UNDERSTANDING EPILEPSY ILLUMINATIONS CAMPAIGN  PAGE 2 REVIEW  PAGES 9-10

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

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

Uncle Crow (Ian Lowe), #41, reading his poetry. Writing poetry has helped his healing journey (background: Uncle Richard Combo, #2, and Uncle Colin Davis, #50). Photo: Lyn Turnbull On the road to healing

FIRST PEOPLES National Apology to the Stolen to free our future”. The back half Uncle Colin Davis, #50, shares his reflections about the importance of the KBHAC Mobile Education Centre and Generations, the survivors of of the bus has been converted taking this to c the ommunity. Photo: Lyn Turnbull LYN TURNBULL Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal into a cinema that shows a short, Corporation (KBHAC) launched animated film collaboratively and children under 10 were taken Mark Lock from the Stolen IT is over 20 years since the a modified bus to take their produced with the uncles. to Bomaderry. Aunty Christine Generations Council (NSW/ACT) publication of the Bringing stories on the road. The Stolen The bus is an experiential Blakeney from Bomaderry spoke of the symbolism of KBHAC Them Home report, yet Generations Mobile Education learning centre and aims to Aboriginal Children’s Home using a bus, and the heritage of many Australians are still Centre, the first of its kind in educate children, young people spoke at the launch of how when buses in the struggle for justice unaware of the full impact Australia, aims to facilitate and communities (Aboriginal children turned 10 they were with the NSW freedom rides in of policies of successive state truth-telling and healing. and non-Indigenous) through moved to either Kinchela Boys the 1960s. Aboriginal people were and federal governments on Boys at KBH were addressed three levels of engagement, Home (1923-70) or Cootamundra not allowed to travel on buses the Aboriginal and Torres by number, not by name. drawing on a range of Girls Home (1911-69) for or had to sit at the back – even Strait Islander children They were forbidden to speak resources: oral testimony, “training”. They were wrenched today some find “the seat next stolen from their families, their own languages, so the archival material, animated film, from older brothers and sisters. to them is the last to be sat in”. and the intergenerational entrance to the bus has been visual images and timelines, Often it was only later in Aunty Robyn Lowe fought trauma experienced by painted in black with stark as well as interactive materials life that people attempted to back tears as she spoke about their descendants. white numbers. The exterior including an online portal. find members of their family. the bonds between survivors is decorated with Aboriginal NSW had three main Many were told to go to Redfern, of Cootamundra Girls Training At Carriageworks on February designs in ochre colours with Aboriginal children’s institutions. as “the place to meet your mob Home (1912-69) and the brothers 13, the 12th anniversary of the the words: “Unlocking our past Between 1908 and 1980, the babies is at the big E” (Empress Hotel). at KBH and their descendants. S 2 NEWS MARCH 2020

ISSN 2652-4538

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo. Make someone’s day – it’s rewarding The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. LOCALS fortnight at the JNC Volunteer Hub at St Helen’s Community NEWS SSH [email protected] Centre. There is ongoing support Phone Lyn 0400 008 338 for volunteers and the rewards THE Junction Neighbourhood are great. ADVERTISING [email protected] Centre (JNC) at St Helen’s Deanne Chapman has been Community Centre in Glebe is making friendly phone calls MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 3288 seeking volunteers who have as a volunteer for over a year. Redfern NSW 2016 some free time, and want to “Being a phone support volunteer

LETTERS make a difference to older means listening to people’s Please send letters and emails to: people in their neighbourhood. stories. It’s made me aware of The South Sydney Herald. the enormity of the problem of Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. “Many older people in our isolation – so many people are on Size: 150 words or less. community feel very isolated,” their own and disconnected.” We may edit for legal or other reasons. says Janet Green, JNC’s General Chapman continues, “Some of FOUNDING EDITOR Manager. “The JNC’s Glebe the people I speak to haven’t had Trevor Davies (25.5.1956 – 14.6.2011) Friendly Call Service helps to contact with another person for MANAGING EDITOR reduce that sense of isolation and days and they are so appreciative Marjorie Lewis-Jones provide a sense of connection. to be heard. You can hear the ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR It’s a free service, funded through difference in their voice between Andrew Collis the Commonwealth Government. the beginning and the end of NEWS EDITOR JNC provides services to older the call. Lyn Turnbull people who need support to “I like the feeling of making ASSISTANT EDITOR Volunteer Deanne Chapman makes a difference to the older people she chats with by phone. Photo: Supplied Louisa Dyce continue living independently a difference to someone’s day.” ARTS & FESTIVALS in the community.” Bruce Coyte has volunteered Anna North Volunteers make regular phone can be run for everyone who environment and other current with the JNC in Glebe for many BOOKS calls from the JNC’s Volunteer Hub needs it. affairs. The Friendly Call Service years. For him, volunteering Catherine DeMayo at Glebe. For some older people “In our community, older creates connections and means, “Enjoyment in helping EDUCATION this is a friendly call they receive people are becoming increasingly confidence.” people, and giving back a little Melinda Kearns between service visits, providing isolated as their circumstances Green adds, “Your spot is to society. It’s rewarding.” S ENVIRONMENT Miriam Pepper continuity and connection. For change,” Green says. “They often waiting at the JNC’s Glebe FAITH others, the call may be their only face mobility, health and financial Volunteer Hub. We have phones To volunteer phone Matt, JNC’s Dorothy McRae-McMahon service and their only way to issues. Their family members may and seating for two volunteers Volunteer Coordinator, on 9349 8200 HEALTH connect with the world beyond have other commitments, and their to work together.” email [email protected], website Megan Weier their homes. friendship groups are shrinking. Once volunteers have completed www.jnc.org.au, Facebook @TheJNC. LEGAL & FOOD The JNC is seeking more There are fewer opportunities to the required training, they work The Glebe hub is at St Helen’s Community Maidie Wood volunteers to ensure this service discuss their concerns about the for a minimum of two hours a Centre, 184 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. LOCALS Adrian Spry THEATRE Catherine Skipper FILM Lindsay Cohen Shades of Purple campaign highlights spectrum of epilepsy MUSIC Tess Ridgway HEALTH array of personalised therapeutic SPORT & FITNESS approaches. Steve Turner SSH “Approximately 70 per cent SUB EDITORS Cathie Harrison of all patients can have their Melinda Kearns THE 250,000 Australians living seizures controlled with anti-

DISTRIBUTION with epilepsy experience the epileptic medication. For those [email protected] condition differently and the who don’t respond to drugs, DESIGN largest provider of services for advanced imaging techniques GasolineGroup | www.gasolinegroup.com.au people living with epilepsy in may allow them to benefit from PRINTER Australia is advocating for greater surgery,” says Professor O’Brien. Spotpress Pty Ltd | www.spotpress.com recognition for epilepsy as a “Yet epilepsy still has no cure — “We gratefully acknowledge the spectrum disorder. for many, it is a lifelong, chronic many volunteer contributors and distributors who make this disorder.” publication possible.” On March 26, Epilepsy Action Ms Ireland says epilepsy occurs REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Australia is aiming to raise on a spectrum, with seizures Alice Anderson Patricia Morgan David Angell Peter Murphy $250,000 on Purple Day for varying in severity and frequency Adam Antonelli Thea Ormerod Epilepsy Awareness to go towards from person to person. She also George Barrett Julie Patterson Andrew Chuter Miriam Pepper life-changing technology – a says technology can be a life- Philippa Clark Stephen Pickells Pat Clarke Sue Plyde fundraising goal based on $1 for changer for many people with Lindsay Cohen Tess Ridgway every person diagnosed with epilepsy – giving people more Gregg Dobson Heather Robinson Louisa Dyce Stafford Sanders epilepsy in Australia. For the first control while living with what can Rosalind Flatman Nina Serova time the Sydney Opera House will be a very out of control condition. Katie Gompertz Michael Shreenan David Gore Catherine Skipper also be lit purple. “For this reason, Epilepsy Action Kat Hines Aline Smith Alexandra Hogan Although epilepsy is more is committed to being at the Gai Smith Perry Johnstone Laura Jones Gary Speechley common than Parkinson’s, forefront of cutting-edge solutions Anne Jordan Adrian Spry cerebral palsy and muscular for managing epilepsy and putting Roger Jowett Seda Star Laura Kelly Velvet Steele dystrophy combined, it is widely the power at the fingertips of those Caitlin Kensey Scott Geoff Turnbull misunderstood says Carol Ireland, living with the condition. We are Claire Lewis Steve Turner Marjorie Lewis-Jones Marg Vazey CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia. in the advanced stages of exploring Chris Lodge Stephen Webb norrie mAy-welby Megan Weier “That is why we are using the a range of apps to assist with Julie McCrossin Justin Whelan symbolism of 250,000 shades seizure management, telehealth Isobel McIntosh Alan Williamson Sam McNair Bill Yan of purple this Purple Day to and better clinical consultations highlight that living with epilepsy with GPs and specialists. DISTRIBUTORS Alice Anderson Matt McLennan is different for each of the 250,000 “What we desperately need Eleanor Boustead Dorothy McRae-McMahon Australians diagnosed with the is funds to go towards getting Gabrielle Brine Marie Moradinis Michael Condon Jane Morro condition.” incredible resources off the ground Yvonne Cowell Margaret Neale Neurologist Professor and working to improve the lives Alice Crawford Jim Patsouris Jules Cure Pepsee Terry O’Brien, President of of those living with epilepsy. We Sue Dahl Des Perry Peter Dodds the Epilepsy Society of Australia encourage the Australian public to Heather Robinson Perry Johnstone Lincoln Sharp and Director of Neurology at get behind us in any way possible Anne Jordan Desley Haas Colin Sharp Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, this Purple Day on March 26 to Adrian Spry Gabriel Haslam says that the growing recognition reach our $250,000 goal.” S Rod Haslam Rikki Taylor John Lanzky Margaret Vazey of epilepsy’s complexity means Julie McCrossin Rosie Wagstaff that there is not one way to treat or norrie mAy-welby Naomi Ward See www.epilepsy.org.au and Mary Ellen McCue Diane Whitworth manage the condition and different www.purpleday.org forms of epilepsy require an Epilepsy Action Australia is aiming to raise $250,000 on Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness on March 26. Photo: Supplied MARCH 2020 NEWS 3 ‘We must fight for the planet and our future’

ENVIRONMENT future generations who will suffer from the coal burned. GARRETT SWEARINGEN We already know what we need to do to create a prosperous WHAT would you do if you and just Australia for all. This is knew we had ten years to reflected in our three demands: drastically overhaul the way 1. No new coal, oil and gas the world operates or face projects, including the Adani ecological collapse? My name is mine, Garrett Swearingen and I live in 2. 100 per cent renewable energy Cairns, Far North Queensland. generation and exports by 2030, I was one of the 300,000 young and Australians who walked out of 3. Fund a just transition and school in September 20 last year job creation for all fossil fuel to demand our leaders act with workers and communities. integrity on climate change. However, with our greedy and For as long as I can remember self-serving leaders refusing to I’ve had a concern for our natural serve their people, we need to world and have done what I unite like never before and we could to protect it. I remember need to use our collective power when I was still quite young, I to make our vision a reality. To be organised clean-ups of my local successful we need everyone, so park and always made a point of organise your community – arrange telling my friends not to litter. I Garrett Swearingen (second from right) at the Cairns November 29 Bushfire #ClimateStrike last year. Photo: Supplied a meeting with an MP or help knew very little about the state coordinate a boycott. Do whatever of the wider world but assumed such a contrast to this that I thriving, prosperous future natural wonders is in serious peril. you feel comfortable with and that our leaders would be taking was immediately filled with a for young people. Other parts of Queensland, such that your strengths align with but care of it. However, as I grew up, feeling of belonging and power. If our leaders don’t step up as Mackay, which relies heavily on do something. Most importantly, I started to understand the reality Finally, here were other young their efforts to reduce carbon coalmining, also face terrifyingly make sure to get along to the next we faced. I then lived in Sydney people standing united, to fight pollution then the future looks uncertain futures. With the climate strike on May 15 and bring and remember being shocked by for the planet and our future. very bleak for my generation, global transition away from your friends, your families and the fact that that the Opera House I enthusiastically dove into all and especially for those most coal underway, those currently your colleagues with you so that was expected to be swallowed by sorts of climate causes, including vulnerable, such as those in employed in the industry need together we can make this the rising seas. However, no matter organising the September 20 less industrialised countries, the government to support them largest demonstration ever! how much I tried I could never climate strike and co-founding First Nations peoples and fossil in transitioning to new industries. We stand at a pivotal point in seem to get my friends to care a branch of the Australian Youth fuel workers. Regional areas The sooner this transition occurs history. My generation is the first much and I felt quite helpless Climate Coalition. also are especially vulnerable. the greater the benefits to these to experience the effects of climate as well as isolated. I frequently I spent, and still spend, hours For example, Cairns’ livelihood communities and everyone. change and the last to be able suffered poor mental health per week involved in climate depends on the tourism industry, However, our current government to take action to avoid the worst in school, and I think this was campaigning. Although I’d rather which requires a healthy reef and would rather prop up coal effects. We won’t ever be giving in part due to these feelings of spend this time on other activities, a healthy rainforest to continue to magnates to allow them to profit up, so stand with us and fight for helplessness and isolation. it often feels like this movement thrive. However, at current levels for as long as possible, with no a prosperous and just Australia The first climate strike was is my only hope to create a of heating, the health of these regard for their workers or the for all of us. S

‘Show some leadership’ 18 senior religious leaders urge PM to step up climate policy

ENVIRONMENT being displaced annually by other climate-related disasters. SSH There is even worse to come. “The insight of our Aboriginal FOLLOWING the unprecedented and Torres Strait leaders, that all devastation Australia has things are connected, is affirmed witnessed this summer, 18 by the overwhelming scientific senior religious leaders from consensus. There is much to the Christian, Catholic, Muslim, learn from Aboriginal and Torres Buddhist, Jewish and Hindu Strait Islander peoples, who have communities, which together survived and thrived on their have more than 10 million lands for over 2,000 generations. members in Australia, have “Scientists and former issued an open letter to the emergency services chiefs have Prime Minister, appealing to been very clear that the fires him as a “fellow person of faith”, have been made much worse by and calling for stronger climate human-induced climate change. leadership and an urgent shift The warmer temperatures and away from coal and gas. prolonged drought have made the land progressively drier. Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim “You have said that you and Quaker signatories and recognise this. Yet you have representatives of ARRCC also insisted that your climate (Australian Religious Response policies will not change. This, to Climate Change) launched despite global views that the letter at Paddington Uniting Australia’s climate policies are Church on February 20. amongst the worst in the world. The letter reads, in part: “As Parliament continues “This land now called Australia to convene on the land of the is very vulnerable to climate Ngunnawal people, we are impacts. Aboriginal communities asking you and your colleagues in arid areas are at great in the Coalition to unite behind Bhante Sujato (Buddhist monk), Thea Ormerod (Chair, ARRCC), Wies Schuiringa (Vice President, NSW Ecumenical Council & Co-Clerk, Quakers NSW), Ghaith Krayem (CEO, Muslims risk, as are the Torres Strait the science. As it says in the Australia) at Paddington Uniting Church. Photo: Andrew Collis Islanders from increasingly Book of Proverbs ‘Where hostile oceans. Farmers face there is no guidance, a people agree on the main points: climate and land clearing. Human leadership to support their more extreme droughts and falls, but in an abundance of change is real and it is caused ingenuity has developed viable urgent adoption.” S floods. Our concern is also for counsellors there is safety’. by human activity, primarily alternatives for each of these the tens of millions around “Almost all peer-reviewed the burning of coal, oil and gas, destructive practices. What is Read the full letter at the world who are already articles by climate scientists together with animal agriculture needed is strong and visionary www.arrcc.org.au/letter 4 NEWS MARCH 2020 TANYA PLIBERSEK MP Federal Member for Sydney Sydney graduates launch face mask to protect against air pollution

SPONSORED

METRO STOP AT GREEN SQUARE MICHAEL SPENCE The New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads recently revealed a $200 million change to the WITH public concern about the Sydney Metro project as a direct result of an unsolicited health impacts of air pollution proposal from Macquarie Bank. rising in Australia and around the globe, University of Sydney However, during the planning stages of the Chatswood graduates have launched an to Sydenham Sydney Metro, the same Minister innovative face mask that protects advised us that an additional station at Green Square users from harmful pollutants. was unnecessary because of limited commuter and economic benefit. Brothers Elias and Isaac Honor Yet the NSW Government’s own modelling shows this co-founded their company Isaac Honor, Elias Honor and Jack Graham from AusAir have launched a mask that has proven to protect area is set to become Australia’s most densely populated AusAir with childhood friend people from harmful pollutants in the air. Photo: Supplied precinct- and denser than London or New York. Jack Graham in 2017 while I have written to the Minister on multiple occasions studying at the University of “With the terrible bushfires, The company went from arguing that it would be foolish not to include a Metro Sydney Business School and we’ve seen air pollution in parts strength to strength and later that stop positioned between Waterloo and Sydenham launched presales of the masks of Sydney reach levels which year won the $10,000 Student stations, particularly when the track is being built via Kickstarter earlier this month. have the equivalent health Innovation Challenge Award already. The reusable masks, which impacts as smoking over a during Innovation Week. feature a washable skin and pack of cigarettes every day.” “We are thrilled to see Given that changes to the Metro project are clearly botanical filters, passed Australians aren’t alone in their AusAir’s success propel since still possible, I have strongly urged the NSW Transport preliminary P2 and KN95 concerns about air pollution, with participating in Sydney Genesis. Minister to reconsider his position and plan for a Green testing and block over 97 per the World Health Organization The program plays a key role in Square metro station. cent of PM2.5 – a measure warning air pollution is a top the startup community in Sydney, of fine particle matter often threat to global health in 2020. having supported more than THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST RORT included in air quality reports. The founders were aware that 1,000 alumni, student and staff This time Scott Morrison has taken his rorts to the “The market is dominated properly fitted face masks can be accelerate their startup ideas,” streets, pouring more than 83 percent of the $3 billion by products that focus on pure challenging to source, so developed said Professor Leanne Cutcher Urban Congestion Fund into 144 projects located in utility, but we want to allow the masks in multiple sizes. from the Business School, which Coalition and marginal seats. Scott Morrison made people to express themselves facilitates Sydney Genesis. promises in every single urban Coalition seat that was while wearing a mask that’s Startup journey boosted by Sydney funding “Isaac and the AusAir team marginal or under threat. comfortable and extremely A year after founding the are testament to our students’ breathable,” said Elias Honor. anti-pollution startup, Isaac Honor outstanding potential to help But the electorate of Sydney did not receive one cent joined the University of Sydney’s solve real-world problems.” S from this fund. Does Scott Morrison really think traffic How AusAir started flagship Genesis Startup Program, congestion stops when cars move onto streets in The idea for the startup was winning the Most Scalable Sydney? sparked after the founders Business in South East Asia award. Labor has written to the Auditor-General requesting an travelled to Shenzhen in China, “By including specialists in audit into the design, management and politicisation of experiencing the effects of topics ranging from validation, the Urban Congestion Fund. air pollution firsthand. segmentation, product “We were really shocked, roadmapping and business Authorised by Dr Michael Spence, Vice particularly when we started models, the program does Chancellor of the University of Sydney. investigating the research a fantastic job in bridging Contact Details – Security & After Hours: into the health impacts of air the gap between theory and 1800 063 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523 pollution,” said Jack Graham. pragmatism,” said Isaac Honor. [email protected]

‘Do what’s most meaningful,’ says Dr Demartini

HEALTH perceptions or we can give With Drew from The Big Issue ourselves permission to go after SEDA STAR what we really love. I tell people to give themselves permission GIVE BIG TO THE BIG ISSUE IT was exciting to interview to go and do something really Each year I love catching up with Drew to help him sell international motivational extraordinary. You love dancing The Big Issue. Next time you see Drew (or any of the speaker Dr John Demartini, and inspiring, and I love 800 vendors), stop to say hi and buy a copy. It helps who was a contributor to the educating and researching, people turning their lives around and it’s a great read! bestselling book The Secret so I do that every day. and has been my mentor. MY OFFICE: HERE TO HELP What happens when we live How many years have you by our highest priorities? My office is always available to help with Centrelink, been travelling? Every time we do high-priority Veterans’ Affairs, Medicare, Immigration, NBN and I’ve been teaching for 47 years Dr John Demartini says, ‘If you’re doing something things we grow in self-worth other federal matters (contact details below). and travelling since I was a child. you really love doing it really reduces your stress and the blood goes into the I’ve been to 154 countries so far. and the ageing process.’. Photo: Supplied highest levels of our brain, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE the cortical centre where we My office provides Justice of the Peace (JP) services I went to your Breakthrough Seminar your stress and the ageing process. can govern ourselves, be more - simply call to make an appointment. JP Services are 15 years ago and you have mentored I tell people that if you don’t objective and prepared, and available on: me since and changed my life. fill your day with high-priority have resilience to whatever It’s important that we things that inspire you, your day happens in our life. We are also J Mondays (2pm-4.30pm) take control of our life. If we tends to fill up with low-priority clearer and inner directed. J Wednesdays (10am-1pm); and don’t, someone else does. distractions that don’t. This J Thursdays (2pm- 4.30pm). brings you stress and then illness. What can you suggest to help people? You’ve led seminars in Australia I think that our world is giving There are things you can do for around 25 years. Who us feedback when we are not in to give people power instead of TANYA PLIBERSEK MP were you married to? affinity, and is trying to get us medicating or treating people; I was married to an Australian, to live more authentically. If we like teaching them how to ask new Federal Member for Sydney Athena Starwoman. But she passed do that our health improves, our questions, to become conscious 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW 2016 away 15-plus years ago. Many immune system flourishes and we of what was unconscious – to T: 9379 0700 E: [email protected] people know her from her work. tend to have more vitality in life. become aware of unrealistic expectations. When they do this, What do you do to reduce stress? How important is it to do what you love? their life flourishes. S If you’re doing something you We can live in emotional really love doing it really reduces bondage to our emotional @seda.star MARCH 2020 NEWS 5 Jenny Leong MP Build-to-rent rezoning proposal to Council STATE MEMBER FOR NEWTOWN the consultation plans was on the corner of Walker and Kettle Streets, which was to be 15-19 storeys. There is no indication of the maximum height proposed on the site. The brochure states: “LAHC is working with the PCYC to support its relocation to a new site within the local neighbourhood.” There is no indication that LAHC has acted on the request for a community centre on the site to service the Redfern public housing estate. LAHC has already short- listed three consortia do the development. It will choose the successful developer while the planning process is underway. The three are: International Women’s Day – Sunday March 8 Each year on International Women’s Day we celebrate everything ƒ John Laing-led consortium we have managed to achieve in our struggle for gender equality Sketch plan for the Redfern build-to-rent proposal, which allows for a new mixed community of around including Compass Housing 400 homes subject to Development Application (DA) approval. Image: Supplied Services, and shine a light on the barriers that still remain. It still feels incredible that this year we are finally able to reflect retain ownership of the land and ƒ Frasers Property and Hume URBAN DESIGN on and celebrate the enormous win for abortion law reform we leverage the private and not-for- Community Housing GEOFF TURNBULL profit sectors to help deliver new Association, and achieved at the end of last year. After a decades-long struggle housing and open space for the for fair access to abortion, a strong community campaign finally REDFERN: Land and Housing community.” ƒ Capella Capital, Lendlease achieved these much-needed reforms. It was an honour to be Corporation (LAHC) submitted The media release states: Building and Evolve Housing. one of the Members of the NSW Parliament who co-sponsored its rezoning proposal for the “About 400 new homes will this piece of legislation, and so empowering to work alongside PCYC site and adjoining land be constructed, subject to Initial planning work for the incredible activists and campaigners at the NSW Pro-Choice at 600-660 Elizabeth Street to development approval.” the site was under the state Alliance to finally get this done. City of Sydney Council (CoS) The number of homes proposed government rules. CoS will on February 28. has been reduced significantly now determine the rezoning in While it is important to take time to reflect on these achievements, from the “around 500 new homes” conjunction with the Central recent events in Queensland are a stark reminder of the work The site is the first proposed during the Redfern Sydney Planning Committee that still needs to be done. On average, one woman in Australia government-backed mixed community consultation in (CSPC) and the Department tenure build-to-rent residential mid‑October 2019. of Planning Industry and is murdered by her current or former partner every single week. development in Australia. The majority of the site will Environment (DPIE). Public One in three women have experienced physical violence and one Mick Cassel, the LAHC Executive be seven storeys or less. During exhibition will follow approval in five has experienced sexual violence. Officer, said, “This model is the consultation over 90 per from CoS, CSPC and DPIE and These statistics are horrifying but are still not garnering the a new initiative for the NSW cent of the site was nine storeys the aim is for development to be type of outrage and swift action from government that we saw Government and allows us to or less. The tallest building in completed in 2025. S in response to the two “one-punch” deaths in Kings Cross for example. In fact, as recently as this year the Liberal government has slashed funding to several key domestic violence organisations. Pemulwuy – concrete structure of apartments completed This is what gender inequality looks like in practice, and why it is so important that we join together in striving for change. SPONSORED One thing is clear – our laws, courts, structures and funding AMANDA FLEMING models are failing women in domestic violence situations. We need long-term planning to address the problems that REDFERN: From smoke-filled skies domestic violence organisations have already identified. to crazy storms, work on the Pemulwuy site has pushed ahead We need laws that recognise coercive control as a form of over the last month. Luckily, only abuse and police and courts that are willing to act on them. a couple of days have been lost We need adequate and long-term funding for front-line due to adverse weather. domestic violence services to assist those escaping bad situations to do so safely. We need police to be trained and resourced to Progress on the apartment appropriately act to prevent domestic violence and keep women structure can be seen in the safe, and we need our state and federal governments to take middle of the site. It has been great for us to watch the brickwork this matter seriously. going up internally throughout Most of all, we need the community to stand up and demand the lower levels of the apartments. action on this domestic violence epidemic. Join us on Saturday There will be 26 apartments March 7 at Hyde Park from 11am for the International in total. The townhouses will rise up Women’s Day Rally to add your voice to the call. from the concrete slab which has Progress on apartment structure. Photo: Supplied been poured, and there will be 36 townhouses in total. All 62 apartments has been completed, with the pour for the railway end dwellings are being built for which includes the roof which of Level 7 completed at the end affordable and social housing is on the sixth level. Brickwork of February. Drainage services Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown for Aboriginal and Torres Strait has been completed on Levels have commenced on the ground Islander people only to rent from 1, 2 and 3 and gyprock has and lower ground levels, along If you have a question or are keen to be involved, send a text to the Aboriginal Housing Company commenced on Levels 1 and 2. with the blockwork for those 0421 665 208 with your name, suburb and message and we’ll (AHC). The basement slab of the levels. External panelling is give you a call or you can email [email protected] On reflection, this time last year townhouses Level 1 (ground level) being prepared. S we were still waiting on our final is nearly finished and Level 2 (first approval for Precinct 3. Now our floor) has started. Rendering and people together ing ng Authorised by ri energy is being channelled into painting has commenced on the b having everything in place ready outside, and waterproofing and Jenny Leong MP for when the doors open for tiling will commence shortly. State Member for Newtown our tenants On Precinct 3 (Col James Student pemulwuy 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 On Precinct 1 (Affordable housing/ Accommodation): The student T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 gym/gallery): 100 per cent of accommodation has reached Authorised by Michael Mundine, CEO, [email protected] the concrete structure of the Level 6, and Level 7 is forming Aboriginal Housing Company Limited 6 SOCIAL JUSTICE MARCH 2020 SAVE THE DATE Assisting tenants to build a Palm Sunday Rally for Refugees, April 5 stronger community

DEE DAVIDIAN LOCALS

PALM Sunday is one of the most relevant CLAIRE TROJKOVIC dates on the Christian calendar. As Jesus rode into a bursting Jerusalem to ENGAGEMENT and awareness are celebrate the Passover, people were so Graphic: Supplied two key elements that can strengthen moved they laid down palm branches a community. This forms the basis of and clothes to honour him. Back then, visitors, no legal advice. Many reported South Sydney’s Tenant Participation palm branches symbolised triumph and conditions amounting to physical and and Community Engagement (TPCE) victory, and created the atmosphere psychological torture, and the future for program that is facilitated by Mission of a modern-day ticker-tape parade. some of these men is deeply uncertain. Australia and funded by Department They have very recently been moved of Communities and Justice (DCJ). Imagine the possible scene: Governor to hotels, but some are so ill they can’t Pilate enters Jerusalem on a war horse from eat. They face constant pressure to sign The focus for Mission Australia one gate, and Jesus enters from the other papers agreeing to return to countries through the TPCE program is to work side on a donkey. He doesn’t travel with where they face death or serious harm. alongside residents to ensure they Mission Australia’s Claire Trojkovic with the Waterloo Chinese an armed entourage but with ordinary We’re entering a new decade, where have a platform to be heard and are Dance Group. Photo: Supplied fishing folk. The Romans wish for nobody current refugees from war and political actively involved in decisions that to notice Jesus entering. He’s a nobody oppression will be joined by many more affect their homes and neighbourhood. Voice and City of Sydney. Tenants are from nowhere. But many palm fronds fleeing increasing climate-triggered It also means they can play a key part encouraged to join NAB meetings to reserved for Pilate are instead laid before disasters. Whatever justice we can in creating a stronger community. either represent their precinct and Jesus, whose donkey is an ancient symbol establish for people seeking asylum This is done through activities and drive change, or get in touch with their of peace – appropriate, since he proposed today will help lay the foundations initiatives that strengthen community precinct representative who can raise ideas an alternative to injustice and oppression. of a just climate transition – which ties for residents, link residents with or concerns at the next NAB meeting. Faced by injustice, we have the choice must involve protecting the most support services, and provide feedback In late 2018, the TPCE program was to stand by or stand up – and to choose disadvantaged and vulnerable populations to DCJ and other agencies on potential rolled out in Glebe, Waterloo, Redfern, which parade to attend. One of our within and across countries. community improvements. Woolloomooloo and Surry Hills. In 2020, most pressing challenges today is how So, how and where can improvements tenants will be able to participate in a to ensure refugees and people seeking Please join us for the 2020 Palm Sunday Peace be discussed, concerns raised range of free workshops and training asylum are treated with the dignity Rally for Refugees and information shared? At the courses offered through the TPCE and respect any person deserves. This is a time when people of goodwill Neighbourhood Advisory Board (NAB) program. This includes Mental Wellbeing, Late last year, seven Catholic can march together – with the common meetings. Each estate has its own NAB Mental Health First Aid (this will also representatives from Australia visited purpose of compassion for others and meeting where tenants, community be offered in different languages), asylum seekers and refugees living in passion for justice. Please bring friends, organisations and government services Anti‑Social Behaviour, Hoarding and Papua New Guinea. The delegation family, or members of your church, meet to discuss and address local issues. Squalor, Tenant Rights and Responsibilities saw young men with promising lives school or workplace to this year’s Rally. The NAB meeting aims to hear as well conflict resolution and learning shackled by unfair and unnecessary We’re in this together. S and respond to community concerns, to manage neighbourhood disputes, offshore detention policies that continue maintenance issues and safety problems, financial literacy and many more. S to haunt them after seven long years of Palm Sunday April 5, 2-4pm. as well as lobby for resources and institutionalised emotional torture. Where: Belmore Park – next to Central station provide information. These meetings To find how to get involved in your local Neighbourhood The men had been in Bomana, the $24m You can sign up online for the Sydney rally here: involve a range of stakeholders including Advisory Board (NAB) please call 1800 717 517 or centre funded and built by the Australian mailchi.mp/8bf16c6cc51b/unitingpalmsunday2020 tenants, Police, NSW Health, Land and email [email protected]. Home Affairs Department, where they Contact Dee Davidian at [email protected] for Housing Corporation and local agencies Claire Trojkovic is a facilitator with Mission Australia’s had no access to daylight, no pillows, no more information about the issue and our involvement. such as Counterpoint, Inner Sydney Tenancy Participation and Community Engagement. Pound the pavement to keep kids safe from family violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE In 2019, Monash University intervention accommodation “SEED relies on funding researchers also revealed the and support services to women, and generosity from those in the DO YOU NEED SSH shocking statistic that one child children and families who community. That’s why we are SUPPORT? was killed by their parent almost are experiencing or at risk of asking you to help us raise funds IN mid-February, many every fortnight in our nation. homelessness and/or DFV. and walk five or ten kilometres • If you feel you need to find Australians were shocked to It’s easy to feel overwhelmed DFV is the leading cause so that kids and their mums can somewhere safe, Jan from the learn that Hannah Clarke and and disempowered by of homelessness among walk away from violence this Moving Forward organisation can be contacted on 9599 3217 or email at women and children in S her children Laianah, 4, Aaliyah, Australia’s domestic and family Mothers Day.” [email protected]. 6, and Trey, 3, had been doused violence (DFV) epidemic and the Australia. Each night WAGEC in petrol and set on fire in a damage it inflicts on individuals accommodates 200 women and Register for the May 7 Walk at wagec.org.au • If you or somebody you know is in car by the children’s father, – but one Redfern-based support children who need a safe space immediate danger, call 000 now. Rowan Baxter. service is offering people a away from violence. tangible way to help. WAGEC’s goal is to raise • 1800 RESPECT is a 24-hour hotline for any Australian who has Most people we spoke with said Walk for Women’s and Girls’ $100,000 from this year’s experienced, or is at risk of, family the former NRL player’s violence Emergency Centre is a 5- or walk so that kids living in 04 and domestic violence. Call 1800 against his wife and family was 10-kilometre walk that raises accommodation get what Women dead from domestic violence in February 2020 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit “incomprehensible” – and yet, funds to support kids who are they need to grow and thrive. www.1800respect.org.au Hannah Clarke was the eighth escaping DFV and homelessness. CEO, Helen Silvia, says: woman to be killed violently The May 7 Walk starts “We know from 43 years • Lifeline provides all Australians with this year. and finishes in Redfern Park of experience and research 09 access to 24-hour crisis support and Women dead from domestic violence suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 in Australia in 2020 so far Following Baxter’s brutal winding through Sydney’s evidence the profound, long- or visit www.lifeline.org.au murders, Rose Batty (whose CBD and including a halfway term effects of early experiences 11-year-old son Luke was point for refreshment at of violence have on children’s • Relationships Australia provides murdered by his father in Barangaroo Reserve. wellbeing. This is why we 09* support services for individuals, 2014) issued a statement. It Women’s and Girls’ created SEED, to support Children dead from violence families and communities. in 2020 so far Call 1300 364 277 or visit said: violence against women Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is the Social, Emotional and www.relationshipsnsw.org.au and children “is the most a non-government, not-for-profit Educational Development of the Credit to Destroy the Joint researchers and The RED HEART Campaign* who do pressing issue of terrorism our charitable organisation that children and young people who this heartbreaking and difficult work. society faces”. offers a range of crisis and early come to WAGEC.

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

Light a candle, say a prayer Photo: Supplied A community to believe in

FAITH who disagree with them. This, of course, makes them refuse to DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON learn anything from more radical people within their own tradition, SOME time ago, those of us let alone members of other who organise the articles in traditions, and really puts limiting this paper decided that its faith boundaries on what they believe. column should be “interfaith”. If, on the other hand, we Although the SSH is published recognise that the faith to which by a Christian congregation, we belong is most often that we felt it was important to which is predominant within encourage respect for people our home country, we must ask of various faith and wisdom ourselves how that can mean that cartoon: norrie mAy-welby traditions, not least that we our particular faith is superior might learn from each other. and more true than that of people who live in other countries. Waterloo lacks human services plan Those of us who had travelled Why would our God simply the world through different choose a particular country in EDITORIAL been on the agenda since August Consulting July 2018: “In order countries realised that religious which to live and to convert its 2017 when REDWatch formally to support the health, safety, identity it as much a product inhabitants? Why would that SSH requested such a plan from FACS economic, social and wellbeing of history and culture as it is a particular God decide to relate Executive members. The request outcomes of Waterloo residents matter of choice. If we explored to people who had been part of SOUTH Sydney Herald is said, “For REDWatch, however, time prior to and throughout the the beliefs of the people of a various empires over the centuries concerned that Land and Housing is of the essence as we could not redevelopment, FACS committed, particular country, even in – for example, the countries who Corporation (LAHC) and the support a master plan for Waterloo in 2017, to developing and a relatively simple way, we had been conquered or discovered Department of Communities without a comprehensive human implementing a Waterloo often noticed things which by Anglo-Celtic people? and Justice (DCJ formally services plan accompanying it.” human services framework.” that faith had in common with Why would the Christian FACS) have not confirmed their Since then there have been a our own – particularly beliefs God and the way we non- commitment to the delivery of a number of workshops with agencies Waterloo redevelopment about the nature of God. Indigenous people in Australia Waterloo human services plan in to develop such a plan as well as options brochure September 2018: None of this meant we should understand that God mean that parallel with the master plan. discussions and presentations to “Human services plan is also being not feel free to hold onto our own we have nothing to learn from the Waterloo Redevelopment Group. developed to support residents’ faith, but rather that we could Indigenous people here, whose Representatives of Groundswell It becomes increasingly difficult health, safety and wellbeing.” be open to learn more widely spirituality and religious practices met with LAHC and DCJ for tenants and those advocating what it meant to us and what have developed over 60,000 years? staff in late February and had for them to have confidence in the Waterloo masterplan brochure: we could receive from others. None of this is to suggest we constructive discussions but government when these quotes from In 2019 FACS will focus on: We could see that the nature of should be converted into another did not get a definitive response LAHC to tenants or service providers • developing a human services faith often invites in believers a faith if we move into a new place as to whether LAHC and FACS have been so often repeated. plan to support resident health, strong commitment to particular or country. However, it may invite still had a commitment to safety and wellbeing and to meet perceptions regarding the nature the idea that we can often gain deliver the previously agreed LAHC Response to Groundswell their changing needs before, of God and how that God calls us some new depths or creativity in Waterloo human services plan. November 2017: The SS [Social during and after redevelopment. to live. Those commitments have our understanding of reality if Counterpoint, Inner Sustainability] study including • developing a community facilities often been made central to our we relate respectfully to people Sydney Voice and the broader the human services plan will plan to identify the appropriate faith by a divine representative, of another faith, and they may do Groundswell agencies (Redfern adopt the NSW Human Services allocation of community facilities such as Jesus of Nazareth for the same if they relate to us. We Legal Service, Fact Tree Youth Outcomes Framework which will ensuring operational arrangements Christians, Abraham for Jews may also understand that it is well Service, Tenants Union NSW, be used to guide the provision are sustainable over time. or Mohammad for Muslims. worth exploring more deeply who Shelter NSW and REDWatch) of social and community There is also still no certainty Members of each faith who people of other faiths are and why are hence seeking formal clarity infrastructure and services about whether the tenancies are known as “fundamentalists” they take particular stands as we that the previous undertakings to associated with the redevelopment. in the rebuilt public housing at are not normally open to even form our community together. produce a human services plan Waterloo will be managed by hearing what other faiths believe It could even become a richer in parallel with the Waterloo Waterloo Human Services Plan the state government or whether or why they act. In fact, they form of community for us all. master plan will be honoured. Consultations with Residents a Community Housing Provider are likely to strongly condemn We may even open doors of love The human services plan has and Human Services – Connect will be appointed. S people within their own tradition and care – and new belief. S ‘You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet’ probes future for home support

OPINION explore what Commonwealth want,” said Tim Horton, CHSP “We believe the CHSP needs to Conference goers will also hear Home Support means now and Sector Support and Development be celebrated for the success it is,” from consumers and volunteers, TIM HORTON into the future at the You Ain’t Officer with Inner Sydney Voice. Mr Horton said. “The conference who will share their stories of Seen Nothin’ Yet 2020 CHSP “I’m always amazed at how will provide us with a valuable the impact of home support. HOW do most people receive Futures Conference. The keynote much older people love what opportunity to share good practice “Home support doesn’t just help aged care? In a nursing home? address will be delivered by home support gives them.” and what’s working well in older people, it also enriches the If you said yes, you’d have to Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck, There is a wide diversity of the aged care sector, including lives of the tens of thousands of guess again. The largest aged Minister for Aged Care and CHSP services, helping people reflections and insights that staff and volunteers who support care program in Australia is Senior Australians. Researchers, through meals on wheels, positively impact our community. older people to stay well at home the Commonwealth Home workers, volunteers and home community transport, community Innovations in how we provide and access their community.” Support Programme (CHSP). support consumers will be nursing, allied health, and home service and how research The conference is a cross It helps more than 850,000 presenting innovative and maintenance and modifications. translates into practice will be a regional collaborative partnership older people to remain in their practical ways to support older With the help of home support, key feature of our presentations.” of NSW Sector Support and own homes as they age, staying Australians, and looking at hundreds of thousands of older Addressing the themes of Development Officers and will connected with family, friends, how support may change to people get out and about, going connection, the future, and be held at the NSW Teachers community and culture. respond to the changing nature to the shops, meeting friends quality, speakers will include Federation Conference Centre of ageing in Australia. and making new ones, and researchers and service providers on March 10. S On March 10, Eastern Sydney “We’re excited about home visiting galleries, parks and other from Eastern Sydney and beyond, will see people from across the support, and we’re excited that attractions. They can also receive including the UNSW Ageing More information and bookings at state and around Australia coming it helps so many older people help with cleaning, personal care, Futures Institute, and Randwick www.youaintseennothinyet2020 together to share, celebrate, and to live their lives the way they shopping, or just having a chat. Waverley Community Transport. chspfuturesconference.com.au 8 FEATURE MARCH 2020

Bruce Shillingsworth at Redfern Park. Photo: Andrew Collis Water warrior takes it to the next level

FIRST PEOPLES have a voice, yes. But it’s very important we get this process ANDREW COLLIS right. We need to consult with sovereign nations and not rely on BRUCE Shillingsworth is a a small representative or advisory Murawari-Budjiti artist, cultural body. Once we have heard from educator and rivers-restoration all nations, then we can be guided activist. Recent rains have by that as we move towards a lifted his spirits and he is referendum [regarding a voice to excited about a number of federal parliament]. There’s a lot interrelated projects in 2020. of work to do at the local level.” The Yurungai Learning Centre is I sat down with Uncle Bruce based at the Factory (Counterpoint for a cup of tea and conversation Community Services) in Waterloo. about a new documentary film, A special project of Barnardos, fundraising for rainwater tanks in Yurangai offers after-school far west NSW, a concert and arts- care to local children from and-music event. Bruce shared kindergarten to year six. Bruce plans for an expedition in support is involved in all activities, from of the Barka (Darling River), an ‘When the River Runs Dry’ documentary film poster. Bruce Shillingsworth, ‘Long-neck turtles’, acrylic on canvas, 2019. picking up children from local exhibition of oil paintings, and his schools (driving the community ongoing work with the Yurungai into the management of the people, Ngemba people, Wailwan, early October. In 2019, 300 bus), to helping prepare meals Learning Centre in Waterloo. Murray-Darling Basin. Murawari and Barkindji people.” vehicles took part, with more than and educational material. When the River Runs Dry is a Bruce invites community groups A love for the river-lands and a thousand people over five days “We are open every weekday, 52-minute documentary film about to contact him with requests cultures of north-western NSW on the banks of the Barka. “The from 3 to 6pm,” Bruce explains the degradation of the Barka. to host screenings. “We can has long inspired Bruce’s art. He Corroboree will be bigger and “And we assist kids with their Directed by Rory McLeod, the organise a screening with you is currently working on a new better this year,” Bruce says. “It homework, as well as offering film premiered in Melbourne on and a Q&A session to follow.” collection to be shown at the will present ideas from Aboriginal our own literacy and numeracy February 22. “There are several A concert at the Sydney Opera Mosman Art Gallery later in the people, stories from the region, tuition. There’s also arts and messages,” Bruce says. “Water House in June and a three-day year. “These will be oil paintings, and connect Aboriginal and non- crafts, lessons in culture and is precious and positive social arts-and-music event at Sydney some I have started already, Aboriginal communities together.” history, community service outcomes outweigh economic Town Hall in NAIDOC Week some based on photographs and The Corroboree raises deep activities too. In everything we values. Aboriginal people are planned in support of stories collected on country,” issues of a philosophical do, we encourage respect and should be directly involved in communities enduring drought Bruce says. “My wife Trish will and political nature. kindness, good values for life.” water management decisions and hardship. “We are organising contribute some works, and “We need to remember The SSH, I suggest, would love on their rivers, and a river these events in partnership also my daughter Rikka and that there are more than 500 to include some of the young system must be managed as a with the Greens,” Bruce says. granddaughter Kymeesha.” sovereign nations throughout people’s work, perhaps a regular whole, for the good of all.” “It’s about raising funds for In what is sure to be an Australia, and each has a right feature in coming months. The film draws attention to an much-needed rainwater tanks exhilarating year, Bruce will again to determine its own way,” “That would be great,” Bruce says. ecological and social disaster and and filters for communities in help lead a cultural expedition to Bruce says. “With respect to the “Let’s do it!” S to dubious political processes that Brewarrina, Walgett, Bourke, towns from Walgett to Menindee. Uluru Statement, I support each have enabled mismanagement Wilcannia and Menindee. The Corroboree festival – a convoy nation’s right to engage with Contact Bruce Shillingsworth via and alleged corruption. It calls “It’s about helping people, and and cultural learning experience it, to make its own decisions. email: [email protected] for a federal Royal Commission it’s about respect for Kamilaroi – will be held in late September, “Indigenous peoples should or visit mundagutta.com The Review – March 2020 9 This section is sponsored by Sako’s Café 9 Botany Rd, Waterloo 2017 7am – 7pm, 7 days a week. Please note that Sako’s Café has no Armenian & Mediterranean editorial influence The Review dishes and kebabs. on the content of Arts & Culture in Your Neighbourhood Great coffee! this section. Art casts light on human connection

Marjorie Lewis-Jones

EVELEIGH: Carriageworks feels very different from my previous visits thanks to the colourful hues of Rebecca Baumann’s “Radiant Flux” shifting across the walls and floors in response to sunlight. Dichrotic film on the building’s surfaces creates this effect and ensures the installation is never encountered the same way twice.

Baumann’s work is one of four large-scale works created by leading Australian contemporary artists, which focus on light’s influence on human connection, exhibited free at Carriageworks from January 8. Reko Rennie is a Kamilaroi man who lives and works in an urban context. He made “Remember Me” as a modern-day memorial, in the form of a neon sign. The artwork recognises the survival of the original sovereigns of Australia since Captain James Cook landed on the east coast of Australia 250 years ago, and despite the invasion that robbed Daniel Boyd, Video Works, 2020. Photo: Marjorie Lewis-Jones them of their land and the massacres that sought to eradicate them. Slaughterer, pig farmer, mushroom described as “an empathetic imagining for depth and beauty). The imagery photographic and LED light, these genuinely enjoying themselves. picker, firefighter, electroplater, of the workforce” – with its use of (I saw reptile skins, bubbles in works by Baumann, Boyd, Mitchell “Radiant Flux” by Rebecca detective, blacksmith, apparel cutter colour a great occupational equaliser. flux, Rorschach inkblots, asteroids, and Rennie illuminate the history Baumann features until June 14 and aquaculture farmer are just some I was mesmerised by Daniel Boyd’s and the spread of ink in water) is and architecture of the Carriageworks and “Remember Me” by Reko of the job title place-holders artist “Video Works” by Sydney-based augmented by the sinewy riffs and site and demonstrate its commitment Rennie features until January 2021. Kate Mitchell will substitute over Kudjala/Gangalu artist Daniel Boyd, throbbing drums of the soundtrack to social and cultural diversity. “All Auras Touch” and “Video time with the auras she captures which shapeshifts seamlessly as its by Western Australian duo Canyons. I visited during the Sydney Works” finished on March 1. through an “electromagnetic field light-rendered dot paintings swarm Carriageworks Director and CEO, Festival and saw plenty of parents imaging camera” invented in the and swirl on the walls of a darkened Blair French said that, through and grandparents with children See carriageworks.com.au 1970s. “All Auras Touch” has been room (eclipsing Vivid’s lightshow their use of natural, projected, engrossed in the artworks and for more information.

Five questions answered … Selected by Marjorie Lewis-Jones

Can walking make us wiser? How do polar bears stay What book can help kids Where can I learn about the effects What’s some good news warm and cool? discuss domestic violence? of intergenerational trauma about nature? After the loss of his younger on Indigenous Australians? brother, Jono Lineen, trekked 2700 In Arctic Dreams Barry Lopez Crystal Kite Award winning This magical photo by Sven kilometres across the Himalayas. says that on land a polar bear is picture book, At the End of Holyrood National Apology Day is Damerow shows a banded He felt revitalised. Why? Perfect protected by a thick underlayer of Lane (by author Dimity Powell commemorated annually on demoiselle hovering near a Motion: How Walking makes us dense wool and a layer of guard and illustrator Nicky Johnston) February 13 and encourages dandelion’s seed-head and was Wiser probes evolutionary research, hairs about six inches long that uses an allegorical story of an remembrance of – and apology awarded first prize in the recent psychology, neuroscience, anatomy are so hard and shiny they appear anxious young girl called Frick to – Australia’s Stolen Generations international Wiki Loves Earth and philosophy to get to the nub synthetic. They are also hollow, and her fear of storms to provide and those whose lives have been photography competition. Wiki of how pounding the pavement which means that the bear’s fur a safe space for discussion about affected by past government Loves Earth focuses on “protected” boosts our sagacity and creativity. stays erect and doesn’t mat when it domestic and family violence. For policies of forced child removal areas, like nature reserves, landscape Lineen writes, “Just about every is wet. Because of the open spacing ages 3 to 8, the illustrations are and assimilation. The Healing conservation areas, national parks, major thinker has understood, and smoothness of its guard hairs, gentle, plus there’s a teacher’s guide. Foundation’s excellent animation that make up a large proportion consciously or unconsciously, that a bear can easily shake free of water As the blurb says: “Few picture helps us envisage the cycle of of the world’s natural heritage. our most basic movement is a before it freezes. A layer of blubber books available today address this Intergenerational trauma that The contest asks photographers key to unlocking hidden powers. keeps it warm in icy waters. Polar volatile and woefully prevalent predominantly affects the children, to contribute their work to Jesus, Buddha and Muhammad bears get rid of excess body heat aspect of society without overt grandchildren and future generations Wikimedia Commons, a media wandering in the wilderness. through their claws and footpads explicitness or didactic overtones.” of the Stolen Generations. repository which holds many of Virginia Woolf marching This book is an exception. The foundation’s website also the photos used on Wikipedia Bloomsbury’s streets.” Sneakers on! offers free resources to promote and the Wikimedia ecosystem. understanding and foster healing. 10 The Review – March 2020

Reform Group defies a ban on a Stonewall drag queens who fronted accept her two young daughters with stall displaying petitions for the the New York police in the late ’60s. surprising equanimity. Cyril dies of The Reviews decriminalisation of sexual activity While honest chronicling is a heart attack, and one day Andrea between consenting male adults interwoven with some breezy and abruptly banishes Danny and Maeve. in private, some 130 activists are funny musical chants, and the The siblings subsequently discover Book Review if Magabala will provide an arrested in the following months. message that radical change is that she has disinherited them. by Marjorie Lewis-Jones interactive module online where In an amusing choreographed always possible given commitment The Dutch House – so named not parents and teachers can check sequence, the ensemble of actors and courage is uplifting, there is for its architecture but for its previous their Ritharrnu pronunciation. – Simon Croker, Matthew Lee, some loss of dramatic energy after owners, a Dutch family whose #magabalabooks, Madeleine MacRea, Tim McGarry the three-quarter mark. However, portraits adorn its walls – becomes #countingourcountry, #ritharrnu and Jane Phegan – show the folly the glitzy ending is fully justified an obsession for them. The house of such a ban as they challenge the by the remarkable achievement the is stunning, but its significance far » [email protected] Yellow Line, a strategy intended performance so faithfully records. surpasses its architecture. Maeve by the Hobart City Council to and Danny cannot let it go; even prevent support of the stall. » [email protected] when Danny moves away, when Theatre Review Council action served only to he visits Maeve they drive to by Catherine Skipper ignite an almost 20-year-long their old home and park nearby, campaign. The small ensemble Book Review catching glimpses of Andrea, never voice the perspectives of various by Catherine DeMayo making their presence known. Counting Our Country participants from Rodney “We pretended that what we had Jill Daniels Croomes’s mother ( Jane Phegan) lost was the house, not our mother, Magabala Books, 2020 to a rather devious former Justice not our father,” says Danny, and The of the High Court Michael Kirby Dutch House is, of course, more than Bakarra (long-necked turtles), (Tim McGarry) as they take us the story of the house they lost. jinma (bull sharks), and gundhurru through vitriolic public meetings, Deprived of parents, Maeve (olive pythons) are three of the ten parliamentary debates, the ground- and Danny become a family unto animals children will love counting breaking submissions made to the themselves; she is as much a as they turn the pages of this United Nation Human Rights mother to him as an older sister. delightful, bilingual board book. Committee (1994), preliminary The siblings discover one source of Artist Jill Daniels is a Ritharrnu hearings of the High Court of funds Andrea cannot commandeer and Madarrpa woman from South Australia (1996) and repeal by the – an educational trust set up by their East Arnhem Land in the Northern Tasmanian Parliament (1997). father, available on a first come, Territory. In Counting Our Country Among the assemblage of detail, first serve basis. Maeve considers it she uses each double-page spread several individual acts of individual their right – perhaps their duty – to to offer her stylised painting of a bravery are highlighted with a few drain it before Andrea’s children can. particular animal along with its The Campaign economical strokes. Bravely, Croome She sends Danny to an expensive name in Ritharrnu (her traditional Writer: Campion Decent and Nick Toonen (Simon Crocker) boarding school, university and language) and in English. Director: Kim Hardwick hand themselves into the police The Dutch House medical school despite his having Daniels’ lives in Ngukurr, a Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre after making statuary declarations Ann Patchett no desire to practice medicine. remote community nestled on February 11-28, 2020 of their then illegal sexual activities. Bloomsbury, 2019 There are several mysteries in the banks of the Roper River. By focusing on the detective’s The Dutch House, only some of which All the animals depicted can The award-winning play The interrogation of the two men, the A deep sense of loss permeates the are resolved. Why did their mother be found on her country and Campaign brings the courageous and seriousness of the crime – at that first part of The Dutch House; the rest leave? Why did their father, distant each set of creatures she offers determined struggle by Tasmania’s time punishable by a 21-year prison of the novel details how the ensuing but not unkind, marry someone who is both colourful and distinctive LGBTQI activists to repeal their term – is made apparent while at grief shapes the lives of protagonist so clearly disliked his children? Why – with ten djatja (kangaroos) state’s harsh and archaic anti-gay the same time showing the law’s Danny, and his older sister Maeve. does Andrea banish them? Was Fluffy, being one of my favourites. legislation to the mainland. approach to be totally absurd. The Dutch House is the eighth and their long serving housekeeper who is The book’s benefit to a young Part of the 2020 Mardi Gras Heroic also is the sweetly idealistic latest novel by the acclaimed Ann dismissed after cracking Danny’s head mind includes numerical education, Festival, The Campaign, based young lesbian mother (Madeline Patchett, whose 2002 Bel Canto won with a spoon, abuser or victim? Can language development, cultural on interviews and to a large MacRae) who has decided to give her her the Orange Prize for Fiction they ever let go of the Dutch House literacy, learning about the extent verbatim in form, is a support to the gay cause. Her role, and a PEN/Faulkner Award. and the shadow it casts over them? natural world, and cultivating an testimony to the way in which while offering a moment of comical The book opens with Maeve Beautifully written, sometimes appreciation of art and colour. communities can undergo a tenderness as she packs her bag with and Danny’s father Cyril bringing heartbreaking and occasionally I also loved the guide to fundamental shift from angry baby supplies before she sets off, also a woman, Andrea, to the Dutch redemptive, The Dutch House pronouncing Ritharrnu animal and fearful rejection of difference illustrates the inhumanity of the House. (Years earlier, we learn raises questions of belonging, names which makes this a good to acceptance and inclusion. law as she is arrested along with her through flashbacks, Maeve and the importance of place, the reference book for use both in The play takes up the story baby and shut up in an unventilated Danny’s mother walked out on the possibility of forgiveness and and beyond early childhood. at a crisis moment in 1988 at police van. Again, a G&S indebted family, and Maeve, age 10, suffers the need for letting go. The whole package is so the Salamanca Market, Hobart. number (McGarry and ensemble) a life-threatening illness.) Cyril » [email protected] marvellous, I’m itching to see When the Tasmanian Gay Law brings to mind the courage of the marries Andrea; Maeve and Danny

Cummings: ‘I can still do it’ Last month at the Camelot Lounge, associated with the Tin Sheds up at Sydney Marrickville, the legendary Australian University and did most of the posters and singer-songwriter Stephen Cummings with artwork for Mental as Anything.” guitarist Sam Lemann took their audience on a “wonderful spiritual journey” they’d “The Sports played at the Settlement never forget. monthly dance as did many of the alternative groups from Sydney.” From 1976 to 1981 Cummings was the lead singer of iconic rock band The Sports, Cummings had a farewell tour last year. following which he has pursued a fruitful But he’s cancelled his retirement. “I found and critically-acclaimed solo career – with retirement a bit anticlimactic. I started records described as timeless, moving, feeling guilty reading so many books and funny and utterly unique. watching so many movies!” One song, “Hot Dog”, performed with Cummings has written, “Whatever comes The Sports and which appears on his next is better than what went before. retrospective album Good Bones, was Nostalgia is death.” played twice at Camelot Lounge, including an encore. Cummings said he played “Hot After last month’s show he said, “I’m old Dog” with The Sports at the Settlement in but I can still do it”. Apparently there is to Darlington many years before. be a new album of self‑penned country blues later this year. Until then, enjoy last “The Settlement was where a friend, Paul year’s Prisoner of Love or the anthology Worstead, who lived in a factory in the area, A Life Is a Life. worked as a social worker at an Indigenous youth centre. Paul did lots of artwork Photo: Stephen Webb MARCH 2020 COMMUNITY NOTICES 11

Wordplay VOLUNTEERS’ NEWS Uniting Churches

Waterloo Sunset PAT CLARKE Sydney’s IWD March and Rally will be Saturday March 7, starting at Red-gold glint in a hundred window panes, AUTUMN is nearly upon us, 11am in Hyde Park, and marching agitation of sulphur-crested cockatoos and aren’t we grateful that the to Belmore Park where there will circle in the smoke haze and screech their uncertainty, bushfires are now out. We just also be entertainment and food vermilion sun-ball glows through tree-shadowed sky, need more rain to combat the all is uneasy beauty in the city trucks. Finishing time is 2pm. as the camouflage of darkness hides the reality drought still affecting our South Sydney Uniting Church western districts. close by. Earth Hour in Australia is Saturday 56a Raglan St, Waterloo March 28, between 8.30 and 9.30pm Worship (Eucharist) – Rosalind Flatman March is shaping up to be a huge Eastern Australian Time (EAT) to 10am Sunday arts month for Sydney, so plenty switch off lights in support of the Rev. Andrew Collis Wordplay group meets on the first Saturday of the month, 12-2pm, to see and do. environment. You can sign up on at the Cauliflower Hotel, Waterloo. New members welcome. www.earthhour.org.au. 0438 719 470 Art Month Sydney March 6-29 www.southsydneyuniting.org.au Art Month is in its 11th year, Thank you Leichhardt Uniting Church and a host of offerings for this The following volunteers have 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt annual event in the City and stepped down from active roles (near Norton St, suburbs, include Art at Night in 2020. A big thank you to David (various venues) exhibitions, Pocklington (distribution), Brittany free parking behind church) panel discussions, workshops Johnson (Human Affairs) and Shale Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday and live music performances. Preston (Books). Revs Radhika & Catch up with all the events at Adrian Sukumar-White www.artmonthsydney.com.au Welcome www.leichhardtuniting.org.au The following volunteers have taken 22nd Biennale of Sydney – NIRIN 2020 Mustard Seed Uniting Church on new roles in 2020: Adrian Spry from March 14 to June 8 (Locals editor), Catherine De Mayo Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, Art Director for NIRIN 2020 is (Books), Anna North (Arts and Ultimo Brook Andrew, and NIRIN means Festivals), Maidie Wood (Legal and Worship 9.30am Sunday EDGE, and is a word of Brook’s Rev. David Gore mother nation, the Wiradjuri Food). Welcome all! 0449 875 065 people of western NSW. As usual, the main exhibition space for this Volunteers’ March Meeting mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au international event is Cockatoo Saturday March 7, 2pm Marjorie Lewis-Jones, SSH Newtown Mission Island, with five other main sites. 280 King St Newtown Although an artist- and First managing editor, will be at this Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday Nations-led endeavour, artists come meeting upstairs at the Cauliflower from Australia and around the Hotel, and is looking forward to Rev. Graeme Tutt world. The Biennale website has seeing you there. 9519 9000 lots of information on the exhibiting www.newtownmission.org.au Volunteers’ April Meeting artists, locations and events. Paddington Uniting Church Contact: www.biennaleofsydney. Saturday April 4, 2pm 395 Oxford St, Paddington art/. Watch forthcoming SSH issues Reminder that the April meeting for reviews from our arts editors will be Saturday 4th, upstairs at the Worship 10.30am & and contributors. Cauliflower Hotel at 2pm. Hope you 7.30pm Sunday can find time to attend. Office 9331 2646 International Women’s Day – March 8 www.paddingtonuca.org.au Theme for this year’s IWD is Until next time, “I am Generation Equality: Pat Clarke Pitt Street Uniting Church Realising Women’s Rights”. [email protected] 264 Pitt St, Sydney Worship 10am Sunday Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman Waterloo Recycling Office 9267 3614 Workshop www.pittstreetuniting.org.au Women’s Workshop and market open Fridays 9am-12pm. Garden Shelter Reconciliation Turunga Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo Wayside Chapel (lower car park). 29 Hughes St, Potts Point Volunteers Needed Network Affordable furniture and household goods. Last Thursday of the month from Worship 11am Sunday Donations gladly received February to November, Pastor Jon Owen Cana Communities is (no white goods or 10 for 10.30am at Redfern Community Office 9581 9100 seeking volunteers to electrical apps). Centre. www.thewaysidechapel.com help provide a safe and Volunteers welcome – phone Naomi on 0407 576 098 welcoming space for men St Stephen’s Uniting Church experiencing homelessness. 197 Macquarie St, Sydney Wednesday and Thursday Worship 10am Sunday, evenings at South Sydney BABANA ABORIGINAL 1pm Tuesday, 8am Wednesday Uniting Church MEN’S GROUP Rev. Ken Day (56a Raglan St, Waterloo). REDWatch Babana Shed open Mon-Fri Advertise with the SSH! First Thursday of the month at (Cnr St Johns Rd & Office 9221 1688 [email protected] Affordable & effective The Factory Community Centre. Colbourne Ave, Glebe) Phone Geoffrey Turnbull Contact: Mark Spinks www.ssms.org.au Email: [email protected] (02) 8004 1490. Email [email protected] 0411 282 917

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 672 Crown St, 112a Glebe Point Rd, Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, 58 Oxford St, Paddington 383 King St, Newtown Surry Hills NSW 2010 Glebe NSW 2037 Rosebery NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2042 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9230 3352 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 12 SPORT & FITNESS MARCH 2020

TAFE and NCIE partnership boosts student employment

STEVE TURNER was really important to me.” TAFE Enterprise customises TAFE NSW and the National flexible training options Centre of Indigenous Excellence for businesses. For more (NCIE) is celebrating the success information visit www.tafensw. of a thriving partnership edu.au or phone 131 601. that equips Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Jets launch into 2020 students to gain employment The Newtown Jets are in the fitness industry. preparing for another successful season after becoming the Over the next three years Canterbury Cup premiers of it is estimated an additional 2019. They also celebrated their 1,460 people will be employed 112th birthday in January. as fitness instructors in NSW, The Jets have been through something TAFE NSW graduate an exacting pre-season training Eden Mashman-Woods is program, accompanied by searing taking advantage of. summer temperatures and high Eden, who completed the humidity. We wish them well. Certificate III and IV in Fitness as part of the NCIE Job Ready Rabbitohs appoint new captain program, was previously working Congratulations to Redfern local at NCIE as a casual swimming Adam Reynolds who has been instructor, duty manager, appointed South Sydney captain and lifeguard. Eden said the for season 2020. Adam grew up program, customised by TAFE across the road from Redfern NSW to meet the training needs Oval and has always dreamed of Eden Mashman-Woods. Photo: Supplied of NCIE, provided her with the leading the mighty Rabbitohs. hands-on skills and support first Australian athletes officially The men’s table tennis team Australian basketball she needed to transition into Countdown to Tokyo Olympics named on the Tokyo team for will comprise of David Powell and legend Andrew Bogut has a personal trainer position. The race is on for our athletes 2020. Belcher will be shooting Chris Yan and the women’s table stated that the depth of “I really enjoyed the course to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. for a third straight Olympic tennis representatives are Michelle basketball talent will make and the support I received from Over 11,000 athletes from medal when he teams with Will Bromley and Stephanie Sang. it very difficult for selectors teachers; my classmates and around the globe will assemble Ryan in the 470 class while Matt The national swimming to choose a national team. NCIE are fantastic. I learnt so from July 24 to August 9 for the Wearn has been nominated as trials will be held at the South The Paralympics will follow much and TAFE NSW was very Olympics, with 339 events to be Australia’s representative in the Australian Aquatic Centre the Olympics and will be held flexible with both of the courses, held across 33 different sports. Laser category. Edward Fernon from July 14-19. The national from August 25 to September 6. meaning I was able to study and Olympic gold medal-winning and Marina Carrier have qualified athletics championships Approximately 4,400 athletes work at the same time, which sailor Mathew Belcher is one of the for the Modern Pentathlon. commence on June 29. from 160 nations will compete. S

! Mappiug March Join us at one of our fun events across Sydney in March!

Do you want to help make our city more inclusive for everyone? Join us with your friends and family at one of our fun-filled events, learn about what access really means & help us put accessible places onto the WheelEasy website map. TWILIGHT BLAK MARKETS Your help means more people who need accessibility information will be able to get ABORIGINAL ART, CULTURE, GIFTS & FOOD out and about in our wonderful city Delicious afternoon snacks Coffee, tea and softdrinks for all ages Supporting your community and people with mobility impairments Lucky door prizes and giveaways FRIDAY 3 APRIL 2020 5-8pm Plus the chance to win the Mapping March Grand Prize! National Centre of Indigenous Excellence Erskineville - Sunday March 1st Find out more: 180 George St Redfern Ultimo - Saturday March 7th www.wheeleasy.org Wooloomooloo - Saturday March 14th facebook.com/wheeleasy [email protected] The Rocks - Sunday March 15th Surry Hills - Saturday March 21st Redfern - Saturday March 28th