WATCHING WIRES AT WORK ‘ELIXIR’ HITS THE HEIGHTS NEWS – page 6 THE REVIEW – pages 11-14

NUMBER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO ~ OCTOBER ’16 ~ CIRCULATION 22,000 ~ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND

the work was quite sensitive and beautifully composed.” Twomey’s work is part of Spineless Wonders’ #storybombing initiative that inner-west designer Belinda Kaiser says aims to take short Australian stories everywhere. At Beams, #storybombers distributed printed versions of the four screened stories – originally appearing in the Spineless Wonders anthologies Out of Place and Flashing The Square. “We’ve tried to make the print versions visually interesting enough that people get curious and take them away and read them on the way home instead of playing on their phones or whatever,” said Kaiser. “In Sydney you see people playing on their phones all the time but, instead, they could actually engage with a story that really takes them somewhere else. That’s what I find exciting about it. Taking short stories out to places where people don’t expect them, and where they actually give them something.”

A unique Sydney festival Ginsberg has curated Beams’ eclectic creative offerings since she founded the festival in 2012 and believes it is internationally distinctive. “It’s a boutique-style festival, so The “live” graffiti mural at the Beams Festival involved 50 artists – each painting two metres of a 100-metre-long canvas that was later auctioned to help young refugees Photo: Richard Heersmink it’s not like Vivid. It’s unique – highly original. There’s nothing like it, I don’t think, anywhere in the world.” What started as a four-laneway festival with 4,000 people has Chippo Beams with festival spirit since expanded to incorporate nine laneways drawing a MARJORIE LEWIS-JONES In Queen Street the approach was Each laneway featured five drawn from art colleges and 25,000-strong crowd. classical – featuring flautists, operatic hours of uninterrupted music and universities around Sydney helped “It’s madness!” said Ginsberg. CHIPPENDALE: Tens of thousands singers and sensitive art installations. the diverse line-up included jazz/ Ginsberg bring Beams to the streets. “We’ve come a long way.” of people flocked to Chippendale “I’m trying to think of the word pop/R&B acoustic duo Jana Aveling “What they’re contributing This year Beams showcased new to catch the spirit of the Beams to describe it,” said Ginsberg, and Kartik; Astrix Little’s electronic is extraordinary,” she said. “I ways of working with technology Arts Festival on September 17. “but I can see willowing cloth pop; reggae outfit Freda’s Boss; couldn’t do without any of them. and art – with things to touch, speak blowing in the wind and a beautiful indie pop rock group The Runaway They’re my production team.” into, or which were only activated Back for its fifth year, the free one- soundscape that’s very ephemeral.” Houses; and Goldheist, winner of the Fine Arts graduate from UNSW by music or certain sounds. night festival showcased the work of In O’Connor Street, 50 artists 2016 People’s Choice Award at the Emily Twomey volunteered for And, while the festival is 500 creative artists and performers created a “live” graffiti mural with Tamworth Country Music Festival. BEAMS in 2015 and helped young tailored to everyone who wants to flooding the alleyways and outdoor each artist painting two square festivalgoers make bird’s nest have a good time, it’s also about spaces of the Chippendale Creative metres of a 100-metre-long canvas. Chippo the Chelsea of New York headdresses. This year she submitted community, said Ginsberg, Precinct (CCP) with light, art, music, The mural was later auctioned by Ginsberg first came to Chippendale her own work in collaboration “Do you know how important that dance, video, workshops, street aMBUSH Gallery in Central Park 10 years ago to establish NG Gallery with specialist Australian is? And it’s even more important in food and other performances. to help fund a STARTTS project and Mission café (since closed) short story publisher Spineless this day and age where everyone Local resident Bronwyn Mehan that gives young refugees a chance in Little Queen Street and soon Wonders using micro-literature is sitting behind a laptop. said she was excited by the positive to work with musicians from the envisaged turning Chippendale into from two of its anthologies. “Beams brings people out, it atmosphere, live music and fantastic Sydney Conservatorium of Music. the next Chelsea of New York. Twomey created four short films gets people involved, it gets people installations. “I love Beams. I live like Sydney-based artists Jayanto “I set out to transform the area into that screened at Beams in a terrace talking again. The long communal two blocks away. So, it is virtually my Damanik and Nicole Kelly, and an arts destination because I thought house in Dick Street. Her take on dining table (one in Little Queen local street party. Isn’t it marvellous!” Goulburn-based artist Tracy Luff, I can’t be the only gallery here; I’m Julie Chevalier’s “Flash Fiction Rules Street and one in Kensington CCP president and festival director ran interactive workshops that going to have to bring other galleries #1”, Mark Roberts’ “City Circle”, Street) does the same thing. It gets Nicky Ginsberg said Beams takes involved people of all ages creating alongside me to make this work.” Ali Jane Smith’s “Sans Relache” people making new friends. What art out of the “construct of the origami garlands they festooned Now Chippendale has more than and Charles D’Anastasi’s “Broken I love about the music and the white cube” and puts it in an urban between the trees, lanterns that 17 galleries and is on the world map. House” also featured in the Beams dining table is that people start to context that makes it comfortable cupped tealight candles, and prints “We’ve got an article coming showreel shown in three locations dance – and it’s a free festival. for people – so it’s a pleasure for they hung on nearby hoardings. out in the Wall Street Journal around the Central Park precinct. “For once in their lives people them to walk past the installations Elsewhere in the precinct, opera next week, we’ve had articles in Ginsberg recalled viewing can come and have a good time and to interact with them. singers rubbed shoulders with the London Evening Standard, Twomey’s films during the curatorial and spend $10 on a delicious dinner This year, creative contributors rappers, a crowd bopped silently in in lots of British tabloids, in the selection process. “There were from Kensington Street Social, had interpreted the festival theme the dark to disco music streaming US, the New York Times, and four two-minute pieces, and we Bistrot Gavroche or Mekong and “Spirit” in myriad ways, Ginsberg through their headphones, and in lots of Asian magazines and just all went, ‘Wow!’ It was just then get a lovely glass of red or white said, and she’d curated works a two-storey terrace belched tabloids and in-flight magazines. one of those immediate reactions; wine from Paxton’s, or a Wayward for each laneway to reflect a smoke and dripped with glass I’m unbelievably proud of that.” she’s so talented, this is so exciting Brewing Company beer, and have a different “take” on the theme. globules lit gaudily pink. Twenty-four assistant curators … I remember being quite taken; field day.” S 2 NEWS OCTOBER 2016

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Walking to join the 1,500 protestors that marched to save Sirius – a symbol of Sydney’s social history and a home to long-term residents Photo: Melody Taylor FOUNDING EDITOR Trevor Davies (25.5.1956—14.6.2011) Marchers protest against Sirius Building demolition ROWAN TAYLOR Designed in the late 1970s, the that about 1,500 people took part. worried that the removal of affordable Sirius Building was intended to The building provided a striking housing in the inner city will have a THE ROCKS: On the morning accommodate residents displaced by backdrop as a number of speakers, ripple effect; “Key workers (teachers, MANAGING EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR of September 17, harbour-side renovation of local public housing. among them Lord Mayor Clover nurses, baristas) need to be located (Acting) Marjorie Lewis-Jones Dorothy McRae-McMahon patrons were treated to the It is acknowledged by the Heritage Moore and prominent unionist Jack within our communities rather sight of more than a thousand Council to have significant value Mundey, pledged to support the than spending two or three hours people marching against the both as an icon of brutalism and a cause. “We will fight to the end,” coming into work. They may well just State Government’s proposed symbol of Sydney’s social history. said Ms Moore. “[The demolition] stop coming.” Theo Gofers, Sirius’s demolition of the Sirius Building. However, the Baird Government would destroy the social mix that original architect, agrees. “If this has refused to give the site heritage makes up the essence of Sydney.” continues,” warned Mr Gofers, “in 20 NEWS EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR Lyn Turnbull Louisa Dyce Protesters began outside Customs listing and intends to replace it with While protesters enjoyed a to 25 years this city will be dead.” House in Circular Quay and formed an apartment block, displacing post-march “democracy sausage Save Our Sirius has already raised a 200-metre column on their way several long-term residents. sizzle”, event coordinator Shaun more than $35,000 and intends to to The Rocks. The march was a Present were representatives from Carter declared the march a success. take the government to court over group effort between the Save Labor, the Greens, several unions, Mr Carter is head of the Australian the decision. The CFMEU’s green ban Our Sirius Foundation and the student bodies and a few harbour-side Institute of Architects and attributes will prevent unionised builders from ASSISTANT EDITOR SUB EDITOR CFMEU (who have announced an strollers who got carried along by his career in architecture to childhood working on the site until the issue Kris Shalvey Miriam Pepper interim “Green Ban” on the site). the chanting crowd. Police estimate memories of the Sirius Building. He’s is resolved. S

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marginalised in a country that is at the bottom of the United Nations’ Human Development Index. The co-founder of HandUp Congo is Lucy Hobgood-Brown, a Hunters Hill resident who grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “My family has more than 100 years of connections to the Congo,” she explains, “and it’s heart-warming to see how generous Australians are with their time and support.” The Pygmy orphans have huge needs, she adds, because of their remote location 300 km from the nearest town, the few resources in the village to make an income, and the poverty in that area of Congo. “There are more than 200 orphans who simply don’t go to school because they have no tuition money or funds to pay for school uniforms, a state requirement,” Lucy states. “This concert will help give them a hand up, not a handout.” S

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 student/ concession and family members of all concert performers, $5 school children under 18. Advance bookings are required on https://www.trybooking.com/MQXI. Afternoon tea is included. Alain is a great teacher/guide Photo: Lucy Hobgood-Brown For information about the Concert for Congo or about HandUp Congo and its other work in Congo, please contact handupcongo@ gmail.com or go to www.handupcongo. Make a difference in the Congo org. Tax deductible donations may also be made online to the “Lotumbe Community YOUTH OF TODAY traditional forest homes by conflict enterprise with sales of eggs making The Ducks for Congo initiative Development Project”, www.rawcs.org.au, and deforestation. it possible for them to attend school. is supported by HandUp Congo, Project 20, established 2013-14. ROBYN HUTCHINSON Open to all, the concert will feature which works closely with Rotary The small NGO Handup Congo and dynamic traditional dance, song and Australia World Community YOU may not be adventurous the lively With One Voice Community drumming by well-known African Service. HandUp Congo regularly YOUTH OF TODAY, A REGULAR ARTICLE enough to travel to the second Choir, led by Robert Teicher, are performers – many of them refugees takes volunteer teams to the Congo ON LOCAL YOUTH AND RELATED largest rainforest in the world, organising a Concert for Congo on who have fled conflict zones in their to work on a range of capacity ISSUES, IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY located in the Democratic Republic Sunday, November 6, from 2pm to homelands and now call Australia building projects and sustainable APPETITE CAFE of Congo, but you can still make 4pm at Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 home. Following the concert, stalls community development strategies a difference to a community of Pitt Street, near Town Hall. Proceeds featuring African handicrafts, with grassroots communities, ranging APPETITE CAFE more than 6,000 that includes from the concert go to a Pygmy honey and books as well as other from emergency medicine education APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 REGENT ST, REDFERN ood marginalised Pygmy orphans who orphan project, where the children treats will provide opportunities for to bee keeping by Pygmies. Congo’s + eople TEL 9699 4069 have been displaced from their have established a duck farming social continued community interaction. Indigenous peoples are the most

VENDOR PROFILE ADRIAN ‘Vending brings out Adrian works hard to achieve good customer service Photo: Peter Holcroft

my good qualities’ a digital copy instead, that way at least it’s still SAMUEL CLARKE a transaction. “On the weekends I always like to take a NEWTOWN: Big Issue vendors come from a packet of wheatmeal biscuits. When I’m trying range of different backgrounds. Some may be to do the sales on the pitch at King Street I struggling with homelessness, others with long- always say hello to the people, give the dog a term unemployment. They all have different pat and a biscuit. That’s when I hit them with reasons for selling the magazine but they are the line, ‘Would you like to buy a copy of The all working to improve their lives. Big Issue?’ “I want to get back into the mainstream, For Adrian The Big Issue has given him the either security or cleaning work, but I’ll opportunity to recover from health issues and be sorry if it does happen because I’ll miss still earn a living. Newtown. There are a lot of interesting “I did a lot of work in the security industry people here.” S for many years. I’m also a diabetic and have lost two toes off my right foot on two separate occasions. It was probably an accident which If you or anyone you know could benefit from first sparked it and weakened the bones. becoming a vendor for The Big Issue, please “I just needed something to do while contact the Sydney office for more information: I’m looking around for work and recovering. 125-127 Little Eveleigh St. Redfern I’m really happy I did this now because I find working with The Big Issue, and where phone 8332 7200 I am in Newtown in particular, I have greater email [email protected] interaction with people. It’s also bringing a lot Char Char food truck, of things out, good qualities I’m finding I’ve got Free Family Event The Big Issue is Australia’s leading social local wine and food stalls within me. enterprise. It is an independent, not­for‑profit “I try to think of what I’m doing as a Guided heritage tours Little train rides, jumping organisation that develops solutions to help business and try to achieve good customer homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised 11am & 1pm castle, face painting and service. people positively change their lives. The Big Issue “I always keep a good float on me and I try Live blacksmithing a craft table magazine magazine is published fortnightly and and say to people ‘hello, how are you’ and sold on the streets by vendors who purchase everything. copies for $3.50 and sell them for $7, keeping Register for a tour at [email protected] “Some people tell me to ‘keep the magazine’ the difference. To find out more visit: www. or ‘resell the magazine’. I usually try give them thebigissue.org.au 4 NEWS OCTOBER 2016 WestConnex: A rushed, billion-dollar bandaid? DEAN THORBY became a victim of its own success. Pressure from private car, bus WESTCONNEX is another example operator and road lobby groups of the ill-considered and poorly including the NRMA led to the implemented initiatives that have gradual closure of lines from the late been the Baird Government’s 1930s. This generally went against trademark. Together with the public opinion, and shows the power lockout laws, greyhound racing lobby groups have held over NSW ban and Barangaroo being governments going back nearly a developed as an “entertainment century. Parallels can be seen today. centre” instead of a public park, We need to get big money out of it is either a knee-jerk reaction politics to better serve public interests. or the result of deep-pocketed Daily use of the WestConnex could lobbyists’ grip on Casino Mike. mean coughing up $30-40 in tolls per day, including tolls on connecting WestConnex at best is a bandaid roads. Studies show people try to solution that will cost billions avoid tolls and the possibility of rat and create decades of perpetual runs is a real concern, and now the development for short-term benefit. M4 – the last toll-free highway going The fact the NSW Government out west – will no longer be toll-free. had to dissolve local councils to Experts have deemed WestConnex remove opposition is testament unfeasible as the project plan is to the project’s lack of popular incomplete. Planners currently have support. Common sense around no answer for traffic dispersion in WestCONnex Action Group gathered on September 19 to support members of the group who are camping on the Euston Road side of Sydney Park to prevent longer-term sustainability holds local areas, and project spokesmen the destruction of hundreds of trees and 14,000 square metres of the park that will be resumed for road widening for Westconnex. Ten days later in pouring that perpetually building roads have said further roads and tunnels rain #occupySydneyPark campers were huddled under tarpaulins hoping for clear weather on Saturday October 1 for the Save Sydney Park Festival. Follow is not the answer. There will be will be needed to relieve congestion. developments @westconnexactiongroup. Photo: Lyn Turnbull road and lane closures for years The estimated $17.8 billion dollar while WestConnex is constructed, project could likely reach $30 billion. used in the road base, and houses wraps. It will soon be released. to the Chinese on a 99-year contract making life hell for motorists. At the very least this project being undervalued by hundreds One reason for the alleged for a whopping $10 billion. Federal Sydney in the early 20th century seems rushed, with demolitions and of thousands of dollars in the undervaluing could be the government Treasurer Scott Morrison vetoed the had a thriving tram network, reaching construction beginning in areas compulsory acquisitions. A review simply lacks the money for an sale for reasons of national security. S from the Eastern Suburbs and the without prior council approval, of compulsory acquisition laws immense project like this. Much of North Shore to all the way out west. indicating concerns that the entire by barrister David Russell was the budget was to come from leasing For more information, follow the Sydney’s tram system was one of plan could be overturned. Recently handed to the government two a 50.4 per cent stake in Ausgrid, WestConnex Action Group on the biggest in the world – until it there are claims of asbestos being years ago but has been kept under NSW’s state-owned energy enterprise, Facebook or ask your local council.

Two-hundred-and-thirty-six dogs, 25 cats, one budgie and two rats were given free health checks by veterinary students at Northcott Pet Day on September 10 Photo: Supplied Northcott Pet Day bridges divides

Hazem Sedda’s store draws international shoppers but still makes locals feel at home Photo: Bec Lewis CHARMAINE JONES There were also opportunities through the City of Sydney for pets ON September 10, as the polling to receive free microchipping and booths were readying themselves bookings for de-sexing. This record Talking shop with Hazem for the local government elections, crowd takes the number of pets a group of animal loving receiving free pet health checks over POPPY BURNETT customers and new products. Social “People buy it because they know stalwarts were preparing for the past nine years to over 1,700. media has given him access to a I use it, and they know that I won’t the ninth annual Northcott Pet As well as health checks, there REDFERN: Sometimes it takes whole new audience, with people stock it if it’s not good.” Day in Ward Park, Surry Hills, were goodie bags, pet tag engraving, Hazem Sedda, owner of the Redfern now visiting the store from interstate Sedda has seen Redfern change a adjacent to the Northcott Estate. a dress up photo booth, stalls and Convenience Store, an hour to walk and even overseas. lot over the past 13 years, and says even flyball demonstrations – a the short distance from his shop to The store has also attracted media that having students and travellers in Hosted by the Surry Hills canine team sport where dogs of the bank because he stops to talk attention, both from Australian and the area is good for business because Public Tenants Association any breed, shape or size compete with so many people. international outlets. He has recently people are more familiar with his and sponsored by the RSPCA by leaping over hurdles to grab received an offer to take a Redfern international products. NSW, the City of Sydney, a ball against the clock. The 31-year-old has been building Convenience “pop-up store” to the “If you haven’t travelled, how Crookwell Veterinary Hospital, While Northcott Pet Day was connections with the people of Sydney Opera House. would you know about Reese’s University of Sydney Veterinary established to support the social Redfern since he started working “Now, people recognise our shop Peanut Butter Cups?” Science Faculty and Family and housing tenants whose low income 18-hour days at the store in 2003. straight away. They see how hard Sedda originally trained as a Community Services, Northcott may have made access to vet checks “When I started I would stand in I work for them, that the shop is commercial pilot, but found that Pet Day is held in recognition of difficult, the day has always been front of the shop and no one would always open for them. I think that’s “being in the air all the time was the importance of companion open to the whole community say anything. They weren’t used to why people care about this shop boring.” He says he prefers being animals in people’s lives. and is seen as a wonderful way to saying hi. more than any other shop.” his own boss, and being part of a Over 700 people attended the bridge the divide that sometimes “But once I started saying hi, The store also carries a unique community. day, drawn in by the colourful exists between the estate and they would say hi back. And now range of imported products from He now employs others to work in flags and bunting, the smell of the the rest of Surry Hills. “I believe all of Redfern says hi when they see the USA, the UK, Ireland, Mexico the store, and doesn’t work 18-hour BBQ and the sight of hundreds pets are the universal equaliser,” me. Some people don’t want to buy and New Zealand. Sedda says he days anymore. But he still comes in of creatures large and small. said one attendee on the day. anything, they just come to say hello. always listens to his customers when on his days off. Volunteer veterinary students, There is uncertainty around next For me it’s an achievement, to put the deciding which products to stock. “I only come because I miss with oversight from qualified vets, year’s event as Ward Park won’t be whole community in this mood.” When it comes to his range of everybody and want to spend provided free pet health checks, available. The park will be used as a Sedda runs a popular Instagram protein powders, he draws upon time with them. For me, coming worming and flea treatments to over CBD and Eastern Suburbs Light Rail account (@redfern_convenience_ his personal experience as a to work is like going out. I enjoy 264 animals, including 236 dogs, construction compound for the next store), where he posts photos of bodybuilder. every minute.” S 25 cats, one budgie and two rats. four years. S OCTOBER 2016 NEWS 5 Jenny Leong MP STATE MEMBER FOR NEWTOWN

Why our community camped out to Save Sydney Park This stand of trees on Euston Road next to Sydney Park has been earmarked for destruction to make way for WestConnex. Eventually the Baird government will take 14,000 square metres of the park and 350 trees including all those along the park side of Euston Road and Campbell Road as well as those along Sydney Park Road.

Breast cancer survivors former NSW Premier Nick Greiner and Consumer Finance Specialist Lisa Montgomery (far right) with MC Julie McCrossin at the Breast Cancer Network Australia Pink Lady Luncheon on September 22 Photo: David Reavely Mate, you have breast cancer

DAVID REAVELY I probably would have just ignored My case and family history led it again, but they make me promise to a genetic scan, which disclosed THAT’S ridiculous, I don’t have to get it checked out. A few weeks the BRCA2 gene, and it was likely breasts, so how can I get breast later, right at the end of a session that some of my family, both here cancer? So I choose to put it out with the GP, I have an afterthought and in Scotland, may be affected. of my mind, find something and tell him, and he arranges an Even if the test is negative they will to get busy with, rely on my ultrasound. Sure enough, there it is. be particularly vigilant for warning Paperbarks, eucalypts, she-oaks and tea trees were growing in Sydney Distract and Deny Strategy. What I didn’t know was that, at signs. If this saves somebody’s life, my Park before Europeans arrived. The whole area of Sydney Park was a Maybe they’d mixed up the tests, that time, former NSW Premier Nick experience will have been worth it. wetland that extended all the way to Botany Bay. Despite the site’s got me confused with somebody Greiner was having an almost identical On average about three men a who wasn’t stainless steel ... experience. A white shirt with a tiny week in Australia are diagnosed with history as a brick pit, a tip, and with a densely populated city springing spot of blood, nothing more for months, breast cancer, barely 1 per cent of up around it, native plants and animals have survived 228 years of And after the shock of the diagnosis then a little lump, probably a blocked the 300 women who will hear those colonisation and urbanisation. wears off, the truth comes in the duct, surely nothing to worry about. four terrifying words, so we’re in a darkness. An invader is there, not We both got it early, and the minority. Possibly there are not enough You can still find paperbarks and she-oaks, native grasses, and wetland causing any pain, silently doing surgery wasn’t too bad, compared of us to reach critical mass for our own plants growing in Sydney Park. The lovely old trees provide a peaceful the thing it does well, doubling and to what it could have been like support group, so we are graciously retreat for city dwellers on a hot day, but they also have a strong cultural redoubling itself in order to choke if we’d waited too long, and we invited to the fringe of the Pink Ladies. history for Aboriginal people. my body. It has to be dealt with. didn’t need chemo or radiotherapy Speaking at the inaugural Sydney It began with a spot. I’m a solicitor because we got it before it had a fundraiser lunch for Breast Cancer The amazing soft bark of the paperbarks was used by Aboriginal people so I wear white shirts a lot, and in the chance to colonise too much of us. Network Australia, Nick Greiner spoke to make textiles and swaddling blankets for babies. The nectar from the middle of a meeting I see the spot. Most men wait too long to face candidly about his experience, and his flowers was dipped in water and used to make a sweet drink for babies Just a little discharge from my nipple, their cancer. The spot that Nick and reactions to it. There are Pink Ladies who were not suckling well. hardly anything really, tiny bit of blood I had is not the only indicator that’s everywhere, and everyone in the room in it, must have scratched it. After a few there’s something going on. It could has been affected in some way by The City of Sydney has won awards for its sensitive restoration of these days it goes away and I get on with life. be a lump, scaliness or redness breast cancer. Nick laments that we iconic wetlands, which provide a safe haven for native birds, lizards, bats A few months later the discharge near the nipple, skin dimpling, or blokes haven’t managed to get ourselves and insects. There are two Tawny Frog Mouths – a nocturnal native bird comes back, my wife notices it, I enlargement of the tissue. If you see a colour yet. Is purple taken? S similar to an owl – nesting in the stand of trees slated to be destroyed. mention it to a client with a medical changes in that area, talk to someone background who has become a friend. about it and have it checked out. Author name changed for personal reasons After consultation with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council, The Sydney Park wetlands were this year given Gadigal names by the Geographical Names Board in recognition of the significance of the site. The wetlands have been named: New Indigenous scholarship to foster student success • Warrambi (meaning bat), referring to the microbats which feed SSH The scholarship will enable an “We urge you to consider in the park Indigenous woman to complete contributing to the Robyn Kemmis ROBYN Kemmis, late Deputy Lord a three-year UTS undergraduate Indigenous Student Scholarship • Guwali (cormorant), relating to birds visiting the wetlands Mayor of the City of Sydney and degree and will be administered by fund,” said Cr Clover Moore, Lord • Bunmarra (lizard), referencing the blue tongue lizards living in the park former Deputy Vice Chancellor, the Jumbunna Indigenous House Mayor of Sydney. “You will be University of Technology Sydney of Learning at UTS. Initially a total investing in a young woman’s • Gilbanung (grasshopper), which refers to the common insect prevalent (UTS), was a passionate advocate of $15,000 a year for three years is future, and commemorating Robyn’s in the park for women’s rights and equality of sought to provide financial support achievements in a meaningful way.” S opportunity in education. Family to optimise the student’s chances Instead of honouring and protecting this special site, the Baird Liberal and friends of Robyn have decided of success. The scholarship funds See www.giving.uts.edu.au/donate/ Government is sending in bulldozers. They have already destroyed to honour her commitment to will contribute to student fees and robyn-kemmis for further information precious remnants of the endangered Wolli Creek ironbark forest to social change by establishing the academic expenses and will assist or to make a tax deductible donation. build the WestConnex tollroad, and they are moving in on Sydney Robyn Kemmis Indigenous Student with the costs of transport and Park. As a community, we have no recourse left but to stand and fight Scholarship. accommodation. to protect what our community values, because our government has failed us. Your help is needed to protect Sydney Park, which will face continued Do we contribute to domestic violence? attacks as WestConnex works are underway. Sign up for updates at jennyleong.org/save_sydney_park. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE So why do we still think domestic “Mumpreneur”, and my all-time violence doesn’t exist or automatically favourite that I heard spoken to a Regards, KATIE GOMPERTZ disbelieve the accuser? Why do we five-year-old: “It doesn’t matter if you default to the man to see if it’s true? can’t read, you’re a boy.” SOMEONE I know mentioned in When a work colleague says their The clues are all there: in the passing something odd she had seen house was broken into, or they were media, our community and our on a file note in a medical facility. mugged or their car was stolen we family life. The language we use Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown A female patient had been admitted very rarely question them. Yet in the lessens women and empowers men. with two broken elbows; not one, case of DV it’s the stigma or the social The biggest issue we face is that Can we help? but two. It’s an unusual injury. The norm that we default to. it is so entrenched we don’t even file note jarred. It said: “Claiming So the answer is yes we do, all of realise we’re doing it. By changing If you are concerned about a local issue or if our office can assist you DV, husband seems sensible, possible us, contribute to DV, in one way or our language to empower both men with a specific matter, please get in touch. psych review needed.” another, as uncomfortable as it may and women we can start to shift the seem. Consider the way we talk about idea that all women are liars and are Husband “seems sensible”… gender: “Crying is for girls”, “Man somehow less than men. We can also Authorised by Many Men Rights Activists groups up”, “Throw like a girl”, “Grow some start to believe them and not default Jenny Leong MP attempt to de-rail conversations about balls”, “Big girls blouse”, “Boys don’t to the social norms. State Member for Newtown domestic violence by holding up the do ballet”, “She’s a tomboy”, “Girls Big social changes start with small “false accusation” card. This assertion can’t climb trees”, “That’s not very conversations. Have a listen to the 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 has largely been debunked by the lady-like”, “Smile would you?”, “Boys way you talk, really listen to the use research community (e.g. see Garber’s can’t wear pink”, “Frozen is a girls’ of language around you, and start a T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 Professional Psychology: Research movie”, “She’s feisty/bubbly”, “Boys conversation today with your friends [email protected] and Practice, 2004). will be boys”, “He’s such a boy/girl”, and family. S 6 NEWS OCTOBER 2016 Partnering for progress

SPONSORED Program” – a collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating DR MICHAEL SPENCE innovation and providing jobs and prosperity in New South Wales. AT the University of Sydney, we As our part of the program, and aim to provide our students with following the provision of $1 million a broad and useful education, from the NSW Government, we enabling each one of them will introduce an entrepreneurship to contribute fully to society. development program for both Their education is more than undergraduate and postgraduate simply academic; it is about students in conjunction with participation. We are committed experienced leaders from to collaboration with business, Australia and around the world. industry and the local and broader We will be targeting women in The Boosting Business Innovation Program is an entrepreneurship development program for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and that targets women Photo: Supplied community. Working together is particular, through a program run best for our staff, our students, in partnership with our Warren incubator program – will also to share collaborative space on ideas. To find out more, our local area and our state. Centre, based in Darlington, receive extra funding, enabling our campus and to access our please contact the University’s and at the same time reaching them to continue and expand prototyping and fabrication facilities. Commercial Development and Our research is the seedbed out across the state through our their exceptional work. We are inviting small to Industry Partnerships unit at of innovation and we are ‘Entrepreneurship Culture and Skills’ The University is also medium enterprises to join with [email protected]. S proud that we will triple our program, delivered through our developing a pilot research and us. Opportunities will result from investment in it by 2020. This is regional hubs in Lismore, Narrabri, industry partnership program the co-location of researchers, exciting news for everyone; the Broken Hill, Dubbo and Orange. for our undergraduates, aiming students and industry on campus. investment will allow us to make Our two existing start-up at a culture of awareness of the Everyone involved can benefit the groundbreaking discoveries incubator programs based importance of industry and research from the use of our University that will enable us all to face the on campus in Camperdown/ partnerships to deliver tangible infrastructure and resources to challenges of the 21st century. Darlington – “INCUBATE”, an results for our communities. prototype and develop new products. Authorised by Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor We have recently partnered award-winning start-up accelerator Finally, we are planning a new The University of Sydney and Principal of the University of Sydney. with the NSW Department of and entrepreneurship program, ‘knowledge cluster’, which will welcomes expressions of interest Contact Details – Security & After Hours: Industry to assist in delivering the and “Genesis”, the Sydney Business allow University researchers, from businesses that pride 1800 063 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523; “Boosting Business Innovation School’s cross-faculty start-up students and our industry partners themselves on their innovative [email protected] Injured inner-city chicks … call WIRES

LYN TURNBULL

WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) has been rescuing and caring for native animals since 1985. Its mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife Explore the historic Locomotive Workshop and more during the Eveleigh Heritage Festival Photo: Supplied and inspire others to do the same.

WIRES has over 2,500 volunteers Eveleigh Heritage Festival who care for animals in 27 branches across the state. Its Rescue Office operates 365 days a year and had goes full steam ahead over 69,000 requests for assistance in the last financial year. SSH array of original artefacts from I asked Meg Churches, from the its industrial heyday, as well WIRES Inner West group, what ON Saturday, October 22, history as one of last fully functional animals we inner city dwellers lovers will have the chance to blacksmith workshops in Sydney. will most likely to need to contact experience Sydney’s colourful, The event is a family friendly WIRES about. industrial past and enjoy a free day affair, with little train rides, a Injured birds top the list. “The out for all the family at the Eveleigh jumping castle, face painting and most common rescue, especially Heritage Festival. craft tables to excite children of all during spring – is chicks. If it’s ages. Stencils of trains painted by got feathers and is hopping on Taking place at the Australian children at the craft table will be the ground – look in the trees and Technology Park’s Innovation used to decorate the construction you’ll see mum and dad watching Plaza from 10am to 3pm, the hoardings, as the redevelopment of it. The fledglings need experience Mirvac-hosted event will shine a the Australian Technology Park gets and they’re actually doing OK. The spotlight on the fascinating history underway in the coming months. parents will protect them. But if it’s of this iconic location. Once home There will also be plenty to a naked chick, keep it warm and do to the largest railway workshops tantalise the taste buds. From a contact WIRES as it will need care.” Help chicks at risk and other Aussie wildlife by calling, joining or giving to WIRES Photo: Megan Churches in the Southern Hemisphere, the sausage sizzle to gourmet delights “Possums are the next most site operated for over 100 years as from Sydney’s popular Char Char frequent rescue. It’s usually joeys see bats on power lines. “The mums Australian Bat Lyssavirus. Australia’s industrial powerhouse Food Truck, local wines, coffee, who have lost their mums, or their are dead but the babies survive their If it’s really a hot day and the that birthed the country’s railways. gelato and more, this event is on mums are injured. Put a box over mum’s electrocution insulated by her animal is panting, it’s OK to spray it On the day visitors are invited track to become one of the most mum and call for help. If the joey is fur. It’s a critically urgent rescue as to cool it down a bit. Spray over the to join one of two heritage popular instalments in Sydney’s alone, keep it warm in a beanie or the babies overheat and dehydrate in top of them so the water falls down walking tours starting at 11am community festival calendar! S wrapped in a towel.” the October sun.” on them like rain or mist. Don’t and 1pm, exploring the historic Meg is a carer for bats and the After contacting WIRES take their spray in their face. Put an umbrella Locomotive Workshop and Email atp.communications@ occasional roo joey brought back advice. A general guide is to contain over it if you can to shade it. S its surrounds. The heritage- mirvac.com to register for one of from the country. She also helps the injured animal in a box if it’s safe protected building contains an the two heritage walking tours. raise funds towards food costs for to capture it, then cover it and leave If you have found an injured animal call animals in care as injured animals it alone in a dark and quiet place WIRES’ Rescue Line on 1300 094 737, are looked after in the carer’s own away from domestic pets. Don’t try fill in their Rescue Form, or use their homes, garden cages and aviaries. to feed it or give it a drink, as young Wildlife Rescue app. ADVERTISE WITH THE SSH Over the last five years she has chicks can easily drown. Visit www.wires.org.au/donate/ Community connections, competitive rates. given education talks for groups Do not try to handle bats. Some ways-to-help to donate to WIRES and with attendees making gold coin may carry deadly viruses. If you get www.wires.org.au/rescue/become-a- Phone Duncan on 0402 525 061 donations. bitten or scratched, it means a death rescuer if you would like to become or email [email protected] Her love of bats is apparent when sentence for the bat; it is euthanised a WIRES carer. Meg says it’s the she talks of the urgency to act if you and tested to see if it’s carrying the best decision she’s ever made. OCTOBER 2016 NEWS 7

Does funding work? Over the last few weeks there has been a lot of discussion about needs based funding for schools, and whether it works to give more help to kids, better information to parents and more support to school teachers and principals. If you listen to the government, they are trying to cover up for the fact that they’re not properly committed to the full needs-based funding for our schools. They claim that funding is unequally shared between states and territories, and that more funding hasn’t lead to better outcomes for kids. In fact, it’s the Liberal government’s deals with WA, NT and QLD, negotiated by then Education Minister Chris Pyne that has allowed states to cut ‘Little Sydney Lives’ in Hyde Park funding while the Federal government puts in more. Seven-year-old Maximus Betancurt-Thornton from Earlwood took out the Little Sydney Lives in the 3–7 years age category for his Under Labor’s plan, the Federal Government put image, Michael’s House (above). Selected from more than 240 submissions – Michael took home a new camera and accessories in more funding and prevented states from cutting worth $500. The 20 Little Sydney Lives finalist images are on exhibition in Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park North, until October 9, their own. as part of the Australian Life exhibition. Finalists for the major Australian Life photography prize are exhibited along the St James walkway. Both exhibitions are part of the Art & About Sydney program. Now Education minister Simon Birmingham is trying to convince state government education ministers that they should accept a cut of more than 3.8 billion from schools – and the Minister is trying to convince everyone that this won’t affect Pink pills for pale people? the quality of teaching and learning, and how well HEALTH benefits or risks of the ingredients. farmed stock. It is also difficult our kids will do at school. My services attract Medicare to justify concentrating millions MARIE HEALY rebates, so it is expected that I of tonnes of krill into capsules for We know the best thing we can do to ensure that practise evidence-based medicine. human consumption, when whales, people lead full, rich lives and make the most DOES anybody remember those Taking a supplement does penguins and sea-birds depend on it. of all of the opportunities offered to them is to little glass bottles? The pills were not have the beneficial effects of In this obesogenic society, the successfully marketed in the late ingesting the nutrient in your diet. problem is more with over-nutrition, invest in early childhood education, in schools, in 19th century as a cure-all for For example, dietary calcium has not under-nutrition. Rather than vocational education and our universities. Minister everything from consumption to more benefits on the heart and taking supplements, dietary habits Birmingham’s cuts would undermine all of that. paralysis. Now we have supermarket bones than calcium tablets. should be altered to address the and pharmacy shelves stocked with Taking a vitamin pill ignores the imbalance – more fresh fruits and Labor committed to national needs based funding all manner of natural supplements. other benefits of the whole food vegetables and less processed food. for schools to lift equity and achievement by such as micro-nutrients, anti- Of course, some people do require I am often asked about vitamins, oxidants, pre-biotics, glycaemic supplements; the point is, be mindful supporting every child in every school. supplements and tonics. Aside from effects, protein and fibre. A Vitamin and scientific about them. S specific cases, my general answer is D capsule cannot take the place You only have to look around our community to don’t bother, for several reasons. of a morning walk in the sun. Marie Healy is a GP with interests in aged see that needs-based funding works. I’ve visited Health supplements are a multi- Ethics also rates a mention. and chronic care and health promotion. schools, and spoken with principals and teachers billion dollar industry, but much Free-range and grass-fed stock This advice is general in nature; please more is spent on promotion of have been shown to have superior see your GP for specific health advice around Australia who all share similar stories. products than research into the nutritional benefits over intensively regarding your individual circumstances. They see attendance and participation increasing, basic literacy or numeracy skills improving, they can employ specialists like speech pathologists to assist students, and they can invest in programs or teacher Free breakfast if you bike to work training to help students achieve their potential. SSH The government hasn’t given a needs-based

NATIONAL Ride2Work Day on approach a fair go. We are only at the very Wednesday October 12 is offering beginning of our new investment, with two thirds free breakfasts for bike riders of additional funding to be rolled out in 2018 in cities, suburbs, towns and workplaces all around the country and 2019. in what is the largest celebration of But despite their promises to match Labor’s school bike riding in Australia. funding plan “dollar for dollar”, the Liberal’s Bicycle Network General Manager plan would see schools worse off by more than of Behaviour Change, Tess Allaway, $3.8 billion in 2018 and 2019 alone. said that National Ride2Work Day is a great tool for Aussies to get in the Malcolm Turnbull talks a lot about welfare reform routine of active travel. “National Ride2Work Day is and ending the cycle of disadvantage. The best the perfect way to get back on the investment we can make in ending disadvantage bike – you’ll be with thousands of is investing in early childhood, school, vocational other riders helping build a healthier Australia,” said Ms Allaway. and higher education. “Riding a bike to and from work is one of the best ways to get fit and active, reduce stress, beat the traffic, Bike to work to beat the traffic Photo: Richard Heersmink Tanya Plibersek save money and you’ll even have a bit of fun along the way.” “Nearly half of all people who Cairns, Darwin, Perth and almost Bicycle Network’s Ride2Work rode to work for the first time on everywhere in between. S program prides itself on its success National Ride2Work Day 2015 told in getting more people out of cars us that they are now riding every To find your local community and onto bikes by providing the week,” Ms Allaway added. breakfast or add your event tools, support and advice that new Community breakfasts will be to the interactive map visit riders and workplaces need. held as far and wide as Hobart, www.ride2work.com.au 8 SOCIAL JUSTICE OCTOBER 2016

Photo: iStock Privatised prisons will put profit first

STAFFORD SANDERS, UNITING to run more prisons in NSW. in-confidence requirements. in the Corrective Service by 75 necessary reform to help our prison SOCIAL JUSTICE FORUM A paper presented to Synod The Synod paper looked at per cent, replacing them with population gain the education assessed available research, and research comparing privately and casually-employed “trainers” with they need to build a life outside.” UNITING Church leaders in argued that this change could publicly-run prisons in Australia lesser teaching qualifications. Uniting Church leaders are not NSW are concerned that further undermine the accountability and overseas, and found that They say this will have a severe convinced, warning that the move privatisations of prisons and their and transparency of prison privately-run prisons had a conflict impact on educational standards, toward privatisation threatens to services – particularly education management – at potential cost of interest between quality of care and risks an upturn in recidivism distort the purpose and place of – will harm the quality of prisoner to the human rights of prisoners, and shareholder profits. While at a time of exploding prison prisons in society – compromising care and staff working conditions. especially marginalised groups over- generally complying with minimum population in NSW. Research care and rehabilitation in the represented in prison populations. standards, they had lower staff shows education programs in push for commercial profits. In April, the Uniting Church The paper cited a Sydney levels, employed less experienced prisons are strongly linked to Church leaders want the Synod of NSW and ACT discussed University study which found a staff and failed to provide reduced rates of reoffending. government to either provide good concerns about the Better Prisons lack of accountability from the two adequate levels of staff training. Commissioner Severin has evidence that privately-run prisons Initiative, announced in March by existing private prisons in NSW, These concerns were further defended the proposal, telling and their services can deliver the NSW Corrections Minister David with limited information on their highlighted in May, when the media the teaching qualifications same standard of care as publicly- Elliott and Corrective Services operations publically available. minister announced a proposal required would be the same as those run institutions, and build in Commissioner Peter Severin. The NSW Government, it pointed to privatise the NSW Prison in TAFE or other adult education adequate transparency safeguards The announcement signalled out, has been reluctant to make Education Service. Teachers and institutions; that there would be a – or to stop the privatisation push. the government’s intention to provider contracts available for other critics argue that this will cut greater focus on reading, writing Discussions within the church invite private operators to tender public scrutiny, citing commercial- the number of qualified teachers and job skills; and that “this is a are continuing. S Untangling the knot of childhood trauma

CATHY KEZELMAN People cannot heal in isolation. abused and the ways in which Part of the recovery process involves their emotions and lives have been WITH the Royal Commission into communities coming together to tangled and distorted by abuse. As Institutional Responses to Child acknowledge survivors’ strengths the service progresses, a message of Sexual Abuse well underway, the and challenges while spreading recovery will come through, all the needs of adult survivors of abuse messages of hope and optimism. more powerful through the human are front and centre of the national On Sunday October 23 at 3pm connection we all need and cherish. agenda. Blue Knot Day is a national the Pitt Street Uniting Church, “Every night will have its morning, awareness day, which supports together with South Sydney Uniting every pain will have an end, every survivors of institutional child Church, will hold an interfaith burden will be lightened.” S sexual abuse and those traumatised service of lament and hope in in any way in childhood, support of Blue Knot Day. Dr Cathy Kezelman AM is president/ including in their own homes, The gathering will include people director of the Blue Knot Foundation. families and neighbourhoods. from Buddhist, Baha’i, Hindu, For more information about Blue Knot Day, Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths go to www.blueknot.org.au/blueknotday. Celebrated in October every year, our specialist Blue Knot Helpline, survivors to untangle the knot who will join together and mourn For support call the Blue Knot Helpline on Blue Knot Day was established by educational workshops, professional of childhood trauma and the with, and for, those who have been 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday. Blue Knot Foundation, Australia’s development training, supervision, complex issues with which they betrayed and wounded in childhood. leading national organisation consultancy and other services. grapple. In so doing it provides The service will name our hurts, Prayers of Hope and Community working to advance the needs Blue Knot Foundation’s logo hope and optimism for recovery. bear witness to the experience of Supporting People Affected by of the one in four Australian features a tangled knot – symbolising This year’s Blue Knot Day falls adult survivors of child abuse, hear Childhood Trauma adults living with the long-term the complexity of childhood on Monday October 24, with events a story of recovery, reflect in silence Sunday October 23, 3pm impacts of childhood trauma. trauma. Blue is the colour of the held throughout the country during and with gentle music, and pray for Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt St, Sydney Formerly called ASCA, Blue Knot sky and a clear blue sky provides the week of October 23 to 30. The justice and healing. The setting will Contact: Heather Robinson, 0400 378 319, Foundation offers a broad range the space for new possibilities. theme for 2016 is “together we lead be full of symbolism recognising [email protected] of vital services. These include Blue Knot Foundation empowers the way to survivor recovery”. the grief of those who have been

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

www.uniting.org ... to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice OCTOBER 2016 COMMENT & OPINION 9 A spirituality for resilience and survival

FAITH Then I looked and saw the wind moving a leaf. I saw all sorts of tiny DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON creatures around in the grass and the sun on a ripple of water. I heard COMING from a Scottish Methodist a God who said, “If you stop, you background, I was brought up will see all my little blessings around with sturdy genes for fighting and you.” I did that for a day, and felt the a spirit which said to me, if I was wonder of all the small gifts, which tired or grieving or anxious, “Pull I never normally stopped to receive. yourself together and press on.” The next day, I looked into my soul and felt with alarm that everywhere I lived like that for about 50 I looked there were hard questions. years. When my beautiful little But it felt as though my friend Jesus son was brain-damaged by his was in among them with wounded polio vaccine, I quickly put away hands and side, just staying my tears and became even busier there, not afraid of them or me. than usual. Because I felt that For the first time, I discovered that being a 24-hour carer limited when I had the courage to stop and my life, I did two matriculation stay with myself and my God, to feel subjects by correspondence. I my own fear and pain and tiredness, also joined Lifeline and went on I would be truly renewed. It wasn’t the phones in the middle of the that I had all the answers to my hard night at least once a month. questions. It was rather that I knew I When my son entered a facility could ask them and stay with them. after 16 years of my care, I felt as Later on, I realised that there cartoon: norrie mAy-welby though the world was mine and are different spiritualities that I rushed into endless activity. I intersect with different ways of began theological studies to prepare renewing ourselves – in silence or for ordination. What I didn’t face sound, in music or art, by the sea was that, although I felt enriched or on a mountain, in movement or Waterloo fog may be about to lift and satisfied by all this, deep stillness, in city or countryside. within I was highly vulnerable. I felt that I needed to lead my Pitt GUEST EDITORIAL 2016. FACS will prepare a summary The Waterloo Public Housing I began my ministry with the Pitt Street congregation with strength of previous community feedback Action Group has met with Street Uniting Church in the centre of and courage. Again, I tried to call GEOFF TURNBULL to assist in informing the master officials and the Minister, and Sydney, and found that the work was upon my inner resilience, even planning communication process. the Waterloo Neighbourhood endless. After a while, exhausted, though I was being stalked and LAND and Housing Corporation According to the LAHC the Advisory Board has developed I went out to St. Mary’s Towers to attacked by a Neo-Nazi group (LAHC) has recently provided master plan will determine the with LAHC terms of reference for a the monastery of the Missionaries of because of the stands for justice a response to questions raised detail of the final plan, its strategy Waterloo Redevelopment Group. the Sacred Heart on silent retreat. our church was making. Then one by REDWatch in May about the and timing. This will include how With master planning starting in My retreat director told me to day, I could not keep going. I came Waterloo redevelopment. LAHC much building there will be and its late 2016 we hope that associated spend the first day pondering, “What to prepare my weekly homily and I responded to groups of questions in staging; and the detail about the communications will be handled is the deepest desire of my heart?” couldn’t do it. Maybe in answer to the 11 themed areas that REDWatch mix of social housing, affordable much more sensitively than the and just observing things close to me my prayers, the layperson who was used rather than individually to the housing and private housing; in dropping of the redevelopment there. I sat in silence beside a river. to lead the liturgy the next day rang 61 questions. While many questions addition to other community needs. announcement just before last After a while, it felt as though Christ and asked if I was OK. I wept over remain unanswered, they have now LAHC says the full answers Christmas. Waterloo tenants deserve was right beside me saying, “Peace the phone and she came around. been flagged with LAHC and are in to many of the questions raised a Christmas/New Year break with be with you.” I didn’t know how When I entered the pulpit the next the public domain to help encourage by REDWatch will emerge in some certainty about what is coming to respond. Peace was something day, I told the congregation that I community discussion. the master planning process. rather than another holiday season I offered to others, not to myself. was afraid and had no more courage Agencies and tenants shared fueled by uncertainty. S This Christ seemed to sit gently left. They gathered around me and I LAHC and Family and Community information about the redevelopment with me. I sat and cried until I could learned that resilience and survival Services (FACS) with support from at a meeting in late September. The full response from LAHC is at cry no more, although I didn’t really was not founded upon personal UrbanGrowth will commence the Agencies are exploring ways to www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/Water know why. Partly I was weeping courage but on shared vulnerability. master planning process, including support tenants with training in loo/2016waterloo/160927lahc because I couldn’t even connect It is also about being humble enough engagement and consultation, late in areas identified at the meeting. with the deepest desire of my heart. to call upon others. S Why I spray-painted ‘OMID’ on Malcolm Turnbull’s Edgecliff office

COMMENT the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which we signed. Obviously we STEPHEN LANGFORD need to give refugees safe passage here from Indonesia. That way ON Wednesday August 24, I faced they will not be motivated to take Waverley Local Court for criminal the unsafe trip by boat. And, if damage. I had spray-painted the they do, we must “process” them name of a refugee on Malcolm in hostels, not prison camps. Turnbull’s electoral office. I chalked There is only one thing politicians “OMID” over three nights, and understand, only one thing that spray-painted it on the last two. will make our government stop I did not mean to be caught. abusing refugees (and the opposition endorsing it): pressure. This can “Omid” means hope in Farsi. Omid take many forms, and we need Masoumali had no hope when he to exert all of them, all forms of set fire to himself on April 27 this non-violent direct action. My form year, on Nauru. He was in huge pain of non-violent direct action was to but without morphine for 26 hours chalk the names of people who had before he was airlifted to Brisbane, killed themselves while in detention. Spray-painting the names of people who had killed themselves while in detention was Stephen Langford’s non-violent direct action to stop the abuse of refugees Photo: Stephen Langford where he died in hospital on April We must struggle together for 29. He had been a journalist in Iran. justice for refugees. But further than and this will be crowd-funded. I athletic ability. He was a lifeguard how bitter is his loss for us. Our His death was dreadful, and I that, we must struggle for a human finish with the moving statement and saved a couple of children. Omid is gone, our hope is dead; so could not get it off my mind. It took rights act and a change in culture by Omid Masoumali’s family: Those kids still come to visit us. unbelievable, so sudden! We were a terrible kind of bravery to do what so that people, refugees and asylum “Our hope is gone! Omid is His friends describe him as a counting on him, like always, like he did. What we were doing in seekers included, cannot be held gone forever. He was only 24. His trustful, amiable, warm, and lovely what he was saying every time; solidarity with these 1,800 people, without charge or trial, so we cannot father named him Omid because fella. He was happy and joyful, counting on a better future, counting refugees, hostages, being held on the have the paperless arrests police his birth gave hope, excitement, full of life. It was impossible not on sweet coming moments. prison islands of Nauru and Manus, have in Darwin, and Don Dale, or and life to his small family. to laugh when he was around. Omid was doing well, enduring seemed tame and ineffective. We the kind of abuses against Aboriginal As a child, Omid was so sweet and Omid had a catchy slogan that hardships for a better future. What must have rallies and vigils, and we people we see in the Northern cute. He loved animals very much. everyone remembers: all his happened to Omid’s hope? Who has must write letters to politicians and Territory under the “Intervention”. He had built up a small shelter in goodbyes were followed by this: taken his hope? Who has taken our the media, but we must do more I would like to give my sincere his house where he kept his pets; “Chakeretam, Nokaretam”, a saying hope, our Omid? Who has made life than that when our government thanks to all the people who they were just like his close friends. in Persian which implies: you can so bitter for him? We lost our Omid, is committing abuses like this, have supported me since I was Our Omid had it all: warm, always count on me for everything. our hope. Who has made life so bitter flouting international law and arrested. I was fined over $3,000 friendly, always smiling, witty, and There is no word that can express for us? The endless bitterness ...” S 10 FEATURE OCTOBER 2016

Photo: Richard Heersmink Confined kids bound by short term solutions Spurred largely by revelations of abuse and mistreatment at Don Dale in the Northern Territory, juvenile justice centres are coming under the spotlight in NSW, where there is increased concern over the welfare of the state’s 239 juvenile detainees. The renewed focus has catalysed debate surrounding the utility and ethicality of certain practices within juvenile detention and the broader approach to juvenile justice.

FEATURE Islander youth. A review by the NSW of incarcerating a young person suggests that this can be tough in the now CEO of Weave Youth & Inspector for Custodial Services into in NSW is over $1,200 per day. face of a persistent “mythology” that Community Services, Shane Brown, LEON BATCHELOR AND the use of force in centres is also Evidence indicates that incarceration any response to crime that avoids laments the inconsistent support JACK MURRAY underway and will finish in October. does little to prevent crime. imprisonment is somehow soft. for programs of proven efficacy. Part of that report will comment In 2002 one of the largest reports “Committing to justice He describes how funding is ‘Confinement’ used for over 24 hours on how the use of confinement ever published on the relationship reinvestment involves admitting offered by way of tender, a process NSW legislation allows juvenile is monitored and recorded. between incarceration and crime that the system is broken,” she that favours competitiveness and justice centres to confine a young Greens MP David Shoebridge was written by three Canadian says. “That’s a tough admission results in otherwise collaborative person aged over 16 years for a has filed a parliamentary motion writers, Paula Smith, Claire Goggin for any government to make but it organisations fighting one another period of up to 24 hours as a form calling for the cessation of the and Paul Gendreau. It canvassed needs to be made so that we can for existence. “We lost our funding of punishment for misbehaviour. use of solitary confinement as a results from 117 studies since 1958, start looking at ways to fix it.” to a large charity organisation,” A Budget Estimates hearing form of punishment, in line with involving 442,471 offenders in total. One community that appears he recalls, “then they called us on September 2 raised serious current international standards The study found that prison should ready to approach the issue of crime afterwards looking for advice concerns about this practice. for the treatment of children in not be used with the expectation differently is Cowra in Central West on how to do what we do.” Juvenile Justice NSW indicated detention. The MP observed, of reducing criminal behaviour. It NSW. Recent research by a team led Weave is a community-built that current policy requires approval “isolating children in particular, further indicates that incarceration by Dr Jill Guthrie found widespread organisation based in Waterloo that by a centre manager for confinement because of their need with a increases the likelihood that support within the community for provides multiple levels of support periods exceeding 18 hours. developing mind to be socialised, a prisoner will re-offend, with a locally forged response to crime. to young people. The Kool Kids Club Children can also be segregated can produce lifetime damage.” the severity of the sentence A community-wide deliberative is a Weave program that provides from other detainees for their own He warns that the use of solitary compounding this potential. process identified eight categories of after-school and holiday activity safety or that of others. Segregation confinement is “widespread” and The former NSW Inspector crime a majority in the community programs for young people aged 7-13 cannot lawfully be used as a form suffers from “ad hoc control” at for Custodial Services, Dr John would like to see handled outside experiencing trouble at home and of punishment. Where segregation the centre-level and questions the Paget, published a damning the prison system. These crimes are at risk of disengaging from school. is used for over 24 hours it must be revised number provided by the report in July 2016, highlighting non-violent and include property Brown explains that the program approved by a centre manager and Minister as a selective response. the lack of evidence in support and procedural offences such aims to “work on behaviours and the NSW Ombudsman alerted. Shoebridge’s view is that the state of the Government’s investment as petty larceny, non-payment self-worth, understanding how to use Juvenile Justice NSW has advised “should ensure that we never impose in detention for the purposes of fines and driving offences. [young people’s] time well, as well that confinement has been used punishment that can do harm”. of deterrence and exclusion. According to Dr Guthrie’s as dealing with issues in families”. in the state’s centres as a form The Minister for Corrections research, prosecuting and punishing He explains that while the programs of punishment for such minor failed to comment on the Justice reinvestment is an these offences costs Cowra some offered by Weave may not seem as misdemeanours as “lying” and utility or ethicality of the use of alternative approach $2.3 million annually in direct costs proactive as expanding the state’s “possession of offensive music” to confinement on young people. An alternative approach – often alone. The community has indicated prison capacity, “long term solutions more serious misbehaviour such referred to as “justice reinvestment” that it would prefer this money to be are very achievable. They take a as fighting and harassment. State investment favours – utilises community building spent on mental health services, drug while but they’re worthwhile.” NSW Minister for Corrections prisons, not communities programs and disciplinary and alcohol services, a homework The Kool Kids Club has operated David Elliot was forced to correct The NSW Government has systems that do not involve centre for young people who are for over 15 years and worked with statements made on September 2 at allocated $3.8 billion over the periods of incarceration. disengaged from school, halfway over 600 children. Ninety-nine Budget Estimates that there had been next four years to develop prison Just Reinvest NSW is a not- houses and other diversionary percent of them have not been placed 13 instances of “confinement” for a infrastructure and administration for-profit organisation currently or rehabilitative amenities. in detention of any kind. That result period of greater than 24 hours in the in response to growth in prisoner conducting a trial program in The Mayor of Cowra, Councillor spells victory to Weave as 85 per cent last financial year. When asked by numbers to a record 12,000 this year. Bourke, NSW, to gather evidence Bill West, has confirmed that the of participants identify as Aboriginal the South Sydney Herald to clarify The scale of this funding has of the capacity for community concept has received support from or Torres Strait Islander, a group this statement, Mr Elliot said there been criticised by Labor and the services to address the underlying Cowra Shire Council, which passed that comprises over 50 per cent of was, in fact, only one such instance. Greens, who have highlighted that causes of crime compared to more a Justice Resolution in December all incarcerated children in NSW, Juvenile Justice has been asked the Government has simultaneously drastic and cost-intensive penal 2015, voting to investigate possible despite only representing around to review its record keeping made cuts to the budget for options. The initiative was recently paths to implementation of justice 2.9 per cent of the population. practices, yet broader questions prison educators. The Baird the subject of a Four Corners reinvestment in the town. The Kool Kids Club costs $330,000 remain as to how confinement Government’s investment in prison program, “Backing Bourke”. per year to operate but in 2014 it is used at an operational level capacity contrasts with its attitude Sarah Hopkins is the Chair of the Funding for crime prevention is critical lost its entire funding allocation and how it is distinguished from towards preventative measures organisation and has worked as a Programs aimed at keeping from the NSW Government. Brown the practice of segregation. designed to divert young people solicitor for the Aboriginal Legal young people out of prison through emphasises, “the answers to solving The coming month will see further away from the prison system. Service for over 15 years. Having education, training and peer support crime are there. We don’t need to information released surrounding the The Productivity Commission’s seen the workings of the prison are plagued by a general lack of reinvent anything. There are people frequency and extent of confinement 2015 Report on Government system first-hand, she believes that government assistance. Previously doing it right now. All they need is of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Services indicated that the cost an alternative is needed. Hopkins a youth worker, counsellor and proper funding.” S The Review October ’16 11

Gary Bonner’s photographs capture “decisive moments” and challenge stakeholders to ponder what they’d like preserved of Redfern and Waterloo Photo: Gary Bonner Decisive moments: Redwater in transition

Catherine Skipper and Bill Yan all of uniform size, 220mm by 290mm economic group – on their mobiles and all powder toner on satin paper. or walking quickly with take-away A South Sydney Community The photographs referencing the cups – Bonner’s social commentary ... WATERLOO Aid (SSCA) initiative, Redfern… destruction of the past while elegiac in is evident. An elderly café patron, Waterloo by photographer Gary mood are at the same time celebratory. reading a magazine with the title Bonner, was exhibited at 107 In his introductory talk Bonner said “Bullies” references the government’s Projects, Redfern from August that in the process of photographing high-handed plans to dispatch the 23 to 26 and will be exhibited at the Waterloo estate he became more elderly, and the transitory nature the Orchard Gallery, Waterloo and more aware of the locality’s of Redfern is indicated by a figure from October 8 to November 10. strong and caring community life. wearing casual a la mode and reclining Several of the exhibits feature the in a doorway alongside a shop In opening the August show Bill “infamous” high rises, demonised advertising itself as “Designer Outlet”. Yan, Executive Officer for the SSCA, by the sensation seeking media, but The story ends with series of quoted French master photographer Bonner endows them with dignity. photographs showing new “global Henri Cartier-Bresson, who pioneered In his photos they become the “towers village” developments near McEvoy the genre of street photography and of strength” they were intended to Street. Clean, white high rises with for whom photography was the art represent to the destitute and elderly, box-like economically sized units, of capturing “decisive moments”. and invite viewers to question the waving palms and other water- “There is a creative fraction of a government’s valorisation of real conserving plants, straight footpaths second,” Cartier-Bresson said, estate over homes. Shown from many and eternal sunshine are destined “when you are taking a picture. Your perspectives, it is easy to appreciate to replace the present haphazard eye must see a composition or an how the buildings serve as a landmark and interesting mix of communities. expression that life itself offers you, and have become inextricably However, Bonner’s interrogative and must know with intuition when connected with the identity of this style encourages viewers to question to click the camera.” Yan praised historic working class suburb. Once the future. Will there be a place Bonner for capturing such “decisive they, and the many homes they for the ubiquitous Lister and other moments” in the life of Redfern contain, are demolished Bonner’s occasional graffitists? What will and Waterloo as the community is “decisive moments” will remain as happen to the Rabbitohs? Will faced with the prospect of significant testimony to a unique way of life. they find a new, upwardly mobile structural and social change as a Juxtaposed to the often recurring set of supporters as is suggested by consequence of government plans images of walking sticks and shopping an up-market car photographed in for renewal and development. bags, are the equally prominent images juxtaposition to the familiar logo Bonner started taking photos of of bicycles and café culture. There is cleverly reflected in the rear mirror? WATERLOO the area in July 2015 with the aim a lovely satisfaction in recognising Bonner’s “decisive moments” in of preserving the history of the area a familiar place or object and many the life of Redfern and Waterloo is October 8 – November 10 for future generations. After 350 of the viewers at the opening were intended not only as an archive but Opening Saturday October 8 hours of photo taking and over 3,000 heard excitedly picking out the Tudor also as a challenge to the stakeholders, 5-6.30pm photos, the 30 black and white photos Hotel with a characteristically Redfern those who live and work in the selected for the exhibition tell stories tableau outside its imposing doors; locality. What would they like to see The Orchard Gallery about the loss of an older community, the Bean and Berry; Tea, Coffee and preserved of the customs, culture and the emergence of a new “hipster- Me; Tapeo and the quirky mannequin community character that make up 56a Raglan St, Waterloo yuppie” lifestyle, and indicate a future of Chapter Five Espresso. While its unique expression so marvelously “universal”-style environment. They are depicting a lively emergent socio- captured by Bonner’s photography? 12 The Review October ’16

But, while several lyrics were would have been a more accurate Noongar djanga, djina “spirit of a amended by Cave during subsequent portrayal of life and (especially) dead person”; in Aboriginal use, white The Reviews recording sessions, most of the death in America’s mythical ‘West’. people), bunji, “a mate, a close friend, album had been written by then. By trying to be as accessible to a kinsman” (from Warlpiri and other Theatre Review us directly with the character of Lindy So Skeleton Tree is typical of Cave as wide an audience as possible, languages of the Northern Territory by Catherine Skipper as she responds to the letters. The with its imagery of death, love, and so maximise their profits, the and northern Queensland), yidaki performance opens with a latter-day blood, loss and uncertainty. producers of The Magnificent Seven “didgeridoo” (from Yolngu languages Lindy (a truly mesmerising Jeanette More interesting is how have minimised their credibility and yirdaki), coojong “the golden wreath Cronin) entering a neat middle-class uncomfortably rough around the reasons for seeing their film. wattle” (from the Noongar language sitting room distinguished only by the edges it is. Cave’s lyrics are Rating: Two and a half remakes. of the Perth area), and (this last is the 11 cardboard boxes it contains, delivered in spoken word or barely »»[email protected] my favourite) wiltja “a shelter, shade and a pile of letters on the carpet. sung, raw, shaky, uncertain. or shadow” (from Western Desert As she begins sorting she is assailed There is bleak expressionist language) – shelter in our temperate by vehement voices as hate-mailers beauty in the jarring juxtapositions Book Review by climate being anything shaded or in materialise, and our breath is taken of music – barely a melody, Marjorie Lewis-Jones shadow, surely? Who needs walls? Letters to Lindy away, by their vindictive malice. electronic loops – and tension In my second list I tried to nail Written by Alana Valentine But surprisingly Lindy looks up between music and language. down all the more general words Directed by Darren Yap with a sparkling eye and dismisses It seems more about coming to and phrases I’d never come across The Seymour Centre them laughingly as “comic relief ”. terms with change than with grief. before – and again there were scads. September 2-10, 2016 She prefers these letters to the kind An unwelcome, dark awareness, A few I liked were horse duffer that are overly commiserative and encounters with mundane (yep, he steals gee-gees), kipsy I remember sitting with other an inducement to self-pity. Lindy is epiphanies, final reconciliation (yup, it means a house or shelter) teachers in the staffroom listening even capable of laughing in retrospect to an unfeeling universe. and lizarding (in which you don’t to the broadcast of Coroner Denis at the cruel but inevitable dingo Random lyrics: muster lizards but you do muster The Australian National Dictionary: Barrit’s finding on the death of the jokes bandied around at the time. All the things we love, we lose. cattle, riding the boundary). Australian words and their origins nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain, Nevertheless, we don’t see her as Let us sit together until The third list was for words 2nd Edition snatched from a tent by a dingo at unscathed but as someone who has the moment comes. I’d heard of and used but didn’t Oxford University Press a camp near the then Ayers Rock. learnt not to carry the burden of Just breathe. really know their meanings or At its conclusion there was a strong other people’s negative emotions. And let the world turn. origins. I’m still puzzling over sense of satisfaction in the room as We begin to realise also that Cause nothing really matters. Is it okay to marry a dictionary? how I’ve had two sets of relatives the teachers agreed that the tragic Lindy’s storing and filing of the “Are you still here?” I’d seriously settle for a long who’ve lived on battle-axe blocks circumstances of the baby’s death letters became the means through honeymoon with the new edition of but never understood that the [email protected] had been dealt with in a rational and which she maintained her connection »» The Australian National Dictionary in word reflected the shape of the humane way. The legal studies teacher with a loved child who vanished a wood-panelled library that serves handle (the driveway) and the axe was particularly pleased because into the desert night. After her own Campos coffee and homemade scones. head (the block of land itself). he felt the coroner had defused a perception of events is validated Film Review What a treasure! This two-volume How could I not have drunk potentially explosive situation. she is able to let go of the evidence by Lindsay Cohen tome will take you on an amazing a Diamantina cocktail (did the However, following further that confirms Azaria’s existence, and voyage of discovery and reminiscence. suspicion that it contained an investigation by a determined allow the letters to become history. Perhaps you’ve never heard emu egg put me off?) or not have Northern Territory police force, a In a moving conclusion, a symbolic of tulipwood or met a pumpkin known that the magpie was also second inquest led to a trial and Azaria, washed clean of innuendo, squatter or been cabbage-tree called a break of day bird? Or eventually conviction and unjust suspicion, and spite, is laid to rest hatted. Or played swapsies, met not have understood that a duck- imprisonment of Azaria’s mother, to the accompaniment of a lullaby, a ta-ta lizard or bought a stubby shover evades responsibility? now Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton. and the now closed storage box of beer with a stubloon. My fourth list aimed to capture Each step was discussed in the becomes an appropriate casket. Maybe you’ll find you like drop all the colourful phrases that have staffroom, and there was a consensus The real almost impish Lindy bears with your fairy bread, spunk disappeared from our lexicon (at The Magnificent Seven that what we were witnessing was comes on stage for us to see, the rats in trackie daks, or pizzling least in city parlance) and that I’m Directed by Antoine Fuqua a modern-day witch-hunt. There legal system is questioned, reforms on the plans of poddy-dodgers. overjoyed the word nerds at Oxford Starring Denzel Washington, was general relief when Lindy was are mooted. At the same time, the Or it could be you’ll marvel, University Press have taken the time Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke released after three years. Not every ordered existence implied in the as I did, that anyone manages to and trouble to resurrect. For example, Genre: Moderate Australian shared this relief and the living room behind the speakers with learn Strayan (first use 1991) or who “dip’s one’s lid” anymore as CJ story has become a national obsession, its strangely ominous overhead fan Strine (first use 1964) at all. Even Dennis made a fella do in The Songs assessed and reassessed in several directly contrasts with the semicircle If the National Rifle Association tracking the meaning of yakka is of a Sentimental Bloke in 1915; or books, a feature film and a TV series. of sand that borders it. And I (NRA) could invent a movie hard yakka: yacca (from Kaurna when did you last talk about “a hairy So how does Alana Valentine take a wonder about this red land and our that supported everything they yaga) means ‘gum obtained from goat” (a horse that performs badly); set of horribly familiar details – nail uneasy, illegal relationship with it. stood for and packaged it into a a type of native pine tree’, a yakka or say a nut-job was “as mad as a scissors, a jumpsuit, a singlet, tracksuit Directed with a keen eye for family friendly advertisement that (of unknown origin) is a small gumtree full of galahs”); or exclaim pants, the black dress and the fateful detail by Darren Yapp and with the masqueraded as entertainment that marine fish, and yakker (from Yagara in amazement “strike me pink”? matinee jacket – and shape them support of excellent creatives, Letters movie would be The Magnificent yaga) means ‘to work or labour’. Blowies and bities into such engrossing theatre? to Lindy is a model of smooth, subtle, Seven. That doesn’t necessarily mean Yikes. At least we’re a hot My list making came to an abrupt Valentine chose to approach imaginative stage production. that The Magnificent Seven should country so, unlike the Inuit, there’s halt once I realised there were the story through the 20,000 be a bad film. It’s got a stellar cast only one word listed for snow. far too many fabulous words to [email protected] letters, some of abuse but many »» and a rich pedigree; it’s a remake of Heaps to get your head around re-categorise. That’s when I felt the of support, that Lindy received the classic of the same name from The Australian National urge to acquaint myself with all the during the entirety of her ordeal. 1960 that starred the even more Dictionary is like the Oxford English birds, insects and plants that get a On the structural level, Valentine Music Review stellar Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen Dictionary in that it describes the guernsey. That’s also when I started to makes astute use of the dated by Stephen Webb and Charles Bronson. And that full history of a word, starting wish the dictionary had been printed letters to support the narrative film was a remake of the Japanese with its earliest appearance and with colour illustrations – so many chronologically, cleverly reinforced classic Seven Samurai from 1954. documenting its use over time. creepy crawlies and horticultural by strategic costume changes, each But by pitching the remake This includes more than hotties to learn about, love or avoid. indicating a significant stage in of the remake as a simple NRA 550 words borrowed from 100 One creature I’ll be dodging for Lindy’s story. In addition, the range idealised view of good guys with Aboriginal languages and 16,000 sure is the water rat – an amphibious of letter-writers evidences the extent lots of guns beating bad guys with Australian terms in total spanning rodent now more commonly referred to which Lindy underwent a change lots of guns, skimping on the set all aspects of our life and culture. to in southern Australia as the rakali from a private individual to public (an ideal ‘Western’ town with no This 2nd Edition also (from the Ngarrindjeri language). property about whom everyone outhouses, poverty or general contains 6,000 new terms. And, yes, I’ll be eating my next Skeleton Tree could have an opinion without depravity apart from whores as pure There’s a numbered map of rat coffin (meat pie) a tad more Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds personal knowledge of her or accurate as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman) Australia, with each number gingerly now I’ve read its historical Bad Seed Ltd 2016 understanding of the events of the and relying on cultural and racial corresponding to an Aboriginal background in which Melbourne’s night of August 17, 1980. Curiously, stereotypes in place of character language – so you can easily find Herald Sun is cited as saying, she became a powerful presence in the On first listen I thought all development, the film achieves the origin of the word you’re “Tucking into a rat coffin suggests lives of people she would never know. the people raving about Nick nothing. Not even entertainment. interested in. It’s helpful and Australians adventurous eaters, since The bringing to life of the letter- Cave and the Bad Seeds’ 16th Part of this can be put down to educative: so many languages were the contents of most pies are the writers through the very accomplished album needed to get out more. its M rating. The ‘Wild West’ was used in this wide brown land before leftover bits even a sausage rejects.” and seamlessly integrated And way too much emphasis tough, brutal and unforgiving. Being the First Fleeters muscled in. Overstuffed with hairpin banksias, performance of three actors, Glen was put on the fact that, some shot is gory, bloody and definitely My preliminary perusals hairy cicadas, hopper ants and Hazeldine, Phillip Hinton and time during the making of the not M rated. If Quentin Tarantino of the dictionary prompted harlequin bronzewings, I moved Jane Phegan, who represent many album, Cave’s 15-year-old son had directed The Magnificent Seven the preparation of lists. on to try to find everything I’d give and varied voices, is a brilliantly Arthur fell to his death. it would have been R rated and I’d My first list aimed to contain all a flying fox to SEE (an opossum conceived piece of stagecraft. The resulting record be railing against the gratuitous the borrowed Indigenous words I cloak, a growling grass frog and a However, the greatest achievement was supposedly “a painful violence, the buckets of blood and didn’t know – and there were scores forty-spotted pardalote), EAT (a of this chosen device is that it engages document of love and loss”. the body count. But at least that of them. They included djanga (from doughboy and Continued on page 14 The Review October ’16 13

Theatre Review However, as suspected, Thomas by Catherine Skipper provides another highlight in a spectacular performance on the cyr Elixir wheel, a single large metallic ring Presented by Head First Acrobats that, once set in motion, provides Creatives/Performers: Tom Gorham, the momentum for increasingly Callan Harris and Rowan Thomas difficult spins and inversions. While Seymour Theatre Thomas executes his choreographed September 20-24, 2016 movements with both precision and artistry, he also breaks the spell and I saw Elixir more than two years indulges in apparently awkward, go and was impressed by its freshness clownish routines subverting and “feel good” quality. Since the ideal with comic gusto. then Elixir’s rather eccentric mix In a near-finale, Tom Gorham, of acrobatics and comedy has had who has performed many feats many engagements both in Australia requiring an astounding combination and overseas and I was interested of strength and balance throughout, to see the impact of this exposure literally and hilariously turns on the performance. Surprisingly, classical ballet on its head. In an the show still appealed through its inversion of the traditional pirouettes ingenuous spontaneity and the crew’s and fouettés where turning on ability to engage the audience’s one foot in multiple rotations at goodwill was just as evident. great speed is often a spectacular A collection of dazzling concluding movement, Gorham spins highpoints are held together by on his head at an unbelievable speed. a zany story narrated by a female He brings this spectacular exploit voiceover, reminiscent of “Siri” or to an end with the same little whip Scarlet Johansson in the film Her. of the bent leg that characterises

It seems that Sydney is experiencing Heads First Acrobats, Callan Harris and Thomas Gorham, fuel high-octane performances ofElixir Photo: Andy Phillipson the correct ballet movement. a zombie plague and one has been captured in Chippendale, and Check out the Heads First team from this point on mad scientists The first and very charming of a coat stand, and Gene Kelly’s success of his difficult manoeuvres on YouTube www.youtube. experiment with an elixir that highpoint is performed by a mild flirtation with a lamppost, comes as a surprise to him. com/watch?v=ReXz9cf7L88 will restore the zombie to life. ladder and Cal Harris. Harris invites his ladder to dance. A new member – to me at least and make sure you catch their Variously coloured test tubes are Recalling some of the older Maintaining the comic pose of a shy, – Rowan Thomas, at first takes on high-octane and occasionally lined up on a table centre-stage, but iconic dances between object awkward swain, Harris performs the role of an apologetic wanna-be risqué performance when the and are used to mark the transition and man in the movies, such as some breath-taking balancing acts, acrobat arousing the sympathy of very entertaining team is sure from one stunt to the next. Fred Astaire’s elegant courting while managing to suggest that the the audience with skilful clowning. to be invited back to Sydney.

Inside Wendy and Brett Whiteley Library, Lavender Bay, 2016 (once the studio of Brett Whiteley) Photo: Robyn Stacey Seek out this ‘Dark Wonder’

SSH at Stills Gallery, Paddington but upside down and in reverse. Brett Whiteley’s studio) in their interactive camera obscura events (October 6 to November 5). ‘It’s like being in your own home at Lavender Bay; Martin in Darlinghurst at the Courthouse ACCLAIMED Darlinghurst private movie,’ says Stacey – who Sharp’s home, Wirian, in Bellevue Hotel. There will also be a dedicated photographer, Robyn Stacey, offers Using the optical principle of photographs this inside-outside Hill; Geoff Kleem’s current working space at the gallery in Paddington a rare glimpse into the working the camera obscura, Stacey masks union in the fleeting minutes when studio on Parramatta Road; and the throughout the exhibition. havens, homes or studios of artists, windows to leave just a ray of light and composition are just right. National Art School in Darlinghurst. plus some industrial spaces, in light, so that the view outside is Sydney images include Wendy Over two weekends of the www.stillsgallery.com.au/ her latest exhibition Dark Wonder projected back inside, as if by magic, and Brett Whiteley’s library (once exhibition there will be FREE exhibitions/2016/stacey 14 The Review October ’16

South Sydney Puzzle by David Angell Wordplays we talk In the Middle East Problem on the street children die in their beds On a shelf in the library the first twelve the moon is full and ripe a violent end to volumes of an encyclopedia are placed the cold seems to creep their innocence in the order 8, 11, 5, 4, 9, 1, 7, 6, 10, 3, 12, from toe to head from armaments we send 2. Where is volume 13 placed, and why? shifting weight to bring peace from foot to foot a vapour breath How can we sleep trails to heaven in the comfort of our head words are amplified double dipped in luxury

FIRST CORRECT ENTRY WINS A PRIZE. our belly full like pigs? Send to South Sydney Puzzle, – Adrian Spry We are hypocrites PO Box 3288, REDFERN NSW 2016 Illustration: Alex Grilanc and we are weak What’s the news? politics are cheap What the end we complain Last month’s problem Last month’s solution if words have power? about the price of bread Here is a rectangle containing 35 numbers which add up to 66. Let them bend your mind let your inner eye see – Adrian Spry Your task is to divide the rectangle into 11 blocks: each block the true extent of providence must contain a combination of numbers adding up to 6, and no combination may be used more than once. Blocks must consist of one or more squares connected horizontally or vertically, but not WORDPLAY – CREATIVE WRITING GROUP CLUB REDFERN, diagonally. For example, you might use one of these arrangements – 2/159 REDFERN ST – every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. – but you may not more than one of these, since all three contain Contact Yvonne on 0415 226 854. All welcome. the same numbers.

Continued from page 12 bottle-ohs or boardies, sneezeweeds, a charcoal tart – which are really southerly busters or stickybeaking, just versions of damper – but I’d there’s something for everyone. Regrow your veggie scraps still like to add them to my culinary And there should, be I guess, because accomplishments), DO (a scrub-dash we kinda helped create this bonzer Louisa Dyce or spit chips) or WEAR (giggle pants book. Australian language is a living – and yes, I’d like mine in green). language that we prod and poke and DID you know you can regrow Next came the words I wanted to play with daily. Can we halt its further vegetables and herbs from the argue with or abolish like outbackery Americanisation – or are we already ends you would usually cast out? (get outta here!), wowserism bung, done like a dinner? Given Recycling your veggies can save (great word – but who needs the that Australianisms are so gritty you money. It can also be enjoyable. party-pooper hanging around) and colourful, I sincerely hope not. and Bondi cigar (again, if one’s This dictionary is dinky-di Here are some basics … hanging around it’s disturbing) and delightful. Such neat descriptions, Hansonite (well, you get my drift). such concise histories, such bounty •  A number of vegetables regrow Start drilling down into this to be read and rifled through. from their white root ends. So dictionary and you’ll strike gold. If you’re a bibliophile, buy it. place vegetable ends in a glass or You’ll find yourself wondering If you’re a struggling lexicographer, dish of water until they sprout or about how language shapes and is skip lunch for six months and regrow roots and then plant them shaped by reality, and also being purchase it with the brass razoos in nutrient-rich soil. reminded of how colonialism “works”. you’ve saved. If you’re an ordinary • L eave potatoes or sweet potatoes Words and phrases that contain Jill or Joe or Mrs Kafoops, badger until they sprout. Cut off a section the word “black” run to 16 pages, your library to get it, then visit that has one or two eyes and let it blackbirding, black hunting and often to pore over it. Marvel at the dry out a little. Plant the section black velvet were a few that chilled worlds within words here. Relish the ‘eyes up’ and let nature do its work. my blood. “White” spans 11 pages story of our nation’s journey with

and whitewash, white blindfold language writ large in fine print. Vegetables and herbs you can have Or only harvest as you need Photo: iStock and White Australia Policy were fun regrowing include: Potatoes, www.oup.com.au/titles/academic/ a few that curdled my guts. sweet potatoes, garlic, onion, spring dictionaries__and__reference/ There are also oodles of onion, leek, fennel, celery, bok Before you know it you’ll be dictionaries_of_english/ For more detailed instructions words that relate to thieving. choy, romaine lettuce, coriander, eating your own home grown dictionaries/9780195550269 and tips www.wakeup-world.com Interesting that. basil, ginger, cabbage, and parsnips vegetables, free from pesticides, and www.thebalance.com and You’ll be stoked »»[email protected] (though parsnips are difficult feeling great you’ve made this small Whether you like bowlos, to grow). contribution to our planet. www.17apart.com

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

Redfern Darling Harbour Sydney City Alexandria Sydney Harbour @vintonn @mertonkidd @australian_elena @neeravbhatt @beclewispix OCTOBER 2016 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

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

It’s starting to feel like spring this Cat Yoga Class Our Minister of the South Sydney Uniting Church, the month and, as always, Sydney is full of I’m sure you will have seen images of Rev. Andrew Collis, is away for the next few months in things to do and see. and articles about cat café in Japan Boston on long-service and study leave. and other parts of Asia. Well now there October is Mental Health Month is Cat Yoga at Catmosphere Café, 66 While he is away, our church will receive some very South Sydney Uniting Church 56a Raglan St, Waterloo and the City of Sydney is hosting a Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. Forty-five special pastoral and preaching ministry from Sr Anne Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Morning Tea. With a guest speaker minutes of yoga and 15 minutes of Jordan of the Cana Communities, which cares for Evening Prayers 5pm from Beyond Blue at the Cliff Noble cat cuddles. Cost is $25 pp. Mondays homeless people. Nine other people will also bring (2nd Sunday of the month) Community Centre Corner Renwick and Thursdays 7pm–8pm to 27 Sister Anne Jordan 0499 464 002 preaching and presiding gifts. On November 6, we and Suttor Streets, Alexandria, from October. Great for those of us mad www.southsydneyuniting.org.au will have a focus on care for survivors of child abuse – 10am–12pm. This is a free event but for moggies. For more information: bookings essential on 8512 8771. www.catmospherecafe.com. Blue Knot Sunday. The Sacred Lounge Cnr St Johns Rd & The following are our guest preachers: Healthy Cooking Gardening Christmas Cakes for a Good Cause Colbourne Ave, Glebe Thursdays from October 13 to It’s never too early to order your October 9 Worship 7pm Sunday ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate Thursday December 15, 3pm–6pm Christmas cakes, and the ones from Margaret Vazey – lay preacher and artist candlelit concerts 8pm Thursday at the Cliff Noble Community Centre Cana Farm are just about the best Office 9518 9413 October 16 Corner Renwick and Suttor Streets, bought Christmas cakes you can get, www.sacredlounge.org.au Alexandria.This is a project to build according to my sister-in-law Kate. Rev. Sue Emeleus – Anglican Deacon and maintain a vertical community A 1kg cake costs $25, plus delivery, November 6 Leichhardt Uniting Church fruit and vegetable garden, as well 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt and all profits go to Cana Enterprises, Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon (Blue Knot Sunday) as harvesting and cooking the fresh a non-profit social enterprise, which (near Norton St, free parking behind church) produce when available. Free event. provides employment and training November 13 Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday To book phone: 8512 8771. opportunities to those who are Dr Miriam Pepper – environmentalist and social Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 disadvantaged or marginalised. scientist www.leichhardtuniting.org.au NSW Strata Title Law Reform The cakes are very prettily wrapped November 20 Forum and would make great gifts. Mustard Seed Uniting Church How will the changes affect your rights Email for catalogue or order form: Rev. Susan Pickering (Reign of Christ – Celebrating Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, as either a tenant or owner? [email protected] or ring Community Sunday) – Leichhardt Uniting Church Ultimo Worship 9.30am Sunday Thursday October 18, 6.30–7.30pm Danielle on 0410 688 444. Minister at Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Rev. David Gore December 11 0449 875 065 Sydney. Free event. To book tickets Until next time. mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au phone: 9265 9333. Changes to strata Rev. Dr Clive Pearson – public theologian and educator laws will commence on November 30, Pat Clarke & Ross Smith December 18: Newtown Mission 2016. [email protected] Rev. Dr. William Emilsen – retired historian and 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday educator Rev. Graeme Tutt 9519 9000 For all other Sundays, the preacher is Anne Jordan. Waterloo Recycling Workshop www.newtownmission.org.au Andrew Collis will be back at the start of January 2017. Workshop and market open Fridays 9am-12pm. Paddington Uniting Church Turunga Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo (lower car park). Anyone is very welcome to join us and to stay for 395 Oxford St, Paddington Affordable furniture and household goods. morning tea after the service. Our services begin Worship 10.30am & Donations gladly received (no white goods or electrical apps). at 10am. 7.30pm Sunday Rev. Ben Gilmour Volunteers welcome – phone Naomi on 0407 576 098 Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon is the Minister-in- Office 9331 2646 Association of South Sydney Uniting Church www.paddingtonuca.org.au

Pitt Street Uniting Church Women’s 264 Pitt St, Sydney Reconciliation SATURDAY ART CLASS Worship 10am Sunday BABANA Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman Network ABORIGINAL South Sydney Uniting Church Office 9267 3614 www.pittstreetuniting.org.au Meeting on November 24. MEN’S GROUP (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) 10AM-12PM at the Babana Shed 12-4pm October 8 & 22 Redfern Community open Mon-Fri Wayside Chapel REDWatch Centre. 29 Hughes St, Potts Point Meetings first Thursday (Cnr St Johns Rd & All materials provided. Worship 11am Sunday of the month at The Factory Hugo Street Redfern. Colbourne Ave, Glebe) Previous & new participants welcome. Community Centrte. Rev. Graham Long Phone Geoffrey Turnbull 10am cuppa followed by Gold coin donation. Office 9581 9100 Contact: Mark Spinks More information phone 0415 415 139. (02) 8004 1490. meeting till 12 noon. www.thewaysidechapel.com Email [email protected] 0411 282 917 Artwork by Naomi Ward, 2016.

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

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

The Redfern All Blacks hosted the Koori Knockout – the biggest Indigenous cultural and sporting event in the southern hemisphere Photo: Supplied The new directory helps people with disabilities find activities and programs that best suit them Photo: Supplied Koori Knockout: Tough and Inclusive sports: a new guide for Sydney fiercely contested THE City of Sydney has a new inclusive information point that will allow people The access and inclusion program sports and recreation directory, with disabilities to choose activities and provides vital water safety and SSH Knockout attracted players from including targeted and adapted programs that best suit them. swimming lessons. Ballina to Bega along the coast programs for people with disability, “Along with improved wayfinding To help people make their way The state’s biggest annual and as far west as Bourke. and inclusive programs that everyone and braille systems, and more accessible around the city to participate in gathering of Aboriginal and “The Knockout is a four- can take part in. outdoor spaces and community various activities, the City also recently Torres Strait Islander peoples took day carnival of tough, fiercely facilities, this project is one of many developed a beta accessibility map that place at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney contested, world class rugby The directory is a result of input and ways the City is providing greater social shows key access features in the city, on the October long weekend. league, where victory is cited as a advice from a panel of people with direct and economic opportunities for people including mobility parking spaces, lifetime highlight for players and experience of disability issues. The City with disability.” accessible public toilets and potential The Redfern All Blacks won communities,” Ms Williams said. formed the panel in 2012 to provide There are plenty of disability-inclusive barriers such as stairs and moderate to the right to host the 2016 NSW “We thank the City of Sydney expert advice on improving inclusion sports happening in Sydney, from adults steep inclines. S Aboriginal Rugby League for their backing of the Redfern across Sydney. and children’s learn-to-swim right Knockout after winning the 2015 All Blacks as we organise the City of Sydney CEO, Monica Barone, through to the Achilles Running Club. The complete directory can be found tournament in Dubbo. biggest Indigenous cultural and said the City was committed to creating Learn about nutrition or train online at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov. Also known as the Koori sporting event in the southern an environment that was inclusive for in boxing at Bondi Junction. Play au/community/community-support/ Knockout, it featured 132 teams hemisphere. We are thrilled to everyone and drew on an Inclusion lunchtime netball at Ultimo. Or learn people-with-disability/disability-inclusive- from communities across NSW, have the opportunity to showcase (Disability) Action Plan to help guide ballroom dancing at Redfern. sports-and-recreation/ including 64 men’s teams, the many great things happening its efforts. Swim Champs at Cook and Phillip For more information on disability-inclusive 22 women’s teams and 46 in Redfern and host communities “Sport and recreational activities play Park Pool provides aquatic programs activities in Sydney and to submit junior teams. from all over NSW.” S an important role in providing fantastic to suit a diverse range of people with disability-inclusive sports and recreational Redfern All Blacks Chairperson opportunities for people to connect and disabilities. Classes are designed to work programs to the directory, visit: whatson. Lisa Williams said the Koori For results see rabko2016.org.au/about/ share experiences,” said Ms Barone. with each participant’s ability not their cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/posts/disability- “This directory will provide a central disability. inclusive-things-to-do-in-sydney

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