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Number One Hundred and Ninety Three ~ June 2020 Circulation 16,000 ~ First Published 2002

ALEXANDRIA | BEACONSFIELD | CHIPPENDALE | DARLINGTON | ERSKINEVILLE | EVELEIGH | GLEBE | NEWTOWN | PADDINGTON | POTTS POINT | REDFERN | ROSEBERY | SURRY HILLS | ULTIMO | WATERLOO | WOOLLOOMOOLOO | ZETLAND Station upgrade one step closer

URBAN DESIGN

SSH

REDFERN: The Redfern Station Upgrade – New Southern Concourse proposal from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is on a month’s exhibition until June 24, 2020. The proposal is a State Significant Infrastructure project carried out under the Transport Access program.

The proposal, which links Little Eveleigh and Marian streets, is almost the same as the 2019 TfNSW Option 1. The design of the shared zones on both sides of the line has not been finalised, and Artist impression of the new park – what happens with the towers is still to be determined. Image: NSW Government TfNSW is promising consultation with surrounding residents and Council in finalising the design. The exhibition brings the Waterloo estate – half a plan long-campaigned-for accessibility upgrade at Redfern station a URBAN DESIGN Open space has increased by give some idea of the proposal, included as they were said to step closer with 18 months 4,000 square metres over the but there is no indicative map be in sound condition, but infill of construction expected to GEOFF TURNBULL earlier plan, to 2.57 hectares. showing layout of Waterloo South. development was proposed around commence in late 2020 or early The amended proposal also The community requested them. In its alternative plan, 2021. TfNSW has said it is WATERLOO: The six high-rise includes wider tree-lined streets the release of all information Council proposed retaining and exploring how platform 11 & 12 towers are not covered by the and expanded bike paths. equivalent to that supplied for renovating some of the towers can be added to make the entire Waterloo public housing rezoning The proposal cuts the maximum LAHC’s earlier preferred plan, but as a way to deliver more social station lift accessible. plan lodged by Land and Housing building heights from 40 to 32 this has not happened. As it did housing. Although preferring Among the impacts identified Corporation (LAHC) with the City storeys, compared to Council’s then, by splitting the Metro from demolition and rebuild, LAHC’s in the proposal, 20 parking spaces of Sydney. In an earlier LAHC suggested 13 storeys. Where the estate, LAHC only provides options kept open the possibility of are relocated from Little Eveleigh staging plan, the excluded area is the earlier plan aimed for 6,800 half a plan, making it difficult retention. What happens with the Street to the adjoining North not redeveloped for 13 to 18 years. dwellings across the entire estate, to assess the proposal, as it can towers is still to be determined. Eveleigh site to make way for a The towers are now divided into the new plan is for 6,200. only be considered alongside The LAHC application is being shared zone in Little Eveleigh two new precincts, Waterloo The lodged plan delivers what borders it now, not what assessed by Council. City staff Street with no kerbside parking. Central (Banks, Cook and shops) 3,000 of these dwellings plus might be built in the future at will then prepare a planning The University bus stop zone is and Waterloo North (Marton, the parks, space for businesses, Waterloo Central and North. proposal for consideration moved to the southern side of Turanga, Matavai and Solander). shops and community facilities. Minister Pavey has said by Council and the Central Lawson Street with a Kiss and Social housing will make up the proposal will include “an Sydney Planning Committee. Ride zone added. The lodged proposal, called 30 per cent (900 units). The additional 100 new social housing The community will see the A larger shared zone is Waterloo South, covers 12.32 balance is private and affordable dwellings in the area”. It is not detail of the proposal, with proposed for Marian Street and hectares or 65 per cent of the housing, but no split is revealed. clear if this refers to only Waterloo its rumoured 10,000 pages of the northern end of Rosehill and total master-planned site. This While LAHC lodged with South, where there will be an reports, when the staff proposal Cornwallis streets where 16 street area includes 749 existing public Council sometime mid-May, increase of 151 social housing is presented to a Council parking places will be removed housing units, consisting of all the the first details became public units, or if this sets an estate- committee in several months’ and not replaced on the basis that walk-ups and the mid-rises within only when Council posted some wide target increase to 2,112. time. If supported, Council will there is alternative street parking the estate. The area covered by the high-level details on its website Before any redevelopment of seek a gateway determination available nearby. rezoning application also includes late on Friday May 29. The the towers, there would be 2,163 from the NSW government for Footpath widening is proposed all 125 privately owned dwellings Sunday Telegraph carried the social housing units – 900 in public consultation, which is for Ivy Street to take students and the commercial property. government information drop Waterloo South and 1,263 in the when the community can have heading to Sydney University. The key feature of Waterloo on May 31 online, behind a existing high-rises. Thirty per cent its say. Council will lead the Gibbons Street also receives a South is two promised parks, paywall and inaccessible to the of the proposed 6,200 would only community consultation. S footpath widening around the including a central park adjacent majority of affected tenants. deliver 1,860 social housing units. bus stops as well as a station to the new Metro station, similar The Waterloo Communities Plus In the 2011 redevelopment Geoff Turnbull is a co-spokesperson Kiss and Drop zone to the south to that requested by Council. website now provides visuals that proposal, the towers were not for REDWatch. of the bus zones. Continued on page 2 2 NEWS JUNE 2020

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PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Quarantine routine – Adam, Virginia and August Raglan Street, Waterloo. The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the HEALTH views of the Uniting Church. ANNA NORTH NEWS [email protected] Phone Lyn 0400 008 338 WE are united but isolated. I am safe in the home I am so lucky ADVERTISING [email protected] to have, but when I go out to shop or just to walk, I am acutely MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3288 aware of a sneeze here, a cough Redfern NSW 2016 there. I am scandalised by stories

LETTERS of parties on Bondi Beach and Please send letters and emails to: disgusted by stories of hoarding The South Sydney Herald. and fighting in supermarket Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. aisles. I feel old and cranky. Size: 150 words or less. We may edit for legal or other reasons. Asking questions and listening FOUNDING EDITOR to others talk about their hopes, Trevor Davies (25.5.1956 – 14.6.2011) fears and coping strategies has MANAGING EDITOR given me space from my own Marjorie Lewis-Jones judgements and reminded me how ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR lucky I am to live in Waterloo, Andrew Collis a strong and true community. NEWS EDITOR Lyn Turnbull This month I spoke with ASSISTANT EDITOR Adam, Virginia and August. Louisa Dyce ARTS & FESTIVALS Adam Adam at Counterpoint Community Services in Waterloo Photo: Andrew Collis Anna North When the bars and restaurants BOOKS Catherine De Mayo were closed I fully realised the life and how grateful I am to live I work as a production designer here are low and the situation EDUCATION severity of the situation. I have in a country with good healthcare. in the film and TV industry. The is somewhat under control. Melinda Kearns learnt to enjoy my own company The coronavirus has forced production I was working on We had some cool things lined ENVIRONMENT more while doing activities that I people to reassess their lives and closed for an eight-week hiatus up for the school holidays so Miriam Pepper relish such as reading, walking, garner a greater appreciation mid-March but we now know it is it’s disappointing to be missing HUMAN AFFAIRS Brittany Johnson cooking and learning Spanish. for the little things, such as unlikely that the show will start out on those activities but, FAITH I am still going to work four saying hello and hugging back up again for some time. from what my son tells me, he’s Dorothy McRae-McMahon days a week working the same friends on the street or just I am uncertain whether I will be happy staying at home chilling HEALTH hours. However, I no longer wake going to a dinner party. able to access any of the stimulus out with me and the dog. He is Megan Weier up at 5.30am for the gym, as it’s package because of the freelance happy doing home-school on LEGAL & FOOD Maidie Wood closed! I wake up a bit later and go Virginia and August nature of my work and the the computer and understands LOCALS for a walk instead. I miss seeing I’m a local resident of Waterloo complex business structures that that the virus “is like the flu” Adrian Spry friends regularly and randomly. I living with my husband, Scott, the film industry operates within. and we have to stay inside. THEATRE miss the gym. I miss dressing up our son August, who’s in primary The uncertainty has probably been A slowing down of life and Catherine Skipper and dancing in bars with friends! school, and our dog, Pixel. the hardest part of dealing with reflecting on what we have to FILM Lindsay Cohen When this is over I will visit We love the Waterloo area for everyday life during this time. be grateful for is what is really MUSIC my family home in Camden. I its central location and everything At first, I was panicked about important. I hope all the local Tess Ridgway have been keeping away from the suburb has to offer like the health of my family, but I businesses survive and I’m really SPORT & FITNESS my mum as she is higher risk. cafes, parks, the local library, have since relaxed because of the looking forward to Friday night Steve Turner This time has given me a better galleries, pubs, bars – and we latest modelling and information, beverages at the Tudor Hotel when SUB EDITORS Cathie Harrison appreciation for what matters in mostly access it all by walking. which suggest that our numbers this is all over. S Melinda Kearns

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“We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors who make this publication possible.” REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Alice Anderson Patricia Morgan David Angell Peter Murphy Adam Antonelli Thea Ormerod George Barrett Julie Patterson Andrew Chuter Miriam Pepper Philippa Clark Stephen Pickells Pat Clarke Sue Plyde Lindsay Cohen Tess Ridgway Gregg Dobson Heather Robinson Louisa Dyce Stafford Sanders Rosalind Flatman Nina Serova Katie Gompertz Michael Shreenan David Gore Catherine Skipper Kat Hines Aline Smith Alexandra Hogan Gai Smith Perry Johnstone Laura Jones Gary Speechley Anne Jordan Adrian Spry Roger Jowett Seda Star Laura Kelly Velvet Steele Caitlin Kensey Scott Geoff Turnbull Claire Lewis Steve Turner Marjorie Lewis-Jones Marg Vazey Chris Lodge Stephen Webb norrie mAy-welby Megan Weier Julie McCrossin Justin Whelan Isobel McIntosh Alan Williamson Sam McNair Bill Yan

DISTRIBUTORS Proposed upgrade to Redfern station – entrance at Marion Street (above). View of concourse from Marion Street toward Little Eveleigh Street (right). Images: NSW Government Alice Anderson Matt McLennan Eleanor Boustead Dorothy McRae-McMahon Gabrielle Brine Marie Moradinis Michael Condon Jane Morro Yvonne Cowell Margaret Neale Alice Crawford Station upgrade a step closer Jim Patsouris Jules Cure Pepsee Sue Dahl Des Perry Peter Dodds Continued from page 1 line to the other. TfNSW says 14 metres to the south of its the area’s heritage will Heather Robinson Perry Johnstone Lincoln Sharp Bicycle storage will be it has not decided whether or current location. This would find the Aboriginal and Anne Jordan Desley Haas Colin Sharp available at both ends of the not there will be barriers at allow the retention of the bulk Non‑Aboriginal heritage Adrian Spry Gabriel Haslam proposed concourse, but riders each end. of the exterior of the warehouse studies of special interest. S Rod Haslam Rikki Taylor John Lanzky Margaret Vazey will need to dismount and In relation to heritage issues, at 125-127 Little Eveleigh Street Julie McCrossin Rosie Wagstaff as a concourse entrance. norrie mAy-welby Naomi Ward possibly tap on and off if they the Environmental Impact You can see the major project site exhibition Mary Ellen McCue Diane Whitworth or pedestrians are to move Study proposes relocating the Those wanting to know documents here: www.planningportal. from one side of the railway Platform 1 Office Building more about the station and nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/25836 JUNE 2020 NEWS 3 Cultivating crops and community

URBAN DESIGN The problem is the solution. Too much intervention turns A purple mustard green your patch into a market garden DAVID WINTERTON springs up in the garden like a with gluts of produce. Too little pretty weed and is allowed to invites disease and low yields. DARLINGTON: I first walked past flower and≈becomes infested Charlie’s Garden on Abercrombie with aphids. The solution is not Gardens don’t care about your schedules. Street with Erik the dog in 2011. At seeing this plant as a weed, but Regularity and rhythm are only 88m2 it is probably Sydney’s as an ally. The purple mustard important but gardens ask you smallest community garden. functions as a decoy, becoming to respond to what is at hand. However, if you take a bird’s an aphid trap for predators Harvest plants in their prime, eye view of this fenced-in space, while the flowers provide bee remove fruit-fly bitten tomatoes the pathways and garden beds forage. When aphids aren’t before they infect others, share form the outline of a dragonfly. being eaten by predators the an oversupply of produce with a entire diseased plant is either passer-by. Charlie’s maintained My daily walks revealed that the a protein boost for compost or weekly Thursday gardening garden needed love. There wasn’t can be dug in to enrich the soil. sessions for over five years much growing and, on closer and developed a crop rotation inspection, the soils were light Take advantage of local resources. to maintain soil health. on nutrients. I did some digging With thinking and planning, to find out who was involved community gardens can You never know what impact you and soon got my hands dirty. become part of a local exchange are having. Charlie’s is open 24/7. Admiring system. Charlie’s has used Charlie’s has inspired a birthday the garden is for everyone, but coffee grounds from Short List party with a lady beetle theme, planting and picking is for members café, eggshells from Darling kids foraging mulberries or sorrel only. A community garden is Thai, and vegetable scraps leaves, members leaving the city also both teacher and classroom. from community-filled compost to start their own country gardens, Here are a few things I’ve learned bins. Quality seedlings are too many tasty meals to count, (mostly through failure). sourced from the Eveleigh and myriad conversations. Market; Inner West Seed Savers Charlie’s Garden was an People choose to be involved for provides an exchange for local, apprenticeship for me in diverse reasons. adapted seed; while the rustic implementing the permaculture I wanted to grow tasty food, Enfield Produce has a range ethics of earth care, people what I ate growing up. I assumed of manures, soil additives care and fair share. Sustainable that other volunteers would and cats that love a pat. urban food growing requires a want to learn how to garden. framework that favours the local It is seldom the case. People are Gardening approaches are over the bought, otherwise the seeking community connections, complementary. joy of local exchange is replaced a place to relax or somewhere to Tending is a gentle practice by consumption as normal. drop off their vegetable scraps. – removing weeds before A community garden is a place they seed, maintaining plant where we can learn from each other, Gardening is a way of seeing. hygiene or ensuring airflow and where, like the plants we are From tiny leaf details to trees between plants to reduce tending, we can grow. S reaching for the sky. A skill mildew, pests and disease. that’s been eroded in the urban The opposite of this is turning Charlie’s Garden is currently following context. It takes patience, over the soil, digging in a physical distancing guidelines that dedication and self-awareness green manure or soil additives preclude meeting for weekly harvests or of our connection to ecology to when a crop finishes to clear working bees. Please direct enquiries to: develop this renewed vision. the bed for the next rotation. [email protected] Sharing the wisdom at Charlie’s Garden. Photo: Supplied

OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN COMMUNITY DRUG ACTION TEAM Redfern Waterloo Community Drug Action Team CDAT hopes to produce a feature article for the Action Teams – commended CDAT for its efforts in (CDAT) is seeking to boost its membership South Sydney Herald that will highlight the journey reducing and preventing alcohol and other drug- and wants to hear from locals who are of local people who might have had trouble during related harms at a grass-roots level. “The dedication passionate about building a strong, healthy this difficult time finding the right support. The article of the Community Drug Action Team to strengthen and connected community. will also include examples of those who have been its neighbourhood is inspirational,” said the Alcohol able to overcome obstacles during the lockdown, and Drug Foundation’s NSW state manager, The CDAT Community Committee is wanting and those that can offer advice to others who may Lorenzo Woodford. to recruit people who are willing to share their be struggling. ideas and thoughts about how to support The NSW Government’s Community Engagement harm‑minimisation programs, and help the “Whether you’d like to become a Community Drug Action Program is administered by the Alcohol community in Redfern and Waterloo. Action Team member or can offer a small amount and Drug Foundation. The program oversees of time to assist with one-off events, we’d love to the coordination and operation of Community The committee is currently focused on supporting hear from you,” committee chair, Claire Mennie, Drug Action Teams, which have been helping to local residents who may be experiencing substance says. “Community Drug Action Teams are led by strengthen communities across the state for 20 years. use issues and need assistance, or families that are passionate volunteers wanting to make a difference living with someone who is experiencing substance in their own neighbourhoods. If more people get Interested community members can call 0402 281 943 use issues. We know that during the Covid-19 involved, we are likely to have a bigger impact.” or email [email protected] pandemic there has been an increase in the use of alcohol across Australia and that social isolation The Alcohol and Drug Foundation – which manages can cause spikes in drug use. the NSW Government-funded Community Drug

www.adf.org.au/programs/community-drug-action-teams-nsw 4 NEWS JUNE 2020 Jenny Leong MP STATE MEMBER University of Sydney builds ventilator FOR NEWTOWN to fight Covid-19

SPONSORED

No Wage Freeze for the NSW Public Service MICHAEL SPENCE Living through a pandemic has been a challenge for everyone THE University of Sydney and – and it is the work of our frontline workers and those who NSW Health Infrastructure have partnered to develop a simple, are the heart and soul of our public institutions who have low-cost ventilator solution been going above and beyond to help us through. using modern design tools and 3-D printing technology. Our nurses and health professionals have put their own Using an army of people power and 3-D printing technology, the device has quickly gone from lives on the line to care for those with COVID-19 showing A multidisciplinary team of concept to working prototype. Photo: supplied exceptional compassion, bravery and selflessness. academics and students from Our teachers spent their entire holidays busting their guts the University is leading a can be rapidly-manufactured ingenuity of our academics to get all their materials online, scrambled to provide collaboration with NSW Health if required for front-line use in and students, we have drawn Infrastructure to produce a simple, the fight against COVID-19,” on our collaborative Westmead laptops to students who didn’t have them at home, and low cost ventilator solution to Professor Suaning said. model to get this cost-effective, only found out through a media announcement that schools assist the COVID-19 effort. “Our team has engineered straightforward and robust would be returning to full time face-to-face teaching The “CoVida” ventilator is the system based on a trusted ventilator solution ready. with just less than a week’s warning. All of the support based on proven ventilator Australian design that was It’s not the usual route for staff in our schools and hospitals have kept them clean, technology with an updated commonplace in the healthcare R&D but it’s clearly outcomes- control system. University students system in the 1990s. We have used focused and could, we believe, functioning and ticking over throughout this crisis. and academics have helped to rapid prototyping technologies, be a model in how to make an They all put themselves at risk in the interests of create the first prototype using including 3D-printing to produce impact on the big issues. modern design tools and 3-D the first prototype devices, which Health Infrastructure Chief the public good. printing in a matter of weeks. we hope will offer renewed Executive Rebecca Wark Others working in the public service in our youth justice The ventilators have been hope of addressing the potential acknowledged the response developed to provide NSW strains on our healthcare system,” from the higher education sector, facilities, national parks, Service NSW branches, emergency with additional ventilator Professor Suaning said. which has seen the prototype services kept going to work because working from home was capacity if required as part Professor Christopher Peck ventilators designed, built and simply not an option. All of these workers are essential to of the Covid-19 response. from the Faculty of Medicine tested over the last few weeks. keeping NSW functioning. The team, led by the Head of and Health has been linking “These partnerships have led to School of Biomedical Engineering, project collaborators within true innovation in finding creative And for this extraordinary effort, what are these Professor Gregg Suaning, and outside the University. solutions to a complex, real-world workers getting as thanks if the NSW Liberal comprises academics and students “We are working hard with problem and may support industry, Government gets their way? A pay cut. from the Faculty of Engineering, Health Infrastructure to develop the NSW economy and ensure the Faculty of Medicine and Health, an innovative ventilator solution people are employed during this This is nothing short of outrageous. Talk about a slap in the and the School of Architecture, which could be manufactured challenging time,” Ms Wark said. S face, when people should be getting a pat on the back. Design and Planning. quickly should additional Professor Suaning said ventilator capacity be required To make matters worse, just before this pay cut for our the University of Sydney, in for Covid-19 patient care.” collaboration with NSW Health The rapid and collaborative public service was announced, the Government awarded Infrastructure, embarked on response of the University’s pay increases to senior public servants – people that were a project to build the “CoVida academics and students, already earning over $562,000 per year got pay increases FC100” to address the urgent government and industry Authorised by Dr Michael Spence, Vice of $87,000 in some cases. That’s an annual pay increase that issue of providing additional partners has shown what’s Chancellor of the University of Sydney. is more than the average income for some. ventilator capacity. possible when focusing on Contact Details – Security & After Hours: “This initiative aims to deliver responses to pressing problems. 1800 063 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523 The Greens are absolutely opposed to this – and are a ‘shelf-ready’ solution that Using people power and the [email protected] working in the NSW Parliament and with unions and impacted workers to turn this inequality around. We want to block the pay increases for those on big salaries Pemulwuy – finishing affordable housing first and ensure front line workers and those working in the public service in roles that help and support the community From level 1 to 5 internal work are put first. is being completed. From level 1 to 3 painting of ceilings and walls Now is the time to show gratitude and respect to is already finished along with the those who serve the public good – and give them tiling. The kitchens are ready to go in. the pay increase they deserve. External brickwork is Our Newtown Electorate Office doors are currently shut, but commencing on the townhouses. The gym is ready to have its we are still working and able to help our local community. windows installed then will move If you need our assistance, please call 9517 2800, leave a Making good progress with affordable townhouses on Precinct 1. Photo: Supplied onto the flooring and painting message and we will call you back. Alternatively, you can ready for fit-out. email us on [email protected]. SPONSORED housing for our people first. The development consists of: Student housing update AMANDA FLEMING The Col James student Precinct 1 accommodation has reached Level REDFERN: While the majority Affordable housing for 12. Framing has been completed up of the country has been 62 Aboriginal and Torres to level 8 and air conditioning and Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown working at home during Strait Islander families, along bathrooms are now being installed. the Covid-19 lockdown, the with a gym, and gallery. Substation transformers have been If you have a question or are keen to be involved, send a text to construction industry has been Precinct 2 delivered ready for installation. 0421 665 208 with your name, suburb and message and we’ll able to continue with a few Commercial and retail give you a call or you can email [email protected] adjustments to allow for safe space, and childcare. Precinct 2 Site establishment environments for workers. Precinct 3 commenced in May. S The Col James student Great progress has been accommodation. ple toge Authorised by g peo ther in made on site during this time. ng ri b Jenny Leong MP If you have walked or driven Housing update State Member for Newtown past the Pemulwuy project you The structure of the will have seen the affordable apartments including the roof 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 housing taking shape and and metal framing is complete. pemulwuy T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 the student housing growing. All the outside walls have [email protected] As originally promised, we will been rendered and painting Authorised by Michael Mundine, CEO, be delivering the affordable of feature walls has started. Aboriginal Housing Company Limited JUNE 2020 NEWS 5 COVID-19 UPDATE TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney

$60 BILLION JOBKEEPER BLUNDER The Government has admitted to their $60 billion dollar stuff-up when it comes to JobKeeper. Now there is no excuse to exclude arts workers, or those at Australian universities, casual workers or companies like Dnata from getting access to JobKeeper payments. Australian universities alone face losing 21,000 staff over the coming months. The Treasurer has extraordinary powers to extend JobKeeper payments to those workers who are being left behind - casuals, freelancers, temporary migrants, NDIS workers, local government employees, charity workers, casual teachers, university staff, and childcare workers. Let’s keep

Joe at Ambour Hardware in Redfern. Photo: Andrew Collis up the pressure to ensure no one is left behind. Ambour Hardware – quality service over more than 60 years

LOCALS with John for 12 years before They also ask for advice on the JOBKEEPER RULES becoming its new owner in the best way to support picture If your employer is in receipt of ANDREW COLLIS early 1970s. Hardware then frames on walls, how to change became more of a demand. cylinders or how to fix cabinet JobKeeper payments it means: REDFERN: At Ambour Hardware, Joe recalls that “business hinges that have fallen off.” f You must receive $1,500 per 93a Redfern Street, you will find was much better in those days”. Ambour Hardware is open fortnight as a minumum. all manner of products such People were working, saving and six days a week, Monday to as cutting and plumbing tools, spending a lot more. There were Friday from 8am to 5pm and f All eligible employees must get it. gardening and power tools, a lot of factories around Redfern, Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Employers can’t choose which workers building materials, chains, he says, which slowly changed “Each day is different,” says Joe. receive the payment, and which don’t. picture hooks, locks and keys, to more restaurants and cafes. “There can be quiet times and paints and much more. Locals The aisles, shelves and walls are then a few rush hours where I f Employers can’t charge hold owners Joe and Marie packed with colourful items, neatly am juggling several things at administration fees or ask you to pay Ambour in high regard. “This and helpfully arranged by Marie. once. I answer telephones, serve back part of the payment, or withhold shop is an example of what “We carry a variety of stock,” customers, stock product orders, your payment. If they’re getting it, hardware stores should be like,” Joe says. “The most popular clean the store, and many other you must be getting it too! says one satisfied customer. products are screws, nuts, bolts, small things. Thankfully, my “The service is impeccable and various light bulbs and globes. wife Marie comes to help me professional.” Customers can also request key cuts. every day for four to five hours.” Other products in demand include On his days off Joe enjoys ROBODEBT The store was first opened in glue, small tins of paint, pliers, backyard gardening, cooking, The Morrison Government has announced it will 1958 by Phillip Salem, Joe’s uncle. garden rakes and sink pumps.” spending time with family and refund $721 million worth of debts that were At that time more kitchenware Joe continues: “I am here to visiting the in-laws, and “a nice, illegally collected from Australians through the was sold than hardware. Joe’s help as much as I can. Customers good long rest!” S Government’s dodgy Robodebt Scheme. brother John bought the business ask me to cut timber for them from Phillip and Joe worked or cut metal conduits to size. www.ambourhardware.com.au The Government has spent $63 million on debt collectors over the last few years chasing debts that they were never owed, using taxpayer money.

SECOND ECONOMIC SUPPORT PAYMENT The second Economic Support Payment is also $750 and will be made in July 2020. You may receive it if you get an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020.

CARRIAGEWORKS Carriageworks, our beloved arts and cultural hub, has engaged administrators because they do not believe they can recover from the economic impact of this pandemic. I have written to the NSW Premier and the NSW Minister for the Arts urging them to support Carriageworks - but to date, the NSW Government has failed to introduce any support package for Carriageworks.

ELECTORATE OFFICE My electorate office continues to provide support with Centrelink, Veterans’ Affairs, Medicare, I m m i g r a t i o n , N B N a n d o t h e r f e d e r a l m a t t e r s . ‘The Ivory Tower’ mural in Chippendale by Scott Marsh draws attention to how powerful forces worked to hide the role of climate change in the recent Please contact us for assistance Black Summer bushfires. Photo: Lyn Turnbull on (02) 9379 0700. Coal’s power over Australian politics

ENVIRONMENT The mural, located on the corner “intertwined beast” comprising of Grafton and Shepherd streets, the Coalition government, TANYA PLIBERSEK MP SSH features mining magnate Gina coal industry and conservative Rinehart, media mogul Rupert media, and to promote the Federal Member for Sydney SYDNEY-BASED mural artist Murdoch, Australia’s Prime Dirty Power: Burnt Country 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW 2016 Scott Marsh has transformed a Minister Scott Morrison along with documentary released in T: 9379 0700 E: [email protected] wall in Chippendale to protest Alan Jones, Clive Palmer, Andrew mid‑May by Greenpeace coal’s power over Australian Bolt and Barnaby Joyce. Australia Pacific. S politics. Marsh painted “The Ivory Tower” mural to depict the www.scottiemarsh.com.au 6 SOCIAL JUSTICE JUNE 2020 MSIC – saving lives, bringing hope

HUMAN AFFAIRS

KYLE PHILIP COX

IMAGINE growing up in a dysfunctional family on Sydney’s outskirts – surrounded by violence, a culture of drinking and drug-taking, all leading to alcohol dependence by age 13.

Add to that, physical and sexual abuse; violence in adolescence; the revolving door of juvenile correction; then seven years of adult prison where you learn to use the ultimate drug of escape, heroin. That’s a Polaroid snapshot of the life of Kim, a real person now in his early 60s (name changed to protect his identity). Kim used heroin for over 40 years to “numb the pain of life”. He stopped using two years ago Staff at Uniting MSIC 2018 including Dr Marianne Jauncey (4th from right) with Sir Richard Branson of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (3rd from right). Photo: Supplied through a trial of the innovative drug Buvidal – and is venturing back in the mid to late nineties injecting materials. “It was a Financed from confiscated Kim is now a volunteer team to regain what he’s lost: family, it was a more forbidding, darker free-for-all,” says Kim – himself proceeds of crime and operating leader on Uniting’s Fair Treatment friends, memories, dignity place – littered with syringes, only recently treated for (and cured with the blessing of the NSW campaign – helping others with of work and connection with and the desperate souls using from) Hepatitis C. “People used government, police and local lived experience to share their fellow Australians. them lingering in shadows, dirty equipment and spread disease residents, MSIC has an impressive stories and build a grassroots This would have been impossible seeking a cheap temporary fix amongst themselves.” record. In its 19 years it’s overseen movement throughout NSW without one vital health and to society’s woes. That meant All that changed for Kim in 2001, nearly 1.2 million injections, and ACT. harm-reduction service nestled in increasing ambulance call-outs when the doors of MSIC opened. successfully reversed over 10,000 Fair Treatment works to convince the heart of Kings Cross: Uniting’s for heroin overdose, especially At the centre people with a overdoses, made more than 17,000 state and territory governments to Medically Supervised Injecting along Darlinghurst Road’s history of injecting may do so referrals for treatment and, most modernise laws and treat personal Centre (MSIC). red‑light district. with clean equipment, under the importantly, no one has died at drug use as a health and social, May 6, 2020, marked the 19th There you would have found supervision of clinically trained MSIC ever. rather than criminal, issue. anniversary of the centre. As well Kim strapping his belt around his staff. According to MSIC Medical That bears repeating: zero deaths. The campaign looks to places as celebrating its monumental arm for a quick jab in “Deadman’s Director Dr Marianne Jauncey, According to Kim, “MSIC kept like Portugal where, over 20 years, successes, we should also reflect Lane” (Hourigan Lane). “Overdoses are easy to overcome, me alive until I was ready to seek reforms have slashed drug deaths on its personal impact on our fellow “I’d check on other blokes to but a person’s mental state and the treatment. The staff didn’t judge and allowed more people to reclaim Australians who use this life-saving see if they were breathing,” he sociological ills impacting them me. Now I have my life back and their lives and become active service – and why now, more than says. “It was pretty common for are much more complex. It takes can give back to family, friends and members of society. S ever, we need more centres like it. people to die in that back laneway.” time and care to help people get society in general. MSIC is not just In stark contrast to today’s Kings Kim and his mates would climb into treatment. But our first job is a place to inject drugs – it helps For more information see the community Cross, with its vibrant, bustling into the backyards of local residents to keep them alive. No one gets people like me regain health impact section of Uniting’s website shops and trendy restaurants, to access water taps to clean their better if they’re dead.” and dignity.” Uniting.org or visit fairtreatment.org

Vale Jack Mundey, 1929-2020

URBAN DESIGN city Congregational church, our church he experienced a wharf on Sydney’s foreshore “Over the years he came to there was a proposal to pull it gift of spirituality which added from demolition. I got a prize stay at my parent’s place. Mum SSH down, as it had a very small peace and strength to his life. for it and Jack was sent a copy. cooked him his favourite curries, congregation. Even though he The last time I saw him, he “Months later, I got a letter always served with a glass of SO much of the inner city owes was an atheist and communist, greeted me with, “God bless from Jack thanking me for the red, as he talked to Dad about its existence to Jack Mundey Jack opposed its demolition and you, Dorothy!” I responded, nice poem and asking if I would mechanics and construction, and the green bans he led as saved that grand old church “Thanks Jack, but I thought like to meet in The Rocks for a and to Mum and me about secretary of the NSW Builders’ from becoming an office block. you didn’t believe in God?” pub lunch. I wrote back saying politics and the environment. Labourers Federation. I would often come out of He said, “What did I say? I’m 12, so I don’t think I’m I’m sure he put the fire in my my office on a weekday to see Oh, I didn’t notice that!” allowed. He replied, saying that’s belly for social change. Dorothy McRae-McMahon Jack sitting by himself in the For artist and environmental nonsense, bring your parents! “Imagine if unions took remembers how she met Jack church. One day, I asked him campaigner Jess Harwood Jack “We met at The Mercantile in this moment to demand a just Mundey in her capacity as why he did that, given he was a was a family friend as well The Rocks. After lunch we had transition for workers from Minister of the Pitt Street Uniting committed atheist. He told me, as a legend. “When I was 12 a great privilege as he took us fossil fuels to renewables? It’s Church. “Back in the early even though he didn’t believe I entered a competition with around The Rocks and told us what Jack would have done – 1970s when it was the main in God, when he sat silently in a poem about Jack saving a the story of how it was saved! without a doubt.” S

Images: Jess Harwood (@jessharwoodart)

This page is sponsored by Uniting, the services and advocacy arm of the Uniting Church NSW and the ACT. Please note that Uniting has no editorial influence on the content of this page. uniting.org JUNE 2020 COMMENT & OPINION 7 There are many pathways through life

FAITH Know that our lives are within each other’s hands. DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON Reach out your heart. Reach out your words. OVER the last few years, our Reach out the tendrils of paper has had an interfaith compassion focus for this faith column, so that move invisibly, that we might learn from and where we cannot touch … respect the truth, which lies in various faiths. Now, I suggest The poem is called Pandemic that we can also learn from the and was written by Lynn Ungar. spirituality which sometimes The Rev. Dr Ungar, as well as lies within the lives of people being a poet, is minister of the who are not related to formal Unitarian Universalist Church mainstream faiths. of the Larger Fellowship, an online congregation for isolated I have always maintained religious liberals. that if people are not believers The Church of the Larger in a traditional religious faith, Fellowship describes its but are of compassion, honesty, philosophy as being not about justice and wisdom, they are to doctrine or creed. “We are be respected. Having said this, atheists and Christians, cartoon: norrie mAy-welby it is only recently that someone Buddhists and Jews, agnostics like this showed me a poem and Hindus, who know that no which they used for meditation metaphor or story of the holy is and inspiration. They found this big enough to truly hold what is The time is ripe for change poem was deeply spiritual and holy … We are people who value therefore that creative spirituality diversity: of opinion, of culture, EDITORIAL their recovery packages and support for disadvantaged people can also arise from many of language, of life experience, shape the 21st-century economy and communities tangible – a different sources, some of which of spiritual practice.” SSH in ways that are clean, green, critical part of how we get are not connected with formal As human beings, none of us healthy, safe and more resilient.” the country back on track. doctrinal and creedal religions. can ever know the whole of truth IT’S World Environment Day as The Greens, too, in their Invest With respect to the Waterloo The poem included … and which of us truly represent we head to press – and it feels to Recover report, say it’s time to Redevelopment, a commitment to God, assuming, as I do, that significant to note this. People build a better normal: “What this 50 per cent social housing would Center down. God exists. and businesses across Australia pandemic and the response to better reflect community needs. We can, however, celebrate are also lifting their shutters the economic crisis has shown To help ensure a just recovery, And when your body has and give respect to those who in the hope that we have lived is that the government is able to the Uniting Church Synod of become still, add to the deeper meanings through the worst in our brush respond to any big problems we NSW/ACT and its service arm, reach out with your heart. and sources of love and justice with Covid-19. The phrase on face, so long as they choose to put Uniting, have called on the federal Know that we are connected in our communities. people’s lips and in the media is people before the private profit government to use some of the in ways that are terrifying They are sacred in every time #BuildBackBetter. But do we have of their donors, so long as they $60 billion incorrectly forecast for and beautiful … and place. S the will and the imagination to listen to scientists and experts JobKeeper to support temporary embrace what this might mean? and we mobilise the resources of visa holders, including refugees society for the common good.” and people seeking asylum. and work together, uniting Shaping a new normal as we Can #BuildBackBetter be more It is patently unwise to rush Around 1.1 million temporary our communities to face recover won’t be easy – of course than a snappy catchphrase used legislation and mining activity visa holders across the country this challenge, and making we know this. Especially if we to cajole us to swap insurers, that hurt our nation in ways are in precarious situations everyone stronger as a result.” want to redistribute wealth, accept pay freezes (even as our the coronavirus never could. as Covid-19 unfolds with Belated government support rewire our economy, and fast politicians refuse to countenance The Covid-19 pandemic and no access to JobKeeper or for the arts has been selective. track our transition to renewable this), or treat ourselves with associated economic shock is JobSeeker, limited access to During the lockdown art groups energy. And if we decide it’s time extravagances “because now, exacerbating the challenges Medicare, and visa insecurity. came into their own, offering to move away from a market more than ever, we’re worth it”? faced by Australians in our JobSeeker and JobKeeper were many well-patronised programs economy and greedy profit Greenpeace says the people most disadvantaged families designed to help our community online to alleviate isolation margins, towards maintaining it’s surveyed say YES, it’s time and communities. They’ll also survive the significant economic and promote mental wellbeing. our own assets and industries. to create an economy that’s be the ones who’ll find it the and social impacts of Covid-19, A vibrant arts sector is crucial “The new world order is resilient and equitable – one that hardest to bounce back. said the Synod’s Moderator, to building a better normal. rearranging itself on the planet helps us thrive while protecting That’s why a key the Rev. Simon Hansford. Can we rebuild, as Labor leader and settling in,” writes poet our natural environment. recommendation of the “Excluding temporary visa Anthony Albanese has said, in Sabrina Orah Mark. “Our The United Nations is also Australian Council of Social holders is false economy, a way that recognises “we are touchstone is changing colour. urging us to turn Covid recovery Service’s plan for Australia which puts more pressure on not just an economy, we are a Our criteria for earning a life, into a real opportunity to do to “build back better” is for charitable and other community society”? Can we preserve the good a living, are mutating like a virus things right for the future. the nation to undertake an services. It is unsustainable. the lockdown has taught us: that that wants badly to stay alive.” “With this restart, a window of ambitious $7 billion program “I ask the government to the wheels of industry can slow The time is ripe for change hope and opportunity opens,” to build 30,000 social housing give serious consideration up, that time for being with people – but will we grasp it? said UN Climate Chief, Patricia dwellings to create jobs to extending JobKeeper and is important, that we can live with Are we ready to build a better Espinosa, on April 22, “[a and reduce homelessness. JobSeeker to temporary visa less stuff and less stress in our world where we really want to live chance] for nations to green This initiative would make holders so we can all live lives, and that this can be good? and no one is left behind? S Learning is activism – #ClimateStrike School

ENVIRONMENT “Together, in spite of these #ClimateStrike School. This covers in collaboration with the trainers Fridays for Future Australia challenging times we showed the basics of climate justice and from Organising in a Pandemic. also invite supporters to sign SSH we are organised and ready climate science, with input also “While we strike from school an open letter to the Australian to keep fighting for climate from social change experts on to demand social change, government calling for a “green TENS of thousands of people justice,” said Arlie, striker from how to build movements and we know the importance of recovery”. The letter asks the tuned in to School Strike 4 Armidale, and Elise, striker become community leaders. education, and we also know government to listen to the Climate’s #BuildaBetterFuture from Franklin, Tasmania. The program includes: there are things they don’t experts and design the COVID-19 livestream on May 15. “But the journey can’t stop Mondays: Back to basics on teach at school. Learning is response, recovery and stimulus Participants heard from those there. If we are serious about climate science and climate activism, and without activism packages to create new jobs in fighting on the frontline of the creating the change needed to justice, including first nations we cannot create change,” said clean industries and renewable climate and coronavirus crisis tackle the climate crisis we need justice and economic justice. Airlie and Elise. energy, instead of centring it and took action together asking to listen, learn, and skill up.” Wednesdays: A space to meet All are welcome. Find out around fossil fuel projects. S our local MPs to take the crisis School Strike 4 Climate is others, connect and share skills. more and register at www. seriously and stand for a fairer now running a six-week climate Thursdays: Going deeper into schoolstrike4climate.com/school. Sign the open letter at future for us all. justice curriculum for everyone: organising and social movements, School Strike 4 Climate and www.greenrecovery.good.do/openletter/sign 8 FEATURE JUNE 2020

Two Good’s recipe for success transforms lives

Cindy, Ivan, Jane, Pru and Marina from Two Good Co. Jane is head chef, Ivan and Pru are sous chefs, and Cindy and Marina are in the current cohort of Two Good’s Work Work program. Photo: Jes Lindsay

FOOD the other businesses it serves. and is living in a caravan with a kitchen, a microwaveable, The women all huddle around to It feels great to be met at the a microwave, thank you.” complete meal was a godsend.” ask what I’ve cooked and packed. MARJORIE LEWIS-JONES door by the women in the Work Since it began in June 2015, “I might have to start putting Work program who have cooked “So nice to have a meal made for Two Good has donated 163,989 a little ‘with love from J’ on their EVELEIGH: A few weeks ago, your dinner. Seriously. In the my family and me after all we have restaurant quality meals across meals. It would be great to have an a friend and I went to the Covid days of physical distancing, been through, makes waiting for Sydney and Melbourne. Its advocate in every women’s shelter Two Good Co. near Eveleigh’s to connect with these fun, earthy accommodation more bearable.” Work Work program, which to pass this message of love on.” Carriageworks to pick up the women is as close as it gets to skills-up women over 50 to Jane Strode has an impressive meals we’d ordered online. a warm hug, and we need it. “Our clients are women who re-enter the workforce, has background as a chef and “For us it’s about creating love in have had tough times – these also been a great success. restaurateur in Australia and Today we reminisced a black takeaway container,” said meals, made with love and care, “The program gives vulnerable her nous in the Two Good about the experience. Two Good’s head chef Jane Strode. are real godsends for them – good, women a safe workplace to reclaim kitchen is complemented by “Of all the takeaway meals I had “We work with our suppliers to healthy and delicious food. Feels their confidence and adjust back sous chefs Ivan, Pru and Jen. during lockdown, Two Good’s is get the best ingredients. Each like being wrapped in love.” into employment,” said Mr Nagle. Jane’s husband Jeremy was a the one I keep dreaming about,” dish is full of fresh, nutritious “We see lives transformed. culinary trailblazer who’d also she said. “We’ll have to go again.” produce and cooked with love Two Good’s Program and “Employment unlocks positive been a fervent advocate for RUOK, Nicole’s immediate response by our Two Good team.” Community Engagement self-perceptions and brings and for getting people in the to the food had been a text In Sydney, it’s also about Coordinator, Alex Nagle, said better housing, financial and food industry the mental health message full of love-heart emojis cooking hundreds of meals crises like bushfires unfortunately health outcomes for the women. support they needed, before and exclamation marks. And each week and delivering them lead to an increase in domestic This is particularly important he took his own life in 2017. yes, our dinners were delicious! to 30 shelters, including Newtown and family violence (DV), for women over 50, who are When I ask Jane why she made Silky onion in the potato and Neighbourhood Centre, Wayside which inevitably places strain the fastest growing group of the shift to join Two Good in chickpea skordalia, fragrant Chapel in Potts Point, and the on DV support services. homeless people, and one of the January 2020 and what she most slow-braised lamb, crunchy Women’s and Girls Emergency “In early March, just before most financially insecure.” loves about the work, she’s candid. smoked almonds paired with Centre (WAGEC) in Redfern. Covid-19 took hold, we visited “I have a deep understanding the sweetest caramelised carrots “We believe people staying at women’s services between Nowra, A proud advocate for good of trauma, having your world and cous cous, and the kind of these shelters and community Moruya and the Bega Valley to Jen is part of the Work Work turned upside down and being melt-in your-mouth chocolate services deserve the very best,” see what was happening on the team in NSW and is proud to vulnerable. I believe in everything brownies that round off a feast. Ms Strode adds. “That’s why ground, and what needs we may be the Two Good advocate in Two Good stands for and I was Along with the flavour – a we take such pride in ensuring be able to meet,” Mr Nagle said. the refuge where she lives. thrilled to join as head chef. definite drawcard – it’s the each donated meal is packed Services that had been stretched “I first found out about Two Good “To stand alongside women who feel-good factor of these meals full of love and restaurant- before the fires, struggled even when our shelter fridge was stocked have had their self-worth stripped that’s tempting us to order again. quality ingredients.” more when the fires hit – with full of their beautiful food one away from them and to remind It feels good to support this resources like housing, food and day. The care and respect put into them that they are worthy of “buy one give one” social Support for fire victims counselling reaching capacity. it was so clear to me. But women dignity and respect is a position I enterprise that’s bringing Women’s services on the Requests for help increased transition in and out of the refuge am humbled to fill. And right now, love and worth to women in bushfire-ravaged south coast and exceeded records. One all the time so it’s a message that with everyone going through so domestic violence safe houses doing it tough have been the service manager was working needs to be constantly re-told. much uncertainty, it’s even more and refuges across the country. recent and grateful beneficiaries double-time, without pay, just “So now when our delivery important that we stand together It feels good to know that, of Two Good’s generosity – to keep up with demand. day arrives, I tell everyone in as a community.” S when we order from Two Good’s eliciting heartfelt responses “Two Good couldn’t help the shelter all about how I’m takeaway menu, we enable people from clients and workers. with all these issues, but working at Two Good now and To support Two Good you can order from these safe houses to be nutritious, ready-made meals how much love has been put into household meals, purchase from its catering employed in its kitchen to make “A delicious perfect meal for was something we could do. the food as a gesture of worth. I’m menu, buy merchandise and donate the meals for the shelters and someone who has lost a home With so many people without proud to be an advocate for good. online at www.twogood.com.au/#/story The Review The Review – June 2020 9 Arts & Culture in Your Neighbourhood

Winning photos paint picture of recent drought and bushfires

EXHIBITIONS

Amy Cheng

THE winner of this year’s Head On Photo Award Landscape Prize is not a professional photographer, and her winning entry was taken on an iPhone.

The Head On Photo Awards celebrate excellence in photography in the categories of Portrait, Landscape and Student. This year’s awards were announced on May 1 as part of a digital launch event of the Head On(line) Photo Festival hosted by The Bachelor host Osher Günsberg. Marcia Macmillan was out with her nine-year-old daughter doing farm jobs when a dust storm began rolling in; it was the second one for the day. At the time, they were a regular occurrence at Mullengudgery, the property managed by her husband in the Central West of NSW. “My daughter was just mucking around and playfully taunting the storm, in the way that kids do in ‘Whimsical warrior’ by Marcia Macmillan won the 2020 Landscape Prize in the Head On photo awards. Photo: Marcia Macmillan a very innocent way,” she said. “And she was just running across the paddocks really and it was the issues faced in rural Australia, “Our house is just out to the side “It got up to an explosive mixture Back in 2001, he began at that moment, for a very brief including the important role that of that photo, which you can’t see, and and the flames just exploded. It was photographing bushfires because second, I saw something which I the agricultural sector plays in that dust storm is still a long way off. a 300 metres by 50 metres deep he saw a need. Since then, he has thought was quite spectacular.” Australia’s economy,” she said. It was slowly rolling in and it didn’t section of forest that all went up in a captured many memorable moments. The size of the storm wasn’t “I would urge people to try and arrive for probably another 25 minutes.” matter of seconds,” Mr Moir said. “On those extreme days, you unusual, she said, as they had see beyond the two-dimensional She is hoping to use her prize “That kind of event, which is called see those things that go into been experiencing dust storms of scene taking place, peel back the money to take a course in photography an area ignition, is quite rare. They’re not history books where they are very that magnitude for over a year. layers and try and discover some and improve at the craft. often seen and very rarely photographed rare but they are stories that are “It was the contrast of quality or element that resonates The Australian runner up for the and videoed. And I hadn’t seen an told for generations,” he said. someone so little and fragile and with them on a more personal level.” landscape prize, Nick Moir, captured event with so many embers in the air.” “They will always essentially innocent, who appeared to be When her photo was featured a rare moment in his winning photo. Mr Moir, who has been mark time from when that event taking on this incredible force of in The Land, it generated a lot of The Sydney Morning Herald photographing bushfires for over happened, and that’s where the role nature,” Ms Macmillan said. unexpected attention, including photographer was photographing the 20 years, said the recent bushfire of the photographer, more than a She took out her phone, an media organisations using the Green Wattle Creek fire in October. season was particularly difficult. video or a journalist, has to take iPhone 8, snapped a few pictures photo without credit and people He was on a property with fire “I’d done plenty of fires … but they an iconic and important image.” and then began cleaning up criticising her on social media for and rescue units, the fire was quiet, were always essentially a build-up of the residue from the storm. Ms putting her daughter in danger. with flames a metre high, but it a few weeks of heat and dry … (but The Head On(line) Photo Festival Macmillan does not want her “I definitely didn’t put was already heating up the forest. this season) there was one major fire featured 110 exhibitions from photo to generate sympathy. my daughter in danger; that The smoke was a higher temperature day every single week, and each one of May 1 to 17. The festival went “I would love for the image to statement is completely incorrect,” than that in the air, and fumes from those was the equivalent to an entire virtual in 2020 due to Covid- develop a better understanding of Ms Macmillan said. the tops of trees could not escape. season’s worth of bushfires,” he said. 19 restrictions in galleries. Clews channel the iso muse

MUSIC To ensure the pandemic isn’t Has social isolating got you Distance Love” literally every single holding them back they’ve been writing and rehearsing more? day, and Grace will never stop Tess Ridgway getting on board with the Instagram I’ve definitely been writing replaying “Long Train Runnin’” festival bent to help you deal with more. I’ve had a bit of extra time by The Doobie Brothers. CLEWS comprises sisters Lily staying the hell home! They appeared on my hands so I’ve been getting and Grace Richardson. Originally on Bridget Hustwaite’s Saturday up early and walking around the Royalties aside, which song from Mollymook, they released Night Stay In live on Instagram neighbourhood listening to country would you most like to cover? their first single “Museum” in TV with other Australian artists music. Plus, as the weather turns “This Love” from Maroon 5’s 2019. Their music is a polished including Vera Blue, Adriane colder, I always write more. So, classic 2002 album Songs About Jane. pop-melancholy to warm up Eagle and George Alice. it’s been a good formula for being winter evenings. Shimmering creative. We have it pretty good at What does the future hold vocals and poetic lyrics inspire How do you collaborate on the moment compared to a lot of for Clews? adventuring or roaming (which song writing? Is one driving the people so we’re not complaining. I We’re actually about to start on we all long for right now). lyrics the other the music? love being locked in my house by our first full body of work. Up until Yes, Lily drives the lyrics and myself playing guitar anyway! now we’ve just been releasing singles Unfortunately, Covid has delayed Grace is in the little sidecar thing but it’s time to sink our teeth into their “Feel” headline tour which is that hangs off the motorbike. I’m What’s your infinite repeat a bigger project. We can’t wait to rescheduled for December. They were constantly writing down lines about song (a song you could listen to get back to playing shows when the also supposed to tour with Boy & everything that happens to me, seven or more times in a row)? world is safe and well again too. Bear right about now but that too then Grace swans in and absolutely Throughout isolation I have Clews – Grace and Lily Richardson. Photo: Supplied has been delayed until November. slays it with a killer melody. listened to Little Feat’s “Long @clewsmusic 10 The Review – June 2020

fascinating and flawed characters. worthwhile is life, just that. (They) choice to present the encounters I didn’t, and was rewarded with can never be as full, rich, complex, non-chronologically discourages our The Reviews prose like this description of the surprising or beautiful, but the tendency to prioritise development. narrator’s beloved grandfather: best of them can … turn you back The choice to mark the break Book Review Isla’s family tree includes an “A short and almost perfectly to look out the window, go out between scenes with John Butler’s by Marjorie Lewis-Jones adopted cousin, a same-sex couple, rounded man with eyes always near the door aware they you’ve been lovely guitar accompaniment Isla’s Family Tree and the new “leaves” that are her to laughter and tufted hair that enriched, that you have been in underscores this shift in focus. Katrina McKelvey, and newborn brothers. Happily, Isla sat like a small wig on a football, the company of something alive.” Neither Kayleen nor Doug illustrator, Prue Pittock finally realises: In a forest full of Ganga had the large ears that God deepen as characters but their EK Books, 2020 family trees, there are no rules puts on old men as evidence of the » [email protected] early tendencies intensify. about what a family looks like. humour necessary for creation.” The withdrawn Kayleen’s gentle Isla’s Family Tree is a delightfully This warm and wonderful This is Happiness is set in Faha, a interest in Doug’s facial gash conceived picture book that features book focuses on inclusion and small town in County Clare where Theatre Review progresses to cutting her thighs and a little girl who can’t see how the connection. It shows how love rain is constant, and legendary. by Catherine Skipper then to extreme self-mutilation. twins her heavily pregnant mother makes room for those around “Rain … was a condition of living. Gruesome Playground Injuries She begins by fancying herself in a is carrying will fit into her family. us, so everyone belongs. It came straight down, sideways, Writer: Rajiv Joseph dungeon, cut off from the fanfare When Isla’s mother shows her and frontwards, backwards and any Device of choice of the castle, and loses hope that the family tree she has crafted to other wards God could think of.” 10.30am, Saturday, May 9, 2020 she will ever join in the fun. Doug, help illustrate how families are Book Review Williams draws Faha and its her would-be rescuer, begins with always growing and changing, by Catherine DeMayo inhabitants fondly, but these Following the success of an injury to his Achilles tendon. Isla shouts, “There’s no room This is Happiness are no cutesy simple villagers, Lyle Kessel’s Orphans, Red Line which progresses to a cane and a left on our branch – it’s full!” Niall Williams this is humanity, warts and all. Productions (Artistic Director, limp and finally to a wheelchair. Author Katrina McKelvey, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2020 At long last, “the electric” is Andrew Henry), presented a His mother may think he is and illustrator Prue Pittock coming to Faha, bringing with live-streamed reading of Gruesome accident prone, but his injuries are have deliberately kept the story This is Happiness intrigued me with it inevitable changes. Into the Playground Injuries by award- self-sought, the consequence of and visuals simple – a hard its title. Was the title sarcastic, a gibe town come dozens of workers winning American playwright, a crazy wish for pain. “I like to task given the complexity of at the miseries of an impoverished to lay the power lines and bring Rajiv Joseph. The reading featured get stitches,” he tells Kayleen. families and family trees. rural Ireland? Or was I about to Faha into the modern world. actors Rose Byrne (in New York), As different as they are – Kayleen, In the study notes for teachers read a twee tale of a mythical, Noel, whom everyone calls Noe, Ewan Leslie (in Sydney) with tender and quirky, Doug, foolishly and home schooling, McKelvey pastoral, romantic Ireland? is staying with his grandparents, musical accompaniment by guitarist energetic – their curiosity about says, “I deliberately did not use In fact, this genre-defying novel Doady and Ganga, after leaving John Butler (in Perth) and stage each other and their commitment technical language (such as – Dublin-born Niall Williams’s the seminary due to a crisis of directions by Anna Houston. to the each other’s welfare when generations, heritage, ancestors, tenth book – is a rare find. Here is a faith. Into this household appears The play, a two hander, explores they meet and meet again, brings a inherited and so on) as this story novel that features guilt, atonement, Christy, a worker with the electric the 30-year relationship between limited acceptance of themselves. can be used to start discussions terminal illness, loss of faith and scheme, who boards with Noel’s Kayleen (Byrne) and Doug Neither seems to question why they about family types at school and at unrequited love, to name a few – grandparents. Christy, though over (Ewan Leslie). The two first have repeated their self-destructive home, and can then lead to teaching but can best be described as joyous. 60, forms a close bond with the encounter each other as 8 year behaviour, and while there are clues, a more formal way of recording Part of that joy is the way that 17-year-old Noel, who gradually olds in a primary school sickroom, it doesn’t seem to matter. They must family trees and histories.” Williams’s prose sings from the learns the 50-year-old secret that and continue to encounter each deal with themselves as they are in Pittock adds, “The illustrations page. His use of English is at times has drawn Christy to Faha. other in various depressing and the ever-changing present. While at for Isla’s family tree were created idiosyncratic, but never mundane. Describing Christy’s spontaneous often medical locations. The setup times the play may seem to be almost using ink, gouache and coloured Yes, the books can be wordy, and singing, Williams could instead encourages us to anticipate an two-dimensional, Byrne and Leslie pencils. I like the contrast of the there were a few times when I had be describing his own novel: off-beat love story, particularly bring it to life and give it substance. black and white with a pop of colour, to restrain myself from skipping “It seems to me that the quality that as Doug’s arrival is not always as keeping the pages fresh and light.” ahead to see what happened to his makes any book, music, painting random as it seems, but Rajiv’s » [email protected]

Install at Galerie pompom The Pipeline Photo: Docqument

Galerie pompom presents the first exhibition of Hayley Megan French’s ongoing project The Pipeline, a suburban painting project across Guildford NSW, Kununurra WA Galerie pompom and Toowoomba QLD. Until June 21. 2/27-39 Abercrombie Street Chippendale NSW 2008 www.hayleymeganfrench.com JUNE 2020 COMMUNITY NOTICES 11

VOLUNTEERS’ NEWS Uniting Churches PAT CLARKE Palace Cinemas have announced a reopening on I hope the last month July 2, with other cinemas has treated you all well, likely to follow on July 16. especially now that some Social distancing and other restrictions are being lifted. restrictions on numbers will apply, including online booking, South Sydney Uniting Church 56a Raglan St, Waterloo Daily, I’m finding it hard to contactless payments and Public worship suspended A cohort of potential funders has indicated it could help get Carriageworks back in business as part of a keep up. Despite all my good staggered session times. bailout deal. Photo: Marjorie Lewis-Jones resolutions (to myself) the list Follow @sundayssuc for prayers, of things to do doesn’t seem Libraries music and reflections to have got any shorter. Our Some local libraries, like three Rev. Andrew Collis Saving Carriageworks managing editor Marjorie inner-west locations Marrickville, 0438 719 470 ALLISON FORREST “I’m really concerned for the Lewis-Jones and the editorial Leichhardt and Ashfield, will www.southsydneyuniting.org.au team have been pulling out open from June 1, with varied future of Carriageworks given Leichhardt Uniting Church In early May, its reliance on income from big all the stops for this issue. opening hours. City of Sydney’s EVELEIGH: 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt when Carriageworks events which haven’t been able to Lots of our favourites libraries remain closed but (near Norton St, announced it had gone into happen since Covid-19. This makes for June have been online resources are available. voluntary administration due to the prospect of private funding postponed or cancelled. free parking behind church) “irreparable loss of income” from encouraging and, as it’s happened And, of course, local pubs, Public worship suspended Covid-19 shutdowns, shockwaves before, I’m not too worried about 2020 National NAIDOC clubs, restaurants and cafes will Revs Radhika & rippled through the arts world private stakeholders gaining control. Week from Sunday July now be able to cater for more Adrian Sukumar-White and wider community. “What I am worried about is 8 to Sunday July 15. patrons. Physical distancing and www.leichhardtuniting.org.au that Carriageworks is on public NAIDOC Week has sadly been safety measures will still apply. Mustard Seed Uniting Church How could one of the largest land and that in the current postponed to ensure safety for Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, multi-arts centres in Australia close? economic climate the government communities. A new date later Sydney Fringe Festival Later in May, when a group of might feel a strong temptation in the year is being considered. The festival was cancelled due Ultimo potential funders stepped up to to sell it to the highest bidder. to Covid-19 but will partner with Public worship suspended help with a bailout deal, the relief “If that happened the community Refugee Week from June five international Fringe Festivals Rev. David Gore was palpable. But the fight is far would lose in a big way. This includes 14-20 has gone digital, and to present Global Fringe, to be 0449 875 065 from over given the philanthropists’ the artists who work from studio is now Digital Refugee streamed live in September. mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au offer of funding is contingent space, exhibit and perform there, and Week. Contact: www. Newtown Mission upon Create NSW granting the local community overall. Events refugeeweek.org.au/ SSH Volunteers’ Monthly Meetings 280 King St Newtown Carriageworks a long-term lease. at Carriageworks draw a big audience Meetings on the first Saturday Local residents Alice Anderson from across the city which has a 2020 Sydney Film Festival in June and July (2-4pm) will Public worship suspended and Louisa Dyce are anxious about flow-on effect to local businesses from June 10-21 is now the take place via Zoom. Please Rev. Graeme Tutt the site’s future but remain hopeful. like pubs and restaurants. On top of Virtual Sydney Film Festival. subscribe to updates on the 9519 9000 They spoke recently about their Covid-19 losses – will they survive?” The 67th Festival has just SSH website so we can send www.newtownmission.org.au announced a full virtual you the Zoom details. love of the space, the importance Louisa worked at the Saturday Paddington Uniting Church of its history, and the vibrant arts Farmers Market at Carriageworks program and tickets are now on 395 Oxford St, Paddington events and markets it hosts. and has been associated with sale at: ondemand.sff.org.au SSH Volunteer Agreement 2020 Alice lives in an apartment block the market since its inception. It’s important for Volunteers Public worship suspended next door to Carriageworks and has “I live in Darlington so it was It’s not all gloom though, as to complete the form (the green Rev. Danielle Hemsworth-Smith regularly attended visual arts and wonderful to have a 10-minute walk the following are set to reopen: one distributed in December). Office 9331 2646 performances at the centre since and then be at work. What made If you’ve mislaid it or have any www.paddingtonuca.org.au moving to her unit in 2015. She is the market different was that it was Art Gallery of New South questions, please don’t hesitate to Pitt Street Uniting Church passionate about the site and what mainly actual growers who were Wales from Monday June 1, contact managing editor Marjorie 264 Pitt St, Sydney it means to the local community. selling their produce. For many with free timed tickets in half- Lewis-Jones at marjorie@ssh. Public worship suspended “I was upset when I heard it was their only retail outlet. hourly batches. The Gallery will com.au, or Allison Forrest at Revs Karyn and Gareth Carriageworks was going into “Carriageworks is a wonderful announce new dates for the very [email protected]. administration. The site has a place where the community could popular Archibald, Wynne and Burchell‑Thomas rich history which emerges in meet and be entertained in so many Sulman Prizes later in the year. As always, take care of Office 9267 3614 conversation with all sorts of ways. Night markets, art fairs, food yourselves and each other, www.pittstreetuniting.org.au people whenever I say I live in fairs and fashion week: it made White Rabbit Gallery, and spare a thought and Wayside Chapel Eveleigh. A lot of people, not just me proud to be able to meet with, Chippendale, from whatever you can afford 29 Hughes St, Potts Point locals, feel a connection to the and work with, so many people Saturday June 6. for those who haven’t had Public worship suspended history of the building and the site. who enjoyed the space as I did. this last 10 weeks easy. “I love living so close to “We loved visiting the fabulous Museum of Contemporary (Please note that Wayside is still open for those in need) such a vibrant creative place art installations that you couldn’t Art from Tuesday June 16. Until next time, – even with the downside of see anywhere else. It was also Pat Clarke Pastor Jon Owen noise at times when events very refreshing to wander Biennale of Sydney also Office 9581 9100 are bumping in and out. around inside the building as it from Tuesday June 16. [email protected] www.thewaysidechapel.com “I’m also pleased to be asked holds a great deal of history. St Stephen’s Uniting Church to comment on this issue because “We would acknowledge how rare the 88 units in my block are all the buildings and the shows were 197 Macquarie St, Sydney affordable housing and sometimes – and recognise that Carriageworks Public worship suspended the voices of affordable-housing is part of our history that shouldn’t Rev. Ken Day residents are lost in consultations be lost or taken for granted. Advertise with the SSH! Affordable & effective. Office 9221 1688 about community facilities like “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime space. Email: [email protected] www.ssms.org.au Carriageworks, which isn’t right. If lost, it could never be replaced.” S

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS Contact this month by email or phone only

Tanya Plibersek MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich MP Jenny Leong MP Federal Member for Sydney State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Newtown 672 Crown St, 112a Glebe Point Rd, Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, 58 Oxford St, Paddington 383 King St, Newtown Surry Hills NSW 2010 Glebe NSW 2037 Rosebery NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2042 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9230 3352 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] COVID-19 UPDATE

Financial support Need Further Assistance If you’ve lost your job, lost hours, or are If you need further assistance, please suffering financial hardship, find out what contact me on (O2) 9379 0700 or at support is available, including wage subsidies: [email protected] www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.

For the latest advice, information Support for businesses & sole traders & resources: www.health.gov.au If you’re a business or a sole trader, find out what NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au support is available at: www.business.gov.au or 13 28 46.

Support for renters If you have concerns about your health, seek medical advice. The National Cabinet has agreed to ban evictions + for commercial and residential tenants in financial distress who are unable to meet their National Coronavirus Helpline commitments due to the impact of coronavirus. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Help for renters 1800 020 080 NSW Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov. au or 13 32 20 or the Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service at www.tenants.org.au o r Translating & Interpreting Services (02) 8117 3700. 131 450

LET’S KEEP SAFE

Observe Practice STAY Observe limits Follow the social good HOME on public self-isolation distancing hygiene rules IF YOU CAN gatherings

Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, Australian Labor Party, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

THANKS TO YOU, we are saving lives and stopping the spread of Covid-19. We’re all in this together, so let’s continue to keep each other safe.

TANYA PLIBERSEK MP

Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, Australian Labor Party, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern

20200602 Plibersek COVID SSH Ad V2.indd 1 2/06/2020 12:41:55 PM