April 2009

Matt Clarke Laffan Island In his own words Postcards Page 2 The Review – Page 14

NUMBER SEVENTY APRIL ’09 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND

Ellice Mol at the new 2SER studios at Broadway Photo: Andrew Collis Women’s Day on 2SER Coopers on King Street Photo: Ali Blogg

El l ice Mol a third of those remain un-sentenced and Drug dogs in Newtown awaiting trial. International Women’s Day was the I spoke to feminist author Sheila Joy Nicholas McC a l lum the man that Mr Bolwell had attempted was captured on the pub’s CCTV and focus of a special nine-hour broadcast Jeffries about the globalisation of the to assist was never charged. submitted in evidence. at Radio 2SER FM’s brand new studios sex industry. She said the $75 billion Imagine that you and a mate According to the evidence from one The 37-year-old solicitor and former on March 9. Producer of the broadcast, stripping industry alone exceeds the are enjoying a quiet drink at your of the arresting officers, Mr Bolwell had Greens staffer has been a long-time Ellice Mol, writes about the day. income generated by the baseball league local when troops of police from the forcibly approached a police operation advocate for citizens’ rights and civil in the US. Some highlights included our Proactive Crime Team enter as part in an attempt to inform the man who liberties, having been involved in International Women’s Day (IWD) 50 Years of Barbie celebration and the live of a “drug dog operation”. The police was being searched of his legal rights. At the NoToPope coalition which had began as a rally for women in Austria, interactive discussion of gender issues begin skulking around the pub, taking this point Mr Bolwell attempted to give successfully advocated for the reduction Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. using Twitter. up positions at exits and bathrooms. the man his card. Only 10 seconds had of the powers granted to police for the Women called for voting rights, to be We also had some special live As someone is sniffed by a dog, and passed before the lawyer was pushed 2008 World Youth Day. able to hold public office, and better performances by Sarah Kelly of consequently searched, for carrying with two hands by one of the officers and The treatment that Kristian received on working conditions. IWD was given theredsunband who performed a little more than a peculiar odour, you then set upon by another three. According the night in question is a clear example official recognition by the United Nations poignant song, written by her ex, about decide to offer some assistance that you to the police at the scene, Mr Bolwell was of how easily the new powers can be in 1975. It’s celebrated all around the her. Joy&Lara also came in to celebrate draw from your experience as a lawyer. given several opportunities to remove abused. The police “manhandled” Mr world in acknowledgment of the political, with us, playing their special brand of And instead of the police allowing the himself from the police operation. Bolwell to the point that one of his economic and social achievements honeyed folk on violin and guitar, and we arrested patron his or her right of legal The police stated that the lawyer ribs was fractured, a medical report of women. got retrospective with Holly Throsby who council, you too are arrested. was “moderately intoxicated” and also from Royal Prince Alfred confirmed the For the last decade or so, women have performed a track from her very first EP. threatening and intimidating. Other following day. taken to the airwaves to celebrate IWD. I It was also great to play some killer music This is exactly what happened to witness testimony stated that Mr Bolwell The Magistrate found that Mr Bolwell was approached to help co-ordinate and from influential female artists of the past, Kristian Bolwell in July 2008 as he and had merely “sauntered” toward the scene was in no way attempting to interfere produce nine hours of radio for this year’s such as Janis Joplin and Cyndi Lauper, his friend were both enjoying a few cold in a “laconic” manner. with the police proceedings, nor was he IWD special broadcast. 2SER has a bevy and some Bananarama was thrashed over ones at Newtown’s Cooper Arms Hotel. Court documents state that it was threatening toward police. The court ruled of great female talent and it was such a the airwaves for good measure. As a lawyer still holding to ideals of within 35 seconds of his approach that that the arrest was not lawful, stating that thrill to be able to bring some of these It’s shocking that, today, women still habeas corpus, he approached the police the lawyer was arrested. It was only after an arrest should only be used as a last women together on the day. We wanted face many challenges around the world. who had begun to search another patron his arrest that the police realised the card resort, stemming from a suspicion that to broadcast the stories and songs of Women make a significant contribution to under suspicion of narcotics possession. Mr Bolwell had presented was from the the person has committed an offence. women because, in the face of adversity, the global economy, yet they receive only When the matter finally made it to Law Society of New South Wales. Mr Mr Bolwell now intends to proceed women are courageous and resilient, 10 per cent of the world’s income, and the court on February 24, 2009, the sitting Bolwell was later charged with hindering with a civil action against New South with the ability to empower and inspire wage gap between women and men has Magistrate dismissed the charges, and in a police, resisting police in execution of Wales Police. one another. increased yet again. Women produce half strong signal against excessive police zeal, duty and failure to obey a police direction. We wanted to celebrate women of the world’s food, yet there are 70 per awarded Bolwell costs. Let’s not forget The arrest, but not the alleged offences, See Opinion - page 10 and make it a joyous and entertaining cent of women around the world who go broadcast, and at the same time take the hungry. Women own a measly one per opportunity for some advocacy around cent of the of the world’s property. These unnecessary hysterectomies. She said the poverty line, we need to ensure proportion of women dying in childbirth women’s issues. Fortunately, at 2SER we figures are stifling, and some of the stories he refused to perform any investigations the Australian government maintains by 2015. We have a long way to go to have a great many female presenters with about women we hear are heartbreaking. to confirm his diagnoses, instead taking its commitment to the Millennium achieve gender equality worldwide. diverse interests. Former 2SER Jailbreak One such heartbreaking story comes out ovaries, propelling women into Development Goals – to promote gender IWD is a national holiday in China, presenter, Ariane Minc, kicked off the from my friend, a med student who has menopause, sometimes at ages less than equality and empower women, ensuring Russia, Bulgaria and Romania. Even if it’s day with a special focus on women in the just returned from an elective period at 20, and even when the ovaries removed girls have the same access to schooling not a national holiday in Australia (yet), prison system. There are now over 500 a rural hospital in Tanzania. There she were shown to be perfectly normal. as boys by 2015, and improving maternal it’s a day that will continue to hold great women in full-time custody in NSW, about saw an unlicensed doctor performing For the 21 million women living below health – reducing by three-quarters the significance at 2SER.Rockin! 2 N e w s April 2009

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EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Improved access at Oxford Square Photo: Ali Blogg Never mind the bollards

W endy Col l is people who could not get up the ramp in Oxford Square due to the bollards. “Without any fanfare,” said Stephan “I was just pointing out that something Gyorgy, of the Record Store, Surry was a bit incongruous,” he said. Hills. “They had gone and removed A City of Sydney Spokesperson Managing Editor Andrew Collis the bollards.” The two bollards in said: “The City incorporates access question had long impeded a small requirements into all of its projects disability access ramp on the east including streetscape upgrades, park side of Oxford Square. An expensive upgrades, new buildings and playground upgrade of the Square in 2006 by upgrades. the City of Sydney Council, said Mr “Council adopted an Inclusion Gyorgy, added an extra set of stairs (Disability) Action Plan in May 2008 to the area but still didn’t change the following extensive community position of the bollards and therefore consultation which is now being used Matt Laffan Photo: Ali Blogg neglected to address the lack of to ensure a consistent approach to wheelchair access. improving inclusion for people with a disability is established across the FEATURES EDITOR The bollards were removed, lickety- City’s many activities. The City also Dorothy McRae-McMahon split, at the end of last year, following employs a dedicated disability project The built an email from Mr Gyorgy to the City of coordinator to provide specific advice Sydney. Mr Gyorgy is happy that they on access issues. are gone, but he had raised the issue “The City’s upgrade of Oxford Street of the bollards in his email to highlight in 2006 provided a better paved surface, environment: the irony of Council’s reasoning behind widened the footpath and minimised their decision last year not to install footpath clutter with new smart poles. news-racks for the distribution of local “The Oxford Street upgrade had The politics of access papers in the area. a limited scope focusing on the He said that Lawrence Gibbons, of immediate Oxford Street area. After ome people live deeply and achieve as much as others who live long. the City News, has been highlighting receiving recent complaints about the NEWS EDITOR SMatt Laffan was one of those people. His significant life, through a struggle the need for racks on the streets to bollards on Oxford Square near Burton Trevor Davies for health and survival, is an inspiration. The fact that he looked outward for distribute local papers, given that mX Street, the City removed the bollards to the good of the wider community, rather than simply concentrating on his is able to hand out its papers. The improve access.” own wellbeing, is a wonderful testimony to the sort of person he was. With installation of stands was denied by Disability access, visual clutter, so many others, the SSH and its staff grieve his going, even as we celebrate Council, said Mr Gyorgy, with one of issues of local paper distribution – two his remarkable life. As a tribute to him, we would like to give space to his the reasons put forward being that the bollards, now removed from Oxford own words and to a cause for which he was a powerful advocate all his life – news-racks would impede access for Square, have managed to highlight all that of the access rights of people with disabilities. In memory of Matt Laffan, disabled people – the same disabled these issues. we will continue our commitment to the campaign for this access.

M at t L a ffa n and education as the rest of us. It is a Centre in Park Street got a step leading dining out and having a presence. It is right now enshrined in Commonwealth into it? I am a lawyer who works for the about access to life. Access to the basics: PHOTO EDITOR The built environment is about much and State legislation. However, buildings NSW Director of Public Prosecutions. the bread and circuses as well as the Ali Blogg more than bricks and mortar, steel and are still built without access. Wheelchair Why do I have to rely on police to politics and education. concrete, and the tension between light accessible buses are the exception to carry me up the stairs to the Newtown Now with a wink and a grin I will tell and shade cast by manmade structures. the unreliable rule as are accessible Local Court? Why have most inner city you that life is good. And it is. train stations. convenience stores got steps at their But I am well beyond the front gate. ASSISTANT EDITOR Esther Turnbull The built environment is about The job is never finished and I guess entry point? I have bolted. I am grateful to those the relationship of people within the in part it has never seriously been begun. To understand our relationship with who have created the spaces and places DESIGNER community of public and private places. Vigilance and agitation are essential. the built environment and its importance that have enabled me to access the built Robert Young It is about the politics of access, and The problem is it relies often on those one merely needs to reflect on what environment that is my own. I work PRINTER within the Australian context, the true against whom the discrimination has it means to be human. All of us, able independently. With guile, good humour Spotpress PTY LTD meaning of egalitarianism. been made to make it known to the bodied or otherwise, have intimate and friends I have traveled the world. 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Depending upon its design the finished relevant authorities. And the daily task needs. We are husbands and wives, You won’t often hear from me as to the Marrickville, NSW 2204 product can be a vivid declaration that of living can be tough enough, without boyfriends and girlfriends, employers downside of living with a spinal cord www.spotpress.com the place in question is for all of us, or having to wage a bureaucratic war as and employees, lovers and loners and injury. I cop it sweet and work on the for a selected few. well. But the fight must be taken up to the we share an underlying desire to touch positives to bring about change. REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS We Australians have traditionally building authorities, property developers and be touched, to hold and to be held. But once in a while I’ll allow myself the “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors regarded the upstairs-downstairs way and local, State and Federal governments. Our human condition must be reflected luxury to admit that life can be bloody who make this publication possible.” of life that existed back in England And it must be fought fearlessly for all of in the environment in which we live. hard: the trick is what to do about it. with suspicion. The myth being that we us: the disabled, the elderly, parents with Our desire to participate in society and Well, individually, we can do lots of Reem Al-Gharabally Eve Gibson had created a classless society. Stairs, strollers and those who simply believe our ability to do so must be realised. We things. We can be political and endeavour John August Perry Johnstone however, have always defined the rights in an Australia which accommodates all want to be a part of a community and to voice our needs, write letters to Benjamin Ball Katherine Keefe of people with spinal cord injuries and her citizens. world that is larger than ourselves, to proprietors in the hope of creating Laura Bannister norrie mAy-welby whether or not we are expected to join It is a glorious Sydney evening and which we can contribute and have some empathy through education and we can Jane Barton Nicholas McCallum the majority. The environment in which myself and a lady friend step out for some influence, and the built environment is celebrate those who create easy paths Anna Christie Kate Lamb we live, and that which we want to wine, dinner, conversation and a band we about making sure that those communal for all of us by publicly acknowledging Tara Clifford Sarah Malik explore, historically has been shaped in want to hear. The venue we find has it aspirations are put into practice. their good work. Lindsay Cohen Ellice Mol spite of us. all plus two flights of stairs. For those of us with spinal cord Whatever your role or situation, the Lee Conley Lisa Moon Our national psyche commonly Why can I not get in unassisted? Why injuries it is what I call getting beyond fact is we are here to stay, and it is about adheres to the principal that access is should four bouncers struggle beneath the front gate. It is about stepping being brave. I encourage you to push on, Wendy Collis Susannah Palk not a privilege but a right. Our collective the weight of this chair? outside our home and comfort zone and despite the steps, and to be seen, for by Pam Dagwell Andre Rangiah sense of natural justice is provoked I live in the dead centre of this fabulous being exposed to those things which being seen your needs can’t be ignored. Linda Daniele Vanessa Watson when fellow Australians are unable to Harbour city. Why is there a step into the we discover are new. It is about sharing And most importantly continue to believe Flint Duxfield Scott Winter access the same buildings and modes of pharmacy on Bathurst Street stopping me ourselves with others. It is about getting in yourself and in the value, potential and transport and sources of entertainment from getting in? Why has the Medical into the work place, enjoying the concert, greatness of your fellow Australians. April 2009 N e w s 3

Residents Alan, Straun and Henry at the secure front door Photo: Ali Blogg Intercom installed in public housing complex

Ba r r ie McM a hon On the other hand, there are other with a low diverting wall (trip hazard) finds its own way to Blackwattle Bay, Department in South Sydney (nor indeed for maintenance matters which, hopefully, from the lawn. This does nothing to undermining, and breaking up the the particular complex). We mention it as a An earlier story in the SSH (‘Elderly will not take that long for that take away the run-off down the path, path, whose continuing grading is still case study which might allow us to see how residents at risk …’ [November intervention to be accomplished. The and ignores the blocked drain, which the problem. well such problems are handled between 2008]) told of the quest for an hope springs from the stimulus funding no longer carries the storm water (from This is not, of course, the only residents and landlord – without political intercom for a Housing Department now being made available for government many sources). Instead, the water maintenance problem for the Housing (or even media) intervention. complex, particularly to allow access properties and the established need. by the emergency services. At the Against this we might have bureaucratic time of publication, the residents inertia (or worse) to overcome. had been trying for over a decade, There is an obvious drainage problem without success. at the Darlington complex. A badly- graded path brings storm water to the Green Loop sets high standard We can now report that the intercom door of a ground floor unit. The problem has been installed – possibly as a result is aggravated by additional run-off from Jack Ba rton NSW Ministry of Transport, City of people move into the new developments, of the SSH article and the interest of local an adjacent lawn. Sydney and Landcom’s recent Transport everything is already set up. The Green member, Carmel Tebbutt. The landlord has “fixed” the problem The proposed Green Square Town Management and Accessibility Plan Square line was developed as one of Centre is at the heart of Australia’s (TMAP) warns that this development the State’s public-private partnerships. largest urban renewal area – right will see at least 4,000 new car trips in Consequently, travellers pay through between the CBD and our international the am peak subsequently added in the the nose for it (a return ticket to Central airport (although the site is not area over a 25-year timeframe with a Station costs $10.20). This has been excessively affected by aircraft noise. “business as usual” approach to the identified by City of Sydney as a barrier Several arterial roads intersect in expected population growth. to the new Green Square residents using HMASCAS15935 the area, serviced by a number of Luckily, there has been a constructive the centrally located train station for a cross regional bus routes and there tension between the top-down approach daily commute to the city. is a modern subway station at that of the State government and the This is where the whip needs to The Office of intersection. The site is as close to a bottom-up approach of City of Sydney be cracked, because the track record blank slate as you will find in any with Clover Moore as the figurehead. of NSW’s transport infrastructure international city. The site is earmarked as an exemplar management is underwhelming, as THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP for the Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision. evidenced, amongst other things, by the MEMBER FOR SYDNEY All this makes it a prime candidate This vision outlines a series of best- recent snub from Infrastructure Australia for large-scale urban renewal. Certainly, practice, and better-than-best-practice not recognising any major Sydney plans for the area have cooled down initiatives to not only accommodate the transport project as being adequate to in light of the global economic crisis. growth of the city over the next 20 years, justify Federal funding. Reasons include Despite this, Landcom, which has but to start the ball rolling on setting multiple bureaucracies, insufficient responsibility for the project on behalf of a very high standard for large-scale coordination and undercooked proposals. the State Government and City Council, sustainable development. Ambitious, yet Transport cannot be looked at in has received commercial offers to partner feasible targets, to reduce vehicle traffic isolation and for such expensive, long- with it to develop the first phase of and implement alternative travel modes term projects that affect so many. Now is over 200,000m2 gross floor area of new are imperative to the sustainability of the a critical time to create well-placed, construction with an end value of over work, such as TMAP’s proposed transit affordable and accessible housing. $1 billion. The local environment plan Green Loop connecting Green Square to The notion of a transit Green Loop has for the Town Centre envisages buildings Central, Redfern and Surry Hills. to be delivered, to make back what we up to 20 storeys over the railway station, Although the pragmatic controls are lost with the complex network of trams Has relocated to: and the rest of the urban form basically all in place, the success or failure of the enjoyed by Sydneysiders at the turn of stepping down from this pinnacle to meet precinct will depend on ongoing policy the century. 111 – 117 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW the existing residential fabric. In realising development and implementation across all this, $3.2 billion will be generated for all levels of government. Dr John (Jack) Barton is a Research Phone : (02) 9357 6366 Fax: (02) 9357 6466 the State economy and 4,000 jobs created Infrastructure strategies and transport Fellow at the City Futures Research in building flats for some 19,000 new solutions need to be planned and Centre, Faculty of the Built Environment residents over the broader area. implemented fast, so that when the at the University of New South Wales.

Local Resident… Patrick McKay 0408 018 208 Local Knowledge… Your Area Specialist LJ Hooker Newtown Working For You… 02 8595 1888 ljhooker.com.au 4 N e w s April 2009 Federal grant for city upgrades

Pam Dagwell

South Sydney childcare centres, town halls and community centres are soon to benefit from a $660,000 Federal Government grant to upgrade energy and water facilities across Sydney. The windfall is Sydney’s share of the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program to improve infrastructure across local communities in Australia’s 565 local council areas.

In all, the Rudd Government will spend $42 billion on a short- and long-term stimulus package to boost the Australian Kristina Keneally and Roy Wakelin-King meet the locals Photo: Andrew Collis economy reeling from the Global Financial Crisis. Federal Minister for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek, and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development RWA’s new CEO in listening mode and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, have jointly announced Nicholas McC a l lum “We must go forward and into the prospects in shaping the Redfern-Waterloo Keneally said. details of the project. The funds future,” Mr Wakelin-King stated with an area through urban development Though the Minister’s statement was will enable improvements in “Moving on”, “leaving the past in optimism shrouded in a caution of coming and regeneration. Also standing on a counter to the evening’s message of energy and water efficiency at the past” and “looking to the future” into a new community and striking a platform of protracted communication, moving forward, the past was one issue approximately 70 community were just some of the well-tested balance between the government and Ms Keneally confirmed she was eager to that continually arose in questions from buildings, aquatic centres, parks catch-cries heard when the new the public. For the present, the CEO will proceed with shaping the area’s future residents. One question in particular and gardens across the city. Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, Kristina remain in listening mode. together with local residents. was regarding whether Ms Keneally will A City of Sydney spokesperson Keneally, and recently appointed CEO There is, however, a sheen of In tandem with future development, continue to hold her position after the said, “The work will include of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, Roy confidence to the new CEO, who has a the Minister expressed the general 2011 election. Given the past performance installation of solar hot water, Wakelin-King, met with REDWatch background of special appointee positions consensus for the preservation of of the Government, there is a concern energy efficient lighting upgrades, and other community members on for the NSW Government. Having been in heritage buildings at existing sites set that any of the plans enacted between after-hours lighting systems, Thursday March 5 at the Factory charge of transport for the 2000 Sydney for enhancement such as the North now and the election may not be carried waterless urinals, rainwater Community Centre in Waterloo. Olympics and CEO for World Youth Day Eveleigh precinct’s rail history. The through if Labor is not returned to office. tanks, rainwater harvesting, it’s safe to say that he is a man who gets minister affirmed the mutual desire for Until then, the Minister and the CEO water flow restrictions on taps Both Mr Wakelin-King and Ms Keneally things done and does them well. Now maintaining the area’s history through reassured the residents and REDWatch and showers, window tinting, proposed a more open and responsive the challenge of revamping one of the some of its existing buildings and its they will use the Ministry of Planning and sun-shading and sub-metering approach to consultation from the RWA most underdeveloped and neglected relevance for the community. the Government to achieve mutual aims. of electricity, gas and water.” and the Ministry, with community communities in the State awaits his “We can’t be a community unless “I’m focused on the time I have here Mr Albanese said the forums, websites and notice boards being Midas touch. we have something to share and the and I want to make every minute of it Infrastructure Program represented some of the methods put forward. The Minister also proclaimed her future one thing we all share is the past,” Ms count,” Ms Keneally pledged. the single largest investment of this kind in Australia’s history. “Without federal funding, projects like this would have remained in the ‘too-hard’ basket,” the Minister said. Glebe locals pledge to save gully Ms Plibersek is pleased that her representations to Canberra Trevor Davies lost on the casting vote of the Lord Mayor. about the importance of local Deputy Lord Mayor Marcelle Hoff and community projects have been A media release from concerned Glebe Shayne Mallard voted for Burgmann’s heard. “The Rudd Government residents states: “The Orphan School motion. Marcelle Hoff, in a very thoughtful understands that our community Creek Gully is located on the grounds statement to the SSH said: “For me, this in Sydney is feeling the effects of of the former Camperdown Children’s conversation is not simply about the the global financial crisis,” she Hospital. The Orphan School Creek creation of a native habitat adjacent to said. “Investing in local projects Gully has long been ear-marked for Wood Street. It’s not simply about bush that are ready to go is a great way native habitat by successive councils. regeneration along Orphan School Creek. to generate construction activity.” That was part of a trade-off for accepting This is about safeguarding biodiversity, Council sees the package high-rise apartment buildings on other supporting ecosystems in general. creating a number of jobs for parts of the site. Despite being just Increasing and conserving biodiversity trades, including electricians, 3 km from central Sydney, the area is not just about conserving endangered plumbers and air conditioning is home to a remarkable diversity of species in isolation. It is about safeguarding mechanics. As well, improved wildlife – butterflies and native birds, entire habitats, entire ecosystems. energy efficiency in many of the frogs, reptiles and possums. Now the “Orphan School Creek should be City’s buildings should result City of Sydney is building a concrete path an integrated habitat. It should be an in reduced ongoing costs. “The through this native habitat.” integrated ecosystem. I believe I have physical works are expected to a responsibility to safeguard it and the commence in mid 2009,” the “We are shocked,” says Peter Robinson. installation of the proposed switch back Council spokesperson said. “We “For years the Council has been claiming path will not safeguard this habitat. The understand the funds will be made green credentials and saying it will support installation of the path will fragment this available progressively after an the native habitat plan, but this concrete ecosystem. This fragmented area will not agreement is reached between the path will carve it up with concrete. It just be capable of providing sufficient resources Federal Government and the City.” doesn’t make sense.” As bulldozers finalise to support the diversity of flora and wild Redfern Community Centre, ground works for the site, residents have life that is essential for a true ecosystem. Surry Hills Childcare Centre, South been infuriated by the revised plans which The installation of this switch back path Sydney Youth Centre, Waterloo reveal a greatly reduced area of native will leave us with a token version, a token and Erskineville Town Halls and bush. A broad embankment, previously habitat. We will not have a true ecological Residents express opposition to concrete path Photo: Esther Turnbull Kings Cross Neighbourhood reserved for native trees, has been slashed system in this area.” Centre are among the facilities by a zigzag concrete path. Resident Peter Robinson said, “We people spoke against. No one spoke in The SSH understands that there are also targeted for improvement. Meredith Burgmann’s notice of motion are disappointed it was Clover Moore’s favour of the path. It was standing room significant issues and disagreements around at the Council meeting last month in an decision. Clover used her casting vote to only and every one was on side.” He went effective disabled access to the area concerned A full list of the recipients can be attempt to reverse the Council decision was make sure the path will go ahead. Six on to promise: “It’s not over yet.” and the nature of the suggested pathway. obtained from Sydney City Council. April 2009 N e w s 5

C l e an U p A u s tr alia Have You Heard?

Clean Up Australia was founded by Australian Ian Kiernan in 1989. It works to foster relationships between the THE FAST NEWS WITH TREVOR DAVIES community, business and government to address the environmental issues of waste, water and climate change. Since its inception, Clean Up Australia has grown to include other projects and campaigns including Business Clean Minister Garrett struts his stuff – Up Day, Schools Clean Up Day, Clean Up the Alps, Clean Up the Kimberley and Clean Up the World. The SSH was at two of those clean up sites in Sydney. local muso, Anthony Kable, joins the Oils “Recently I had the privilege of performing in the farewell (again) concerts of one of my all-time favourite bands, Midnight Oil. Having played with them before, I’ve become aware of the power and excitement the band generates, not only on stage, but also as a rare Australian cultural icon, with fans desperate to experience the band’s music and its message. All three events were sold out – two warm-up shows in Canberra and the Sound Relief Bushfire fundraiser in Melbourne. It had been a long time between drinks for the Oils and to get the show up and running in such a short time was a monumental effort. The second concert was particularly impressive. With one under our belt the band let loose. As far into the crowd as you could see, there were outstretched hands as if pleading for salvation. Closer to the front the hands were more choreographed, Peter Garrett style, fingers spread, catching accents and guitar riffs and mimicking the towering front man as he careened back and forth across the stage. The horn section joined the stage as the band hurtled towards the finale, from ‘Forgotten Years’ and ‘Dead Heart’ to ‘The Power And The Passion’ and ‘The Best of Both Worlds’. “The Sound Relief concert was very special. Amazingly, the front row was ,filled with the same faces from the previous two nights in Canberra. It was intimidating to have Neil Finn and Mark Seymour stand a few feet away as we played to 80,000 people, yet very humbling to help in such a time of need. Midnight Oil still have a powerful voice, and it was also empowering that, despite all the media hype and speculation, songs like ‘US Forces’ and ‘Beds Are Burning’ were delivered with the same passion and spirit from which they were born.”

311 bus route changes in the Cross Volunteers gather in the ’Loo Photo: Ali Blogg Latest news on the 311 bus route saga is that the NSW Minister for Transport has approved changes to the 311 bus route, which will disadvantage local residents and threaten the viability of Elizabeth Bay House, owned and run Clean up in the ’Loo by a State Government authority – the Historic Houses Trust. Over the last six months locals have battled to save the route. The HHT Director, Peter Watts, Gr a h a m Woodcock several volunteers from the Matthew out to help,” said Meredith Burgmann as said in its submission, “The HHT supports public transport to the [Elizabeth Talbot Hostel. she donned her gloves and grabbed a bag. Bay House] museum. Any reduction or change to the 311 bus service would The annual Clean Up Australia Day Once again, Nick’s Supermarket “It really does help unite the community.” further impact on visitation.” on March 1 was another successful supported the day providing cold bottled Volunteers also came from outside event. Organised by the local branch of water for volunteers. The AMWU brought the area when they found there was no the ALP, more than 40 helpers filled 80 along their mobile barbecue and cooked a official site in Darlinghurst or Kings Cross. bags of rubbish, most of it recyclable. sausage sizzle for the helpers. Nick David Ian Keirnan’s brainchild continues to Long journey home from Newport from Nick’s till Midnight continued to be a great Australia-wide success and to Redfern on a Saturday Also, more than five sharps containers help make the day – supplying onions, Australia’s oldest suburb is justifiably A few weeks ago I bravely ventured up the Northern Beaches to a family full of needles were collected. Meredith fresh bread and sauce for the barbecue. proud of its efforts in cleaning up function at the Newport Hotel on a Saturday night. I came back by bus at about Burgmann chipped in, along with “It’s great to see so many people turn the ’Loo. 9pm. It was one of those bendy buses which must be quite a task to drive. Traffic was bumper-to-bumper and, so it seemed, young people poured onto the bus, mostly carrying bottles of alcohol, unopened. Once they were on, they started drinking. They even had a sculling contest. It was incredible behaviour. In my 39 years in inner-city Redfern, I have never seen that sort of behaviour. I was sh-- scared. I finally made it home about midnight. I was so pleased that the State Government has not increased the size of the Spit Bridge. Why encourage them to come into the City? The Northern Beaches needs our help! Any ideas?

Last month’s cartoon Last month’s cartoon by our very talented cartoonist, norrie mAy welbie, needs some explanation: She says: “The cartoon depicted a float in this year’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. ‘If Foxtel wants to film our parade (and make us pay to watch it) then surely we can tell what sequence it is in, not vice versa,’ says Maxi Shields, writing in Sydney Star Observer (11 March). Others complained about being unable to videophone their friends because Foxtel was protecting its exclusive live telecast rights. And others suspected corporate pressure in what amounted to admittedly mild censorship of youthful expression. But to be fair, the Amnesty International organisers agreed with the suggestion from Mardi Gras that a noose shouldn’t be used. The noose was proposed to represent the death penalty (in 7 countries, for being gay), but organisers decided it was too suggestive of suicide, which was counter-productive. I used the Amnesty float change as one element of a cartoon depicting some Clean up in Newtown Photo: Karol Foyle questionable aspects of the parade. It is in no way meant as a slur against the commited and caring people who put this entry together, just a light-hearted asking of a question. There’s also a suggestion in the cartoon of the couple in the Love Underwear float being not at all gay, as they are a male and female Clean up in the old church cemetery model. After the cartoon was published, I met a couple of heterosexually- identifying people who revealed they had been paid to model on a commercial K a rol Foy l e dual reasons. “We wanted the day not The church believes that most of the float. I am personally very fond of heterosexuals (it’s a transsexual thing that just to be about cleaning up the church litter is left at night when the church yard some gays don’t quite get), and am always glad to see the divisions of gay/ Broken glass, multiple syringes and grounds but also creating a stronger sense is closed. “Recently the Council placed straight/male/female subverted to make room for us messy humans. Yet this even a double mattress were amongst of community.” benches outside the park walls, and whilst shows how corporate interests may dilute the point of this parade. I say, Let the detritus collected from the St The Church and Cemetery are listed we are not against the benches, they have freedom ring, and not make way for people flogging ringtones! The Mardi Stephen’s Church Cemetery in Newtown as heritage sites and are used regularly been placed next to the wall and this has Gras Parade does a lot of good, but concerns about corporate interference by over 40 volunteers, during this year’s by locals as a walking track. A rusting meant the churchyard is easily accessible Clean Up Australia Day campaign. iron tomb, in particular, has been at night,” said Frank Gehrman, a church should be taken seriously, or it will be irrelevant to more and more young misused as a garbage bin for many years warden. Night intruders have damaged people disenchanted with corporate control. The most good the parade does is 2009 was the first year that the church and took most of the day to empty. It both the historic site and themselves in in the visibility of human diversity, and it would achieve this better if if were grounds were registered as an official contained hazardous material such as recent months, with an ambulance called broadcast free-to-air on ABC, as once happened before the commercial interests clean up site and organisers declared the syringes, broken glass and burnt debris. to the site when a drunken man fell out of were contracted with. Now it makes Foxtel a tidy $25 per pay-per-viewer, it may day a success. Peter Rodgers, minister Surprisingly, an historic headstone had a tree earlier this year. St Stephen’s plans be missing the isolated young genderfluid person in Wagga for whom it could at St Stephen’s, organised the day for also been deposited within the tomb. to hold the event again next year. have been a lifeline.” 6 N e w s April 2009

Ward Avenue, before and after Photos: Ali Blogg Weeding while waiting for the bus Peter W hitehe a d when “community” was not merely a Cleveland Streets, on Cathedral Street in urban environment”. the public liability quagmire that stifles so word printed above the closed doors of Wool/loo/moo/loo, at Ward Avenue up the Local councils are caught out by these much of public life is to ignore it whilst being Remember a time before “user pays” a facility with a number to ring if you Cross, under the light rail bridge in Annandale subversive do-gooders. They may appreciate responsible”. was an acceptable policy, and “magic intend to hire part of that public building or near the Newtown Police Station. These the installations just as much as local Maybe this is the best way to stop the happens” was not just a whacky bumper for a sanctioned use (provided your people are part of a radical (roots and all) communities do but must officiously declare: whingeing and get on with improving our sticker? Maybe my mind is playing paperwork is complete and authorised movement to give wasteland life. “an inspection has been conducted and a urban environment instead of waiting for tricks with memories of childhood but by a JP). They are inspired by 70s London activists determination will be made shortly on its some level of government to do it for us. I recall a time when quality of life could who created gardens in public places to future based on a risk assessment and taking not be costed – a time when “stranger Now you may have caught Guerrilla protest “the appalling misuse of urban consideration of public safety issues.” If you want to get involved contact Guerrilla danger” was naively neglected in the Gardeners on the telly or witnessed their land, the lack of provision of affordable Micky, the Irish member of the TV Gardeners and offer your ideas or just neighbourly greeting of newcomers, work at the corner of South Dowling and housing and the deterioration of the team, responds that “the only way out of start weeding while waiting for the bus. Oz Turks Jr The best pizzas, pides and more... A chance to dance! Do you know any young people who are passionate about dancing? All our pizzas are topped with 100% australian mozzerella. If you answered yes to this question then Gluten-free bases are available. South Sydney Youth Services (SSYS) and

offer offer offer 1 offer 2 offer 3 offer 4 1 large pizza 2 large pizzas Urban Dance Centre (UDC) are looking for them! 2 medium pizzas 1 garlic bread 2 pides 1 garlic bread 1.5L drink 1.5L drink 1.5L drink 1.5L drink W hat? Free Hip Hop classes $22 $23 $25 $36 Who? Young people 12-14 years old

offer 5 offer 6 offer 7 offer 6 (we can be flexible with the age) 1 family pizza 2 family pizzas 4 pides 4 family pizzas 1 garlic bread 1 garlic bread 2 garlic breads 2 garlic bread When? Every Wednesday between 4.30pm 1.5L drink 1.5L drink 1.5L drink 1.5L drink $26 $45 $54 $90 & 5.30pm (start date 06.05.09) Where? UDC, 39 Greek Street, Glebe free home delivery. ($15 MINIMUM ORDER) How? 15 young people will be selected to join the open SEVEN DAYS program and they will be involved for the rest of dine in and takeaway the year taking part in various performances. home delivery 5pm – 10pm At the end of the year UDC will be selecting talented and gifted dancers to join tåhe Youth Program or they could be granted a scholarship 8399 3799 into the Certificate IV of Performing Arts. Closing date for applications: Friday April 10 245 abercrombie Street, redfern April 2009 N e w s 7 Battle of Victoria Street remembered ADVERTISEMENT L inda Da niel e Kristina Juanita Nielsen came from a wealthy family and could have chosen to live a quiet and easy life. Instead Keneally MP she became heavily involved in the campaign to save Victoria Street in MEMBER Kings Cross, a battle that is believed FOR HEFFRON to have led to her murder.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the “Battle of Victoria Street”, during 301 saved and changes to local bus services which residents and squatters, who In July 2008 I hosted a forum for the local community to comment on proposed were campaigning for low rental inner- changes to local bus services. Today I can provide you with the results of our city housing and heritage preservation of the old terraces, occupied houses in work with the State Transit Authority and the difference the feedback from the the street earmarked for development. local community made in the new services. Juanita Nielsen was one of these The changes will take effect from 26 April 2009 and will include the following: residents and has become a larger- than-life character in the annals of the Crown Street services Cross. She used her voice as editor of Community response to the proposed new routes to replace the 301, 302 and a local newspaper to oppose high-rise 303 strongly indicated a desire to retain the existing services. The results are: development and supported trade union “green bans”. Fighting to protect The proposed 341 and 342 (which would have replaced some sections of 301, some of the area’s historic housing in 302 and 303) will not be proceeding. the 1970s, Nielsen published the local paper NOW from her home at 202 The 302 and 303 bus service will continue to operate on their current routes Victoria Street. but will run via Todman Avenue in Kensington rather than travelling down Victoria Street in Kings Cross contains Virginia and Baker Streets in Kensington. many beautiful 19th-century terraces and is lined with plane trees on either Juanita Nielsen’s house in Victoria Street up for sale in 2007 Photo: Ali Blogg The X03 will continue to operate on its current route with an additional two Photo: Google Images side of the road, meeting overhead to (Inset) Juanita Nielsen trips from the City in the evening peak period on a trial basis, to be retained if form a leafy canopy. The National Trust patronage requires; has compared the area to Montmartre under-used commercial office buildings. to police, Nielsen went to the club in in Paris. Built along a steep sandstone They claimed the right to intervene in Kings Cross on July 4, 1975 in order The 301 will continue to operate on its current route with additional services escarpment east of the city centre, the decision-making process and exert a to discuss advertising in Nielsen’s being added. These additional services will include 10 extra services each Victoria Street has commanding views degree of workers’ control, determined newspaper. In turn, Anderson accused weekday (2 in the morning peak, and 4 in each direction for the evening peak), of the city, the harbour and the Domain. to use their labour in a socially useful Detective Sergeant Fred Kahe, once including extending the 15 minute service on Crown St up until 9:30pm. In the early 1970s when houses manner. The campaign maintained Krahe was safely dead. in Victoria Street were run down, that “all work performed should be of But while many are sure they know, 343 and X43 developers were anxious to demolish a socially useful and of an ecologically no one has ever been brought to Some users expressed concern about the proposal to discontinue the X43. much of the western side of the street benign nature”. justice for the crime, and the drama The results are: to make way for high rise residential Backed by the green ban, residents surrounding Juanita Nielsen’s murder towers. One plan had them at 45 storeys. of Victoria Street refused to leave their still fascinates. The X43 route will become an all stops 343 bus service. At present the The Builder’s Labourers’ Federation properties, and after a long battle, some Presenting the 2004 Juanita Nielsen X43 runs only 3 minutes faster than the 343. The cost of this 3 minutes is (BLF), in alliance with the residents of places were saved and the development Memorial Lecture, The Politics of that the X43 has capacity but sails past passengers who can’t get on 343 Victoria Street, placed a “green ban” on was not as intrusive as had been Fighting Back, Anne Summers described services. The conversion to all stops means these people can take advantage the project. As Verity Burgmann [now planned. Eviction notices had been Nielsen as a woman of courage and of this unused capacity. Verity Firth] in Power and Protest put served, windows were smashed and conviction who literally paid with her it, the background to the green-ban utilities ripped out of the houses. life in her battle to save Victoria Street East-West services struggles is the story of the destruction As Meredith and Verity Burgmann in Kings Cross. For some time we have pushed in Heffron to have more east-west services. of Australia’s major cities in the 1960s write in their 1998 book, Green Bans, Summers explained that she had The new Route 10 Metrobus is helping to meet this need between Kingsford and early 1970s. Red Union, in the most brutal of some acquaintance with Juanita during and Leichhardt, yet the feedback from the public consultation argued that “The interests of home buyers and these green ban years, “the developer that period and that she herself was greater east-west routes were required. The results are: architectural heritage lost out against employed armed thugs to vandalise the “one of those who squatted in the often purely speculative construction. At buildings and terrorise the residents, unoccupied houses in an attempt to save A new 348 service will operate full-time, Monday to Friday, 6 am to 6 pm. one stage, there was ten million square where one resident disappeared and them, but after we were all arrested and This service will run from Bondi Junction to Wolli Creek, travelling via the feet of vacant office space in Sydney’s returned too frightened to say what had carted off one awful morning, we pretty Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Todman Avenue business district, while people looking happened to him and where one activist much gave up the fight. [Juanita] was and via Victoria Park and Green Square. It will then travel along its usual for their first homes or flats could find disappeared forever”. The kidnapped the one who stayed on to fight. It was nothing,” writes Burgmann. resident was Arthur King and the a battle that was partially won, but the route and extend through to Sydney Park onto the Princes Highway and The New South Wales branch of the activist was Juanita Nielsen. price paid was high, far too high.” through to Wolli Creek. BLF decided this destruction should Everyone has a theory as to who In the words of one of the latest The 357 service will change slightly in Randwick to pick up portions of stop, even though they were the murdered Juanita Nielsen. Many suspect writers on the subject, Peter Rees, in people employed to do it. The union James McCartnery Anderson, who his book Killing Juanita: A true story of the 359 route, and the 359 route will be discontinued. The changes do insisted priorities be reversed, that the managed the Carousel Club for owner murder and corruption, “Juanita’s legacy not significantly affect services in Heffron, except the good news that construction of flats and houses was Abe Saffron, alleged to be a major figure transcends and inspires the struggle for the 357 will now also include a service to Mascot Station. more important than piling up empty or in Sydney’s organised crime. According the soul of Sydney”. There will also be an additional school special 659 service for school children that currently use the 359 to travel to and from school. Botany Road services As many of you would recall, the consultation last year did not propose any Notre Dame – ever expanding alterations to the routes along Botany Road and I can confirm there are no John August a city can deal with this increasing in Chippendale three years ago. Numbers changes to the Botany Road services. development density and how that must presented back then (when it was In addition to not removing or changing any services along Botany Road the The Notre Dame University has add to the congestion on nearby roads, fighting to get its DA approved) indicated STA, over the past 12 months, has supplemented Botany Rd services with extra lodged a Development Application the CCCG is concerned about the effect about 300 students. After concerns at the (DA) for Pioneer House on Broadway on parking for locals. time, these numbers were revised – to buses as needed. (cnr Buckland Street), to house 480 The CCCG already notes a steady 860 students by year 2010. An additional 9 services will now be introduced permanently, including extra students, opening next year. increase in the student numbers for the Contrary to DA suggestions that the 1 309, X09 and X10 services and all 410 and express service on Botany Road will NDU, contrary to its earlier suggestions Grafton Street development would be a remain pre-pay services. It’s a concern for the Combined the numbers would be small. temporary facility, its seems that more Chippendale Community Groups, whose A “vision” statement been published than a year before, NDU had planned Information on these services is available via the State Transit investigations suggest there will be – but this is subject to change dependent this site’s longer-term redevelopment. Authority website www.sydneybuses.info or by phone on the another DA, to add additional storeys on an increased demand for its services The CCCG also claims a lack of Transport Infoline 131500. onto this building, once local planning – suggesting an unconstrained approach. community consultation. A recent media controls are changed. It seems the University has more than report quotes the University as saying: This would represent an alteration 1,700 students. The vision statement “There was very little interest from local to what they describe as a “wonderful posits 3,000 students for the Chippendale residents. No objections were raised at Kristina Keneally MP Art Deco heritage building”. Further, campus, but the CCCG is sceptical, the session and support for the NDU’s the current DA provides no open space, given how rubbery previous numbers proposal was expressed.” This claim was Member for Heffron student facilities, parking or cycle have been. The group’s FOI enquiries repeated in support of the DA. Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 facilities. The NDU’s consultants suggest at Council suggest the University will the expansion will have absolutely no have several thousand more students. At the close of deadline, in spite of Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 detrimental impact locally – with no The current population is contrary to several attempts to obtain comment Email: [email protected] additional traffic or demand on local the promises made by the University from NDU, and some helpful individuals parking. Quite apart from how we as when it first sought approval to operate at NDU, no comment was forthcoming. 8 N e w s April 2009

prisoners’ needs, particularly post-release. According to the CRC website, “many [ex-prisoners] experience problems with housing, employment, finances, relationships, drugs and alcohol and mixing with other people”. Although ex-prisoners may lose property as a result of their precarious financial situation during long-term imprisonment, state public housing currently has no special provisions for them. CRC asserts that the negative stigma attached to those with a criminal record can affect individual self-esteem and resettlement. The level of mental health problems and disorders, particularly depression, is 3-4 times higher among inmates than other Australians. CRC recognises the need of ex-prisoners to build “stable and independent lives” and offers a number of intensive support programs for those affected by the retributive system and their families.

All statistics are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics report on Prisoners in Australia, 2008.

PRISON: LAST RESORT OR FIRST OPTION? Law and order campaigns? Privatisation? Prison for reform Staff at the Community Restorative Centre Photo: Ali Blogg or punishment? Alternatives? Greg Smith – Shadow Attorney General & Shadow Minister for Justice Lee Rhiannon – Greens Member Crime in NSW: a vicious cycle? Legislative Council Penny Sharpe – Labor MP L aur a Ba nnister Broadway and the Beyond Bars Alliance crime, the BBA has claimed “there are “rehabilitation and any reparation [is (BBA) argue that the NSW criminal no studies in Australia that prove a causal made] almost impossible within the Prof. Eileen Baldry – Associate Dean Over half of all prisoners in justice system does not do enough to help relationship between high incarceration prison environment”. For this reason, School of Social Science UNSW Australian gaols have already served ex-prisoners assimilate back into society, levels and reduced crime or prevented exit programs and support networks are a sentence in an adult prison prior and in turn, reduce the likelihood of their recidivism”. BBA fact sheets reinforce crucial during the transition process from Presented by the South Sydney to their current internment. In the re-offending. this notion, stating that the perception prison to everyday life. Herald & the Social Justice last 10 years, the number of people The Beyond Bars Alliance is a coalition of custody as a system that protects Many of these rely on fundraising to Committee of the Sydney incarcerated has increased by 39 per organisation that formed in the period society from hardened criminals is rooted maintain their services. It is estimated that Presbytery of the Uniting Church cent, with New South Wales courts leading up to the 2003 NSW state election. in media-driven generalisations that half a billion taxpayer dollars are spent in Australia sentencing more than any other state It aims to dispel myths about law and stereotype offenders. annually on corrective services in NSW. or territory. order in practice and promote viable Instead, it cites the vast majority The Community Restorative Centre is an Wednesday May 27, 7.30pm alternatives to imprisonment. of the state prison population as “the active outreach group which believes that South Sydney Uniting Church Independent groups such as the In its critique of prison as an poorest, most dislocated and marginalised the criminal justice system, despite ample 56a Raglan St, Waterloo Community Restorative Centre (CRC) in imprudent and inefficient reaction to people in our communities” for whom funding, often fails to adequately address Firearm Amnesty to take guns off streets

SSH which includes imitations and replicas, firearm barrels, ammunition, magazines NSW Police will run a three-month and silencers. Firearm Amnesty encouraging those Alternatively, licence holders, who have unregistered firearms to and anyone who may have illegal surrender or register them, and to also firearms, can go to www.police.nsw. remind licensed holders of safe storage gov.au/firearms, email queries to requirements. [email protected] or call the Amnesty information line on 1800 Between March 1 and May 31 owners 803 041 for further information. of illegal firearms can hand them in with This will be the third amnesty in the no questions asked, no penalties given last 10 years that NSWPF have called for and anonymity guaranteed. However, and so far police have stopped 63,000 after the Amnesty any breach will guns being fired. be dealt with under the existing laws In 2001, 45,000 firearms were handed and penalties. in to police. In 2003, following changes Local Area Commands (LACs) across in handgun restrictions, a five-month NSW will begin inspections of all licensed amnesty and mobile gun buy-back which firearm holders’ storage facilities to ensure encouraged legal handgun owners to Neighbours become good friends Photo: Ali Blogg they comply with safety requirements submit their weapons for inspection/ after the Amnesty ends on May 31. destruction, resulted in 18,000 guns being Redfern LAC will be notifying local handed in to police. firearms holders of the specific date “The purpose is to keep the community Caroliners enjoy picnic in the park regarding the inspections of their firearms. safe,” says Redfern LAC Superintendent Licence holders should be aware that if Luke Freudenstein. “Any sort of firearm SSH Different folks bought different things of some of the odd things that happen the safe storage facility is found to be non is extremely dangerous if misused or in to the day – from a barbie (found in the around these neck of the woods. compliant with the current regulations, no the hands of the wrong people. Likewise On Sunday, March 1, the residents street), chairs, tables, and, of course, The police sailed past a number of leniency will be given. with firearms that aren’t stored correctly. of Caroline Street decided to have a lots of food and drink that was shared times, we gave a wave, and all was well. It is also advised that those who The idea of children or teenagers playing celebration of the diversity that exists amongst the Caroliners. All had a great At the end of the day we agreed that this wish to surrender any firearms inform with guns they can access is a tragedy within their neck of the woods in time, from 3-month-old Aria to Esbeth was a positive thing to do and we are their local police prior to arrival at the waiting to happen.” Redfern. For all the trouble that is often the Catholic nun and everyone in looking forward to the next one. police station. “We are also encouraging people associated with the area it was a great between, all contributing to the success Before the Caroliners left the park all More than 160,000 gun licence holders who may know those with illegal guns change to meet each other in the park of the day. helped to clean. Neighbours swapped across the state will receive letters from to contact the Crimestoppers number: across the road from their houses, to be Lunch drifted into the early afternoon emails, the odd photo was taken and the NSWPF Firearms Registry notifying 1800 333 000. Reports can be made able to share a joke, a bite of food and with lots of shared stories and enough many resolved to make another gathering them of the Amnesty and what to anonymously. Their phone call can make have a good time. liquid to keep those stories afloat, mixed happen, maybe like this one but later in do if they have unregistered firearms a difference.” with renovations dramas and the sharing the day to take off into the evening. April 2009 F E ATUR e s 9

Marina Zanvelevich Photo: Supplied Northcott resident Marina Zanvelevich – forever young

John r EEd

Marina Zanvelevich, a true earth angel, the founder of the Forever Young Academy, passed away last year. Her smiling and colourful presence adorned the suburb of Surry Hills these past 10 years, and she will be sorely missed by the many who knew and loved her.

With her unique mix of beauty and charm, of cheekiness and divine laughter, of Jewish chutzpah and with melodic Russian accent, and of intuitive wisdom and business skills, Marina was able to converse confidently with people from all walks of life. Her vast network included royalty, former heads of state, world spiritual leaders, prominent politicians and leading business people. She worked tirelessly to promote peace and wellbeing on planet earth. Everything from earth conservation, natural remedies, bird and animal and wildlife welfare, advanced scientific discoveries that complemented natural healing, political reform, healthy foods and beverages, pure and fresh water, and much more, were areas where she was actively involved. Sometimes as a singer, other times as a writer, most often as public speaker, she would ceaselessly communicate her love for life to the world, and of our need to make changes. Previously living in Darling Point and Double Bay in the 90s, she had been a celebrity with her pioneering “From Russia with Love” marriage/matchmaking business. Later in life she ran for the State elections in the seat of Wentworth, and thereafter she was busy shaping and forming her own political party. Marina had a strong interest in divinity ICAN supporter in action Photo: Supplied and spiritual life. She regularly engaged in devotional singing and embraced the teachings of many great spiritual leaders. Sai Baba, with his outstanding love for humanity, revealed through his many A nuclear weapons free world? service projects, was one such inspiration for her. He has overseen the construction of a super specialty hospital in India that SSH went to church on his inauguration groups and individuals having made of states not supporting resolutions provides free medical care of the finest day, his call to reduce the nuclear submissions. ICAN is calling for for a Nuclear Weapons Convention. quality to even the poorest person. He has The campaign for nuclear threat was noted by millions. Australia to be a proactive middle On a more positive note, Australia also overseen projects that supply fresh disarmament has lost traction Australia’s contribution to nuclear power, using diplomacy to take this year joined the growing purified water to millions of people in even over recent decades, probably disarmament has also increased these issues forward. We advocate consensus to decrease the operational remote parts of India, again free of charge. because of the end of the Cold War with Prime Minister Rudd’s a Nuclear Weapons Convention, in readiness of nuclear weapons (with And it was at Sai Baba’s ashram, also in between the United States and establishment of the International particular, as a way to incorporate 133 other countries), which asks India, that I was able to receive comfort Russia. However, there are still Commission for Nuclear Non all countries’ interests and concerns. the USA and Russia to take their and strength when I received the news enough nuclear weapons abroad to Proliferation and Disarmament. ICAN also calls on Australia to weapons off “hair trigger alert”. of Marina’s passing. Marina had been destroy the world. Those Western The Commission is co-sponsored eradicate the current military policy a dearly beloved friend and companion countries, and their supporters by Japan, and the chairs of Gareth that indicates we rely on the extended of mine over these past 10 years. with nuclear weapons, often take Evans and Yoriko Kawaguchi are deterrence of US nuclear weapons. ICAN GIVE! Make a donation to ICAN Most of all, Marina will be remembered an unethical and self-righteous aiming for political traction, not just Australia’s voting at last year’s Australia and it will be doubled! for her mission to awaken us to love stand against their development further report production. ICAN UN General Assembly, however, For a limited time, every dollar you ourselves and each other, and to live in in other countries. It is time this is honoured that Tilman Ruff will did not display the same leadership donate to ICAN Australia will be peace and harmony. That was the aim was challenged. ICAN is a group serve as an NGO adviser to the qualities, with voting following similar matched up to $200,000 thanks to of Forever Young and Paradise Gardens, which is trying to do something co-chairs. The Commission has patterns to that under the previous a generous challenge grant from the her twin visions of our greatest human about ending nuclear armaments met twice, with Evans stating that Coalition Government. There were Poola Foundation. Please consider potential to be living in an earthly and brings us the report below. the world has been “sleepwalking” 58 resolutions taken on disarmament making a donation today to help us splendour, in communion with nature, on the issue of nuclear weapons questions, many of which are meet this challenge so we can continue our hearts and minds open to love and The election of Barack Obama since the end of the Cold War. presented each year. Among these is to campaign on this vital issue. Thanks our inner and shared wisdom. As she in the US, and his renewed focus The Prime Minister has also a resolution regarding nuclear risks in to the MAPW Peace Fund, donations to taught, our every lovingly guided on nuclear weapons has buoyed directed a review of all nuclear treaties the Middle East and asks for Israel to ICAN can be tax deductible. To make thought, word or deed, brings this the nuclear abolition movement to which Australia is a party. Through cede to the nuclear Non Proliferation a donation either visit www.icanw.org/ vision a step closer. I invite you all globally. While Obama had to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaty. Australia was one of only nine donate or post a cheque/money order to continue with her good work. receive training about how to push Treaties a public consultation process countries not to support this move. made out to the MAPW Peace Fund Marina is survived by her son, the nuclear button even before he is underway, with a number of Australia is also among a minority to: PO Box 1379 Carlton VIC 3053. Alexander. 10 COMM E NT & O P I N I O N April 2009

Editorial

SSH

Recently published semi-naked photographs, allegedly taken 30 years ago of a prominent political figure and subsequently found to be fakes, represent Cartoon: norrie mAy-welby norrie Cartoon: a low point in print journalism. Not just unprofessional (the story behind the photographs was not verified), but a blatant case of sensationalism. In the public interest? Well, not in the public’s best interest. The whole sorry incident raises questions as to what is published, when and why. In whose interest is a story told? Neil Breen, editor of the Sunday Telegraph, which published the photographs on its front page, in a printed “apology” for what turned out to be “an elaborate con” (that is, not an apology for attempting to humiliate a person), says the News Limited weekly prides itself on providing “the best news, sport and gossip”. Therein lies a problem. When the distinction between news and gossip is blurred or lost, a paper abandons its responsibility to inform readers about issues of genuine concern. The trust of readers is sacrificed for short-term profits. Gossip is an indulgence. It is usually personal – something we may get a kick out of knowing about someone, which invades personal space and leaves its target vulnerable. It is often cruel and salacious. The Danish writer, Søren Kierkegaard, once described the press as an attack dog for which no-one takes responsibility. We can do better than that. Surely.

Last month we featured ASCA (Adults Surviving Child Abuse) and its advertising campaign to tackle the taboo around the legacy of child abuse and highlight the needs of adult survivors. During the month the campaign was featured on the 7.30 Report and on several radio spots. The campaign and its media coverage is producing good exposure with calls to ASCA’s 1300 line (1300 657 380) initially four times the usual rates continuing at Faith double, memberships quadrupling in the first two weeks of the campaign settling to double normal and website visits (www.asca.org.au) at times up to seven times normal levels stabilising at two to three times normal. Sadly, the call for donations has not matched the spike in other activities despite the mainly enthusiastic feedback for the campaign initiative. ASCA Easter thinking spokesperson Dr Cathy Kezelman has indicated that the organisation is pleased to see a healthy debate starting in the community around the Dorothy McRae-McMahon well have been tempted to respond as the people on the margins but as issues but feels there is still a long way to go till real acceptance and to this encouragement, told Peter the people on the threshold”. This understanding of the issues and appropriate government support for The United States community and to get behind him – to go where threshold is the entry into a more Australian adults surviving child abuse. arts worker, Patrick Overton, once he couldn’t be seen or heard. Jesus just and loving community and life. said: “When we walk to the edge then set his face to walk towards What Van Gennup was saying was of all the light we have, and take Jerusalem, towards the powers that people we perceive as being the step into the darkness of the whose policies and practices he was on the margins of society, often unknown, we must believe that one challenging, knowing that this was excluded or holding daring new eaders /CycleStrategyAndAction of two things will happen. There a dangerous thing to do. He walked views, may well be creating the R ’ Plan2007-2017.pdf will be something solid for us to on because he believed that this threshold through which society is Letters stand on or we will be taught to fly.” was the right and just thing to do. being called to step into a new day. Andrew Woodhouse He walked towards “the edge of Easter time can be far more than President – Potts Point & Kings The paradigm for life that is lived the light” and prepared himself to a time of simply remembering and Bike paths and heritage Cross Heritage Conservation out in the journey of Jesus to the step into the darkness, the unknown celebrating the death and risen life streetscapes Society cross is, in a profound and costly future. As it was with Jesus, this of Jesus Christ. This is the Christ The City of Sydney Council’s way, something like what Overton is usually a step we have to take who says, “Follow me”, and calls on newspaper ads and on-street signs describes. When you look at it like alone, even as we invite others us all to walk towards the edge of proclaiming “the path is there that, it takes away the unhealthy to hold us in love as we go. the light, to the horizons of where to share” point to its 2030 Offensive odour focus on suffering as good in itself Many of the great leaders of the we have been, so that we may see a vision as a mandate for a I’m a resident of Chippendale and and points us to a way of journeying world have acted like this. Some of different future and bravely enter it in walking and cycling city. I’m sure that I’m not alone when I in life which, by its nature, leads them lived and some of them died, faith. This is about looking at where However, council plans* say that there is a particular smell into a grander form of being alive. but they all added light and life to we are in our life journey and asking clearly show bike paths in Challis in the air around the Abercrombie Most of us have known moments the world. The French anthropologist, ourselves where we have a dream or a Avenue and Victoria Street, Potts and Ivy Street area. It smells a lot when we are faced with hard decisions. Arnold Van Gennep, first described longing for things to be different – for Point, both protected heritage like potato starch. The smell in Often there is an easier way forward, such people as “liminal”. He said that ourselves or for the community. It streetscapes. The central grove of the air fluctuates from bearable to and sometimes people alongside us liminality can be described as “an is an opportunity to reflect on who white magnolias in Challis Avenue, almost assaulting from day to day. encourage us to take that way. They ambiguous, sacred, social state in might be those who are inviting us to with car lanes only six metres At first I thought it could’ve are concerned that we may be hurt. which a person or group of persons fly into new freedoms, even though wide on each side, is threatened come from one of the cafes but it Peter, one of the friends of Jesus, tried is separated for a time from the it may mean stepping off the edge if this bike plan is adopted. even extends down to Cleveland to do just that, but Jesus, who may normal structures of society – not of perceived certainty and safety. Why do bikers’ demands overrule Street and City Road. I think the wider community’s heritage? it may actually come from the See p. 49 City of Sydney University campus. Could anyone Cycle Strategy. Go to: help shed any light on this? www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov. Comment au/AboutSydney/documents/ Adam Cantley ParkingAndTransport/Cycling Chippendale Sniffer dog policing

Ja mes Di ack the “Mr Bigs” of the drug industry. The with police media units attached that sniffer dogs disrupt low level Thoms has not inspired the NSW high profile use of drug sniffer dogs is to them are really about winning drug dealing, have a deterrent effect Police Minister to review the use of For several years now, the NSW really about “high visibility policing”. elections rather than reducing the on drug users or reduce drug related sniffer dogs in this state. Police in NSW police have been executing a program High visibility policing has become supply of illegal drugs. Even Bob Carr, crime. Drug expert Dr Alex Wodak has continue to target ordinary citizens of public searches involving sniffer popular in the last decade based on renowned master of dog-whistle politics, warned that sniffer dog operations force with a joint in their pocket as part dogs. If you have been to a concert the theory that crime is less likely if admitted that a $20 million election young people to move to odour-free of a publicity campaign designed to like the Big Day Out it’s hard to miss people can see police about. But politics promise in 2003 to expand Operation drugs that are easier to conceal but re-elect their political masters. And, as the intimidating police presence. The has also driven its expansion. It is Viking was not about catching major often more dangerous. For years the the recent case of Kristian Bolwell in use of sniffer dogs is not limited to acknowledged that here in NSW we criminals. Police sniffer dogs cost Greens have warned that sniffer dogs Newtown attests, attempts by fellow large public events, they are also used are subject to an especially fierce and about $100,000 each. Coupled with the increase the health risk due to the citizens to stand up for the civil rights of on public transport, on footpaths, in predictable “law and order auction” cost of deploying dozens of officers possibility that concert goers may others can be met with oafish responses. pubs and other places. The program at each state election. In an effort to to one event this makes for a very take all their drugs at once upon Meanwhile, legally sanctioned drugs has attracted its share of controversy both stoke and then assuage public expensive exercise. At the 2005 Big sighting the police. Sadly, this is such as tobacco and alcohol continue with various individuals and fear about “crims”, both major parties Day Out operation only one person exactly what happened to 17-year-old to generate many more deaths, social groups questioning its effectiveness seek to outbid each other with ever was successfully prosecuted for supply. Gemma Thoms, who died from a drug problems and public health costs than or speaking out against it. more police, tougher weapons, more This was a boy who was fined $1000 overdose at this year’s Perth Big Day all illegal drugs put together. How gaols, longer sentences – anything to for supplying drugs to his girlfriend. Out after taking three ecstasy tablets long will the people of NSW wait One of the central concerns has show that they are toughest on crime. The Ombudsman’s 2006 review of and passing out in 36 degree heat. for drugs to be treated as a health been that the program fails to catch High profile sniffer dog campaigns the relevant Act found no evidence Tragically, the death of Gemma issue rather than a legal problem? The Review April ’09 11

bold to incredibly subtle in design. To see her work is to experience her emotional responses to Earth in Opening windows on pain very delicate detail. Geiger’s Batik is bought by art collectors both overseas and around Australia including the SSH began an innovative art Flinders University Art Museum. show and auction. In that In South Africa, Nic Nieuwoudt Nikki Brown, the year it won the Fundraising was a photographic journalist. Since Fundraising Manager Institute of Australia’s settling in Australia five years ago, for the Windows on Pain annual award for Best Nic has had four exhibitions – in one campaign gives us the Special Event in Australia. of which he won the people’s choice. background to this moving In 2009, Thirty leading In this series, Nic Nieuwoudt’s and powerful exhibition. and emerging artists will photographs evoke the wonder interpret pain in painting, of discovery that captures the The Pain Management drawing, photography, delicate patterns left in the sand Research Institute, Sydney, sculpture, ceramics and when the surge of water recedes. is a leading world institute installation and video works, Julia Martin’s interest lies in for research and treatment of taking pain beyond familiar the quality of marks and the severe persistent pain. Severe stereotypes. A number way they change depending on persistent pain is the type of artists are working the surface, the medium used of pain that obstructs and collaboratively with people and the juxtaposing colours. constricts people’s lives, often with severe persistent pain. Whether figurative or abstract, to devastating effect for them The show will open at drawing or painting, it is the and their families. At any Carriageworks in Redfern. Painting by Julia Martin Photo: Supplied textures and surfaces that are of time, a staggering 3.2 million The grand opening at primary interest. This exhibition Australians of working age Carriageworks is on includes small works on paper have this degree of pain. May 6 and is designed to bonded to canvas which begin Although pervasive, present multiple faces of Rhythms media with print technique. They develop persistent pain is a taboo the experience of pain, using various media to grow into a subject shrouded in denial taking advantage of the more complex work. Julia Martin and aversion. Invisibility expansive industrial space. SSH be exhibiting at Bondi Pavilion has exhibited her work extensively limits the search for effective Gallery, Bondi Beach 10am to in Sydney and rural NSW. Her treatment. The Windows For further information contact: Using sand and water for their art 6pm, daily, from April 7 to 19. work is in private collections in on Pain campaign opens Nikki Brown, Fundraising Manager practice, textile artist Helena Geiger, Europe, Japan, USA and Australia. “windows” that break Phone: (02) 9926 6375 photographer Nic Nieuwoudt, Indigenous artist, Helena Peter Morris’s large public works through the taboo and attract Email: [email protected]. painter Julia Martin and stonemason Geiger, expresses herself through appear in Centennial Park and have wide interest and support. nsw.gov.au Peter Morris – professional artists the beautiful and traditional art been purchased by Lend lease, Lone In 2008, the Institute www.windowsonpain.org in their chosen fields with different of Batik. Her work is marked by Star Restaurants and are represented backgrounds and media – will colours and shapes that range from in some of Sydney’s premier gardens.

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Enquiries: 02 9310 2888 or www.shnc.org / f e s t i v a l 12 The Review April ’09

Most of the stories in The Boat are Scorcese’?), Scrilla mis-steps with from dreams where you are mine full of sadness. They show that life can tepid instrumentals and cliched ... You belong with me, I belong be cruel and that bad things happen confessions. Arbitrarily named, with you, we belong together”. The Reviews to good people on a regular basis, and ‘...... ’, (track ten) has torch-song But it’s only day one for Scrilla, yet, however hard life can be, there is lyrics Miley Cyrus would struggle and he’s got enough pop promise Film Review love story, a story of a city girl who beauty, hope and grace to be found in to carry. Declaring “I wake up and quirky determination to By Lindsay Cohen falls in love with a farmer. Unlike the world – if you try hard enough. every morning in the arms of assimilate this into a second the current crop of abysmal TV another”, Snob then laments “Every genuinely Australian album – if shows, this is a wonderful account of night before I sleep I get down he doesn’t return to California in opposites attracting. Fiona Higgins’ on bended knees and I pray and I the meantime. And if the nuclear wonderful narrative makes the point Music Review pray and I pray that I’ll never wake dawn doesn’t beat him to it. that sometimes a person has to take by Lee Conley a big risk for love, and that if you truly care for someone you can make a difficult situation work and grow Watchmen into something to be cherished. Director: Zack Snyder In the book we see the differences Starring: A bunch of people you’ve between city and country lifestyles. probably never heard of First we see the country as foreign, Day One Genre: Masks and intimidating and primitive. Soon Snob Scrilla clothing optional the picture of the country and Ivy League, 2009 the farming community begins Watchmen is a comic book (oops, to change as she begins to love Snob Scrilla outlines his graphic novel) adaptation designed her new life on the farm. The eschatology in the spoken word to appeal to adults. In principle author artfully recreates for us introduction of his debut long that’s fine. After all, the story is the harsh yet beautiful country player for Sydney based Ivy way too complex for a child to scenery. Interestingly, Fiona’s League. Starting with day one, he understand, the super powers love of the farm seems to breed awakens to “bring that change, aren’t necessarily that exciting a dislike of the city life she that progressive kinda sound ... or that super, beyond a great previously loved so much. When I don’t really know what it is ...”, Geordie Robinson, Jackie Alixander, Chapin Ayers and Lindsey Chapman ability to throw a right hook, and she returns to the city for brief until it all ends “in a final nuclear in rehearsal for Standing in Footsteps Photo: Andrew Collis there’s a distinct lack of capes. periods she can’t wait to get away sunrise”. This is an album of goodies So Watchmen had the from the rat race and “latte set”. and baddies, a rallying call against potential to really explore the Throughout this book the drought politicians, a warning, a prophecy, motivation of an interestingly is an ever-present theme. The author and a declaration straight from the Play with a purpose diverse group of characters makes it possible for city folk to heart – in the grand life-changing and to push the boundaries understand the drought as more hip hop tradition. It’s endearing of what we’ve come to expect than just an annoyance that prevents Snob takes himself so seriously. SSH Initially, the play addressed issues from our superheroes. Instead, them from hosing down the This is a proto hip hop in the of drug abuse but that message was Zack Snyder took the lowest driveway and having long showers. nascent tradition of OutKast or Standing in Footsteps is a story soon over- shadowed by a vast and common denominator of adult Love in the Time of Drought captures more ambitiously NERD, using of friendship, pain, forgiveness, more sensitive topic, that of sexual entertainment – sex and violence. the struggle of people desperately electro-clash elements with nasty, salvation, love and the human abuse. After learning that 70 per Now, I’m no wowser. I like a bit trying to stay on the land they love. riffy guitars and programmed drum spirit’s ability to survive cent of drug addicts were abused (and occasionally more than a bit) of I would recommend this book kits. Scrilla doesn’t have the flow of and to move forward … as children, Vickery was struck by tasteful (and occasionally less than to all Australians. I think its most Black Thought or the lyrical insight the incredible injustice of sexual tasteful) nudity, well choreographed admirable quality is its capacity of Common but does have a catchy “Standing in Footsteps has been abuse (especially towards children). fight scenes, stunts and special to create an understanding of turn of phrase and idiosyncratic a work in progress for years,” “On completion of the final draft effects. But the art of movie making what life is like for the “other take on the genre, melding a Saul says its writer and director, Sarah I was soon in search of a cause to is context and the sex and fight half ” – whether you come at it Williams kind of confessional into Vickery. “I originally wrote the support and stumbled upon an ad scenes in Watchmen are gratuitous, from a city or country perspective. pop rock territory. Borrowing from script for screen four years ago on YouTube for ASCA (Adults distracting and not even that good. rock and classical music, the form is but due to the claustrophobic film Surviving Child Abuse). In a It was as if in emphasising how not the post Miles/Sly/Parliament industry in Australia I decided 15-second advertisement ASCA funky and adult Watchmen is (and insistence on groove as salvation. to bring it to the stage. The idea/ had summed up the guts of the play, there are some funky special effects Dynamics are prioritised ahead story-line evolved slowly. It was the soul of the work,” says Vickery. and camera work, especially in of groove, awkward breakdowns rewritten and rewritten.” “This was the play’s purpose.” the opening scenes) Zack Snyder demand attention, change tempo, decided to overemphasise the bits ask listeners to think with their that kids aren’t allowed to watch. heads, not their feet. It’s angst Instead of character development, ridden enough for rock kids to love. he went for shock value. Ivy League might want to claim Perhaps there’s something The Boat “Snob Scrilla is to Surry Hills what positive to be said about a film that Nam Lee Michael Franti is to Oakland ...” but wears its pretentiousness loud and Penguin, 2008 they’ll need to explain references proud, but compared to Ironman, to “shorties”, “the ghetto”, “dead another superhero film promoted The Boat is an excellent book presidents” and “the land of the as “adult entertainment”, Watchmen of short stories written by young free”, because I’ve never heard comes across as less than the sum author Nam Lee. The author takes these from local residents. The of its parts, and there are lots of the reader on a journey through disingenuousness is annoying. parts on display for all to see. history and around the world. Using Surry Hills as a niche market Rating: Discount Tuesday, one The reader is given insight into platform to take an album back choc top, no popcorn, no drink and a the experiences of characters in to the States might be legitimate good book (of the non comic variety) situations as varied as cynical New marketing strategy, but it’s hard afterwards. York, pre atom bomb Hiroshima to justify Snob as our own when and the slums or “favellas” of there’s not a single Australian- Brazil. Each of these short stories specific reference on the album. is in itself worthy of a whole novel. Even final track, ‘Hardest Times’, Book Reviews The characters and situations are about the plight of a refugee, by Anthony Radford brought to page in vivid detail. combines a non-sensical narrative We see them dealing with some with indicators placing the story heart-rending issues and events. anywhere in the western world. The short stories in The Boat When the production gets it have an almost Zen-like quality to right, Scrilla makes hook-laden them. They seem to end without pop songs. ‘Chasing Ghosts’ and a neatly packaged resolution to ‘There You Go Again’ already have the narrative complications. The airplay. Track two, ‘Houston’, is meaning or point of the stories is the stand-out, with a surprising Love in the Time of Drought left for the reader to reflect upon. Tori Amos style piano figure and Fiona Higgins I found myself pausing after each hard rock guitars framing the most Pan Macmillan, 2009 story and letting my thoughts drift memorable chorus on the album. and consider what my own reactions ‘It’s On You’ is likewise singable Love in the Time of Drought is a and emotions would be if I had and fun. Despite catchy songs and beautiful book. It is essentially a to deal with the given situation. occasional neat titles (‘Heartbreak The Review April ’09 13

Yoga then Monkey Magic

Scott Winter and Tibbie Chiu lit, a sushi bar and cocktail bar Oysters that followed were served face the large stairwell from the chilled. The main was a Saikyo Miso The Body Mind Life Yoga entrance. Monkey Magic is ideal Soaked Toothfish, $32, served ... practise on Foveaux Street Sydney for a large group gathering. forgotten rice! This dish was sweet, is an evening. Yoga – “a process But if this new shoot of a light and melted in the mouth. The not performance exercise” – restaurant is to blossom and bloom Twice Cooked Pork Belly lacked Peter Garrett Photo: Taleether (flickr.com) benefits everybody at all ages. It’s it may have to finely tune its Asian/ crackle (maybe that part we used in a soothing, stress-relieving and European fusion style menu. the lettuce cup entrée) and being uplifting hour well spent. Fusion cuisine at its best served on a carrot and lemongrass “Ooooiiillls! Ooooiiillls!” Membership is just $25 a fortnight challenges you to think of puree seemed interesting in for unlimited yoga. You can even flavour combinations from a new theory, but wasn’t the most Rob Hanks were answered in typical fashion. get away to one of the meditation perspective. Cocktails, and we’re exciting of marriages. The band played tightly with plenty and yoga Hunter Valley weekend off to a good start. Entrees, very Dessert was deep fried Banana You say times are tough of power and passion. Opening the retreats if you need to escape the light and crispy White Bait. Can’t and White Chocolate Spring Rolls We’ve got the best of both worlds here show with ‘Redneck Wonderland’ cacophonous city – and support go wrong there. Then the Crispy and Sisho Harumaki and Green Things are rough and the late 1970s track, ‘Braves Tibetan communities, too. Pork Lettuce Cups, $17, deep fried Tea Ice Cream, $15, pleasant We’ve got the best of both worlds here … Faces’, the rhythm section powered pounded pork strips served in San enough, though we were tempted into ‘Only the Strong’, ‘Read About So, feeling fresh in a near state Choy Bow style iceberg leaves, by the friendly staff ’s boastings of On Thursday March 12, a It’, ‘Blue Sky Mine’ and yet people of nirvana, what better way to go were just okay. The Roasted Tomato the Bento Box Chocolate Pudding, mixture of curious companions, still waited to hear ‘US Forces’. It higher than to try one of the area’s and Jalapeno Salsa, tasting a lot then deflated when news got out seasoned veterans and obsessed fans was listed as a maybe and made newest Asian style restaurants, like the kind you dip a Dorrito from the kitchen that the oven drifted into the foyer of Canberra’s it into Friday night’s show. Monkey Magic, situated up the chip in, could work for some, but had been turned off. Ten-thirty Convention Centre to catch the first Peter Garrett said, “I think it was road at 406 Crown Street? not for us. The Monkey Magic style and we were now the last table in of two “Up Close in the Capital” a good thing that we said, Sorry!” as Inside this funky, well-polished selection of Nigri Sushi was simply the joint. Time to go. Hopefully, warm-up gigs by one of Australia’s the brass section launched into ‘Beds fusion diner our experience hit a a plate of six pieces, $20, with a like the mischievous character most loved bands, Midnight Oil. are Burning’ and there were other plateaux. Decor was spicy enough, hint of pesto to the Salmon Nigri. in the kitsch TV series, Monkey With this familiar chorus from ‘Best tracks like ‘Bullroarer’ or ‘When the calm and even toned, red exposed Successfully light and Magic on Crown follows wise of Both Worlds’ the Oils closed out Generals Talk’ which punters had brickwork, laced with metallic refreshing were the traditional words and goes on to find its true their first set in the same way they had not heard live for some fifteen years. piping translating an industrial, Asian Lime Chili and Ginger identity and true calling, thrives and done several times some six years ago Despite a slightly subdued urban chic image with an Marinated Crab Leaves served survives in one of Sydney’s most and again at the Wave Aid concert at crowd in the carpeted and plush emphasis on stained wood. Well on a Betal Leaf. If only the Rock competitive gastronomic strips. the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2005. surrounds there was the familiar “Ooooiiillls! Ooooiiillls!” chant, Tonight was a warm-up as the overzealous applause before the have been impressed with the energy, hand that’s become the Oils official message for the faithful, then band again responded to a natural real finish to ‘Read About It’ and musicianship and the unbroken bond logo. It was hard not to be reminded finishing the second encore with disaster and agreed to close Sound a connection even band members between long-time fans and their of Rob Hirst’s thoughts at Garrett’s ‘Sometimes’ was a direct message Relief in Melbourne. There were talk about as the crowd begins the largely unassuming heroes. While the audition for the band: “Well, he can’t to all affected by the Victorian many questions. Would they be “do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do” in larger-than-life Peter Garrett seemed sing, but he’s got … something!” bushfires as the band belted out: full of the old energy? How would ‘The Deadheart’ even as the first occasionally self-conscious, he still If ‘Best of Both Worlds’ refrain, “Sometimes you’re beaten to the Peter Garrett deal with previous surreal notes of the song are struck. managed some familiar dance moves, “The great south land can be as call, sometimes you’re taken to criticism of some of the Oils most Those who consider this band a gyrating and causing fans to raise one great as the one it could have been” the wall, but you don’t give in!” political songs? All these questions relic of the 1980s could not fail to familiar arm with the outstretched has become something of a parting

South Sydney Crossword 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Last month’s solution

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 T L G O T H E B U N N I E S H 7 8 W L R H E R M U P T E A PPI 10 11 9 10 A V O C A D O E S P E C I A L T O U P M R A TT U A G U A 11 12 13 E T N A E F I AN L N G R I N 14 15 CrispyInnbakery 12 13 R L DDU O GE G AAS A I T 16 17 203 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042 F A S H I O N M E N T O M B S O C E A C T W E B E E A B O T 18 19 20 21 22 tel: 02 9557 3910 UUK LLEE O N E I N C H 14 15 16 17 N Y N D O A E M R P E A A E 23 24 25 T A C O H B R I N G U F U SS 26 27 A E O C I S D N I A K E G R E 28 29 Present this coupon: Buy a Coffee, receive a FREE Hot Cross Bun 18 19 20 I N V A D E R O B A N S H E E N H E I E T A UU I E O T L D 30 K G R E A T M Y S T E R Y H E

21 22 23 24

25 26 First correct entry received by April 30th will win a mystery prize.

27 28 Send completed puzzle to: South Sydney Crossword PO Box 2360

Crossword by D.P. Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.

ACROSS DOWN 1) Yes, run back around right start for child minding facility (7) 2) More like Grumpy than Happy (9) CBD Park & Ride 5) Campers move hurriedly when tail first (7) 3) Of sound made by coins (5) Good news for city bound commuters 10) Funky hat’ll somehow express gratitude (10) 4) Lotteries upheld by yourself faraway (7) 11) ‘Try it for free’ introductory letters offer petty quarrel (4) 6) Mimicry Babylonian style cradles sook (3-4) This is the safe, convenient commuter parking 12) Reverse bale caps an unearthly mission (5,3) 7) Changing climate absorbs BO as an organic process (9) option that saves you money. 13) Lacking pigment as seen through special binoculars (6) 8) Self-interest involves being like elves (5) 14) Bits of prized cheese oddly (6) 9) AIG balloonist crash exemplifies the shrinking world (13) Located just 2 stops from the heart of Sydney, 16) Ally is to rally a steadfast supporter (9) 15) Triumphs encasing constant requests (9) CBD Park & Ride is directly opposite the Redfern 18) Short inch besieged by press, as was Di (8) 17) One’s youthful mixed green period (5,4) Railway Station, on Gibbons Street, Redfern. 20) Warp fastener (6) 19) The outermost limits of ‘extra cheesy pizza supreme’ (7) 21) Vigorous rot catches bus (6) 20) Barn one has a misplaced space with no exceptions (3,4) Casual parking Monday to Friday, 7am–7pm $12. 23) Drone falters within thy dirge (8) 22) Operation begins with an artistic genre (5) 25) Contrarily more for a minimalist (4) 24/7 long or short-term leasing available. 24) Green native abandons its heart (5) 26) Cost-effective recycling of laconic emo (10) Group bookings, vehicle storage and car care 27) Pet rodent overacts terribly to begin with (7) services available. 28) Death caused by effortlessness following the last month shortly (7) For more information phone 0412 989 231 14 The Review April ’09 Postcards from Billong-ololah

February 8 saw a mob on the Tribal Warrior lob up on Billong-ololah (Clarke Island). The Community Day was staged by the National Parks and Wildlife service which organised a host of events including a photographic workshop conducted by local artist Adam Hill. The ensuing photographs here are the exciting result of a fun day in the sun. An exhibition of the photographs will be launched at the ADA Cafe, 137 Redfern Street, Redfern, on Thursday April 16, 6.30pm, and will continue through April 30. For more details, phone 0417 491 990.

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01 Naomi’s Hang; 02 Something Lies In The Shadows; 03 Oliver & Well; 04 Harley’s Peak; 05 Visionary; 06 Stoney Dip; 07 Ella’s Rush; 08 Uncle Ronnie; 09 Foxana’s Peak; 10 Golden Harbour April 2009 COMMUNITY NOTIC e s 15

SSH advertising works: "Since our ad has been in the SSH, it's been phenomenal. It has really raised our profile in the community. Interest has increased ten-fold from the old free way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo shuttle bus services Donations to the SSH The SSH gratefully accepts donations Uniting Churches FREE shuttle bus services now run from Redfern to Broadway shops T he South Sydney Herald i s and in-kind support. If you would via the RPA Hospital; and from Woolloomooloo to Redfern via Paddy’s an independent not-for-profit like to make a contribution you can Market and St Vincent’s. community newspaper, produced do so, anonymously if you wish. mostly by volunteers, published by By mail: PO Box 2360 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012. By electronic These FREE buses are available to all City Of Sydney residents and the South Sydney Uniting Church, distributed without charge to transfer: BSB 062 231 ACCOUNT operate: 30,000 readers from Zetland to NO. 1021 8391. Contact the Editor: Thursday and Friday of each week South Sydney Uniting Church Woolloomooloo. [email protected] 56a Raglan St Waterloo For more information and timetables please Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Holy Thursday 6.30pm call 9319 4439 or visit www.ssct.org.au Good Friday (with Cana Communities) 9am Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 Welcoming people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations WHAT IS HAPPENING IN and identities. Peace with justice, integrity 24/7 access to cars parked nearby REDFERN WATERLOO? of creation. Sydney and Melbourne Get the latest from www.redwatch.org.au Tongan Uniting Church (South Sydney) email [email protected] for free email updates Worship 1pm Sunday 1300 769 389 Mid-week service Friday 7-8pm www.goget.com.au or call Geoff on 9318 0824 Ps Sione Hau 0431 144 247 Glebe Cafe Church Cnr St Johns & Cambourne Sts Glebe Gathering Sunday 7pm Good Friday Stations of the Cross The Coloured Digger Project & Babana ALL WELCOME! (combined churches) 11am South Sydney Uniting Church (meet at St James Catholic Church, Woolley St) Aboriginal Men’s Group invite you to attend Free For All/Eight O'Clock Sharp (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) Music nights Thu 8pm 2009 Redfern Anzac Day Commemoration Steph Gesling 9518 9413 Saturday April 25 Newtown Mission 1pm gather at the Block, Redfern STILL LIFE ART CLASS 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday 1.15-1.20pm Welcome to Country Easter Day 9.30am: ‘Heaven Torn Open - 12-4pm Sat Apr 4 & 11 the Easter story through the eyes of John’ 1.30-1.45pm Proceed to Redfern Park for Service Rev Ps Doug Clements 9519 9000

1.45-2.15pm Commemorative Service Contact Adrian Spry on 9690 1427 Paddington Uniting Church 2.15-4pm informal gathering & refreshments Oxford St Paddington Previous and new participants, Worship 10am (1st Sunday of the month) elders’ yarn tent & displays & 7.30pm Sunday adults and children welcome. Church Office 9331 2646 Cultural performances All materials provided. Pitt Street Uniting Church 4.30pm Finish Gold coin donation. 264 Pitt St, Sydney Drawing by Gaylene Smith Worship 10 am Sunday Transport is available if you are unable to march & would like to & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Good Friday 9am travel with the marchers. Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614

Contacts: Ray Minniecon (media, march, service) 0417 929 701; Alexandria Community Gardening Wayside Chapel Be a part of a community group working together to create a productive 29 Hughes St Potts Point David Williams (media, march, service) 0409 813 741; Worship 10am, garden in the local school grounds. Make new friends, learn about gardening, Bible Study 5pm Sunday Mark Spinks (Block assembly) 0411 282 917 become a role model for the local children, produce & harvest food from the Good Friday 10am garden, all for free! Ps Graham Long 9358 6996

When? 4 Saturday workshops 10am-12pm ELDERFLOWERS May 9 & 23, June 13 & 27 Pepsee Oral history theatre project Where? CUT & COLOUR SALON Alexandria Park Community Centre South Sydney Uniting Church Cnr Power Ave & Park Rd, Alexandria Style cuts for a great price for everybody If you are an older person living in the Redfern/Waterloo What to bring 276 ABERCROMBIE ST area and would like to share your life story and experiences Hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes & a water bottle DARLINGTON observations (to be woven with other stories into a play), Contact: Jo Fletcher at Alexandria Park Community Centre 9319 3207 please call Eve on 0406 680 336 or email [email protected] Sponsored by: Ultimo Tafe; City of Sydney; Alexandria Park Community 9310 4927 School; United Way Australia; Connect Redfern

CARMEL TEBBUTT MP Clover Moore MP State Member for Marrickville State Member for Sydney Partner with the SSH and I am your State Labor Member for Marrickville, and 30,000+ readers who are: represent residents of Camperdown, Darlington, I represent the residents of the Sydney electorate in the NSW Parliament which covers Surry Hills,Centennial Park, - savvy on a diverse range of issues Dulwich Hill, Enmore, Lewisham, Macdonaldtown, Chippendale, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Miller’s Point, The Rocks/Dawes Point, The CBD, East Sydney, Darlinghurst, Marrickville, Newtown, Petersham, Sydney University, Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross, Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Paddington, small parts of Woollahra and Stanmore and parts of Redfern and Erskineville. Edgecliffe west of Ocean Street and a small part of Kensington bounded by Anzac Parade and Abbotford Street. - passionate about the area in which they live If you have any concerns or ideas, or need assistance I work with my constituents to make government and bureaucracies accountable, empower the community, with State government matters such as transport, ensure social justice for individuals, and protect the urban and natural environments. housing and education, please feel free to contact - looking to support community Contact my office to talk about your ideas or concerns or if you need help with NSW Government matters. my electorate office. businesses and people Tel 9360 3053, drop in to 58 Oxford Street, Paddington, fax 9331 6963, or email [email protected]

Phone: 9558 9000 Fax: 9558 3653 Email: [email protected] Subscribe to my free weekly Clover’s eNews, an email bulletin to inform the community about important issues, [email protected] 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville 2204 events and campaigns. Check my website for more information: www.clovermoore.com 16 S PORT April 2009

Rovers Over 35s Photo: Supplied Rovers move to Erskineville Oval

Per ry Johnstone win its division with strong victories Ravens in training at Redfern Park Photos: Ali Blogg against Brisbane first grade teams, After 60 years the Alexandria Wynnum-Manly and Ipswich, and a Rovers Football Club has made the victory against the South Coast team, move to Erskineville Oval from Warrilla. The team has also played Alexandria Park. It now allows three games thus far in the Sydney Ravens on the run the club to train where we play. Masters and have recorded three wins from three against St Mary’s, A dr i a n Spry time champion athlete who lost her watching large flocks of jet-black The vast open space that the Penrith City and Glenmore Park. battle with cancer in December, the birdies coming to terms with life in park provides was too big a lure Off the field, the club welcomes Greetings and howdy doo! Sydney Half Marathon is honouring the inner city. Beautiful Waterloo for our club to knock back as new players and officials and sponsors Achtung! Atencion! Hear this! Kerryn McCann by dedicating the offers solace to these much-maligned we enter our 61st season. for season 2009. Training is on a We need supporters! The Sydney race to her. The Ravens will put in creatures. My regular running partner Season 2008 was our club’s 60th Wednesday and Friday afternoon/ Half Marathon is the aim. for a worthy cause. So please help Andrew Collis and I are also big year anniversary and it was a season to evening at present from 4.30pm at And Ravens is the name… us raise money for breast cancer fans of Edgar Allen Poe. His poetic celebrate both on and off the field. On Erskineville Oval. With official trials research (Breast Cancer Network work, ‘The Raven’, came readily the field, all six teams made the semi starting in mid April there is still time Having established our running Australia) – so many people are to mind. Its theme of devotion finals, three of which – the under 6s, to come along, register and play the group about six months ago, we touched by this heartbreaker. leading to madness may well be 13s and 14s – made the grand final, game. As always, the Alexandria Rovers have set our sights quite high. A You can visit our fund-raising apt! The prophet Elijah was fed by with the mighty under 14s winning football club offers free registration, half marathon (21.1km) will be no website to make a donation. We’re ravens in the wilderness – the point the competition. Off the field a huge free jumpers, free shorts and free small achievement, and yet we are hoping to raise $1,000 (www. being … ravens are nice, really! celebratory dinner was held with a socks for all players, plus trophies determined to succeed. We’re training everydayhero.com.au/the_ravens). The 18th annual Sydney Half 60-year “best of” team announced and and presentation gear for all teams. three to four days a week now. You can also follow our progress. Read Marathon will be held on Sunday May the official launch of the club’s website. Sometimes we run from Waterloo to about our encounters with famous 17. The race through the CBD starts The season has already kicked off For further information on all things Randwick and back, or into Darling footballers and yappy dogs, our training at 7.30am in Hyde Park. The event for the club’s over 35s, with the team Rovarian, check out the club’s official Harbour, or to Glebe and back (usually regimen “based on stupidity” and our is sponsored by the Sydney Morning playing in the annual ARL Masters on website www.alexandriarovers.com.au or for about an hour each time). “retro” approach to road running. Herald and presented by Colonial the Gold Coast which saw the club email [email protected] This year, as a tribute to the four- The name “Ravens” comes after First State. Run, Ravens, run! WANT TO GET FIT? WORK OUT AT REDFERN’S WORLD FAMOUS TONY MUNDINE GYM WHERE GIANTS ARE MADE • SINCE 1985

COMMUNITY GYM - BOXING WEIGHT TRAINING - CARDIO KICK BOXING - FITNESS & DANCE STUDIO OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM CORNER EVELEIGH & VINE STREETS REDFERN 9319 0316