SSH – February 2010

Premier’s John performance Cale Does Keneally shape up? Live review News – Page 3 Review – Pages 11-14

NUMBER SEVENTY-NINE FEBRUARY ’10 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND local arrested at climate blockade Glebe café

SSH in DA

Dr Miriam Pepper of Waterloo was one of four Uniting Church members runaround among 130 people arrested in Canberra on November 23. John August

The group blockaded the entrance Martin Sheiban of Badde Manors to Federal Parliament in a peaceful café in Glebe was surprised when demonstration against the Government’s City of Sydney Council officers said inadequate action on climate change that even though he’s been trading and refused to move until they were till 2am for donkeys’ years, there was eventually forced to do so by the no Development Application, and no Australian Federal Police. record at Leichardt Council, who were They were calling on the Prime previously responsible for the area, so Minister to act to secure a strong treaty he’d have to apply for a new DA. at the upcoming international climate negotiations — instead of undermining Marcelle Hoff, Independent Councillor, it with an emissions trading scheme with feels personally that Mr Sheiban should poor targets, billions of dollars in rewards not have his trading restricted, given that to polluters, and questionable offsets to he has run the café competently for so developing countries. many years, preventing any anti-social The Uniting Church has repeatedly behaviour. called upon its members to advocate However, Cr Hoff draws attention to for policies that properly address the details of Council’s involvement: climate change. Rex Graham, Dan Council was looking at renewals of Roads Howe, Miriam Pepper and Richard Telfer Act footway seating licenses, and found were all strongly moved by their faith that there was no record of a permit for to participate in the civil disobedience footway seating. Further, the internal action. This was the first time that they trading hours approved by Leichardt had been arrested. Council in 1978 were for trading between Mr Telfer, a member of Paddington midday and 11pm Monday-Friday. It Uniting Church, said: “I believe God Miriam Pepper Photo: Andrew Collis seems that indoor trading and outdoor has created all people equal. If our trading are separate. democratically-elected Government that we all have a role to play in that take action should transcend political acting now.” Did this arise because there approval is passing legislation which directly healing. Many people are trying to reduce lines and self-interest. I want to see some The importance of much stronger was never given by Leichardt Council? Or contributes to climate change then I their environmental impact and are leadership from the Rudd Government at government action was underlined two did the records go missing? cannot stand by and do nothing whilst asking their politicians to play their part. Copenhagen and beyond.” days later by a scientific report showing The Development Control Plan limits maintaining my Christian convictions. But the Government isn’t responding. Given the Government’s failures, Rev that climate change is accelerating the hours of trading. It seems that Council I agree with the Book of James: if your I chose to sit in at Parliament House, Graham, Social Justice Consultant to the beyond expectations. S officers went outside limits in allowing brother or sister is naked and lacks food inspired by Jesus who overturned tables Uniting Church Synod and a member outdoor trade to midnight – nevertheless, what good is it to say ‘go in peace; keep in the temple,” she said. of Keira View Uniting Church, made First published in Insights Magazine, they did not allow the café’s historical warm and have your daily fill’; instead Mr Howe, an environmental engineer a particular appeal to the Australian NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia, trading hours. we are called to provide bodily needs. who is a member of Maroubra Junction public. “I participated in the sit-in as a December 2009. Further information: The City of Sydney supports a “diverse We must act on behalf of our Pacific Uniting Church, said that he had had way of drawing the public’s attention Uniting Earthweb: late-night economy” and there have never neighbours who are losing their homes enough of the Government failing to step to the importance and urgency of www.unitingearthweb.org.au been any complaints about Badde Manors due to our lifestyle.” up to the plate. “The threat of climate making immediate deep cuts to our World Council of Churches café. Cafes in areas like Newtown trade Dr Pepper, from South Sydney change eclipses the global financial greenhouse gas emissions for the sake climate change resources: after midnight and Glebe has at least one Uniting Church and the Uniting Church crisis, asylum seekers, John Della Bosca, of our grandchildren. Nothing like www.oikoumene.org/en/events-sections/ pizzeria and a kebab shop trading past environmental network Uniting Mike Rann and utegate. I’m tired of immediate and deep cuts are being countdown-to-climate-justice.html midnight. In Glebe, the DCP does not Earthweb, also felt called to take this new the Government getting distracted by proposed by any government – State or The Copenhagen Diagnosis: seem to flexibly or consistently support step. “I believe in a God who is working politics instead of getting serious about Federal – in Australia today. Australians Climate Science Report: a “diverse late-night economy”. to reconcile and heal all creation, and climate change. Surely our resolve to need to realise the long-term benefits of www.copenhagendiagnosis.org Continued on pg 4

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PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Tempers flare overM 5 into Tempe Telephone 0400 008 338 Phone/fax 02 9698 8949 The views expressed in this newspaper are Melanie Kembrey those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. Tempe residents are outraged by NSW Government plans to build an arterial ADVERTISING road through Tempe Reserve as part of [email protected] the M5 corridor expansion. The arterial 9319 1373 surface road was announced in an RTA paper in December and aims to connect MAILING ADDRESS: the M5 East Tunnel to the airport and PO Box 2360 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 the industrial areas of South Sydney.

The exact route has not been confirmed LETTERS Please send letters and emails to: but the draft outline shows it slicing The South Sydney Herald. through the heavily used Tempe Lands Email: [email protected] which include a golf driving range, Supply sender name and suburb. Size: 150 words or less. wetlands and playing fields. We may edit for legal or other reasons. The $4.5 billion expansion aims to increase capacity on the M5 motorway, improve travel times and reduce congestion but Tempe residents argue that it will destroy the only recreational space EDITORIAL COMMITTEE they have available to them. Marrickville Greens Councillor Peter Olive said he had spoken to many residents concerned by the plans and community protest groups had been formed. “We have made our opinions very clear but if push comes to shove and Newtown Junior Jets fear loss of playing fields in Tempe Photo: Ali Blogg Managing Editor FEATURES EDITOR they pursue the idea we will have to alter Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon our strategies and take them to another real consideration at the moment from REDWatch spokesperson Geoff 609, Pyrmont NSW 2009 level,” Cr Olive said. the RTA and the State Government that Turnbull said that when East Tempe Website: www.m5corridorexpansion.com.au “Standing in the way of construction we are here and that we use the reserve.” residents were notified of the plans in could be an option. Such is the feeling Mr McInerney created the Facebook December, the letter they received only The arterial road from the M5 east against the plans in the community that Group “Tempe 2020” in 2008 as a forum told half the story. we are determined to stop them at any where issues affecting the community “The small leaflet they received was tunnel to the airport and industrial cost.” could be discussed and is now using the more about the duplication of the M5 areas of inner southern Sydney and NEWS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR The Government has spent $17 million group to spearhead his “No Way RTA – tunnel and not at all about the arterial Mascot comprises: Trevor Davies Ali Blogg and seven years transforming the former Hands off Tempe” campaign. roads which would affect residents,” Mr  A new surface road with two lanes Tempe Tip site into a reserve with wildlife “The Tempe community is an active Turnbull said. and fauna areas, recycled water supplies one and there are lots of people who are The NSW Government is inviting in each direction along part of the and grass fields. very passionate about the issue because individuals and organisations to make F6 corridor. ASSISTANT EDITOR Resident Patrick McInerney said Tempe they think of it as their park. The group submissions about the proposed M5  Single lane ramps to provide access Esther Turnbull is the most densely populated local is about trying to get the community to Corridor expansion by February 19. An from this new road to Qantas Drive/ government area and has the least amount work together to step up the campaign environment assessment examining DESIGNER Airport Drive. Robert Young of space. “We need the open space of the and stop the plans.” issues such as traffic, air quality, noise reserve and for a suburb whose next-door The backlash against the proposal and vibration should be on public display  A signalised intersection and the PRINTER neighbour is the international airport it is was fuelled when only some Tempe later this year. S junction of the connection and Spotpress PTY LTD great to have a beautiful park nearby,” Mr residents received letters in November 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Campbell Rd. Marrickville, NSW 2204 McInerney said. notifying them about the plans, an error Submissions can be made by: www.spotpress.com “The plans are ridiculous and for which Australia Post later accepted Email: [email protected] Source: RTA infuriating because there has been no responsibility. Post: RTA, M5 corridor expansion, PO Box

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors Souths pokies dispute “political” who make this publication possible.” John August Katherine Keefe Georgia Flynn derived from the pokies, the Board of in the food chain here – ‘What are the Doutney. “But I believe that it is up to Laura Bannister Melanie Kembrey Directors were primarily concerned with chances of it being knocked back?’ And the Council to ensure that social justice Jane Barton Kelly Lane It has been three years since formulating a viable business strategy that the comment that was made to us was over these sorts of issues is considered.” Tara Clifford Rebecca LeMay members of the South Sydney Leagues did not include poker machines. Central that, the only reason it would be knocked In the wake of the latest disagreements Lindsay Cohen norrie mAy-welby Club have been able to enjoy a beer to to this strategy was the suspension of back is if it’s political. Because there’s with the Council, the South Sydney Lee Conley Nicholas McCallum the tinny drone of the Club’s 60 poker a rule requiring that all patrons living nothing else you can knock it back on.” Leagues Club has agreed to continue Wendy Collis Barrie McMahon machines. Now in the twilight stages within 5km of the Leagues Club be Despite this assurance, in September, a to find a business model that can Pam Dagwell Robert Morrison of a $13.75 million redevelopment, members or signed in as guests of DA including reference to a new gaming accommodate the loss of poker machines. Douglas Dingwall Sarah Malik the Redfern-based club has been members. room was refused on the basis that it was But, as Mr Alexiou-Hucker is quick to Flint Duxfield Olivia Nigro beleaguered by spats with City of After a series of frustrating meetings substantially different from what was point out, the Leagues Club has been Alex Fleming Navot Rom Sydney councillors and the on-going with then Premier Morris Iemma it originally approved and because it would trading at a loss since about 1994. Georgia Flynn Alex Taylor question of whether it can survive became clear that negotiations with the impact negatively on local residents. According to a report released in 2008, Steph Gesling Marg Vazey without the revenue raised by pokies. State Government were making little Although the preliminary approval for the City of Sydney boasts the highest Eve Gibson Angelique Watkins progress. Ultimately, the matter was put a supermarket was affirmed last year, number of poker machines in NSW, Kristy Johnson Philip Wen It began with an announcement in to a vote at the Leagues Club’s AGM on the issue of poker machines remained placing the South Sydney Leagues Club Perry Johnstone Neil Whitfield December 2007. With the Leagues Club August 17, 2008. Over 140 members a pressing point of division for some in good company as pokies providers. “I closing its doors for a complete gut-out, converged on Redfern to cast their vote, councillors, an indication, argues Mr don’t think our members would expect South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owners, Peter with only three members voting in favour Alexiou-Hucker, that certain councillors us to allow the club to become some sort Holmes à Court and Russell Crowe, seized of the ban. “We have 7,000 members,” didn’t do their homework. “We are talking of beacon of morality on gaming only to upon the opportunity to put forward their says Mr Alexiou-Hucker. “Any decision we about local councillors who are meant to see it go broke in two years time.” DISTRIBUTORS vision of a new kind of “family friendly” make has to be based on what is in the know what’s going on in their local areas, Even those parties most estranged on Kath Green Gaylene Smith venue. At the centre of this new model best interests of our members.” and 14 months after the AGM were not the issue agree that in order to tackle the Jackie Dettman Nicole Gertenaar was the removal of the poker machines While the debate surrounding poker aware that we were going to have poker issue of gaming addiction, each level of Melissa McMahon Damien Roberts that account for 70 per cent of the Leagues machines continued nationally, the South machines.” Government must work in concert. “Mr Georgina Abrahams Don Crowley Club’s profits. Sydney Leagues Club directed its focus The sentiment is echoed within the Alexiou-Hucker has consistently said that Anthony Kable Tony Pooley When the high-profile partners towards the redevelopment process, Council itself. “Some members of the all three levels of government should help Rosemary Tyler Gai Smith managed to secure a razor-thin 4-3 victory which would see not only a refurbished Council did not understand the Act clubs who want to try to do the right Miriam Pepper Sue Dahl from the Board of Directors, it seemed that Leagues Club on the first floor, but also that they were meant to be operating thing by the community and not have Nicole Fleming Stan Correy this vision had taken its first steps towards two upper floors of office space and an under,” says Labor Councillor Meredith pokies, and I agree,” says Cr Doutney. Eve Gibson Di Everingham Matt and Tammy Pepsee being realised. According to Leagues Club IGA Supermarket on the ground floor. It Burgmann. “They believed they had the “We should help venues that are trying McClennan Steph Gesling Chairperson Bill Alexiou-Hucker, the was the construction of this supermarket right to ban poker machines.” to do the responsible thing.” Lyn Turnbull Donna Mulhearn media was operating on “a misconception in close proximity to poker machines that Nonetheless, Greens Councillor South Australian Senator Nick norrie mAy-welby Gabby Briene about the relationship between the raised significant criticism from the City Irene Doutney, who voted against the Xenophon echoes this sentiment. “The Sam Choy John August Leagues Club and the Football Club.” of Sydney Councillors who must vote to supermarket DA, believes that it is Federal Government clearly has the Joel Pringle John Lanzky “What we were agreeing to when the approve or refuse DAs for the area. important for the City of Sydney to Constitutional powers to intervene on Barrie McMahon Neil Whitfield vote went 4-3 was not to have no poker Recalling his discussions with the consider social issues that may not this. They could give a carrot-and-stick Barry Caroll Peter Lonergan machines,” says Mr Alexiou-Hucker. Planning Department, Mr Alexiou-Hucker be within their purview under a strict approach to states on pokies, to give John Berry Nick McCallum “It was simply to say that we wish to was confident that the Development reading of the Environmental Planning financial incentives to those clubs that Ross Smith Cathie Harrison investigate this further … it wasn’t the Application (DA) would be approved legislation. want to be pokies free and increase Mark McPherson Rita Mu be-all-and-end-all.” by the Planning Committee. “We asked “He is right that [poker machines] taxes for those that still choose to rely Chelsea Reid With over $1 million in revenue them – and we’re going pretty high up are a State Government issue,” says Cr on pokies.” S February 2010 N e w s 3

Can the Premier see the way ahead? Copenhagen Accord disappoints Melanie Kembrey beaches used for food and materials and Nicholas McCallum the desecration of burial and sacred sites, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd yet these islands are still largely ignored When the former premier Nathan has “more than underperformed” by the Government.” Rees was turfed-out just weeks before and “bullied” small nations at the The 70-year-old grandmother of Christmas, he declared that anyone UN climate talks in Copenhagen, one pushed the human face of climate who replaced him would be no more according to Aboriginal and Islander change during plenary sessions of the than a puppet of his foes Joe Tripodi activist Patricia Corowa who attended summit and argued for a legally binding and Eddie Obeid in the dominant right the troubled summit. agreement limiting temperature rise to faction of the NSW Labor Party. In what one-and-a-half per cent. could have been an effort to deflect Mr The Redfern resident and third- She said the Federal Government Rees’ assertion, one of the first actions generation South Sea Islander was a pressured low-lying Pacific islands to of new Premier Kristina Keneally was member of the Pacific Calling Partnership sign the Copenhagen Accord, which is to maintain Government control over delegation and said the negotiations unenforceable and allows temperatures Sydney Ferries, a move that would were unsuccessful, because they failed to rise to two degrees. “The Government seem at odds with the Chicago School to protect those most vulnerable to the has bullied other countries and turned of Business approach to selling off state- effects of climate change. climate justice into a political and owned assets. “Kevin Rudd has more than economic playing field where decisions underperformed by failing to defend are based on self interest rather than a Now, in a new year and only 14 months Premier Kristina Keneally interacts with locals at Eveleigh Farmers’ Market Photo: Ali Blogg the rights of the Aborigines, Torres Strait concern for human rights.” away from an election in which most Islanders and South Sea Islanders that Ms Corowa has been an activist expect Labor to be annihilated, voters Rees was really good,” Richard said, retained state control of the iconic ferries, have had their lives made poorer and since she was 10 years old and said she would have every reason to be suspicious ”If the party [came together] to support she has put a hold on decisions for the more wretched as a consequence of has no plans for giving up the fight for of the reasons behind placing a relatively him, then everything would [have been] controversial Metro line in order to climate change,” Ms Corowa said. climate justice. “It took us many years unknown, fresh face at the helm of the alright.” reassess its feasibility. “Climate change compounds all its to get a referendum to allow Indigenous State Government. Even though Ms There was no scathing criticism “A decision on the future of Sydney’s worst effects in the Torres Strait and soon Australians to be citizens and to get Keneally is the first female premier for from Richard about the Government’s Metro rail network will be announced some of the islands will be uninhabitable recognition for South Sea Islanders NSW, the State Labor Party is more easily performance, only that he hopes they in late February after a proper Cabinet and vulnerable families will have to and many more for the Mabo case to associated with the Titanic than a party have now made their final choice. “All this and Budget Committee process,” the move away from the islands that define overturn the concept of terra nullius. of progress. swapping people around, they should just Premier said. In spite of a fresh face, it their distinct traditions, cultures and All governments are very slow One man on Glebe Point Road had little stick to one leader and go from there.” seems that it will be business as usual identities.” learners,” she said. to say about the new premier other than If there is truth to the former premier’s in terms of announcing big-ticket items, Australia’s closest neighbours may be Ms Corowa has already started cheekily suggesting she had nice hair, warning about factional puppeteers, it before retracting them and adding to the the most threatened by climate change campaigning to allow a delegation of which continues the nation’s obsession certainly will not show in any rhetoric growing list of dust-covered infrastructure but they were also the most forgotten Torres Strait Islanders to attend the with lady politicians and their hair-dos. from the Premier, who has touted her projects with hard decisions deferred to during the two-week conference, Government sessions of the 2016 UN Many people are yet to form solid opinions eagerness to serve the voters in her State. a later date. according to Ms Corowa. climate talks in Mexico. S about the new premier, especially as they “At the centre of my Government will be “The Metro is being considered as “King tides are causing salinity of were just getting to know the old one. an absolute focus on putting the people part of an overall and broader approach ancient fresh water wells, the erosion of More on Climate Summit – pages 9 & 10 Richard, 39, said that two months is too of NSW first,” Ms Keneally said. With so to land use and transport planning. This short a time to give someone a grading many issues to choose from, the question is about a fully integrated vision of land on job performance. “You have to give is what to focus on first. use and transport planning for the future most vulnerable. to build, and that is time Labor probably them at least a year,” he said, which is As NSW’s fourth premier in five and for the people of NSW,” Ms Keneally Ostensibly the Premier has decided to does not have. roughly the time given to Nathan Rees. years Ms Keneally leads a party that has said, adding to the $65.5 billion that the recalibrate Sydney’s ineffectual transport A recent Galaxy poll put Labor at 44 to The difference is that next time the voters made little recent progress on the State’s Government intends to spread across the system, but whether there is time to do the Coalition’s 56 in a two-party race, so will decide on the premier’s performance, continuing problems with transport areas that need it most: health, transport, this before the next election is a question it will more than likely be the Coalition’s not party factions. “I thought Nathan and hospitals. Whilst Ms Keneally has education and care for the community’s for the voters. Infrastructure takes years election to lose. S

Redfern Waterloo Heritage Taskforce Matched Call for nominations of 2010 Heritage Projects

The Redfern Waterloo area has a broad extent of local heritage with significant values for both the local community and wider public. Grants The purpose of the Taskforce is to identify opportunities for the active Funding available to the value of $10,000 conservation, interpretation and, where appropriate, the adaptive reuse Do you have a great idea for a neighbourhood based of the heritage of the Redfern Waterloo area. This will occur in tandem community art project? with the revitalisation and renewal of the area. A project based approach The Local Action Plans Matching Grants program has has been chosen in order to achieve a broad and comprehensive been designed to help support small and simple art treatment of the area’s diverse heritage values. based projects that involve local community members and bring people together. If you have an interest in history and heritage matters All you need is a great idea and we can help you work and would like to contribute to the conservation of our through the rest. heritage, you are invited, as an individual or as a working Contact our helpful staff on 9265 9217 party, to nominate a Heritage Project. or [email protected] For more information visit Individuals who wish to participate but do not wish to nominate a cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/matchinggrants distinct Heritage Project should contact the Heritage Project Manager Artworks by printmaking students from Pine Street Creative Arts Centre. (details below) who will seek to match interests and skills with proposed Heritage Projects.

Heritage Projects will be assessed and approved by the Taskforce prior to their commencement.

To be considered by the taskforce all Heritage Project nominations must address the selection criteria available at www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au (under community - heritage).

For further information contact Juliet Suich at the Redfern Waterloo Authority on 9202 9100 or by email at [email protected]

Nominations close Thursday 25 February at 5pm. 4 N e w s February 2010

ADVERTISEMENT Tanya Plibersek MP Member for Sydney Reducing Homelessness: One year on

As we all know, homelessness touches many in our community. Before the last election, the Prime Minister made a strong commitment to reducing homelessness right across Australia.

Just twelve months ago the Prime Minister and I launched one of the most comprehensive strategies ever put Lyn Turnbull, Joel Pringle, Dep. Premier Carmel Tebutt and Vicky Winters discuss plans for Settlement development Photo: Ali Blogg together by a Government to address homelessness.

The Government’s White Paper, The Road Home, set Saving the Settlement out the Australian Government’s vision for reducing Joel Pringle after school care, with many second Program, combined with generous gifts homelessness. It’s a vision we are delivering on. and third generation Settlement families from Secret Millionaire Peter Bond, the The Sydney University Settlement, attending. Department of Community Services and also known as the Settlement, has The Community Building Partnership others, will allow the first stage of the received State Government funding Program is a rare opportunity for redevelopment to be completed. However Nationally we have introduced programs to assist that will help begin the long-awaited community organisations to receive this represents only a third of the project homeless Australians and those at risk of homelessness so redevelopment of the Settlement funds for capital expenditure, with and much work remains to raise the funds Neighbourhood Centre hall. funds normally restricted to programs to complete the project. Further support they have access to: and materials. Over the years, this has is required by residents, the business The Government grant will allow led to a situation where the Settlement community and Government to ensure • education and training programs; the first stage of the redevelopment of hall has fallen below the building that the Settlement is able to continue • legal services, especially for domestic violence, debt and the hall, a building that has been little standards appropriate for a community its role as a safe and welcoming space to improved since it was first built in the service. The Settlement is particularly Indigenous and non-Indigenous families. tenancy issues; early days of the Settlement. The Deputy concerned about the safety and wellbeing The Sydney University Settlement • financial counselling; Premier and Member for Marrickville, of young children in the ageing hall. In was begun by members of the Sydney Carmel Tebutt, recently visited the response, plans have been drawn-up and University Women’s Society at the close of • emergency relief; and Settlement to see for herself what is approved by City of Sydney Council for its the 19th century, as part of the Settlement needed and what is planned, and was redevelopment. These plans will improve movement begun in the East End of • programs like the Jobs Fund and the Innovations Fund impressed by the possibilities. the safety and usability of the hall and to London. It is proud to have provided to help homeless job seekers overcome employment Located in Edward Street, Darlington, stop the extreme hot and cold conditions assistance to the community for over 100 the Settlement provides social housing experienced by staff and centre users. years, and looks forward to beginning barriers. and community services to disadvantaged New meeting spaces are to be included a new stage of history in a proud, new residents of the area. Due to the high in the plan, allowing more community building at 17 Edward Street. S Indigenous population in the surrounding groups to use the hall and a greater Locally, we’ve announced exciting initiatives to reduce suburbs, many but not all centre users range of programs to be provided by the Joel Pringle is the Chairperson of the are Aboriginal. The Settlement provides Settlement. The money received under Settlement Management Committee. homelessness including: popular youth programs and children’s the Community Building Partnership • a capital grant of $16 million to build a specialist aged care facility for homeless people in Redfern; Glebe café in • a specialist Job Services Australia provider in Surry Hills A fair go for café owners? to provide targeted employment help to homeless and John August issue. One question: How many health DA runaround disadvantaged job seekers; problems do we have? Certainly, as new Some time ago the SSH reviewed owners move in, we need to ensure good Continued from pg 1 the reaction of cafe owners to the health standards. But, equally, for an How much flexibility should Council Local Centrelink Offices have also employed Centrelink introduction of new fees by the City of establishment with a good track record, officers have? Certainly, we don’t Sydney Council, claiming they’re just it makes sense to ask: Why should we want an inconsistent hodgepodge Community Engagement Officers to provide fast tracked, more unjustified costs and symptomatic believe that you have maintained your of regulation. But, equally, we can of over-regulation. Still, what would standards, rather than scrutinizing in the consistently give consideration to strong specialist outreach services to Centrelink customers at appropriate regulation be, and which same detail as for a new establishment? historical claims where there have been risk of becoming homeless. charges can be justified? What’s driving Yes, food safety standards need to no complaints and strong community their introduction? be enforced – but with finesse, not a support. sledge-hammer. Mr Sheiban has spoken to a lawyer They work with non-government organisations like drug There’s a multitude of charges. Additional charges on the cafes must and has been looking at a petition, but Perhaps cafes will complain regardless. have an impact somewhere. Some he’s not yet contacted councillors. and alcohol rehabilitation services, mental health services, But, if there have to be charges, surely combination of increased charges for us, Meredith Burgmann, Labor Party the fewer the better – and they should reduced conditions for employees and Councillor, was supportive and puzzled hostels, boarding houses, refuges and drop in centres. be easy to understand. Separate to reduced profitability for the owner. But that things had gotten as far as they the actual dollar cost, dealing with a perhaps the better health standards are had. Cr Burgmann suggested sending complex system is an additional burden worth paying for. emails to all the councillors in support As a government, we have set ambitious targets to halve on owners. Still, you do wonder if the real and of a Section 96 application to vary a DA, Do numerous charges mean we are valid concern of health is being used as and was confident of their unanimous homelessness in Australia and offer accommodation to all charging each business for exactly what a smokescreen to slip in extra charges – support. rough sleepers who seek it by 2020. it does – which is fairer – or does it just with these extra charges serving to hide Marcelle Hoff supports getting in obfuscate matters, stopping us from Council financial problems elsewhere, touch with councillors and emphasises seeing how unfair the charges in fact are? rather than being a fair charge. that, much as Mr Sheiban is busy We are committed to meeting these ambitious but It’s strange that outdoor seating is What is a fair charge? What should running a cafe, he was the only person privatised, with cafes paying money to a business be paying Council for the who could push it forward – not the achievable targets and have invested, since 2007, a private firm. Perhaps it’s easier for privilege of running a cafe? On the customers. But Cr Hoff also hoped it Council – but with Council responsible one hand, they’re making a profit, but could be sorted out by Council officers $7 billion to tackle homelessness in Australia. for our city, it shouldn’t evade that residents and visitors do benefit from the without ever reaching a Council responsibility. Charge directly and service they provide. What’s a reasonable meeting. S Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP transparently (whatever that charge profit for that service? And Council does might be) so we know what’s going on. provide services for the cafes ­– when Labor Member for Sydney Martin Sheiban of Badde Manors sees they’re not actually being stuffed around is a fair payment? I wish I knew. In any 111-117 Devonshire St,, Surry Hills NSW 2010 repetitive health inspections. The same by roadworks, that is. Between us as case, it’s worth looking beneath the 9357 6366 | [email protected] old thing. Still, health is an important customers and the owners, how much tangle of competing claims. S February 2010 N e w s 5 YOUR FITNESS, IN YOUR COMMUNITY Kick-start your New Year fi tness resolution at South Sydney’s newest health and fi tness facility: the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre

2010 marks a new era in health and fi tness for South Sydney residents, with the opening of the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre in Redfern. Part of the newly developed National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, the state-of-the- SOMETHING art health and fi tness centre opened its doors to everyone in the local community on Sunday 10 January, 2010. FOR EVERYONE Local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are welcome There really is something for everyone at the to join the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre which Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre in Redfern. houses world class, commercial-quality facilities including a ✔ For the kids: Keep the kids busy next school break by 25 metre outdoor heated pool, fully equipped gym, sporting enrolling them in a school holiday sports programs or kids fi eld and courts. The Centre offers the entire community a gymnastics course. And for something different, hold your variety of programs including touch football, indoor netball, child’s next birthday party at the Centre – it’s guaranteed soccer and basketball and child minding services. good fun!

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence has partnered ✔ For teens: The gym can be an intimidating place for with the YMCA, an organisation with a proven track record teenagers, but not with the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation in the health and fi tness industry nationwide, in order to Centre’s specially tailored Teen Gym classes for 12-15 year deliver the fi rst-rate health and fi tness centre to the whole olds. If the treadmill is not your thing, get a bunch of friends community. The YMCA is a not-for-profi t charity organisation, together and create a sporting team – touch football, indoor meaning the Centre can focus on the health and lifestyle netball, indoor soccer and indoor basketball competitions of its members, rather than generating profi t through high wil all start up later this year. membership and entry fees. ✔ For fi tness freaks: Experience state-of-the-art gym facilities The Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre, located just 800 at a fraction of the price of expensive city gyms. The Centre’s metres from Redfern Station on 180 George St, will bring friendly fi tness experts can put together tailored programs for families together by offering social activities for all age you or help you achieve your New Year goals with personal groups, from school holiday programs for the kids, through training packages. to specially tailored exercise classes for various age groups. ✔ For mums: Take advantage of the professional child minding The Centre will also be a place for the local community to facilities while you have a leisurely swim or invigorating work gather and celebrate for special events such as Dive-In out, and for something extra special, bring your baby along Movie Nights, Family Fun Days and Pool Infl atable Days. to the ‘Mums and Bubs’ gentle exercise classes.

Prospective members can sign up today by visiting the ✔ For seniors: Keep your body moving with the Pryme Movers National Centre of Indigenous Excellence at 180 George exercise classes, available for all adults over 60 and suitable Street or by calling 1300 866 761. for most fi tness levels.

To fi nd out more about the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation To learn more about the Eora Sports, Arts & Recreation Centre’s Centre and the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, commercial quality facilities and activities, visit the Centre at visit: www.ncie.org.au 180 George Street, Redfern, or call us on 1300 866 761. 6 N e w s February 2010

Have You Heard? THE FAST NEWS WITH TREVOR DAVIES Gordon Syron and redevelop the Wayside Chapel at Kings his paintings Cross. Fast News’ good friend, Rev. Graham Long, reports on progress: “We The Diary which is on the back page hope to go to tender in March and that of our “sister” publication The Sydney a builder is appointed and working Morning Herald, recently reported on on site by June. In spite of the many the ongoing battle between Gordon inconveniences we are about to endure, Syron and the RWA. we’re excited, because homeless people Gordon has a remarkable collection will have showers without having to of what The Diary says “some experts claim to be an important collection walk out of our building and down a of urban Aboriginal art”. The RWA back alley. We’re excited because men has issued an eviction notice, a and women won’t have to use the piece of news The Diary seems to same showers and bathrooms. We’re have omitted. Fast News asked the pretty happy because runaway kids will RWA for its response in relation to find a purpose-built space for youth, the eviction: “The Redfern-Waterloo complete with their own bathrooms Authority (RWA) entered into a six- and recreation areas that will isolate month contract in September 2007 them from the ‘help’ often offered by with Gordon and Elaine Syron for the older, more experienced people on the

Redfern-Waterloo Lions Membership Chairperson John Lanzky Photo: Andrew Collis cataloguing of their collection. As part street. We’re wrapped because we will of the contract, the Syrons were paid an have craft areas and a teaching kitchen amount per week, which in return they and other teaching rooms for life skills, Lion’s share of fundraising effort agreed to catalogue their Art collection literacy; the issues that are of immediate after which the RWA would arrange concern for people who ‘fall by the Georgia Flynn said, ‘This will never work; you will reformed drug addicts, alcoholics and an independent evaluation and then wayside’. We’re delighted that, at long never get this up and running,’” Mr things like that. He just had tears in his seek out an appropriate buyer for the last, our building will look like we care The Redfern-Waterloo Lions Club Lanzky says. “That’s the worst thing eyes. Afterwards, he said ‘I’m going back collection. As part of this arrangement rather than like we are on our last legs. raises money the old-fashioned way: anybody could say to me. Even when I to Chicago next week, and I’m going to the RWA located a venue at 499 Wilson We’re jumping for joy at the prospect with barbecues and bake sales, rather was young, if someone said I couldn’t see if I can get you some money.’” Within Street, Darlington to temporarily of a little cafe in which anyone would climb that tree, I’d be up there in five a week, $10,000 had been donated to the accommodate the Collection. The than hefty corporate donations. By feel comfortable to sit and enjoy either mastering the art of the small gesture, minutes.” cause, sponsoring three young people for RWA paid for the transportation of solitude or community. Bring on the the fledgling club has raised money With thousands of Lions from all over the program. the Syron’s collection from various inconvenience and let’s get through to for programs as diverse as the annual the world converging on Sydney in June “$10,000 is not that much money,” Mr locations throughout New South Wales rd a brand new day of high quality care Yabun Aboriginal Festival, Lions for the 93 International Conference, Lanzky concedes. “But if that can make to this site and establishment and for our sisters, brothers and children in Hearing Dogs Australia, and the Tribal the Redfern-Waterloo Club will be one person get off drugs and get a new operational costs associated with the the hour of their greatest need.” Warrior Association. “It was about taking a leading role in ensuring that start in life, then it’s worth $1 million in building. At the end of a six-month bringing people together,” says John there is a strong Indigenous component my opinion.” period the catalogue was incomplete. Lanzky, co-founder of the Redfern- to the festivities. By enlivening the There is a certain satisfaction for The RWA then agreed to a three-month Surry Hills Festival based outfit. That’s what it’s all about.” international network of the “Lions Mr Lanzky in knowing that whatever extension on the same terms. At the Family”, Mr Lanzky was able to organise money is collected will pass back into the back on Crown Street end of the three-month extension in When the Redfern-Waterloo Lions for the International Vice President of community, without travelling through For a long while, the Festival was June 2008, the RWA considered that Club was chartered in 2007, it was Lions International to meet with Tribal several levels of bureaucracy. “There on Crown Street. From memory, it was the catalogue remained incomplete the product of six stormy months of Warrior’s Chairperson, Shane Phillips. are a lot of little organisations around all the way from Foveaux to Cleveland and the contract between the RWA resistance. “Everybody, even some “[The Vice President] interviewed Redfern. And they all have one thing in Street, with three or four stages and and the Syrons ceased. However, the people very high up in the Lions Club, some of the participants, who were common: they’ve got no money.” S lots of music. What killed it was the Syrons have continued to occupy the RTA which insisted on charging the building since that time. The RWA Festival full costs for the street closure. had a Building Code of Australia Audit The next step forward in the battle with cancer undertaken in 2009. Numerous and This would have eaten into its healthy significant occupational health, safety income from which it poured into the Georgia Flynn placed to consider cancer treatment way through the complex web of health and fire risks were identified in this services of the local Neighborhood from both sides of the doctor’s desk. A services without any inside knowledge?” report indicating it is not suitable for Centre. So the Festival went to Prince When Prime Minister Kevin Rudd renowned head and neck surgeon, Prof. “There is no Australian, literally no residential occupation.” This dispute Alfred Park, which I am told has turned the first sod on Lifehouse at RPA, O’Brien was diagnosed with brain cancer Australian, who goes through life without may continue for a while. However, you succeeded beyond wildest dreams. he not only marked the beginning of a in 2006. being touched by cancer in some way – should try to see Gordon’s collection, if Now the City is upgrading Prince Alfred two-year building project to construct “If it’s been tough on someone as whether it’s in their own diagnosis, or not in Redfern then why not in Bondi? Park and the Festival is back on Crown a cutting-edge cancer treatment and knowledgeable and as optimistic as that of a family member, or a friend, or Art exhibition by Gordon Syron, Street. Will the RTA stuff things up this research centre, but also paid tribute Chris,” Mr Rudd said last year at the a workmate.” Chapel by the Sea, Bondi Beach, 95 time? Let’s hope not. We will have a full to a friend. launch of the Chris O’Brien Capital Appeal The vision of care that Prof. O’Brien for the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation articulated to then Opposition Leader Roscoe Street Bondi Beach (ph 9130 report next month. Anyway, the Surry Before his death in June last year, (SCCF), “What’s it like for ordinary Kevin Rudd was of an integrated 3445). If you want to buy a brilliant Hills Festival is always a good day! Professor Chris O’Brien was uniquely Australians who have to negotiate their system, where clinical care, research and piece of art for your collection I’m sure education, and outreach exist within a you will find something to your liking. Family Day on the Block single organisation. “The integration of One of the best developments in cancer care, represented by Lifehouse, is Good news from the next great step forward in our battle the Redfern area is Family Day on with cancer,” says Mr Rudd. the Cross the Block, organised by Babana, the Located in the Royal Prince Alfred One of the great things to happen last Aboriginal men’s group. The next Hospital, Sydney University’s teaching year was that the Federal Government Family Day is well worth supporting hospital, Lifehouse will be placed at the gave some infrastructure money to and is on February 27. Assure forefront of cancer research. “[Lifehouse] will be a custom-built centre, staffed by some of the best clinicians, specialist Psychology cancer nursing staff and researchers in Australia,” says Timothy Dugan, CEO of the SCCF. 306 Abercrombie St (Cnr Shepherd) It will take $300 million to construct Chippendale NSW 2008 the new Lifehouse building. The Federal Government has pledged to contribute Caring, confidential psychological services $150 million under the Health and Hospitals Fund. “I want to advance a to help you deal with life’s difficulties vision for Australia,” Mr Rudd has said. “For us to become world leaders in cancer detection, in cancer treatment, Bulk billing available on referral from GP and in cancer research.” Improving cancer care is the Contact Elizabeth Munro on 0408 612 808 centerpiece of the Federal Government’s national healthcare agenda, with $1.3 or at [email protected] billion pledged over six years. The PM’s reasoning is simple: “Because cancer is a personal story for so many of us, it Vimala Sarma presented Redfern Community Centre with a Cup for the best Under-10 Indigenous reader at the RCC is also therefore a national story for all Christmas Party at the Block on December 18 Photo: Andrew Collis of us.” S February 2010 N e w s 7

ADVERTISEMENT Kristina Keneally MP MEMBER FOR HEFFRON

Eight local community organisations in the Heffron electorate have shared in more than $300,000 in funding as part of the NSW Government’s $35 million Community Building Partnership program.

This is great news for our local community and I would like to congratulate all the local organisations who will receive funding for their projects.

The organisations in Heffron to receive funds are:

``St Martins Anglican Church in Kensington, which will receive $26,585 to refurbish the church kitchen and $4,950 to refurbish the hall windows; Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo (right) enjoys another Graduation Ceremony Photo: Andrew Collis

``Botany Bay Council, which will receive $45,000 for the Yaama Dhiyaan’s growing family replacement of the roof and guttering at Mascot Town Hall and $35,000 to install air-conditioning at Eastlakes Georgia Flynn offers students the chance to undertake to be using in our cooking.” Community Hall; the nationally recognised Certificate II in For Mr Oliver, this was what set Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo’s story is Hospitality Operations over nine weeks. Yaama Dhiyaan apart. “It’s a great captivating in its own right, involving When Yaama graduate Conway Oliver experience,” he says. “It’s not just study. ``The City of Sydney Basketball Association which will receive an improbable rise from working arrived in Sydney from the far North of There’s a lot to it.” Asked whether he $15,000 to upgrade their stadium floor; in the affluent Eastern Suburbs of Queensland, he left his family in Cairns. would recommend Yaama Dhiyaan Sydney as a nanny, to her status today “Aunty Beryl was like my family away to others, Mr Oliver is emphatically as an Indigenous community leader from home,” says the Yaama Dhiyaan positive. “Definitely! I would say don’t ``St Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church which will receive and co-founder of Yaama Dhiyaan graduate. “She’s a lovely person … think twice about it. Go and do it; it’s $86,221 to refurbish their car park; Hospitality Training College. While She’d go out of her way for you. As the best experience. It got me a great job. Aunty Beryl’s past represents a rich long as you give 100 per cent and she I work in one of Sydney’s best hotels.” personal narrative, it is through knows what you want, then she’ll help While he may have taken part in the ``Lady Gowrie Child Centre, which will receive $30,000 for her efforts at the Darlington-based you get there.” course in the October 19 intake last year, repairs and maintenance of their centre in Erskineville; hospitality school that she creates a Now working as a Food and Beverages Mr Oliver feels an ongoing connection future for her students. Attendant at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth with Yaama Dhiyaan, and more Hotel, Mr Oliver is quick to credit Yaama specifically, the tenacious co-founder. ``Eastern Suburbs PCYC, which will receive $18,448 for Founded by the Redfern Waterloo Dhiyaan for his professional success. “I would go back there and give [Aunty Authority in 2006, Yaama Dhiyaan “We studied things like bush tucker. We Beryl] my time,” he says, recalling his a garbage store room, $15,900 for window repairs and stands today as Australia’s first and only also went out into the Botanical Gardens, teacher’s efforts. “Even if she asked maintenance and $7,000 for a garden blitz; Indigenous hospitality school. Based in had a picnic, and learnt about the trees. me to go back there and teach, I would Wilson Street, Darlington, the College It was about seeing things we were going do that.” ``The Third and Fourth Kensington Scout Group, who will receive $21,230 for the replacement of their Scout Hall Group; and

Apology and Intervention ``St Peters Community Preschool, who will receive $3,091.50 to install outdoor sun shades which will help protect against – a contradiction? skin cancer.

Neil Whitfield sincerity, and that I could agree with. involved, but we know the Intervention Whether what came next was the best and its handmaiden of income The NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership On February 13, to mark the second strategy is another thing, of course. I am management has had a direct impact on program was an economic stimulus measure under the 2009- anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen sure SSH readers won’t be of one mind nutrition. As income management first 2010 Budget - to directly support the community and create Generation, the Stop the Intervention on these matters either. arrived in Katherine in late 2007, we Collective Sydney is participating in Sunrise Health Service in Katherine documented a number of instances where local jobs. a national day of action beginning at has been in the thick of it. CEO Irene the roll out affected peoples’ capacity to La Perouse at 9am for a walk against Fisher summed up her concerns in March purchase food at all ...” Local community groups, sporting clubs and organisations racism and finishing in a rally at The 2009. “What evidence is there that the On the other hand Djapirri Block at 1pm. Intervention has directly assisted in caring Mununggirritj, manager of the Yirrkala are the heart of communities across NSW. for our children – the premise on which Women’s Resource Centre, spoke in As the organisers say: “Prime Minister the Intervention has been based? favour of the Intervention on ABC Radio Rudd committed the Government to, ‘a “Sunrise’s success rate is significantly National in August 2009. “I think the We have invested in at least $300,000 worth of projects in future where this Parliament resolves higher than areas of the Territory in which system is working; I think there’s more every single electorate in NSW to ensure groups across the that the injustices of the past must the child health checks were carried food on the table for kids; I think there’s State receive their fair share. never, never happen again’. But ongoing out by visiting rather than local health more clothing for the kids; I think it NT Intervention policies reek of the professionals – 95 per cent compared to changes the mind of people, how to spend same paternalism and commitment 74 per cent of children. money rather than everything out on By funding community infrastructure projects to upgrade, to assimilation that created the Stolen “Anaemia in children generally leads grog. I think the system is working, and Generations.” to poor growth and development and is I think I should congratulate the Federal repair or build new facilities, the NSW Government is helping Speakers at the rally include Irene an accepted indicator of poor nutrition Government or the Northern Territory people get out and enjoy their local community. Fisher, Sunrise Health (NT), Pastor Ray and children’s general health. Sunrise is Government on what they did for the Minniecon, Mal Tulloch from the CFMEU, able to make direct comparisons between Intervention. Angeline Penrith and former foreign pre- and post-Intervention data. In the “OK there’s a few ups and downs correspondent Jeff McMullen. There will six months to December 2006, the rate with people, but these things that the Kristina Keneally MP be performances from the Black Turtles, in our region was 20 per cent. This was Intervention has brought in has made Nadeena Dixon, Michael Donovan and unacceptably high but had been reducing. things good in the community, making Member for Heffron others. By December 2007, the figure had gone sure that there was food on the table, the Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 On Christmas Day I found myself with up to 36 per cent. By June 2008, this place at nights were much quieter because a strong supporter of the Intervention. level had reached 55 per cent, a level of the alcohol restrictions and all that.” Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 Rather than argue (it was Christmas that was maintained in the six months The important thing is to show Email: [email protected] after all) I heard him out. He had been to December 2008. concern. Attending the march and/or rally impressed by Mal Brough’s passion and “To be fair, there may be other factors would be a good way to do that. 8 N e w s February 2010

tripodtripod cafcafe 262 Abercrombie St, Darlington Ph: 9698 8677 Open 7 days Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat-Sun 8am-4pm Pepsee CUT & COLOUR HAIRSALON Swedish massage and Shiatsu available 276 Abercrombie Street Darlington 2008 Greens candidate for Wentworth, Matthew Robertson Photo: Ali Blogg Mobile: 0403 110 832 Greens push for change in Wentworth

Dale Mills They are looking for a strong result and members of the GLBT community in Wentworth, with the Liberal Party in protected from discrimination at a Darlinghurst resident, Matthew disarray over climate change policy and Federal level are both high priorities. I Robertson, is standing as the Greens unable to agree on even a basic policy am concerned about the rights of the gay Sydney and Melbourne candidate in the seat of Wentworth at platform. The ALP under Kevin Rudd is and lesbian community of Wentworth, this year’s federal election. Robertson, proving to be a disappointing package and will work hard towards achieving who trained in law and politics, of promises and verbiage with little equal rights.” 1300 769 389 and has worked at the Refugee substance. “This is not the progressive Robertson’s priorities also extend to www.goget.com.au Advice and Casework Service, said Government voters thought they were housing affordability in the electorate, he is “enthusiastic about offering supporting in order to repair the damage where many who are renting or buying 24/7 access to cars parked nearby Wentworth a true alternative”. done by Howard,” Matthew said. are worried about the future. He said In NSW, the ALP brand is further that he was “concerned about the extent “The Greens have a positive vision damaged by the shambolic performance of homelessness in the electorate and for Australia’s future. We see a future of its State counterpart. The Greens housing affordability, and will work to powered by renewable energy, with are confident that gains will be made reduce the gap between wealthy and sustainable green-collar jobs, improved in NSW, where at a state level they poor”. Any attempt by Tony Abbott’s public transport, real action on climate are currently polling 17 per cent. The Liberals to make it easier to reduce Sydney Central Panel Beaters change and a fairer distribution of margin in Wentworth for incumbent MP, workers’ wages or conditions will be Incorporated by Surry Hills Panel Beaters & Spray Painters Pty Ltd housing, education funding and Malcolm Turnbull, is just 3.9 per cent. opposed by the Greens, said Robertson. employment.” Matthew expects the As a diverse electorate, Wentworth “Voting Greens in Wentworth is a 154-156 Regent Street, Redfern Greens’ positive outlook will be a is a hub for the gay and lesbian vote for real action on climate change, welcome relief to voters who have a community. Matthew told the SSH: “As environmental sustainability, social All smash work • Fleet work • Insurance work • Private work growing sense of frustration with both a member of the GLBT community, justice and the rights of those less Ph: 9319 6044 major parties. seeing marriage equality come to pass advantaged.” S ABN: 17 003 323 617 Lic. No.: 018843

Access to services easier for Indigenous residents

SSH their role will be to promote services their respective areas to provide advice doing a particularly good job servicing on access to essential services. Housing, Trying to navigate around the the Aboriginal community. legal issues, education, employment, services available to the community South Sydney Youth Services has family counselling, health and recreation, Mr Oven can be hard work, or in some cases recently been funded by the Department cultural awareness and sports and arts like finding a needle in a haystack. of Families, Housing, Community are the main services the workers will Cleaning • Sales • Service • Repairs Now it won’t be so difficult. Just calling Services and Indigenous Affairs be highlighting. James or Michael will start you on the (FaHCSIA) to employ two Information James is well connected to the Redfern Phone 1300 661 221 right track. They can meet with you or Referral workers – for the Redfern- Aboriginal community and Michael is a answer your calls. Waterloo and La Perouse Aboriginal Dharawal and Dungutti man from the “Our oven’s never looked so good!” Ali & Dorothy, SSH communities. La Perouse Aboriginal community of Two new positions have been created The workers, James Hoff based in Botany Bay. specifically to assist and inform Aboriginal Redfern-Waterloo, and Michael Ingrey at This is really good news for all People of services and opportunities La Perouse, will provide outreach support those trying to find their way through available to them. The second part of and information at various locations in to services. S artyourservice

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Convention on Climate Change The effects of climate change were (UNFCCC) COP15 (Conference of Parties observed especially following the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 15) negotiations, supporting the three European Wars of 1914-1918 and of 1930- Ni-Kiribati, Pelenise Maike Alofa Pilitati, 1945, and accordingly all of the arenas Kobenhavn, December 7-19, 2009 Maria Tiimon, and Tangaroa Arobati, in of conflict around the world since then. the Pacific Calling Partnership delegation Similarly, the effects of climate change under the NGO Status of Climate Action were observed in the industrialisation Network Australia (CANA), and speaking of developed nations since 1870 when up for Torres Strait Islanders, those the Industrial Revolution got underway. Australians in the Torres Strait of the Global summits have been held on the South West Pacific Ocean. effects of Climate Change, and the need I learned from presentations in side for Climate Justice, starting at the Geneva events at COP15 and KlimaForum09 Convention of 1948. and personal stories of delegates, that Yet though the plight of the Oceanic what is happening in the low-lying atolls peoples, including those of the Torres and islands of the vast Pacific Ocean, Strait, of Kiribati, of Tuvalu, of the and elsewhere around the oceans of Marshall Islands, of the Maldives, and the planet, with frequent high seas, even of Haiti, as a result of climate alternating episodes of heat and drought change … particularly in recent times with flooding rain, and melting ice, as a at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro result of climate change, regardless of in 1992, in Kyoto in 1997 with a legally the cause and despite all the arguments binding Protocol, in Bali in 2007 with the in politics and science, is so incredibly adoption of the Bali Action Plan and in shocking. Yet those causing it, are Kobenhavn in 2009 when another legally unwilling to take responsibility. binding agreement on Rio, Kyoto and Bali That a Copenhagen Protocol was was to become a reality. not signed at the UNFCCC COP15 in Oceanic peoples, most of them Kobenhavn reminds me of the struggles indigenous, living the traditional and of the Aboriginal and Islander peoples of cultural ways since ancient times, have the Sovereign Ancient Nations here in the not only been terrorised and condemned entity now known as Australia: to miserable existences, but that no 159 years (including 10 years struggle Copenhagen Protocol was produced, to have the Constitution changed) for means that they, and particularly the responsible governance by British and peoples of all the low-lying atolls and Australian governments of Aboriginal islands of the planet, have been left for and Islander Australians; dead by the developed industrialised 130 years (including 20 years countries like Australia, USA, Russia, struggle by ASSIUC) for recognition of China and the EU, and developing Australian born South Sea Islanders, industrialised countries like Brazil, Montage: Bob de Freitas the descendants of kidnapped and India and China. indentured Pacific Islanders from I have always resisted injustice, Patricia Corowa probably like Sarah did, when the preparation, what guided me was the Melanesia (1850s-1906); particularly against those who are Angel of God told her that she was admonition in Proverbs 31 verses 8 and 222 years (including 35 years battle selective in their humanity. In speaking The thought that came to me, when going to conceive and bear a son, when 9: “Speak up for them who cannot speak with the Australian legal system by up for Torres Strait Islanders and other Jill Finane the Eco-Justice Program she was 90 years old! I am, after all in for themselves, ensure justice for those Ancestor Eddie Koiki Mabo) to overturn Pacific Islanders in low-lying atolls and Coordinator at the Edmund Rice my 70th year, and haven’t been in the who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the the Doctrine of Terra Nullius and islands, I was not only advocating, but Centre phoned me to be a delegate best of health since the last century and poor and helpless, and see that they get even the Doctrine of Discovery… and also reminding others that Humanity with the Pacific Calling Partnership well into the first decade of this one. justice…” recognition of Aboriginal and Islander means us All … and no matter where we to the Climate Change Summit in And that’s what I did in Kobenhavn, Sovereignty; live on Planet Earth, we are all subject Copenhagen was “It’s all or nothing” By the time I had arrived in a wintry supporting the Government delegations 3 years of inhumane intervention into to Climate … So, I spoke up, and will … so my answer was “Yes”… and cold, grey but beautiful Kobenhavn from Kiribati and Tuvula in getting their the lives of 193 Aboriginal communities continue to speak up, for those who are then I laughed with excitement and (Copenhagen) less than a week later, message out to the global community in the Northern Territory proscribed unable to speak for themselves … even expectation, at the enormity of it all, with much prayer in my planning and at the United Nations Framework under the NT Emergency Act 2007. the Environment. S The power to choose

Jacob Whittingham that the Intervention in the Northern Territory, the growing fear of Asians This story was sent to the SSH by an and Islamophobia and, quite frankly, the online reader in the UK. shocking attacks on Indian students are cause for major concern. Australia is one weird place – However, when I think about the probably the weirdest place in the situation with Black people in England, world. Wait though, before you think despite being only 8 per cent of the I’m gonna cuss your country, listen to population, 18 per cent of the male what I gotta say (“Cuss”, by the way is prison population is Black, 23 per cent a Caribbean slang word for “insult”). live in poor housing conditions, and are Jacob Whittingham Photo: Supplied 44 per cent more likely to be committed You see, my father is in fact African- to a mental hospital. In other words, we Caribbean (from Jamaica) and my about it – in fact, I’ve never really got our problems too, it’s just that we mother is White English. I define myself complained about it. And that’s probably do it more subtly – which in many ways as … well … I’ll come onto that in a because I’ve simply got used to this fact. makes it so much harder to deal with. second, but the point is, in all of the And that’s why your country is so I suppose what I’m saying is that 45 other countries that I’ve traveled damn weird. I came to Australia for from a racial perspective, you guys to in the world (yes all), from a racial the first time in November 2009, and are far from perfect. The difference is, perspective (which tends to be what for the first time in the 30 years that in the short time that I spent in your most people seem to be interested in), I’ve been alive on this planet – I could country, for the first time in my life, I I’ve been labeled all manner of names, define myself. wasn’t forced by one race to be a part described racially in all manner of ways, You simply asked me who I was. And of another, that I had neither a control from a multitude of perspectives. then when I told you, you accepted it. nor a desire to be associated with. I Yeah that’s right, in Ukraine I was No-one told me who I was, or what I was given the power and the respect called Black, in Jamaica I was called should call myself. You didn’t give me to be me. yellow, in South Africa I was definitely a special name, you didn’t fit me into That’s why I felt a tinge of sadness coloured, and in Ghana I was most your racial categories. You gave me the when I left Australia, because I knew certainly white. And where I live, in power to choose – and listen carefully that as soon as I landed in England, London, England, I never know what to me on this one – that’s pretty unique. that’s right, once again, would be taken I’m gonna get called. Sometimes I’m Now don’t get me wrong, after away from me. S Black, and at other times I’m mixed race, spending a few months in Sydney but I can never be White. talking to various senators, writers What Being Black Is And What Being This confused the hell out of me, so and artists and interacting with the Black Isn’t out now on Amazon much so, that I’m even studying a PhD Tribal Warrior Association, you guys www.amazon.co.uk/What-Being- on the subject. I’m not complaining certainly have your issues. It’s clear Black-Isnt/dp/B002ZCSF5I 10 C O MM ENT t & O P INI i o n February 2010 editorial faith n this first issue of theSSH for I 2010, a big “thank you” to readers Amazing grace who responded so generously to our Support Independent Media Dorothy McRae-McMahon invite in us the possibility of having appeal, and to all those who joined another go at being who we long to be. us aboard the Deerubbun for a Every where you go these days When I was thinking about grace, fundraising harbour cruise on you seem to find or hear the hymn I came upon a sort of poem which I Survival Day. Thanks to Shane ‘Amazing Grace’. It sounds in bagpipes, wrote years ago during struggles of my and Rob, Shem, April, Nathan and is sung at Sydney Festival Concerts or own. Whatever the source of your faith, Terry and the good people of the played by Andre Rieu. The Ten Tenors or if you have none, perhaps you have Tribal Warrior Association. It was or Il Divio groups repeat it time and experienced a moment something like a warm and wonderful evening on again on their CDs as do many others this which gives you hope for the future. the water – a good opportunity for and, in my experience, people who Maybe that is why so many of us like relaxed conversation and reflection. have little relationship with the church ‘Amazing Grace’. often request it for funerals. We thoroughly enjoy the many The indescribable grace of God opportunities that journalistic work Cartoon: norrie mAy-welby I am always surprised that all sorts It arises within me like the affords for engagement in our of people like it when I read the line in fluttering of my heart – community, and commit ourselves the first verse about grace that “saved a a trembling of hope which I again to responsible and thought- at the Hyde Park barracks and On the subject of young people, wretch like me”. I wonder how people can’t explain or name. provoking engagement. We’re always venues across the city raised several the SSH is pleased to announce a sit with that extreme language about There is the sound of singing keen to receive news and story ideas thousand dollars for survivors, carers new regular feature. Beginning in themselves? No doubt most of us don’t in a voice of tenderness, – sports events, gigs and exhibitions, and counsellors. One very moving March, we’ll showcase, each month, know why the word “wretch” is there. It which lies deep within me, and of course, letters and opinion. and uplifting contribution from the achievements and good efforts on becomes more understandable when you and then spreads across the A few things we’re looking forward Blue Ribbon Dancers (young people the part of local school students. hear that the hymn was written by John heavens like a universal song. to. The SSH is proud to support from South Sydney: TJ, Rebecca, The SSH Youth Achievement Newton who was originally a slave owner the healing work of ASCA (Adults Jacob, Josh and Zakk) is deserving Awards will be sponsored by local and trader. When he faced the terrible Could I dare to believe that I am loved? Surviving Child Abuse) and to be of special mention. Choreographer business. Students – and hard- nature of his occupation and ended it, he Is the song really for me? media partner again this year in and dancer, Nicole Gertenaar, will working teachers and staff in our couldn’t believe that God would forgive I look down into the depths of my soul promotion of the Forget-me-knot co-ordinate dancers again this schools – deserve all the support him. He thought of himself as a wretch and feel beneath my life Day. Last year’s inaugural event November. We’ll keep you informed. and encouragement we can offer. who would be beyond that grace. When the firm hand of God. he felt that he did indeed receive God’s “Would I ever forget you?” grace, his gratitude knew no bounds and a gentle voice says, we have his beautiful hymn singing to us “You are mine and I love you.” down the centuries. comment A friend recently asked me what I The skies part in breathless joy, thought grace means. I decided that, my soul flies free and all of my being Copenhagen – glass half-full, glass half-full for me, it means something more than wheels into oneness and fullness. love – a kindness which restores hope at The fragmented elements of my truth, Barrie McMahon consumption, but are now being dyke/levee/bund construction. times of doubt about yourself, a deeper which I have always denied life, told there is not enough sustainable We were a little too smart in gift which may well be underserved and come together in delighted integration. There was no joy, nor great global warming to go around. China, seeking a credit in the original yet is given without any strings attached. I am alive and Christ is insight, in predicting the demise etc. could easily “develop” into the Kyoto Protocol for not proceeding I think that all religions find it hard to risen within me! of Copenhagen. If we could not get top group, but not to our level of with our pernicious land clearing. convey that vision of grace to the world. The grace of God surrounds our local act together (and pass consumption. They look to some Then, during a global financial crisis Maybe it is because we really find it hard me like a cloud of love an ETS), what hope was there equitable arrangement where they (which does distract from global to believe in ourselves. We focus so often and I stand on the ground in recreation. for global consensus, anyway? will limit their emissions growth, in warming) every other nation goes into on people doing the right thing or facing I am home, I am free to live! return for our emissions reduction recession except Australia – because judgment, rather than gifts of grace which Thanks be to God! Obama was smart enough to (from Kyoto, say). It is a big ask. we keep up our coal exports to the go for a much smaller deal with The under-developed nations, developing countries of Asia. This was key players (starting with China). possibly stereotyped by “Africa”, good for sustaining our economical same sentence. Redfern has been given I had fantasised (as I bet Rudd do not have the means of growing growth – but did not win us friends readers’ letters a new Community Health Centre and a did) that maybe Australia could or moderating their emissions at Copenhagen, nor before, nor after. new Community Centre, whilst Waterloo be part of that elite deal. Obama without a lot of help from the At home, Rudd has his trigger for Waterloo not the poor has lost access to a hospital, use of a saw South Africa as a much more developed or developing nations. a double dissolution with the defeat country cousin school, and is scheduled for arbitrary strategic member than Australia. They got nothing from Copenhagen, of the ETS bill. But the Joyce-Minchin redevelopment by a fleet of bulldozers – a Some think China’s hardball despite a walk-out at one point. opposition was so successful that There were two articles in the practice utilised by the NSW Government undermined any success of a The doomed nations are the island he might no longer win an early December 2009 SSH that perpetuated the in the 1970s and immortalised in the Copenhagen outcome. On the states who will literally “go under” election on that issue. That gives practice of categorising Waterloo as the documentary, Waterloo. If the Redfern positive side, we can now see with a two-degree temperature Abbott the opportunity to raise third-class suburb of the former South Waterloo Authority is genuinely interested three groups (maybe four) affected rise (the only deal to come from alternatives. Maybe we are not yet Sydney local government area. One was in delivering positive outcomes for the by global warming – let’s call Copenhagen). The carbon already in ready for an ETS. The Government a Comment [‘Channel Seven a boon to people of Waterloo, a first step would them developed; developing; the atmosphere will give us more than should also dust off pre-ETS actions local business’] by Roy Wakelin-King, be to stop its imbedded practice of under-developed; and doomed. two degrees warming. Much global it has on file and run with them. CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority, derogatory categorisation of Waterloo. The developed nations, including collaboration will be required to limit Rudd is stuck on a mantra of and the other was an article [‘ATP signs For the change to be effective it would Australia, have enjoyed the benefits the rise to two degrees – pity about no-cost emission reduction – “make sponsorship deal with Souths’], which need to start at the top of the Redfern of unsustainable energy consumption that – for the Maldives, sundry Pacific the polluter pay”. The ETS “tax” contained quotes from the same Roy Waterloo Authority. for decades. Kyoto was intended for communities, and some Torres Strait does nothing to build windmills or Wakelin-King in his role as Managing Or has the Government already those nations to demonstrate their islands. I wonder if Rudd realises gas-powered electricity generators. It Director of the Australian Technology decided to use the bulldozer alternative good faith by committing to emission that he might lose Christmas Island – simply cushions us from the true cost Park. In both articles Mr Wakelin-King for Waterloo and turn the suburb into reduction. Australia was a shonky lynch-pin of our border protection? of electricity, stopping the market help followed the practice of his predecessors a gentrified redevelopment site. The participant from the start, and only a Another positive outcome from us to reduce our consumption. There in assigning Waterloo the lower ranking precedent was set in the 1970s. recent joiner of the protocol. America Copenhagen – we can now see are poor people (pensioners, say) who when referring to the two separate Ross Smith still hasn’t. China cannot yet see any more clearly the pariah status need to be protected from electricity suburbs of Waterloo and Redfern in the Waterloo real achievement from the Kyoto of Australia in the international price rises. The Government errs in protocol and developed nations. community. We can forget about our trying to protect too many of us. The The developing nations, led Security Council campaign – though ETS (CPRS) was too easily pilloried by China, aspire to “developed” it should free up some funds for as a do-nothing tax by the skeptics. Government now prepared to raise the higher-cost regulatory approach. Mr emission reduction target of the ETS? Howard, Mr Costello, Mr Turnbull and We have made clear our range of the Rudd Government all chose a CPRS targets, and we have made clear the to act on climate change because it is the analysis conditions that are attached to them. cheapest, most effective way to reduce together. It was not a perfect agreement Those targets have bipartisan support carbon pollution, it caps emissions and Wong defends Accord and ETS and there is still a lot of work ahead from the Liberals. Our position has not it funds compensation for families. of us. But this was a crucial step in changed. We have always said we will The alternative to an ETS is the Melanie Kembrey about the Copenhagen Accord and delivering the action we need. do no more and no less than the rest of direct action climate plan proposed what it means for the Government’s Is the Rudd Government still the world. That commitment stands. by Tony Abbott. Copenhagen revealed The UN climate talks in Emissions Trading Scheme. determined to reintroduce its carbon The selling point of the ETS was how global action on climate change Copenhagen last month were a pollution reduction scheme when that it would make Australia part of an is riddled with difficulties. Could the bit like Christmas morning – an The Copenhagen conference failed parliament resumes in February? international effort to tackle climate Opposition’s plan be a better solution inevitable disappointment after all to produce a binding agreement We have been clear about this – change and Copenhagen showed that for Australia until we see what the anticipation and expectation. The to reduce emissions and even the we will reintroduce the legislation there is not yet a market for the global other nations are prepared to do? Copenhagen Accord, the last-minute Accord seemed unlikely to happen in February, in the hope that cooler trading of carbon. Has your political Under the Carbon Pollution result of a marathon of talks between until the last minute. How successful heads prevail in the Liberal Party. argument for an ETS been undermined? Reduction Scheme, it is polluters that 192 nations, is non-binding, aims to do you think the conference was? Ross Garnaut said Australia’s Australia will do no more and no pay. Without the CPRS, someone else limit temperature rise to two degrees As President Obama said, carbon emissions reduction target less than the rest of the world. The has to pick up the tab. The rest of the and requests countries to lodge 2020 the Copenhagen Accord was an would have to be raised five times to only way Australia would be “going world is taking the Carbon Pollution emissions-reduction targets by the unprecedented agreement. For the 25 per cent to pass an ETS that fulfils alone” would be if we abandoned the Reduction Scheme path – Mr Abbott’s end of this month. The SSH asked first time in history, rich and poor the Copenhagen Accord’s goal of low-cost path being taken by countries policy would cost far more and Climate Change Minister Penny nations agreed to tackle climate change limiting global warming to 2C. Is the like the US and Japan in favour of a would see Australia going it alone. The Review February ’10 11

Documenting illicit love, hopes and dreams

Laura Bannister the teacher-student relationship the unflinching, stark realities of the they experienced at the Eora 1960s social climate. “Indigenous Set in a remote Aboriginal Centre Aboriginal TAFE. Their Australian’s weren’t even citizens settlement, Warwick Thornton’s work together over the last five at this point, and the Government critically acclaimed Samson & years on Nin’s Brother, their first had no obligation to notify a Delilah was said by many to have joint documentary project, has family when a relative had died. been the depiction of outback taken them across the sun-speckled Men were forced to travel great life Baz Luhrmann ought to have nation and into each other’s lives. distances for work, as Milton was, created. And while some may be Nin’s Brother follows Monro’s and with no money or resources surprised that this hauntingly journey to uncover the truth about of their own, it was common for intimate picture made it as far as the suspicious circumstances under families to lose a loved one and find the Cannes International Film which her great uncle Milton died it forever unexplained,” Lisa says. Festival, local documentary in a remote South Australian mining “Milton’s death was a great maker Mary Monro knows town in 1960, and enabled her loss to the family. We lost what I a thing or two about why the family, particularly her grandmother, have now learnt was a gypsy soul Indigenous film industry is moving to finally experience peace. “The with a larrikin fighting spirit, a forward in leaps and bounds. story of his death has been passed strong respect for women and through the generations of my most importantly, a man with the Monro’s belief stems from more family. All we knew was quite potential to pass special information than mere assumption, as her own vague – that he fell in love with a down from one generation to the documentary, Nin’s Brother, is set to white woman, was shot by her father next,” Monro says. “Without Lisa screen on SBS later this year. “There and buried in a mine,” Monro says. I would have given up, as it’s been are so many more opportunities The reality was a lot more complex. a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve for Aboriginal filmmakers to tell As Milton’s death certificate was been through disgust, anger and their stories now, in the form of discovered, so too was a tale of frustration but I’ve gotten to the grants and commissions … and illicit love and a complex case of point where everything is right. My that’s what our people have always wrongly-accused murder suicide, grandmother’s brother no longer done, pass down knowledge and that, owing to Milton’s race and legal rests in an unmarked grave but retain it in stories,” Monro says. status, never even justified a police beside his father and grandfather.” Mary Monro (left) with nephew Raymond and Lisa Duff Photos: Andrew Collis As she sits across from the film’s report. Though the two women have Monro is excited about her future producer, Lisa Duff, at a local uncovered much, they realise there in film. “When this is completed, and show people that we have Redfern café, it is immediately are some things they will never know. I have a contemporary drama in always been the same as them, with Nin’s Brother is funded by the apparent that the bond between Monro’s work documents more the works. I want to celebrate crucial hopes, dreams, desires and Screen Australia Indigenous Unit the two women goes further than than her personal challenges, but Aboriginal lifestyle and culture pains. That’s what I’d like to do.” and is set to screen on SBS in June.

Innovative theatre in 10 minutes or less

Peter Whitehead is largely down to Alex Broun professionals and amateurs in a (Google him for plenty more) who way many find stimulating but “Short and sweet” means took over as Artistic Co-ordinator does pose problems for the Media many things to many people – as in 2004 and introduced strict Entertainment and Arts Alliance. a theatre event it began at the 10-minute time limits, restricted Alex reports that talks are going Newtown Theatre in January, 2002, playwrights and directors to one well towards “an agreement when Mark Cleary got a festival play each and actors two, and also over the rights and payments of of short plays together. Now in its developed People’s Choice Voting actors for their appearance in the ninth year Short+Sweet Theatre is and the competitive system where TV show of the Short+Sweet the biggest festival of 10-minute Weekly Winners chosen by judges Gala Final, To Be or Not to Be. theatre in the known universe. progress to the Gala Final. To those who sniff that S+S

Scenes from Yabun 2010, Victoria Park Photos: Andrew Collis Purists poo-pooing artistic is Rock Eisteddfod enthusiasm Some of you will not be unaware competition should remember that cum folk dancing in a church of this. There are 100 plays in the the Athenians voted for best play hall Broun rejoins, “I personally main draw of this event which at their festivals way back in the don’t care. I wouldn’t call them opened on January 6 at the Golden Era of Drama, centuries snobbish now – just old fashioned. Newtown Theatre where it runs BC (and millennia pre-PC). Stuck in the notion that good until February 21. This year there is As with anything in the back- theatre has to be long theatre. also a three-week season at NIDA’s biting pond of Sydney theatre Long theatre is actually more Parade Theatre (Anzac Parade) S+S has copped flak. In response often than not boring theatre”. from February 9 until 27. And there to allegations that this sprawling Perfection may be rare in this are 70 Wild Card presentations festival exploits volunteers, Alex, world but Short+Sweet does afford over seven Saturday afternoons now the Artistic Director, noted: opportunities for artists to express from January 9 to February 20 “Short+Sweet is voluntary for themselves and for audiences to with a Wild Card Final on the all participants. That is made watch and learn. This theatregoer 27th. There is every chance that incredibly clear at every single relishes the assurance that by the time the Gala Final of this step of the process.” He added: whatever happens will not exceed very long 170-short-plays fest goes “It would be impossible to pay 10 minutes. The growth of this off at the Parade Theatre on 12 & everyone in Short+Sweet. We have festival, pumped by the many that 13 March you will have directly over 400 actors, 170 writers and return year after year, is testament or indirectly shared the joy – or 170 directors. The wages bill alone to how necessary an element it despair – of at least one participant would be over a million dollars.” is to Sydney’s theatrical scene. somewhere, some time, somehow. The issue of payments has Book a seat and get along How this thing got so big dogged a festival that mixes to see for yourself. 12 The Review February ’10

rollicking style, with no-holds- But it contains many truths. unlikely and mongrel offspring. barred language, treats us to The hero of the story, Balram, starts Drawing from an Australian tradition The Reviews true life stories that illuminate life at the bottom of the heaving, that includes The Go-Betweens, excruciating and/or embarrassing restless, poverty-stricken human heap, The Dirty Three and My Friend the experiences from his own life. in what he calls the “Darkness”, of Chocolate Cake, the album hitches its Theatre Review Film Review If you need to prepare for the modern India: everywhere the River scratchy and weather-worn ambience by Jane Barton by Lindsay Cohen ordeal of a colonoscopy, then Tony Ganges flows, the Darkness is found. to pirate doggerel and rock swagger. is the man to guide you through it. He wryly comments on It’s a fresh breath of breathless If you plan to visit the Land of the colonialism and post-colonialism, and urbane world-weariness. Long White Cloud, and become alluding to the difference between Daisy Tulley’s violin and Millie a tourist in Te Kuiti, or if you are a zoo and a jungle: where a person Hall’s saxophone casually define just passing through Hamilton, is either a “have” or a “have-not”; the five-piece through inventive then Tony will colourfully fill you where one is either a landlord, or a punctuation of Holiday Sidewinder’s in on a bit of the country’s past. renter; where one is either over-fed nonchalant vocal lines. There’s a If you have ever acted on a racist or starving; where ultimately one is classical tradition at play here – but thought, helped someone to find either very rich or very poor; well contemporary – as much Steve Reich a dog that was not lost, caused a educated or so poorly educated as anything else – softened by an The Fence Up in the Air Volvo to hiccup at the lights, or that on reaching adulthood one avant and folk disregard for formality. Festival of Sydney Director: Jason Reitman been nonplussed by an “Aspect is well and truly trapped in the Both players serve to open space Urban Theatre Projects Starring: George Clooney Planner”, Tony will wallow in underclass in the system. for their prescient vocalist, Holiday. Parramatta Riverside Theatre Genre: Academy Award guilt, and/or look foolish for you. He portrays India as a place Her whispered voice is drenched Dir: Alicia Talbot material Family life and particularly where a person with appropriate in spacious echo and frequently Performers: Helen Dallas, family rows are his speciality. He entrepreneurial skills, cunning, doubled. On album opener ‘Lunar Richard Green, Kelton Pell, It is said of George Clooney not only gives wonderfully succinct and hard work, can make the Eclipse’ she sings: “I don’t ever even Vicki van Hout, Skye Quill. that many men want to be like descriptions of angry silences and choice as to which group to belong think of you, but it’s nice to be loved him and many women want to be unintended insults, but also is able to, but where the price for that by you” with such claustrophobic The promo blurb informs the with him and I am no exception. to capture the embarrassment of choice is terrible either way, for clarity it could be an anthem for the audience: “The Fence was devised It’s not just the chiselled jaw, the learning about sex when one is on a child from the Darkness. human condition. Elsewhere her by a team of artists working in perfect chin or the full head of hair. the cusp of puberty (if you grew up In following the progress of disconnected voice bemoans “crashes, consultation with Indigenous No, it’s the presence he brings at a time when it was not the done sharp-witted, clever Balram, the cracks and ditches”, or is “surrounded and non-Indigenous community to the roles he portrays and the thing to officially teach about sex, reader is lead to the point where by a pack of dogs”. The world is members with related experiences.” films he selects to portray them you will squirm as Tony invokes he/she can see in stark relief where closing in, and while it might be Alicia Talbot has developed in (with the exception of Return guilty memories of well-thumbed our own system is heading. alarming, she’s not about to panic. a reputation for collaborative, of the Killer Tomatoes! and Batman pages of certain magazines – in In the last 30 years, we have Resignation and resolve ooze into contemporary work that embraces & Robin – nobody’s perfect). his case, the National Geographic been beaten over our collective everything – drums don’t groove as the difficult themes.The Fence is From Three Kings; Syriana; is revealed as an unlikely source head with the mantra that “greed much as stutter and slap – infecting no exception. As dusk falls the Good Night, And Good Luck and for the study of the mysterious is good”, that taxes are bad, and each track with restlessness and audience members are issued with an elite selection of Soderbergh anatomy of the opposite sex!) that all our collective social needs bouncing from guitar delays that stamps and given maps to find the and Coen Brothers’ films, Clooney At times, when reading this fairly (particularly schools, hospitals, roads murmur and flutter with the vocals. performance site. Through the old has repeatedly proved that he is as light-hearted, non-serious book, I and transport), should be privatised. ‘Queen of Hearts’ verges into gentle King’s building in Parramatta, with versatile as he is talented and when found, to my surprise, that not only Today, we are also being told that pop, but keeps a distance with its implied history of colonisation he wins the Academy Award (you was my memory of certain incidents polluters should not have to pay for arms “reaching out to no avail”. and privilege, the audience winds its heard it here first) it will be just in my own life accessed, but also that polluting, and it does not matter if we In many ways Bridezilla recall way to a cosy back corner. Behind reward for a lifetime of achievement. my feelings at the time were also all do whatever we can get away with. some of the early signings on cyclone fencing is a makeshift bar, Clooney has made an art of being vividly (even luridly) recalled. When This timely story (winner of 4AD – working with a pop aesthetic some port-a-loos, plastic tiered seating the dodgy guy who sees the light. Tony records how he feels, or once the Man Booker Prize 2008) that refuses to simply rock out and the open backyard of a suburban In Up in the Air he threatens to do felt, I was led by his writing into that is a wake-up call for us all! or bow down. The danger briefly house. Everything seems normal. likewise. In it he’s an unlikeable hidden space in my own memory. rears its head on the misleadingly Mel is sanding a garden seat, inside character of dubious motivation who This is a rare talent. »»[email protected] titled instrumental ‘Soft Porn’, Joy cooks dinner. The details of life travels the world sacking people where the band loses menace and unfold at an achingly slow pace. Talbot and having meaningless romantic edge, threatening to flatten into has removed the fourth wall literally relationships while alienating his Music Review quainter, less sophisticated folk. and the hum-drum normality of home family. When he finds a fellow soul by Lee Conley But of course, we all know brides invites thwe audience to relax into the and his own career is threatened he are beautiful and monsters are familiar environment with the actors. re-evaluates his priorities, threatens dangerous. Bridezilla reminds us When Mel’s sister arrives silently to settle down and makes good that in a solitary world our arms across the backyard, her entrance with his family. And then it all goes fail, our expectations lead us astray, sets in motion an emotional chain to shit. Yet he learns nothing and the dogs find us, and there is a reaction. It unfolds with devastating ultimately ends up where he started. fragile beauty left for us to hold simplicity, unforced, naturally and It’s so un-Clooney-like it’s – even if it were the last dance. Bridezilla with spell-binding effect. It requires extremely difficult to work out if The White Tiger The First Dance The SSH is a passionate the audience to be patient, to sit with this is a triumph of acting over poor Aravind Adiga Ivy League (2009) supporter of local and the kitchen sink nature of this drama. characterisation and writing or a Atlantic Books, London (2008) independent music. Send This unusually leisurely pace is sop deliberately anti-establishment, anti- recordings for review to to the usual wizz and fizz of dramatic Hollywood ending statement. Either Any match between bride and Lee Conley at PO Box performance. In this sense The Fence way, Clooney has broken his mould, This witty, ferocious, and ultimately monster promises interesting and 2360 STRAWBERRY captures something quintessentially and I like him even more for it. devastating book tells a story for dangerous progeny, and Bridezilla, HILLS NSW 2012 or email Australian, and particularly urban Rating: Full price admission, our time. As a work of fiction we with debut long-player The First [email protected] and Aboriginal. The triumph of 2 choc tops, medium popcorn must assume that none of it is true. Dance, have delivered suitably The Fence is its quiet tone. Never and a medium drink with a hysterical or dramatic, it captures the small packet of peanuts. debilitating effects of “being stolen”. Each character struggles to have the »»[email protected] kind of emotional relationship with family they can see is possible but Book Reviews have never had. Emotional illiteracy, by Marg Vazey the legacy of being brought up in an CONCERT FOR HAITI institution, is the core issue and the performance nails it to perfection. A gifted cast, inspired direction, The Eve Nish Duo Maya Hugo Leal Sin and an earthy set that enhances the work all combine to great effect. Ambre Hammon John Queripel The Refrains Urban Theatre Projects has given the Festival of Sydney a legitimacy that would otherwise be lacking. The 8pm Friday March 5 TICKETS $25/15 Fence gives dignified voice to those community members least often Ruby’s Place Chapel by the Sea A Nest of Occasionals heard and least equipped to speak Tony Martin 95 Roscoe Street (cnr Gould St) Bondi Beach out because of their experiences. Picador Pan Macmillan (2009) »»[email protected] Contact: [email protected] Funny-man Tony Martin, in The Review February ’10 13 SIMON CARTER OXFORD ART FACTORY THE FORMER FRONTMAN AND SONGWRITER OF SYDNEY BAND THE COPS PLAYS SONGS FROM HIS FORTHCOMING DEBUT SOLO ALBUM "THE BLACK BOOK OF THE UNIVERSE" DUE IN MARCH 2010.

SIMON AND HIS BAND TAKE RESIDENCY AND PLAY TWO SETS FOR YOUR PLEASURE, EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, FOR A MONTH.

Beautiful THURSDAY JANUARY THE 28TH THURSDAY FEBRUARY THE 4TH THURSDAY FEBRUARY THE 11TH geometry THURSDAY FEBRUARY THE 18TH FROM 8.30PM / FREE

Stephen Helman geometrical experimentation favoured by Eliasson and his collaborators. OXFORD ART FACTORY Olafur Eliasson’s show at the MCA In perhaps the most stunning work, a 38-46 OXFORD ST DARLINGHURST is immersive and mesmerising. Danish- fine mist of water falls from the ceiling in born, to Icelandic parents, his work draws a darkened room, illuminated by a single MYSPACE.COM/SIMONCARTERAUSTRALIA inspiration from the stark grandeur of his spotlight. An ethereal display of rainbow ILLUSTRIOUSARTISTS.COM OXFORDARTFACTORY.COM ancestral homeland, and a fascination with colours dances and sways in mid-air, geometry, light and visual perception. the colours and shapes changing as your point of perception moves around it. SC_OAF_AD_01.indd 1 22/01/10 12:35 PM Simple elements create spaces and The exhibition title is certainly apt, as experience that confound and amaze the the works invite the viewer to spend time viewer – an empty room lit with dazzling immersed in the environment of each work, An Aboriginal Picnic yellow light makes people and objects pondering the nature of light and visual appear monochromatic – a white spotlight perception, and delighting in the witty yet on Clark Island shining on a spinning clear glass disc beautiful tricks executed so well by the artist. transmits yellow light and reflects purple. Other works are more architectural Take Your Time: Olafur Eliasson in character but create similarly Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney fascinating effects in light: a walk-through Until April 11 – $15 exhibition entry kaleidoscope tunnel, and a giant crystalline stainless-steel structure creating complex prism-like illusions within its many points. A variety of minimalist photographic AUDITIONS series document the Icelandic landscape SUNDAY MARCH 14 and the effects of light and natural John Kolvenbach’s “LOVESONG” processes, such as the flow of water, in it. Actors aged approx. 20-50 A room is set aside to display a small Sydney performance / May 2010 collection of sculptural models for future Call Kenney on 0412 740 231 works, made with copper wire, giving to book your time. an insight into the creative process of www.lovesongplay.com for more information.

The Lions Club of Redfern-Waterloo & the Tribal Warrior The RedWater Markets Association Inc. invite you & your family & friends to 3rd Saturday of every month An Aboriginal Picnic on Clark Island February 28

Redfern Park You will be taken to Clark Island on the Tribal Warrior boat which will leave from (Corner Elizabeth and Redfern Streets, Redfern) Man-O-War Steps on a continuous service from 9am. $70 per person (includes Indigenous food) 8am - 4pm Contact: John Lanzky 0416 048 932 Clothes, plants, books, bric-a-brac, recycled goods, sausage sizzle Please transfer your payment (with note “Aboriginal Picnic”) to: Stall enquiries: 0434 197 527 Westpac Admin Account (Lions Club of Redfern-Waterloo Inc.) BSB: 032006 / Acc: 349170 Or post your cheque to: Redfern-Waterloo Lions Club, PO Box 3250 REDFERN NSW 2016 Email: [email protected] “Come and be part of this new inner-city market held under the shady trees in beautiful Redfern Park” 14 The Review February ’10

Obituary Roy Francis Byrnes 1964-2009 John Cale with viola Photo: Supplied A true gift to our community

John Cale – Sydney 2010 Wayne Moody Joint Consultative Committee, and whilst management did not always Roy, the big “O”, was born agree with his arguments his work Laurence Williams members (an eclectic mix of young, when, mid-song, Cale broke into a on December 12, 1964 to and efforts were well respected by old and older) received him with solo piano medley that ran through Greg and Geraldine Byrnes of workers and management alike. On Saturday January 16, John due adulation, though some who fragments of Chopin’s ‘Fantasy Matraville, the middle child Roy became a member of the Cale appeared in concert at the knew Cale’s work only from Velvet Impromptu’, Debussy’s ‘Claire de of three. He had to overcome USU Committee of Management Enmore theatre as part of the Underground material may have been Lune’ and Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise’ all in many hurdles throughout his of the Sydney branch, holding the Sydney Festival’s 2010 program. slightly surprised by the essentially the space of a minute or so. This was early years after health issues position of Branch Secretary for straight-up rock sound of most of the unexpected, yes, but not particularly caused him to need to work some years, taking on tasks and Having been a founding member material. The most rapturous applause well considered or tastefully executed. harder to achieve milestones. challenges no matter how large or of The Velvet Underground and a was certainly in response to the two From an early age Roy touched small, always offering his assistance collaborator with such minimalist VU songs performed: ‘Waiting for the Set List people’s lives through his efforts. and never being one to stand composers as La Monte Young Man’ and ‘Femme Fatale’ (which led ‘Captain Hook’ (Sabotage: Live) On two occasions Roy’s actions and Terry Riley, as well as having directly into ‘Rosegarden Funeral of ‘Mercenaries’ (Sabotage: Live) saved lives – such as at the back when a job was to be done. production credits on debut albums Sores’, as on the Circus Live release). ‘Walking the Dog’ (Sabotage: Live) age of 8 rescuing a young girl In 2004 Roy met his partner for Patti Smith and The Stooges, The instrumentation consisted of ‘Model Beirut Recital’ (Caribbean Sunset) who had fallen out of a boat. Ann in Newcastle on a blind Cale is deservedly considered an Cale switching between piano and ‘Helen of Troy’ (Helen of Troy) date, the two quickly becoming immensely influential figure in the guitar (unfortunately the viola was left ‘Dying on the Vine’ (Artificial Intelligence) After leaving school Roy tried inseparable. Ann moved to Sydney, history of underground rock music. untouched) along with an additional ‘Waiting for the Man’ (VU & Nico) his hand at a number of jobs and in 2004 they became parents The bulk of the material performed guitarist, a bassist and drummer. ‘Femme Fatale’ (VU & Nico) including heading off as a young of their only child, Daniel. Roy at the concert was selected from The drums and bass provided a solid (Medley leading into) ‘Rosegarden Funeral of man to central NSW as a Jackaroo. was so passionate and determined Cale’s own extensive and much more foundation, but the guitarist, in spite Sores’ (Sabotage: Live) In 1996 he joined the former South to become a Union official, seeing accessible solo catalogue. There were of obvious technical proficiency, was, ‘Child’s Christmas in Wales’ (Paris 1919) Sydney Council as a labourer and this career move as an opportunity inclusions from such quality 1970s stylistically, unbearably pedestrian. ‘Amsterdam’ (Vintage Violence) in 1999 was elected as a workplace to do what he loved and a way albums as Paris 1919, Fear, Helen Although there were some fine ‘Fear is a Man’s Best Friend’ (Fear) delegate at the local depot – a job that he could better provide for of Troy and Sabotage: Live, as well songs performed, the show was too ‘Paris 1919’ (Paris 1919) he loved, where he could assist his new family. In 2008, Roy as songs from later, more dubious commonplace in style for me to ‘Dirty Ass Rock and Roll’ (Slow Dazzle) fellow workers taking issues and was seconded to the USU and ‘Gun’ (Fear) collections like Artificial Intelligence consider it remarkable. The only real grievances to management on hit the ground running, being and Caribbean Sunset. Audience departure from expectation occurred ‘Pablo Picasso’ (Helen of Troy) their behalf and mostly in his able to pick issues and meet the own time – such actions marked needs of members with gusto. the beginning of his journey to Roy picked up tackling becoming a Union official. issues others had put in the Centuries of Gold Roy was also heavily involved with the Salvation Army Red “too hard basket” with so much Shield Appeals, and in the local determination to get what he Scott Winter ALP Rosebery Branch. His life thought members were entitled had been touched by the Salvos to. When jobs at North Sydney The Golden and he wanted to lead others to Council were under threat due to Century them. Roy became the Chairperson the financial crisis Roy organised Restaurant, of the Matraville Chapter of the workers, found solutions and situated at 393 the Salvation Army for the last saved the jobs. Many members Sussex Street five years, leading that team on across Sydney Councils are grateful in China Town, efforts that raised $75,000. to experience a better standard has become a classic Sydney Roy’s efforts to help others didn’t of living due to his efforts. dining institution, trawling the stop there. He had an extended A modest man who always freshest seafood and crustaceans knowledge of computers and would considered others before himself, from ocean to tank to pot to table. offer assistance to fellow workers he was always first to offer help – to It seems director of operations, – in his own time fixing their make arrangements for functions Eric Wong, established this problems and on the odd occasions or fundraisers, offering staff a lift once pokey 10-seater soup telling them, “Mate, chuck it in in the transport stoppage, sitting kitchen centuries ago. the bin”. He also helped complete Lobster Sashimi Photo: Supplied with a staff member all night tax returns for his fellow workers. after an appendix attack or just Today, his empire of delicious Roy was very passionate about listening to people in their hour of oriental delicacies can boast two large expect to wait, and wait, and wait, the fish with ginger and shallots, helping others, a characteristic 600-seater restaurants that capture all ’cause they make no pretences about the pippies with XO, the crab in recognised by the United Services need. We will miss him greatly. the in-your-face activity you might wanting you in and out during their garlic sauce and the prawns cooked Union. He was loyal and diligent We can only put his sudden expect to find at a bustling Chinese peak periods. The ambience is noisy to a delicate pink served with a in his efforts with improving passing down to the fact that fishing port – crawling with as many but stimulating and the decor is like vinegary dipping sauce. And for the workplace safety and workplace heaven must have needed a “live” mud crabs, pippies, lobsters and that of an early James Bond movie. most extravagant diner, the lobster conditions. He was involved in good organiser. So heaven help silver perches your eyes can gawp at. Excite the taste buds with a wide sashimi is exalted among the regulars, the merger of the City of Sydney anyone up there who may not Although they takes reservations, if choice of meat, seafood, vegetarian, including international heads of and South Sydney Council and be treating others fairly because you aren’t lucky enough to have one, and poultry dishes. Suggestions – try state and even the odd Bond girl. active in his role on the City’s they will have Roy on their case. February 2010 C O MM UNI i t y NOT t i C 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 food distribution network has increased ten-fold from the old way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo home delivery of low-cost fresh fruit & vegetables

The Food Distribution Network is a not-for-profit organisation that Advertise in the SSH Uniting Churches delivers boxes of fresh and inexpensive fruit and vegies to older “Celebrating the lives of the diverse people of South Sydney, inviting discussion on people, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and issues of concern and interest, adding encouragement to possibilities for community.” carers who live in the City of Sydney and need assistance living Partner with the SSH and 30,000 readers who are: independently at home. For $9 you can have a box of 6-8kg of fruit – savvy on a diverse range of issues and/or vegies delivered to your door each week or fortnight. – passionate about the area in which they live Please call 9699 1614 or e-mail [email protected] for more – looking to support local businesses and people information. These services are funded by the Home and Affordable rates • Booking Sheet online • www.southsydneyherald.com.au South Sydney Uniting Church Community Care programme and the AIDS Trust of Australia. [email protected] • 9319 1373 or 0416 048 932 56a Raglan St Waterloo Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 Welcoming people of all ages, 3pm, 13 February 2010 cultural backgrounds, 56a Raglan St, Waterloo sexual orientations and identities. NEW DIRECTIONS Peace with justice, integrity of creation.

ABSTRACTS IN COUNSELLING Tongan Uniting Church Curator: Charlotte Dibben (South Sydney) Special Thanks: Blue Heaven Framing Worship 1pm Sunday 38 City Rd Broadway AND RECOVERY Mid-week service Friday 7-8pm AND (02) 9281 8778 Ps Sione Hau 0431 144 247 Guest Speaker: Miriam Cabello Spend a day with Mike Lew and gain the insights, strategies and the support you need to work Glebe Cafe Church Cnr St Johns & Cambourne Sts effectively with male survivors of child abuse. Glebe STILLS Gathering Sunday 7pm ASCA, in conjunction with SECASA, is bringing Mike Free For All/Eight O'Clock Sharp Group Exhibition at Lew, M.Ed., a leading world expert in the field of adult Music nights Thu 8pm South Sydney Uniting Church male recovery from childhood abuse to Australia. Steph Gesling 9518 9413 Mike has worked with thousands of men and women in their healing Newtown Mission 280 King St Newtown from the effects of childhood sexual abuse, rape, physical violence Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday emotional abuse and neglect. Rev Ps Doug Clements 9519 9000 Mike is a psychotherapist and cultural anthropologist who brings a multifaceted approach to a subject that sadly crosses every cultural Paddington Uniting Church and economic group. 395 Oxford St Paddington By Lydia Church Open 10am-2pm New Directions in Counselling and Recovery workshop dates: 1st and 3rd Saturdays Worship Sunday 7.30pm BABANA BABANA Location Date Time Rev. Peter Walker 9331 2646 Aboriginal Men’s Group Sydney 9 April 2010 9 am–5.00 pm A one day workshop for health professionals Next meeting Friday 26 February Pitt Street Uniting Church 12-2pm PCYC, Redfern Melbourne 15 April 2010 9 am–5.00 pm A one day workshop for health professionals 264 Pitt St, Sydney Contact: Mark Spinks 9243 3546 Redfern Perth 23April 2010 9 am–5.00 pm A one day workshop for health professionals Worship 10 am Sunday Darwin 27 April 2010 9 am–5.00 pm A one day workshop for health professionals & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 To book into one of Mike’s powerful sessions, simply visit Ultimo University Church www.asca.org.au/mikelew Cnr Bulwara Road and Quarry St, Ultimo Worship 6.30pm Sunday Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 What is happening Waterloo Recycling Workshop Workshop and market open Fridays 9am-12pm. Wayside Chapel in Redfern-Waterloo? Turungah Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo (lower car park). 29 Hughes St Potts Point Get the latest from www.redwatch.org.au Affordable furniture and household goods. Worship 10am, email [email protected] for free email updates Donations gladly received (no white goods or electrical apps). Bible Study 5pm Sunday or call Geoff on 9318 0824 Volunteers welcome (phone Naomi on 0407 576 098). Ps Graham Long 9358 6996

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Verity Firth MP Kristina Keneally MP Clover Moore MP Carmel Tebutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 111-117 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2010 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9357 6366 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9357 6466 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 S P o r t February 2010 Rovers, the “Premier” team Perry Johnstone She was told that pre-season training tolerance. for the teams aged Under 13 to Open Everyone is welcome to come down The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP, Aged teams will be commencing their to Erskineville Oval and jump on board Premier of NSW gave up some of her training as of Wednesday February 10 at the Rovers express, players old and new, precious time on Australia Day to drop Erskineville Oval, the Under 6s through team officials, committee members by and lend a hand to the Alexandria to the Under 12s will be starting their and sponsors are always welcome. Rovers who were running a food stand training as of Wednesday March 10 also What better way is there to show your at Yabun 2010 at Victoria Park. at Erskineville Oval. community spirit in 2010 then to get on As always there is free registration, board with your local team, whether you Kristina is the long-time patron of jumpers, shorts and socks for everyone have lived in the area for five minutes the Rovers and she put in a good shift who plays football for the Rovers. or for 50 years. Once you get the Rovers’ under hot conditions serving up the The club is regarded among locals as bug, you have it for life. S steak sandwiches to the hungry patrons the family club, and this has been evident of Yabun. throughout the years as the club prepares For all the latest info on pre-season The look on the people’s faces as she for its 62nd season of providing rugby training and all the other news regarding served them was priceless, there were league to the people of the inner city. your local club, check out the club’s plenty of second and even third glances The true spirit of the club is shown official website: as people walked away, stopped and by the volunteers who run the club. www.alexandriarovers.com.au looked back. Once her shift was over Everyone gives their time free of charge You can email the club at she sat down with club secretary Perry to ensure that everyone has the chance [email protected] Johnstone to discuss the upcoming to play the game and enjoy the benefits or why not become a friend season for the club. of teamwork, mateship, fitness and racial of the club on facebook?

Future muscle men! Photo: Ali Blogg more focussed training programs. served by enthusiastic and well-equipped basketball, AFL, soccer, cricket and Then there were the old Redfern Public staff. Each of them is qualified to work in gymnastics for children and young people, School buildings, now home to education, specific areas of the Centre. James brings with access to elite Indigenous players kids’ training programs and art classes, with him the long-time experience of his in the various sports. Alongside that, Indigenous Centre off and 113 beds for the accommodation of work with the YMCA. there are a whole range of classes for groups from near and far. The children He spoke of plans which are already in various gym, pilates and cycling skills, from the past, remembered on the soon- place to accommodate a group of children many geared for weight loss as well as to an excellent start to-be reinstated old Honour Boards, with special needs for something like a overall health. would be proud to be set among these summer camp so that their regular staff The Centre will be formally opened Dorothy McRae-McMahon challenge their balancing skills – all new dreams for the future. In between carers could have some respite. Because by the Prime Minister, but it is already in good fun when you just fall into the two old school buildings is a peaceful of the careful designing of the facility, it available for people to visit and to join. There was a buzz of excitement, the water! corridor with space and trees for relaxing. will attract not only children and others Membership is handled by Direct Debit with people meeting and greeting and Talking with James Ellender, Facilities for various workshops and recreational and is $7.50 per fortnight for Indigenous looking around at the Open Day of the We could see the two great gyms, the Manager, we heard of the 36 staff, 80 per times, but leaders in these fields from people and $37.50 for non-Indigenous. new National Centre for Indigenous basketball courts, the sports ground and cent of whom are Indigenous, and the around the country. People from city It will be well worth the price, as the Excellence in George Street, Redfern. the comfortable places to sit and watch building up of their expertise and sense and country will build relationships and variety of options within the Centre The children were in the pool and as you sip your coffee or cool drink. It of teamwork at a recent Staff Retreat. share expertise. is so impressive, as is the quality of watching in anticipation the arrival of was obvious that all age groups could The fruits of that were clearly evident. There will be sports clinics in touch resources, cutting edge technology and the colourful inflatable which would participate in either healthy relaxation or Everywhere we went, we were guided and football, swimming and games, netball, staff guidance. S

 www.ncie.org.au

Sports Competitions at the NCIE                

  www.ncie.org.au       

   