BE IN TO WIN Keating’s Redfern Speech Sharon Van Etten 20th anniversary – pages 10 & 13 RevieW – pages 11-14 A CD!
NUMBER one hundred and TEN DECEMBER ’12 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Negotiating community Libby Hogan
MARRICKVILLE: The committee at Addison Road Community Centre (ARCC) has had some resolution to their concerns after the Supreme Court, on November 7, ordered Terry Cutcliffe to give possession of Westside Gallery forthwith to the Community Centre.
In the hands of the committee replacing Mr Cutcliffe, new artists in the community have had the opportunity to exhibit in the ARCC Gallery. Local artist Nicola Barakat said: “Previously I noticed that exhibitions weren’t changing regularly. As an artist I feel like the space has become more accessible.” Plans are being made to approach school and university groups, as well as community artists, and to include more areas, such as out west, said Rosanna Barbara, co-ordinator of ARCC. However, some in the community were upset that Mr Cutcliffe had to leave the gallery and that Aerialize, who rented out the Great Hall Monday to Saturday, did not have its lease renewed. Anthony and Chrissie Foster, ASCA Ambassadors, on either side of Dr Pam Stavropoulos, Consultant in Clinical Research, ASCA Photo: Dan Kezelman The committee consulted Aerialize to cut down its total hours to allow for other groups to use the Great Hall, however this did not agree with Aerialize’s structure. Blue Knot Day – new hope for healing Previous president, Don Mamouney said: “I believe Aerialize was unfairly Cathy Kezelman of adults who have experienced all for its corporate supporters. Julie for a Royal Commission for months and evicted … Now the basis of canceling sorts of trauma in childhood, including McCrossin kindly offered her services it gives an opportunity for survivors to their lease was greater community use for On Monday October 29, Blue Knot abuse, neglect, family and community as MC. The night was poignant and come forward and be heard, for systems the great hall. That was the reason, but Day, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, violence and other adverse childhood very human, as well as funny at times to be explored so that children in future they leased it to a bingo operation in the Federal Minister for Mental Health, events. We all know someone who too. We heard from Anthony and will be kept safe and protected in a prime times of the week. Now I felt that launched ASCA’s Practice Guidelines has been affected – a family member, Chrissie Foster, ASCA Ambassadors, range of organisations and services. gambling was the wrong activity to have for Treatment of Complex Trauma and a friend, a work colleague or even whose family has suffered the tragedy It is time to see recommendations in the centre.” LearningLinks, a charity Trauma Informed Care and Service ourselves. of loss from clergy abuse, as well as for justice and accountability both group providing services for children with Delivery. These Guidelines were highly On Blue Knot Day communities Rose Parker, another ambassador who of perpetrators and those who are learning difficulties, ran Charity Housie, a acclaimed, even prior to their release, around Australia come together to as a singer-songwriter embraces her complicit in covering up their crimes. game similar to bingo, under an approved both nationally and internationally. stand alongside one another with love of music as a tool for her recovery It is also an opportunity for apologies, permit as one of its fundraisers to raise They offer hope and optimism for acceptance and understanding. This and her career as an occupational redress, compensation and ongoing money for their programs. pathways to recovery for the 4-5 Blue Knot Day a number of religious therapist as a tool for recovery of informed therapeutic support for The anonymous damages to the Great million Australian adult survivors of communities held services, other others. And the Guidelines were survivors so they can reclaim their lives Hall reported in the SSH in October may unresolved trauma. groups of people got together for showcased as well. and rejoin their communities. S have disrupted the running of Housie but morning tea or lunch, wearing blue It is timely that the National Royal the committee rectified the problems within Blue Knot Day was established by knots or blue knot friendship bands, Commission into child sexual assault Dr Cathy Kezelman is President of ASCA 24 hours. A campaign was also formed Adults Surviving Child Abuse as a day the symbol of Blue Knot Day. has been announced, a fortnight after T 02 8920 3611 M 0425 812 197 against Housie, including petitions to stop on which Australians unite in support ASCA also held a fundraising dinner Blue Knot Day. ASCA has been calling Support Line 1300 657 380 the running of Housie. Continued on page 2
Every year Cana Communities hosts a Christmas Party in Redfern Park. Over the Christmas and New Year period Cana serves more than a thousand meals. To help provide for these meals Cana is selling 1kg Christmas cakes at $23 each. The cakes are individually wrapped and make great gifts. To order please contact Barrie on 9698 1082. Thanks for your support. www.cana.org.au 2 News December 2012
PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Phone/fax 02 9319 1373 The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not Recipes for change necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. Sandra Beeston The “punch” can come from peak oil straight, we do not care if our potatoes to feed livestock. David McWilliam’s NEWS (“We’re at the end of cheap oil”), water sit perfectly round on the supermarket Punk Economics video explained that [email protected] Phone Lyn 0400 008 338 How do we produce more food? How scarcity, or the financial markets where shelves, because our farmers are to produce a kilo of meat, it takes 10kg of do we consume less food? With an ever- hedgefunds speculate on commodities struggling!” fertiliser, 30 litres of oil, creates 4 tonnes ADVERTISING growing world population (estimated to and drive the price of basic food up, Justin Hemmes, Merivale food of greenhouse gas, 15,000-70,000 litres [email protected] Phone/fax 02 9319 1373 reach 10 billion people by 2050), these making it difficult for billions of people and drink empire CEO, added that of water “in a world where by 2050, one are the questions we will be facing, to afford food. educating people was very important third of the population will face water MAILING ADDRESS: as overconsumption, obesity and food McWilliams said that making a change and that everyone should try to grow shortage”. PO Box 3288 Redfern NSW 2016 waste become problematic in Western demands enormous political courage, their own food, in communal gardens, McWilliams ended the debate with an nations while whole populations in and that major countries, food suppliers on rooftops and balconies. He tries to example to illustrate the danger that a LETTERS less-developed countries struggle and food importers will need to come encourage his chefs to use seasonal society risks by giving in to immediate Please send letters and emails to: The South Sydney Herald. with famine. David McWilliams, an together to come up with a plan for the ingredients for his restaurants, and buy gratification: Easter Islanders, who Email: [email protected] economist from Ireland, offered ideas next 20 years. He also highlighted the whenever possible from local producers, wanted to create bigger and bigger Supply sender name and suburb. toward solving these problems at a importance of educating consumers and instead of frozen and imported products. statues, ended up cutting down all the Size: 150 words or less. We may edit for legal or other reasons. “City Talks” event at the City Recital said that thanks to public information Sally Hill from the Youth Food trees on the island in order to roll the Hall in early November. campaigns, mentalities can be changed Movement mentioned that food rocks into position and carve them out, (as demonstrated for seatbelts, smoking insecurity can also be felt in Australia, and destroyed all their natural resources FOUNDING EDITOR McWilliams doesn’t like using the and sun protection). with a rapidly ageing population of in the process and ended up eating Trevor Davies (25/5/1956—14/6/2011) jargon of economists (“self-indulgent”), A debate saw panelists discuss farmers and no one to take over, as themselves: “The society destroyed and to make sure his ideas are the issues according to their own well as the land being threatened by itself by wanton resource vandalism,” understood, introduced what he calls experiences. Among them was Ronnie development. She also believes the McWilliams said. “Punk Economics”, a way of looking at Kahn whose food rescue organisation solution lies in growing food locally. As Sydney International Food Festival economics differently, and explaining OzHarvest recently rescued 10 tonnes On the panel was also artist and director Joanna Saville put it when she economics simply with videos and of oranges from a struggling farmer in restaurateur Joost Bakker who was opened the evening, quoting Slow Food humorous drawings. the Hunter who could not afford picking responsible for sustainable pop-up movement founder Carlo Petrini: “‘We Despite the UN maintaining it has a them up for the price that the market restaurant Greenhouse last year. as consumers are co-producers of food. Managing Editor FEATURES EDITOR plan, McWilliams said there are reasons was willing to pay him. She underlined Bakker thinks that the need to eat meat Our choices as consumers shape the food Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon to worry, and used a quote from boxing the importance of using our voice as is causing most of the world’s problems production of the future’, in other words, champion Mike Tyson: “Everybody has consumers to tell the big supermarkets today, with 70 per cent of the world’s we get the future we deserve, so let’s a plan until you get a punch in the face.” that “we do not care if our carrots are all land being used to grow grain and corn hope it’s a good one for everyone!” S
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DESIGNER Robert Young GetUp! protestors outside Woolworths in Redfern Photo: Courtesy of Getup! Workshops to honour PRINTER Spotpress PTY LTD 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place Trevor Davies and Ali Blogg Marrickville, NSW 2204 Fresh campaign targets www.spotpress.com At its Annual General Meeting participation in the life of community. on November 28, the Newtown Participants will learn how to contact REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS ‘pokies people’ Neighbourhood Centre announced politicians, write letters to editors, “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors new social justice and community organise groups for debate on policy, who make this publication possible.” SSH On the Saturday before the meeting development workshops for early social and environmental issues. The Adra Anthoney Barrie McMahon GetUp members took to the footpath 2013. workshops are slated for February. S Sandra Beeston Justine McNamara GetUp’s campaign for major outside the Redfern supermarket to Jack Butler Reece Meredith Joe Castley Christine Morrow supermarkets Coles and Woolworths to give information flyers, stickers and The workshops, inspired by and See the NNC website for details: Nick Cavaretta Lucy Munro introduce $1 bets and $120 maximum reusable grocery bags to shoppers. dedicated to SSH editors Trevor Davies www.newtowncentre.org Liesa Clague Olivia Nigro Anna Clark Michael Page losses was successful in calling an The resolution was comprehensively and Ali Blogg, will encourage active Lindsay Cohen Miriam Pepper extraordinary meeting of Woolworths’ defeated at the meeting, with 95 per Douglas Dingwall Jesse Peters Alex Fleming William Rivera shareholders to consider a resolution cent of investors voting against it, Devin Gibson Michael Shreenan S Mathew Gilliland to introduce limits on its poker so the campaign continues. Gai Smith Jemima Hall machines. Misa Han Andrea Srisurapon Libby Hogan Kate Texilake More information: www.thepokiespeople.org Jess Hunt Michael Texilake JOSEPH MEDCALF FUNERALS Lyndal Irons Geoff Turnbull Julia Jacklin Charles Turnbull Providing personal care for the local community Perry Johnstone Marg Vazey Kelly Lane Angelique Watkins Rebecca LeMay Peter Whitehead norrie mAy-welby Kate Williamson Julie McCrossin Brendan Wong Negotiating community • Family owned & operated
Continued from page 1 LearningLinks has large groups, such as school vacation • 100% Australian & fully independent DISTRIBUTORS since moved Housie to a club, as the workshops … it’s great to have access • We cover all Sydney suburbs Georgina Abraham Rohan MacDonald amenities are well catered for, security to a space with shelter, which was never John Berry norrie mAy-welby provided, lots of parking and the CEO possible previously under Aerialize.” Eleanor Bousted Marry Ellen McCue • Pre-paid & pre-arrange funeral plans Gabrielle Brine Barrie McMahon Warren Johnson said the location was The committee is looking forward Sam Choy Mark McPherson more convenient. to the new programs continuing next • Joseph Medcalf has been serving Sydney since 1880 Michael Condon Dorothy McRae-McMahon Yvonne Cowell Reece Meredith He said: “The self-proclaimed year, including its recent humanitarian Alice Crawford • We offer personal attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ron Crowley Jane Morro campaigns had very little impact on my work StopLynas, inviting activists from Sue Dahl Margaret Neale decision. My decision was more about, Kuantan, Malaysia, to hold a forum about Peter Dodds Jim Patsouris Melissa Gibson Pepsee strategically, where I saw the program for stopping Australian corporation Lynas JOSEPH MEDCALF FUNERALS Perry Johnstone Heather Robinson us and what was better for our employees building a toxic rare earth refinery near Anne Jordan Lincoln Sharp Serving Sydney since 1880 Desley Haas Colin Sharp and patrons. The so-called campaign was their homes. Gabriel Haslam Ross Smith already running out of steam when we Rosanna Barbara believes that Addison Rod Haslam Adrian Spry Call 02 9698 2644 available 24 hours Tony Hogan Tony Steele were there. I never had one single phone Road is “a resource, it is not something Jennifer Jungheim Lani Tuitavake call complaining, despite the efforts of the that belongs to us, it is not exclusive to Office & Chapel 172 Redfern Street, Redfern Anthony Kable Lyn Turnbull Susan Kable campaign to get people to do so.” our members … it’s important to have a Margaret Vazey Off-street parking available Jennifer Laffan Reverse Garbage workshops, such as diversity of groups, humanitarian work, John Lanzky Brian Vazey Wayne Lindeman Rosie Wagstaff “Reuse”, have been held in the Great supporting our community, the arts, the www.josephmedcalf.com.au Peter Lonergan Naomi Ward Kyran Lynch Peter Whitehead Hall. Director of “Reuse”, Nicola Baraket environment movements, because it’s the Julie McCrossin Alex Warner said: “We can use the hall when we have expression of our community.” S December 2012 News 3
The youth of today Splash of colour for Barangaroo foreshore
Kate Texilake team to encourage and empower young people, the arts program works Young artists, from Weave to create an environment of social Youth Services and The Settlement inclusion where people feel safe, Neighbourhood Centre, have designed supported, connected and inspired. a series of panels that will be used “The young people we work with are to brighten construction group unique individuals with strength, skills, Baulderstone’s site operations at abilities and passion. Given creative Barangaroo’s Headland Park. license to illustrate and express their stories through a variety of art media, As part of the Weave arts program, a their lived experiences, fears, hopes group of 15 artists aged between 8 and and dreams are acknowledged and 28 years, created free-hand designs on celebrated,” explained Shane Brown, plywood panels. The panels were then Weave Director. fixed onto privacy screens that will be Established in 1975 by a group of erected at the company’s site office off local parents, Weave provides a range Hickson Road. of services to socially excluded young The artworks are a welcome people, women, children and families enhancement at the construction site, in the Sydney metropolitan area, many where up to 350 employees will be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander working over the next three years. descent. “A splash of colour around the job is Named after Kamaraygal woman just what a construction site needs,” Barangaroo, who played an important Youth of today, a regular article said Barry Murphy, Headland Park role in the early days of colonial Sydney, on local youth and related issues, Project Director for construction group the foreshore site that will soon host is kindly sponsored by Appetite Cafe Baulderstone. “This is a wonderful and the young people’s artworks has Appetite Cafe fun initiative that Baulderstone is very historical and cultural significance as APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 Regent St, Redfern ood proud to be part of.” a hunting and fishing ground of the + eople Tel 9699 4069 Young artists put paint to panel with project convenor, Grace (far right) Photo: Kate Texilake Partnering with the Weave’s Speakout Gadigal people. S
The University of Sydney’s Abercrombie Precinct redevelopment has now been approved by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission (PAC), subject to a number of conditions. Thank you Sunflower to the many members of the community who contributed so constructively to this process. The University is currently Health reviewing the approval documents and we will soon provide an update on the project. The approval by the PAC marks an important phase in the Services evolution of the project and we can now move forward with certainty. The University recently commenced preliminary works including the relocation of utility services. The next steps are Specialised psychological treatment to remove demountable buildings on Codrington Street, expected in early December, with and integrated services. the main demolition works scheduled from the end of 2012. The University has also invited tender submissions for a design and construction, and Innovative Mental Health Specialists. we anticipate awarding the project to a successful contractor in the first quarter of 2013. Construction is planned throughout 2013 and 2014, and is expected to finish in time for the start of the 2015 academic year. We are new & we can help!
The University will provide regular updates as this exciting project progresses. In the For people with a psychosis or other meantime, please call the University’s community information line on 1800 252 040 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, if you have any questions. mental illness, carers and families. For more information, please visit sydney.edu.au/abercrombie_precinct or email: [email protected]. Bulk billing available • GPs can refer you
Michael Spence Vice-Chancellor Sydney City and Inner West 9715 5133 Northern Sydney and Beaches 9977 6191 Community contact details www.sunflowerhealthservices.org.au Security and after hours: 1800 063 487 (free call) 24hrs a day, 7 days a week An initiative of SFNSW: www.sfnsw.org.au Enquiries: 9114 0523 Email: [email protected] 4 News December 2012
SSH
More than 10,000 people a New-look Newtown Station day catch trains from Newtown Station. People with a disability, parents with prams and older people all struggled with the steep stairs at the old station.
After years of community campaigning, the long-awaited Newtown Railway Station upgrade is completed and, on November 5, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre organised a community celebration to mark the occasion. A small but enthusiastic group of locals gathered at the station with balloons held aloft. Ann-Mason Furmage, president of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, said: “I’m so delighted that the station is finally accessible. It’s just so important to me that I can travel around just like everybody. I’m just an ordinary person and I’d like to be able to travel like any other ordinary person.” Instead of a $30 cab fare to the city or a $60 fare to Parramatta, the Enmore resident will now be able to use a normal $2.50 concession ticket to travel by train to either destination. Also in attendance was local State Member Carmel Tebbutt. “I pay tribute to Lisa Burns and the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for the role they played in lobbying to have this very busy station upgraded,” Ms Tebbutt said. S
Time runs out for outreach? New health officer links Nick Cavarretta need more social support, not less,” said Chairman of the local Community Drug services to community The Factory’s Michael Shreenan. Action Team, said. WATERLOO: The Factory Community If new recurrent funding is not secured The project has successfully connected Justine McNamara Syringe Program in the Redfern and Centre currently runs a program that the positive relationships established substance abusers to mainstream Waterloo area. Dr Anderson said: is funded by the federal government will fall apart, and there will no longer services, hosted a number of social and Sydney Local Health District “The Needle and Syringe Program under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. be support staff available for those with education-based activities, linked addicts (SLHD) will appoint a senior provides a valuable community service Beyond Walls Outreach helps to reduce complex needs who are often from chaotic to rehabilitation service, connected people officer to act as a community and has a proven track record in the anti-social behaviour on the streets, backgrounds. In addition, the positive to education and employment services liaison representative. The role has effective management of public health through educational and diversionary social activities will cease. The pilot and intervened with clients who were been created following requests risks associated with the transmission outreach activities in the local area, project has proven to be a success and suicidal. There was also a situation where from REDWatch and The Factory of blood-borne viruses, amongst engaging with substance misusers. Pilot was originally designed for people who 30 per cent from a group attending a Community Centre to make the injecting drug users and the community funding is coming to an end (in January don’t normally engage with services. Over health screening activity were referred to existing health services more at large.” 2013), and the vicious cycle threatens 18 months contact has been made with specialist care due to liver problems, and accessible to the community. In March this year, the SSH to start up again. over 1000 individuals. they didn’t even know they were sick. published a story about the proposed “Beyond Walls Outreach is a unique The Factory Community Centre’s Chief Executive of SLHD, Dr Teresa installation of an Automatic Dispensing “It has taken years to establish a project and over time it has not only pilot project has proven itself to be Anderson, said: “During consultation Machine (ADM) for syringes at the relationship with this target group and boosted social activities, it has aided the effective. “It’s disappointing that the state forums, a recurring theme has been Redfern Community Health Centre obtain the resources to deliver the service. reduction of alcohol-related assault in the government partners have been unable to that there are a number of health care on Redfern Street. Since then, there It will be tragic if all this work was to area and provided successful suicide and identify a way of renewing the project,” services already in existence within this has been more discussion within the come to an abrupt end in a time when we rehabilitation interventions,” Brian Parker, Mr Shreenan said. S area. However there are opportunities community about this machine. Dr to improve communication and Anderson said: “Consultation with coordination pathways to health the community regarding installation services. This position is well placed of the Syringe Dispensing Machine has to build up these areas.” been underway. At a recent community Executive Officer of The Factory forum, views for and against were Regions, not local councils, Community Centre and Convenor of provided by participants.” REDWatch, Michael Shreenan, said: Mr Shreenan said: “The concept “The difficulty has been the complexity is unsurprisingly controversial. to rule on planning of the health system, when it comes to My personal view is, given that Redfern engage with the health professionals and Waterloo have above-state-average at a community level ... The same rates of blood-borne infections and Ben Aveling comment before being judged against the Green Paper intends that planners have was true with engaging City of Sydney viruses, any avenue that seeks to reduce local council’s rules. Under the proposed a “culture of approval”. Major projects Council because of the size of the this trend should be welcomed. If the Last year, the O’Farrell government system, there will be rules for regions, may receive explicit approvals at the organisation and they responded by dispensing of clean needles saves even announced it will change NSW’s each of which will be about the size of concept stage. Rules and guidelines are creating a public housing liaison officer one life, then it’s worth it. I understand planning laws and has floated a Green 10 councils, and anything that complies not maximum restrictions but minimum position a few years back. Due to the people’s fears in relation to the proposal Paper (an ideas paper) setting out the with those one-size-fits-all rules cannot entitlements which may be exceeded success of that position we believed a but there is a machine elsewhere in the direction of the new legislation and be objected to and will be approved if developments are compatible with similar role for SLHD would go a long state which causes no negative effect asking for comments. Prior to the without being circulated for community the “strategic directions” set by the way in addressing local concerns and and has proven to be effective as a Green Paper, there was a bipartisan comment. In the words of Ron Hoenig, state government. Even non-compliant barriers to health service involvement harm reduction strategy.” S enquiry into planning that made state member for Heffron: “The first you applications may receive approval in the local community.” 374 recommendations, including the will know is when construction starts.” to proceed (an “amber light”), with The senior officer, when appointed, The SSH will continue to need for a focus on Environmentally The only influence residents will have an assumption that problems can be will also focus on the Needle and monitor developments. Sustainable Development. is “up front”, when the rules for their addressed as the project proceeds. region are being set. One potential positive is that the The Green Paper ignores those Not everyone is opposed to the City Green Paper calls for investment infrastructure away from developers to White Paper which attempts to address recommendations. Defining economic of Sydney having a reduced role. “Brad in infrastructure to keep pace with the general population – people living in the comments received. The White Paper growth to be the prime objective of the Hazzard can’t be worse than Clover,” developments, a change which would be old houses will subsidise people buying is supposed to be released this year. planing system, it replaces sustainable said one member of a resident group. welcomed by resident groups. However, new houses. Further, the definition of There will be an opportunity to comment development with “early certainty”. But, said another, “Brad Hazzard isn’t this is supposed to happen under the infrastructure is limited; it includes roads on the White Paper, but it is unlikely that Under the current system, plans are going to get involved. Everything is current system, so it may be that the but not rail. the final legislation will be very different submitted and then circulated for going to be passed to planners.” And the only effect will be to move the cost of The government is now working on a from the White Paper. S
6 News December 2012 Former Darlington resident wins Co-op award Leisa Clague Tanya Plibersek It was a pleasure to be asked to Federal Member for Sydney interview my mum, Joyce Clague, for her contribution and leadership in cooperatives. Cooperative leaders invite creative ideas in local communities and groups about achieving all sorts of goals by working together. Obviously, this approach builds new relationships Skills for All Australians as well as making many unexpected Annie Green Court things possible. I would like to Major reform of the VET (vocational acknowledge that I will be writing about some people who are deceased. As education2012 draws andto a close,training) you maysystem have is seen well overdue.Tanya Plibersek On October 25 at the National the new buildingFederal under Member construction for Sydneyon the Conference for the International Year of Maggie Beer presents award to Joyce Clague Photo: Colin Clague Cooperatives (IYC) gala dinner in Port cornerThe ofjobs Elizabeth of the and future Redfern will beStreets high nearing skilled. Macquarie NSW, Joyce Clague, MBE, In interviewing mum, I asked who Association, Margaret Holmes, Alice and Australians need to have access to training now completion. Patron of Woolitji Cooperative, received planted the seed with regards to the Tom Watson, Stella Cornelius, Eddie Ho, to get the qualifications they need to fill the jobs the 2012 Leadership Ambassador Award cooperative idea and she came back Kim and Judy Lim, Jean and Alf Jones, presented by Maggie Beer AM. This was with two names: Charles French and Anne White, J & M Love, J & C O’Grady, of tomorrow. given for her hands-on contribution the Rev. Alf Clint. She said that both F Burrows, B & B Mathewson, J Simon, ThisSkills December for the firstAll residents Australians will move into and leadership in the community, as had contributed significantly to how J Ranft, life would not have been the We will need more skilled health and well as her playing a significant and she viewed and nurtured the idea of same. Then there was the tremendous Annie Green Court – a purpose built aged care inspirational role in motivating and cooperatives. Charles French was very work done by Vivienne Abrahams, Majorcommunity reform workers, of theengineers, VET IT(vocational specialists advancing Aboriginal people’s lives. much an advocate for cooperatives lawyer and solicitor, who did so much facilityeducationand constructionrun by Missionand workers.training) Australia systemfor Australians is well One such person is Executive Director after winning a UNESCO scholarship to for this cooperative, as well as other whooverdue. are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Professor Bob Morgan of Tranby College. Canada where he studied methods of Indigenous organisations. Without Skills Australia estimates that in the five years In his testimonial for Joyce he cooperatives, with particular attention to her, their work would have been much wrote: “As a young man from the those established on Indian reservations diminished. Theto 2015, jobs Australiaof the futurewill need will anbe additional high skilled. 2.1 bush (Walgett) I travelled to Sydney in Canada. Uncle Charles, as we called Her meeting with her husband, Colin, AnnieAustraliansmillion Green people wasneed a into pioneering havethe workforceaccess welfare to training with worker VETnow and Joyce was employed at the him, was nominated for the UNESCO was a big factor in her life, as was her Foundation of Aboriginal Affairs (FAA) scholarship by the principal of Tranby family back home on the North Coast andtoqualifications. evangelist get the qualifications whose work they in Southneed to Australiafill the jobs at the time. She listened to my woes College, Rev. Alf Clint, so the connection of NSW who helped people become of tomorrow. and arranged for me to attend Tranby was established. members of the cooperatives which is rememberedIn response forto theseimproving challenges, disadvantaged the Gillard Aboriginal College as a boarder. Tranby She also talked about all the many she had initiated. One such person was Government has committed $1.75 billion over College was an Aboriginal cooperative people who helped her not only her sister Beatrice Heron, who is still women’sWe will lives. need more skilled health and operating in Australia at the time. understand cooperative methods, but a director. fivecommunity years workers, for a engineers, new skills IT reform specialists National During my time spent at Tranby as a how to go about setting up cooperatives. Mum has devoted her life to many Partnershipand construction Agreement workers. with the states. student I ended up sharing a room with She wished to thank all those many constructive changes to people’s lives It is fitting then that Annie Green Court, along Joyce’s brother Lester and my journey, people who helped her. Grace Bardsley, in the cooperative movement, as well involving education and training, had who became a very dear friend and as for other Indigenous organisations. withWeSkills Mission are Australia working Australia’s toestimates deliver other access that nearby in to thea government facilityfive years commenced.” helped her when she first came to This applied especially in the context of tosubsidised 2015, Australia training place,will need at least an toadditional a Certificate 2.1 Bob highlighted the fact that Joyce Sydney, was one. However, without the Aboriginal heritage, employment, and Charles Chambers Court, is the only aged care and Tranby now hold a special place likes of Mr Les and Alice Clague, Mr education. IIImillion level, peopleto all Australians in the workforce in order towith improve VET in his heart because of the impact Bob Jennings, Mrs Audrey Horn, Dale She did not expect to get an award facilitytheirqualifications. in skills the heartand helpof Sydney them withget aplaces job with for a that both have had on his growth and Randall, Colin Jennings, Helen Hambley, and was very surprised to receive it, elderlybrighter homeless future. women. development as an Aboriginal educator. Mary Gilchrist, E & H Witton, the Paulian while being very happy and excited. S In response to these challenges, the Gillard TheGovernment entitlement has committedwill mean $1.75there billionare more over I amfiveproviders proud years that out thefor there Federal a offering new Labor skills trainingGovernment reform with National Work starts on Darlington traffic Stopping heritage rot fundedPartnershipgovernment this $16 Agreement subsidies.million new withOn aged thethe states.careground, facility this as North Eveleigh and transport Geoff Turnbull means there will be more training options in partWe of are our working broader to delivercommitment access to to a governmenthalving the Geoff Turnbull Geoff Turnbull Six years after the Redfern-Waterloo more places. Authority gazetted key heritage ratesubsidised of homelessness training place, by 2020. at least to a Certificate Roadwork on the western entrance The application for new buildings buildings at Eveleigh, essential WeIII level,want to to all giveAustralians VET instudents order tothe improve same at North Eveleigh will not include the conservation maintenance is being to North Eveleigh and Carriageworks opportunity that university students have had will commence immediately and be whole of site Transport Management planned for the Chief Mechanical Eachtheir year skills I look and forward help them to the get Christmas a job with season a completed by June 2013 to allow and Accessibility Plan (TMAP) Engineers (CME) Building and the forbrighter years future. – the chance to defer their upfront Scientific Services Building. The third work to commence on the affordable required by the Concept Plan Consent. – filledpayments with through family rituals student and loans. time spent with Instead, the SMDA proposal will only heritage building in this precinct, the housing development by mid-2013. The entitlement will mean there are more address the impact of its current small deteriorating Telecommunications loved ones. development on the area’s transport Equipment Centre, is not mentioned. Theseproviders critical out VET there reforms offering will trainingbe put towith the The Sydney Metropolitan and traffic. states and territories at the April meeting of the Development Authority will announce The SMDA has engaged the government subsidies. On the ground, this Government Architect’s Office and AlongCouncil with of these Australian blessings, Governments Christmas (COAG). also the Affordable Housing provider before The TMAP condition followed an means there will be more training options in Christmas with work already underway Heritage Services Branch. Work has independent review of the Concept commenced surveying hazardous bringsmore an places. opportunity to reflect on the themes on the DA to be submitted in early 2013. They will help break down the barriers to Plan’s assessment of the traffic and materials, removing intrusive building Under the Concept Plan approval the transport impacts and required elements and undertaking a preliminary of Wecharity,training want gratitude soto allgive Australians and VET the studentscentral can importance accessthe same the DA needs to address transport issues cumulative transport and traffic issues archaeological analysis of the CME opportunityqualifications that they university need students to create have a had brighter including traffic impacts such as those be addressed properly before any garden. A further stage will involve the of community. on Wilson and Queen streets. The DA building was allowed. The SMDA’s specification, tendering and construction forfuture years for –themselves the chance – ato better defer job, their a better upfront pay also needs to make provisions for the decision to sidestep this will lead to of essential building maintenance paymentspacket, and through better jobstudent security. loans. according to the SMDA website. public parks on the site. DA objections. At its best government can be a collective Restoring the CME building will cost Consultants AECOM have been Council is doing its own study on the more than a new building. The RWA expressionThese critical of these VET same reforms virtues, will asbe I putlike to the cumulative effects of developments in engaged to take community input planned for the buyer of the eastern states and territories at the April meeting of the until December 17 and develop plans the area but this will not look at impacts portion of North Eveleigh to restore thinkAuthorised when passing by Tanya the new Plibersek Annie MPGreen Court for the parks to go to Council in early on the local Darlington streets. this building and discounted the site Council Labor of Australian Member Governments for Sydney (COAG). In addition to the Department of building in Redfern. 2013. These parks will be on paper only purchase accordingly. Given the delay 150 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008 as they are funded only through later Planning's prohibiting an Abercrombie and deterioration, the government They will help break down the barriers to Street entrance to Sydney University’s should finance the heritage building 9379 0700 | [email protected] development. Business School, the Uni must prepare restorations, not just preventative training so all Australians can access the The SMDA is replaced by I wish you and your loved ones all the best this a Darlington Precinct Pedestrian and maintenance. The buildings would qualifications they need to create a brighter Urbangrowth NSW in January. Bicycle Access Strategy by June 30, 2013, then deliver their planned uses earlier, Christmas and look forward to talking with you The long-term future of the three future for themselves – a better job, a better pay to cover the Darlington Campus and enabling cost recovery against the higher site sale price. development blocks the road makes connections to the broader University soonpacket, in the and New better Year. job security. In the absence of a Redfern Waterloo accessible and the wider site will be Campus and public transport nodes in the hands of Urbangrowth’s John Heritage Taskforce, Council is exploring like Redfern Station. $2M needs to be its potential role in Eveleigh Heritage. Brogden and Sean O’Toole. spent on works prior to the occupation This will be important when the SMDA Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP Details of the proposals can be found of the Business School. This will mesh is replaced by Urbangrowth NSW in on www.smda.nsw.gov.au. A residents’ with Council’s Abercrombie Street 2013 and if North Eveleigh is declared Labor Member for Sydney Working Group has been formed. To join upgrade and work Council is starting an Enterprise Zone. 150 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008 the email list, visit http://lists.redwatch. on pedestrian movements around Geoff Turnbull is spokesperson for 9379 0700 | [email protected] org.au/mailman/listinfo/NorthEveleigh S the station. S REDWatch. S CLIENT PROOF Leonard Holt Robb ph: (02) 9698 5266 fax: (02) 9699 2433 Please proof your advertisement thoroughly and advise us Publication: South Sydney Herald Key Number: 17106 of your approval as soon as possible via eziSuite, email or fax. Insertion Date: Tue 4/12/12 Account Exec: Nicole The final responsibility for the accuracy of your advertisement content and placement details rests with you, our valued client. Section/Sort: EGN – best possible Operator: LHR will not be held responsible for any errors or for liability Ad Size under the Trade Practices Act. (DepthxWidth): 16M Proofread by: Signed: Date/Time: Size (DxW): 36 cm x 9.6 cm December 2012 News 7 Gentrification of Redfern – a resident’s perspective COMMENT away. The home that he destroyed with approach to life, and I’d like to think dirt, rubbish, debt and despair. They that over the years I’ve learnt from my Name withheld also don’t see the sadness behind the life experiences and can contribute to smile that wishes I didn’t have “good” the future of Redfern and its people in For months now I’ve followed days and “bad” days, the bad days so a positive, compassionate and open- with interest the debate surrounding dark you wouldn’t wish them on your minded way. the “gentrification” of Redfern and worst enemies. I love Aboriginal people and have whether the addition of new small I come from a broken home and spent the last decade of my life entrepreneurial businesses, such as spent my teen years stopping my Dad working alongside some of the most wine bars and cafes, will kill the from gassing himself due to depression inspirational, proud and hard-working spirit of the suburb. Having only and holding my Mother’s head over the Aboriginal people, to protect Aboriginal moved here in the last couple of toilet at 1am on school nights while she cultural heritage and values. To be able years (I wasn’t born in Sydney) and vomited because she drank too much. to live in an area where Aboriginal paid a lot of money for an almost I spent another 20 or so years trying cultural heritage is so prevalent and unliveable terrace and “yuppified” it not to cop drunken abuse over what alive is a privilege, and I would never with a new paint job and some major a loser I was and how I’d amount to want to push anyone out, through my “fixing” to create a family home, I am nothing, until I said, “Enough, I’m purchasing of a house, my eating at the possibly the exact definition of what worth more than that”. I have watched new cafes and drinking at the small is perceived as the “wrong” type of my sister struggle with serious mental wine bars popping up. In fact, I live person for Redfern and its surrounds. health issues as a result of the various and work in Redfern because I want experiences we have both had and as to be a part of the future of Redfern I walk to work (in Redfern) every day the result of an awful assault, and I’ve in the most, positive, harmonious way in my shiny clothes with my blonde hair spent years visiting my Grandmother possible. Supporting and blue eyes, looking like I don’t have at the “mental” hospital getting yet I’m proud of where I am now, living a care in the world and with plenty of another round of shock treatment. in a beautiful home that my husband money to burn. What you don’t see are In all of this, I’ve remained true to and I have pieced together all on our Small Business the tears in my eyes as I stop to buy myself, even when I’ve struggled with own, but it worries me that, if based my Big Issue from the lovely vendor at confidence, and I’ve stayed determined on the superficial impression of others, The City of Sydney is helping small businesses in Redfern Station, wishing, just wishing, to be one of life’s contributors, not I shouldn’t live here, drink here, be our area participate in events, support programs that my Dad would get his act together victims. Our family has had its fair share creative here and help contribute to a and initiatives that will help them grow. enough to do that instead of sitting of victims so I decided to try something vibrant future for Redfern. If I shouldn’t around in an alcoholic haze waiting different. I’ve worked hard both in my live here, then tell me, where should Make sure your business is involved. for Council to come and take his home professional life and on my personal I live? S
It’s beginning to look a lot like… Christmas in the city! " ) 7 #&3 ( 3",#-.'-1 -#. sydneychristmas.com.au#-." )( -.)*-")* ), 1".6-)(#(3 ( 3 /,#(!." -.#0 - -)( 6, - %#(!",#-.'- )(. (. ,)', .#& ,-"). &-( )) ( 0 ,! /-#( -- -.) (-/, ." -#. #- * % /&&) ."#(!-.)- ( ) /,#(!." - -)( "#-#-( 2 && (.)**),./(#.3.)* %! /*3)/, /(#+/ ",#-.'- .#0#.# -( 2* ,# ( - )-/ '#.3)/, 0 (.),#( ),'.#)(0#-#.." ".6-(- .#)(( /*&) ." .#&- Sydneychristmas.com.au
Youth Week in the city, 5-14 April 2013 )/." %#-." &,! -. & ,.#)() 3)/(! * )*& ! #( /-.,&# 3)/6, /-#( -- White Ribbon Ambassador Rob Hunt (green shirt) leads the pledge, “I swear never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women”, Poets Corner in Redfern, November 23 Photo: Lyn Turnbull #(." #.3$)#(." #.3 3! ..#(!#(0)&0 4"3 ().")& ( .#0#.3 0 (. ),3)/(!* )*& ),) , (#( (.#0 ),*,)').#)( /,#(!)/." % 3)/, #(. , -. #( #(!*,.) ."#- 3('# *,)!,'*& - )(. .Jenna Bloom, Youth Services Coordinator, City of Sydney on (02) 9244 3693 [email protected]
Being green in business is smart business Nearly 300 leading local businesses have ( 7. #( &/ #(!/,,3#&&-").-*)." #( ,3 ,)' #(!#(0)&0 #(." ',., (/-#( -- *,)!,'(0 ,! " /-#( --"--0 #( ( ,!31. ,( 1-. #&&-“Get on board. From the moment you chat with the City, you’ll see how easy it is. It’s low impact for a good result.” (.")(3,#), 3-.)( ,)/*#, .),)/, /-#( -- )/& -0 ')( 3.))5 &&)/,*,)!,' . ')((02) 9246 7842
Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/business or call (02) 9265 9333 Commonwealth Bank Community Grant recipients Norma and John Tracey of Gunawirra Preschool (left), with CBA representative (centre), and Dahlia Bringham and Prof. Heather Jeffery of RPA Newborn Care at the NCIE in Redfern, November 15 Photo: Andrew Collis 8 NEWS December 2012
tripod cafe 262 Abercrombie St, Darlington Ph: 9698 8677 Open 7 days Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Pepsee CUT & COLOUR HAIRSALON Swedish massage and Shiatsu available
276 Abercrombie Street Darlington 2008 Teresa Bosso, Redkite marketing and PR assistant Photo: Andrew Collis Mobile: 0403 110 832 Social media – raising funds, setting standards
Kelly Lane a national cancer charity supporting provide about half their income, but children and young people with cancer, their potential to grow is limited because Sydney and Melbourne In response to the rapidly changing as well as their families. Redkite’s they have already grown.” Mr Glass said world of social media, the Fundraising national and NSW offices are located that, rather than raising funds, social 1300 769 389 Institute of Australia (FIA) has in Redfern. This year, Redkite has been media for Australian charities was still www.goget.com.au recently introduced a set of best using social media to promote its 12 primarily about raising awareness and practice guidelines for social media Gifts of Christmas campaign, where creating a following. 24/7 access to cars parked nearby fundraising. The Standard of Social donors can go online, and instead of Pareto fundraising co-founder Sean Media Fundraising Practice has been buying presents, give to Redkite on Triner offered a similar opinion. “In designed to ensure funds raised on behalf of loved ones. Australia there is not enough data social media sites, like Facebook and Redkite national brand and marketing available to prove categorically that Twitter, are done so ethically, and that officer, Isobel Lindley, said that the social media accounts for less than 5 fundraisers abide by three principles: organisation was pleased the FIA had per cent of donations but it is almost transparency, accountability introduced the guidelines for social certainly true,” he said. “However, and respect. media fundraising, as it allowed Redkite social media is not a fundraising device to ensure its evolving social media policy on its own – it should be seen as one Assure “Social media is fast becoming one was of a high standard. “We want our of many communication tools available of the easiest and most effective ways donors to feel 100 per cent secure when to charities.” to encourage people to donate to a donating to Redkite. These standards “For Redkite, social media is about Psychology charity, particularly for peer-to-peer give us confidence that we’re operating much more than fundraising alone,” fundraising,” said FIA chief executive to the highest ethical standards.” Miss Lindley said. “It’s a way to share Urban Nature wellbeing centre officer, Rob Edwards. “As the fundraising Derek Glass, FIA member and and talk with people about many topics, peak body, we were concerned there Principal of Redfern-based fundraising including services for families, what 216 enmore rd (cnr edgeware Rd) were no guidelines in place for our agency Ask2, said that, although the other charities are doing, what our members or for the public on this guidelines would benefit charities supporters are doing, events that are enmore nsw 2042 fast-growing fundraising practice. The embarking on a social media fundraising coming up and also fundraising.” public can now be confident their online campaign, the method was still in its Mr Edwards said people considering donation will be ethically raised and infancy. “It [social media] would be, for donating on social media can look for the Caring, confidential psychological services managed by charities belonging to FIA.” most charities, less than 5 per cent of FIA logo to be confident their donation to help you deal with life’s difficulties FIA counts 1500 individuals and 200 their income,” Mr Glass said. “However, will be ethically raised and managed. S organisations as members, including The it would be the fastest growing form Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross of fundraising that they have at the Charities can learn more about Bulk billing available on referral from GP and The Heart Foundation. moment. So, other things like face-to- the guidelines by visiting the FIA Among these organisations is Redkite, face fundraising or direct mail, may website at www.fia.org.au Contact Elizabeth Munro on 0408 612 808 or at [email protected] Water on tap at Newtown Festival
Kate Texilake as 7,500 paper cups for those who forgot the initiative and Executive Director of to bring their own bottle. the Total Environment Centre. “More NEWTOWN: With its long history of In addition to sparing festival-goers and more communities and events are bold statements and commitment the considerable expense of buying recognising the significant waste created to sustainability, Newtown Festival bottled water, the stations saved 5,200 by bottled water and working to prevent decided to make its 2012 event “bottled litres of water that would have gone it.” Andrew Foran, CEO of the Centre for water free”. Rather than promoting into producing plastic water bottles and Sustainability Leadership also lauded the bottled water sales – a relatively newly avoided around 34kg of plastic waste that festival’s bottled water free policy as a Rebecca McMahon normalised phenomenon in Australia would have ended up in landfill. But tap great example of leadership in action. – organisers decided to challenge water’s sustainability credentials do not The festival’s statement is about the estimated 90,000 festival goers to end with these savings. choosing sustainable practices and Solicitor boycott bottled water, bring their own Tap water requires no packaging and exercising influence over the world we refill bottles and drink tap water. shipping. Bottled water, on the other live in through the choices we make. But Experienced criminal law solicitor. hand, makes a considerable negative it is also about recognising the privilege In doing so, Newtown Festival impact on the environment. In Australia Australians enjoy of high quality drinking Based in Redfern. has joined the growing number of in 2009-2010, around 52.5 million water on tap – a privilege billions of organisations and city authorities, litres of oil were used to create 15,254 people around the world go without. including Manly Council, Los Angeles and tonnes of PET water bottles and each “We’ve been thrilled by the Phone: 0431 931 674 San Francisco, who have banned bottled tonne of PET manufactured creates overwhelming positivity and encouraging water sales and service at events. Sydney around 3 tonnes of CO2. Notably, this messages of support from our local Email: [email protected] Water provided two water stations at the is before the energy consumption and community and regular festival-goes,” festival, which were hooked up directly to greenhouse gas emissions of transporting said Newtown Festival’s Cathy Wills. tap water onsite to dispense water free of and refrigerating bottled water are taken “So we know that they’re committed to charge. This sustainable drinking option into account. being bottled water free too.” S for thirsty festival-goers proved extremely “Bottled water is a silly marketing popular: by 2pm, Sydney Water staff had invention and an environmental Statistics sourced from: Sydney Water already filled 12,000 refill bottles, as well disaster,” said Jeff Angel, supporter of and www.gotap.com.au December 2012 COMMENT & OPINION 9
readers’ letters Planning improved Divine life relations in Darlington is born “There is to be no vehicle access to the site from Abercrombie Street.” This is a great outcome for Darlington among us residents who have consistently objected to locating the access faith road to the Abercrombie Precinct Development (APD) on Abercrombie Dorothy McRae-McMahon St. This will ensure the safety of pedestrians, especially schoolchildren. Christmas can be a special time The Planning Assessment for many people, whether they are Commission (PAC) has approved the religious, or not. Families come University of Sydney’s Development together and share food and gifts Application for the APD but with this and there is a widespread sense of condition amongst others. celebration. All communities need Another condition imposed times like that – times when we pause requires the University to produce a from our usual patterns of life and give plan in regard to all pedestrian and a new focus to the possibility of love bicycle movements in Darlington, and generosity. Of course, we can’t in consultation with Council and romanticise this. the local community. The impact of student movements from Rather than simply thinking of the Redfern Station to the University beautiful ancient Christmas story, we cartoon: norrie mAy-welby along residential streets has been a might consider that it can be seen as contentious issue for residents for a an invitation to look for, and give birth long time. to, new Divine life among us now. We The local community can now look could even go beyond sharing what we Working together for good forward to working with Council and have with others who are needy – those the University in formulating a plan for whom “there is no room at the inn”, editorial Sydney electorate. Tanya Plibersek will Warrior Association and helping to to produce a mutually beneficial good though that may be. host this year’s awards at the Community introduce the Clean Slate Without outcome. In this way we are confident Sadly, for some people, Christmas is a SSH Room, Redfern Oval, on December 5. Prejudice program run in collaboration that the University’s relations with its painful reminder of loss and loneliness. There will be winners, but no losers. with police, Shane operates a mentoring Darlington neighbours can improve This year we think, especially, of those Last month the Commonwealth The SSH is again proud to support the program to help Aboriginal and Torres substantially. children and others who have been Bank awarded grants to 10 local Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Donations of Strait Islander young people. The Finally, another good outcome violated and betrayed by people with the charities as part of its 2012 Community money, non-perishables, toiletries and concept is uncomplicated: it’s about is that the PAC has put in place a name of God on their lips – possibly the Grants Program. Charities included toys will help Vinnies volunteers provide forming good habits, guiding by example, condition prohibiting demolition of ultimate betrayal. They have destroyed Gunawirra Limited, the National much-needed help this Christmas- including everyone and acknowledging the neighbouring Shepherd Centre the promise of Divine life being born, Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy time, from practical assistance to food achievements. while the Child Care Centre remains and cherished among us, for those whom and The Factory Community Centre, all hampers, emotional support and gifts for We acknowledge the value and virtues in use. The residents of Darlington they abuse. of which rely on volunteers. children. Let us know if you or someone of so many who serve so generously. will be sad to see both Boundary Lane This Christmas, could we look at our you know is in need of support, or visit We simply wouldn’t have a community and The Shepherd Centre replaced community and our country and reflect on Congratulations to nominees for the www.vinnies.org.au/Christmas2012. newspaper without the contributions by high-rise student accommodation 2012 Volunteer Awards which recognise Congratulations to Shane Phillips, of our writers and distributors. Thank where Godly love could be born? Could when they leave our neighbourhood. the fantastic achievements of volunteers recently named NSW Local Hero. As you! Every blessing for a safe and we share in inviting that around us, even if We wish them well with the move to and community organisations in the well as being the CEO of the Tribal happy holiday. S their new homes. it requires discipline and sometimes cost? The imposition of all these Could we challenge the lack of love for conditions by the PAC shows people who suffer from racism, prejudice what can be achieved by a small or exclusion? Could we look our politicians Teaching and learning in community when it stands together in the face and ask them whether their for its concerns. attitudes and actions express and invite Colin Sharp in us love and justice, or not? How do our challenging contexts RAIDD (Residents Acting In Darlington’s refugee policies give any birthing to love Defence) and justice? Could we even look at the COMMENT test of this would be that parents would was registered with the ATO this year. relationships between the great religions feel confident sending their child to any A summary of recent events down the of the world and the way we express our Deb Hayes public school, and public schools would “big end of town” illustrates the level and lives? Is the loving God we claim to serve not be considered in any way inferior to type of involvement of PAFs in education: with knowledge, experts and markets. really revealed in the way we relate to The latest act of generosity by former private or independent schools. the Macquarie Group Foundation hosted It is also the kind of problem that each other? Big Brother entertainment executive, Achieving this kind of education the launch of a report on young people’s schools must equip young people The Christmas story need not be Neil Balnaves, is a new learning system requires more than the experiences of economic adversity funded to solve. something of the past. Divine life can centre for Indigenous students at the redistribution of funding proposed by by the Smith Family; the AMP Foundation The Grattan Institute has drawn upon be born and reborn in surprising places. University of NSW (SMH, September David Gonski, it requires a rethinking hosted the second Social Ventures large publicly available national and If we initiate this and look for it in each 22-23). Increasingly, philanthropists of the role of education in our society. Australia (SVA) Education Dialogue, international data sets to summarise the like Balnaves are turning their attention Cuts to spending on education in NSW which brought together an uncommon features of high-performing education other, Christmas could take on a far deeper towards the challenge that politicians will widen the gap between the two tiers alliance of leaders from business, schools, systems around the world. However, meaning and truth. The vulnerability of the have failed to address – improving the of schooling because they will hit the universities, government, and the not- these “desk-top” reports just add Christchild could be seen in unexpected educational opportunities of Australia’s weakest tier the hardest. For example, for-profit sector; the Origin Foundation to the long list of things we already ways, as we dare to lay this life among most disadvantaged young people. equity programs and consultants that hosted a meeting of researchers it is know work. ordinary human people and bring them have supported schools that teach the funding to undertake an evaluation of Instead, we need to understand new hope. Australia has a two-tier system of most challenging students have been schools offering a highly personalised how to support school leaders and No one would have expected that the public education. One tier is made up of axed. approach to learning being established teachers to implement what we know Christ would be born among the very residualised schools attended by young The only real hope for improving by the Big Picture Education Australia. works. This is a problem that requires humble people who brought this life into people with the deepest needs. Like some the existing conditions of learning The problem being faced by PAFs is ongoing systematic analysis of the the world. Why would a God arise there? rural and remote schools, they also have and teaching in challenging contexts how to use limited resources effectively effects of practice. It can only be solved Maybe we still tend to think like that. the least experienced teachers. The other is through innovation, but there is no and in ways that are likely to “drive” by research that looks deeply into how We look to clergy or people, in our view, tier is made up of all the rest. government funding available to assist innovation. Some PAFs address this schools work in a range of contexts over Successive governments at the state school leaders and teachers to do problem by investing in research. This extended periods of time. of significance, to give the lead towards and national level have supported the something really hard better. has been a feature of the work of the We need to recognise that good holy life. Maybe, if we look more openly growth of these tiers by allowing markets In recent years, there has been an Dusseldorp Skills Forum, the Smith, and techniques are only a very small part of and carefully, we may discover ideas and to determine the shape of our education increase in the availability of money more recently Origin Foundation. good teaching. We would all be master initiatives towards the holy life of love and system. In other words, the demands of made available through Private Ancillary SVA has filled a gap here by offering chefs if great cooking simply resulted grace in the most unexpected ordinary high-value clients (middle-class parents) Funds (PAFs) or tax deductible giving to broker funding partnerships between from following a recipe. The challenge people around us. If we are open to that have ensured that the best resources and structures that provide a vehicle for a select group of educational initiatives for school leaders and teachers in and affirm it, we may not only bring what most experienced teachers are available family and corporate philanthropy. (venture partners) and individuals, challenging contexts is figuring out how they offer into the community and the to their children. Education is one of the three top areas families and corporations looking for a to teach well in the less than optimal world, but lift their lives into a new place. Under these conditions, it is necessary supported by PAFs, along with welfare worthy cause. But SVA is also searching conditions we have created for them We, who produce the SSH, have always to redistribute funds to residualised, and rights, and cultural organisations. for “bright spots” in education as to work. Real sustained improvement had a commitment to challenge that which rural and remote schools in order to A report prepared earlier in the year demonstrated through their education is only possible if we create conditions is destructive of true life around us and compensate low-income families for by Philanthropy Australia noted that dialogues. more conducive to teaching and to affirm action for good where we find bearing the cost of better resources while overall giving in Australia has The challenge of innovation on learning for all young people. S being monopolised by more affluent increased steadily over the past decade, “shoestring” is not limited to education, it in our local community and beyond. families. If we want a schooling system individual donations have decreased for it is THE challenge faced by individuals, Dr Deb Hayes is an Associate Professor All of us wish you a loving and peaceful that offers all young people a fair go, we the second year running, whereas PAFs organisations and governments working in the Faculty of Education and Social Christmas and a lifting of the heart towards need a fair allocation of resources. The are increasing. The one thousandth PAF on complex problems in a world saturated Work at the University of Sydney. new possibilities for the world. S 10 FEATURE December 2012
MotherLetter and child Photo: Donna Mulhearn from Fallujah I entered the room in which she sat motionless, just staring intently at her baby in the humidicrib. The woman in the pink dress did not turn to look at me, despite my odd appearance: white girl in oversized black abaya and untidy hijab juggling a camera and notebook. The woman’s baby girl was struggling to breathe. She had complex congenital heart defects, like so many babies born in Fallujah, a dusty, war-weary city, west of Baghdad, currently experiencing a dramatic increase in birth defects and miscarriages.
Donna Mulhearn Stop falling pregnant because it is of birth defects in Fallujah as well patients, and point to it as a possible caught in the middle and left to deal likely you will not give birth to a as Basra, another Iraqi city that cause, but more research is needed. with long-term contamination. I dropped my camera bag to the healthy baby. These words carry a experienced intense fighting. It found About 400,000 kilograms of depleted What’s needed now is a total ban. floor. Why was this happening every shocking implication: a city of about that in Fallujah more than half of all uranium has been dispersed in Iraq The Australian army deems DU a day in Fallujah Hospital’s nursery? 300,000 with a generation of young babies surveyed were born with a since 1991. Depleted uranium (DU) hazard and will not use it, and a What has caused a seven-fold women who may never be mothers; birth defect between 2007 and 2010. is radioactive and chemically toxic. 2010 trade agreement with the USA increase in birth defects here since and a generation who may not Before the siege, this figure was The long-term impact on civilians does not allow Australian uranium 2000? Why a dramatic increase in live, or at least not a healthy life. closer to one in 10. More than 45 is unknown. Militaries consider to be used for DU weapons. miscarriages and stillborn births? Four new studies on the health per cent of all pregnancies surveyed it a hazard and use extreme care In Fallujah Hospital I stood for a crises in Fallujah have been released ended in miscarriages in the two in its handling. It’s been labelled while in sad, silent solidarity with The day before I had met a new- in the last four months. The studies years after 2004, increased from 10 the “Agent Orange” of today. the woman in the pink dress and born with a bloodied, fleshy hole suggest the baby of the woman in the per cent before the attacks. Between With uncertainties surrounding the her baby. At one point she looked in her back – a classic case of spina pink dress is dying of wounds from a 2007 and 2010, one in six of all use of weapons containing DU and up at me, we held a gaze, and in a bifida, another common occurrence war she never saw. That this epidemic pregnancies ended in miscarriage. its long-term impact, precaution is wordless gesture I said I was sorry. now along with brain dysfunction, is the legacy of toxic weapons The study presents evidence of clearly needed. Such precaution was She nodded. I motioned if I could spinal conditions, unformed limbs dispersed in this community in the widespread exposure to heavy metals at the heart of a resolution before take her photo and she nodded. I left and cleft palate. Another day I walked ferocious attacks by US forces in 2004. such as lead and mercury – metals the United Nations First Committee feeling gutted, tears stinging my eyes. through Fallujah cemetery, which Today’s wars are wars of the city; contained in bombs, tank shells in October. The resolution, passed I heard the baby died just an hour is littered with small, unmarked they intrude into neighbourhoods, and bullets – as a possible cause. by 138 states (Australia abstained later. Her name was Dumoa. For the “baby” graves, and stood with streets and houses. And the nature of The increase in birth defects from voting), urges nations to take a sake of baby Dumoa, and her mother, Marwan and Bashir, a young, healthy modern weaponry means today’s wars in Fallujah and Basra is often precautionary approach and requires may their tragic story awaken the couple, at the grave of their baby don’t end when the guns fall silent. connected to the use of another greater transparency from users conscience of the world and prompt Mohamed, who lived five minutes The most recent study, “Metal heavy metal – depleted uranium, of DU weapons – simply that they us to discuss and act on the long-term after birth. He was their fourth baby Contamination and the Epidemic used in conventional weapons for its declare in what areas the weapons impact of modern weaponry. S to die. They will not try again. of Congenital Birth Defects in Iraqi armour-piercing capabilities. Several have been used so that affected The medical recommendation of Cities”, published in Bulletin of studies undertaken in Iraq have communities are aware. It’s about Donna Mulhearn is a Sydney-based the gynaecologists to the women Environmental Contamination and found evidence of the presence of protecting civilians who just by very peace activist and writer. Contact: of Fallujah is simple: “Just stop.” Toxicology, examines the prevalence uranium in local environments and in nature of urban warfare have been [email protected] Keating’s unforgettable speech
Marian Quartly King’s “I have a dream”, and act of recognition. Recognition that it Notably, Keating leads this catalogue recognising the legality of the land Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. was we who did the dispossessing. of suffering with the primary act of rights which Aborigines had claimed On December 10, 1992, at Redfern We took the traditional lands and colonial violence which allowed the from the moment of dispossession. Park, then Prime Minister Paul There is some debate about the smashed the traditional way of life. other injustices to follow: “We took the The year also saw ongoing public Keating gave the Australian launch of authorship of the speech. Don Watson We brought the disasters. The alcohol. traditional lands.” Notably, too, the debate in the aftermath of the 1991 the International Year for the World’s has claimed that he wrote it, as We committed the murders. We took actors in this historical and ongoing Royal Commission into Aboriginal Indigenous People with a speech that he wrote all of Keating’s speeches. the children from their mothers. tragedy are “us”, non-Indigenous Deaths in Custody. Keating’s is now seen as a defining moment Keating denies this, saying that We practised discrimination and Australians, and our actions are achievement was to take this growing in Australian history. He spoke to on that “historic occasion” he put exclusion. It was our ignorance and enabled by ignorance, prejudice and recognition of suffering and to lay the a largely Indigenous audience, and away Watson’s prepared speech our prejudice. And our failure to an inhumane failure of imagination. blame squarely on non-Indigenous at the time there was little press and spoke his own words, from the imagine these things being done to Keating’s speech responded to Australians – we didn’t know, but we coverage of the speech. But its fame heart. Whoever the author, it was a us. With some noble exceptions, we a growing public recognition of should have. S grew. In 2007, listeners to ABC Radio powerful address. Keating encapsulated failed to make the most basic human the wrongs suffered by Indigenous National voted the Redfern speech the historical injustices suffered by response and enter into their hearts Australians. The landmark Mabo Marian Quartly is Professor Emerita at as their third most “unforgettable Indigenous Australians in a stark and minds. We failed to ask – how decision was handed down by the the School of Philosophical, Historical and speech”, behind Martin Luther summary: “It begins, I think, with the would I feel if this were done to me?” High Court of Australia in June 1992, International Studies in Monash University. The Review December ’12 11
way. I read something similar in a Regina Spektor interview where she said she was surprised at people’s assumptions that she Melodies, harmonies would always be writing about the present. Do you find it therapeutic to sing about hard times past? I take emotions from that time, and lyrics on love find parallels, find strengths and sometimes growth. I am the An interview with Sharon Van Etten sum of my successes as well as failures and I write about it all.
You seem to play and sing from a very natural place. Has this come from growing older? Was there a time when you attempted to manipulate your natural talents to adhere to a specific style? That’s hard to say. I listen to a lot of different music and I don’t try to sound like anything specific. I have a love for writing melodies and harmonies and lyrics on love. I am still learning. I am still growing.
Sharon Van Etten and her three‑piece band will play the Famous Spiegeltent in Hyde Park Sharon Van Etten Photo: Supplied on January 6, 8 & 9, as part of the Sydney Festival 2013. Do you enjoy the recording process? Are you sometimes surprised What are your expectations Julia Jacklin I am learning how to appreciate at what comes out? of playing in Australia? Brooklyn-based singer- recording more. It is still new to Definitely. At my best, I don’t know where to begin. It feels songwriter Sharon Van me, but I enjoy working with one I’m uncensored. so exotic or alien to me. Etten’s third record, Tramp, has other person in a collaborative way. received rave reviews, including What was the writing process like Your lyrics are very personal. nominations for “album of the What contemporary artists for Tramp? Have you changed the Loss and recovery of strength are year”. On the eve of her first visit are you influenced by? way you write each album? Does it common themes. Did you ever try to Australia, Van Etten spoke I’m influenced by everything, always start with you and a guitar? to put distance between you and with the SSH’s Julia Jacklin. but these are my favorite I wrote the same, except for I moved the subject or have you accepted The SSH has three copies artists: John Cale, PJ Harvey, around a lot. The main difference that that is the way you write? of Sharon Van Etten’s Are you guided by an understanding Lower Dens, Iggy Pop. in the studio was that I was open to I am learning how to do that, but Tramp Deluxe Edition CD of music theory when writing your collaborating with other people. it’s difficult, as my songwriting to give away. songs or do you just play around Do you work on your lyrics was birthed out of therapy. till something sounds nice? extensively or do you sometimes Does the constant moving and Email us the name of I write, sing and play stream just use what came out when the places you see in the process You have said that your first love you began writing? have an influence on your songs? shaped the way you feel about love the album’s producer: of conscious and have little [email protected] understanding of theory. It’s a little of both. It helped Tramp be more and therefore you will always be versatile, that’s for sure. writing about that person in some Weaving stories of survival and healing
Jovana Terzic served as a backdrop for a storytelling stronger as it went on. “It was actually presentation where attendees, survivors quite uplifting in the end, the fact that For three years now, in support and supporters alike, took part in these people could confront it and face of ASCA’s Blue Knot Day, Heather narrating the survivors’ stories. it, and are moving on!” Robinson, chair of the South Sydney Apart from providing a way to share Although unable to attend the play Uniting Church, and minister Rev. these highly personal stories in a secure reading, Member for Sydney and Andrew Collis, have led a prayer and anonymous way, this had the effect Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek service for adults surviving child of erasing the boundaries between two deemed the project “truly fantastic and abuse. This year, however, on Saturday groups of people, bringing them closer heart warming”. In a written letter of November 3, the church was host to together. support, Ms Plibersek said: “I’m sure a unique visual art and storytelling Although Alana has worked with that people will find Alana Valentine’s presentation. community groups and tackled sensitive presentation insightful and powerful social issues, she found the project and that each person who chose to Swimming Upstream was devised by unlike any other. “These abuse survivors share their story will demonstrate a renowned playwright Alana Valentine, are a very disparate group. They don’t tale of strength and courage. By coming and employed the hands and hearts of a know each other necessarily. It has also together for friendship and mutual dedicated team of community weavers been theatrically interesting for me, as support, you are also becoming powerful and narrators. a kind of a new form.” advocates for overcoming adversity and The space was decorated with The project started with an article making a genuine difference in people’s Swimming Upstream installation at the South Sydney Uniting Church Photo: Isabella Moore thousands of origami fish woven in SSH inviting survivors to take part. lives.” out of ribbon, each of them unique, Alana stresses that it was these brave handcrafted by weavers who met at individuals who made the first step. a safe environment. Some people never stories one might expect. “An experience Swimming Upstream various times throughout the year. “Some people are reluctant to talk to came out with their stories, but took part is as much about the person as it is Curated by Alana Valentine Between four and five thousand fish their friends about it. Perhaps it was in weaving the fish. They participated in about what happened to them. It’s not The Orchard Gallery were suspended from fishing lines, liberating for them to talk to someone a way that was comfortable for them.” as much about what the abuse was, but South Sydney Uniting Church representing the estimated four to five they’ll probably never see again. They The issue of dealing with a childhood what they live with as a legacy.” Installation till January 31 million Australians surviving childhood know that I am not trying to analyse trauma is a complex and serious one, She said that some of the survivors Contact Heather 0400 378 319 trauma and neglect. This visually or fix them, I am literally just listening but Alana explains how the storytelling doubted their ability to go through the stunning and metaphorically rich setting to them. It was important to give them was quite unlike a collection of horror ordeal at first, but found themselves 12 The Review December ’12
is compelling as we watch her enigmatic social standards that condemned her a sudden it was a whole different show. deterioration over time. There is not a as unworthy. Her frequent objection After that it was The Dandy Warhols The Reviews weak link in the rest of this able cast and to being “squished” when hugged is on the main stage. I love The Dandy’s. the evenness in the acting is central to the given a different dimension when an I’ve seen them quite a few times and Film Review Theatre Review success of this performance. unsympathetic nurse is determined to they usually pull out quite a good show. by Lindsay Cohen by Michael Page This performance has now finished squash Sophia’s desire to be a woman. However, I felt they kind of phoned it in but Bovell’s play will certainly be worth Kendall’s desire to live a man’s life for Harvest. Courtney Taylor-Taylor (lead catching again in any form. Most brings him into contact with Tyler vocals and guitar) seemed quite flat and importantly it was great to see “fringe” (Helen Stuart), who is conflicted about everybody aside from Zia (synth) seemed theatre alive and kicking. It was well worth who she is. In a lesbian relationship with a bit bored. They pulled out the standard the effort to uncover this little gem in the passionate Lauren (Katie Lees), she festival set with all their big name songs the somewhat concealed backstreets is attracted to Kendall as a man able to (“Bohemian Like You”, “We Used to Be of Newtown. It will certainly be worth negate the effects of a childhood traumatic Friends”, “Get Off ”, “Good Morning”) keeping an eye out for any of the Sydney sexual encounter. with a couple of newer ones thrown in. Independent Theatre Company’s future Wall’s powerful exploration of the They still pulled in a massive crowd and When the Rain Stops Falling productions. intricacies of the human struggle for people were having fun. The Master Sydney Independent Theatre Company identity and self-fulfilment is simply and After The Dandy’s it was time for Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Written by Andrew Bovell very effectively staged. Mondo Cane, the passion project of Faith Starring: Philip Seymour Directed by Julie Baz Theatre Review No More singer Mike Patton. Mondo Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix With Christina Falsone, David Jeffrey, by Catherine Wood »»[email protected] Cane is Patton delivering covers of 50s Genre: Paul Thomas Anderson Lana Kershaw, Erin McMullen, and 60s Italian pop songs with a full Alex Nicholas, Cherilyn Price and orchestra backing along with back-up Jacob Thomas The Master set out to be the story Live Music Review singers, keyboardists and a few guitarists. Oct. 30 – Nov. 17 of an intense relationship between a by Layth Saeed Patton’s voice lends itself to this kind of troubled returning naval soldier (Freddie music. It gives him a chance to show off Quill – Phoenix) and the leader of The With the clock ticking closer to his incredible range and subtlety with Cause (Lancaster Dodd – Hoffman), start time our search for our Sydney crashing crescendos and gentle melodies. a cult bearing a striking resemblance Independent Theatre Company’s venue Next up was Cake. They seem to have to Scientology in its early days. But became more frantic. But this inauspicious a pretty massive Australian following and Into the Mirror instead of being a treatise on salvation, start was quickly forgotten. a huge crowd came out to see them. I Written and directed by Shelley Wall The Master proved to be an exercise in After eventually finding our venue enjoyed their set, for the most part. They King Street Theatre film making. at the back of a decaying industrial played “Frank Sinatra” and “Stick Shifts 644 King Street Paul Thomas Anderson is a great estate in Newtown we were treated to a and Safetybelts”, two of my favourite songs (corner Bray St) Newtown Harvest Festival filmmaker, but he’s not the best performance that can only be described offFashion Nugget, and they were good for Tuesday – Sunday 7.30pm Line-up: Beck, Sigour Ros, The Dandy storyteller. Magnolia got the best out as a little gem. a dance. However, I had to leave their set Until Dec. 15 Warhols, Mondo Cane, Cake, Dexy’s of Tom Cruise, Adam Sandler was a Andrew Bovell’s When the Rain Stops early to go see my two new favourite bands, Midnight Runners, Santigold, Chromatics, revelation in Punch-Drunk Love and Falling is a gripping play spanning three Chromatics and F**k Buttons. F**k Buttons, and loads more... Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for generations and eventually exposing The five intersecting stories of Into the After being at the main stage all day Parramatta Park his performance in There Will Be Blood. a powerful and tragic story. Bovell’s Mirror celebrate identity and affirm the in the thick of a large crowd, it was weird Nov. 17 Each film was a piece of art, as carefully credentials are notable. As a screenwriter choices of its characters. At the play’s to be standing in the front row of a small put together and as closely examined as he has been involved in some of the most close, a mirror, draped in a dark cloth at stage with about 80 to 100 other people. the characters they contain. acclaimed and revered films including its opening and used by various characters The Harvest Festival is only in its second But everyone seemed pretty hyped to see The Master is no exception. Hoffman Strictly Ballroom, Head-On, and Lantana. to reflect their image throughout, is left year but has already garnered quite a Chromatics on their second Australian is an Anderson favourite and a proven This play is wonderfully constructed, uncovered as characters discover that they following. Promoters AJ Maddah (who show. As the sun sets and the band takes performer but in The Master he reveals shifting between four time periods, need not be afraid of what they see. also runs Soundwave) and Declan Forde the stage the scene seems perfect for their talents we didn’t know he had, and it’s 1959, 1988, 2013 through to 2039, and The play opens with Kendall (Penny managed almost to top last year’s effort brand of slick, gentle synth-pop. If you’re not just that he can sing and dance (sort surprising the audience with disquieting Day), formerly Sally, removing the cloth, (which included Portishead in their first unfamiliar with the band, think of the of ). There is a full range of emotions on and heart-rending twists and turns as the taking off his coat and shirt and examining Australian shows since 1998, The National, soundtrack to the 2011 movie Drive and display here from rage to sublime content story unfolds. his image. As his outstretched hand is Flaming Lips, Mogwai, TV on the Radio, you’re on the right track. Ruth Radlet’s (you get that with cult leaders). While Bovell’s potential Australian about to touch his reflection he withdraws Bright Eyes and Holy F**k) so it’s no doubt voice was spot on, her ethereal tones Phoenix also effectively puts Quill classic was a wonderful platform to it before contact. His transitioning, his the pair really have some pulling power. blending beautifully with Jonny Jewel’s through the wringer, alcoholism and work from this was a production and desperation to be who he wants to be, The festival itself ran brilliantly. The thick, catchy synth lines. They played a post-traumatic stress infecting his every performance of high quality. As director, highlights the struggle of all the characters layout was nice and simple, with easy great selection off their two LPs, 2007’s action and destroying everything he Julie Baz kept things uncomplicated, not only to find their identity, but to be access to all bathrooms, bars and stages. Night Drive and 2012’s Kill for Love cared for or thought he cared for. allowing the action of each scene to unfold. accepted by others. Staff, security guards and police were including “Night Drive”, “I Want Your It’s all examined by Anderson in The set is simple but highly effective, Kendall’s daughter, Melanie (Amber helpful and the crowd was well-behaved, Love”, “Running Up That Hill”, “Lady” minute detail. Shot on 70mm film it with a kitchen table, soup bowls and wall Robinson), finds it difficult to accept good natured, courteous and fun loving. and “Kill for Love”. They’re a great band features extreme close-ups, intense calendar capturing the family ghosts, Kendall’s transition, as she feels it implies No shirtless, sweaty apes dragging their and they played an amazing set. dialogue, heavy conversations and a and the water feature a constant link a rejection of her as a daughter. Now knuckles! If you’re waiting for comment on Beck plethora of side plots. No matter how between Australia’s uncompromising and pregnant, Melanie needs her mother’s As for the music, we burst through the and Sigour Ros, I unfortunately didn’t good it looks, at 144 minutes The Master turbulent weather and the storminess of support but is only prepared to accept gates and zipped past a bar and headed see either due to timetable clashes with is as much a battle for the audience’s the unfolding drama. it from “Sally”. In the past, it seems that right to Dexy’s Midnight Runners. The F**k Buttons and Santigold. However, attention as it is a battle for Quill’s soul The acting was of high quality too. Melanie has received the kind of affection band meandered through 30 minutes of my housemates said Beck was amazing and sanity. Alex Nicholas is convincing as both she perceives as mother-love from her their 45-minute set to about 300 people and played a good selection of hits like Gabriel York and Henry Law and his former live-in baby-sitter, Auntie Sophia sitting around, talking and drinking beer. “Loser”, “Novocain”, “Devil’s Haircut” and Rating: Three revelations ability to connect with the audience (Carole Sharkey Water). Then, the crowd caught wind of the wiry finished with “Where It’s At”. from the beginning is crucial to the play’s Despite Sophia’s outward appearance fiddle tune signifying the start of “Come Now to my absolute highlight of the »»[email protected] success. Cherilyn Price in her portrayal of sweet affability she is haunted by a On Elieen” and everyone sprang to their day. F**k Buttons are an experimental noisy of the furtive and tragic Elizabeth Law past decision, made at the dictates of feet and rushed up to the stage – all of electronic duo consisting of Andrew Hung and Benjamin John Power, out of England, characterised by densely layered songs undercut with driving tribal beats. Their Laughing in the library set was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. They spent the full hour bouncing loops Kate Texilake city,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore. while Customs House Library will and synth lines off each other, standing “From madcap humour to musings on offer fortnightly explorations on lively For more information visit either side a desk about the size of a ping- Following the success of the Surry mateship, these sessions are a real late- topics such as sex, violence and famous cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library. pong table, covered with an array of wires Hills Late-Night Library, the City night alternative for people in the city.” people. and buttons. The show was a constant sea of Sydney has programmed a series The series kicked off at Surry Hills At Newtown Library, inner-west of sound. Then, at the height of a thick of free after-hours cultural events Library on November 1 with an unusual boutique arts producer Campfire Don’t miss! wall of layers and beats, the two look up to bring workers, locals and visitors presentation by Dr Kenzie Larsen about Collective is presenting three fortnightly Cameron James’ Variety Nite at each other, count to three and then cut into the City’s libraries at a time that her ground-breaking research on the Never Not Funny comedy nights, Live & Friends it. The silence was deafening. It took the works for them. This Late-Night ancient art of making friends. Visitors featuring alternative and emerging Cameron James channels the dark crowd a few seconds to process before they Library initiative will see Newtown, to the library can catch more original comedians. The library, which occupies a spirit of old time variety programs from could even cheer. The two just walked up Surry Hills, Kings Cross and Customs addresses and performances on the former Salvation Army Hall on Brown preachermen to TV hosts in a showcase to the microphone, said thanks and then House Libraries host an eclectic first Thursday of each month, when Street, is expected to book out quickly of comedy and musical guests. walked off. selection of late-night talks, comedy the library hosts other renowned writers, and Campfire Collective has declared its Wednesday December 12, 8.30-9.30pm All in all, my second year at Harvest acts and films to run from now until thinkers and emerging artists. intention to “tear the roof off the sucker Newtown Library, Festival was great. Awesome bands, good April next year. Starting February 6, Kings with a laughter explosion”. The series will 8-10 Brown St, Newtown crowd and it just ran so smoothly. I’m Cross Library will present monthly also return next year to coincide with FREE – Advanced booking strongly already excited for next year’s line-up. recommended. “It’s about making our libraries work screenings of rare films and host the Sydney Comedy Festival, running for people who live, work in and visit the discussions led by guest curators, from April 24 – May 12. »»[email protected] The Review December ’12 13 The Duke of Vintage Chill Artist Profile: Francis Edwards
SSH useless to everyone. I knew what was many young people love those old songs. wrong. A combination of guilt and Old buzzards like me with long white In the mid 1960s I used to go to the effects of suppressing waves of hair and a full but cropped beard who the teenage dance halls of the era depression for 36 years finally caught up can act to a professional standard are and ask whichever band was playing with me and I just crashed and burned. apparently few and far between. I started if I could get up and sing. Within I do charity work because I believe that to perform in films on a volunteer basis a year I had formed my own band. we all have a responsibility to one another for the local film schools in the area I was approached one night by the in times of need. I get a great personal and it has just gone nuts. By the end of head of Clarion records and offered lift out of it as well, through feeling in a November I will have been cast in and a recording contract. way that I am compensating the universe made a total of 17 short films. I have for the part I played in the destruction of already won a Best Actor award for my Naturally, I was over the moon, and lives back during the war. I know that I performance in the film Harold, and I’m within a couple of weeks I was in the was only a soldier following orders but proud of that. I’m told also that Harold studio behind the mike laying down a I can tell you that it is impossible to has been accepted into the Stockholm cover version of a song called I Will, take a human life, fully armed mortal Film Festival for January 2013, which which was released on vinyl as a 45rpm enemy or not, without having a part of amazes me but is very exciting. Francis “the Duke” Edwards Photo: Supplied single. It was still in the charts in my yourself die at the very same instant. I’m not really what could be considered hometown of Perth when I recorded my It was the owner of the Zebra Lounge, a high-profile artist, so awards and the second single for 1968 here in Sydney a waterfront restaurant/bar in Pyrmont, like are few and far between. I do have ex-military service organisation simply time as I can in helping my son and at Festival records. Within weeks of its who first called me The Duke of Vintage a drawer full of thank-you certificates called youngdiggers.com.au. I do this daughter with my grandkids. release, I received my draft notification Chill. I’ve had a Saturday and Sunday from a variety of charitable organisations by staging my Hero’s Legacy concert, By the middle of next year I will have and was conscripted into the army, afternoon residency there for the past such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, which raises money for the families finished my third album, which will be trained as a field artillery gunner and two years. I perform solo with just Wesley Mission and Father Chris of our fallen soldiers from the current my version of Patsy Cline’s hits. ABC sent to fight in Vietnam. a guitar and sing mostly old ballads Riley’s Youth Off The Streets, and I’m conflict in the Middle East. I suppose Shops will be the national distribution I suffered a war-related emotional from the ’60s. It’s a very laidback proud of them all. At the moment, I’m I keep pretty busy with all that’s going arm as has been the case with my two breakdown in 2006, which left me pretty environment. I’m amazed at just how also providing support for an online on in my life as well as giving as much previous albums. Sydney Festival – local highlights
Michael Page a fusion of theatre, music and dance series of performances that come to as a live performance by two pianists life in Erko’s little parks. It’s going to be an exciting of Stravinsky’s classic piece, and is Throughout the Festival, the open Sydney Festival and plenty of it can accompanied by a dance performance area of Carriageworks will feature be seen locally. Carriageworks and created by German writer turned the significant work of China’s pre- the Seymour Centre will once again choreographer Raimund Hoghe. eminent artist Song Dong. Entitled Gail Mabo Photo: Kerry Trapnell/Courtesy Arts Queensland and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair be busy venues and for the first time Another feature at Carriageworks “Waste Not”, Winning describes this the Festival will be taking itself to will be local company Offspring, as “a really big and beautiful work, all the streets and parks of Erskineville. who in tandem with Melbourne- of the contents of Dong’s Chinese Gail Mabo recites based sound artists Oren Ambarchi family’s house are displayed as an One of the highlights at and Martin Ng, will showcase the artwork, an active remembrance for Reconciliation Speech Carriageworks is the “About an Hour” world premiere of “Ligeti Morphed”. his deceased father’s life journey”. program. Over a long weekend at Using the music of György Ligeti Nearby Seymour Centre will also Carriageworks, “About an Hour” as inspiration, the artists fuse the be a busy venue. “We are really excited SSH (NT) artists Doris Bush Nungarrayi, features 45 performances of nine acoustic world with the electronic in to have two local groups and three Beyula Napanangka, Isobel Gorey and diverse works (both free and ticketed) a series of strikingly original works. international groups performing REDFERN: Damien Minton Tilau Nangala (from the Papunya Tjupi spanning theatre, storytelling, In landlocked Carriageworks there,” says Winning. A highlight Gallery in Great Buckingham Street Arts Centre). movement and music. The Festival’s small audience groups will experience will be the world premiere of Kuwait’s will host an exhibition commemorating Adam Hill’s ONE in FOUR will Fiona Winning describes this cluster being “cast adrift” in lifeboats in UK Sabab Theatre’s “In the Eruptive the 20th anniversary of Paul Keating’s feature mounted Eucalypt on found of 60-70-minute performances from performance group Curious’s “The Mode”. Another highlight will be Reconciliation Speech. The special boards, painted in a combination local and international artists as one Moment I Saw You I Knew I Could “Masi”, an unlikely and touching love event on Saturday December 8, 4-6pm, of “natural enamels” and aerosols. of the big highlights. “It’s a festival Love You”. Set in the belly of a whale, story between a Fijian Island high will feature Gail Mabo, painter and “This exhibition celebrates the very within a festival, a wonderful cross- the audience will be boarded into chief and the daughter of Cambridge- daughter of land rights activist Eddie incarceration of art,” Hill says. “For this section of smaller, very exciting lifeboats to be fully immersed in educated schoolmasters. Mabo, reciting the speech live. show only ... I’ve developed a single works.” stories, myths and siren songs about And inspired by Nick Cave & The ‘tag’ – PRIZNA. This is a homage to two Under new Festival Director Lieven gut feelings, memories, love and Bad Seeds’s Murder Ballads the local “It begins, I think, with that act factors. One, the generic opposition to Bertels there is a strong music element survival. company Erth will be performing of recognition. ‘tagging’ and two, the abhorrent statistic that runs through the 2013 program. Tiny parks dotted through the the Australian premiere of “Murder”, Recognition that it was we who did that has seen a quarter of the Indigenous Leading Australian guitarist Stefan nearby suburb of Erskineville will an ode to society’s obsession with the dispossessing. population of Australia behind bars.” Gregory re-imagines Beethoven’s become unlikely venues for the … murder. We took the traditional lands and Jason Wing is an Aboriginal artist 7th Symphony as a solo live score to premiere of “Micro Parks”. Starting smashed the traditional way of life. from the western Sydney suburbs of accompany performance group Legs out from Carriageworks, this will The Sydney Festival begins on We brought the diseases. The alcohol. Cabramatta and Blacktown. Wing’s On The Wall’s latest creation. be an unusual neighbourhood stroll January 5 and finishes on January 27 We committed the murders. father is Chinese (Cantonese) and his “Le Sacre – The Rite of Spring” is whereby people can be treated to a www.sydneyfestival.org.au We took the children from their mothers. mother is an Aboriginal woman from the We practised discrimination Biripi people in the Upper Hunter region and exclusion. of NSW. Jason will be contributing a It was our ignorance and our prejudice. single poignant statement. And our failure to imagine these things Susan Nakamarra Nelson of the Laneway being done to us. Warumungu language will contribute Turn Your Love Up With some noble exceptions, we failed to a suite of paintings depicting bible Vinyl launch with special guests make the most basic human response and scenes in central Australia (courtesy Dog Trumpet enter into their hearts and minds. of the Julalikari Arts Council, Tennant Choo! Bless You We failed to ask – how would I feel if this Creek, NT). were done to me? Union Hotel, Newtown As a consequence, we failed to see that Twenty years on – Paul Keating’s Redfern Park Speech Thursday December 20, 8pm what we were doing degraded all of us.” Free entry paul keating, 1992 Damien Minton Gallery 61-63 Great Buckingham St, Redfern Turn Your Love Up limited 100-copy The Gallery has gathered together a Opening/Recitation: December 8, vinyl edition available at show or collection of contemporary Indigenous 4-6pm. Exhibition: December 4-22 artwork to coincide with the event. New Wed to Sat, 11am-6pm direct from www.lanewaymusic.com work will be shown by Central Desert www.damienmintongallery.com.au 14 The Review December ’12 New-wave foraging unearths ancient wisdom
Sandra Beeston skills and hygiene, but in a way that is Strait Islander health, and will allow him comfortable for Indigenous kids to get to publish about 500 cookbooks. “What A lot has been said lately about the information, and then whilst we are it was all about for me was touching base using native ingredients as a more there I also talk about McDonald’s and with like-minded people around health sustainable and healthy way to eat, and Coke, and try to lead them away from in those communities and it just built we can find more and more of them that, the mistakes I made around fast- to be so much more.” on restaurant menus. Top chefs like food, football, and the direct relationship Corey says that health is still a very Quay’s Peter Gilmore, Ben Shewry with sport and healthy food,” Corey says. big issue, with the Aboriginal population and Kylie Kwong have wholeheartedly He has recently created a new having one of the lowest life expectancies embraced native ingredients like program, which so far has seen him drive, of the world’s indigenous populations. Warrigal greens, salt bush, finger intermittently, over 8,000 kilometres “It’s time for young kids to make smart limes and kangaroo meat. to visit Aboriginal communities in decisions around what they put in their NSW, in order to learn more about mouths, so that they don’t get these For some people, however, the benefits local cooking, as well as teach healthy chronic diseases that make us, as a of native ingredients have always been cooking to the kids in the communities. culture, wear that tag.” known, as they were used in Indigenous “I wanted to build my resources, my base He also wants to teach kids about cooking long before Danish Chef Rene a little bit, and see what the wider NSW meat and where it comes from. “We treat Redzepi, from World’s Best Restaurant remote community thought about it. I our source of protein very respectfully. “Noma”, made foraging trendy. developed a program where I’d go out There’s a lot more going into our Corey Grech, whose family comes to 10 communities, I’d cook a dish that’s culture, that they probably wouldn’t get from Coonabarabran, outside the significant to that area, or that means a elsewhere, we’re talking about a frame of Warrumbungles, is one of them. Using lot to those areas, and maybe some type mind. We never took any more than we Corey Grech Photo: Supplied native foods is something he feels of native food source that’s sufficient needed to, and that in itself says a lot, very passionate about. Three years ago, in the area, that they eat a lot, and they it’s massive respect for Mother Earth. If helping out his sister Suzanne at her could teach me a dish. Then what I’ll do we buy these products from the people for us, it’s 98 per cent fat free, and has for us to get rid of them and move in bush tucker cafe, Purple Goanna, he is I will cook a bit of a healthy spin on who don’t respect it, we’re only gonna two-and-a-half times more protein than healthy options as a cultural dish. It will decided to create Kool Purple Kookas, a that dish, so there will be the original go down that same road.” your steak. It’s a no-brainer for me to get be different when I go to Queensland, not-for-profit organisation that teaches dish and then my healthy spin of it. Corey wants to encourage kids to take our own kids eating these types of meat.” and it will be different when I go to the Aboriginal children basic cooking skills, Then I will compile that information the plunge and eat the meat of native Of the 10 communities in NSW Northern Territory, because they still in order for them to adopt healthier and put it into a cookbook and send it animals. “We’re trying to talk to the (Narrandera, Coonabarabran, Wee Waa, cook in the ground over there. I want to eating habits and lifestyle. back to the kids.” kids about how important it is to eat Tingha, Tweed Heads, Forster, Redfern, bring that information from Australia to “I came up with a program teaching This project was funded by the kangaroo, to eat crocodile, to eat emu. Newcastle, Wyong), he still has three my state and say: ‘Hey, come on, let’s up kids how to cook healthy food over the Department of Health as part of the Kangaroos are the cleanest and most to visit, but is hoping to extend the our game here!’ We want to know our course of eight weeks or longer, that Live Longer Campaign, which aims at sustainable food source in the world, and experience to the other states. “New cultural foods.” gets down to the basics around knife promoting better Aboriginal and Torres we choose not to eat it. It’s the healthiest South Wales was interesting, what is This project has not only allowed traditional for them is curries or soups. Corey to provide kids with tools for a Curry pippis, curry sausages, all around healthier life, but he feels he’s gotten a processed meat, processed food, it’s not lot out of it as well: “I don’t stop learning about fresh vegetables. It’s stuck in their myself, I’m a sponge at the moment, South Sydney Crossword culture, these type of dishes, and it’s time because my culture amazes me every day.” Across 1. Opportunity and Curiosity's home (4) 3. 1up in Marioland (4) 5. Hawaiian headwear (3) 6. Master System and Dreamcast's company (4) 7. Sharp riposte (4) 8. *Launch Kate? (4-3) 11. *Party in depraved surrounds (4) 12. Dubios, coloquially (4) 13. --- erat scriptum, written as so (3) CROSSWORD 14. Claim as yours, shotgun (4) BY D.W. 15. Dolphin of 6-across fame (4)
Down 1. Cover a smell with another (4) 2. *Indolence? Snack less perhaps... (9) First correct entry receives a prize. 3. *Booze on the rocks... Tastes like Sambuca (9) Send to: 4. The ---, Classic Melbourne pub (4) South Sydney 9. *Jab and drop out (4) Crossword 10. Shawarma in Greece (4) PO Box 3288, Redfern *Denotes cryptic clue last month's solution NSW 2016 The Urban Bilby’s at Redwater Market’s third anniversary celebration in Redfern Park, November 17 Photo: Andrew Collis
For translation visit www.dharug.dalang.com.au December 2012 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15
SSH advertising works: "Since our ad has been in the SSH, it's been phenomenal. It has really raised our profile in the community. Interest has increased ten-fold from the old way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Lindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo
BABANA BABANA Uniting Churches Aboriginal Men’s Group Next meeting Friday, December 28 ALL WELCOME! Souths on Chalmers 12-2pm South Sydney Uniting Church Babana Shed open Mon-Fri (72 Renwick St, Redfern) (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) Contact: Mark Spinks 0411 282 917 Redfern
South Sydney Uniting Church SATURDAY ART CLASS 56a Raglan St Waterloo 12-4pm Sat. Dec. 8 (Xmas Party Dec. 22) Worship (Eucharist): 10am Sunday Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 Welcoming people of all ages, All materials provided cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and identities. Gold coin donation Peace with justice, integrity Phone 0438 719 470 of creation.
Print by Gabriel Azzi Glebe Cafe Church Cnr St Johns Rd & Colbourne Ave Glebe Worship Sun 7pm ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate candlelit concerts Thu 8pm end of Allison Forrest 9518 9413
Leichhardt University Church 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt year (near Norton St) Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 PARTY! www.leichhardtuniting.org.au You are invited to the SSH End-Of- Newtown Mission free Year Party for volunteers, friends and 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday shuttle bus services supporters. Friday December 7, from 6pm Rev Ps Doug Clements See you there! Phone 0438 719 470 9519 9000 FREE shuttle bus services now run from Redfern to Broadway shops via the RPA Hospital; and from Woolloomooloo to Redfern Paddington Uniting Church via Paddy’s Market and St Vincent’s. at featuring 395 Oxford St Paddington Church Open 10am-2pm These FREE buses are available to all City Of Sydney residents Tripod Café music by 1st and 3rd Saturdays and operate: 262 Abercrombie St The Darlingtones Worship Sunday 7.30pm Thursday and Friday of each week. Office 9331 2646 For more information and timetables please Darlington and Col Charlton! call 9319 4439 or visit www.ssct.org.au Pitt Street Uniting Church 264 Pitt St, Sydney Worship 10 am Sunday Volunteers’ news But there is a way that the Parish December 7 from 6pm at Tripod Café, volunteers and supporters. in February, have a safe, happy and Council and the Editorial Board can 262 Abercrombie Street, Darlington. healthy holiday season. & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) b larkey pAT c I hope you all enjoy the rest of express their appreciation and that Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 I hope you can come along to enjoy the summer, with all the glitz of ...... This is the final issue of the SSH put is our End of Year function to get the the Sydney Festival, and other the celebration, with the SSH Pat Clarke to bed as the year comes to a close and opportunity to put faces to names, happenings around our harbour city. Quiz (study up on this year’s back Distribution Co-ordinator Wayside Chapel we take a break until February 2013. and renew acquaintance. issues), music from local choir The Wishing everyone a joyous Festive [email protected] 29 Hughes St Potts Point Thank you all so much – we wouldn’t End of Year Get-Together – Darlingtones, who gave us their debut Season, and spare a thought for those Worship 10am be a community newspaper Friday December 7, 2012. performance last year, fine food and a at home and around the world not Rev Graham Long 9358 6996 without you. This year it will be held on Friday chance to meet or catch up with other so fortunate. Until our next issue
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Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Jamie Parker MP Ron Hoenig MP Alex Greenwich Carmel Tebbutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 150 Broadway, Broadway Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2007 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9379 0700 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9379 0701 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 December 2012
Clover Moore and Ru Bella enjoy the outdoors fun Photo: Lyn Turnbull High tea in the outdoors SSH guest for a high tea hosted by Yearly membership is $20 for performer Ru Bella. individuals and $30 for households. DARLINGTON: On Sunday November Membership monies keep the garden 25, Charlie’s Garden in Charles The afternoon saw gardeners in growing! Members receive access to Kernan Reserve (corner of frocks and pearls carrying colourful the seed library, garden resources and Abercrombie and Shepherd streets) parasols. Friends reclined on picnic fresh produce. Wednesday evening celebrated the grand opening of blankets to the strains of classical from 5.30pm is the time to come and their new shed with sculptural music. Charlie’s Garden Secretary, share in the harvest! S features made by Wrought Andrea James, said: “The garden is Bridget Rieger in Brisbane Photo: Kangaroo Photos Artworks, the heritage blacksmiths run by and for local residents. It’s a Contact the Garden through Facebook: at the Australian Technology Park. sustainable and organic garden, as www.facebook.com/pages/Charlies- Lord Mayor Clover Moore, long-time well as a safe place for all members of Garden/110097469066775 Feats of skill supporter of the garden, was special the community.” Has gymnastics always had no idea what they were like. the main things I need to learn as been an interest of yours? It felt so ironic to burst into tears well. Otherwise, just try to keep at Yes, I started Artistic Gymnastics ... but there was a lot of emotion it and not give up! I’m not so sure I when I was 3 and have never and stress and self-appointed am really that organised. But I guess and fitness looked back. It’s always been pressure that led up to that point I have sacrificed a lot to be able to my passion and a part of who ... so the moment second place achieve the things I have achieved. I am. I have competed in a few was called and it wasn’t my name, gymsports now, such as Acrobatic I could not stop smiling/crying! What’s next in store for you? Athlete Profile: Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Yes, my amazing mum flew up and Well, I am about to head off to Aerobic Gymnastics. I just can’t stay cheered me on. Without her, none train in Perth for two weeks ... It’s away from it! I think I will always be of it would have been possible. So the start of my preparation for my involved in some form of gymnastics. it was great to have her support up 2013 routine. We have trials for the Bridget Rieger I started getting an interest in there with me at a stressful time. The International Competitions coming circus skills from camps as a child, girls from training were fantastic to up in January, which is really then discovered my passion for have there as well. Nicky, especially, exciting but terrifying as it’s my first Jemima Hall the sport than people realise – with Flying Trapeze when I was about helped me to stay calm and not ever trial. So, lots of hard work and strength, flexibility, precision of skills, 15. Like most other things, I got get too overwhelmed. My coach training ahead for me. Otherwise, Aerobic Gymnast and Redfern choreography, presentation, and fitness hooked, and have so far only dipped Lauren DjaMirze (formally Lauren I am just finishing up my degree local Bridget Rieger speaks about which is the hardest part. Luckily, I my toes into what is out there in Farry, six-time World Champion) at Sydney Uni, so hoping to find a her recent national title, her support have been a gymnast my whole life so the world of circus and performing sadly couldn’t be there but was just lot more time for work and training network and fitting everything in. I have a pretty good base for this sport. but the possibilities are endless at the other end of the phone. now. I have started doing Double National Championships were held and that is something that I will be Trapeze with my beautiful friend and Congratulations on becoming the 2012 up in Brisbane in September, over looking more seriously into now. With all of these commitments world-class acrobat Megan Bolton. Aerobic Gymnastics National Champion! four days. We had the preliminary you must have to stay very We are hoping to start performing Can you tell us about the event and round on Friday night (Day 2) which How did it feel when you received organised. If you could, what advice for corporate events or shows soon. the preparation leading up to it. is important, as it’s the first impression this title? I’m sure you have a large would you give to some aspiring So, if anyone wants an amazing act, Thank you so much! I got back into the judges get of you. I came out support network there to cheer you on? gymnasts and circus performers? we would love to perform for you! Aerobic Gymnastics in late January placed first after that and managed It was so amazing! I was terrified Yes, it is tough trying to fit My goal and dream in the near this year and decided I really wanted to make the Australian Development because we had to wait about five everything in. I have always tried to future, though, is to compete for to prove that I could win Nationals squad qualifying score (this was hours after we competed until the squash in too many things! I would Australia for Aerobic Gymnastics, this year, so basically I spent most another goal, to make the squad). So I presentations. I never watched say that it’s important to set small and then I would like to become a of the year preparing for this goal. just had to make sure I could keep the other competitors (other than goals before becoming overwhelmed performer for Cirque Du Soleil. So There is a lot more that goes into my spot for the finals, which I did! my training partner Nicky) so I with the big goals! That is one of fingers crossed! S
North Eveleigh Parks Invitation to Contribute to Design In accordance with the North Eveleigh The SMDA wishes to ensure that the For more information go to Concept Plan, an application for the community’s interests are incorporated in www.smda.nsw.gov.au or call development of the parks at the western end the design of these parks and is undertaking Kerrie Symonds on 9202 9102. of the precinct must be submitted prior to, consultation with the community and other or concurrently with, the first application for key stakeholders. new floor space. This first application will be for the proposed affordable housing at Written submissions can be sent to; the western end of the site. SMDA, PO Box 1998, STRAWBERRY HILLS NSW 2012 or emailed to contactus@smda. nsw.gov.au, by 14 December 2012.