Indigenous Science Cappuccinos and cats feature — page 10 THE REVIEW — pages 11-14

NUMBER one hundred and FORTY SEPTEMBER ’15 CIRCULATION 22,000 aLEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND ‘Newtown through and through’ Supreme Court rules on Block dispute Bruce Wardley

The Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) last month succeeded in getting a Supreme Court order to remove trespassing protestors from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy at The Block. Justice Hulme accepted the AHC’s claim for possession of the land and ordered Jenny Munro and the other protestors leave the site by September 3. He also ordered Ms Munro not to interfere with the AHC’s Pemulwuy project.

Housing Company Chairperson Alisi Tutuila said the protestors had their day in court and should leave peacefully. “Despite some differences in the past, one value we have always shared with the community is the need for more Liz Yeo, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre Photo: Claire Mahjoub affordable housing for Indigenous Australians.” Georgia Flynn Yeo. “Pretty much everything described The public meeting, which was members about getting involved in Lawyers for Ms Munro told the was about the unique character of attended by more than 150 people, was keeping this a safe and fun place.” court the Whitlam government had Liz Yeo, CEO of Newtown Newtown.” followed in August by a roundtable This goal contains echoes of the gifted money to the local Aboriginal Neighbourhood Centre (NNC), is no Despite the praise for Newtown’s local involving the various institutions with broader mission of the NNC. After six community in 1973 to purchase the newcomer to Newtown. A Newtown colour, a number of people mentioned an interest in the issue – including months as CEO, Ms Yeo’s goal is to land known as The Block and the local since the 1980s, Ms Yeo has that they’ve been feeling less safe when Marrickville and City of Sydney councils, ensure that the NCC remains a valuable AHC had been formed two months dedicated her career to the non-profit they go out late at night in Newtown. the police, the business precinct, local resource for the whole community. She later. They said this had been a sector, working across issues as diverse “That was the first time I heard people venues, Jenny Leong and the NNC. estimates that each day around 35 people particularly difficult case as the as homelessness, Indigenous education talk about the flow-on effect – or what “I think we do actually have a lot of will walk into the centre, looking for local Aboriginal community had and public health. people were describing as the flow-on shared agreement on what we want to anything from support around escaping deep feelings for The Block. effect – from the lock-outs in Kings Cross preserve in terms of openness, diversity, domestic violence to being evicted from Lawyers representing the AHC “I’m not the sort of person who’s likely which meant that a lot more people were safety, fun,” says Ms Yeo. “Another way their house. said Jenny Munro had prevented to walk in and go: ‘Right, Liz Yeo’s grand coming into this area late at night.” to express it I’ve used recently is: let’s “My vision is that I would like this work starting on a project that vision for this is X’, because I see myself The desire to protect Newtown’s keep Newtown vibrant, open, weird centre to be seen as ‘a place for the would significantly benefit both very much as a custodian for something “vibe” was the motive behind July’s and safe.” whole community’,” she says. “It’s a Aboriginal and Torres Strait that belongs to the community,” she says. public meeting – a joint initiative of Some strategies to achieve this goal place to connect and it’s a place to act. Islander people in Redfern and the This is why Ms Yeo, along with the NNC, Newtown Precinct Business include developing a volunteer-based Connection and action – and fun.” S broader community. her staff and volunteers, took to the Association, ACON and Member for effort, improving public transport and Justice Hulme said the actions Newtown markets to talk directly to the Newtown Jenny Leong. “We were all ensuring that local venues are safe You can read more about the services of Ms Munro in setting up the Tent community about what they treasure in hearing things I guess from different spaces for all who visit. offered by Newtown Neighbourhood Embassy had left in no doubt her their local area. “It just rolled off people’s perspectives,” Ms Yeo says. “That’s why “From our perspective as the Centre at www.newtowncentre. depth of feelings for The Block, but tongues when you asked them: ‘What we thought it would be a good thing to Neighbourhood Centre, we would like org or at www.facebook.com/ he accepted the Housing Company’s do you love about Newtown?’” says Ms bring people together.” to take up the interest from community NewtownNeighbourhoodCentre. submission. Continued on page 2 November 2014 2 NEWSNews September 2015

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Rethinking the ‘war on drugs’, managing addiction The views expressed in this newspaper are Fresh approach to caring for people in need The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. ANDREWPatrick EwCOLLISing was seen to only further harm the individual, distancing them NEWS [email protected] BOTANY:August THE’s public Food roundtable Distribution from important social connections Phone Lyn 0400 008 338 Networksaw REDWatch (FDN) debateheld its not Annual just with the broader community. General Meeting on Wednesday ADVERTISING the “war on drugs”, but also The attendees also acknowledged Contact – [email protected] Octoberthe “war 29. on Theaddiction”. guest speaker the differences between addiction Phone DuncanJulia on on0402 0402 525 525 061 061 for the meeting was Kelly Smith, and drug use, of both legal and Nutrition Programs Co-ordinator for MAILING ADDRESS: In a discussion that covered illegal drugs, and the arbitrary PO Box 3288 Secondbite,everything from with lock-out whom FDNlaws sharesto lines defined by policy. Redfern NSW 2016 premisesmethadone in treatment Margate Street,programs, Botany. the Gideon Warhaft, co-founder LETTERS undercurrent remained the same: of Unharm, a not-for-profit that Please send letters and emails to: addictionThe AGM is notwas solely attended an individual by staff, campaigns for drug law reform and The South Sydney Herald. Managementproblem, it is alsoCommittee a social members, issue. harm reduction, pointed out the Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. clients,Nikki volunteers Woolley from and thesupporters. Australian shortcomings of current government Size: 150 words or less. AllDrug expressed Foundation commitment advocated to FDN’s policies. “Prohibition has been a We may edit for legal or other reasons. valuesfor the andpreventative objectives approach. – the care and complete policy disaster,” he said. wellbeing“If people feelof people like they who have are ageda The potential effects of FOUNDING EDITOR or frail or living with a disability. Nikki Woolley from the Australian Drug Foundation and Gideon Warhaft, co-founder of Unharm Photo: Lyn Turnbull Trevor Davies (25.5.1956—14.6.2011) place and a connection, they are decriminalisation were also generallyPhyllis Sequeira,healthier,” FDN she said.President, discussed. The economic incentives spokeRoundtable of challenges participants ahead inwere relation seemed clear: redirect the case for tobacco and alcohol. “There will always be a part of tounanimous the National in favouring Disability treatment Insurance exhaustive losses of the “war” to However, it was the social the population that has a propensity Schemeover punishment (NDIS). “We for individual are currently treatment and education programs, benefits to ending the universal to addiction,” Mr Warhaft said, inaddicts. the process The language of completing of war anand and tax the drugs to provide a prohibit and punish approach that “but that’s okay, we just have to applicationsubsequent forstigmatisation Disability Service of addicts new revenue stream, as is the resonated deeper with the crowd. manage that.” S MMANAGINGanaging EDITOREditor FEATURES EDITOR Standards Accreditation,” she Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon said. “Achievement of the Home And Community Care (HACC) standards and the Disability Service StandardsSupreme will put us in a good position to be eligible for ongoing government funding, as well as FDN Manager Peter Ince presents his report to the AGM Photo: Kat Hines NEWS EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR ensureCourt that we arerules continually on Lyn Turnbull CateVanessa Long Cartwright reviewing and improving our interaction, inclusion and care. importantly, is fully equipped NSW produces 800,000 tonnes of systemsBlock and operational dispute processes We want and hope to continue to and able to meet the stringent food waste each year ($12 billion in line with best practice.” contribute to the community well requirements of the scheme. It worth of waste according to www. ContinuedUnder fromthe NDIS,page 1 clients with into the future,” Ms Sequeira said. will also help to place us at the lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au). aThe disability AHC argued will bethe allocated Tent Embassy Manager Peter Ince thanked forefront of like services so that we Attendees were encouraged to ASSISTANT EDITOR PHOTOASSISTANT EDITOR EDITOR fundingprotestors packages were engaged directly, in an and volunteers from Redfern (FDN’s are the premier and most attractive think creatively about their use of Louisa Dyce ClaireVanessa Mahjoub Cartwright organisationsillegal activity liketo stymie FDN awill legitimate have former premises) and Botany. choice for all clients to receive the fruit and vegies in a typical box tocommercial compete toproject provide and services. that there “To those who did come over their fresh produce,” he said. from FDN. Suggestions included “Wewas nounderstand basis to allow that thetransitional protest to and to the new recruits who have One client made particular salads, sandwiches, roasts, stir fries, fundingcontinue. will be available to us until joined our ranks this year I say mention of FDN’s revamped soups and smoothies. Ms Smith JuneThe 2016,” Commonwealth Ms Sequeira government said. is thank you for your dedication and bi-monthly newsletter which features assured the meeting that fruit and nowThe said FDN to beManagement offering a $5 million commitment to our wonderful good nutritional advice, interesting vegies could be stored safely for SUBPHOTO EDITOR EDITOR SUB EDITOR Committeegrant to the hasAHC been if construction exploring of the cause,” he said. “It was important and easy to prepare recipes, an many days, “brown spots” removed MiriamClaire Mahjoub Pepper Miriam Pepper variousaffordable marketing housing componentinitiatives, of the to retain the current client numbers absorbing quiz and “excellent jokes”. as necessary, and “limp” vegies startedPemulwuy to identify project startsalternative at the same and to increase our clientele over Guest speaker Kelly Smith used to make soup or freshened-up DISTRIBUTION fundingtime as the sources commercial and partnerships development. the autumn and winter months. highlighted the shared values in a bowl of cold water. “Fruits and Ross Smith Ross Smith andMs Tutuila has commenced hopes the grantapplying would for This has been achieved through and concerns of the partner vegetables won’t ever make you sick [email protected] community grants. An updated mailbox drops and liaising with organisations. Secondbite and FDN unless they’re mouldy,” she said. DESIGNER assist the AHC secure funding for the DESIGNER three-year Strategic Plan has been external agencies … FDN currently are committed to providing a healthy The AGM concluded with Robert Young Pemulwuy project. “We have always www.theloop.com.au/rdfy publishedwanted to buildat www.fdn.org. affordable homes services in excess of 270 clients.” variety of fruit and vegetables to refreshments, tea and coffee. S PRINTER on“Feedback The Block asfrom soon our as clients possible but Mr Ince, too, spoke about the those in need. Both see the value of Spotpress Pty Ltd indicatesthe reality that was theythat fundingcontinue was to findnot onset of the NDIS. “This should be home visits and social interaction for For more information or enquiries about www.spotpress.com ouravailable. offering It is unique now hoped and valuablework can to a conduit for making sure that the those with mobility or other issues. sponsorship and volunteering contact Tent Embassy supporters outside the NSW Supreme Court Photo: Bruce Wardley theirprogress diet, over overall the coming health months.”and social S organisation is ready and, more Both seek to reduce food waste. Peter Ince: [email protected] REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors who make this publication possible.” Kieran Adair norrieIsabel McIntoshmAy-welby AnyaAdra AnthoneyBeniac JulieChristine McCrossin Morrow Sarah Mulholland KatyAlice BrownlessAppel Bronwyn Monro Jack Butler Lucy Munro Laura Buzo Lucy Munro Do you have loose, ill-fitting, Laura Buzo Olivia Nigro Olivia Nigro Anne Camac Michael Page MichaelVictoria PagePearson JosephJoe Castley Castley ugly looking dentures? Pat Clarke VictoriaElaine Pelot-Syron Pearson Liesa Clague Miriam Pepper Samuel Clark Justin Pen MiriamJesse Peters Pepper Lindsay Cohen Ada Qian Ella Semega-Janneh Isabella Dinhvu Michael Shreenan Michael Shreenan Georgia Flynn Catherine Skipper Catherine Skipper KatieJemima Gompertz Hall Gai Smith GaiAndrea Smith Srisurapon JemimaMisa Han Hall Kat Hines EmilyRowan Straney Taylor Misa Han Libby Hogan CharlotteKate Texilake Tai KatLiz HughesHines RowanMichael Taylor Texilake Geoff Turnbull LibbyLyndal Hogan Irons Dean Tomaras Charles Turnbull LizBrittany Hughes Johnson GeoffMarg VazeyTurnbull Lyndal Irons Perry Johnstone MargChelsea Vazey Wallis BrittanyKelly Lane Johnson BruceAngelique Wardley Watkins PerryAda Lee Johnstone AngeliqueVanessa Watson Watkins KellyQinling Lane Li VanessaPeter Whitehead Watson Adanorrie Lee mAy-welby PeterHenry Whitehead Whittaker Julie McCrossin Kate Williamson Bec Lewis Kate Williamson Caitlin McDonald Catherine Wood

DISTRIBUTORS DISTRIBUTORS Georgina Abraham Julie McCrossin JohnGeorgina Berry Abraham RohanJulie McCrossin MacDonald EleanorJohn Berry Bousted norrieRohan mAy-welbyMacDonald Then call us on 8399-3661 norrie mAy-welby MarkEleanor Bridget Bousted Marry Ellen McCue Marry Ellen McCue GabrielleMark Bridget Brine Matt McLennan SamGabrielle Choy Brine Matt McLennan Barrie McMahon We can help you MichaelSam Choy Condon Mark McPherson YvonneMichael CowellCondon Dorothy McRae-McMahon AliceYvonne Crawford Cowell Jane Morro JulesAlice CrawfordCure Sue Dahl Margaret Neale Sue Dahl Jim Patsouris Peter Dodds Pepsee TJ Eckleberg David Polkington Food Distribution Network Heather Robinson Melissa Gibson Lincoln Sharp Perry Johnstone Colin Sharp Colin Sharp Anne Jordan Ross Smith Ross Smith Desley Haas Adrian Spry Gabriel Haslam AdrianTony Steele Spry Rod Haslam TonyLani TuitavakeSteele Jennifer Jungheim LaniAlexander Tuitavake Turnbull Anthony Kable AlexanderMargaret Vazey Turnbull Susan Kable MargaretBrian Vazey Vazey Shop 2, 138-142 Botany Rd, Alexandria, nsw 2015 • T 02 8399 3661 Jennifer Laffan Jennifer Laffan Rosie Wagstaff [email protected] • www.densindente.com.au John Lanzky Naomi Ward Kyran Lynch Peter Whitehead September 2015 News 3

The youth of today Not long bored VENDOR PROFILE

Mick

“I have been a vendor since 2006. When I first heard about the Big Issue I didn’t really like it, but then I realised what it actually did and I started.

“I thought it was similar to begging, people giving you money and that, but when you do the training they show you a video and it explains the situation a lot more clearly. You’ve got to admire the people that do it really.

“I started at York Street and was doing really well there. Then I got another job and worked there for about five or six months. But then the GFC ruined that so I went back to selling the Big Issue. I’m now down at Topshop in the mornings.

“It helps me pay a few bills and keeps me occupied and out of trouble. Every now and then I get casual work but not at the moment.

“You meet a lot of people, even those who don’t buy the magazine, who say hello and have an interesting chat.

“I walked the City to Surf with the Big Issue team this year. It was pretty easy I thought. I used to run all the time when I was young, back in the ’80s. I didn’t feel that tired except for when I got up the hill. I’m prepared to run it next year, gotta get into training. Leon Comino flips out Photo: Supplied “I’ve lived in Sydney most of my life. I moved to Adelaide once – had to get out of the city as Andrew Collis As I became older I started skating more Are there skate events you have entered or it was doing my head in. There are less people parks. By that I mean skate parks such enjoyed? around there and you don’t have the stress of Last month’s SSH featured an interview as Waterloo, Cammeray, Manly, Avalon. Throughout my time skating, from 2002 the city. But you can’t stay there that long – it’s such a boring, boring city. I was there for five with Dave Robertson of Basement Skate The environment was more skater friendly to the present, I have entered multiple weeks and had to get out. It’s a boring city but in Regent Street. This month we talk to (no traffic, pedestrians, security guards). competitions on Sydney’s northern beaches – the people are good.”. young barista Leon Comino of Tapeo café in You could practise and refine your tricks Avalon and Manly Vale. Waterloo would hold Redfern who also happens to be a super- with ease, and parks created a more relaxed prestigious competitions and would often have If you or anyone you know could benefit from becoming a vendor for The Big Issue, please keen skater. “There are many of us in South environment for skating. These days I skate demo’s from skateboarding’s finest – putting on contact the Sydney office for more information: Sydney,” he says. “It’s just about the most mostly at Waterloo (Fernside) and some a show while hosting and sponsoring the event. 125-127 Little Eveleigh St. Redfern; phone accessible form of transport – all you need street plazas, as well as some half-pipe or Particular mentions go to Zoo York when they 8332 7200; email [email protected] is a board. It’s a fun and healthy way to get transition skating, my preference being for came to Waterloo, as well as Baker, Emerica, Photo by Peter Holcroft around.” mini-ramps. and Nike SB in 2014. I’ve enjoyed all the As I currently reside on the beach of competitions, especially when skating in heats What sort of board do you ride? What sort of Maroubra it would be fair to say that with friends, enjoying the ride and having fun, The Big Issue is Australia’s leading social skating do you most enjoy? Maroubra skate park is my local. Other South hopefully inspiring others. S enterprise. It is an independent, not­for‑profit My current setup consists of a Baker deck, Sydney parks include Waterloo (Fernside), organisation that develops solutions to help homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised size 8.25 inches, venture trucks, modus Hunters Hill and Bondi, which are all great Youth of today, a regular article bearings and Spitfire wheels. parks. Likewise there are great spots for people positively change their lives. The Big on local youth and related issues, Issue magazine is published fortnightly and When I was younger I enjoyed a lot of street skating throughout southern Sydney. I is kindly sponsored by Appetite Cafe sold on the streets by vendors who purchase street skating – namely rails, stairs and ledges like to skate the promenades on the beaches copies for $3 and sell them for $6, keeping throughout the city of Sydney. Favourite spots and find some nice ledges or an abandoned the difference. Appetite Cafe included the Martin Place stair sets, Chifley construction site in Alexandria – some of the APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 Regent St, Redfern to find out more visit: ood Square, North Sydney, and anything that factory areas can have incredible potential for + eople Tel 9699 4069 thebigissue.org.au looked reasonable at the time. street skating. 4 News September 2015

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS My kingdom for a good night’s sleep Lord Mayor pushed to

Anne Camac & Laura Buzo a tremendous sense of energy. But block Ashmore Estate what goes up must come down and the We are meant to spend a third of next part of the cycle is a depression our lives asleep. It’s when our brain Ben Aveling a shortfall of 300 school places, and where the person may spend all their rests and consolidates, and our a further 600 childcare places will be hours in bed. Not necessarily sleeping, cells repair and renew. It’s essential Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore needed by 2020. There is also an urgent but unable to face the world outside to our wellbeing, both physical has told a meeting of Alexandria and need for an upgrade of the stormwater the bedroom. The regulation and and mental. Sleep deprivation is a Erskineville residents that she would see system. Moore said that while it was monitoring of sleep is a crucial part of tried-and-true method of torture. “what we can do to ensure that needed in principle more sustainable for the staying well for a person with BPAD. Anyone will crack if they are infrastructure is in place as development state government to house increasing occurs” in the Ashmore Precinct. numbers of people in the inner city, deprived of sleep for long enough. What is a good night’s sleep? Without referring to actual hours, because rather than to expand the outer suburbs Ms Moore began by telling the further into Sydney’s food basin, it was Most people can identify the effects of people are many and varied in their sleep requirements, a good night’s sleep combined meeting of Alexandria “shocking” that the state government a bad run of sleep: you feel a bit removed Residents Action Group and the Friends was refusing to provide train lines is when you are asleep for most of the from your immediate surroundings, you of Erskineville residents group, held and other infrastructure to support whole time you are in bed, you feel move slower, you can’t think properly on August 12 at Alexandria Town the increased population: “Those in and might get a bit snappy. Prolonged refreshed by it and you don’t need to Hall, that Ashmore would increase the successive governments haven’t provided poor sleep can affect your memory, sleep again until the following evening. local population by 6,000 people. what they are responsible for.” your ability to learn, your ability to Articles about sleep improvement Therefore it was “crucial that the Audience members asked the concentrate and your ability to react. abound in printed and online media. right infrastructure is in place by the Mayor if Council was allowing more And then there’s your mood. There are certain basic tips about time all these people move in”. Trains development than is required to meet The relationship between poor sleep “sleep hygiene” that are oft-repeated, at Erskineville and St Peters station State Government targets for population and mental illness is an eternal chicken- and it doesn’t hurt to follow them. are so full that “people cannot always density. Darren Jenkins, the President or-the-egg paradox. If you sleep badly Alcohol will make you feel drowsy and get on”. Previous Transport Ministers of Friends of Erskineville, pointed out have promised improvements but have that the Planning Act provides the you are more likely to develop a mental relaxed initially, but it won’t give you not delivered and urgent action is capacity for councils to take into account illness. If you have a mental illness, it is prolonged, good quality sleep. Try to now needed, said Ms Moore. She gave social amenity and infrastructure. much harder to sleep. Cruel, isn’t it? keep regular hours for sleeping and avoid the current government credit for the Clover Moore replied that she People who suffer from insomnia screen time when you are winding down. light rail, describing it as a “serious would do what she could to defer and/or sleep apnoea are more likely to “Listen” out for your circadian rhythms catch-up”, but said that “we can’t keep signing off on further development suffer from low mood and eventually and catch your sleep train, before it adding more and longer buses”. of the Ashmore Estate, unless there depression. Early waking (waking at, passes and you get a second wind. Traffic in the area is only set to is a firm commitment by the state say, 3am, and being unable to return But the real, seasoned, hard-core worsen, given the state government’s government to provide the infrastructure to sleep) is associated with depression. insomniacs among us will scoff at the current plan for WestConnex, which identified in the Council’s Ashmore will see tens of thousands of extra cars infrastructure assessment report. Lying awake and ruminating over worries simplicity of this advice and prepare exiting from the St Peters Interchange, Subsequent communications with the is associated with anxiety. There are to meet one more tired day and some dark and desperate thoughts not far from Ashmore. Ms Moore Lord Mayor’s office appear to suggest frustrating night. S that only come in the small hours. criticised the failure of the WestConnex that “what we can do” may be little to People who suffer from Bipolar Delivery Authority (WDA) to plan for nothing. Developers have a right to rely Affective Disorder often have a very Between them, Anne and Laura have over 30 the increased congestion this will cause. on the Council’s Development Control Dennis Cliche, WDA CEO, had told her Plan, even though “successive state troubled relationship with sleep. years of experience as mental health professionals. that the additional traffic would simply governments” have not delivered the One of the symptoms of escalating That said, this column is not intended to replace “disperse” in the neighbouring streets. infrastructure that the Development mania is reduced need for sleep and professional advice when it is needed. The Mayor said that there is already Control Plan depends upon. S September 2015 News 5

Stronger Communities

Part of what I love about Sydney is that it is constantly changing. New ideas emerge, new spaces grow and every day I hear of local people

Tenants with Brad Hazzard (second from left) and Jenny Leong (right) at the Redlink opening Photo: Geoff Turnbull involved in projects that work to support and Redlink promises better service and security connect our community.

Victoria Pearson in criminal and antisocial behaviour, overall. “Our first RedLink legal advice we also feel that is important to boost workshop was held last week and was Over the next two months, I have the chance to REDFERN: A new 24/7 security and security arrangements for the benefit of very well received by participants. Early concierge service is in operation at all residents. Public housing residents indications are that the community is help some of these projects flourish through the the Redfern public housing towers. are entitled to feel safe in their homes, very pleased with the development of The RedLink Integrated Services Hub and in some instances additional this model,” says Mr O’Rielly. Stronger Communities Programme. And I’m giving is a purpose-designed office space measures are required to achieve this.” Ms Kelly agrees that the rollout has located at the McKell building on 55 Laura Kelly of the Housing had an encouraging response from Walker Street. Communities Program at Counterpoint residents. “I would say there has been you the chance to help too. Community Services says her a noticeable improvement to the security The hub aims to connect residents organisation has supported the in the area. Tenants that I have spoken to with security, health and legal services introduction of a service such as the on the Neighbourhood Advisory Board as well as conduct activities aimed RedLink Hub for many years. “The have nothing but good things to say The Stronger Communities Programme allocates at addressing social isolation, crime Neighbourhood Advisory Board, our about the new service.” prevention and personal wellbeing. organisation and other tenants living “They feel a lot safer, particularly at a series of grants to support small capital projects Paul O’Rielly, District Director at in the area have long advocated for this night time, as it has prevented tailgating Family and Community Services Sydney, service to be rolled out in Redfern due of others into the building, the entrance which will deliver social benefits. The programme says the hub was necessary to ensure to the high level of anti-social behaviour area from Walker Street is now well lit, residents felt safe in their homes. “While and drug activity affecting people’s and other modifications to the building aims to improve local community participation, many agencies have been providing everyday lives. have prevented people from outside an outreach service to people in this “People often tailgate into the sleeping in the common areas once location for many years, the community building to access units, or worse, break inside the building,” she says. cohesion and contribute to vibrant and viable have been asking for something that is the security doors to gain access. In The RedLink Hub is available to any more integrated with the estate. addition, empty units were occupied social housing residents in the area communities. “Residents in the McKell Building by squatters, or people were sleeping who need assistance, not only to those have felt unsafe for some time due to the rough in common areas of the building.” living in McKell. antisocial behaviour of some residents Although the services have been Plans to expand the services to the and visitors. While we are working operational for a short period of time, other three high-rises (Kendall, Gilmore Local government and incorporated not-for-profit hard to deal with tenants who engage community feedback has been positive and Lawson) will continue this year. S organisations are eligible to apply for grants of Strong case for Metro station at Sydney Uni between $5,000 to $20,000.

COMMENT Instead of just a small committee deciding on Greg Robinson which project should be successful, I will be Last month, I wrote about our campaign to have a Metro station posting eligible applications up on my website located at the University of Sydney. Such a station would be a tremendous and giving you the chance to vote for the ones benefit, not only to the staff and students of the University, but to all who live and work in the vicinity of our you want to see through. This is a chance for our campus. This includes staff, patients and visitors at the Royal Prince community to decide what we want to see the Alfred Hospital and the surrounding health precinct, staff and shoppers at Pedestrian traffic on Lawson Street Photo: Claire Mahjoub grants spent on the Broadway Shopping Centre and all who love to visit Victoria Park, and cyclists. It will allow for efficient as much as $2.8 billion per annum to the Newtown and Glebe. passenger transfers to buses, taxis, City state by 2036, and this means increased of Sydney cycleways and pedestrian traffic for local businesses and more jobs Head to www.tanyaplibersek.com/st ronger_ We all know how congested Central networks. It will also, of course, shift for local residents. And, as increasing and Redfern Stations are, particularly at student rail patrons away from Redfern, numbers of people come to this area peak times. Not only that, but Redfern meaning fewer pedestrians in the for purposes including employment, communities for more information on how station lacks access for people with a streets around that station, thereby entertainment, education, health and, disability and is difficult to negotiate improving road safety for both drivers of course, to do their shopping, adequate to apply or how to be involved in the selection for the elderly, those pushing prams and pedestrians. public transport is absolutely vital. S or anyone with a suitcase. But still, its It is a bonus to the NSW government process. location renders it an extremely popular and taxpayers that there’s no need to station, with residents of Central Park acquire any land, because it is here at and Chippendale preferring to walk to the University and ready. Not only that, Redfern rather than use Central. A new but disruptions to the local community Tanya Plibersek Metro station located in Camperdown will be minimised, because the land will be even easier for local residents earmarked for the station is all inside Greg Robinson is Director, Campus to walk to, and will certainly improve the campus. Infrastructure and Services commuter travel times. Ultimately, a Metro station at the Authorised by Michael Spence, A world-class transport interchange, University would serve both education Vice-Chancellor of the University of such as that we propose, would cut – our state’s second most valuable Sydney. Contact Details – Security & the excessive numbers of buses in our income-earner – and the local economy. After Hours: 1800 063 487 (24/7). streets, reduce pressure on parking, Indeed, the catchment area for the Enquiries: 9114 0523; local.community@ and allow safe paths for pedestrians proposed station is forecast to contribute sydney.edu.au/leadership. 6 News September 2015

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Photo: iStock ‘So … why doesn’t she leave?’ Katie Gompertz being near Rosie’s home or work. and disturbances and yet are bogged April 22 and 23, 2013: Rosie attends It’s a phase we often hear in our down by procedure and red tape. court for police prosecution against community and in the media In the case of Tara Costigan and Anderson. He doesn’t show. when someone is murdered or Rosie Batty I don’t want to have to April 24, 2013: Magistrate orders no abused in a domestic violence answer the question, “Why didn’t contact between Anderson and Luke Sydney and Melbourne situation. This phase perfectly they do more?” Mostly because I and Rosie. Anderson turns up at football encapsulates everything that was don’t want to feed the idea that it’s training that night. 1300 769 389 (is) wrong with the way we, as a a fair question to ask. But I will May 7, 2013: Police tell Rosie to call 000 www.goget.com.au society, approach family violence. answer it purely to educate. THEY when she next sees Anderson. DID DO MORE. Tara’s alleged May 8, 2013: Rosie calls police after When Luke Batty was murdered murderer violated his AVO in order seeing Anderson but they can’t act 24/7 access to cars parked nearby last year by his father, Greg to attack her, and it wasn’t the first because warrants haven’t arrived. Anderson, one of the many questions time he had breached an AVO. For May 9, 2013: Anderson turns up at Luke’s Rosie Batty had to hear and endure Rosie, it’s more complicated and school in breach of court ban. was: “Why didn’t you do more to more horrifying (see below*). May 22, 2013: Anderson arrested at protect Luke?” Incredulous as this The bottom line is that we as a Tyabb Oval. sounds it’s not an uncommon belief, society need to change the way we June 2013: Anderson jailed for two weeks it’s a societal knee-jerk reaction that view victims and view perpetrators. then bailed. says much more than just “why We need to start asking more from July 22, 2013: Anderson gets to see Luke doesn’t she leave/say something/ our courts and our lawmakers on limited terms. report him/do something?” As if the regarding AVOs and demand zero September 9, 2013: Rosie has Anderson onus of responsibility lies with the tolerance of breaching them as a banned from attending Luke’s scouts. She victim instead of the perpetrator. deterrent. If we don’t, the numbers feels it’s not safe. As with this case, and many other will rise and we will lose many February 5, 2014: Rosie says she gives tripod cafe current events involving booing more mums, sisters, grandmothers, police Anderson’s address so they can tripod cafe S 262 Abercrombie St, Darlington on the football field, for example, cousins, aunts and daughters. arrest him. They don’t. Ph: 9698 8677 Open 7 days the questions we should be asking February 12, 2014: Anderson kills Luke at Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat-Sun 8am-4pm are: “Why doesn’t he stop hitting? *The last six weeks before Luke was Tyabb Oval. Why doesn’t the government murdered: tighten their AVO regulations? January 5, 2013: Magistrate releases Women dead from domestic violence Why boo? Why behave this way?” Anderson on bail despite police opposition. in August: 2 Put the onus back on the people February 11, 2013: Anderson banned from Year to date: 55 committing these crimes and focus on their behaviour instead. Part of me wonders why we don’t DO YOU NEED SUPPORT? focus more on the perpetrators’ • If you feel you need to find somewhere safe, Jan from the Moving Forward behaviour when it comes to family organisation can be contacted on 9599 3217 or email at violence and what we can do about [email protected]. it, and the conclusion I come to is • If you or somebody you know is in immediate danger, call 000 now. it’s because we are afraid of what we • 1800 RESPECT is a 24-hour hotline for any Australian who has experienced, will find if we open Pandora’s box. or is at risk of, family and domestic violence. Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) We would find an over-arching and or visit www.1800respect.org.au archaic attitude towards women, • Safe Steps is a 24-hour family violence response centre. Call 1800 015 188 a court system that disbelieves or visit www.safesteps.org.au the victims, an AVO process • Lifeline provides all Australians with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide that’s frankly laughable (and the prevention services. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au perpetrators know it) and a police • Relationships Australia provides support services for individuals, families and force who spend the majority of their communities. Call 1300 364 277 or visit www.relationships.org.au day responding to domestic violence September 2015 SOCIAL JUSTICE 7

Vale Kevin James ('Cookie') Cook September 29, 1939 – July 25, 2015

Derek Mortimer his angry and despairing response, urging him to “cop it”. Goodes, as Inside the chapel there was the an elite athlete with a high profile, mournful sound of a didgeridoo. was being attacked precisely Outside, a sudden wind had because he would not “cop it”. sprung up and was roaring down Cookie also gave a voice to those the Illawarra escarpment under a who would not “cop it”. In the early lowering sky. Kevin Cook, ‘Cookie’, days of Tranby College his voice was had been brought home. The heard in the fight for an education Wandandian man had returned for those Indigenous Australians to his people and the place where who had slipped through the net he was born south of Sydney. of the mainstream system. He gave it through his support and It was a funeral, a farewell for the remarkable organisational abilities members of his extended family, to the Deaths in Custody battles, the his comrades, his union mates, his Long March for justice, freedom and friends, former students and staff of hope, which forcefully reminded the Tranby Aboriginal College, and the nation and the world during the many people he had touched the official bicentenary celebration all over the world. By definition, of British invasion and settlement, a funeral is a day of sadness but that for Indigenous Australians this nobody who knew the one-time was not something to celebrate. It union activist and first Aboriginal culminated in a massive gathering head of his great passion, Tranby in the centre of Sydney. College in Sydney, could reflect on He also gave his voice and skills his life without also celebrating. For to innumerable other organisations. Cookie reached out to many people The many things he achieved were Kevin Tory at the memorial service for Kevin Cook, Tranby College, Glebe Photo: Lyn Turnbull and many people reached out to with the support of other dedicated him in the farewell and celebration and talented people, because that of his life and achievements. was his greatest gift, the ability to Everyone who met him had a story bring different men and women Honouring Kevin Cook to tell of his involvement in virtually together in common cause. every social and political issue I think Cookie would have been Derek Mortimer about his own predicament. Neither was not interested in searching involving Indigenous Australians gratified by the many voices, black did I hear him badmouth a single for the meaning of his own life. and Torres Strait Islander people and white, that were added to the Today, July 25, 2015, is a sad day. person. He died as poor as he was Instead, he has always focussed on since the seventies, of his support for chorus in defence of Goodes, what Kevin Cook, the first Indigenous born, because Cookie was concerned what he grew up calling ‘sticking liberation movements throughout the he was for, and what he was against. head of Tranby Aboriginal College not with self-enrichment, but with fats’ – sticking together with world, his immense skill in bringing Cookie knew that the fight was not in Sydney, has died. Kevin, or the enrichment of the many. fellow activists, sharing the good together disparate people to work for over, but he also knew that in his Cookie, as he was known to Professor Heather Goodall, in and the bad in everything he was a common good, his sense of humour, lifetime progress had been made everyone, had been confined to bed introducing Cookie’s story in the involved in – sharing not just the his modesty, his internationalism. and everyone who knew him is with emphysema for many years. book Making Change Happen, said: hopes but the hard work to reach There was a telling reminder at aware of the immense contribution The disease crippled his body but “He was well-known as a unionist, goals and the scarce resources the time of his death that what he he personally made to this. His it did not constrain his mind. as an advocate of innovative, you had to live on to get there.” had dedicated his life to – the fight voice is now silent, and too soon. Aboriginal-controlled adult Kevin was born in 1939 of the for equality for Indigenous and But other voices are being raised. Cookie never gave up fighting education, highly respected as a Wandandian people, and grew up Torres Strait Islander people – is not Cookie was no more a saint for what he believed in, the rights nation-wide land rights organiser, a in the steel town of Wollongong over. A national battle was taking than any other man or woman, of Aboriginal people, the working key player in transnational links with on the NSW south coast. place in defence of Australian Rules but throughout his life he waged class, and the oppressed of the liberation movements and a man of He is a much-missed friend, footballer and Australian of the a principled fight for the “have- world. From his bed he advised and exceptional integrity and dynamism.” comrade and inspiration. Year, Adam Goodes, following his nots” rather than the “haves”. encouraged the never-ending flow of But Cookie’s book is not, in the Cookie has always been, and racial vilification by some fans. The He is mourned in his passing and visitors. In all the years that I knew normal meaning, a book about him. always will be, the heart and soul of usual media and political voices celebrated for what he achieved and him, I never heard him complain Heather went on to say: “Cookie Tranby Aboriginal College. S lined up to condemn Goodes for how he lived his life. S

they stood alongside passersby and sang “We will keep on walking forward” with its various verses about justice and compassion. This raised quite a bit of interest. At the corner of Barrack and George streets, they stopped to admire the metal sculpture of a little boy and imagined him as a refugee child as they sang their song to him. When they arrived at the Town Hall, they found a large group of Grandmothers protest outside the Pitt Street Uniting Church Photo: Supplied children from a Castle Hill Anglican School seated on the steps. After the Grandmothers had sung Grandmothers protest the their song standing alongside the children, the teachers asked them to share with the students why they detention of children were there and what they were SSH Street to the Town Hall. As well as standing for. After that, the children wearing their purple T-shirts, they cheered and sang for them. On August 18 about 20 members of carried a long banner telling people Given that the Grandmothers are the group Grandmothers Against what they were doing and handed not a large group, this way of relating the Detention of Refugee Children out leaflets to people passing by. to the people of Sydney is surprisingly spent two hours walking from effective. They were accompanied by Pitt Street Uniting Church down Sometimes they sang as they a group of students from UTS and a George Street, up and down Martin went, led by some members of the TAFE campus who filmed them all Marriage Equality rally in Surry Hills on August 9 Photo: Claire Mahjoub Place and then back along George Cheep Trills choir, and sometimes the way. S

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

“All our work is inspired and guided by the principles of justice and compassion.”

www. unitingcarenswact.org.au 8 News September 2015

Illustration: Alex Grilanc Tax is back on the agenda

Ben Spies-Butcher it also raises serious equity issues tax concessions for superannuation require Senate approval. This has subject to growing and inefficient because the taxes being lowered are and housing investments that allowed the federal government to state taxes, notably stamp duty. Tax is back on the agenda. But usually on top earners and business, primarily benefit very high- substantially reduce the funding This creates an opportunity for this time the debate comes with while “broadening” has usually been income earners. it allocates to the states to spend changes that increase both equity an unusual alliance of interests. code for a higher GST. So base-broadening is starting to on hospitals and schools in future and efficiency. Those changes could In July the Australian Council of The politics of broadening the mean something different. It is not years. It is this spending cut that is also help address chronic housing Social Services (ACOSS) teamed tax base, however, are changing. only about expanding the role of driving the states to look for revenue unaffordability. Skyrocketing Sydney up with the Business Council of Debates around tax have started consumption taxes, which tend to elsewhere. Closing loopholes in house prices threaten to lock an Australia (BCA) and the Australian to shift from how taxes can be cut, be regressive, but also about closing income tax and for multinational entire generation out of secure Chamber of Commerce and Industry to how revenues can be raised. In loopholes in income and company tax, corporations would also be far more housing. The tax system makes that (ACCI) calling on state and federal response to the savage cuts proposed which would be highly progressive. equitable than raising the GST, or worse, rewarding investors (through governments to embrace “tax in last year’s federal budget a range The debate has also shifted on what to even than raising the Medicare levy negative gearing and capital gains tax reform”. NSW Premier Mike Baird of analysts and organisations put do with the additional revenues. as advocated by Victorian Premier concessions) while penalizing new seemed eager to heed the call, the issue of revenue back on the Mike Baird’s call for a debate on Daniel Andrews. entrants (through stamp duty). raising the prospect of increasing agenda. The problem, they claimed, the GST was different to the position The joint statement from ACOSS Despite the unusual unity in the GST, while compensating low- was not that governments spent too normally taken by business. Instead and the BCA also calls for “reducing calling for reform, it is precisely these income earners. much, or that citizens had become of asking for the revenue to fund tax rates”. The statement is unified kinds of changes that the Abbott “entitled”, but rather that tax revenues “tax reform”, i.e. to lower taxes on at one level, but then goes on to ask government has ruled out. If reform So what is Australia’s welfare were insufficient to meet reasonable business, he instead said the money for seemingly contradictory changes, also requires agreement across state lobby doing working so closely with expectations. was needed to fund schools and suggesting substantial disagreement and federal governments, it will be business on tax? After all, the BCA The revenue debate has since hospitals. This was a Liberal Premier remains. even harder. is a well-known advocate of a very honed in on a series of exemptions asking that the total amount of tax There are, however, two striking The joint statement does reflect a particular brand of “tax reform”, and loop holes that allow very high increase so that social spending areas of agreement; housing and more encouraging debate on tax – one often called lower and broader. income earners to avoid tax. A recent could increase. retirement. Both areas involve large that focuses on raising the revenues This involves cutting tax rates on Senate inquiry saw a series of large Of course, Baird’s call was in and very inequitable tax concessions we need and closing unfair tax income while broadening the tax multinational corporations confess response to an artificial crisis of that allow those with large loopholes. But it also highlights just base to make up the shortfall. It’s an to remarkably low tax payments. spending. While most of the Abbott investments and on high incomes to how contested tax is, and how fraught approach advocated by mainstream Alongside this, unions, ACOSS and government’s cuts have been blocked claim much more than those with any attempt to achieve a fairer tax economists as more efficient. But many academics have pointed to large in the Senate, one big cut did not more limited means. Housing is also system will be. S September 2015 COMMENT & OPINION 9 Harmonious interfaith society – some ways forward faith Second, we should respect the other, and to be good neighbours, good similarities of the faiths as well as citizens and the best nation, setting Soofia Abbas the differences in order to maintain an an example for the rest of the world. open and constructive dialogue, avoid Muslims understand the sensitivity Only 2.3 per cent of the 23.5 million politicisation of religion, and focus on of the issues concerning individual or people living in Australian are of true understanding of other religions in group criminal acts that are linked to Aboriginal descent, the other 97.7 per order to dispel misinformation. Islam. Muslims are empathetic and cent are migrants from many different Third, we should show respect sincerely feel for the victims. countries. These 23.5 million people and understanding which extends The whole Muslim community from diverse cultural, racial and to sensitivities regarding places of cannot be vilified, attacked verbally/ religious backgrounds all live and worships, religious beliefs, books physically, asked to apologise and be work daily side by side, within their and prophets. We cannot taunt, submitted to trial in the public space communities, in schools, religious ridicule, abuse, and show total for the actions of a minority group gatherings, hospitals, workplaces, on disrespect/disregard for other people’s and especially when the majority trains and buses, in entertainment sensitivities by hiding behind freedom of Muslims do not subscribe to nor cartoon: norrie mAy-welby and sporting venues and more. of speech and democracy if we want to support such behaviour or actions. live in harmony and peace with other Australian Muslims continue to face We are all conditioned to our own religious faiths. a constant and permanent challenge personal cultures. The truth is for Key to this is the need for people to both from the media, local and global, Caring for mental health many of us, our only experience and make a conscious effort to reach out as well as the political sector. editorial Residents of one street in our excitement over diversity is through and understand, and to break down We need to promote religious Local Government Area are busy overseas holidays, global television, their own prejudices over barriers, tolerance and maintain religious SSH planning a verge garden in response movies and on. And there is a world stereotypes and suspicions that are harmony by focusing on peaceful to the mental health needs of their of difference between a short-term in all of us. cooperation and coexistence, reflecting October is Mental Health Month neighbours. It might sound simple experience of another culture and a Only then can we move forward values that are fundamental to all and we will include several but such a project has the capacity to daily life in close contact with people towards a compromise, ease tensions religions, in order to overcome these specialist articles on mental draw support from local social and whose race, culture and religion are and begin a journey of healing. challenges together. health in our next issue. Staff community development workers, very different from our own. In my opinion, it is not that we need We should discard our differences at Weave Youth & Community religious leaders, police, artists and The most significant and common interfaith dialogue between a handful and put ample efforts towards learning Services in Waterloo remind us therapists of various disciplines. issues, as I see it are, first, that people of people of different faiths; rather about each other, to foster national unity that when it comes to mental It might sound simple but for of all faiths should treat others, the dialogue of life needs to continue in Australia and take responsibility for health we all have something to anybody who has suffered trauma regardless of faith, as they too would beyond this to build the momentum ensuring that goodwill prevails across share, all the year round. One of any kind the creation of safe like to be treated, in their daily we are seeking. This can happen religious groups. S way to care for one another is and positive community space routines, at work, in private venues where people strive to live in an open to share our Survival Tips. can be of inestimable value. or in public places, where tensions are and neighbourly spirit of peace and Soofia Abbas is the Executive Officer, Sufferers are not so different from the most tangible. harmony everyday, to get on with each Australian Federation of Islamic Councils. Weave Survival Tips is a campaign the rest of us. We all need safe and that acknowledges we all go through positive community spaces. We all hard times. Asking “what do you do need people who care and encourage to get through hard times?” is a way us to make meaningful contributions of shifting from problem-centred in our neighbourhoods. Appropriate Habitable and affordable homes thinking to an approach based on care, creativity and patience can strengths and resilience. Simple tips significantly aid the treatment comment in our cities and towns, the ability to of Australia’s best incubators for new can make a real difference: talk, and recovery process for someone access affordable housing is becoming start-ups. laugh and love a lot; write poetry, put living in your neighbourhood. Linda Scott downright impossible. They currently have a $10 million your feelings in a song; acknowledge It’s about conferring dignity – and For over a century Labor has stood angel investment fund, one of only 13 all your achievements; go for a looking for ways to make connections This is a transcript of a speech by for building a fair society. In the 21st in Australia. They are well on their way run ... The online resource can be and sustain relationships. We’d love to Councillor Linda Scott at the 47th century, fairness and equity remain to supporting 100 new start-ups by 2016. accessed at www.weave.org.au. hear your ideas and project plans. S National Conference of the Australian integral parts of Labor’s vision for our To grow and create more jobs into the Labor Party. communities. Housing is one of the future, they need to see negative gearing greatest challenges facing this vision. wound back to free up private capital for “This week, an important man passed This profound inequality affects us all. greater investment in these start-ups. away. He died alone, on a park bench, But this challenge is not unforeseen. We are in the midst of a system that is A new wave of gentrification on a freezing Sydney night, one of the Housing affordability has been the broken, facing a series of unprecedented 105,000 rough sleepers in Australia, one focus of media, experts and government challenges. OPINION its slum clearance program. The of over 800 in the City of Sydney alone.” inquiry for some years. And the role that Labor must be honest about our role in government “acquired” the land, razed Having found his body, Laura, from our negative gearing plays has been singled the past in supporting negative gearing. Ross Smith existing housing and sold the land city’s Wayside Chapel, reminded us of the out for particular focus. But we must also be honest about the to private sector developers to build adage that you can judge a city by the Negative gearing and capital effect negative gearing is having, and will Gentrification, in its original new housing stock. The developers way it treats its poorest citizen. gains tax concessions cannot be held continue to have, in changing our cities, context, was the replacement of the wanted to construct multistorey multi- As the only Labor Councillor on solely responsible for housing market and not for the better. Our past must not current resident population of an occupancy buildings to maximise their the City of Sydney Council, his death distortions but they are a key reason limit our future – and we must roll back area with a new class of residents profits. To facilitate this, strata titles indicated to me that I’m failing. His why affordability continues to decline. negative gearing to create a better future of a perceived better social status. were created, which meant that each death, and indeed his life, should be There is no simple fix. But this for us all. S The new residents had the economic unit in a high-rise building had its own a reminder to us all that we can all do amendment, with its commitment to capacity to buy much higher priced title. This enabled the finance sector better. review negative gearing and capital gains Note: In addition to committing in real estate from the developers. to lend with greater surety on more Friends, this economics chapter, and tax if Labor is elected to government, is a government to review negative gearing This led to more money for the state units of housing stock, which led to this amendment, offers us all a way step in the right direction for the future. and capital gains tax concessions to through stamp duties and other much higher returns from the same to do better. It offers us a way to show Just as economic growth does not address housing affordability, delegates land value-based charges. block of land. that Labor believes every Australian automatically lead to more economic at Labor’s National Conference in Some of the existing occupants has a fundamental right to an adequate justice and poverty reduction, growth July agreed to consider introducing Gentrification was usually described were displaced to Campbelltown, a standard of living, including access to in the number of houses does not a minimum tax rate levied on the as a slum clearance scheme, or given newly created residential area on the a safe, secure, habitable and affordable automatically lead to more affordable total income of high-income earners some other populist name, to disguise Sydney metropolitan area fringe, where home. housing. Supply alone is not the answer. known as the “Buffett Rule”. The its true purpose – enhanced income housing was cheaper due to the lower Australia is party to seven international This week, a few hundred metres from “Buffett Rule” measure is aimed at streams for the state and the financiers. land values and lack of services. Others human rights treaties upholding this right where Sydney’s nameless rough sleeper stopping high income earners from The fate of the resident population was wound up in shanty towns known to appropriate housing. But increasingly passed away, I visited Blue Chilli, one avoiding their tax obligations. not discussed. In fishing terminology, as Frog Hollow and Hill 60 at Yarra they were the bycatch, and like bycatch, Bay, which were demolished in the were seen as having no commercial late 1960s. expressions of interest for the purchase The government will facilitate will now be for desk jockeys and value. The area’s third wave of of the Australian Technology Park at employment gentrification through computer botherers working in air- Waterloo and Redfern experienced gentrification occurred in the 1970s. Eveleigh. Where the area’s current planning laws that will restrict conditioned offices many storeys in an exodus in the Depression years to The government operated its own residents will be displaced to has not the nature and purpose of the the air. corrugated iron and canvas humpies redevelopment scheme and built public yet been announced, as per historic workplaces able to be built in the post- In its heyday, the Waterloo, in the bush at La Perouse, due to the housing estates on land it acquired by practice. redevelopment period. Alexandria, Eveleigh and Redfern area lack of employment opportunity and various means. The residual residents, UrbanGrowth, the entity created Workplaces for the trades and had 45,000 people living, working and attendant poverty. The camp, known despite their protests, were displaced to sell government-owned real estate services sector would not be able socialising in it. Even with the proposed as Happy Valley, had a population to public housing in the Campbelltown in the Sydney metropolitan area, to comply with the new planning increase in density for the area, the of more than 330 in 1932, and was area, which still lacked services and flagged its intention to initiate a new consent rules for the area, even if the population will still be under that, as demolished in 1939. This exodus has employment opportunities. This wave category of gentrification in Waterloo, prospective employers could afford the will the diversity of occupations and been described in some circles as of gentrification was the subject of Tom Alexandria, Eveleigh and Redfern. property prices. The workplaces and number of employment opportunities gentrification induced by economic Zubrycki’s documentary, Waterloo. This “employment gentrification” will their employment opportunities will on offer. poverty. The fourth wave of gentrification sit alongside its siblings – economic, be forced to relocate outside the inner The history of the earlier waves The area’s second wave of will occur in the period post-2015. cultural and social gentrification – and city. Their displacement will deplete of gentrification in the inner city is gentrification occurred in the 1950s It formally commenced with the like them will destroy diversity in the the current diversity of employment repeating itself. The sole variation is its when the government announced government’s decision to seek community. opportunities in the area. Employment form – employment gentrification. S 10 FEATURES September 2015 Science engages, promotes cross-cultural understanding

Andrew Collis

REDFERN: As part of National Science Week 2015, August 21 and 22 saw the fourth annual Indigenous Science Experience at Redfern Community Centre. The free science fair and “family fun day”, hosted by the National Indigenous Science Education Program at Macquarie University, Inspiring Australia, Redfern Community Centre and the City of Sydney, affirmed the value of traditional knowledge and practice, as well as the rich and complementary relationship between Indigenous and Western science.

Participants of all ages learned about boomerang making, bush foods and medicines, astronomy, robotics and jewellery. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “This popular community event allows Sydneysiders to see how science plays a part in every aspect of their lives.” The National Indigenous Science High school students, Lyle and Sharna, with Joanne Jamie from Macquarie University Photo: Andrew Collis Education Program (NISEP) places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knitting of neural networks, stick brought me heaps of confidence. I were made by Indigenous iodine, making my own juggling ball students in leadership positions, insects and bird-watching.” love to teach little kids and to share Australians and university and playing ‘juggling numbers’ – while promoting science and further High school student and NISEP what I know.” Both Lyle and Sharna students. I enjoyed all the activities great for teaching number patterns. education options. NISEP co-director, leader, Lyle, said: “Without this led workshops throughout the day. and picked up some interesting I learned about the many uses Associate Professor Joanne Jamie, program I wouldn’t be where I am Caterina Baitieri, a teacher at scientific information and learning of bush plants, such as making said: “Young Indigenous leaders now. You look up to elders and Hurstville Public School, said: activities to use in my teaching. bracelets out of plant fibre, gumnuts host hands-on interactive science other role models, you want to learn “I thought the science fair was “For example, making slime, and beeswax, and hunting tools. shows with lots of slime, ‘elephants’ and experience the kinship and fun and fantastic. It shows that testing my sense of smell, creating “There was so much to see, learn toothpaste’, dry ice and much knowledge – you look up to where we are naturally curious about a floating structure out of everyday and do!” S more. There’s also physics, maths you want to be.” Fellow student, the world. The science fair was a materials, creating my very own and biology demonstrations, Sharna, said: “The program has collaborative effort – presentations brown-coloured fingerprints by using www.facebook.com/NISEP.MQ Taking a stance against wilful ignorance

Vanessa Cartwright in detention centres, the efficient refugees and the people who work According to Rachel, a gay couple suicide was only six years old. processing of claims and swift, safe with them must continue to tell was given refugee status because “There is a feeling of lawlessness Australia’s treatment of resettlement schemes would only their stories firsthand. After all, Phil their sexuality threatened their safety on Nauru,” Leah observed. The refugees and asylum seekers has cost about $2.5 billion. He suggested reasoned, “Better to die on your in their homeland. They were told guards have free reign, knowing recently been subject to a Senate that refugees could boost Australia’s feet than to live on your knees.” to sign a paper to acknowledge that that inappropriate, violent or abusive inquiry and exposed on the SBS economy, especially if they could homosexuality carries a 13-year behaviour often goes unpunished. Documentary Go Back to Where live in regional communities. Rachel* sentence under Nauruan law. They Leah described how the refugees You Came From. Given the many Supporters of human rights for refused to sign. “We have taken away are only allowed strict two-minute human rights abuses coming to Phil refugees have to be “very vocal,” hope,” Rachel lamented. “People showers under cold water, and how light, the SSH has heard from four Phil Glendenning, another affirmed Nauru worker Rachel in give in and go to other countries.” male guards stand right outside the brave whistleblower-activists who speaker at Politics in the Pub and an exclusive SSH interview. We These countries are usually women’s showers, separated only are defying the Border Force Act the Director of the progressive need to make MPs realise that developing countries that are already by a flimsy curtain. One mother and risking everything to expose Edmund Rice Centre, also surprised their inhumane treatment of these overcrowded and under-resourced. was offered longer in the shower the hard truth. the audience with his convincing desperate people will lose them votes, Rachel exposed the intimidation by a cleaner and was raped. economic arguments for accepting she said. Rachel urges us to inform tactics of the Wilson Security team, Leah cannot understand the Julian more refugees. Australia’s spending ourselves about the reality, to sign stooping so low as to confiscate the $530,000 spent per person per “I’ve committed professional on refugees exceeds the United petitions, write to politicians, join toys of crying toddlers, and to shred annum on Nauru. There is not much suicide,” Julian Burnside, AO QC, Nations’ spending of $3.5 billion for groups and participate in rallies. many important files, including to show for this sum, which would told the crowd at a Glebe Politics 60 million people. And what is this Rachel disclosed many stories evidence of abuse. Sexual abuse be enough to put someone through in the Pub event on August 13, money being spent on? “Turning of danger, fear, injury, abuse and is a common problem that causes an advanced university degree. 2015. A prominent barrister, Julian people back,” Phil pointed out. trauma on Nauru. Wild dogs roam untold harm. Sometimes it is even Estimates suggest that community prefers to face backlash from many “And abusing their human rights the island in packs and often attack the health workers on Nauru who processing could be achieved at of his peers than to be silent about and dignity.” This includes forcing people. The quality of health care proposition women, Rachel said. less than 10 per cent of this cost. Australia’s treatment of some of the people back to Afghanistan, only is so low that many refugees refuse She reported an endemic lack of world’s most desperate people. to be killed by the same armed to be treated on Nauru. They live empathy and a dominant culture Following their conscience For Julian, life in an intolerant group they fled from: the Taliban. in dread of a doctor known as of superiority among the staff on By speaking out, the above Australia would be “no longer worth According to Phil, “We have “the butcher”, who has a terrible the island. “Over the years, many whistleblowers are risking serious living”. “This is about who we are,” a policy that basically says die reputation for ineffective surgery. individuals across the board have repercussions under the Border Force Julian emphasised, about “saving this somewhere else.” Our taxpayer Infections are rife. Some refugees go lost their jobs after objecting to the Act. Why? Perhaps the answer is best country” from racism and bigotry. He money is being wasted on “Operation for months on end without diagnosis treatment of the asylum seekers, expressed in the words of Dr Martin described how boat people are being Sovereign Borders”: pushing valid or treatment. One woman damaged or simply because they treated Luther King, Junior: “Our lives begin “used as political punching bags” refugees out to sea and treating her tailbone and spent ten months in them with dignity,” she said. to end the day we become silent through no fault of their own. In fact, them in a cruel, unfair way that is pain, being told to walk around on Nonetheless, Rachel feels that there about things that matter.” Julian explained that boat people are deplored internationally. “We have crutches – which did more damage are some workers on Nauru who not really “illegal”, due to Australia’s militarised what is a humanitarian – then ordered to rest in bed. After genuinely care about the wellbeing of *Names have been changed to obligations under international law crisis globally,” said Phil. “We threatening to set fire to herself, their fellow humans. She just wishes protect their identity. S and other legal technicalities. He have a situation of bipartisan she was sent to be treated in Papua these people were hired in greater pointed out that an overwhelming barbarism.” In the future, he New Guinea, a country not known numbers and were more empowered Politics in the Pub meets on Thursdays, majority of boat people arriving suggested, Australia will have for exemplary medical practices. to speak out, instead of being coerced 6.30 pm, at Harold Park Hotel. Check out in Australia – 94 per cent – are an official apology in parliament Another woman was diagnosed into silence by the Border Force Act. politicsinthepub.org.au. The Refugee eventually assessed as valid refugees. for our inhumane treatment of with stage one breast cancer, but Action Coalition meets every Monday Furthermore, Julian proposed that refugees and asylum seekers. waited for treatment until she Leah* from 6-8 pm in the Teachers’ Federation there are strong economic incentives So what does Phil recommend we died. “She did not have the right The living conditions on Nauru Building, 23-33 Mary St Surry Hills. to accept refugees. He revealed that do to improve the situation before it bribes, did not know the right and the amount of sexual abuse All are welcome to attend. More the Australian government is wasting gets any worse? Ground-up action people,” Rachel said, explaining that and self-harm shocked Leah, a information about the realities facing $5-10 billion each year – depending is vital, he said. Advocacy groups corruption is widespread on Nauru. former nurse on the island. The refugees can be found from on military costs – on a system that need to connect via social media and Partly as a result of corruption, prices tents that house the refugees are www.refugeeaction.org.au, is inefficient, unsafe, and abusive. work together. “Refugee Welcome have skyrocketed for local Nauruan covered in mould and affected by www.refugeecouncil.org.au Instead of paying for people to live Zones” could be established. And residents and refugees alike. flooding and rats. One girl attempting and www.asrc.org.au. The Review September ’15 11

Caleb “Tiger” Cha, Jibbi Little and Sean McManus Photo: Bec Lewis Latte artists Lee from Singapore with Darth Beauty Photo: Bec Lewis

Emily Straney and then carefully place the cups in a marked out square atop the judges WATERLOO: Cappuccinos and cats Sydney’s coffee culture table, I wondered how much harder is certainly up and coming, with the competition was going to get. local baristas rivalling others the Turns out tremendously so. Each Emily Straney to experience something new, and League for Protection of Animals world over. Making our mark of the 12 baristas who made it to the yet as familiar as if you were sitting to be fostered by Catmosphere, on the caffeine scene, this year’s semi-final rounds had their work SURRY HILLS: Cappuccinos and cats. in your own lounge room in the helping the cats to socialise with International Grand Latte Art cut out for them, having this time to No two things evoke more warmth company of a furry friend. A chance humans and for their visitors to Championship was held in South create two different designs, one from and happiness, so why not create to de-stress and to know that your connect with cats to adopt. Sydney, on Friday August 7 at Café the electronic wheel and one of their a space where people can come contribution of $20 for an hour Catmosphere has a cat handler to Pyd in Waterloo. signature design to be submitted in a and enjoy both simultaneously? visit with the cats is going directly ensure the wellbeing of the cats and hard copy alongside their coffee cup to taking care of them; their food, the joyful experience of their guests. The atmosphere was electric with for the judges to scrutinise. This was the idea that cat lovers abundance of toys, scratching posts All of the staff at Catmosphere the fast paced heats and the spectators Finally, down to four; the grand Thomas Derricott and Wenee Yap had and their weekly vet visits. A coffee of are as knowledgeable about the all in awe of what nimble hands and final face off round wherein one when they created Sydney’s very first your choice and a cat shaped cookie cats as they are passionate about precision pouring can create. competitor was charged with setting space themed cat café, Catmosphere. definitely help to sweeten the deal. them, and are able to give you any The judging panel was made up an altogether new design that the The inspiration came after a trip to There are 16 cat residents that information, including all of their of Jibbi Little, the 2014 NSW Latte remaining three competitors had to the original Catmosphere in Chang visitors are able to interact with, space themed names. Some of my Art Champion, World Latte Art replicate. The final was as nail-biting Mai, Thailand. Thomas and Wenee cuddling and playing with the favourites are Princess Leia, Major Champion Caleb Cha, and Sean to watch as I can only imagine it was were so taken with the frenetic and cats, or even taking a photo with Tom, Fuzz Aldrin and Darth Beauty. McManus from Surry Hills’ own impossible for the judges to announce magical quality the place had, and them, if the cat obliges to sit still Single Origin Roasters. a winner. decided that living in Sydney there long enough. Another five, who If you would like to get to know With 36 competitors in the But announce a winner they did. must be others who would love a prefer the company of other felines, the cats visit Catmosphere at qualifying rounds, in groups of three The judges decided in favour of Sam pet of their own but whose living but who visitors are welcome to 66 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills. and a time of one minute 40 seconds Taylor of The Baron in Castle Hill, arrangements made it unfeasible. admire, inhabit a separate room. For more information, bookings to recreate a design randomly selected who took out the coveted title of Thus the turquoise-hued All of the cats are unique in their and opening times, go to by an electronic wheel (something Grand Latte Art Champion, a cheque Catmosphere was born, where personalities and temperaments, and www.catmospherecatcafe.com as imaginative and terrifying as it for $3,000 dollars, and the well- coffee and cat lovers alike can come were specially selected by the World sounds) across two cups of coffee, deserved admiration of the crowd. Threads of meaning and memory

SSH as the hands have a certain tacit Sydney. She has received a number knowing and can continue to work of awards and her work is held in Prat icia Casey has a new display while the mind contemplates.” major public and private collections. of hand-embroidered photographs Murmur is Casey’s most heavily The artist has been invited – with silk, cotton, or metallic embroidered work to date, with to represent Australia at thread on georgette, watercolour the metallic threads glittering and the International Festival of paper or archival cotton. Her dancing across the surface of the Photography PhotoVisa 2015 in show, Murmurs, is aptly titled. photographic elements. “My images Krasnodar, a region of the Black are open-ended,” she says, “and have a Sea, Russia. The theme this year The artist narrates her creative tension between beauty and unease.” is the Language of Memory. process: “In 2007 I began printing Patricia Casey was a finalist in the photographic montages on materials Chippendale New World Art Prize Murmur such as georgette or watercolour 2014 and Winner of the Head On Patricia Casey paper and more recently on archival Photographic Portrait Prize in 2006. September 9-27, 2015 cotton. I then embroider specific areas She has been shortlisted for a number OPENING Sunday September 13, of the image plane with cotton or of prestigious art prizes including 2-4pm metallic threads. The act of working the National Photography Prize Curated by Sandy Edwards with a needle and thread transforms in 2010 and the Sir John Sulman (www.arthere.com.au) my hands into instruments of Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW in Janet Clayton Gallery memory, as muscle memory and the 2002 and 2005. She completed her 406 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW rhythm of the repetitive nature of Master of Visual Arts (Research) Wed-Fri 10.30-4.30pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11-4pm “Affective Memory (after Man Ray)”, 2015 Image: Patricia Casey the work itself takes over. There is a degree in 2009 and Master of Studio meditative quality to the production Arts in 2006 at the University of www.janetclaytongallery.com.au 12 The Review September ’15

Book Review explores her themes through the for other members of their family. by Catherine Skipper technique he pioneered, a hypnotic In Germany, we are introduced The Reviews “mash-up” of fact and fiction. to orphaned children, a brother and sister, Werner and Jutta, whose Theatre Review verve of Indigenous play writing. Book Review prospects are very bleak. They must by Catherine Skipper Yellamundie Festival provides a by M.A. Vazey live by their wits if they are even to nurturing environment in which survive. Fortunately they are being writers workshop their plays with cared for by a kindly, dedicated established Aboriginal playwrights, Protestant nun, who encourages them actors, dramaturgs and directors, to play in and explore their fairly and ultimately, the opportunity limited world. During this time, they for their plays to be chosen for full find a radio, and Werner manages to production. The artistic director, fix it. This is the start not only of being Panthers and the Museum of Fire Frederick Copperwaite, and his able to listen to the local news, but Jen Craig co-director, Andrea James, must also broadcasts of an educationally Spineless Wonders, 2015 take great satisfaction in the high scientific nature from France. quality not only of the writing but Werner is smart and curious, and Yellamundie All the Light We Cannot See also of the many talented readers who As the narrator, Jen Craig, walks bit by bit becomes very interested in National Aboriginal and Antony Doerr brought the scripts to irresistible life. from her Glebe flat to a Crown science, and skilled at fixing radios. He Torres Strait Islanders Publisher: Fourth Estate, London, 2014 Street café in around an hour on is desperate to avoid his father’s fate – Playwriting Festival »»[email protected] a Monday morning, her thought being sent to work in the mines when Carriageworks life moves in an apparent random This splendid book takes two he reaches 15. Without such a threat August 6-8, 2015 and uneasy manner between times separate stories from war-torn Europe in front of her, Jutta is able to take a Film Review past and her present circumstances. leading up to and during the Second more balanced view of her world. Presented by Carriageworks by Lindsay Cohen An aspiring writer, she has had a World War. The story starts with the Eventually the lives of these and Moogahlin Performing Arts, breakthrough in her writing, dating blanket bombing, by the Allies, of the growing children intertwine as the this second Yellamundie Festival from Saturday morning, and triggered old historic walled city of St Malo calamitous world events unfold. showcases the works-in-progress of by the reading of an unpublished on the coast of Brittany, France, in It is a story of redemption. Great six writers drawn from urban and manuscript of a recently deceased 1944. But we are soon taken back evils occur, yet there is goodness in this regional areas. If you missed out this girlhood friend, Sarah, and bearing 10 years, both to France and then bleak world. Forgiveness is possible time, attend the festival in 2017 as the same title as Jen Craig’s novella. to Germany, to some of the events in spite of great and irreversible not only will you be assured of lively The title may not be the name leading up to this terrible destruction. destruction, because this goodness and exciting entertainment but also but merely an idle jotting in Sarah’s In France we meet a father and exists and is not entirely extinguished. you will be, as audience, a crucial part handwriting on the front cover of her his daughter Marie-Laure, who Anthony Doerr has given us the of the process of forging the creative work. The manuscript, the narrator is doomed to become blind. They gift of a great and moral tale. aspirations of Aboriginal Australia. comments, “had nothing to do with will carry an important secret to St A Walk in the Woods Rodeo Moon (writer, David Milroy) the suggestive allure” the words Malo, where they will go in search »»[email protected] Director: Ken Kwapis is a Jack and Jillaroo musical theatre promise, and are taken, she tells us, Starring: Robert Redford, play set in 1969 in the northwest of from an ordinary road-sign denoting Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson WA. In the weeks leading up to the tourist destinations aka merchandised Genre: Geriatric Ramble federal election between Gorton and venues. Nevertheless, the Penrith Gough, a travelling rodeo hits town, football team’s logo is a reminder of and while the ensuing action is very The Appalachian Trail is almost the persistent desire to believe in the funny, at the same time it exposes 100 years old. Robert Redford isn’t big cat that lurks in the mountains, old attitudes to a changing Australia. much younger. His hair, however, and also perhaps the ancient use of Skylab (Melodie Reynolds-Diarra) is probably in its infancy. So fire as a paradoxical test of truth. is a science fiction comedy set a disconcerting is Redford’s bright After the funeral, the narrator tries decade later when the American orange rug (a color that only exists to leave the manuscript behind at space station Skylab crash-landed in tropical fish) that it distracts the house of Sarah’s sister, Pamela. off Esperance, WA. Telekinesis and from anything else that A Walk It appears she cannot clearly recall telepathy afflict the town’s population in the Woods might have to offer, her one-time friend whom she didn’t resulting in amazement, confusion which admittedly isn’t much. like much, but clearly remembers and fear. When President Jimmy Striding along the Appalachian trying to avoid meeting a very Carter rings Balladonia Roadhouse Trail through the woods with Redford overweight Sarah years later on the to formally apologise, Auntie picks (as Bill Bryson) is Nick Nolte main street in Rockdale. It may be Deb Taylor, Cherie Peyton, Brett Stone and Sally Cooper at Claypool Photo: Bec Lewis up the phone … culture crash! (Bryson’s lost mate Stephen Katz), that Sarah evokes for her a troubled The contrasting Masterpiece another 70-something playing a adolescence she wishes to annihilate: (Glenn Shea), while a thriller set in a man 30 years younger. At least Nolte the memories of her religious remote location, is at the same time doesn’t wear a rug. Indeed, it seems conversion, the memories of feeling Claypool – both lyrical and richly layered. Telling he hasn’t even brushed his hair since her family inferior to Sarah’s, the a story of Aboriginal trauma and his infamously disheveled mug shot. “killing” of her once anorectic self. resilience at a time of potential change, In some ways he’s ideal for the part of She reads it, however, after a phone community formation hope emerges with the realisation that the washed-up old drunk. Let’s just call from Pamela requesting her to the “masterpiece” is not a painting but say that it isn’t much of a stretch of his return the manuscript unread. Emily Straney When showing me a clay mould rather the immediate image as it is formerly impressive acting abilities. Many of the narrator’s encounters among her finished works, Deb said reflected in a mirror. Tooly also draws At first glance, Redford’s aging are not directly remembered On a quiet street in Botany is a something that really stuck with me: upon a central and symbolic image – a 40-something impression seemed experiences but are often anecdotes place to let your creativity flow “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” soft rain which sensitively caresses the like a self-conscious and clever the narrator has told, or will tell, to free: Claypool Ceramic Studios. As beautiful as all of the art is, it’s the skin. The rain brings with it a message, parody. But as the film progressed her friend, Raf, who is the single Studio directors Cherie Peyton, artists that really make the difference. understood by the two closely bonded it quickly dawned that this was a exception to her incapacity to cope Sally Cooper, Brett Stone and Deb Claypool has an ever-growing sisters, but which brings a deep aching film with no sense of the absurd. with friendships with other people. Taylor, four friends who have a number of regulars, who each pay grief to their loving granddaughter. Indeed, Bryson’s supposed oldest She mentally rewrites events, penchant for art, founded Claypool $390 quarterly for membership, While Life’s a Suitcase (Tessa Rose) 20-something son is played by an savouring the moment when she in Erskineville in 2012. Their vision which gives them full access to all powerfully conveys the confusion actor who seems in his 40s while his will “be telling him something” was to help artists to reconnect the facilities. For drop-ins the cost and pain of an Aboriginal woman other kids are about 5 and 10 with over the preparation of prawns or with their inner creativity. They is $30 per day, which entitles you who grew up in non-Aboriginal supposedly another on the way. If bean salad, something that will get made a space for working, mutual to use of the communal equipment. families, whose adolescence was this was supposed to make Redford a laugh at someone else’s expense learning and challenge, and as a Private lessons with either Cherie traumatic and who suffered the seem virile it just highlighted how and garner Raf ’s approval. Raf, consequence a community of artists or Deb are available from $60 devastation of domestic violence. past-it Redford and Nolte really are. she believes, makes a similar use was formed. Claypool relocated per hour. At least one of the At the same time, it is a moving Bill Bryson’s original of her to entertain his friends. to Botany earlier this year. directors is in residence each day. testimony of the will to survive. autobiographical book on which the There is so much that is intriguing Whether you are an experienced The 2015 festival appropriately movie is based was part slapstick, in Panthers. The insertion at I recently had the wonderful potter who needs a studio, have concluded with The Season (Nathan part observational humour, part certain points of deliberately poor opportunity to visit with Cherie, recently taken up the practice Maynard), a comical rumbustious travel diary and part self-help. quality black and white photos of Sally, Brett and Deb. What of pottery, want to try it for the insight into the dynamics of a family While a Walk in the Woods is a maybe various landmarks along resonated with me the most is the first time, or just need the use of mutton bird shed on Dog Island (part comedy of sorts, it is barely funny. her journey inviting readers to sense of calm that Claypool exudes, a kiln, you will find what you’re of the Bass Strait Islands) during the What is supposed to be a voyage of speculate on their relevance to the everything from the cool walls looking for at Claypool. six-week harvest season of the mutton self-discovery, just highlights how text inevitably suggests the work of to the drying clay pieces, the soft birds by Aboriginal Tasmanian delusional Robert Redford really is. the German writer W.G. Sebald. hum of the potters wheel, and the For more information visit people. The audience departed, still Rating: One too many. Like Sebald, Jen Craig is concerned Claypool artists composing in the claypool.com.au or contact laughing, deeply impressed by the with both loss of memory and the background, as if everything and them on 0422 392 502 or [email protected] [email protected] originality, meaningfulness and »» falsification of experience and she everyone had a place to belong. The Review September ’15 13

Damien Minton at the Orchard Gallery Photo: Claire Mahjoub Perceptive The art of community

Alex Grilanc “making do”. I was intrigued. Cockatoo”, Kat Hines’ edgy I enjoyed moving about the photograph of skaters at Fernside, WATERLOO: sounds of jazz In response to a call space, giving each work a moment and Rosalind Flatman’s cubist-style for submissions published in the of contemplation regarding painting, “Walking Waterloo”. SSH, the Orchard Gallery (South possible connections to the theme. An accompanying 12-page Heather Robinson Sydney Uniting Church) received Some were quite obviously full-colour catalogue acknowledges more than 60 original works about community – depictions of contributions from the Matavai Art Cognition is not only the title of John Harkin’s latest CD, but an from artists and art collectives artists at work (Alana Valentine’s Group, the Community Painting apt description of the perceptive understanding of jazz evinced in the throughout South Sydney. The multi-media piece “Saturday Group (Our Place, Poets Corner), arrangement and performance of standards and original compositions. resulting exhibition, Community Art Class”, homes remembered Wordplay Creative Writing Group Art, presented by the church in (“Boat House” by Les Warner) and Wunanbiri Preschool. The trio, John Harkins (piano), Brendan Clarke (bass) and Andrew partnership with Counterpoint or conjured (“Homeland” by Aunty Norma Ingram gave Dickeson (drums), have an intuitive sense of each other and play with Community Services, opened Jovana Terzic), depictions of the Welcome to Country before practised ease, skill, precision and balance. With delightful solos, discerning on Saturday August 22 – a neighbourhood icons: the high-rise Julia Jacklin performed two note choices, rhythms and patterns, Cognition is about emotion and intellect. celebration of form and colour, towers, community gardens, ibis exquisite compositions (her music and poetry. Underlying and ravens, the Aboriginal flag. debut album, recorded in July, Three of my favourite tracks are “Pannonica” (Thelonius Monk), “Autumn the creative works, a passion for Others invited a more will be released soon). Words of Disposition” (Harkins/Rosenthal) and “The Look of Love” (David/Bacharach). creative community development imaginative construction of appreciation and encouragement Available on iTunes, was very much in evidence. narrative. Mex Purcell’s “Knit were offered by Damien Minton Birdland Records (Level 4, 428 George St Sydney) or Piece”, a colourful weaving (Watters Gallery) and Michael Curators Johnny Bell, Damien with nylon web, plastic sun and Shreenan (Counterpoint email [email protected]. Patterson and Catherine moon, represents community Community Services). Parish DON’T MISS: John Harkins Trio at Colbourne Avenue, Skipper have selected and as interweaving and invites minister Andrew Collis thanked Glebe, on September 10, from 8pm. arranged works to highlight participants to “have their the curators and the many diversity, complementarity and photograph taken with this well- artists and community groups enjoyment. Some of the small travelled celebrity”. Subsequently, represented. He also acknowledged ceramic and papier mâché the photographs, it is promised, the generous support of sculptures, for instance, have been will be mailed to participants UnitingCare NSW.ACT. placed on plinths as though in in the form of postcards. conversation. A foot stool with Further highlights included Community Art runs until three round legs and one square a large collage work by the September 30. For viewings leg (by John English of the Poets Corner Preschool phone 0438 719 470. Waterloo Recycling Workshop) (“Underwaterscape”), Bronte Alex Grilanc is Artist in Residence spoke to me of sufficiency, of Hookey’s charming “Black at South Sydney Uniting Church. 14 The Review September ’15

South Sydney Puzzle by David Angell Problem Last month's puzzle A square of numbers is called a magic square if the total in each horizontal Just inside my front door, I have installed a control panel for all the lights in row, each vertical column and each of the two longest diagonals is always my house. There are 12 push-buttons, arranged as shown in the picture. Each the same. For example in this case (first diagram) the numbers add up button turns the corresponding light on if it is off, or off if it is on: so, pushing to 12 in each row, each column and each long diagonal. Can you fill in the same button twice has no effect. the blanks to make the following a magic square (second diagram)? At least, this is the idea. Unfortunately, owing to short circuits, each button affects not only its own light but also those next to it on the left and right, above and below. For example, pushing button 6 switches lights 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10, while button 11 switches lights 7, 10 and 11. Button F operates the light outside my front door. When I arrive home one night, this light is on and all the others are off. Although the short circuits are confusing, they can be useful. If I arrive home after dark and only the front door light (button F) is on, I can turn all the lights in the house on (and leave the front door light on too) by pushing five buttons rather than 11. Which buttons should I push to do this? ANSWER To turn all the lights on I must push buttons 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. To check that this works, note for example that light 6 was off; pushing button 2 turns it on; First correct entry wins a prize. button 3 has no effect; button 6 turns it off; button 7 turns it on; and button 8 Send to South Sydney Puzzle, has no effect, so that light 6 is on, as desired. You can check in a similar way PO Box 3288, REDFERN NSW 2016. that all the other lights are also on after pressing these five buttons.

Everybody Alone With a bundle of papers, Wordplays Everybody alone, a roll of tape everybody street smart A folding sign for a Morning Connecting I’m listening to Jessica Pratt rally and a march Her lips in a bow, her A man with mottled skin After After night has passed eyes far apart on his neck and face the flame-coloured Between dawn and rising Hair in a straw-coloured Gets off at Washington and petals fall When opening balcony doors, I gambler hat Malcolm X Boulevard Become enchanted when between with soft light A woman in a black TSA Everybody alone, the dream Or stillness shirt, eyes like stones everybody stretched out and the daylight Of the leaves She pats me softly on the arm I hurry up Warren to Of the mulberry tree I notice people smile Moreland Street they become memories Or cool air sweetness into their phones Everything looks different, in waiting or debris permeating my room. And mostly they mean no harm even my house on the grass I wonder where the despised – M.A. Vazey On a midnight bus to Roxbury and the satisfied things are The watery road signs glow people meet left off-balance A woman in a blue headscarf has started to cry – Kid Tiger – Catherine Skipper Sitting at the back by the window

WORDPLAY – Creative Writing Group CLUB REDFERN, 2/159 REDFERN ST – September 2 & 16. Contact Yvonne on 0415 226 854. All welcome.

Tag your Instagram pics #sshphotos and we will include 5 of the best photos, from all suburbs in South Sydney, here each month. See all photos online: southsydneyherald.com.au SSHSelected by Claire MahjoubInstagram Gallery

Redfern The Rocks Chippendale Redfern Chippendale @estelle_llamosas @vintonn @featogrefi @neeravbhatt @_craftybird September 2015 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

Uniting Churches Support independent media Advertise with the SSH Women’s Help distribute the ssh in your area Community connections, competitive rates Reconciliation “Every month I do a little service for each and every household Phone Duncan on 0402 525 061 Network in my neighbourhood and I am rewarded with smiles, the joy or email [email protected] Meetings are held on of exercise and community involvement. Sometimes there is the 4th Thursday of the a challenge, when someone says they don’t want unsolicited month. mail, but when I tell them it’s the South Sydney Herald, South Sydney Uniting Church the local independent not full of real estate ads but real 10AM-12PM at the 56a Raglan St, Waterloo community news, their eyes light up, and they ask eagerly if Redfern Community Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Laptops for Wyanga Centre. the delivery will be regular” (Norrie, Erskineville). Evening Prayers 5pm Sep 13 Aboriginal Aged Care Hugo Street Redfern. (every 2nd Sunday of the month) If you’d like to help distribute the SSH in your local area, Your old laptop would be greatly appreciated. Rev. Andrew Collis 0438 719 470 we’d love to hear from you. Please contact the South 10am cuppa followed by meeting till 12 noon. www.southsydneyuniting.org.au Sydney Herald: [email protected] Please contact John on 0451 829 092..

The Sacred Lounge Cnr St Johns Rd & Colbourne Ave, Glebe Worship 7pm Sunday Volunteers’ news ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate candlelit concerts 8pm Thursday Pat Clarke Office 9518 9413 September is National Biodiversity Month, including www.sacredlounge.org.au BABANA Save the Koala Month. If you’ve tried for a sighting of a Aboriginal koala in recent years you will know how important this is. Men’s Group Leichhardt Uniting Church Details of the Australian Koala Foundation’s events are at 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt Babana Shed www.savethekoala.com.au (near Norton St, free parking open Mon-Fri behind church) Sydney Fringe Festival (Cnr St Johns Rd & Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday The whole of September is also devoted to all the arts, Colbourne Ave, Glebe) Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 culture and comedy of the Sydney Fringe Festival: www.leichhardtuniting.org.au Contact: Mark Spinks www.sydneyfringe.com.au 0411 282 917

Mustard Seed Uniting Church With Spring just around the corner, it’s time for me to Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, exercise my black thumb, and try to nurture a few herbs Ultimo and soft lettuces. I wish you all good luck with your Worship 9.30am Sunday spring plantings. Rev. David Gore Waterloo 0449 875 065 Forest Grumpies Walking Group Recycling mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au Why not spring into Spring with this over 45s walking group, doing urban, bush and coastal walks around Sydney Workshop Workshop and market open Newtown Mission every weekend. No website but you can contact Roddy on Fridays 9am-12pm. 280 King St Newtown 0423 181 591 (between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday only) for details of coming jaunts. Turungah Flats, 1 Phillip St, Rev. Graeme Tutt Waterloo (lower car park). There are quite a few important weeks in September: 9519 9000 Affordable furniture and www.newtownmission.org.au History Week September 5-13 – Walking Tour household goods. Redfern and Waterloo, September 12, 11am-2pm Donations gladly received Paddington Uniting Church The theme for this year’s History Week is War, Nationalism (no white goods or 395 Oxford St, Paddington and Identity and the City of Sydney has organised a Walking electrical apps). Worship 10.30am & Tour of the honour boards and war memorials of Redfern 7.30pm Sunday Volunteers welcome – and Waterloo. Meet at Waterloo Library, 770 Elizabeth Rev. Ben Gilmour phone Naomi on Street, Waterloo. Free event but bookings are essential: Office 9331 2646 0407 576 098. www.paddingtonuca.org.au coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au Women’s Health Week September 7-11 Pitt Street Uniting Church Launch will be on Monday 7 September 7am-2pm at 264 Pitt St, Sydney Martin Place Sydney. Worship 10am Sunday Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman International Coffee Day Tuesday September 29 Office 9267 3614 For all coffee lovers (and who isn’t?) this day aims to promote www.pittstreetuniting.org.au Fair Trade, so have a fair-trade coffee at your local coffee shop and help support fair prices and dealings with coffee Wayside Chapel producers in less wealthy communities around the world. 29 Hughes St, Potts Point REDWatch Until next time. Meetings first Thursday Worship 10am Sunday of the month at The Factory Rev. Graham Long Pat Clarke & Ross Smith Community Centrte. Office 9581 9100 Phone Geoffrey Turnbull [email protected] www.thewaysidechapel.com (02) 8004 1490. Email [email protected]

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Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich MP Jenny Leong MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Newtown 150 Broadway, Broadway Ground Floor, 287-289 New South 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 383 King St, Newtown NSW 2007 Head Rd, Edgecliff, NSW 2027 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2042 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9327 3988 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9327 2533 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] [email protected] 16 SPORT & FITNESS September 2015

Dean Widders with the premiership-winning Redfern All Blacks A Grade team Photo: Michelle Hamilton All champions! John Lanzky grand final win. After the game, Merritt said: “This is the greatest! This more REDFERN: A huge crowd turned out than compensates for missing out on at Redfern Oval for the South Sydney the [NRL] grand final [in 2014].” District Junior Rugby League grand The game was a tight contest, with final on August 30. For most of the the Wombats posting first points. The 5,000 or so it was a perfect Sunday All Blacks showed great skill and afternoon and a perfect result. composure to lead 18-12 at half time. Twenty-four years since last claiming They went on with it in the second half. premiership honours, the Redfern All Congratulations to Man of the Match Blacks defeated the Coogee-Randwick Shawn Mealey, captain-coach Dean Wombats 42-24 to claim the shield and Widders and all the players, support title of Premiers 2015. staff and families. Match officials also deserve acknowledgement for refereeing Fans came from far and wide to a fair and free-flowing game. support the mighty All Blacks. It was a Earlier in the day the Redfern All huge occasion for so many families and Blacks Under 15s defeated Greenacre a big deal for the Aboriginal community. in their grand final at Belmore. By all Several of the All Blacks stars are proud reports it was a close and thrilling game, Indigenous men with traditional ties the All Blacks victorious 20-15. to country. Former Rabbitohs winger Nathan See our online gallery for more Merritt scored two brilliant tries in the photos from both games. Scintillating attack from the Redfern All Blacks Under 15s Photo: Michelle Hamilton Train wreck at Allianz Stadium – Rabbitohs derailed

Michael Page (47-12). With halves Milford and the final eight. At the end of August why Luke has so much trouble more for his notorious judicial Hunt leading the way, the Broncos we have captain Greg Inglis on reforming his game and managing record than his efforts on field. It might be a long way from the found gap after gap in the leaky crutches following a knee operation his impulses. It is a sad way for Coach Maguire has no doubt used train tracks at Central station, Souths defence. The performance and vice-captain John Sutton out him to finish his career at Souths. almost all of his coach’s tirades to but Souths supporters at Allianz comprehensively exposed the extent for the season with a major leg Having been astutely brought to address Souths’ indifferent form. Stadium were stunned last of the weaknesses that have been injury. With Auckland-bound Isaac Souths at a young age by insightful While back-to-back premierships week by a train wreck of major popping up for Souths all season Luke once again ignominiously recruitment manager Mark Hughes might be out of reach, Souths’ proportions – the derailment and just how far away Souths are fronting the judiciary, any hope and converted to hooker, Isaac win against North Queensland in of Souths’ 2015 season. from replicating their 2014 glory. of making an impact in the final quickly became a crowd favourite Townsville in early August (31-18) On the verge of the finals, the series seems a long way away. with his darting, bullocking runs gave a hint that there may well Already reeling from being Souths campaign appears to be in Luke is a repeat offender who and formidable defence. Despite be a little sting left in the tail. steamrolled by the Bulldog pack total disarray. Despite being touted famously missed last year’s grand his incredible contribution in Time will tell if Maguire and in the previous round (32-18), for most of the season as top four final due to a spear tackle charge. He enabling Souths to progress the team can get their 2015 season Souths were completely outclassed finishers, Souths have in the end just has just returned from yet another from cellar dwellers to premiers, back on track and somehow by an impressive Brisbane team limped and scraped their way into suspension. It is hard to understand Luke may well be remembered bound for glory again.

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