Shireen Erko’s Malamoo Mini Vinnies New exhibition Charitable children The Review – Pages 11-14 Story – Page 4

NUMBER SEVENTY-FOUR AUGUST ’09 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Temple terraces to be repaired

Keen Aldi shopper, Diane Whitworth Photo: Ali Blogg Aldi is a goodie, say Waterloo locals L aur a Ba n nister

In the current economic climate it is important that consumers be provided a variety of price-based choices in local supermarkets. This argument has been cited by residents with respect to the proposed construction of an Aldi store in Waterloo.

If approved by Council, the store would be situated at 863-871 Bourke Street, between Philip and Danks streets. The Aldi chain utilises cost-cutting to benefit consumers. Most of its products are own-brand labeled, all aisles remain undecorated and shelves consist merely Kam Lau and Paul Bettar from Baseline Constructions, Henry Chan and Hon. Henry Tsang MLC celebrate the future of the Yiu Ming Temple Photo: Ali Blogg of boxes stacked with products and replenished accordingly. K el ly L a ne the neighboring construction made it lot of work has to be done before the maintain a good relationship.” Councillor Irene Doutney has been uninhabitable. For over a year they have people can move in.” Louis Chow, of Henry Tsang, Honorary President of involved in the mediation process between Each Chinese New Year, hundreds lived in alternative accommodation while Tsang and Lee Architects in Haymarket, the Yiu Ming Hung Fook Tong Society, residents and Council as they deliberate of people visit the historic Yiu Ming negotiations for repairs took place. said the work would include new doors, said: “I’m particularly happy that the over the introduction of the discount Temple in Alexandria to celebrate. But President of the Yiu Ming Society, partitioning, kitchens and bathrooms. builder has been kind enough to paint retailer to the area. last month, members of the Yiu Ming Henry Chan, said the elderly residents Baseline Constructions has also the exterior of the building. That’s very Ms Doutney believes the appeal may lie community gathered in Retreat Street were anxious to return to their homes. offered to paint the exterior of the terrace generous.” in the proximity of the proposed store to for a different kind of celebration. “They would like to come back to our buildings. A Baseline spokesperson Mr Tsang also extended his thanks large NSW Housing complexes. “Choice They were joined by representatives house instead of [living in a] Government described the work as a “gesture of to Andrew Ferguson, Secretary of the claims that Aldi products are between 30-40 of Baseline Constructions, whose housing area,” Mr Chan said. He said goodwill to the Temple Society for NSW branch of the Construction Forestry per cent cheaper than Coles or Woolworths, insurance has paid for repair work the Chinese immigrants spoke very little the inconvenience the damage to the Mining and Engineering Union, for his so I would have thought it would be a gain recently completed on two of the English and felt isolated residing outside buildings has caused”. He said the involvement in prompting negotiations for local low-income earners,” she said. temple’s terrace houses, under a public the temple community. painting also served as thanks to the between the Yiu Ming Society, Baseline Despite the German-based origins of the liability policy. The Yiu Ming Society has raised Yiu Ming Society for allowing Baseline and its insurer. As Baseline Constructions retailer, Ms Doutney believes the need to money through donations to fund to use the backyards of the terraces is the principle contractor on the purchase staple items at a low, competitive In late 2007, some of the temple’s additional renovations to the interiors during construction. Kam Lau, Baseline development site its insurance has paid price could prove more important to elderly residents were evacuated of the terraces, which are expected to Constructions’ Contracts Manager, said: for the repairs, however a dispute over consumers than loyalty to Australian from those terraces when differential be completed by the end of the year. “We always consider the temple as responsibility for the damage is currently chain stores. settlement of the building caused by “It’s an old building,” Mr Chan said. “A our next-door neighbour. We want to being litigated. “The more affluent residents from that area can probably afford to go to other supermarkets or specialty stores in Danks Diane Whitworth has been a resident increased grocery stores in South Sydney also admits concerns, but over Aldi’s Club to Council officer Mr Luke Murtus at Street if they so choose, [but] for people on of Waterloo for 27 years and confirms that would break the market monopoly and personal business principles and their [email protected] or via low incomes, the rising cost of living makes many locals struggle with the minimal place downward pressure on prices. “[This political implications. “I have concerns that post at City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, price the major factor in making their range of shopping choices. “I don’t shop would have] a particular benefit in an area the Aldi chain may not support a unionised Sydney NSW 2001. shopping choices. I would have thought the in the area. A lot of people go outside with high density of both public and private workforce but this is a matter of personal brand becomes insignificant … and that the [Waterloo] to shop, but sadly some people rental housing.” principle and does not relate to the DA.” The proposal for the Aldi store, as well as behaviour of the two major supermarkets can’t afford to and have no choice.” Despite the need for variety, Council Waterloo residents are encouraged to a possible IGA supermarket in Redfern at the would not inspire trust or support from Member for Heffron, Kristina Keneally, had received 11 submissions against the send their views about the Aldi store, or new Souths Leagues Club is available locals – such as cheap petrol if you spend is a strong advocate of an Aldi store, development. These were predominantly the proposed IGA supermarket in Redfern at www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au over $30.” commenting on the REDWatch website that focused on traffic concerns. Cr Doutney to be located at the new Souths Leagues under the ‘Development’ section. 2 N e w s August 2009

“As with most of our major projects, and by protected I don’t mean by just Energy Australia will conduct a thorough complying with the guidelines.” PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church community consultation, including She said that current guidelines for Raglan Street, Waterloo community information displays, EMFs, set by the Australian Radiation Telephone 0400 008 338 meetings and detailed newsletters to the Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Phone/fax 02 9698 8949 The views expressed in this newspaper are wider community.” allow people to be exposed to 1,000 those of the author and the article and are not Linda Scott, Chair of the Surry Hills milliGauss of magnetic field exposure, necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. Neighborhood Centre, said she was yet studies have shown that exposure to ADVERTISING shocked to learn of the plans for the as little as 4 milliGaus doubles the risk of [email protected] site. “The wider Surry Hills community childhood leukemia. 9319 1373 certainly hasn’t been informed,” Ms Scott Energy Australia states that typical MAILING ADDRESS: said. “Council has been asked at several EMF levels at Sydney substations range PO Box 2360 community meetings over many years from 1 to 8 milliGauss at the substation Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 of the progress of the vacant site and the fence. “It’s early in the planning phase LETTERS community has received no feedback. I of the proposed Riley Street substation, Please send letters and emails to: think that people should know that this is and predicted EMF levels at the property The South Sydney Herald. the plan and they should conduct a very boundaries and the exact location, Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. public consultation.” will be included in the Environmental Size: 150 words or less. Locals have nicknamed the site, frequently flooded, the Surry Hills Yacht Club! Photo: Ali Blogg Mother of two, Caroline Conway, has Assessment which will be on public We may edit for legal or other reasons. been a resident of Ann Street, which display around the middle of 2010,” Ms borders the site, for eight years. Ms Bardetta said. Conway said that Energy Australia has For years, local residents have EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Hole in the Hills – yet to provide sufficient information expressed concern about the block of to residents about the plans. “There’re land, which has been vacant since 2003. a lot of unanswered questions,” she Some residents said they were more a substation? said. “I have no issue with it being an worried about noise and vibrations during infrastructure project. I understand it’s construction on the site rather than its K el ly L a ne Energy Australia, said: “CityGrid will necessary and important that it’s built, use for a substation. They also said they connect a number of substations via we just need to know the time frame and hoped a park or open space could be A large block of vacant land once high-voltage transmission cables in electromagnetic ramifications.” included in the final plans. intended for residential and retail underground tunnels to reinforce Sydney’s Lyn McLean, Director of EMR Australia, EnergyAustralia estimates work on development may be developed as an electricity supply.” said that EMF levels would depend on the the tunnel to commence next year and electricity substation. Records obtained from the Department size of the substation and the shielding the substation to be completed by 2015. Managing Editor Andrew Collis of Lands show that Energy Australia paid used. But she said the national guidelines A City of Sydney Council spokesperson Last year, Energy Australia acquired more than $50 million for the Riley Street for electromagnetic fields only protect said that while Council did not have the land on the corner of Albion and site in May 2008. The company began people against the short-term effects responsibility for the project assessment, Riley streets in Surry Hills, and has consulting with local residents in October of radiation. “If you’re living near a it had issued a submission to the project submitted concept plans for the site to last year. “About 100 letters were delivered substation you’re living there long term,” application raising its concerns for the Department of Planning as part of to homes and businesses adjoining the Ms McLean said. “I would think that they the site. its $1 billion Sydney City Grid project. site, informing the community of future [residents] would want information and The plans are currently being assessed Jessica Bardetta, spokesperson for plans for the site,” Ms Bardetta said. assurance that they would be protected, by the Department of Planning.

FEATURES EDITOR No timeline for new train line Dorothy McRae-McMahon

Naomi Cr a in complete detailed planning and pre- construction work. “Sydney Metro will The NSW Government recently soon lodge the Project Application and announced the start of planning for Preliminary Environmental Assessment the second Sydney Metro Rail line, with the Department of Planning” for called the West Metro. The train line, the West Metro line, a spokesperson for proposed to start at Central, will run Sydney Metro said. through stations at Broadway-Sydney Students enrolled in courses at University, Camperdown, Leichhardt, Sydney University are particularly likely Five Dock and on to Westmead. to appreciate the new West Metro. A NEWS EDITOR spokesperson for the University said: Trevor Davies Minister for Transport, David “The University of Sydney is pleased Dr Hannah Middleton Photo: Ali Blogg Campbell, announced the proposed with the announcement that stations stations on June 30, adding that the along the West Metro may be positioned West Metro will “deliver an important close to the University. They will A lot to lose in war games alternative transport option on the city’s provide improved access for thousands busiest transport corridor”. of students, staff and visitors to the R ebecc a L e M ay environmental and geopolitical impact The proposal is the second leg of the University Campuses.” that the ship’s activities were likely to government’s long term program of The downside of developments such Last month, in an operation known have than her stupidity – knowledge we transport development for Sydney, the as this includes the loss of existing as Talisman Sabre 09, about 30,000 could all do with a bit more of. first stage of which is the CBD Metro, buildings to the construction of United States and Australian military One person who has tried to raise which runs from Central Station to stations and other infrastructure. This PHOTO EDITOR personnel took part in a massive public awareness of this issue is Dr Rozelle, and is due to be completed by may include homes and businesses in Ali Blogg live-fire training operation in an area Hannah Middleton, a longstanding activist the end of 2015. the Glebe/Broadway area. Details of of Darumbal land and Commonwealth- with the Australian Anti-Bases Campaign, The Metro system will be modelled proposed locations will be contained Heritage-listed coastline around and teacher at the Centre for Peace and on the metro systems of other in the Preliminary Environmental Shoalwater Bay in Central Queensland. Conflict Studies at Sydney University. international cities such as those Assessment. ASSISTANT EDITOR Esther Turnbull The land, sea, air operation involved According to Dr Middleton there are in London, Paris, Hong Kong and As yet there is no proposed timeline 1,650 armoured vehicles, 50 aircraft legitimate concerns. “One of the main New York City. These systems are for commencement of construction, or DESIGNER and naval vessels, including a problems for the environment is the use of underground and run trains every two completion, of the West Metro. Robert Young nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and sonar which is very damaging for whales to three minutes, making timetables PRINTER submarines. They conducted bombing and other marine animals. The noise and unnecessary. Trains are single storey Sydney Metro conducted public open Spotpress PTY LTD runs using live ammunition containing the toxic nature of the weaponry are also and designed to transport large numbers days throughout Sydney in June and 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place highly toxic chemicals and sonar – all extremely bad for the turtles, and dugongs of people quickly and easily. July, but public consultation will continue Marrickville, NSW 2204 in an area that is adjacent to the Great are going to be badly disturbed,” she said. The Metro system is jointly funded by and information and contact details www.spotpress.com Barrier Reef and home to significant The local people in Yeppoon are the NSW and Australian Governments, are available at the Sydney Metro populations of endangered species such also concerned about the possibility with funding currently approved to website www.sydneymetro.nsw.gov.au REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS as turtles and dugongs. of Depleted Uranium. “Although the “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors Australian government has made who make this publication possible.” The fact that very few people actually assurances that nuclear weapons will not of the US military so we can continue per cent of people are invisible,” she said. know these activities occur has little be used, the US has a fairly consistent to fight in coalitions with them. “These “Direct action makes it very clear to Reem Al-Gharabally Perry Johnstone to do with our lack of intelligence. neither confirm nor deny policy on these games are practicing for our young men governments that we know what they John August Katherine Keefe Unfortunately, the mainstream media matters, so there is really no way of and women in the forces to take orders are up to. We may be compared to the Laura Bannister Rebecca LeMay has done little to contribute to our knowing,” said Dr Middleton. from the Americans – something which military machine like a gad fly, but a gad Jane Barton norrie mAy-welby Tara Clifford Nicholas McCallum understanding. In a recent article in On top of the environmental issues, the peace movement objects to. We should fly can keep a very large animal awake at Lindsay Cohen Barrie McMahon the Daily Telegraph a group of activists there are also serious geopolitical have a more independent position on night,” she said. Lee Conley Robert Morrison planning to protest at the location concerns. The Department of Defence these questions,” said Dr Middleton. Dr Middleton hopes to run a training Wendy Collis Kelly Lane were portrayed as vacuous “Yippees” website states that the training aims In addition to the huge ongoing costs course next year at the CPCS which will Pam Dagwell Sarah Malik because, on seeing one of the US Naval to develop “interoperability” between of maintaining military machinery and provide students who have studied the Todd Dagwell Lisa Moon vessels one woman exclaimed. “Is that Australian and US combat forces which personnel, the Australian government theory and history of non-violent activism as Linda Daniele Andre Rangiah a f…ing warship!” According to the will, “allow the US and Australian armed contributes 48 million dollars to make the a mechanism of social and political change Douglas Dingwall Adrian Spry writer, the activist was so dumb she forces to act as a single cohesive and games happen. “This is at a time when, with some first-hand experience. Alex Fleming Marg Vazey was unable to identify the thing she was coherent force”. according to a recent ANU survey, 70 per Steph Gesling Scott Winter protesting about. Dr Middleton believes that cent of Australians want less money spent For more information about courses at the Eve Gibson Neil Whitfield Yet her exclamation was probably “interoperability” amounts to Australian on the military. So one of the reasons we Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies visit more to do with her knowledge of the forces becoming essentially a defacto arm go up to Talisman Sabre is because this 70 www.arts.usyd.edu.au/centres/cpacs August 2009 N e w s 3 Small bars, eventually

Pa m Dagw el l didn’t expect so many customers straight away. The Security Company didn’t turn Sydney Council’s plan to imitate up and the others we contacted couldn’t the Melbourne small bar culture is come until 10.30pm. It is true we did beginning to gain momentum, but not not have an Occupation Certificate but everyone is happy. because of Council hold-ups we were in deep financial trouble. We had been Cameron Reid, 24, and his business paying rent for a long time and we partner, Jack Brown, 26, moved from needed to start trading. We dispute the Melbourne to take advantage of the claims made about the extent of the 2008 changes in the NSW Liquor Act. trouble on that night,” he said. They set about finding a suitable site The bar re-opened legally in early and eventually opened Ching-a-lings in July but the enforced closure has cost June of this year. them more than just lost revenue. “We “Council told us its process would have to entice back the customers who take 40 days. It actually took almost five have moved on to other venues in the months. At least the Office of Liquor, meantime,” Mr Reid said. Gaming and Racing (OLGR) was honest A City of Sydney spokesperson told about the backlog,” Mr Reid said. “We the SSH there was a delay in processing had broken promises and inexperienced Ching-a-lings application because they staff on our case from Council, and by were “waiting for required information the time we opened we were six months from the applicant”. over our deadline and completely out The hold-up in providing such of money. We had already invested information was not simply a matter $160,000.” of irresponsible business practice, Mr State Member for Bligh, Clover Reid said. “We came to this exercise Moore, introduced a Bill to Parliament in as rookies. We needed guidance and 2007 that would enable the Melbourne Council wasn’t used to dealing with model of liquor licenses to be enacted small guys like us. They probably didn’t in Sydney. The licensing process was see us as ideal candidates and we often simplified and license fees were less felt as if we were being a nuisance. We expensive under the new system. The understand that the Small Bar concept vision was for “low impact bars” where and legislation is new to Council, too, people could go for a “quiet drink”, but maybe the staff need to be better without poker machines, loud music trained.” Uncle Max performs the smoking ceremony for the children Photo: Ali Blogg or restaurant-style food. Chris Lane and Luke Heard, both The changes to the NSW Liquor Act 26, opened their small bar in the CBD became operational on July 1, 2008. near Wynyard, in early December 2008. Soon after, Mr Reid and Mr Brown Aptly named Small Bar, the owners Where there’s smoke there’s culture lodged a development application with said business is increasing all the time Council to set up a small bar between and on Friday nights they reach their Ba r r ie McM a hon Uni) might adopt computer studies, say. for the weather, the children move to the Oxford Street and Little Oxford Street, capacity of 100 customers. “We had no Monday morning of NAIDOC Week playground for a concert. Each classroom, Darlinghurst. dramas with either Sydney City Council NAIDOC stands for the National dawns as the coldest of the year. The hence each class, has an animal totem – At the same time, they began the or the OLGR. We were held up for a Aboriginal and Islander Day children sit obediently on cold concrete platypus, goanna, robin, etc. up to seven lengthy, involved process of applying few months because of building hassles Observance Committee, but over the steps while Uncle Max performs a smoke (the number of years at school). Each for a General Bar Hotel Licence with the but that was the only problem. The years it has become the name of a week. ceremony clad only in a loin cloth. class sang a song about its totem. There OLGR. The new low-cost license of $500 Council employs a Laneway Business He cleanses the assembled company, might have been some latter-day rhythm permitted Ching-a-lings to operate until Development Co-ordinator now and There is a sense in which every week including the parents and press, then added, as in ‘Rockin’ Robin’. midnight but, at an added cost of $2,000 he was a fantastic help,” Mr Lane said. is NAIDOC Week at Darlington School. the beds where the sea of hands will be The smoke ceremony and concert the trading hours were extended until Unlike Ching-a-lings, Small Bar You only have to walk past on the way created, then the totem poles being crafted were presided over by Principal Colleen 1am. Most other premises on Oxford received a $20,000 Council grant to King Street (anytime you like) to note during the week, and, for good measure, Hayward. Music teacher Graeme Street open until 3am or later and can because they were in an area targeted displays of Aboriginal art and a plaque the entrance gates. Sandstrom conducted the concert, while serve at least three times the 90 persons by the Laneways Business Development at each gate paying tribute to the Gadigal Uncle Max comments on his Aunty Norma delivered on a subsequent allowed into Ching-a-lings. Program. “We are fortunate that we people of the Eora nation. The school concession to latter-day technology – he sausage sizzle – all with the support of “We are trying to attract a different don’t have residents living nearby so is the local one for Aboriginal children lights his fire with matches, rather than students, teachers, staff and volunteers. clientele – young professionals, locals, objections were not an issue for us,” west of the railway, and beyond – and rubbing sticks together. You can see where Later in the week and beyond, creative types – so we wanted to use Mr Lane said. for all the other children. You feel that latter-day religious might get their incense Indigenous games were learned in the the laneway entrance in Little Oxford So far, Small Bar has been the only Aboriginal culture has been adopted as swinging from – though they tend to hall, the sea of hands for reconciliation was Street,” Mr Reid explained. recipient of a grant but the Council a core learning in much the same way as over-dress, relative to Uncle Max. created (one hand for every student and Following objections from residents spokesperson said that another three nearby schools for adolescents (Sydney While Uncle Max gets dressed again staff) and the totem poles completed. and an internal Council Appeal Panel eligible applicants have received hearing, Council eventually granted application forms. To date DAs have a DA conditional upon a three-month been approved for a further five trial use of the laneway as an entrance small bars in Surry Hills, Erskineville, only. Customers had to exit via Oxford Darlinghurst and the CBD. Community services “on a shoestring” Street and Security had to be on hand. Councillor John McInerney is a Ching-a-lings opened in June but strong voice behind the Small Bar Doug Dingwall since 1995, demand for their support has community groups, it will have a long- traded for only two weekends before concept but says a cultural change is jumped in the last five years. Inquiries term effect on the disadvantaged. They being forced to close. They had failed needed and it will take time to be fully Neighbourhood centres will reduce about support for homeless people have are becoming the breeding ground for to obtain an Occupation Consent from realised. “Currently the main issue is opening hours and cut services nearly tripled in four years at Newtown future abuse, neglect and unemployment,” Council before opening and were trading finding affordable retail spaces. The after missing out on a government- Neighbourhood Centre, from 551 daily in she said. illegally. They were also fined $3,000 for City is working with building owners recommended funding increase in 2004 to 1,525 last year. Inquiries about The State Government has allocated breaching their Conditions of Consent. to identify new spaces and also with June’s State budget. other services have nearly doubled in four $750 million over five years to child City Greens Councillor, Irene Doutney, the OLGR to streamline the application years at the centre, from 43 each day to 82. protection programs, under its Keep Them is an advocate for Little Oxford Street process,” he said. The State Government’s decision While some community centres Safe action plan to reduce child abuse residents. “The people who live on Whatever the issues have been, ignores the recommendation, within a maintain their services through and neglect. that claustrophobic laneway already the boys from Ching-a-lings are just review commissioned by the Department fundraising, some will have to reduce Linda Burney, Minister for Community endure noise, unruly, drunken behaviour relieved to be back at work. “We are of Community Services (DoCS) in opening hours, despite public support. Services, said: “This package includes $37 and garbage problems from other happy to have a difficult year behind February last year, that funding for Canterbury City Community Centre will million over five years to support early commercial premises in the area. Ching- us and finally to be open for business. neighbourhood centres be increased by open three days instead of five each week intervention and prevention programs, a-lings customers created a ‘riot’ on the The exercise could have been made $45 million over three years. The first due to a funding shortfall. to be delivered by the non-government weekend in question,” she said. easier if Sydney City Council were more $15 million of this rise was expected to be Newtown Neighbourhood Centre sector.” Mr Reid acknowledged they had made efficient and also more understanding,” delivered in the 2009-2010 State budget. will close its housing support service Ms Burney agreed that community mistakes. “We had not advertised and Mr Reid said. Jan Leach, manager of South Sydney before the end of the year unless funding centres provide valuable child protection Community Aid, said: “I was desperately increases, according to Lisa Burns, the services. disappointed. It’s like the government Centre’s executive officer. “While there is no direct increase in that discussions on community service getting government attention. The services has blinkers on and doesn’t know what’s Asha Ramzan, Executive Officer the budget for community centres, a funding are still on the government that prevent them in the first place are not going on out there. They expect us to run of the Inner South-West Community significant proportion of services will be agenda, and will be under consideration being recognised, and the cost savings services on a shoestring. The situation is Development Organisation, said that eligible to submit expressions of interest in future budgets.” involved in funding them are not being untenable,” she said. community centres were a first stop as the new child protection initiatives Reynato Reodica, Executive Officer of recognised. These sorts of links are not While funding has not increased for for victims of child abuse and domestic are implemented,” she said. “I would the Youth Action and Policy Association being made by the government and community services above indexation violence. “We know that, if we neglect like to assure community organisations said: “The more acute social problems are it’s worrying.” 4 N e w s August 2009 Mini Vinnies in Erskineville

Br e nda n Wong to 17, with more children expected to join Parents have also been supportive in the coming months. of their children’s participation in the St Mary’s School in Erskineville Mr McIntyre said the program was an organisation. Jacqui Liehr, whose son commissioned its first Mini Vinnies opportunity for children to help others Eoin is Vice President of the St Mary’s group at an inauguration ceremony in and to show care and compassion. “Kids Mini Vinnies, said the group exposed June. Mini Vinnies is a program of the have ideals and they’re thirsty to do things children to people who had different St Vincent de Paul Society which exists for other people,” he said. “They are very challenges in life. “They work together in in primary schools in Australia, and the passionate about social justice, and they a team to come up with ways of helping St Mary’s group is the first to open in are very enthusiastic.” others,” she said. “It forces them outside the Sydney region. An important aspect of the charity in their own little world, which is good.” relation to children is that they are taught Mr McIntyre said the group placed an The group provides a means for to respect others, regardless of differences. emphasis on ensuring members enjoyed children to be involved in social justice “We have absolute and utter respect for each other’s company and that they were issues and to help people in need within those in need [and] the core of the Society treated as members of the community. their school and local community. The is about a hand-up not a hand-out,” said The St Mary’s Mini Vinnies have plans First ever Mini Vinnies with Mick McIntyre and Principal Beverly Coffey Photo: Andrew Collis St Mary’s Mini Vinnies program was Mr McIntyre. to organise activities every two weeks and initiated by Mick McIntyre who is the Despite the organisation’s Catholic this may range from nursing home visits De Paul’s Winter Appeal. There are If you would like to join Mini Vinnies or group’s co-ordinator. affiliation, there were also non-Catholic to charity collection. also proposals to do “twinnings” would like more information on St Mary’s The group originally started with 12 and non-Christian members involved One major project that members are with conferences in Southern India or Mini Vinnies, contact Mick McIntyre on members but the number has now risen with the group. involved in currently is the St Vincent East Timor. 0450 442 300.

Co-ordinator of The Terrace, Sean Haughian, and volunteer, Karen Deutschbein Photo: Ali Blogg Perseverance is best policy Geoff Turnbull addresses Friends of Redfern Station Photo: Ali Blogg Doug Dingwall the way.” The refuge’s intimacy makes it Trevor, 50, sits on a back porch of easy for him to help residents work the Terrace, Darlinghurst’s refuge for on overcoming their addictions, he RailCorp review rallies homeless people, adding another coat says. Over 18 months, he gets to know of paint to an old table. Some of the them well enough to tailor their goals refuge’s residents get edgy as they according to their needs. “We find 18 prepare to move out, he says. He’ll be months is a good length of time for them Friends of Redfern leaving at Christmas. to stay. Any more and people could get a bit too dependent on us. After a year we R e be c c a L e M ay and security issues at Redfern and John Maher, Deputy President of the He’s lived here for 14 months, and start on getting them ready to move out. fear that the changes will leave the Australian Services Union, disputes says talking to the staff has helped A lot of them then go for Department of Friends of Redfern Station, about 50 station virtually unattended at times RailCorp’s claim that there will be him most. Housing accommodation. We find the local residents, rallied outside Redfern when more vulnerable and less mobile no loss of employment as a result of “I’ve never seen people persevere like guys who do the entire 18 months have Station on Saturday July 18 amid passengers, such as single mothers, the reviews. “If you read some of the this with homeless clients. They don’t a much better success rate.” concerns that RailCorp’s line-by-line the elderly and international students press releases they [RailCorp] have boot people if they fuck up,” he says. Residents set up weekly goals, staffing review will have a detrimental tend to travel. put out, they say they are going to “These guys have seen a lot of drug including managing their savings, or effect on safety and accessibility for Mrs Sally Quilter, a retired local increase customer service [and] are also addiction. They understand what you seeing a doctor. elderly and less mobile passengers. resident who cares for her two claiming they are actually increasing go through.” “The gaps between falls just get The review, which is due to be grandchildren three days a week, said staff. Nothing could be further from the The Terrace, established by Hope wider. There is usually a honeymoon completed at the end of July, affects that even without the changes, travelling truth,” said Mr Maher. Street, a Baptist Church project, looks period of three weeks. The guys like it staffing arrangements at 69 stations during the weekday with a pram is a “The document I have here is the like any other terrace house in Sydney. here because there’s not much staff, and on the Inner West, Cumberland, South, struggle because there are no lifts at proposed staff impact statement for Inside, residents clean and cook for lots of autonomy. Then reality hits in, Southern Highlands, Bankstown and Redfern. “I have to take the baby out of Redfern. At the moment Redfern has themselves, regaining living skills lost and the issues they haven’t dealt with East Hills lines. the pram while a security guard holds an establishment of 73 employees. If after years on the street. come back.” the other end. I’ve got a backpack with RailCorp’s proposal gets up there will be Sean Haughian, Co-ordinator, says “We work on widening the gaps Mr Paul Rea, RailCorp’s media all the gear for the two children, the 47 employees plus another six dedicated helping residents recover from addiction between these periods,” Mr Haughian spokesperson said: “The review is part baby in one arm and the 4 year-old. It’s cleaners. That means 20 less people at has to be taken slowly. “I tell the guys says. of the continuing consultation with our really good access in Redfern!” she said. this station.” as soon as they come in, if they have But residents are responsible for staff and unions to implement a more Mrs Quilter is also concerned about According to Mr Maher, around 400 an addiction, I know they’re going looking after themselves, and getting flexible station staffing model that is late night security. “I also enjoy going jobs face the chop across the network. to indulge in it. The reality is they’re housing later on. better equipped to deal with customer to concerts in the evening. You are very “They have left vacancies unfilled for not going to stop because I give them Trevor says that his time at the Terrace and operational needs.” lucky if there’s the guy who runs the some time and the total number of a room. We know they’re going to has gone quickly. “These guys bend over According to a media statement, station. It’s a bit eerie. If they do the vacancies is around 400, which is about struggle. All we ask is if they bust, to backwards to help us get housing. They “88 per cent of customers travel on review my sense is I’m not going to see the same as the number of positions give it another go,” he says. “We expect know all the strategies you need to get weekdays during morning and afternoon anyone in uniform,” she said. being eliminated. They’ve done this so them to fall, and we’re there when they it. But they still put it on you to get peaks”, indicating that staff will be According to Mr Rea, local issues the union can’t campaign on the basis do. We don’t have a three-strikes-and- your papers ready, and references from taken off day and evening periods and that affect staffing levels at Redfern that people will be put out of the job. you’re-out policy. If the person’s willing doctors and psychiatrists,” he says. consolidated during peaks. would be considered. “RailCorp is very But at the end of the day, despite all their to give it another go, we’re willing to “They give you the ammo, and you go However, residents believe that more conscious of the special needs of some juggling, there will be 400 fewer people stand with them and help them along and fire the gun.” staff are needed to deal with access customers,” he said. at CityRail stations,” he said. August 2009 N e w s 5

Enjoying barefoot bowling in Alexandria Photo: Ali Blogg Denis Peters Photo: Supplied Bowling for Alexandria Surviving dialysis Robert Morrison the club will also be welcoming Cardinal possible through a courtesy bus service George Pell of Sydney when the Mount which operates from Thursday to Sunday, De nis Peters has it. She has been through the process Tucked away behind Erskineville Carmel Church celebrates its 150th allowing transport to there and a safe of dialysis and kidney transplantation. Oval, not altogether visible from the birthday there. Everyone is welcome to trip home for those who need it. “The For about 30 years now I’ve been It’s an inherited family disease. Of the main road, is a quaint clubhouse. this event. courtesy bus is great,” says Margaret, writing about other people – their seven siblings in my family, four have Although hidden, this club reaches With so many clubs in the area closed bowling club regular. “You get a lot of old jobs, their politics, their wins and now been confirmed with it. far beyond its fences; its presence felt down, such as the Marrickville RSL and people here and they wouldn’t get here losses, their births, their deaths and A PKD sufferer quickly becomes throughout the local community. Marrickville ANZACs, and even more without that bus.” everything in between. Today I’m aware of the critical functions of the going, such as the Redfern RSL, the Anybody can become a social member writing a little about me. kidney. When kidneys go wrong, lots of The Alexandria Bowling Club has a Alexandria Bowling Club continues to of the club for just five dollars, or partake other things in the body bear the brunt. history that stretches back to 1958, and survive. “The club means a lot to people in barefoot bowls for 10 dollars. At the I’m a resident of Darlington but until Not long after I was diagnosed, I had in that time it has grown and developed around here,” says Club President Barry club there is also a Chinese restaurant recently I was a journalist in Canberra kidney stones so bad they blocked off to become a vital part of local community Carroll. “It gets people out of their homes open seven days and six nights a week. where I worked nine years in the Federal all kidney function. Only a surgical team life. In 2007 it became the temporary when they maybe wouldn’t go otherwise. There is also entertainment every Friday Parliamentary Press Gallery. A long- assembled in the middle of the night at home of the South Sydney Leagues It’s very friendly and a great place to night from 7.30pm and bingo every running degenerative kidney disease RPAH saved my life. Club, drawing the likes of Russell Crowe meet other locals. We’ve got 90 year-olds Monday at 2.30pm. finally caught up with me towards the Later, in Canberra, I endured another through its doors, as well as local MPs playing bingo here. Absolutely everyone end of last year and forced me out of symptom – brain aneurysm. Again, such as Verity Firth and Tanya Plibersek. is always welcome, both young and old.” For any enquiries call the work, leaving me reliant on regular sophisticated surgery saved my bacon, On August 15 of this year, at 12pm, The accessibility of the club is made Club on 02 9557 5749. dialysis sessions, which I receive, though not before a wonderful little courtesy of taxpayers, at Newtown’s medical procedure called an angiogram Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. caused me to have a stroke which for a Kidney dialysis is used by thousands time paralysed one side of my body and of Australians. The cumbersome left me barely able to speak. machines which mimic the function of Every cloud has a silver lining, they lost kidneys keep an increasing number say. In my case, ending a somewhat of people from meeting an early grave. stereotypical lifestyle of a political RPAH alone dialyses dozens of people journalist – working sometimes long every day, as do most major hospitals and odd hours and making unhealthy in Sydney. lifestyle choices, was replaced by My busy life as a journalist, writing regular exercise, eating and drinking stories which appear in newspapers better, losing lots of weight and finally and magazines, on radio bulletins throwing the smokes. I got myself fit and on the TV evening news, has, for the first time in many years. So fit I for the moment at least, slowed to swam 20 laps of the Sydney University a much different pace. It is a world Olympic pool the night before I started of blood-cleaning and fluid removal, dialysis. diet, learning about the human body, Living in Darlington is great for me. learning to live with seven-hour sessions It’s within walking distance of the RPAH in a renal medicine chair and adapting dialysis unit and the early morning my life to this new reality. strolls through the university grounds I was living here in Darlington about help keep me sane through my new 13 years ago when I felt a strange pain reality of kidney dialysis. And I like in my gut which quickly grew to an Darlington. I lived here for three years unbearable level. A trip to hospital in the late ‘90s and I like the people revealed I had kidney stones. Further who live in these streets. There’s a tests showed I suffered from polycystic community here that makes me feel at kidney disease (PKD) – incurable and home through a difficult stage in my The Northcott 25th Anniversary Working Party Photo: Ali Blogg destined to lead to kidney failure. life and while I wait, and hope, for a I had heard of PKD. My older sister kidney donation. Northcott celebrates 25 years Seven years ago it got so bad some to see their community as resilient Peter W hitehe a d was lucky enough to be put right by main building was state of the art – critics were calling for Northcott to be and strong. Rick O’Meara, the unofficial Mayor Australian 60s style – 428 units with bulldozed. But the community asserted Now there is plenty to be proud of at Let me admit my misgivings about of Northcott, who filled me in on the pastel colourings, individual kitchens and its vitality as tenants worked with Northcott. Get along in the last week of the Northcott Estate, a block in Surry upcoming 25 th Anniversary of the high-speed electric lifts. government departments, police, the August to find out how this small society Hills I have visited once, rather timidly, Northcott Community Centre, a two-day But the path of true social engineering City of Sydney, St Vincent’s Hospital and of a thousand souls is bolstering itself in 25 years of living nearby. My callow gala, Tuesday August 25 and Wednesday never did run smooth. In its initial decades other agencies and corporations to turn through innovative artistic expression prejudices were based on news reports, August 26. the new development was a peaceful things around. and no-nonsense Aussie neighbourliness. rumours or sordid stories about things Opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1963, place, but in the 80s, when mental health Surry Hills Constable Brett Degenhardt There will be music and dancing, that happened to this friend of a bloke Northcott was built as part of the institutions were being closed down, and Community Development Worker displays of visual arts, many speeches at the pub who knows people that used NSW Government’s Slum Replacement troubles flooded in. The Community Dominic Grenot built trust with residents and countless tall stories as well as light to live there and reckon it’s dodgy as. Program. There were 20 lanes and alleys Centre opened in 1984 but could not stand by following through on promises to act refreshments for all who wish to celebrate where Northcott now stands between alone against the problems of drugs and against problems. Big hART became 25 years of persisting happily against Well, ignorance is not bliss, and I Devonshire and Belvoir streets. The violence bedevilling the estate. involved, creatively encouraging tenants the odds. 6 N e w s August 2009

Have You Heard? THE FAST NEWS WITH TREVOR DAVIES Resident action against garbage depot continues Graham Grace and the Rosebery Resident Action Group are working hard to fight the City’s proposal for a garbage depot in Rosebery. The Lord Mayor has agreed to table their petition with 1,122 signatories at the next Council sitting. The Action Group’s options paper sent to Councillors contains ideas for the depot site, including the possibility of accepting some of the proposed depot uses. They are definitely not prepared to accept garbage trucks or street-sweepers but put up for discussion other Council services that may be acceptable alongside some possible community uses. They are pleased that the Lord Mayor and Councillors have given them the opportunity to meet with them twice – once to explain where they see the problems with the depot proposal and a second meeting to discuss the alternatives. Graham told Fast News: “We feel confident that, based on that paper, a common-sense solution can be found that satisfies all stakeholders – Council, residents and businesses.” The City has appointed an independent assessor to make a recommendation on the DA. Rosebery Resident Action Group has engaged an acoustics expert to carry out independent noise monitoring. The Lord Mayor will have the depot issue first on the agenda at the next Green Square Community Forum on August 11 in the hall on Joynton Avenue, Zetland. Ron Fox in his workplace Photo: Ali Blogg

Redfern Police reaching out Bearing the best of the past Police have launched a program designed to steer “at risk” youth within the Redfern Local Area Command away from a potential life of crime. “The Clean Slate without Prejudice” program, supported by Centrelink and the local Aboriginal men’s group, Babana, was launched last month on board the Reader Profile: Ron Fox vessel, Tribal Warrior, on Sydney Harbour. The aim of the program is to provide specially selected young people within the Redfern area with an opportunity Doroth y McR a e-McM a hon Institute in Castlereagh Street. They community. to alter their behaviour through the involvement of government and non- could be taught electrical trades, printing, In 1964, Ron left Carriageworks for government agencies and organisations. The project encompasses a range Ron Fox was surprised to be selected and all manner of skills connected with the private sector, returned to the Public of strategies including early intervention, developmental crime prevention, as our reader of the month. He is the railway work. They were tinsmiths, Works Department to continue welding positive relationships, support networking and behavioural workshops. From a sort of person, I suspect, who would people who could do etching on glass, for a few years and then moved into policing perspective, the program is designed to reduce youth crime and identify always be surprised to find himself the French polishers and cabinet makers. the repairing of car exhausts. Finally he re-offending behaviours. Police expect the initiative to have immediate and long- centre of attention. They did everything related to trains, became connected with a muffler service term results, with Aboriginal leaders from the Redfern community and officers including making the seats. During workshop in Botany Road, Alexandria. volunteering their free time to play an active mentoring role with the young When he was a child, his family lived the war they were radar experts and This was run by Andrew Haggar who in Ashfield. After his father died at the did armour piercing shell tests. The began Muffy Tuffy, the service with which people. To launch the program, a group of young people was treated to a trip age of 36, there was no option but for workshops housed the biggest press in Ron is till connected today. across Sydney Harbour on the Tribal Warrior and an excursion to Luna Park. Ron to go to work to help support them. the southern hemisphere. Interestingly, Ron has spent 20 years as a manager His mother, who had not previously been the railways generated their own power with Muffy Tuffy and he regards his employed, took up cleaning jobs and Ron and added excess power to the grid – not colleagues in the firm, especially Michael began work at the age of 15 as a Shop Boy a bad example for today! and Dawn Helliwell, as family. He and Who hasn’t signed one petition? at Carriageworks in Eveleigh. It was 1955 There was a large tunnel from Redfern Mike do a one-hour walk together every Petitions are sometimes viewed with cynicism by activists. Do they achieve and there were then 2,500 workers and to Alexandria underneath the workshops, lunchtime. Ron loves the fact that he is anything? Do politicians take any notice? The City of Sydney website reports about the same number at the Railway and, because there were no women part of a firm which, unusually for today, that there were three separate petitions tabled at last month’s Council meeting. Yards nearby – the loco works with workers, the men had outdoor exposed makes its own parts on site. The motto Clover Moore tabled one on the Pyrmont Metro issue (727 signatures and 612 its huge steam trains being part of the urinals, which can still be seen today. above his desk reads: “No such thing as a on-line), John McInerney tabled one on the Erskineville supermarket issue beginning of industrialisation in Australia. The Railway Workers Unions were problem – only a solution.” He still welds (2,451 and 113 on-line) and Shayne Mallard tabled one on the Sugarmill Hotel Shop Boys washed sinks, picked up old-time socialists and they organised all the mufflers himself and showed us his issue (750 signatures). Then there is the petition on the Rosebery Depot issue, lunches and generally did all the odd jobs manner of events for their workers – art arms which are obviously a long-term which the Lord Mayor will present at the next Council sitting (1,122 signatures). around the place. It was dirty, dangerous and various other exhibitions from all landing ground for hot sparks! So perhaps petition signing is worth a try? and smoky – no occupational health and over the world, including China and the Although he and his family now live safety regulations in those days. Ron Soviet Union. There were even flower at Penrith, Ron remains devoted to the had hoped to be an architect, but that shows and concerts by Frank Ifield. It South Sydney area. He stops each day to was never to be. He was promoted to was a very different time! buy his paper in Abercrombie Street, as Andrew Bartlett: “Cracking down being an office boy – answering phones, Most workers lived locally. Houses he has always done, before driving on recording sick days for employees, filing were provided for rent and good single down to Rosebery, and loves the sense on people smuggling” and typing. He talked his boss into letting accommodation in rooms nearby – of community around him. Andrew Bartlett will speak at Wayside Chapel on Thursday August 13 at 6.30pm him move into the welding workshop as train drivers lived in Wilson Street, Ron Fox is one of South Sydney’s about his concerns over recent events and policies, and whether our current an apprentice. Chippendale. There were many pubs, of treasures – a man who, in spite of tough policies are indicative of the Australia we want to be, especially in relation to A good thing about that time was course, and groups of workers had their beginnings, has carried with him the human rights. Bartlett, who is a former leader of the Australian Democrats, that people who worked in such “own pub” – their “watering hole” which best of all that has lain around him on is a consistent and vocal campaigner for refugees and asylum seekers. He is environments were given opportunities they frequented after work. his journey here. He lives with care and the only Australian parliamentarian to have visited every refugee detention for apprenticeships in a huge variety of Life was very hard, in many respects, respect for others and a deep pride in centre in Australia, as well as those on Christmas Island and Nauru (detention trades, in this case through the Railway but there was a sense of support and his work. centres off the Australian mainland) where he went four times to meet with detainees. Darlington and the University. Do things ever change? There is a DA before the City Council which proposes: “Use of outdoor plaza on levels 2 and 3 of the Jane Foss Russell Building at Sydney University as a place of Mudgin-Gal – “a true friend in turbulent times” public entertainment for markets, festivals, music performances, film screenings Doroth y McR a e-McM a hon Looking around during the celebration, news on these issues. She congratulated and erection of associated stages and structures. Proposed hours are between you could see Aboriginal women, Mudgin-Gal for its successful mentoring, 7am and midnight, Monday to Saturday and 9am and 10pm, Sunday.” Many In NAIDOC Week, when many aspects community leaders and quite a few leadership development and modelling of Darlington residents did not receive any notification of this DA. One resident of Aboriginal life are celebrated, an women who were proudly wearing a successful and appropriate relationships, has expressed concern about the issue relating to the use of “amplified music” enthusiastic gathering was held at badge which stated that they were “Virtual and concluded by presenting Mudgin-Gal on the site, specifically the notice that this would include “music after 5pm” the Redfern Community Centre on the Sisters”. This was a recognition that there CEO, Bronwyn Penrith, with a framed and “night-time bands on Friday”. There appears to be no upper limit for how Block. The special guest for the occasion are some non-Indigenous women who copy of the “Sorry Day” apology by the long this music will continue and there are already long-standing concerns in was Federal Government Minister Tanya have made a significant contribution to Government to the stolen generations. Darlington about the level of after-hours noise emanating from the University. Plibersek who had been supporting justice and care for Aboriginal women, Ashlee Donahue then shared the very The resident points out that there are enormous grounds and infrastructure the Mudgin-Gal Women’s Centre of the who are of course, the sisterhood. moving story of her journeying through within the main campus across from City Road that are well removed from Aboriginal Corporation long before she Tanya Plibersek addressed those life with support from Mudgin-Gal – residential areas. became a Minister. present, beginning by saying that it was travelling through many difficult times a time to share some good news about and ending up with a university education The Centre is a hub for many creative Indigenous affairs – that there had been and a sense of herself as worthy. Mudgin- activities in support of Aboriginal a reduction in alcohol consultation Gal had been for her “a true friend in The Factory doing good work in Waterloo women in the area. It provides specialist on Grut Island, a 60 per cent drop in turbulent times”. counselling and best-practice programs for domestic violence and an 80 per cent The gathering ended with grateful thanks Twenty local youth, boys and girls, recently completed a training course in addressing violence in urban communities decrease in break and enter crime. to a whole list of people, especially those landscaping facilitated by the Factory Community Centre in conjunction with and homes. It also runs “yarning circles” She said that, even within the United who had helped to produce the splendid TAFE Outreach and Housing NSW. They were awarded their Certificates at a which offer a safe place for all sorts of Nations Organisation, people around booklet, The Seeding of Hope, which tells function held in the recreational area on the Pitt Street frontage of the Solander sharing by vulnerable people. the world were listening for any good of the work of Mudgin-Gal. building in Pitt Street Waterloo, the remodeling of which was their final exam. August 2009 N e w s 7 Strong work ethic, ADVERTISEMENT on and off the field Kristina Keneally MP s sh MEMBER South Sydney Leagues has opened FOR HEFFRON for trading in intimate café mode until the new Club is re-opened. Nestled near the Moreton Bay Figs and adjoining In June this year the NSW Government handed down the Redfern Oval is the wonderful Park Café on Chalmers. 2009/10 Budget which provides millions of dollars in investment for local infrastructure projects across Heffron – projects that The Café offers opportunity for trainees to experience a strong work ethic will deliver jobs for local tradespeople and businesses. in a nurturing environment, and the first to join the team is a young footballer In the 2009/10 Budget more than $31 million has been dedicated to from the Rabbitohs. Jake Shearer, at the youthful age of 19, is showing others deliver 106 homes for people in need in Redfern – this is on top of $14.05 how it can be done. million for maintenance upgrades to social housing homes across the The 107-kg prop divides his time between training and playing in the Heffron electorate. Toyota Cup, attending Uni as a second- year student (PE Teaching), working Other benefits for Heffron Residents in the 2009/10 budget include: several days at the Café, and assisting in the Souths Cares program. ƒƒ $12.6 million for road upgrades and traffic management in the Heffron “Its great to see a young Rugby League player with a sound work ethic,” states electorate; Ken Stewart, CEO of the Leagues Club. “And he makes great coffee, too!” ƒƒ $7.9 million to complete the upgrade of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, “If you do a job, do it properly,” the front-rower says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s including the refurbishment of laboratories and pharmacy; not the dream job you really want to do, you have to apply yourself to everything ƒƒ A share in $208 million under the Climate Change Fund, including the with the same belief. I think it’s the only household rebate for water tanks, energy efficient hot water heaters and way to get through life. I love to get amongst the community and the Souths 4.5 star washing machines. Environmental regulation and compliance family. It’s a culture you can enjoy whilst will also be given a boost of $71.8 million statewide; giving back at the same time – kind of like paying it forward. It’s all about your Jake Shearer at the Park Café Photo: Supplied morals and making sure you keep the ƒƒ $1.28 million for upgrades to roof guttering and sewerage systems at community in high regard.” Kylie Day, the Manager for the Café the Park Café boasts that it’s the only Green Square School, Mascot Public School, Daceyville Public School The Park Café on Chalmers serves a states: “We apply the same initiative to café in Sydney where you can watch an delicious array of gourmet breakfasts food as Jake does to his job. We need to NRL team train while enjoying a great and Gardeners Road Public School as part of the Principals Priority and scrumptious lunches and desserts. care for our community and what better beverage and delicious food. Building Program; The choices are inviting and specials way than providing a sumptuous array of change every day. Meals are about meals and a great atmosphere.” Park Café on Chalmers is open size and flavour, and no one leaves Adjacent to Redfern Oval and the seven days a week. For more ƒƒ $10.21 million to renovate the Tempe Bus Depot to add extra space feeling hungry. home of the Rabbitohs training centre, information call 8399 0661. for additional buses, which will in turn mean more services for local passengers;

ƒƒ $49.8 million towards the purchase of 90 replacement buses for the Crisis stirs deeper issues STA fleet across Sydney;

Nicholas McCallum Recently the group distributed flyers in Australians are already a main factor ƒƒ $19.66 million towards the purchase of 40 growth buses for the STA Glebe and on Broadway that proclaimed in the housing crisis. “As population fleet across Sydney; The Global Financial Crisis (GFC), its solution to the housing crisis in terms expands more people from regional reported to be the greatest threat to of a “pro-Aussie movement”. The aim of centres are moving to the inner city,” global markets since the 1929 stock the movement is to assist students that Lauren said. ƒƒ $13.34 million for rail maintenance and capital works in the Heffron market crash, has lowered interest are struggling with the basics such as According to a 2009 report by the electorate, including track maintenance to ensure a smoother ride for rates, making it easier for some to housing, resulting from the failures of Australian Bureau of Statistics, Migration seek the purchase of their first homes. liberal democracy of which the GFC is Across the Nation, between 2000 to 2006, commuters and minimise disruptions to services; But for others within Sydney’s inner just one symptom. 1.9 million Australians relocated to a suburbs, a deeper issue has been The group also intends to put the different city or region. ƒƒ $117.33 million to progress the delivery of 626 new, air-conditioned receiving attention. pressure on the “middlemen”: estate In Glebe the average rent for a two- agents. They suggest that the industry bedroom house is upwards of $400. A CityRail carriages; One aspect of the 1929 crash that is structured to serve those with the suburb with such close proximity to two world leaders have been hoping to avoid most money, in which renters are of Sydney’s main universities would ƒƒ $1.28 million for upgrades to local schools under the Principals Priority is a retreat to protectionist policies that continually losing out, whilst agents suggest that students would be vital to Building Program; can lead to a rise in nationalism. make staggering profits. the local economy, though rents this Within every crisis, however, there At an open house on the outskirts of high surely exclude the average student are opportunities for some, and one Glebe, Lauren and Nathan suggested that from living there. ƒƒ Completion of construction of the plant and pipeline for the $1.9 billion policy group has sought to combine whilst there is a housing crisis, it is more But Robert Winston believes that the desalination project; and the flow-on effects of the GFC to help a result of a lack of housing in general, problem of housing goes deeper than an solve the shortage of inner-city housing. rather than collusion by the industry. issue of numbers and industry collusion. Based in Melbourne, the Nationalist “It can be hard,” Nathan said, with Whilst Australia enjoyed a long period of ƒƒ $2.05 million for new community living accommodation for 5 people Alternative is a political action group Lauren adding: “There’s just not enough economic growth, the fact the housing with a disability. that claims to take the middle ground housing to go around”. crisis has not been solved is a clear in its approach to finding solutions to The two house hunters also indication of the failures of democratic The NSW Government is investing $62.9 billion over the next 4 years to Australia’s social issues. acknowledged the hype reported liberalism. The group is making the charge within certain suburbs where dozens “Affordable housing should be create jobs and stimulate business activity in NSW. This investment will on many social issues, including the of prospectors fill the footpaths before available to all, but the Government deliver improved schools, roads and railways and will provide the stimulus welfare of local students over what inspecting a house, hoping their appears to only pay lip service to this they state is “the elephant in the room”, application might be picked out over ideal, preferring to keep the asset bubble the state requires in these difficult economic times. namely primacy given to full-fee-paying several others. inflated to avoid the economic hangover foreign university students over local “The frenzy isn’t something that I’ve should it burst,” he said. students who enter university on the experienced, but it is something I’ve Now is a time when everyone is Kristina Keneally MP HECS system. heard of,” Lauren said, referring to a feeling vulnerable and looking to blame Spokesman for the Nationalist time when 80 people turned up to a someone. But if the current financial Member for Heffron Alternative, Robert Winston, stated one-bedroom house in Enmore, whilst crisis is as bad, or worse, than that of Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 that the globalised world has produced she had no trouble getting into a similar 1929, people should keep in mind that co-dependent nations with unsustainable house at the same time. the retreat to nationalism that followed Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 economies. As a result, Australians are Neither Lauren nor Nathan believed that crash produced consequences that Email: [email protected] being neglected in terms of culture that there was any merit in a campaign were even less desirable than Australia’s and education. that put local “Aussies” first, because current housing shortage. 8 N e w s August 2009 Platform 10 – a great initiative in Redfern

Doroth y McR a e-McM a hon

The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association has been in George Street Redfern since the 1950s. In addition to its supported employment program it is now opening a creative initiative on Level 11, 1 Lawson Square, the building above the Redfern Police Station. This is especially impressive because it effectively meets at least two types of need. It is being funded by both Federal and NSW governments.

The beautiful space, with panoramic views over Sydney, offers a wonderful place for people running conferences and consultations, training sessions, workshops, launchings and openings or other events. It is spacious, right alongside Redfern Station, with undercover parking if you need it, high quality conferencing and video-conferencing facilities, printing and publishing services and great refreshments. The rates for hire of Platform 10, as the centre is named, and its services, are very reasonable. The running of Platform 10 is intertwined with the training of people with psychiatric disabilities for entry or re-entry into the workforce. It takes into account the reality that people Marty Golding and Kerry Dixon with members of the hospitality team Photo: Ali Blogg often need psycho-social rehabilitation because, due to their illnesses, they may We sat in the Platform 10 space with When we met some of the people have lost some level of social skills. Kerry Dixon its Manager and Marty who are at present engaged in training The type of work experience offered Golding, who is PRA Divisional Manager for employment, as they meet the needs covers a whole range of skills up to for Employment. Just doing that would of events being held there, we could feel professional standards in the hospitality be enough to encourage me to hold an their enthusiasm and commitment to what area – reception, purchase, storage and event there, should I be needing a venue. they are doing. Their spirit adds to the Pepsee preparation of food and drinks, cleaning The only problem would be stopping welcoming atmosphere in general. up, stocktaking, setting up of furniture people spending all day looking out the CUT & COLOUR SALON and equipment for particular events and windows at the amazing scenes over Let’s spread the word! This is a truly more. People are trained in developing the area! It was quiet and peaceful, admirable project. To receive conference Style cuts for a great price for everybody employment resumes and generally spacious and welcoming, with all sorts and information sheets for Platform 276 ABERCROMBIE ST DARLINGTON presenting themselves for employment. of possibilities for room arrangement – 10 contact Kerry Dixon: 9690 8927 or It is a six- to eight-month program. for small groups or larger. 0408 401150; [email protected] 9310 4927

SKYLINE PRINT & DESIGN Instant printing, business cards & more Shop 2, 100 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016 Phone 02 9698 0088 [email protected] www.auskyline.com

FREE BUSINESS ADVICE Redfern-Waterloo area Heather Coull, Linda Burney and Alex McAlees Photo: Supplied Starting a new business? Growing an existing business? Getting it together for young people Confidential, professional advice Redfern-Waterloo Business Advice Service SSH Community Services. problems, education and difficulties with South Sydney Youth Services runs the legal system. Alex McAlees, the Streetbeat the Streetbeat Transport and Casework Ms Burney said: “The GITS Bookings 02 9202 9100 Coordinator, and Heather Coull, Management Program, one of 15 Getting Streetbeat program in Redfern has Streetbeat Counsellor from South It Together services in NSW. Streetbeat been instrumental in engaging local Sydney Youth Services, Redfern, were provides vulnerable teenagers with the teenagers who, traditionally, may not recently recognised for their work support they need through late night have access to conventional services. In in supporting local teenagers with transport and outreach and daytime the last half of 2008, the group offered substance abuse problems at a state- support with practical, emotional and support to almost 150 young people in wide forum for the Getting It Together some financial help. the local area.” artyourservice Scheme. Community Services Minister, Young people who need a lift home “I am personally grateful to South Linda Burney, personally thanked the can call the bus on the free call number, Sydney Youth Services for their • PICTURE FRAMING • FOOTY JUMPER SPECIAL $150 workers while opening a forum in 1800 114 114, Thursday, Friday and dedication to the GITS program. By Sydney for all the services involved. Saturday nights from 10pm until 3am. working at a local level, their efforts have • SPECIALISING IN SPORTS MEMORABILIA The Streetbeat Bus provides free and safe helped young people build resilience and The Getting It Together Scheme transport to young people in the Sydney gain independence.” (GITS) is an alcohol and other drugs metropolitan area. Streetbeat’s daytime This program forms part of the NSW 22 Gardeners Rd, KINGSFORD, NSW 2032 prevention initiative that resulted from services offer young people intensive Government’s commitment of more than Phone 02 9663 4995 the 1999 NSW Drug Summit, and is support to deal with a range of issues $269 million to tackle the use of illicit managed by the NSW Department of that include accommodation, personal drugs over the next three years. August 2009 FEATURES 9 Records come round again and again

Nichol a s McC a l lum

It’s well known that trends have a tendency to come around again. Whether it is in fashion or music, there is an expectation that today’s passé could be tomorrow’s hip. Contemporary music is experiencing a resurgence of the sounds of yesteryear, be that of the 60s, 70s or 80s. But another renaissance for music lovers is not with a certain sound per se, but with a format – vinyl.

It seems only apt that the record would come around again, but now it is reaching out to a generation that has mostly been exposed to the sounds of CD and digital MP3. Those that had marked vinyl records for death because of their size and lack of convenience when compared to more recent formats must now be enjoying a serve of humble pie with music lovers vying for the ol’ school records. The reason records are becoming popular again is due in part to their physicality – there is something to hold onto and keep. An MP3 is just another track in a list of thousands. A vinyl record is something you hold and interact with. It requires care and attention and even interaction because you have to change sides halfway through an album. Rohan Tate of Frolic Clothing on King Street likens the record collection to the love that one has for an old sports car. Baz at Egg Records in Newtown Photo: Don Crowley “It may not be more fuel efficient or as practical as a newer car. But when you night, or giving their friends a taste of But it isn’t just serious collectors who The sound from a record is raw and decades ago. He says that now record see someone with one, you can see the something that they recently picked up are into vinyl. It’s young people. And grainy, yet simultaneously crisp and companies are repressing records that devotion that they have for it,” he said. from an op-shop or garage sale. they’re coming in for all sorts of music. clean. It has personality. have been out of print for years. And Though Rohan mostly trades in vintage Steven Jenkins who runs the Towers Another antique dealer on King Street It’s what Baz, owner and operator of they’re even allowing buyers to download clothes, he says that people love it when Antiques doesn’t specialize in records, but said that whilst jazz, big band, and Egg Records on Wilson Street Newtown, the MP3s to make the records portable, he plays retro music on the unique record stocks anything from Biohazard to Milli classical are always big sellers, there’s a refers to as a “romance” that one has meaning no solid state record players player he has in store. Whilst he tends to Vanilli. And whilst most of his records lot of Australian pop like Midnight Oil in with a record that is not possible with a have to be lugged around and people play genres that complement the clothing remain out the back of his shop, he high demand, possibly because people downloaded MP3 or even a CD. “MP3s don’t pay twice for the same songs. styles he has in store, he does believe says he is selling them more frequently. want to listen to Peter Garrett when he have no value,” Baz said. “If you come As well as the sound, there’s the album that lovers of vinyl are becoming more “People can get a real bargain because I sounded good. in with a record you can sell it, but if you jacket. Baz said that in his youth he prevalent because of the communal don’t know the value of some of these It seems that the sound is one of the download off iTunes you have nothing would buy a record just because of the aspect of the record. records,” he said, possibly referring to main reasons why people are coming but fresh air.” cover work. “It’s a piece of art”, he said, Once upon a time people would sit the rare Milli Vanilli album. “That’s just back to vinyl. He said that the compression of sound and something that reaches out to a fan around and listen to a record together. business and my bad luck.” Steven admitted that although he on the MP3 takes away too much of the in way that a downloaded song doesn’t. But the relentless pace of modern life Steven said that it is not just the vinyls didn’t know too much about pop music, highs and lows in the music. “People And this notion of physical engagement has pushed music out of the communal that are hot, but retro record players are when it came to records, “it just sounds walk in here where I’ve got four speakers with the record is providing for new living room setting and into the portable highly sought after. The ones that are better”. playing. They ask if it’s a different and repeat engagements with music for iPod, with direct and singular access to small, portable and with unique styles are And many vinyl lovers will tell you recording that they haven’t heard before. people of all ages. the ear of the solitary listener. very popular. Gramophones too. Serious that there is something about a record I just say, No, its on vinyl.” As trends come around again, the oft According to Rohan, people are again collectors are also snapping-up 45s that that brings the music to life that isn’t Baz believes that vinyl has never scoffed-at Air Supply records going cheap “jonesing” for the get-together where they fit old duke boxes which can sell for a lot present in the digital format. MP3s are too really gone away, despite most people at garage sales could be the hot item for play through their library on a Saturday of money these days. pristine, too polished and over-produced. pronouncing it obsolete nearly two tomorrow’s avid record lover. My Place in Glebe

Doroth y McR a e-McM a hon Anglican Church in Newtown in the 1980s, watching children climb around Councillor Meredith Burgmann it as she walked her dog. Then, later, she shares a story of strange coincidences: walked beside the freshwater Alexandria “When famed film producer Penny Canal and imagined Aboriginal people Chapman invited City of Sydney camping there. Councillors to visit the set of My She had a “light bulb idea”, a sense Place, based on the classic Australian of children claiming their “place” and children’s book by Nadia Wheatley, was inspired to write her book. This was she chose Darghan Street Glebe for the heightened when she reflected anxiously day’s shoot. Not only did I know Nadia about what would be the focus of the Wheatley well, we had shared a student bicentenary celebrations – would it be house in Darghan Street, together with on white settlement? Like the best of this Helen Randison, in the 60s and 70s. genre of writing, My Place enchants and enlightens both children and adults. Now “To compound the series of it is the basis of a 13-part television series, coincidences, one of the stars of the produced by Penny Chapman for the ABC. day’s shooting will be Aboriginal actress The book is a very clever grouping of Bronwyn Penrith who remembers visiting small stories of children from different the Darghan Street student house all those cultural and racial backgrounds each years ago!” describing the “place” which is home to Penny Chapman, Bronwyn Penrith, Meredith Burgmann, Nadia Wheatley and Helen Randerson on the set in Darghan Street Photo: Ali Blogg The home of the women concerned them, beginning with an Aboriginal child was a centre of student activism against whose place is near the Alexandria Canal whose story is told in the first episode of Aboriginal story-teller watching the Prime cultural and political integrity of the book. apartheid and for the Land Rights in 1988 and running backwards in time the series by young actor Maddie Madden. Minister saying “Sorry”. It is very important that the series is using Movement. until we reach another Aboriginal child On her father’s side, Maddie traces her It has been very moving for Ms authentic locations, and actors who live The classic Australian children’s book, in 1788. The children in between are ancestry back to the Gadigal people who Wheatley to see the script which the roles that they are playing.” My Place, was written more than 20 from many parts of the world and they lived around Sydney harbour before 1788. Aboriginal woman, Leah Purcell, wrote years ago. Its author, Nadia Wheatley, describe what is “my place” for them. In The original stories in the book will from the book for the first episode of the The televised production of My Place tells of standing under a large fig tree the TV series, the Darghan Street location be expanded to include the arrival of a TV series. She says: “Readers of My Place should be finished by early next year, in the cemetery behind St Stephen’s will be “home” to the Aboriginal family Muslim child in 1998 and Laura, the little will expect the television series to have the so watch out for it on the ABC. 10 COMMENTN e &w sOPINION August 2009 Editorial

The State Government is half-way through a fixed four-year term.

Cartoon: norrie mAy-welby norrie Cartoon: In 2007, led by Morris Iemma, Labor won against the odds. Four years on, a lot has happened: the battle over electricity privatisation which forced Iemma to resign (but there will be privatisation of electricity retail); privatisation of prisons; commuter frustrations over rail and road networks; horror stories from public housing communities across the City and the State (perhaps the Federal Government should take control of public housing?). Can Premier Nathan Rees take this tired government to victory? The beleaguered leader has agreed to an interview with the SSH before the end of the year, and we’d like the help of readers to formulate the interview questions (canvassing a wide range of inner-city issues).

Please email questions and concerns for comment to [email protected]

Faith “We acknowledge …” Comment Doroth y McR a e-McM a hon are invited to believe that we are equally valued before our God and that we Every Sunday our church are called to “love our neighbour as service begins with the words: “We ourselves”. This surely includes sharing Proof of carbon-induced acknowledge that we are on the land of our resources with others, no matter what the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. their ethnicity, race, religion or culture. We respect their Elders, past and Those of us who are of European origin present.” It sounds like a confession, might well also study the past, especially global warming and so it is. the colonising activities of our people in Asia, Africa, North and South America Over many years, Australians of and the Middle East. For example, in our Barrie McMahon different atmospheric mixtures. [Senator Fielding] continue to Anglo-Celtic origin have spoken and acted carving up of the old Ottoman Empire in The field measurement is the challenge your critics to explain the as though they are not immigrants, as the Middle East as though we had a right It is most unfortunate that difference in temperature between apparent lack of correlation between though we have ownership of this land to do that, we set in motion consequences Senator Steve Fielding’s power in the moon and the earth. Both are the atmospheric CO2 rise over the and the right to defend its shores against which would last for centuries. Then, the Senate allows him to frustrate the same distance from the sun. The last decade and the measured too many immigrants and definitely in recent years, we supported invasive the actions we must take to moon has no atmosphere. The atmospheric mean temperature. I against “boat people”. Even now we hear military activities in Iraq which has now address a global, life-threatening moon temperature is measurable now address this specifically. that, to put “Australia first”, is to protect it created refugees. problem. The road ahead will be from earth because it determines The lack of correlation is due to from certain sorts of people coming here In so many places, the rightful difficult enough without being the frequency of the light emitted normal variation. You don’t have and to restrict their numbers. owners of lands were supplanted by the tripped up at the first step. I do by the moon and received on earth. to be a skeptic to acknowledge Some of us, including myself, are European powers, often carrying Bibles appreciate the significance of coal (It is the link between temperature other influences on the atmospheric descendants of people who were forced in their hands. We plundered resources, exports to the global economy and and light frequency that IS the temperature. The earth’s orbital off their own land and into boats which turned people into real or virtual slaves, of coal-fuelled electricity generators greenhouse effect anyway.) perturbations and the sun’s landed on the shores of this country. and interfered with traditions of land to our local one. We will only move The temperature difference solar flares immediately spring Mine came from the Scottish Island ownership and structures of ancient to a more sustainable economy between earth and moon is caused to mind, thanks to Ian Plimer of Skye. They were refugees from the societies. We cannot justify any self- with application to the task, and by the greenhouse effect of the earth’s and colleagues. These variations, Scottish landlords of the time who burnt righteous possession of this country and care for those affected. This will atmosphere alone (because there is which are real enough, will their houses and forced them onto boats. a turning away of desperate people. Of involve a robust debate about no other). The skeptics rightly say appear as scatter on any chart of Those who survived, landed on the coast course, we have responsibilities for people emission trading, carbon capture, the major greenhouse gas in this temperature against CO2 level. of Victoria and created their farms on already here to be kept in mind, but as renewable energies, and population atmosphere is water vapour, but An even bigger scatter is the the green slopes of Gippsland – a people one of the wealthiest nations in the world, policy. But all this will not happen the overall effect is of the overall error in measuring the global mean whose land was taken from them took a significant enacting of compassion is if we fantasise that carbon-induced composition (H2O + CO2 + CH4 atmospheric temperature. There is land from others. You can have some open to us. global warming is not for real. + etc.). Various compositions can great scope for debate about the sympathy for these refugee people, of Also, those of us who occupy the have their reflectivity/absorptivity measurement of it. That is why I course, but it is very sad to recognise middle ground of political and religious I have tried to reason with measured in a laboratory calorimeter. prefer a more theoretical (but still that they ended up oppressing the life, have a grave responsibility to make Senator Fielding. He claims to These parameters can be readily measured) thermodynamic proof. original owners and sometimes refusing our clear stand against all forms of be able to decide on this issue calibrated to the existing temperature The earth’s atmosphere is to welcome other refugees. racism and prejudice. Unless we do, we as an engineer. So I gave him my difference between moon and extremely malleable to temperature Obviously, it is too late to return the give silent assent and encouragement to engineering “proof” of the reality earth and to greater differences (earth change. In one day-night we can have whole of this land to its Indigenous people the rising of extremism in our country – of carbon-induced global warming. temperature rises) with higher CO2 a 10ºC change in each direction (as – we can only work to build just and something we can already see happening Here is a qualitative summary: mixtures. This greenhouse effect can our TV news shows). Against that, respectful relationships and try to make in these last years. Many factors can affect global be quantified accurately. Some the global warming we are trying to reparation for some of the wrongs of the As people of faith, to put “Australia first” climate. The sun is the source uncertainty/variation comes in with stop is a mere 2ºC/century, equal past. Part of that reparation, if we are to is to create within our country a just and of the energy which controls our the effect of reflecting clouds and ice to 0.02ºC/year, equal to 0.0001ºC/ be ethical people, is to look at present-day loving community which sets an example temperature and that can vary with caps – but these can only modify a day. This is easily masked. refugee people with eyes of mercy. in its remembering of its own privileged the sun’s energy output and our positive relationship between CO2 I have an interest in a rural All Christians, indeed people who are entries onto this land and its openness to orbiting perturbations around the content and global temperature. property. Over a couple of decades I members of most mainstream religions, cherishing others in need. sun. The atmospheric greenhouse It would be a happy coincidence have seen the temperature rise – not effect is distinct from these. if the warming from CO2 rise is from a plethora of temperature Actual temperature variations, countered by some Ice-Age trend readings, but from an observation of a green patch, not readily accessible year-on-year, are the sum of all from other causes – too good to the rainfall changing from temperate Readers’ Letters because of a discouraging entrance causes. Global mean temperature allow us to ignore carbon-induced to tropical. That convinces me that lip, remains vacant and unused. This is firstly difficult to measure, and global warming. Of course, things are warming up. That in “World’s biggest Lego-like glass block is the world’s secondly, not easily attributable acceptance of carbon-induced global itself is an answer to your lack of shower cubicle” biggest shower cubicle, with glass to a particular cause. warming is only the start of action correlation between temperature walls that require four air-conditioners Against this, the CO2 content of the to reduce carbon emissions. and CO2 level – both are rising. The uber-expensive Surry Hills Library working full-time on the ground floor to atmosphere is easily measurable. There I will conclude with but one Again, my thermodynamic proof may claim to be “sustainable” but is, compensate for dissipated heat loss. The is no real doubt that it is rising. Just comment. In addition to reducing does give the relationship. in fact, a “green-wash”: it uses green design highlights all that’s wrong with as surely, we are emitting more CO2 emissions, we must take urgent action I am no critic of skepticism – it is credentials to launder its lack of social so-called “modern” architecture: there than is being absorbed/captured/ to increase carbon capture. Agrichar, or a necessary test of new knowledge. sustainability (SSH, July). The building is little tactile texture or sculpture. Long- sequestrated. The only question biocapture is a good one, which I note But skepticism must adjust to is too small for its required uses. It has standing Vitruvian design principles of is whether this CO2 content rise James Lovelock has cottoned on to. proven knowledge – it cannot be a only 16 computers in a small room utility, elegance and good engineering are will cause a temperature rise. Then I threw in some more cloak for denial of the unwelcome. for its 30,000 population, insufficient ignored for the sake of a reductionist The atmospheric CO2 content – folksy, but maybe just as compelling, desks, and a stairway to the lower aesthetic. At a cost of over $20m earth temperature – relationship evidence of global warming: We can all give democracy a burl by floor so narrow it can only comfortably dollars, it’s an offense to the community. (the CO2 greenhouse effect) is I offered a proof of carbon-induced emailing Senator Fielding (senator. accommodate one person. Its ground readily quantified with one “field” global warming, independent [email protected]), or do the floor is overcrowded with bookcases Andrew Woodhouse measurement and however-many of the vagaries of atmospheric same for engineering/skepticism to while black-on-black foyer signage is Potts Point and King Cross Heritage laboratory experiments with temperature measurement. You [email protected] difficult to read, and misleading. Outside, Conservation Society The Review August ’09 11

Staring down racism

Andrew Collis and Don Crowley school of squid in diagonal pattern, white on blue. One doesn’t notice at Gordon Syron is known as first the traces of red (blood in the the “father of urban Aboriginal water?) and the small red coat figure art”. His gritty, narrative style in the bottom right corner. In this is direct, bold. Common motifs satirical piece, the Squid Fairy (partly in vivid oils and watercolours hidden) deals some kind of justice. include black fairies and “red Another work at first glance coats”, wildflowers (especially depicts a tranquil bush scene waratahs) and native birds. Syron – sun-dappled, a river flowing eschews “dots and dashes” in beneath the gum-trees. One sees favour of a certain realism – the an Indigenous figure fishing, in landscape scarred by the presence silhouette with spear in hand. It of invader-settlers, the politics of comes as a shock to see, then, a red assimilation, reconciliation, casting coat with a rifle, intent on murder. white and black Australians in Now the scene is menacing, and the adversarial and ambiguous roles. sadness palpable. The work is called, ‘Culling the Natives at Minimbar’. There is beauty (often idealised) This is the artist’s home country. and anger (expressed in loose, dry That the exhibition is calledSay brushwork). There is confusion and NO To Racism is remarkable for a sadness. There’s much to learn in couple of reasons. It’s a testament Elaine Syron, Ken and Cherina Canning, Gordon Syron Photo: Jonathan Bogais the vicinity of the works – about the to Syron’s strength of character artist and about the urban Indigenous as a painter – his passion for the experience (Syron lives with his medium as a means of staring a history of much ignorance and of irony is foremost among them. in discussion on land rights. Norma wife Elaine, a photographer, in down racism and rising above it. violence is a gesture of good faith – The Official Opening on July Sims gave the Welcome to Country. Redfern), and about the spirituality It also says something very such works are religiously compelling, 18 saw a panel of special guests, of a people for whom land rights gracious. Christian symbols and theologically insightful. They reflect, including law professor Dr Larissa Say NO To Racism is showing until and human rights are inseparable. stories are employed in various as in a mirror, the persecution Behrendt (Indigenous Person of August 28 at the South Sydney Uniting Although the style is direct, even works, notably the crucifixion of familiar to many non-Indigenous the Year 2009), Geoff Scott, CEO Church, 56a Raglan St, Waterloo, Tue-Fri confronting, the works bear a subtlety Aboriginal men and women. More readers of the gospels all-too ready of the NSW Land Council, Margo 4.30-6.30pm, or by appointment. Phone that repays close attention. ‘The than gracious – the decision to show to identify with the persecuted. Neale of the National Museum, and 8399 3410. For more information visit Squid Fairy’ at first glance depicts a the works in a venue symbolising Syron’s gifts are many, and the gift poet-activist Ken Canning, engaged www.blackfellasdreaming.com.au Pondering the art of Shireen Malamoo

Peter Griffin

As a non-painter, I went into the exhibition at the Washhouse Gallery (in June) deliberately at a time when there would be no crowd or ambience of furtive assessment. I took my time and was rewarded accordingly.

The exhibition is diverse, as one would expect, in its exploration of theme. There is the postcard introduction of ‘Plantation Creek’, exhibited full-size at the entry point, leading to a powerful and searing trilogy of definitive works (‘Stoic’, ‘Nothing in common other than a respect for ritual’, ‘Redfern women of uncommon grace’). One is immediately invited into a world of inner vision which is both ‘Pondering the spiritual’ by Shireen Malamoo Photo: Andrew Collis stunning and without compromise. The challenge is to allow the surface of life to be torn away and simply purity’s place is ritual. A flash of is deeper than Western society than in the vulnerability of ‘Family majestic striving from within. to be still before the sacred. light breaks through in moments generally allows. The bookend work, Life’. It is here too. The other May these works inspire and To those who look upon these of communal celebration. But its perhaps the more arresting because it work, perhaps destined to take generate a renaissance for both those works through the prism of Judeo- true home is not there. It is in the contradicts our familiar sight, is dark, wider prominence is the large who ponder and those for whom Christianity, there is something deep places of everywhere. Always and emanates a sense of suppressed and bold canvas, ‘Renaissance’. the Spirit People are no strangers. very arresting here: a non-dualistic present. It is the ‘Unknowable’ hope. In this apparent darkness The work brings to mind both depiction of the incarnational. There (a series of four) and cannot be is present ‘The Spirit People’. Brett Whiteley – particularly The exhibition was held is at the Washhouse is no purity of spirit without flesh apprehended, except by belief. We are Two of the works warrant special the expansive simplicity of Gallery, 711 Darling Street, Rozelle (one block – only the flesh that is the bearer of led into it (as we need) and shown mention. The everywhere-ness Sydney Harbour – and Jackson west of Victoria Road). June 19-21. Shireen spirit, where neither is compromised. a representation (as if by mercy). of the sacred is perhaps nowhere Pollock. There is an energy Malamoo can be contacted on 9699 2425. Themes make their appearance: The ubiquity of the sacred more in need of acknowledgement here, born of natural source and 12 The Review August ’09

Leadbelly. The DVD concludes with Book Reviews English Channel, tells the story Seeger’s interview of Australian folk by Marg Vazey beautifully. It is a most enjoyable tale. The Reviews singer/shearer Duke Tritton. [email protected] Theatre Review allowed to play with the physical by Jane Barton comedy opportunities.

[email protected] Film Review by Lindsay Cohen Music DVD Review by Graham Grace The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society Hey Mum, What’s a Half-Caste? Mary Ann Shaffer Lorraine McGee-Sippel Allen & Unwin, 2008 Magabala Books, 2009 This sweet book is an easy read. This is the story of how the author, The Jungle It gives some insight into the who was adopted as a baby, managed Writer: Louis Nowra occupation of Guernsey by the to find her birth family. She was Director: Alex Galeazzi Germans during the Second World born in 1943, in a time when it was With: Kelly Butler, Gianluigi War. Mainly though, it is about shocking for a woman to have a Carelli, Matt Dale, Ivan Donato, Brüno human relationships in a small baby out of wedlock, shocking for a Sophie Webb, Emma Palmer, Director: Larry Charles village on a small island. man to have fathered an Aboriginal Jill Mckay, Anthony Gooley and Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen Although Guernsey suffered child, shocking for a child to have Lynden Jones Pete Seeger Live in Australia 1963 (no relation) less than France during this time, an Aboriginal parent, and even Darlinghurst Theatre 105 mins Acorn Media Genre: In your face genitalia the occupation was still traumatic. shocking to be adopted. So these July 9–August 8 In 1963 Pete Seeger, the Borat may have been so 2006 but Local children were sent to England matters had to be covered up, lied “subversive” peace-mongering clearly no one in America seemed to for their safety, local families were about, forgotten, and denied. It is an odd but enjoyable folksinger, embarked on a world tour. notice. Can Americans really be this disrupted or broken, prisoners of As a little girl these things did experience to sit in Darlinghurst Black-listed and banned from TV in dumb? So red-necked? So bigoted? war stationed on the island were not bother Lorraine McGee-Sippel Theatre and watch a play about his native USA, he faced no such So desperate to exploit and get rich? mistreated, and local food production until she started school, when she events that (hypothetically) took prejudice at his first stop, Australia, Probably. But in a nation of well over was commandeered for the German was told by a fellow student, “You’re place barely metres from the front where the ABC recorded and 300 million people Sacha Baron war effort. a half-caste”. Her adoptive mother door. Having established that broadcast his sell-out performance Cohen has numbers on his side. Juliet, a writer, living in London could not bring herself to talk little joke and connection with the at Melbourne Town Hall. Much like the self-proclaimed in search of her next story, about adoption, or even to answer audience, The Jungle lures us in. The original footage, recently Lothario who asks 1,000 women for unexpectedly receives a letter from her question, so she was left to feel Set in the post-Cobain 90s, The discovered in the ABC vaults, and a f**k (one of them will eventually a member of the Guernsey Literary puzzled and hurt by the label, and Jungle is an impressionistic banque now released on DVD, is a rare say “yes”), Cohen can run his gay & Potato Peel Pie Society who is the mystery of why she was different. of scenes which Louis Nowra survival – a complete concert by the Austrian fashionista or Eastern searching for a book, and needs the Life moved on, but these questions described as a reaction to naturalistic father of modern folk-music-as- European stereotypical routine address of a good bookshop, as post- remained in the background until “cardigan dramas” that dominated political-message at his very peak. on thousands of Americans over a occupation Guernsey has none. The she was considering marriage. It Australian theatre during the 80s. It Seeger’s concert is surprisingly couple of years and eventually get correspondence flourishes, and other was then that her parents spoke to is no coincidence that the influence of simple. There are no backing enough material for 80 minutes members of the Literary Society, her of these matters: too naively, grunge prevails, with Hope (Sophie musicians or singers. Seeger sings worth of occasionally cringe worthy as well as some outsiders, write to and too late, to prevent the real Webb) as a Cobain obsessed fan and and whistles, alternately playing (in a good way) and occasionally her too. emotional damage she suffered from sex worker nailing the aesthetics to a the banjo or guitar. The variety is hilarious material. They turn out to be a great group of not knowing who she really was. very specific time period. in the repertoire: children’s songs, Still, credit where credit’s due: local characters. It is easy to identify Eventually she felt that she must try Louis Nowra’s script hasn’t been spirituals, folk standards, songs Cohen is a very brave comic. Who with them: male or female, attached to solve the mystery of her past. performed for 15 years and it’s a from around the world. He even else (apart from maybe Chas or unattached, young or old, kindly In telling this story, the author delight to see it on stage again. Alex lends his well-tempered banjo to Licciardello from The Chaser – the or caustic, even a 4 year-old. Except gives a unique insight into the times Galeazzi’s firm direction ensures a bit of Bach. His warm voice and short hairy one) would snog and for the children, each of them speaks in which she grew up. From the there are few slack moments in a personality encourages the audience undress another man in a cage in with a direct voice through their point of view of just one extended long and complex piece. There is an into sing-a-longs and is still quite front of a professional wrestling letters to each other, and to Juliet. family, she communicates the tragic inventiveness and freshness of spirit infectious, 46 years on and via a TV audience, or show off a black adopted Eventually, Juliet is invited to impact of colonisation, and the thrill infused into this modern classic. screen. It’s a compelling performance African child in front of a black visit the island, in order to attend a of the moment when, in February A host of characters, including an that becomes soul-stirring in the American talk show audience, or get meeting of the Literary Society. We 2008, the Prime Minister, Kevin alien, a washed-up rock star, a bent climactic final two songs of the anally bleached while on the phone learn all about her life on the island Rudd, on behalf of the parliament cop, sex workers, business elites and main set, the Welsh lament ‘Bells to his Hollywood agent? as she corresponds with her friends and the Australian people, made a public health inspector traverse Of Rhymney’ and Dylan’s ‘A Hard OK, so sure a lot of Brüno, and in England. an official apology to the stolen the strange terrain of the urban Rain’s A-Gonna Fall’. Borat before it, is staged, and some of How the islanders coped with generations. jungle, their lives connecting and In America Seeger played for free the celebrities are in on the act, but the occupation is told through all Read this gentle, but gritty, intersecting over the course of a day on union picket lines and at equal trying to work out which is which is this correspondence. As the letters account to understand some of the and night. rights rallies, earning his living part of the fun, and also truly scary. pass between the various characters, scars left on both the personal and A strong narrative thread woven playing at night to liberal, middle- Rating: Full-price admission, 1 their mannerisms and foibles, their the national psyche by the mean- throughout pulls it all together. class audiences on the college circuit, choctop, large popcorn, a large drink strengths and their weaknesses are spiritedness of racism and sexism, The writing and content of hold and this may also be true of Australia. and a tofu burger with a daquiri gently exposed, as well as a little bit and on the healing, reconciling up exceedingly well to the ravages It’s possibly just imagination, but on chaser afterwards. of the history of the island under the power of truth. of time, although the strange alien the DVD the Melbourne Town Hall occupation. scenes are perplexing. The fault for audience appears to consist mainly [email protected] Although the plot is simple, the [email protected] this may lie in the interpretation of university students and their two-way correspondence across the but the result is the emotional bearded tutors. stakes aren’t high enough for us to So how will this DVD relate to particularly care about the alien. And, today’s youth? Far removed from with a running length of over three the novelty of the original peace/ hours, any extra scene is a big ask folk movement of the 1950-1960s, for the audience. However, there are and blasé regarding the threat of great multi-character performances nuclear obliteration, Gens X and Y from all the cast who seem to relish will probably ignore it. Not only is the challenge. Anthony Gooley is there no military conscription these stand-out funny and slick and it days to sharpen a generation’s focus is a pleasure to see Ivan Donato on social issues but the DVD itself is alongside Kelly Butler’s Cynthia. short on production values (Oh my Intelligent dialogue, enough complex God, it’s, you know, like … in black well-rounded characterisations and white!). combined with short fast scenes, hold DVD Extras – It’s 100 per the audience’s attention to the end. cent Pete Seeger in Australia, and Charli Dugdale’s sparse set is includes his appearance on Brian effective in unifying the complex Henderson’s Bandstand, footage of narrative. The overall result is a richly his concerts at Sydney Uni and at revised, mature script in the hands of the (then) brand new UNSW as well a smart director with talented actors as his 30-minute documentary on The Review August ’09 13 From King Street to Wilson Street Artist profile: Maggie Stein

Eve Gibson

Eve Gibson spoke with Newtown artist Maggie Stein who is currently a co-stallholder at the Eveleigh Artisans’ Market.

Maggie Stein shares a stall with fellow printmaker, Fiona Roderick, at the monthly Eveleigh Artisans’ Market. Maggie and Fiona have been part of the markets since June, selling lino prints as well as a range of gift cards. Maggie has been creating art all of her adult life (25 years), and in the last few years has done many linocuts inspired by King Street, Newtown. This interest began when Maggie was commissioned to create an image for someone leaving the inner city and received a really positive response to it. The artist has created some smaller prints specifically for the gift market, and says she really enjoys ‘King Street from Wilson Street’ by Maggie Stein Photo: Supplied the atmosphere of the markets including the camaraderie among the stallholders, as well as the opportunity for her work and to find her niche. community. Much of the former Market does need a higher profile to talk to interested customers When considering the markets character of the built environment in the community. A lot of locals The Artisans’ Market is held from 10am to who often offer positive feedback. more broadly, Maggie believes that: has been retained, and I love the fact know about the Farmers’ Market 4pm on the first Sunday of the month at the The Market has also given Maggie “The area surrounding the markets that it is accessible to many by cycling but not the Artisans’ Market – art is Eveleigh Railway sheds, 243 Wilson Street, motivation to find a new direction is a great development for the and public transport. The Artisans’ not quite as appealing to everyone!” Darlington. www.eveleighmarket.com . Q&A: It’s no secret – Mysterious attic of the mind Bertie Blackman goes pop Artist profile: Joanna de Jonge

Amanda Robb Eve Gibson

Bertie, congratulations on your Glebe resident Joanna de Jonge success with Secrets And Lies. talks about her art. De Jonge’s You are receiving rave reviews work is regularly shown at Badde within the industry, and high Manors café on Glebe Point Road. rotation on the airways. Is it a relief to be gaining this support? Joanna was once a music teacher Yes, it definitely is! When I began who taught piano in secondary recording this album, I put so much school before she started creating heart and soul into it, and was quite art works. Her main influences anxious, so I am really happy with are artists like Modigliani, how it has turned out. The airways Picasso and Egon Schiele. picked up ‘Heart’ and then ‘Thump’ The style that she paints and straight away, and to have that draws within might be called backing from Triple J and other figurative/imaginative. She explains: stations is so relieving, I didn’t think “Everything comes out of my I would receive so much airplay. head – the mysterious attic of the

Can you tell me about the production Bertie Blackman Photo: Supplied mind – my art is not portraiture.” process of Secrets And Lies? There are some main recurring ideas, Well, I began to work with one of which is the way we struggle producer Lee Greve on this album, times where I would let the sound to communicate with each other. who relocated here from the UK a come purely from within the band. The works Joanna creates use week before I met him. Working I found with this album the rewards a palate of black and white tones. with Greve was a big first for were so much higher if I opened my You don’t see any colours in her me, as I have never worked with heart out. It was so lovely to be able images. The materials that she most anyone like him previously. Secrets to share this discovery in my music. frequently loves to use are graphite, And Lies became a song-by-song Would you say your lyrics are charcoal, as well as ink (line work and process, where I was able to seriously comparable to journaling? sepia washes). When making the art explore pop music, which I have Yes. Secrets And Lies has been Joanna suggests she has no regular Artwork by Joanna de Jonge Photo: Andrew Collis never been exposed to. The album about my life in the last year and process of painting but she tries to do definitely has Greve’s stamp on it. a half. I generally write about it everyday. She has noticed over the Was it challenging to hand over feelings and emotions I am years that she used to rip up a lot of was the 10 years she spent in Athens, and insightful through the your music for the purpose of creating experiencing, so yes, it is like a paintings because she was dissatisfied Greece. She has fond memories use of line, form and tone. a particular style with Greve? journal. My songs are far more with her work but now she tends to of sitting and drawing on the Well, being a self-taught writer, I personal than people would know! spend a lot more time on each image. pavements of the streets of Athens, If you wish to see and/or purchase her works was more awestruck at what Greve I imagine, for an artist, that What seemed to shape Joanna as a and in Monastiraki, the market. she is showing a selection at Badde Manors did. It was an interesting process to recording and touring are quite person, as well as her style as an artist, Joanna’s art works are unique café in Glebe – 1/37 Glebe Point Road. hand over a track like ‘Thump’ and different cultures. Would you agree? watch how different it became once Yeah. Touring is great because he remixed it. I also learnt how to be you can finally get your songs out in year at Parklife. Who are you Having been a Sydney local, do audience was such an auspicious, assertive and keep control over what I front of an audience. When people looking forward to seeing? you have a favourite music venue? special feeling I will never forget. wanted the music to sound like which are really into your performance, Definitely the Rapture! I have to say the Opera House Now, lastly, if you were to write up was a great learning experience. the energy coming from a crowd is Who are you listening to lately? is one of the most beautiful venues this interview instead of myself, how Can you differentiateSecrets so amazing. It is a big cycle, playing I have been listening a lot in the world. I was lucky to support would you describe Bertie Blackman? And Lies from your earlier work? live can be inspiring to record new to an English singer called Bat Goldfrapp at the Opera House Well, for me, summing up Bertie I guess on this album I explored music, which you then take into For Lashes who I absolutely last year which would have to be Blackman would be, “The dark is vocals and the keyboard more, which the studio and do all over again. love. I am also catching Phoenix a highlight of my life. Being on dark and the light is light”. And, of separates my music now from previous And you’re playing this on their tour next month. stage and looking out into the course, with pop music in between! 14 The Review August ’09

Singing with soul – properly SEEKING BENEFACTOR: Precious and unique collection of Indigenous Contemporary Art Scott Winter to encourage the recognition of African-American traditional gospel. But the four main areas that The Cafe at the Gate of Dynes Austin has recently looked lend themselves to technical and Salvation is Australia’s premier and into a vocal technique called the intellectual analysis are: a) lack most sought-after choir, having Forward Voice Technique. This of consistent terminology; b) an backed well-known Aussie band technique was developed in the late incomplete understanding of the Powderfinger (whose members take 60s in the slums of Detroit, Michigan, physiological processes of sound voice training very seriously). by Rev. Dr Eugine Thompson. Dr production; c) The relationship of Thompson initially used the technique these functional processes to the Director, Dynes Austin, who leads and its vocal exercises, theories various methods of teaching and the weekly choir at St Mary’s in and methods to rehabilitate the learning; d) The relationship of Erskineville, took over from founder, voices of stroke victims. Although function and artistry. These four areas Tony Backhouse. Blackhouse first not widely recognised, he took these of concern provide FVT teachers with convened the choir back in 1986. techniques to the gospel churches, some fundamental concepts regarding Since then the choir has performed where they were used to better the voice that will relieve them of the almost continually, appearing twice develop those singers within the need to develop false methods, some at Womadelaide, at Hemispheres choirs. Local music managers took of which lead to voice disorders. (Sydney Olympic Arts Festival), the notice of the training technique and Dr Thompson says: “Many singers Melbourne International Festival, took it to Motown recording studios, sing according to feel, and although the World Choral Symposium, where artists and groups such as the there is nothing wrong with this for Nelson Mandela’s Australian Stylistics used the technique. The concept, a voice can only improve visit, the Sydney Town Hall, and in Forward Voice Technique teaches the when the eight basic principles have Gordon Syron, 2008 Winner, COFA Professional NSW Parliamentary Prize dozens of venues around the country. student eight basic principles of been addressed. And the student for Indigenous Art: ‘Where The Wildflowers Once Grew’, 2005 The choir also toured the USA in vocal production and performance. can then only develop fully as an 1999, performing in Black churches artist when the muscular control has A benefactor is required to establish a ‘Keeping Place’ with this collection in Harlem, Birmingham Alabama 1. What is the voice? According to become an unconscious reflex and as a foundation. Viewing of this collection is by request only. and New Orleans, some members the Forward Voice Technique, your concentration is devoted to audience For an appointment to preview The Keeping Place staying on to perform at the gospel voice is your body. interaction and the performance.” please call Gordon on 0421 031 392. tent at the New Orleans Jazzfest. They 2. Where is your voice? The veteran vocal guru (aged For more information please visit: www.blackfellasdreaming.wikispaces.com toured New Zealand for the first time 3. You then get taught how 65), himself once a member of in April 2007 and have another tour to breathe in correctly. Motown combo, the Stylystics, of the States and many gigs ahead. 4. Then how to breathe outcorrectly . adds: “The breath is the liaison Some of its singers are considered by 5. How to turn breath into optimised between the excitement or feeling fans to be undiscovered gems of voice. resonant sound and then how to and the physiological effects. The Voice Technique, is qualitatively A non-profit association, the tune your voice with your ear. trained singer especially feels this, dependent upon requirements in the For information about the Forward Voice choir regularly performs at benefits 6. Correct diction and phrasing. since he or she must form the tone area of the soul. The artist is merely Technique contact a representative of the and donates money to various 7. Posture and the on the breath as a modulating a body, an instrument, a mechanical Aria School of Voice on 0424 532 126. causes – including giving money to Alexander Principle. process – and that their success, apart medium for what lies within the groups and associations in the USA 8. Soulful presentation. from mastering the basic Forward mysterious depths of a human soul.” Play a plea for understanding Reina Hidalgo – a name to remember SSH she had persisted and gradually, hope Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah after many tears, the family had will surprise audiences with its In 2006 playwright Alana begun to accept her decision. portrait of Afghani Muslim women Kristy Johnson professional dancers that inspire you? Valentine began conducting It was almost a year after this who are articulate, highly educated, There are so many to name. I will interviews with Australian encounter that Emma Buzo deeply spiritual and profoundly Behind Pink’s recent Funhouse start off with Alvin Ailey, Katherine Muslim women about their contacted Alana about her idea enraged by the portrait that is Tour lies a team of true entertainers. Dunham, Fosse, Michael Jackson, experience of living in Australia. of commissioning a companion painted of them in the Australian Meet Reina Hidalgo, a professional Janet Jackson, Debbie Allen. There piece to her father’s late ’60s and global media as oppressed, dancer for the artist who inspires are so many I can take a book to start One rainy October night she play, Norm and Ahmed. meek, and silent,” Valentine says. Australians to follow their dreams. listing them! drove out to Auburn, where, above Alana’s mind returned to her Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah will TheSSH’s Kristy Johnson had the What do you enjoy the most a glorious blue and white Turkish Auburn interviews as a way to take be directed by Aarne Neeme and unique opportunity to speak with about teaching? delight shop, she was invited into up the theme of contested otherness performed by Camilla ah Kin and the industry professional during her What I enjoy most about teaching the offices of the intercultural in Australia. She began to research Sheridan Harbridge at the Seymour trip down under. Concluding her is sharing my love and knowledge to organisation called Affinity. There the “other side” of the story and Centre, along with Norm and Ahmed intensive workshop at Urban Dance other inspiring dancers. To become she met an astonishingly lucid and conduct interviews with the woman’s by Alex Buzo from August 5-29. Centre in Greek Street Glebe, Reina that light and inspire them to follow focused young Afghani-Australian aunts as well as many other Muslim Alana will give the second provided insight and knowledge to their dreams. woman who told an incredible women, young and old, who had annual Alex Buzo lecture, about the Australian dancers as to the attributes What advice would you give to story about her own family’s escape a diversity of perspectives and verbatim form and titled ‘Captivated deemed essential to succeed in Australian dancers who are looking from Afghanistan through Pakistan opinions on the wearing of the scarf. by Reality’ on Monday August 10 the international dance market. towards making the move to LA? to Australia, of her schooling and Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah is at 6.30pm at the Seymour Centre. Advice I would give Australian university studies and of her decision partly a plea for understanding, Did you participate in a full-time dancers who look towards making the to wear the traditional headscarf. partly a bellow of rage from Muslim Downstairs Theatre, Seymour Centre. performing arts course prior to securing move to LA is to stay focused, never The decision had split her family Australian women about the Tickets from $20-38 (less for group your first gig? lose their faith, take lots of classes and and her action had been vehemently ignorance and misunderstanding bookings). Bookings 02 9351 7940 I went to a performing arts school network. It’s a big city and everyone opposed by her aunts – all of them that surrounds the wearing of the or www.seymourcentre.com.au for junior high and college. I got is there for the same thing so the highly educated professionals. But traditional Muslim headscarf. “I my BFA in dance from New World more you have faith and hope within School of the Arts. yourself, the smoother your blessings Do you consider full-time courses to start to unfold. DON’T MISS! DON’T MISS! be essential for aspiring professional Do you consider an agent to be The very talented Laura Jean will Inspired by the days at Round Midnight, dancers? essential in ensuring a long and play the Hopetoun in Surry Hills on Springfields, The Basement will now be In order to grow in your craft successful career? home to a late night musicians’ jam on Friday, August 7. She will have for full-time courses are essential. The Yes, I consider an agent to be sale a limited edition 4-track tour Saturday nights. Late & Live will kick off after midnight, once the regular more knowledge in the art the more essential in ensuring a long and EP which features a duet with Ned Saturday performance is finished. The enhanced you are in your field. successful career. At least to help you Collette, a demo for Eden Land idea behind Late & Live is to provide and a live version of her yet-to-be a friendly atmosphere for musicians Although your training involved start it. recorded song, ‘Valenteen’. and music lovers to get together after Salsa and Hip Hop, have you tried After the Funhouse Tour, where can gigs and see some great live music. Ballet or other genres of dance? we expect to see you next? On Aug 15, Late & Live will be hosted Laura will be supported by I started Ballet, Jazz and Tap at age After the Funhouse Tour you can Tom Cooney. by The Leanne Paris Band as well as a selection of surprise special guests 5 and then continued my studies in expect to see me in a new journey in who will be dropping in. African, Afro Cuban, Modern and life. Not sure what the future holds, Hopetoun Hotel Basement Late & Live 416 Bourke St, Surry Hills 29 Reiby Pl, Circular Quay Flamenco. but I know it’s something big and Are there any choreographers or beautiful. August 2009 COMMUNITYN e w s 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 free old way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo shuttle bus services Donations to the SSH The SSH gratefully accepts donations Uniting Churches FREE shuttle bus services now run from Redfern to Broadway shops T he South Sydney Herald i s and in-kind support. If you would via the RPA Hospital; and from Woolloomooloo to Redfern via Paddy’s an independent not-for-profit like to make a contribution you can Market and St Vincent’s. community newspaper, produced do so, anonymously if you wish. mostly by volunteers, published by By mail: PO Box 2360 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012. By electronic These FREE buses are available to all City Of Sydney residents and the South Sydney Uniting Church, distributed without charge to transfer: BSB 062 231 ACCOUNT operate: 30,000 readers from Zetland to NO. 1021 8391. Contact the Editor: Thursday and Friday of each week. South Sydney Uniting Church Woolloomooloo. [email protected] For more information and timetables please 56a Raglan St Waterloo Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday call 9319 4439 or visit www.ssct.org.au Bible Study & Discussion August 13, 7pm ALL WELCOME! Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 South Sydney Uniting Church Welcoming people of all ages, The Lions Club of Redfern-Waterloo & the Tribal Warrior (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) cultural backgrounds, Association Inc, Invite you and your family and friends to: sexual orientations and identities. Peace with justice, integrity of An Aboriginal Picnic on Clark Island DRAWING CLASS creation. Sunday, October 18 12-4pm Sat Aug 8 & 15 Tongan Uniting Church You will be taken to Clark Island on the Tribal Warrior boat which will (South Sydney) leave from Man-O-War Steps on a continuous service from 9am. For more info phone 8399 3410. Worship 1pm Sunday Mid-week service Friday 7-8pm $70 per person (includes food & drinks) Previous and new participants, Ps Sione Hau 0431 144 247 adults and children welcome. RSVP by Monday October 12 All materials provided. Gold coin donation. Glebe Cafe Church Norma: 0404 094 249 Graeme: 0414 816 408 John: 0416 048 932 Cnr St Johns & Cambourne Sts Drawing by Jan Short Glebe [email protected], [email protected] Gathering Sunday 7pm BABANA Free For All/Eight O'Clock Sharp Please transfer your payment (with note “Aboriginal picnic”) to: BABANA Aboriginal Men’s Group Music nights Thu 8pm Westpac Admin Account (Lions Club of Redfern-Waterloo Inc.): Steph Gesling 9518 9413 BSB: 032006 / Acc: 349170 The next BABANA meeting is on Friday Aug 28, 12-2pm, Redfern Community Centre. Newtown Mission or post your cheque to: Redfern-Waterloo Lions Club, Contact: Mark Spinks 9243 3546. Redfern 280 King St Newtown PO Box 3250 REDFERN 2016 Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday Rev Ps Doug Clements 9519 9000

A City of Sydney Event Paddington Uniting Church Oxford St Paddington Worship 10am (1st Sunday of the month) & 7.30pm Sunday Church Office 9331 2646

Pitt Street Uniting Church 264 Pitt St, Sydney Worship 10 am Sunday & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Celebrate Redfern Day Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 2009 marks 150 years since the proclamation of Redfern as a municipality. Be part of the celebrations and contribute to the area’s history. A drop-in event for the community to share memories, stories, photographs and memorabilia Wayside Chapel with City of Sydney Historian, Lisa Murray. There will be displays of photos, maps WHAT IS HAPPENING IN 29 Hughes St Potts Point and resources for people to view. Talks and resfreshments throughout the day. REDFERN WATERLOO? Worship 10am, Lisa will also speak about her forthcoming book on the social history of the district. Get the latest from www.redwatch.org.au Bible Study 5pm Sunday Sign on for a walking tour and explore the area around Redfern Town Hall. email [email protected] for free email updates Ps Graham Long 9358 6996 Saturday 8 August • 10.00am – 3.00pm • Redfern Town Hall or call Geoff on 9318 0824 73 Pitt Street, Redfern • No bookings required • Free event

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Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Verity Firth MP Kristina Keneally MP Clover Moore MP Carmel Tebutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 111-117 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2010 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9357 6366 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9357 6466 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 SPORTN e w s August 2009

Together for Humanity members training in Hyde Park Photo: Andrew Collis Odd couples walking together Running for Pemulwuy SSH realise that we can’t agree on everything Holden people, Mac Users and PC users, but we manage our differences by focusing Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles Don Crow l e y the housing project, and raise some City2Surf Move Together for Humanity on what we have in common – mutual supporters, journalists and publicists, money,” he said. “And it’d be good to is about people you wouldn’t normally respect, and a touch of humour,” reads perhaps even the Honourable Kevin and SSH editors, Trevor Davies and lose some weight!” see walking together, doing just that! one press statement. “Through leading Malcolm putting aside their differences Andrew Collis, will take part in this A runner for just over a year, by example and proven educational in a show of solidarity against all forms year’s Sydney Running Festival on Andrew completed the Sydney Half The team aims to bring together those workshops we help Australia deal with of discrimination and hostility. We’re also September 20, to help raise funds Marathon in May, and says the who have been told by history they difference in a true celebration of our hoping to see an unlikely celebrity pair, for the newly approved Pemulwuy stories of Pastor Bill Simon and the shouldn’t be: a Rabbi, a Muslim geologist, diversity.” moving together for the cause,” said Rabbi housing project on the Block. Trevor AHC have been an inspiration. “It’s an Anglican deacon, and an Indigenous Together for Humanity enjoys the broad- Zalman Kastel. has entered the 10km Bridge Run, a marathon effort, the struggle for leader came together to prove it. They are based support of the Australian Federation With its educational workshops in four and Andrew will run the 42.2km self-determination, survival… for pride entering this month’s City2Surf under the of Islamic Councils, the National Council states and the Northern Territory a proven Marathon. on the Block,” he said. “I hope we can Together for Humanity banner. of Churches, the Executive Council of success, Together for Humanity is now raise $5,000.” Together for Humanity is a non-profit, Australian Jewry, the Catholic Archdiocese looking to raise public awareness of the Mick Mundine, CEO of the The Pemulwuy project is estimated multi-faith organisation that was formed of Sydney, the Commonwealth, NSW & organisation and raise money to continue Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC), to cost more than $50m. Sixty-two in 2006 to promote appreciation and Queensland governments and education its life-changing education program. which manages the site, appreciates residential units, symbolising the co-operation of all people regardless of departments. the connection. “The AHC has been original 62 clans of the traditional their differences. Everyone is welcome to join the To join the team email [email protected] or determined. We want to see Aboriginal custodians, the Gadigal people, will The group comprises Muslims, City2Surf team and you needn’t be call 0415 406 914. For further families return to the Block. We owe it be built on the site, as well as cultural Christians, Jewish, Indigenous people religious to participate in the “odd couples” information contact 0423 981 368 or to the children – we’re in this for the and sports facilities. and others who enjoy being together. “We theme. “We hope to see Ford people and visit www.togetherforhumanity.org.au long run,” he said. Trevor has lived in the Redfern area If you’d like to sponsor Trevor and for 30 years. “I’ve seen the Block at Andrew, please visit the SSH website: its worst and I’ve seen people suffer. www.southsydneyherald.com.au I want to attract people’s attention to More details in next month’s issue. WANT TO GET FIT? WORK OUT AT REDFERN’S WORLD FAMOUS TONY MUNDINE GYM WHERE GIANTS ARE MADE • SINCE 1985

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Winter Campers from suburban, regional and rural Uniting Church congregations visited Redfern on July 22. The high-school-aged young people met with Mick Mundine at the Aboriginal Housing Company, viewed the Keeping Place Indigenous art collection in Wilson Street, and kicked a footy on Redfern Oval. 9319 0316 Photo: Shaun Jones