling in public places was that need investigation, please contact open grant application aimed the success of this worthwhile Australia also have access achieved with the co-operation Anna Christie by email: to strengthen the existing but project and gave special thanks to borrowing these items of cleaning contractors, transport disparate Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, to its key contributors. The Team through LibrariesAustralia companies, waste management [email protected] Transgender, Intersex and Queer Leader of Newtown Library, Gayle and Interlibrary loans. companies and the marketing The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 17 Features

Gayle “Ruby” Caldwell on air at 93.7FM Photo: Andrew Collis 93.7 FM – a voice for Policing the Cross Simon Nichols unwarranted search. He then told me that I was going to be charged with In the wake of APEC, there disobeying a traffic signal, avoiding are still complaints rising to arrest and resisting arrest. I managed Koori people the surface of excessive force to see that his rank was a Sergeant.” employed by the police. Whitehead returned from Vietnam weeks later to find three fines Ellice Mol Koori Radio is located at the old and a voice for our people.” “I’ve always taught my children addressed to him, up to their second Marrickville Hospital in Lillydale Through volunteering at that the police are there to protect, notices because he had been away. Koori Radio is highly regarded Street. The station is planning the station Gayle has become that they are there to maintain He had been given three fines of $53. in the industry as a strong and on moving to a new building in an experienced presenter and the peace,” says Peter Whitehead The charges were for not wearing independent source of news, arts Redfern during July next year. continues to develop her skills. of Darlinghurst, “but I don’t see a bicycle helmet, not stopping and information for Sydney’s “I think they’ve finally got the “I’m a bit shy with talking on how I can do that anymore”. before lights at a footpath and for Indigenous community. financial backing to move into air, but it’s been a great training Whitehead left his home on riding a bicycle on the footpath. a more upgraded facility,” Gayle ground, learning to build your September 27, the day before his “The charges were ridiculous, Gayle “Ruby” Caldwell has says. She is excited about the confidence,” she says. “It’s 50th birthday and cycled around mainly because he knew the volunteered at Koori Radio for move. “We’ve actually seen a another skill I’ve got, that I can the corner to visit his sister. As he other threats wouldn’t stick,” says over three years. She programs model of the new floor plan, it’s put on my CV.” Gayle also works passed through an intersection, Whitehead. “At the time of the a show called Ruby’s Roundup going to be great. We’re going full time for the Department he noticed that he was being altercation he didn’t mention me every Wednesday evening from to have our own conference of Aboriginal Affairs. yelled at from a police van. not wearing a helmet, or riding six till eight. Gayle has a lot to room, brand new studio, new Another positive feature of When asked why he didn’t stop on the footpath. It was just an contribute to the show, sharing offices, and there’s actually Gayle’s on-air experience is that when the police officer pressed excuse to get $159 out of me.” her knowledge of music. “I play going to be an outdoor area.” she has been asked to DJ at his horn, Whitehead stated that “I won’t be paying it. I have a lot of ’70s and ’80s black music Gayle says she continues to events outside the radio station. he did not hear it. “At 2pm in the spoken to friends who work in legal because that’s the era I grew up volunteer her time because of “A lot of people love ’70s and afternoon there is a lot of traffic areas and they are advising me on in,” she says. “I call out community the wonderful support she gets ’80s music so I’ve been given around that area and too many car my court proceedings. I went to see announcements for things that from the community. “That’s the the opportunity to DJ at a few horn sounds to even register.” this officer at his Station and in front are happening in the Koori enjoyment I get, when we get events, which has been nice.” “This man made his way over of a group of younger officers he community all over NSW, talking feedback from the public, and Koori Radio has a strong to me and asked me why I failed denied pushing me to the ground about Aboriginal performers, and also from my fellow workers. community and Indigenous to stop at that intersection,” says three times. He stated that he only I do a little bit of political stuff.” Everyone’s really supportive and focus. Gayle says Koori Radio is Whitehead. “When I refused to shoved me to the ground twice. In Gayle has been tuning into encouraging towards each other a significant resource for many tell him my name, he threatened my opinion, two times is already two Koori Radio over the years as because everyone is there for the Indigenous populations including to take me in. He then knocked times too many. He doesn’t realise well as some commercial Sydney same reason, because they love it.” African and islander peoples. me off balance from my bike into that I have witnesses, including stations. Gayle first took an Although the radio industry “I guess we cater mainly to my sister’s flowerbed and when my sister’s six-month-old son, interest in Koori Radio because continues to stimulate Gayle she other Indigenous nations,” she I tried to get back up, he tried to who shouldn’t have to see that.” it provided a link to the Koori enjoys the satisfaction of giving says. Koori Radio can be found hold me back down. So he knocked “My wife says that I should community. “I thought Koori something back rather than on the 93.7 FM frequency. me down two more times.” just pay the fine and not worry Radio was a great place for Koori indulging in self-promotion. “For Gayle says the station is always The police officer identified about it,” concludes Whitehead. people, I guess it was their way of me it’s not really about getting on the lookout for volunteers. Whitehead, “by going through the “It’s true, the bother is not worth connecting,” she says. “They had a profile or anything,” she says. “They can express an interest saddle bags on my bike and finding the money, but it is the principle. a voice that they could listen to “I just love it because I feel like via the Gadigal website,” she a piece of paper with my name I have nothing against the police that represented us and our way I’m giving back and I’m part of says. “Or they can speak to Brad on it. He only accepted that piece but I feel that I should alert the of life and our music. Koori Radio a community organisation that Cook the manager there who is of paper as identification because rest of the force and the public to represented a place of familiarity.” is such a huge wonderful vehicle always willing to train people.” he had found it through an illegal, the actions of this one man.” 18 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 Features

Shayne Mallard Photo: Ali Blogg Profile of an inner-city Liberal PADDINGTON MARKETS Every Saturday 10am - 4pm Simon Nichols “I love Sydney and I want to The World Renowned Art, Craft and Fashion Market of Sydney create a greater sense of ownership Liberal Councillor Shayne amongst the residents, similar Mallard likes staying as close as to what happened during the he can to the community. Olympics. We have a real mix of people here. I want to highlight “No, I don’t have any Federal what we have and why we are Government ambitions,” Mallard so special. I would love to deck tells me. “I am more interested in out some big buses with audio- health, education and community visual equipment and get tours service. I have always preferred conducted all around Sydney. The the bread- and-butter issues, even buses would not just go to the though they are often considered major tourist spots but through the the un-sexy areas of politics.” suburbs of Newtown and Ultimo. Every Saturday of the year artists and Sharing a coffee with him I am also a cycling fanatic and I designers come together to present their near the fountain in Kings Cross, have a dream to make all parking unique creations to thousands of tourists you can tell that Mallard feels underground in the Kings Cross and supportive locals. comfortable out on the street area and then widen the footpaths with the local residents. “I come for cyclists and pedestrians.” from a small farm community, On his website, Mallard Paddington Markets has been a with just one church and just describes himself as a progressive launching pad for many internationaly one school. I guess that instilled Liberal. He is conservative in acclaimed creative Lables such as; Lisa in me the notion of communities terms of finance and welfare empowering each other and but he feels he is progressive Ho, Zimmerman and Dinosaur Designs not doing it for themselves. In those in the areas of social issues like to mention the countless number of up small towns you meet people and discrimination, women, refugees there is a real sense of cyclical and same-sex couples. He also and coming artists and designers currently responsibility; a hand up, not a maintains a facebook and a blog trading at Paddington Markets each hand out.” to keep up with the information Saturday. Mallard brought that ethic to super-highway – to “keep a finger Sydney, joining the Young Liberals on the pulse.” and becoming State President So why did Mallard get involved Join us this Saturday to experience the in 1993. Previous Liberal State in politics? Quite simply, “I love presidents include Joe Hockey and helping solve problems for people. best Market Sydney has to offer ! Philip Ruddock. He was involved That is why it motivates me as a with the Fight Back John Hewson vocation.” Mallard muses when I 395 Oxford Street, Paddington Campaign, worked closely with ask him what he doesn’t like. “The For more info call :02 9331 2923 | www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au Peter Debnam and currently is a personal attacks, but unfortunately key confidante of Malcolm Fraser. that comes with the territory.” The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 19 Community Notices & Advertising

The Factory Community Centre, an established community-based centre and provider of After School & Vacation Care, is looking for a Tranby Aboriginal College 2008 Courses Child Care Assistant with:

• Appropriate qualifications, Want to train as a Receptionist or OfficeA ssistant? experience with Kincare database Certificate II in Business & Certificate III in Business Administration. and CCB, knowledge of policies Accredited Business Services Training Package courses, ABSTUDY and procedures appropriate to Nationals Standards accreditation, eligibility. current First Aid certificate, Starts Monday 11 February, 2008 knowledge of OH&S, an LR Class times: 9.30am – 3.00pm, Monday – Friday drivers licence, or willingness to obtain Graduates will be qualified to work as receptionists or administrative assistants • Experience with working with within small businesses, community organisations or government departments. children aged 5-12, including ENROL UP UNTIL JANUARY 2008 Please help families in need. We’re all in this together. those with special needs • Team member with ability DONATE 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) to supervise staff, and Want to improve your reading & writing? BY CREDIT CARD salvos.org.au/cagive program activities. Study Literacy, Numeracy and Aboriginal Studies at • Awareness of the local socio- economic area and its needs Tranby Aboriginal College in 2008 Class times: 10:00am – 3:00pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays Salary: Above award wage based on Lunch is provided and classes are free Pepsee BABANA experience and qualifications. Hours: Negotiable. CUT & COLOUR SALON Aboriginal Men’s Group For further Information on Enrolments you can contact: Style cuts for a great price New members welcome! Further details may be obtained Tranby Aboriginal College for everybody by phoning 9698 9569. “A year ago there was nothing like 13 Mansfield Street, GLEBE NSW 2037 Applications in writing should be 276 ABERCROMBIE ST Babana in Redfern-Waterloo. Babana made to The Chair, The Factory Telephone: (02) 9660 3444 Fax: (02) 9660 1924 DARLINGTON has already done a lot in its first year. Community Centre, 67 Raglan Website: www.tranby.edu.au Street, Waterloo NSW 2017 9310 4927 I hope there are more Babana partner- ships with Federal and NSW Government departments and private sponsors which South Sydney Worship Services benefit Aboriginal men, their families and Uniting Church this community.” for Christmas Honorary Babana Elder, Eric Robinson. 56a Raglan St Waterloo BABANA was formed by local Aboriginal men Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday South Sydney Uniting Church in early 2006 to provide Aboriginal men with Bible Study / Discussion 7pm: 13/12 56a Raglan St, Waterloo opportunities to network, discuss issues Christmas Day 9.30am affecting local men, meet other Aboriginal Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 men’s groups and do projects which benefit Welcoming people of all ages, Wayside Chapel (Uniting Church) the Redfern-Waterloo community. cultural backgrounds, sexual 29 Hughes St, Potts Point Babana will be providing the manpower preferences. Peace with justice, Christmas Eve 11pm to help run Christmas on the Block 5/12 at integrity of creation. Christmas Day 10am Redfern Community Centre and Christmas for the Kids at Woolloomooloo 19/12. Tongan Uniting Church Our Lady of Perpetual Succour South Sydney 21 Swanson Street, Erskineville Please phone Mark Spinks if you would Worship 1pm Sunday Christmas Eve Children’s Liturgy 6pm like to volunteer with us. Mid-week service Fri 7-8pm Christmas Day Mass 9am Pastor Sione Hau 0431 144 247 Community members are helping to develop a Babana website: www.treocom. Acceptance Sydney (for gay and net/babana lesbian Catholics and friends) Fri Dec 21 from 8pm Contact: Mark Spinks Christmas Celebration 9243 3546 St Joseph’s Catholic Church Newtown Cnr Bedford and Station Streets Newtown. Christmas party to follow Mass Clover Moore MP South Sydney Anglican Parish (incl. St James Beaconsfield, State Member for Sydney St Saviour’s Redfern and The Settlement Crossroads Indigenous Redfern) I represent the residents of the Sydney electorate in the NSW Parliament which covers Surry Hills,Centennial Park, Community Centre Dec 16 Combined Parish Christmas Chippendale, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Miller’s Point, The Rocks/Dawes Point, The CBD, East Sydney, Darlinghurst,

The Settlement wants to know about money Carols (Kid friendly) Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Paddington, small parts of Woollahra and troubles in the Redfern/Waterloo area. St Saviour’s 117 Young Street Redfern Edgecliffe west of Ocean Street and a small part of Kensington bounded by Anzac Parade and Abbotford Street. Free financial counselling is being offered by 10.30am with a free BBQ to follow a qualified financial counsellor to 40 people I work with my constituents to make government and bureaucracies accountable, empower the community, willing to take part in a quick private and Dec 23 Crossroads Indigenous ensure social justice for individuals, and protect the urban and natural environments. confidential survey about their money troubles. Christmas 6pm The information given to The Settlement will be used to improve financial services in the area. Christmas Day Communion Services: Contact my office to talk about your ideas or concerns or if you need help with NSW Government matters. Contact: 9am at St James Cnr Collins & Tel 9360 3053, drop in to 58 Oxford Street, Paddington, fax 9331 6963, or email [email protected] The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre Victoria Beaconsfield 17 Edward St, Darlington Phone: Ellouise or Danielle: 10.30am at St Saviour’s Subscribe to my free weekly Clover’s eNews, an email bulletin to inform the community about important issues, 9698 3087 117 Young Street Redfern events and campaigns. Check my website for more information: www.clovermoore.com 20 The South Sydney Herald – December 2007 / January 2008 Sport Waterloo Storm warning: Beavers at “We’ll be back again next year!” a total loss Andrew Collis teams, thousands of Aboriginal ences at UTS, describes the spectators, and is a major sport- Knockout as a “modern day Peter Whitehead averted by the recruiting of the Rowena Welsh-Jarrett has ing and cultural event. corroborree” that “continues Radio Physics 12th man to prop played football – rugby union “There were eight women’s to be organised along kinship Due to a mixture of up the middle order or press- and rugby league – since sides competing, and the and nation-based affiliations”. circumstances the Beavers’ ganging 9-year-old Ed Whitehead she was nine years old. Storm made the semis,” It is, Norman says, “a vehicle for November fixture against the to bat at 11 (0 not out). Welsh-Jarrett says. the continuation and regeneration Cricketers’ Club of NSW at Oh, and Hammo did set a Previously a prop forward “We were beaten by the of cultural traditions, the means Camperdown was changed to a Beavers’ umpiring record as he with the Redfern All Blacks Wollumbin Warriors from Tweed by which new communities are clash against the Radio Physics gave three LBWs to hasten the she is currently captain of the Heads way who went on to win forged, and a way to reconnect XI at St Luke’s #2 Oval at innings to its close with the score Waterloo Storm, an Indigenous the comp. It was tough, playing and celebrate being Aboriginal Concord. Confused? We were. two shy of 40 (sundries 9). women’s rugby league team three games in one day. And in an all-Aboriginal celebratory Radio Physics was quickly three that trains at Waterloo Oval. it was hot, too,” she says. and successful environment.” As was the groundsman, down in pursuit of the tiny target Coached by former international “I’m really proud of the girls. “Our sponsors help us a lot,” apparently, who left us an but any hopes of a miraculous and Randwick winger, William We’re a young side. The average says Welsh-Jarrett. “They helped unmarked pitch surrounded triumph were dropped along with Gordon, the 20-player squad has age is just 17 years. We’ll be back with hiring a bus, a 25-seater, by long grass. the ball as Stephen Cox at first slip recently returned from Lismore to compete again next year.” and we stayed up at Byron Bay.” Hammo won the toss and, discovered that the ball hurts more where the Storm competed in the The Storm receives spon- With respect to gathering a with most of his teammates in when you do not catch it cleanly. NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby sorship from Mudgin-Gal, a strong community at Waterloo, traffic somewhere, elected to bat. Not a good result. Perhaps it is League Knockout Carnival. women’s referral and advocacy Welsh-Jarrett says, “We’re Peacocke joined him in opening true that it is darkest before the 2007 marks 37 years of service, and from the Univer- hoping to add leadership and the innings and watched from the dawn and that the only way is the Knockout Carnival. It’s a sity of Technology, Sydney. mentoring programs to the non-striker’s end as the umpire up from abject efforts like this. drug- and alcohol-free week- Heidi Norman of the Faculty activities of the club in 2008 demurred that he could not be end that attracts 60 or more of Humanities and Social Sci- – and maybe even netball!” sure his captain had not snicked And to readers of this sad column the ball before it struck him on coming forward to take their place the leg in front of middle stump. in a team crying out for enthusiastic Think your local team deserves a plug in the South Sydney Herald? Unfortunately, Hammo used cricketers to make a mark: Please Put your journo skills to task and contact our editor ([email protected]) to publish that same leg to kick the next ball contact Hammo at the Roxbury a monthly report right here on this page. Let the locals know about your local team! into his stumps and precipitate Hotel in St Johns Rd, Glebe, or a collapse that could not be email [email protected]

A Welcome to African Refugees New and Emerging Communities Multicultural Morning Tea International Human Rights Day Monday 10th of December: 10am – 11.30am Upstairs at Alexandria Town Hall 73 Garden Street, Alexandria Morning Tea Provided

GUEST SPEAKERS Tanya Plibersek MP Federal Member for Sydney and African Human Rights Lawyers

Proudly sponsored by Redfern Legal Centre Ph: 9698 7277 and South Sydney Community Aid Coop Ltd Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre Ph: 9319 4073