JUNE

FEDERAL ELECTION 2016 – ANTI-APARTHEID SYDNEY ELECTORATE EXHIBITION LAUNCH YOUR CANDIDATES — pages 6-7 FEATURE — page 10

NUMBER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHT ~ JUNE ’16 ~ CIRCULATION 22,000 ~ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE EVELEIGH GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN PADDINGTON REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND Triple threat for WestConnex BEN AVELING

WESTCONNEX faces a triple threat. Ron Hoenig, the Labor member for the State seat of Heffron, has found what may be grounds for a legal challenge to the WestConnex M5 East project. The Federal Auditor General has announced an audit into the federal funding of WestConnex. And Labor MP and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese, has announced that there would be no further money for WestConnex under a Labor Government.

When the WestConnex M4 East was approved, it was required to improve, “on balance”, the performance of the road network. But Ron Hoenig has found that when the WestConnex New M5 (the part of WestConnex that ends at Sydney Park) was approved, it contained a stronger requirement: to improve, “on balance, and not adversely [impact] on” the On Wednesday May 25 Leslie Williams, Minister for Early Childhood Education, visited Wunanbiri Preschool to read a book with the children as part of the National Simultaneous performance of the road network. Storytime which is held across the country at about 11am on May 25. The program aims to encourage young Australians to read and enjoy books. Minister Williams read the book Whether the WestConnex project I Got This Hat by Jol and Kate Temple. During her visit Minister Williams was invited to add her handprint to a canvas in respect of National Sorry Day 2016 Photo: Tracey Freeburn can improve the road network “on balance” is questionable. It may be argued that there will be positive benefits to some parts of the network Environment Court to “demand from examining legal options. the management of federal funding for meeting in Balmain, Shadow Minister (the tollway) that are greater, on the government evidence of how this At a meeting of the City of Sydney WestConnex, specifically whether the for Infrastructure and Labor MP balance, than the adverse impacts condition of approval can be met and, Council on May 16, Lord Mayor Clover funding decision followed established Anthony Albanese promised that “If I on other parts of the network (local until it does, everything must cease”. Moore spoke against WestConnex process, whether it was based on am the Transport Minister there will be roads). But it is indisputable that there “If the government can’t even get and announced that Council was appropriate advice, and whether it not one dollar from the Federal Labor will be serious adverse impacts on local its own planning decisions right, then seeking “legal advice on prospects represented value for money. The audit Government for this WestConnex roads if the project proceeds on the no one can imagine how this $17 for challenging the approvals of will be tabled in the Federal Parliament project”. However, Albanese refused current plans. These adverse impacts billion road, the largest road project in Stage 1 and 2 of WestConnex”. Her in January 2017. Mr Hehir has already to commit to breaking an Abbott were acknowledged in the official Australia’s history, is going to work,” statement reads, “I can assure the City overseen one audit of WestConnex. In Government commitment to provide Environmental Impact Statement for said Mr Hoenig. community that the City Government 2014, he was NSW Auditor-General NSW with a $2 billion concessional the M5 East. The four councils Hoenig I lead will do everything we can to when the Audit Office of NSW loan. Ron Hoenig said, “Given the scope approached are the City of Sydney, expose and stop this destructive produced a damning audit of the early Originally, WestConnex was to and impact on local streets and roads Marrickville, Botany Bay and project.” The mayor’s statement stages of the WestConnex Project. require $3.6 billion of government by WestConnex, this condition [on the Randwick. Marrickville Council had was endorsed and adopted by all Clover Moore has announced that funding and it would raise $13.2 M5 East approval] will not, and cannot, been strongly opposed to WestConnex councillors present, except for the she will write to the State Government billion from the private sector. be met.” He called on local councils to until it became one of 43 councils Liberal councillors Christine Forster to request that all work on WestConnex So far, WestConnex has received seek an injunction to stop work and dissolved by the Baird Government and Edward Mandla. be halted while the audit takes place. commitments of $5.3 billion of stop the acquisition of homes. Councils on May 12. Botany Bay and Randwick On May 18, Federal Auditor-General On May 19, while speaking to government funding and raised $1.5 should furthermore ask the Land and councils are understood to be Grant Hehir announced an audit of several hundred people at a public billion from the Continued on page 2 JUNE

2 NEWS JUNE 2016

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo The views expressed in this newspaper are those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church.

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Responsibility for election comment is taken by the Managing Editor, Andrew Collis. Alexandria Park High School Photo: www.alexparkcs-c.schools.nsw.edu.au

FOUNDING EDITOR Trevor Davies (25.5.1956—14.6.2011) The recent issue of the Inner Sydney Voice (ISV) magazine is a primer on the redevelopment of public housing. ISV articles explain the government’s proposal for the $22 billion state-wide redevelopment of High school shuffle public housing linked to urban renewal bodies like UrbanGrowth. BEN AVELING Although the redevelopment The Waterloo redevelopment is one of the first announcements under this policy. of the junior campus will not be MANAGING EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR THE NSW state government has completed until 2022, the senior Andrew Collis Dorothy McRae-McMahon ISV includes tenant’s reactions in Waterloo and what should be learnt from earlier public housing redevelopments and relocations. ISV also includes articles announced that Alexandria Park school is required to vacate its from academics and agencies that have expertise in such redevelopments and School will consolidate both the campus during 2017. From 2018, junior and senior schools into a the current senior campus on the issues they can create. 2,200-student multi-storey school on Mitchell Road will house what Links to the articles online can be found at the site of the junior school campus, is currently the Cleveland Street next to Alexandria Park. Intensive English School, a school NEWS EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR www.innersydneyvoice.org,au/pub/editorial-winter-2016 Lyn Turnbull Louisa Dyce or a PDF edition can be downloaded from the bottom of that page. for newly arrived Australians and This is approximately 1,200 school long-term visitors of senior school Print copies are available from The Factory Community Centre and South Sydney places more than the combined age. The current Cleveland Street Community Aid or directly from Inner Sydney Regional Council (now known as junior and senior campuses currently Intensive English School will become Inner Sydney Voice) at the rear of the Waterloo Library in Kellick Street. provide. The extra places are the site for a new 1,500-student Email any enquiries about distribution to [email protected] expected to be taken up by current inner‑city high school, with ASSISTANT EDITOR SUB EDITOR and future residents of the Green development to start during 2018 Kris Shalvey Miriam Pepper Square area. and finish by 2020. S

DISTRIBUTION Ross Smith [email protected] Triple threat for WestConnex DESIGNER Continued from page 1 Robert Young negotiation and project requirements”. www.theloop.com.au/rdfy private sector. The State Government Albanese’s refusal to commit to PRINTER Spotpress Pty Ltd needs to find another $2 billion to fund cancelling the loan disappointed www.spotpress.com the first two stages of WestConnex, opponents of WestConnex, but the for which contracts have already been promise he made on May 19 might signed. It needs to find another $8 still prove fatal to WestConnex. S REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS billion for the remaining stages. “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors Infrastructure Australia, a The Audit Office of NSW's audit of who make this publication possible.” government body that exists to WestConnex is available at www.audit. “prioritise and progress” infrastructure nsw.gov.au/news/westconnex-assurance- David Angell Erin Links to-the-government. Lord Mayor Clover Ben Aveling Vangeli Kollias projects, said in its 2014-2015 Gabriel Azzi norrie mAy-welby WestConnex Assessment Brief that the Moore's Mayoral Minute is available at Anya Beniac Julie McCrossin NSW Government would seek from the www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/ Laura Buzo Bronwyn Monro Federal Government an unspecified assets/pdf_file/0003/256008/160516_ Anne Camac Jim Monro amount of further funding “subject to COUNCIL_ITEM32.pdf Philippa Clark Michael Page Samuel Clark Miriam Pepper Pat Clarke Sue Plyde Lindsay Cohen Tess Ridgway Georgia Flynn Michael Shreenan Katie Gompertz Blair Silverlock Jemima Hall Catherine Skipper Kat Hines Gai Smith Liz Hughes Emily Straney Lyndal Irons Maani Truu Darren Jenkins Alexander Turnbull Perry Johnstone Geoff Turnbull Laura Kelly Marg Vazey Maggie Korenblium Andy Walker Kelly Lane Peter Whitehead Bec Lewis Kate Williamson

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What’s Wrong With WestConnex? WestConnex is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Australia – but it is surrounded in secrecy, budget blowouts and dodgy developer deals. The 33km WestConnex tollroad will cost NSW residents a staggering $16.8 billion – or $510 million per kilometre. It will plough through residential areas across Sydney, demolishing homes and greenspaces. Unfiltered stacks will spew pollutants into neighbouring schools and sporting grounds. Important habitats for endangered species will be buried under concrete. The project’s own modelling shows that WestConnex will not fix traffic congestion in our city. It will only bring more cars onto existing roads. Motorists who use it will be charged steeply and research has shown that many drivers will avoid tolls by taking alternate routes. WestConnex is destined to be yet another major tollroad white elephant. There’s little wonder that so many residents across Sydney are incensed that our State Government is pushing ahead with the construction of WestConnex, without listening to their valid objections.

I joined thousands of people from across the state at the recent Rally Learner Lucas and volunteer Tony prepare for a driving session Photo: Kat Hines Against Baird at Sydney Town Hall. The placards carried by the crowd were broad ranging – from laws that will lock up protestors for up to seven years to the sacking of our democratically elected councils, there’s a lot to be angry about! But front and centre on the day was the vocal On the road to success campaign to Stop WestConnex. YOUTH OF TODAY stages, including for people who are community organisations, That’s because WestConnex is not just a disastrous dirty tollroad that preparing for their L’s test, people schools, police and courts. will wreck local communities. It also represents everything that ERIN LINKS who are on their L plates and people Myf Evans, the Driving Change is wrong with governments that put their developer mates who are on their P plates. The coordinator at Weave, says the WATERLOO: Weave Youth and support is flexible and responsive to program has been highly successful ahead of community interests. Community Services provide a the needs of individual participants, and has already been expanded, Billions of dollars of WestConnex contracts have been awarded to wide range of programs supporting in recognition of the wide range of meaning it is currently supporting companies Leightons and AECOM. Leightons has recently been shown to the local community, with a reasons people might face difficulty 65 different participants. She says focus on working with people in getting their licence. Seventy that for many young people getting have used corrupt practices to secure billion‑dollar government contracts facing disadvantage and social per cent of current participants are their licence is a “rite of passage into overseas. AECOM is being sued for providing incorrect traffic modelling exclusion. Their Driving Change from an Indigenous background. adulthood” and a “major milestone” for the Brisbane Clem7 tunnel which is a financial disaster. program aims to combat an issue One of the main ways Weave helps that can provide educational and that is faced by many young people get their licence is by providing employment opportunities. Being able In August 2014, the Sydney Motorway Corporation was set up as a people – getting their licence. a car and someone who can teach to drive also empowers people to private company to manage the construction of WestConnex – making participants how to drive. Weave improve their social wellbeing and the project exempt from freedom of information requests and preventing Driving Change began in October has a partnership with Community mobility and can strengthen ties with public oversight. 2015 with the aim of providing First Driving School, which offers family and community. S multidimensional support to people Driving Change participants The Commonwealth Auditor General recently announced trying to attain their driver’s licence. reduced-cost or free driving lessons Weave is still looking for more volunteers an independent investigation into WestConnex. But the Roads and Maritime Services NSW with a qualified instructor. Weave for the Driving Change program. If you government is refusing to halt construction until that provided funding for the first year also partners volunteers with learner are interested contact Myf by email at investigation can be done. of the program, which is targeted drivers to provide supervision and [email protected] or phone on 9318 0539 at people under 25 years old who support while they complete their While WestConnex is a State Government project, it relies on billions are facing obstacles to getting mandatory 120 logbook hours. YOUTH OF TODAY, A REGULAR ARTICLE of dollars of federal funding. Shamefully, both the Turnbull Federal their licence or learning how to Other forms of support include ON LOCAL YOUTH AND RELATED Coalition government and the Shorten ALP opposition both drive. The program is based on a literacy tutoring and education ISSUES, IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY model developed by the George sessions, as well as financial support WestConnex and are committed to allowing billions APPETITE CAFE of dollars of federal funds to flow into this dodgy polluting Institute for Global Health in support for the costs associated with tollroad. 2012, but was adapted to suit the applying for a licence. The program specific needs of young people in has extensive support in the APPETITE CAFE APPETITE cafe : redfern 82 REGENT ST, REDFERN ood the South Sydney local area. community and receives referrals + That’s why it’s crucial that our community continues to stand together. eople TEL 9699 4069 WestConnex will be bad for all Sydneysiders, not just those unlucky Support is provided at various from other Weave programs, enough to be living in its path. Our communities will continue to demand transparency, proper investment in public transport, and an end to government decision making that lines the pockets of Jobs and growth, just not in the theatre construction companies and toll road operators. CATHERINE SKIPPER longer funded are Force Majeure, the impact is brutal and that they now Regards, Legs on the Wall, PACT Centre for faced an uncertain future in a sector FOLLOWING the loss of $60 million Emerging Artists, Synergy (Theatre in demoralised by these decisions. Legs from its budget the Australia Prisons) and Taikoz. Force Majeure, remained positive and committed Council for the Arts has been forced a leading Australian dance company, to overcoming this “giant hurdle”. to defund many small to medium committed to new devised works “A Public Response by Theatre theatres, leaving some without reflecting contemporary Australian Directors” makes the point that Jenny Leong, MP for Newtown funding at all and others operating life and delivering good returns the now successful mainstream P.S. I will be on maternity leave over the next few months, however on greatly reduced budgets. on investment, is deeply shocked. directors did their “apprenticeships” our electorate office will continue to support local constituents and my The chair of its board of directors, in the small/medium sector These cuts seem particularly Jo Dyer, said it is devastating that which is “now radically restricted Greens colleagues will continue to advocate on the issues that impact disturbing to little theatre as news has Majeure’s hard-won success should and reduced”. Live Performance our state. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is a matter they emerged of additional projects funded be put at risk by the incoherent Australia’s Evelyn Richardson said can assist with. by Catalyst, the government’s new government policy that “neither that her association was particularly funding program for the arts. Catalyst understands nor cares about” the concerned “about losing our creative claims to fund innovative projects as small/medium theatre sector. and technical talent who may be Authorised by opposed to organisational funding, Katrina Douglas, CEO of the forced to go offshore for work or Jenny Leong MP its recipients selected by the Minister 52-year-old PACT was similarly career development opportunities”. State Member for Newtown for the Arts. “It is the equivalent of devastated. She said that about 40 By crippling the sector in which taking parts from one car in order to per cent of their annual income came experimentation and innovation can 383 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042 build a second car: neither car will be from funding and without long-term occur and actors and creative receive going anywhere. In short, this absurd support from the Council, PACT was their training in a secure organisation, T: 02 9517 2800 F: 02 9230 3352 situation is the result of nothing in danger of closing. The 31-year-old the government has damaged [email protected] but poor policy,” says one source. Legs on the Wall, a daringly unique Australian theatre for generations Among the Sydney companies no physical theatre company, said that to come. S JUNE 2016 NEWS 5 UrbanGrowth finally speaks about Waterloo public housing

ALEXANDER TURNBULL

IT is a truth universally acknowledged that punters sitting Putting People First through a government “consultation process” must ask themselves the Recently I was proud to announce that if question, “Are we being bullshitted?” elected, Labor will commit $4 million to Over the months since Brad Darlinghurst’s Haymarket Clinic and save Hazzard announced the Waterloo redevelopment, I’ve heard a number it from closure. For forty years the Clinic has of different takes on the sincerity provided quality and free medical, welfare and of the NSW government’s planning body, UrbanGrowth – from the nursing services to some of our community’s diplomatic (“They may be over- promising”) to the charitable (“I’m most vulnerable people. But because of Malcolm sure the people involved now are Turnbull and the Liberals’ cruel health cuts, the truly serious planners, but by the time decisions are made they’ll all clinic may have to close its doors on 30 June. be gone”) to the blunt (“Liars”). At REDWatch’s most recent forum This is just one example of the tangible effects of on May 5, we invited UrbanGrowth to explain and answer questions about Since the REDWatch meeting the City of Sydney and UrbanGrowth have had a robust discussion in government policies that we see in our area – vital the Central to Eveleigh project, of the media about the densities planned for the Central to Eveleigh study area. The City has revealed which the Waterloo redevelopment the state government’s interest in establishing a growth precinct in the study area to rezone private local services and groups suffering because of a lands and potentially see the redevelopment of Redfern public housing. is but one part. While not all the government that isn’t interested in helping them. attendees at our meeting fit into that blunt category, it was quite clear that will be staged, an announcement that Residents from areas apart from many did. A few stormed out, some might have saved the community Waterloo and North Eveleigh were The election on 2 July gives our community a directly accused the speakers of lying much anxiety if it had been made six told that there were at present no choice about the kind of future we want. and many of UrbanGrowth’s promises months ago, as it makes the Minister’s plans for their suburbs – someone were met with open scepticism. promise that every tenant could should have told the people The irony of all this drama was that, return to Waterloo more plausible responsible for their massing And the differences couldn’t be clearer. for those so inclined, UrbanGrowth’s (or less preposterous – your call). diagrams. Malcolm Turnbull has put very high income presentation and answers to questions That is not to say that the speakers In the end, it all comes down gave some room for optimism. covered themselves in glory. to trust. The perplexing decision earners and big business above supporting For instance, REDWatch had been Questions about the compulsory to announce the Waterloo assuming that the 30 per cent social land acquisitions for the metro redevelopment, then leave months families and vital services. He’s axed the kids’ housing promised at Waterloo station were met with a rather craven without any serious clarifications, has dental scheme, launched an attack on penalty included any affordable housing to round of buck passing. Answers allowed fears to multiply and used be built during the redevelopment. about employment prospects up the limited amount of goodwill rates and cut even more funding from health. But on further questioning, it became for residents beyond temporary that the government had. If there apparent that the affordable housing construction jobs were so vague as to is any substance to UrbanGrowth’s In contrast, Labor has announced over will be included as part of the 70 per be meaningless. There was no sign protestations that the consultations cent of proposed private housing stock. of concrete planning for affordable on Central to Eveleigh are more than 100 fully-costed policies including investing Mark Attiwell, UrbanGrowth housing beyond the housing estate simply “ticking boxes” then they will Project Manager for the Waterloo and the existing stock at North have to endure many more nights in $37 billion of needs-based funding in our schools, Estate Redevelopment, assured us that Eveleigh. Rather than building a crowded community centres before 50% renewable energy by 2030, a commitment UrbanGrowth’s hopes were to build new school, UrbanGrowth says they win back our trust. S additional social housing units on the the government is planning to to protecting Medicare and making marriage site. Residents were also explicitly increase the capacity of the existing Alexander Turnbull is the told that construction at Waterloo ones with high-rise expansion. Co-convenor of REDWatch. equality law. Since Tony Abbott took government three years ago, we’ve watched as the Abbott-Turnbull Raising flags for the future government has cut funding from schools and hospitals, dismantled our public broadcasters SPONSORED and frontline services, and gone after pensioners, GREG ROBINSON students and people with a disability. THE University of Sydney is proud to mark Reconciliation Week each During this time I’ve also seen our community year with a flag-raising ceremony come together and campaign to defend and other activities designed to unite our community. This year, we Medicare, demand action on climate change raised both the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flags above the and stand against discrimination by protecting Clocktower in a moving ceremony the Racial Discrimination Act and fighting for attended by many staff, students and members of the local community. The University of Sydney’s new flags Photo: Supplied marriage equality.

We arrived at the Quadrangle statement of our support for of material on those steel poles and feel It’s clear that our community can’t afford another via a guided walk from the Redfern Reconciliation Week, we are that they have a right to be here,” Kyol Community Centre, through Gadigal delighted to have constructed three says. “They have a right to be heard. term of the Liberal government, and the only way Green and on to Eastern Avenue. new, permanent flagpoles, adjacent They have a right to their opinion. Along the way, we remembered to our famous Quadrangle. The They have a right to be educated.” to stop their cuts is to elect a Labor government. significant moments in history, and poles are flying the Australian flag, The University agrees with Kyol took note of landmarks. the Aboriginal flag and the Torres and his fellow members of the USYD This July, let’s protect Medicare, The Quadrangle front lawns were Strait Islander flag, and will do so Indigenous Collective. The new filled with brightly coloured hands, in perpetuity, highlighting both the flagpoles are a lasting testament let’s demand a fast NBN and let’s each one with a message of support for University’s acknowledgment of the to that. S invest in our schools and TAFE. reconciliation and the first Australians, traditional owners of the campus land as part of “Hands of Reconciliation”, and our commitment to access and the country’s largest interactive public equity for all. www.100positivepolices.org.au artwork. We heard a set of songs from The new flagpoles were suggested the wonderful Aboriginal and Torres in 2014 by the then Student Strait Islander musician, Jessie Lloyd. Representative Council president- Across the week, the University also elect, Mr Kyol Blakeney — the second Greg Robinson is Director, Campus Infrastructure held a series of talks, culminating with Indigenous president of the SRC in the and Services. Authorised by Michael Spence, our annual sell-out event, “I’m not history of the University. Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Sydney. Racist, But…” “I hope that the Indigenous Contact Details – Security & After Hours: 1800 063 While the flags and the Hands of generations to come through this 487 (24/7). Enquiries: 9114 0523; Reconciliation make a spectacular University will look up to these pieces [email protected]. JUNE

6 NEWS JUNE 2016 FEDERAL ELECTION 2016 Sydney Electorate – an introduction SSH The Balmain Peninsula and Labor’s first preference vote from preferences. For the Greens to win, The SSH posed eight questions the suburb of Annandale were about 49.5 per cent, to about they would need to increase their to candidates announced by May 24, IN 2013, sitting member Tanya taken out of Sydney and put into 46.6 per cent, while increasing primary vote above the Liberals’ 2016. Their responses to five of our Plibersek, Deputy Leader of the the seat of Leichhardt. Potts Point the Liberals’ first preference vote primary vote, and to receive almost questions are included here. S Opposition, was elected with a and Darlinghurst were moved into from about 32.0 per cent to about all of the Liberals’ preferences two-party preferred margin of Sydney from the seat of Wentworth, 32.9 per cent and increasing the as well. The additional responses to questions 14.7 per cent. In the latest boundary and some parts of Newtown and Greens’ first preference vote from There may be some change on Aged Care, Asylum Seekers and redistribution, the seat of Sydney Camperdown were moved into about 18.5 per cent to 20.5 per cent. in the margin, but there is little Multiculturalism can be found online at became slightly less safe for Labor, Sydney from the seat of Grayndler. For the Liberals to win, they would doubt that Labor will retain the www.southsydneyherald.com.au but still very safe. This redistribution will reduce need almost all of the Greens’ seat comfortably.

climate events with flash investment in public housing country. It also does not deal events such as storms and campaign, commissioned flooding and breakdowns is one of the key infrastructure with Indigenous sovereignty bushfires, and rising sea independent studies to in key infrastructure. needs. Sydney’s “housing claims and might even set temperatures, leading to coral assess the true impact of the Coastal and low-lying areas market” might be producing them back legally. We support bleaching that has affected project, refused WestConnex will be directly affected big profits for developers, a real treaty process built on more than 90 per cent of access to Council land by now inevitable rises in real estate agents and a strong movement against the Great Barrier Reef. and defended the right sea-levels. And, like all major speculators but it is failing racism for real action to of residents to peacefully The Greens have a cities, Sydney will also bear to deliver affordable close the shameful gaps protest against the project comprehensive plan to the brunt of sheltering internal and quality housing. in life expectancy, health, transition from dirty energy to and external climate refugees. education, employment, More and more people living standards and rate of renewable energy, redirecting AFFORDABLE It will cost about $37 billion – especially people with billions in mining industry HOUSING imprisonment. S investment a year, for 10 young families – are finding subsidies. This will reduce Successive government years to take Australia to it impossible to afford to power bills, create 15,000 policies have made home 100 per cent renewable PETER BOYLE rent, let alone buy. At least jobs in the renewables sector ownership an impossible SOCIALIST ALLIANCE baseload energy. This would two generations have been and help transition us to a dream for many of us, allow the total phasing out cheated out of the dream genuinely carbon neutral especially young people of coal-fired power stations. INFRASTRUCTURE of owning their own home future. We need 100 per cent and those on low incomes. while others have become renewable energy, and not a The federal government We need to make this Housing should be about investment now. To pay for it debt slaves to try to pay per cent less (more details: creating homes for people, needs to take major off ridiculous mortgages. www.greens.org.au/renew). responsibility for we should tax the corporate not tax havens for wealthy infrastructure in all major rich, end the multinational Less than 1 per cent of rental The Greens do not take investors. The Greens will cities because that’s where tax dodging, divert the properties are affordable political donations from the reform negative gearing most people live and federal billions from offensive for low-income families in fossil fuel industry, which has and removing capital government has the power weapons purchases like Sydney and the Illawarra, donated $3.7 million to the gains tax discounts, and to raise revenue though submarines and warplanes. according to a study by two old parties over the last redirect the $6.8 billion progressive income taxation. And if we need more, Anglicare Sydney. And you three years alone. I was proud estimated annual cost to government should borrow. should see the state of to sign the pledge to clean increasing public housing The need for infrastructure SYLVIE You won’t hear the candidates the lower-price rental ELLSMORE up politics by refusing dirty and homeless services. investment is not housing on the market. energy industry donations from the major parties saying THE GREENS With an average of 16 years just being driven by They are total dumps! and I call on the other immigration. Federal and this but I will. Get into debt and 60,000 on the waiting like governments did in the candidates to do the same. list, public housing in NSW state governments have There were nearly 60,000 INFRASTRUCTURE been neglecting public past to build our national rail on the waiting list for public is in crisis, a crisis created by infrastructure for decades network, the Harbour Bridge, housing last year in NSW. Successive state and TRANSPORT years of underinvestment etc. There is nothing wrong federal governments have because they believed that The Baird Liberal government Modern cities should be by state and federal with public borrowing for failed to plan and build cutting social spending has promised to build only cheap and convenient to governments. One off good public purposes and the infrastructure we need and increasing corporate 9,000 new public housing get around. Growing public investments in boom times future generations will thank to ensure our cities are handouts would be “good dwellings over the next 25 and active transport – not is not enough – we need us for major investments liveable and equitable for the economy”. It didn’t years while continuing to sell private tollways – is the ongoing investment to that address climate change as it grows. This includes work. The rich just got richer off existing public housing only real way to fix traffic create expanded, high childcare centres, schools while our public services stock. This is a social disaster congestion, reduce pollution quality public housing, and and public transport. and infrastructure were TRANSPORT that the federal government and make our cities healthy then properly maintain it run down and distorted. needs to address. for future generations. The Socialist Alliance totally Our city is being shaped by and liveable. Priority transport Now we have to catch up opposes WestConnex and We need to make housing developers’ interests at the projects for the Greens Renting across the city is for these lost decades. has from the beginning. a social right. We could expense of the community. include light rail for Central to barely affordable. The Greens Our members are part build quality, ecologically The massive “urban growth” Green Square, light rail along are the only major party CLIMATE CHANGE of the movement now sustainable and affordable plans proposed for Central Parramatta Road, integrated calling for national minimum to Eveleigh are a key bike paths and expanded standards to protect security The clock is ticking on the opposing it with all forms of housing at a fraction example. Local residents heavy rail. The Greens have of tenure for renters, and to climate change emergency. peaceful protest, including of the price that “the must have a genuine say a detailed, costed transport stop excessive rent increases. We need a big investment civil disobedience. This market” is demanding. in planning decisions, and strategy (www.greens.org. to make our society fully is a multi-billion-dollar important public lands au/public-transport). based on renewable energy, waste of public money that CONSTITUTIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL in the inner city need to maximum recycling to could be better spent on The Greens have opposed RECOGNITION RECOGNITION be kept in public hands. minimise our use of finite public transport and other OF AUSTRALIA’S the destructive, unnecessary OF AUSTRALIA’S This is what the community resources. This requires a infrastructure to make our FIRST PEOPLES WestConnex toll road from FIRST PEOPLES society just and sustainable. fought for through the the very beginning. Stopping major public investment. Our lead Senate NSW The Greens strongly support It is a good that the campaign Green Bans, and sadly we WestConnex is possible, just We cannot rely on “the candidate is Uncle Ken amending the Australian has forced the Australian must continue to do so. like the community stopped market” and Private-Public Canning, an Aboriginal Constitution to recognise National Auditor Office to the East West Link toll road Partnerships have turned activist and poet who has not only the sovereignty investigate this mess, but in Melbourne. The project out to be multi-billion- been outspoken in his CLIMATE CHANGE of Aboriginal and Torres why hasn’t all WestConnex relies on federal funding. dollar corporate scams to opposition to the official As a society we need the Strait Islander peoples and work been stopped while The Greens would stop the milk the public purse. Recognise campaign. courage to tackle catastrophic their right to land, water the investigation goes on? project immediately, tear up Sydney will be impacted The Socialist Alliance opposes global warming and transition and resources, but also any contracts, and redirect the by climate change in many Recognise because we see it Australia away from coal to protect against racial money into public transport ways and it is nowhere near AFFORDABLE as a multi-million-dollar token towards a clean energy discrimination. We continue and other essential services. prepared or responding HOUSING constitutional recognition economy. We are already to support the campaign for adequately to this global Housing is another clear without addressing the real seeing the impacts of As a former Marrickville changes to the constitution emergency. There will be case of total market failure injustice still suffered by the climate change with more Councillor I was proud that we that will deliver real rights. more extreme temperature and I think a major federal First Nations peoples of this regular extreme weather stood with the community We fight for this alongside JUNE

JUNE 2016 NEWS 7 FEDERAL ELECTION 2016 to your Candidates for 2016 our support for treaties with reside in metropolitan, walking tracks as part of all continues to have the highest having to move countless Indigenous Australians. suburban, regional or rural new transport projects. per capita greenhouse times due to no fault of locations. Sydney residents gas emissions, going into Malcolm Turnbull talks a lot my own. Housing is vital to The lack of protections in the also care about the grave risk the Paris Agreement to about public transport but one’s safety and wellbeing.. Australian Constitution has of climate change to some of review emissions every five has done little. I am proud historically meant Indigenous the world’s poorest people in years is a step in the right of our record and excited people could be discriminated developing countries – some direction. Is this enough? CONSTITUTIONAL about our plans to make against – not just decades of which are in our region. Not in my humble opinion. RECOGNITION ago but more recently, for Australia’s major cities the OF AUSTRALIA’S example when the Liberal Labor’s Climate Change most liveable in the world. FIRST PEOPLES and Labor parties voted Action Plan provides a TRANSPORT pathway for an orderly Voting Online Direct in the Federal Parliament AFFORDABLE With regard to waiting for the Democracy means the need to “switch off” the Racial transition to a low pollution decision from the Australian economy through HOUSING for and cost of referendums Discrimination Act to allow the National Auditor Office, not six key elements: Housing affordability is TULA is obsolete. Changing the NT Intervention. The Greens due until January 2017, we Constitution to honour our a critical issue. Labor will TZORAS offer the public the ability support protections in the ƒƒ 50 per cent renewable reform negative gearing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Constitution to prevent legal energy by 2030; ONLINE DIRECT DEMOCRACY to vote online. WestConnex Islander Peoples is as simple capital gains tax to ensure is a highly charged issue, discrimination in the future. S as voting online and taking ƒƒ Cleaner power generation; Australians are not locked receiving complaints INFRASTRUCTURE the majority to parliament. out of home ownership. from elderly people who ƒƒ Maximise job This will enable us to In my opinion, with regard are now displaced due to opportunities from Labor has a consistent recognise our First Peoples, clean energy and record of strong polices to the increase required compulsory evacuation of in infrastructure to their homes, and the public give them the societal clean technology; on housing affordability, standing they deserve and public housing and reducing accommodate immigration, in general. Complaints ƒƒ Reduce pollution focus on rehabilitation for homelessness. When I was a budget should be allocated have been made about through an Emissions to give immigrants every the lack of transparency, the damage we have inflicted Trading Scheme; Housing Minister, Labor on them. This will be a made the largest investment opportunity to contribute to knowledge and choice. practical, political, legal and ƒƒ Capture carbon on in social housing in Australian our society. Given the threat Further there is a cost to the humanitarian solution. S the land through the history, delivering 21,600 to our AAA rating, any of environment, with fumes Carbon Farming Initiative new homes; made a direct the proposed budgets seem being emitted near schools and action on broad financial contribution to unrealistic, however. Voting and residential homes once scale land clearing; one in every 20 new homes for Online Direct Democracy the freeway is operational. built between 2008 and will mean saving billions Online Direct Democracy will ƒƒ Increased Energy on referendums, ballot TANYA Efficiency. 2013; and provided $1.1 mean the end of picketing PLIBERSEK billion in federal funding boxes etc, which may well and the beginning of voting be used for infrastructure. AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY to states and territories. online, with majority votes TRANSPORT A Shorten Labor government represented in parliament. My position on WestConnex INFRASTRUCTURE will build on our record and CLIMATE CHANGE My personal view is is clear: as it stands, the show national leadership, to The Sydney electorate is that funding for better Investment in public project should not proceed. tackle housing affordability a densely populated area, public transport is much infrastructure is critical for The poor process and and reduce homelessness. with WestConnex and more sustainable and Australia now and into the impact of the NSW Liberal emissions from that looming I fully support it. future. A Shorten Labor state government project in our future. We cannot government is committed to has caused enormous CONSTITUTIONAL control the weather. We can, GEOFFREY investment to achieve liveable concern in our community. RECOGNITION AFFORDABLE cities – cities with safe, OF AUSTRALIA’S however, control our waste HOUSING WINTERS sustainable and accessible Under the former Labor FIRST PEOPLES and emissions by choosing LIBERAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA government, not one dollar public transport instead My view is that no one need transport connecting people Labor is the party of national be homeless in Australia. Geoffrey Winters is the Liberal to education, employment of federal funding was of cars, doing everything spent on the construction of native title legislation, the The federal government candidate for the electorate and housing while protecting we can to keep the air we WestConnex. Labor has not Apology to the Stolen should make all property of Sydney. The 27-year-old our natural environment. breathe as clean as possible. provided for the allocation Generations and acting available and cap rental costs. lawyer from Indigenous legal Labor in government of any additional money on Closing the Gap. Do we have the right balance People should not pay more firm Chalk & Fitzgerald lives between prevention and than 30 per cent of their in Forrest Lodge with his launched the Sustainable beyond that provided by Labor is committed to adaptation? Whilst Australia income in rent. I have suffered partner Tyler. S Population Strategy that the Liberal government. meaningful change to the established a National In response to a request Constitution to recognise the Sustainability Council, from Labor’s Shadow important place of our First measures aimed at creating Minister for Infrastructure Peoples, unite the nation jobs in outer suburbs of major 2016 FEDERAL ELECTION and Transport, Anthony and reflect the hopes and cities, support for proper Albanese, the Auditor- aspirations of Aboriginal and planning of housing and General has decided to Torres Strait Islander peoples. growth in our regions, and conduct a performance new sustainability indicators Labor was instrumental CANDIDATES audit of WestConnex to to support decision-making. in establishing, with determine whether there the Government, the Infrastructure investment was appropriate and Referendum Council is key to Labor’s plan to thorough advice before the FORUM on constitutional promote jobs growth, to approval of WestConnex. recognition of Aboriginal SEAT OF SYDNEY increase sustainability Only Labor can be and Torres Strait Islander through planning and trusted to invest in public peoples. The national to support our local transport. A Shorten consultation process will be communities. That is why we Labor government will in genuine partnership with have already announced our Aboriginal and Torres kick-start new investment WestConnex, Housing and Climate Change are the three main topics $10 billion financing facility. Strait Islander peoples​. in transport projects. candidates will be asked to speak about followed by a Q&A session. We acknowledge In government, Labor Organised by REDWatch, ARAG, FOE and South Sydney Community Aid. CLIMATE CHANGE invested $13.6 billion in reconciliation is a long Labor accepts the public transport – more journey and we have further overwhelming scientific than all previous federal to go. Discussions about consensus on climate change. governments combined. treaties will no doubt be Wednesday 22 June at 7pm Climate change affects all As part of this, we will require considered and debated as Alexandria Town Hall, 73 Garden Street Australians whether they consideration of cycling and part of the process. S

WestConnex, Housing and Climate Change are the three main topics candidates will be asked to speak about followed by a Q&A session

Peter Boyle* – Socialist Alliance

Jane Citizen – Political Party

Sylvie Ellsmore* – Greens

Tanya Plibersek* – Labor

Tula Tzoras* – Online Direct Democracy

Geoffrey Winters – Liberal

*Attendance at the forum confirmed.

ORGANISED BY Red Watch, ARAG, FOE and South Sydney Community Aid JUNE

8 SOCIAL JUSTICE JUNE 2016

Community wellbeing & cohesion Taking a stand for refugees Reader Profile: Ruby Riguet MATTHEW JACKSON READER PROFILE avenue to channel that privilege or COURAGE epitomises the life guilt into something positive and of a refugee. It takes courage to ERIN LINKS meaningful”. She also mentions stand tall against persecution the importance of not focusing and violence. It takes courage RUBY Riguet’s experiences of on yourself too much and instead to speak out against injustice. living, working and studying in thinking more broadly about It takes courage to leave your the South Sydney area have shaped community wellbeing and cohesion. home to protect your family and her interest in advocacy and As part of her degree, Ruby attempt to find safety in foreign community. She’s currently in her has undertaken two placements lands. The stories of refugees are fourth and final year of a Bachelor with different organisations personal, connected to place and of Social Work at the University to gain practical experience of family and culture. The fabric of of Sydney in Camperdown. being a social worker. Her first modern Australia is woven with placement was with the Australian their stories. Businessman and She says that there were a Indigenous Mentoring Experience philanthropist Frank Lowy, actor number of influences on the (AIME) program and she is and comedian Anh Do, surgeon The Butler Falcons are a multicultural AFL team consisting of girls with recent experience of being a decision to pursue a career in currently completing her other Munjed al Muderis – all acclaimed refugee, pictured are Aker Athoi, Monica Yengi and Sandra Paul Photo: Refugee Council of Australia social work, starting with her placement at the Bobby Goldsmith Australians and former refugees family life when she grew up Foundation, an organisation that whose contribution to Australian a unified Refugee Week based denounced around the world. between her mother’s house in supports people living with HIV. society is invaluable. Their stories around the theme ‘With courage Worse, Australia has actively Manly and her father’s house in She says her placements have signify the origins of Australia let us all combine’, taken from encouraged other nations to do Balgowlah. Throughout school been “enjoyable but challenging” – and what continues to make the second verse of the Australian the same. This approach will see she wanted to be a musician and have taught her the importance Australia great moving forward. national anthem. This theme refugees find fewer and fewer and played the saxophone, of “being your own advocate”. provides a platform to promote places of safety, the world will securing a music scholarship When asked about her future These individuals are a fraction of the valuable contribution refugees see more despair, more desperate to an all-girls private school. plans, Ruby replied that she is the bigger picture. Over the past 70 make to Australian society and people undertaking dangerous It wasn’t until her final years of “open to anything” and is excited years, 800,000 Australians who were facilitate a better understanding journeys and more deaths. school that Ruby set her sights on by the wide range of areas social once refugees have helped grow this between different communities and “Australia is alone in the world becoming a social worker. She says: workers can go into. She has country. Research by the Refugee encourage successful integration, in having policies of mandatory “I became more aware of things and conducted research as part of her Council of Australia, commissioned enabling refugees to live in safety indefinite detention for people what I could do to help society, as degree that has focused on groups by the Department of Immigration and to continue making a valuable seeking asylum, offshore processing well as more aware of who I was including Indigenous people, and Citizenship, highlights this contribution to Australia. and the forcible return of asylum as a person.” After gaining a place asylum seekers and the LGBTQI fact. Despite the instability and It is also a unique opportunity for seeker boats. The continued at the University of Sydney, Ruby community. She says her interest set-backs to education experienced us all to experience and celebrate the detention of children, in particular, moved out of home and has since in these areas has been shaped by refugees, the net economic rich diversity of refugee communities is a source of international lived in suburbs including Redfern by interactions with the local contribution of humanitarian through theatre, music, dance, film embarrassment,” RCOA chief and Newtown, and works in a café community in South Sydney. entrants has been positive. and other events which take place executive officer Paul Power said. in Erskineville. She also states that Ruby’s passion is evident “Australia’s refugee program all over Australia and highlight the “The opprobrium Australia coming to places like Newtown when she begins talking about includes people of all educational aims of the Week. Refugee Week is has endured in its human rights during her childhood exposed community misconceptions backgrounds, from those whose an umbrella participatory festival performance review from our her to different social issues surrounding social work and education has been seriously which allows a wide range of refugee peers around the world shows and the importance of valuing the lack of knowledge about the disrupted by conflict and persecution community organisations, voluntary how far Australia has slipped diversity within the community. importance of social workers to those who come with degrees, and statutory organisations, local with our insular, unsustainable Ruby says that studying social and the diverse areas they work masters and doctorates,” RCOA’s councils, schools, student groups approach to vulnerable people work has shaped her thoughts and in. She sees this as reflecting the chief executive, Paul Power, said. and faith-based organisations to who need our help.” beliefs about the world and helped broader issue of society’s lack The contribution of refugees in host events during the week. This continues because of the her to consider new and different of appreciation for care work, other areas of Australian life is Refugee Week also provides an heinous and endemic politics of fear. perspectives. She believes in a including the work done by incalculable. Refugees have opened opportunity for us all to take a Both sides of politics are tainted holistic approach to supporting volunteers and other community restaurants and small businesses, stand – to embrace and embolden the by these oppressive and inhumane people, underpinned by principles workers. She says she wishes the produced world-acclaimed art courage that refugees have displayed. policies that undermine Australia’s of compassion. She talks eloquently work done by people in these areas and music, and continue to The current situation is morally, liberal foundations. The unity and about the importance of recognising was more valued and believes there mould Australia’s rich cultural legally and financially untenable. value of the individual has been privilege and its ability to be is a need to raise awareness and history and modern landscape. Off-shore detention robs people of displaced by a strategy based on mobilised for social change, stating increase public knowledge about Refugee Week is an opportunity their dignity and basic human rights. the ignoble expendability of life. that “social work can act as an its significance. S to celebrate the contribution and Australia’s detention programs in It is time for this to end. What courage of refugees. From Sunday Nauru and Manus Island are based is needed is solidarity, compassion June 19 to Saturday June 25, on deterrent tactics that directly and a productive political communities, organisations and contravene United Nations covenants environment that values the lives to the proposal for an Inner West Refugee Week is an important individuals will come together to and international law. Australia of refugees and the contribution Refugee Welcome Centre, donate opportunity for asylum seekers and celebrate the best aspects of our continues to turn boats back at sea, they make to Australian life. to the Asylum Seeker Centre, grab refugees in your community to be nation’s welcome of refugees, frankly return refugees to persecution and, To move to the right side of history, a coffee at Parliament on King, and seen, listened to and valued. It is acknowledge unjust treatment often times, their deaths. Vulnerable Australia must recognise that the participate in the Refugee Week an opportunity for us all to exercise of asylum seekers and refugees children and women are exposed international refugee challenge launch and events. Past events have our democratic power, to build a and commit to working together to sexual assault and exploitation. is not an Australia-only problem. included football tournaments, stronger nation that gives freedom to to ensure that we do better. Moreover, two people have set A regional approach is needed. public talks, exhibitions, music people fleeing persecution, a nation RCOA is encouraging individuals themselves alight in protest. Communities across Australia and dance festivals, theatre that embraces them as productive and organisations to celebrate These policies have been can act now. Give your support projects and film screenings. members of our democracy. S

stops people from spiralling down. The Big Issue Classroom. It keeps me focused and gives me None of this would have been The Big Issue reaches milestone something to look forward to every possible without ongoing community SAMUEL CLARK This June brings about a massive Operations Manager Chris Campbell. day. I love all my regulars,” he says. support for the organisation and milestone for the Big Issue in More than 6,500 people have sold The organisation has grown The Big Issue vendors, who are THE Big Issue is Australia’s Australia. On June 16 it will be 20 10 million copies of the magazine extensively in the past 20 working to improve their lives. leading social enterprise. It is years since the magazine first hit across Australia since The Big Issue years. It provides employment As long-term vendor David S. an independent, not-for-profit the streets in Melbourne. Since then, launched in 1996, generating $23 opportunities for women, who may says: “It’s been an amazing journey organisation that develops it has grown to become Australia’s million in income for people in need. not be able to sell The Big Issue and I would like to thank all of the solutions to help homeless, longest-standing social enterprise, “What the vendors talk about magazine on the street, through the customers and fellow vendors for disadvantaged and marginalised changing the lives of many. most is the interaction with their Women’s Subscription Enterprise. their support and friendships over people positively change their “The Big Issue is sold by customers. You can see how the It uses sport as a mechanism to the past 20 years.” S lives. The Big Issue magazine people who are marginalised or validation and affirmation from overcome marginalisation and foster is published fortnightly and disadvantaged. This often means customers for the hard work community inclusion through the If you or anyone you know could benefit sold on the streets by vendors those experiencing or at risk of and perseverance affects the Community Street Soccer Program. from becoming a vendor for The Big who purchase copies for homelessness, but it also may self-esteem and self-image of the It also educates students Issue, please contact the Sydney office $3.50 and sell them for $7, include someone with disabilities vendor,” Mr Campbell says. about social issues, such as for more information: 125-127 Little keeping the difference. or those that may struggle gaining Mitchell has been selling the homelessness, while providing Eveleigh St, Redfern; phone 8332 7200 mainstream work,” explains NSW magazine since 2007. “The Big Issue employment opportunities through or email [email protected]

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

www.uniting.org ... to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice JUNE

JUNE 2016 COMMENT & OPINION 9 A just and flourishing society

FAITH refuge and care to those who are marginalised and in exile. Churches ELENIE POULOS have all too often failed to meet this call but in this case most have OUR Immigration Minister stepped up. This is why the churches Peter Dutton has told us all that have been a thorn in the side of refugees “won’t be literate or both political parties on this issue. numerate in their own languages, Commenting on the imminent let alone English” and that they return of people to Nauru in will “languish in unemployment February, the Uniting Church in queues” and take our jobs. Australia President Stuart McMillan said, “to send people, especially His remarks are both incoherent children and Australian-born and factually incorrect. This babies, back to the place that has appalling rhetoric is calculated to caused them such harm would be spread fear of one particular group an outrage against human dignity”. of people for political gain. It is Early in May he wrote to the Prime politics at its worst, undermining Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, urging social cohesion, pitting some him to “demonstrate leadership and Australians against others and correct this injustice by closing the cartoon: norrie mAy-welby creating an environment of fear. offshore detention centre on Nauru As Minister for Immigration and bringing those people who are and Border Protection, Mr Dutton currently in the centres on Manus EDITORIAL never before engaged in nonviolent solar panel for every resident. It also ought to know something of the Island and Nauru to Australia”. direct action. reveals that 2015 broke the global record immense contribution that refugees There are alternatives to the SSH “Australia has the ability now to move for renewable energy installations, and have made to Australia. He should brutal and illegal policies now from dirty coal and oil to renewable investment. know that many speak not just in place. Countries in the region, CANDIDATES for the seat of Sydney energy. The move will help not harm Likewise, the Clean Energy Australia one language but many, and that led by a generous Australia, express support for action on climate our economy, but if we don’t make this 2015 report, also published early this this is good for the country. working together with goodwill change, including major public change within the next few crucial month, shows: Renewable energy I wonder what kind of society and focussing on protecting people investment in renewable energy years, human life on this planet … will provided 14.6 per cent of Australia’s Mr Dutton thinks he is building. in need, could develop a genuine technologies (pages 6&7). The SSH suffer incalculable harm. The poorest electricity in 2015 – enough to power I wonder what kind of society regional solution which would applauds these commitments. We will be worst affected,” Ms Kossy said. 6.7 million homes; Wind and solar successive federal governments have ensure that asylum seekers and also support the 66 people arrested Ms Drake explained: “I had some generation rose by more than 20 per had in mind when implementing refugees are safe where they are, at Newcastle, participants in an concerns about participating in the cent; Rooftop solar power is now at 5 these policies. What happens to have hope for a secure future for international month of nonviolent action and risking arrest, however gigawatts capacity which is equivalent a largely generous and hospitable themselves and their families, and direct action to protest and disrupt the absolute urgency of addressing to a power station large enough to country when we allow the if they need it, access appropriate fossil fuel industries, the primary climate change overrode everything light up all the homes in Brisbane and deliberate harm and abuse of resettlement within the region. cause of global warming. else. I have two beautiful grandchildren, Perth; Five new wind farms were built people who come seeking nothing In the lead-up to the federal and my conscience demands that I do in 2015 as well as eight solar farms more than our protection? What election, now is the time to demand Newtown residents – grandmother everything I can to bequeath them a larger than 1 megawatt capacity; More happens when governments better leadership from our politicians Elisabeth Drake, 70, and mother Janet healthy environment.” than 14,000 people are employed in the wrap deliberately cruel and – more honesty, more integrity, more Kossy, 67 – say they were pleased On June 1, REN21 (Renewable Energy renewable energy industry, which is still inhumane policies in a culture of vision, more hope for what is good to be charged for the first time with Policy Network for the 21st Century) recovering from significant losses in the secrecy and a rhetoric of fear? and just. It is the time to tell them criminal offences on Mother’s Day. The published its 2016 Renewables Global preceding few years. I know what kind of society I that we want a lively society where two women joined the Break Free 2016 Status Report – the most comprehensive Policies from governments at want and it’s not this. I want a refugees are welcomed, our diversity action in Newcastle, the world’s largest annual review of the renewable energy all levels that foster a rapid shift to just and flourishing society, where is cherished, and all people have coal port, from which coal exports have sector globally. The report shows that renewable energy are imperative for people who come seeking care what they need for their own lives to doubled over the last ten years. They last year Australia had the seventh mitigating climate change – including and protection are welcomed and flourish. S were among well over 2,000 protesters highest number of solar PV systems policies that curb the extraction and supported so that they too might on sea and land, many of whom had installed globally – we now have one export of fossil fuels. . S flourish, sharing in the abundant Rev. Elenie Poulos is National Director of goodness of life that is a gift from UnitingJustice Australia. UnitingJustice God and not ours to withhold. has produced the Uniting Church’s Christians are called to love our Federal Election resource, “A Flourishing neighbour, welcome the stranger, Society”. More roads, more congestion challenge unjust systems, and offer www.unitingjustice.org.au/election2016 OPINION READERS' LETTERS consider the pros and cons of BEN AVELING demanding more Metro stations Flawed Metro plan? for the inner city. Metro stations CITIES all around the world are at Waterloo, Alexandria and St moving away from freeways and Australia’s two largest Peters would provide a mass-transit tollways. They have discovered that infrastructure projects, Sydney City transport “spine”, as the hub of roads do not work. Building more Metro Stage 2 (10.4 billion) and an integrated rail-bus network. roads does not reduce congestion. WestConnex (16.8 billion) intersect Sydney Metro’s lack of in, Alexandria: but only one project transparency on the underlying If it seems obvious to you that stops there. And it’s NOT the Metro. rationale and processes for station building more lanes would fix The overall Metro project has locations has resulted in an Sydney's congestion, that every car 31 stations averaging one station incomprehensible inner-city “Metro could then have enough space, and every 2 kilometres. The inner city bypass”. It is unclear if modelling that traffic would then flow nicely, section (Central to Sydenham) has of recent, significant project then read on. one station on 6 km of underground announcements including the ATP As a thought experiment, imagine track. The decision to build just one development (11,000 workers, 1,600 if we could give all the land in inner station (Waterloo) on the Central cars), Alexandria Super-School (2,200 city Sydney over to cars. Put all the to Sydenham Metro shows the students and associated traffic), buildings on stilts. Get rid of the bus Illustration by Andy Walker State Government’s preoccupation Ashmore Estate (6,000 additional lanes and the footpaths, the train with profit over planning for residents and associated cars) and lines and the light rail and everything 815,339 imaginary cars sharing our be about two metres between cars. an integrated public transport WestConnex (60,000 cars destined for else. Put everyone in cars, and pave giant imaginary inner city road. Traffic would be gridlocked. There network for the inner city. Euston road) have been thoroughly over everything. Turn every square That means every car gets about would be 25 square kilometres of The controversial Waterloo modelled into the station and metre into road. 10m of road. The average car is a bit gridlock. alignment definitely intersect with transport decision making processes. Would that cure congestion? under 5 metres long, so every one Even if you used every square an Urban Growth agenda for a The state government cannot The City of Sydney covers 25 of these 815,339 cars is about 1 car metre of Sydney for cars, with no hyper-dense Waterloo. The galling on one hand subject the inner city square kilometres. The average road length away from the car in front of buildings or anything else, that reality facing all inner-city residents to (seemingly) endless density lane is a bit over 3 metres wide, so 25 it, and about 1 car length away from would still not be enough to move however, are the multiple and without systematically providing square kilometres is enough for close the car behind it. 815,339 people. One or two or geographically dispersed approvals sustainable and integrated mass to 8,333 kilometres of road. Packed that tightly, cars move five more lanes are a drop in the that are swamping the inner-city and transport infrastructure. Around 610,000 people a day slowly. Traffic would crawl. Drivers proverbial ocean. The Chinese have proceeding without a comprehensive The Metro EIS can be accessed commute to Sydney, which also has would be lucky to manage 10km/hr. built roads that are 50 lanes wide, public transport plan in place. by Googling “sydney metro approximately 205,339 residents, By 2031, the population of Sydney and they still clog up. The Metro EIS process and chatswood sydenham eis”. according to the City of Sydney. If we is forecast to grow by 30%, leaving For moving large numbers of community consultations give Danny Carroll put them all into cars, we would have 30% less space per car. There would people, roads are not the answer. S citizens an opportunity to Alexandria JUNE

10 FEATURE JUNE 2016

Bob Hawke prepares to launch the exhibition alongside the High Commissioner for South Africa, Sibusiso Ndebele. Photo: Chalk Studio Bob Hawke launches exhibition on the Australian anti-apartheid movement The Hon. Robert Hawke AC launched a new exhibition – Memories of the Struggle: Australians Against Apartheid – at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House to coincide with Freedom Day.

FEATURE apartheid. Three prime ministers— Ndebele, South African High shown by key sporting figures a Springbok rugby jersey worn by Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Commissioner, at the launch. who personally boycotted their Gary Foley, Sir Donald Bradman’s KATE CONNOR Bob Hawke—were active participants This exhibition explores the involvement in sporting events; hand written letters to Meredith in making decisions that put pressure power of people’s voices and actions which would later go on Burgmann, reproductions of artwork THE exhibition explores Australia’s on the South African government protest, and the lengths to which to affect their sporting careers. by George Gittoes, memorabilia involvement and leadership in the to abolish apartheid laws. Australian activists went to support “It’s the voices of the people from Nelson Mandela’s 1990 struggle to end apartheid in South visit to Australia, new films Africa. It focuses on the background and interviews, and more. and timeline of the anti-apartheid 27 April 2016 also marks the 22nd movement and highlights the voices It’s the voices of the people that inspire what anniversary of Freedom Day in South and memories of those involved. Africa, the day Nelson Mandela we do here; not one voice but many; not passive became the first democratically “I want all Australians to share elected leader of the country in 1994. the pride that I feel, because but active; not ignorant but informed. “One of the most remarkable there is no doubt that Australia outcomes of this movement was the punched above its weight, and as peaceful transition from a repressive South African Finance Minister “We are immensely grateful and defend this international issue. that inspire what we do here; not government, to a democratically Barend du Plessis said, “We were to all Australians for their part, The movement in Australia was one voice but many; not passive elected black leader, Nelson significant in precipitating the end aptly captured by this exhibition diverse and complex, and made but active; not ignorant but Mandela,” said Ms Karp. S of apartheid.” “There is nothing being launched today, and for up of many different groups and informed. Memories of the Struggle in my prime ministership of which the opportunity for current and voices, including students, trade is a wonderful example of this, Memories of the Struggle: Australians I am more proud,” said The Hon successive generations to know unions, churches, indigenous people, giving voice to the many people Against Apartheid will be on display Robert Hawke AC, at the launch. where we came from and to political parties and sportsmen involved and framing the past for for 12 months at Museum of Australian Old Parliament House was the appreciate the unbreakable bonds and women, musicians, artists a contemporary audience,” said Democracy at Old Parliament House, venue for important discussions and between our people and countries,” and cultural figures. It emphasises Ms Daryl Karp, Director, MoAD. Canberra. Entry is free after museum decisions on Australia’s response to said His Excellency Mr Sibusiso the extraordinary support On display in the exhibition is admission. www.moadoph.gov.au

Images of the struggle against apartheid. Photo: Chalk Studio Fond memories of Nelson Mandela. Photo: Chalk Studio The Review June ’16 11

Bibliotherapy Empathy & connection

Kelly Lane Hanya Yanagihara noted in her closing address:“To read is AT the recent Sydney Writers’ to surrender to another person’s Festival, speechwriter Lucinda story and at the same time to Holdforth asked her audience activate that story by the very act about their reason for attending. of consuming it.” She talked of She asked why, over the course writing’s role in cultivating our of a week, almost 110,000 people sense of empathy and defended would descend on Walsh Bay and the place of violence in fiction and surrounding venues, to hear from in her recent novel, A Little Life. more than 400 Australian and “The ultimate human act is to 60 international writers. Why, witness. To open our eyes wider rather than reading those writers’ and look at what we would rather books or listening to a festival not, to regard what we think we podcast, they would come together cannot endure. Once we limit what to participate in the program. we can tolerate in literature and Hanya Yanagihara Photo: Prudence Upton in art, we also start limiting our “There’s magic in the communal ability to see our fellow humans.” experience of listening,” she This notion of seeing our fellow in his two talks at the festival. the importance of risk-taking. but you’re in a finite world,” he said. answered. “We come to experience humans, of bridging the divide and On the same day, acclaimed “Risk-free writing is writing Artistic director Jemma Birrell our responses and feelings with finding a common connection, was American author Jonathan Franzen that’s not worth reading,” he commented on the collaborative each other. To speak freely and to central to journalist Stan Grant’s filled Sydney Town Hall for his said, while noting the important nature of this year’s event, with listen attentively is to be human.” powerful talk about Indigenous entertaining talk with Australian roles of his editors. many of the writers attending The idea of the deep connection heritage, racism and national identity. author Anna Funder about his latest Franzen also argued for the each other’s sessions and festival- between writing and humanity was Grant’s own story is deeply rooted in novel, Purity. Franzen’s frank yet future of books, denouncing the goers also connecting around a thread woven throughout this Indigenous history and his personal measured responses to Funder and “unfilteredness” of life documented common interests. “There really year’s festival, with Bibliotherapy recollections, much of which sprung the audience’s occasionally probing by modern technology. “As long as was something particularly special – the restorative effect of literature from the pages of his memoir Talking questions traversed the novel, its you’re reading a novel, the world in the combination of people – being the overall theme. to My Country, captivated audiences characters, the writing process and makes sense. It’s not the real world coming together,” she said.

Vickifying the play An interview with Vicki van Hout

Catherine Skipper prominence to voice-over and text. importance of being part of NTofP’s It seems a natural progression mission to become the voice of SPEAKING via mobile to Vicki then for the dynamic van Hout to Australian theatre. Stolen, although van Hout as she catches a train, take up the challenge of directing well-trodden ground, is an excellent I find my own meaning for an Stolen. First performed at the choice in several ways, bringing expression used by a former Malthouse in 1998, the playwright themes that are of relevance to the student of hers: to vickify. I would Jane Harrison brought the tragic rapidly expanding multicultural city define it as “to travel at high speed history of children forcibly removed of Parramatta, and to our young through uncharted territory from their homes to public attention. people who live in troubling times. with dedication and humour”. The play is frequently performed so Based upon the dislocation of its perhaps what is most challenging five Aboriginal characters, the play In 2014 van Hout became the first (but not daunting) for van Hout highlights the loss of identity, of Indigenous artist to be awarded the is the expectation that she will be family and of culture, and is a powerful prestigious $30,000 NSW Dance bringing “a fresh take” to it. She feels condemnation of the callous arrogance Fellowship for established and the responsibility of being, as she puts of established authority. The NTofP mid-career dancers. At the moment, it, a “portal” for Harrison’s intention, is a bold move and Vicki van Hout van Hout is directing Jane Harrison’s and while she is not prepared to an appropriately bold choice. totemic play Stolen, the second say exactly how she will leave her Directing is hard work and long feature in the inaugural program of own imprint on the production, she hours, van Hout says. When she the National Theatre of Parramatta does say she has noticed “a lot of returns home each evening the (NTofP). So how does she feel about scope for movement” in the script. supermarket is closed and she resorts making the transition from dancer Candidly, van Hout admits that to the local milk bar. The proprietor and choreographer to the stage and Vicki van Hout Photo: Amanda James she is used to sole direction. Actors, commiserates with her as she buys text? “Daunting,” she says. But it is she has discovered, are different chocolate, tinned mushrooms and hard to believe that this dynamic from dancers, and tend to have their pineapple yet again. “You work too Wiradjuri woman would find much audition for the National Aboriginal on a large body of knowledge own ideas about interpreting the hard,” he says. She does, and van Hout “daunting”. Challenged and taxed and Islander Developmental Skills and practice. Her works, while script. At first surprised that her is fully booked to continue the process she may be, but not discouraged. Association (now NAISDA Dance fusing traditional movement with cast did not follow her directions of Vickification into the future. In directing a play, van Hout College) and reconnect with her own contemporary techniques, both immediately, she came to appreciate says, she is returning to her first culture. It was a turning point. After reflect the interdisciplinary nature the value of working as a team. Stolen love. Originally a 17-year-old, van NAISDA she trained in modern and of Australian Indigenous culture In addition, her performances Written by Jane Harrison Hout was set to train as an actor post-modern dance at the Martha and address important political are created through a process of Directed by Vicki van Hout. and had learned her monologues Graham School in New York but issues. Briwyant (2011) explores the development and amendment Riverside Theatres (Corner of Church for an audition with NIDA. At the responding to the pull of her cultural possibility of an urban Dreaming but a script is given and must be and Market streets, Parramatta) time she was still at high school connections she returned to Sydney through a blend of live narration approached differently. She now sees Until June 17, 2016 but also a part-time squatter at the in1996 and joined Bangarra, and inventive dance movements, and the collaborative understanding of Tickets: Adult $49, Concession $44, Gunnery, an infamous hang-out in When van Hout became an Long Grass presents the contentious director, cast and production crew as 30 & Under $35 Woolloomooloo. A fellow-squatter independent dancer, choreographer theme of displacement among the means of refining the outcome. Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or suggested she use her monologues to and performance maker, she drew Indigenous fringe dwellers, assigning Van Hout is conscious also of the www.riversideparramatta.com.au 12 The Review June ’16

Fréshette’s Seven Days in the Life of Simon such as “hopeful” or “good”. Writer of light filtering through leaves; it’s almost Labrosse presented by the innovative depressing poetry that he tears up, his intoxicating and leaves you spacey, numb The Reviews and exciting Théâtre Excentrique is arbitrary intrusions into the action, with and elated. The band manages to balance wonderfully, hilariously relevant. lugubrious expression, ridiculous bodily and mix extremes. It’s easygoing then Theatre Reviews and three months to live at the most.This Written in 1993 at a time when gestures, and melancholic intoning introspective, abrasive then soft. The by Catherine Skipper devastating news is slightly mitigated by Canada was in severe recession, the of the same totally absurd line, he is album is cohesive and well polished, the arrival of 19-year-old Rosie, who, play references the same bewilderment an extremely funny representation though at times the vocals are a little soft as she puts it “has run away to them”. felt now by Australians in 2016 of negativity. Do these friends, over and it’s hard to make out the lyrics which At this sad point in their life Rosie’s as impersonal economic forces – whom Simon continually tries to is a shame.“Double Act” and “Pinky” love for her grandparents becomes a privatisation, corporatisation and exert control, represent entrenched were the lead singles from the album. guiding star. When the doctor’s lover, automation – devalue the welfare aspects of contemporary society? Or “Steeple Walk” and “I Don’t Mind” are Nurse Stacey (Sarah Plummer), reveals of the ordinary human being. are egocentricity and negativity the especially ethereal, with sweet and gentle to the Rogers she has helped Eva’s friend, Occasional tables planted amongst companions an often delusionally vocals from Lani and Caro. “Jasmine”, the widowed, ill and unhappy Jessie the audience, and Simon’s bed at the optimistic and sometimes dodgy my favourite, is a forceful yet delicate (Denise Kitching), to find a release from forefront leading into the set, quickly Simon deserves? Finally, it is revealed track, a testament to the sweet flower Is It Time an insupportable life, the Rogers see connect the audience with the interior that the love of “a Natalie in Africa”, itself. “Dasher” is a honey jumble but the Written by Martin Ashley Jones a way of bringing their lives and love world of the play. The jobless Simon (a motivating Simon to doggedly pursue heavyweight bass line acts like a spine Directed by Barry Walsh “that has no end” to a fitting close.The very funny but anguished Gerry Sont), his plan with an increasingly forced keeping this delightful amorphous mass King Street Theatre loving Rosie supports their decision, alarmed by both rising mortgage and smile at each rejection, is a creation of together.All in all, Tussle is dreamy and May 25 – June 5, 2016 understanding their need for control unemployment rates, invites the audience his own imagination. Simon, it seems, lo-fi. This is music served in sepia tones. over the terms of their own life. As she to witness a re-enactment of his attempt wants to be in love, write letters, moon Like a glass of homemade lemonade, The King Street Theatre has sprinkles their ashes onto a garden, it at “reinsertion into public life”, aided over photographs but not actually to love. it leaves you with the aftertaste of pledged itself to present theatre that is clear the freedom to choose death as by two friends, Leo (Steve McGrath) At the beginning of the play Simon is youthful summer. is “controversial, but fascinating and an alternative to pain, deterioration and and Natalie (Cassady Maddox). Since heard to say, “They’ve come to see my satisfying food for thought” and Is It dreadful loneliness should be at least he cannot find employment, Simon life, not yours”, and Leo and Natalie »»[email protected] Time fulfils this mission. The issue of a possibility, if it is rationally desired. determines to create work by offering have to struggle to get their five minutes euthanasia remains controversial in our At present, the prospect of facing deep original services such as Emotional on stage in return for helping Simon. society and Ashley Jones’s play under and it seems perhaps senseless suffering Stuntsman, Finisher of Sentences We should note also that Simon has Film Review the competent direction of Barry Walsh places doctors, like Dr Russell, in an (absolutely hilarious), Audience (“I’ll given his re-enactment the structure of by Lindsay Cohen makes a strong case in support of an agonising dilemma.The performances watch your every move and give your the biblical story, accented by Natalie’s intelligent, loving elderly couple’s right to were sincerely felt and staged in a simple life meaning”), Flatterer and Emptiness accompaniment on guitar, and that he choose the point at which they will end but effective way (light and sound, Eradicator.Each of his seven forays, is, after all, a creation of the society the their life.Jim and Eva Rogers (Ross Scott Kodie Amos) allowing for changes of designed to cater to his perceived needs play critiques.Dynamic direction (Anna and Sylvia White) have had a happy location on the one plane. However and desires of the public, offers immense Jahjah), excellent acting, clever staging, marriage. Having met first at amateur the dialogue, which at times relied too opportunity for comical exchange but smooth management (Pauline Evans) theatre playing the roles of the tragic much on speechifying and at other each of them ends in rejection and and the lovely singing voice of Maddox young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, their long times was repetitive and unconvincing, frustration. Simon’s increasing sense of make Seven Days a truly rewarding years of a happy, fulfilling relationship needs refining if the play is to have a failure is measured through his choice of theatrical experience. Who does not Money Monster gives the lie to a general perception that greater impact. In addition, recurring a tipple at the day’s end: tea, coffee, light like to leave the theatre intrigued by the Director: Jodie Foster passionate love is transient. They are well motifs, for instance, the humming of ale and finally whisky from the bottle content and still smiling at its absurd Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, matched in terms of temperament, and the song “The Riddle” and the phrase and a graduated disrobing. The neurotic humour? An inspired choice by Jahjah Jack O'Connell Eva manages her husband’s occasional “a broken heart”, could be treated less public, performed by Natalie (managing as Seven Days so admirably suits our Genre: Capitalism is bad irascibility and he indulges her tendency insistently. Nevertheless, Is It Time is her array of characters with flair) and own cold-hearted times. to over-dramatise. It is apparent there an honest production exploring some Leo (always amusing but especially so as is still a potent chemistry between difficult issues. man-with-dog) find Simon intrusive and »»[email protected] There are plenty of good and great them, although Jim is profoundly ridiculous, rejecting his offer to enhance actors who became successful directors. demoralised by the loss of his virility, a their existence by making them feel as if Ron Howard, Woody Allen, Clint subject discussed with Dr Russell (David they have an impact on the world.The Music Review Eastwood and Ben Affleck are some Luke) both candidly and humorously. preoccupations of Simon’s two sidekicks by Tess Ridgway recent examples. If Money Monster However, there are deeper tensions. There while enriching the comic action extend is anything to go by, then Jodie Foster has been long-term conflict between the metaphor. Natalie is obsessed with will not be one of them.The only other Jim and daughter, Julia, which, reading self-development, taking courses in film Foster has recently (in the last 20 between the lines, has led to Julia’s various parts of the anatomy, prone to years) directed is The Beaver (2011) inability to settle in life. Her eventual offering details about her internal organs where “a troubled husband and executive decision to attempt a geographic escape at every possible opportunity and eager adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole Seven Days in the Life of to England taking her daughter, Rosie, to show the audience an ultra-sound means of communicating”. It was as Simon Labrosse with her has deprived Jim and Eva of a video. She claims to have seen a mouth bad as it sounds. OK, so it’s early days Venue: Creative 99 relationship with their granddaughter. in her pancreas ironically taking it as for Foster’s directing career but here’s (99 Crown St, Darlinghurst) Tussle When Julia contacts Eva seven months evidence she has “a living being” inside some unsolicited advice for Foster Written by Carole Fréshette Day Ravies after her return to Australia telling her her. Her zaniness reaches its peak in her from someone who has never directed Directed by Anna Jahjah Popfrenzy, 2013 that Rosie has run away, Eva collapses. efforts to sell the audience copies of her anything: Directing your friends (Mel May 18-29, 2016 Consequent medical treatment leads to video entitled Inside Natalie.The absurd Gibson in The Beaver, George Clooney the discovery, which we learn through Leo has an impediment owing to a Tussle was the first album for Sydney in Money Monster) might make the film Dr Russell’s forthright but kindly talk Engaged as we are in the build-up to cortical lesion and is unable to pronounce four-piece Day Ravies, released in 2013 easier to direct but that’s not necessarily with Jim, that Eva has a brain tumour an election, French-Canadian Carole any word with positive connotations, with their label Popfrenzy. The band a good thing. A bit of friction between members (Lani Crooks, Caroline de actors and the director can contribute Dear, Matt Neville and Sam Wilkinson) creatively while actors you’re less familiar juggle vocals and songwriting. They also with can push your boundaries and kick around in other bands: Beef Jerk, broaden your experience.Even unreal King Tears Mortuary and Sachet, to situations need to pass the credibility test. name a few. Tussle was well received Small things like how police really react and earned itself Album of the Week to hostage situations or the motivation accolades on FBi Radio where it was of your Icelandic hackers need to be also nominated for Album of the Year. addressed. Do your homework. Be real The album is a melting pot of musical (as much as possible).Casting your minor styles – shoegaze, jangle, indie rock and actors is really important. If even one dream pop. It’s synthy and with punk (or in this case more than one) of your elements stuck in for good measure.The lesser actors isn’t up to the job then it band’s name is a play on words and nod really stands out, especially when there to the Kinks’ front man Ray Davies. are others around them doing a good Their sound is indebted to rock’n’roll job.Don’t think just because you’re a history with a variety of influences from great actor that automatically makes 90s shoegaze pyschedelia bands Yo La you a great director. There are plenty Tengo and My Bloody Valentine, to of examples where that’s not the case. 80s Australia indie rock bands like The Johnny Depp, Nic Cage, Kevin Spacey, Go-Betweens. Day Ravies, however, Eddie Murphy, William Shatner are just stretch indie rock into new shapes with a few examples of actors who realised the deft restraint and coy ingenuity.Tussle error of their ways so returned to what is smooth and sultry. Play it while you they do best. Cut your losses. waste a sunny afternoon between the Rating: Two many films. Bardi Dancers from Western Australia perform at the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel as part of the sheets day-dreaming – it’s music to tussle Indigenous delegation to the Festival of Pacific Arts 2016, held in Guam. Photo: Andrew Collis »»[email protected] to. It sounds blissful and summery like The Review June ’16 13 Impressive work ethic Artist Profile: Louise Virgona

Alex Grilanc & Catherine Skipper copper but now acetate, zinc or plexiglas are commonly used. LOUISE Virgona has been a Virgona’s interest in “abstracting resident of Waterloo for three photographs” is evident in years. Several of her portraits are many of the works – the use of of well-known Waterloo residents. photography combined with Louise’s solo show at the Orchard printmaking transforms the Gallery (South Sydney Uniting original photographic image. In Church) features various prints the large work, “Mum”, a solitary (drypoint, lithography, lino-cut figure is centred in a multilayered and silk-screen) and photographic suburban interior – reminiscent works spanning the last 15 years. of a blown-up film reel, stretched out and pulled back together to Following the Welcome make a single image. The surface to Country by Aunty Norma of the image is marked by loose Ingram, curator Catherine Skipper brushwork – a painterly technique congratulated the artist and involving old-school photographic thanked the artist’s brother Gerard chemicals. Louise says the image who read four original poems from takes her back to a time in her life his published collection View to the when she first moved to Hornsby. Maze. Pianist Heather Robinson Louise attended the Fine Arts provided lovely musical interludes. course at Hornsby TAFE for Launching the exhibition, three years. She studied a variety printmaker John Crawford of subjects in her first year but Louise Virgona with one of her dry-point etchings Photo: Claire Mahjoub celebrated printmaking as a thereafter she specialised in highly creative, collaborative and drawing, a compulsory component, First Retrospective communal activity. Drypoint, photography and printmaking. creative group called Press Gang. completed work in addition to Works by Louise Virgona he explained, is a printmaking After the surprise closure of Louise’s work ethic is impressive. the exhibited works and she Curated by Catherine Skipper technique in which an image Hornsby TAFE’s Art Department She is keen to develop her skills continues to add to it with a The Orchard Gallery is incised into a plate with in 2014, Louise continued to in photography and excited about passion. She likes the photography 56a Raglan St, Waterloo a hard-pointed “needle” of practice printmaking at the the accessibility and creativity of Robert Mapplethorpe and the Until June 30, 2016 sharp metal or diamond point. Wallarobba Arts Centre, also of mobile-phone cameras. paintings of William Dobell and For appointments phone 0415 415 139 Traditionally the plate was at Hornsby. She is now part of a Louise has a large body of Russell Drysdale.

THE WEALTH OF THE LAND WORKS BY CHIPS MACKINOLTY Cross Art Projects 8 Llankelly Place, Kings Cross 14 May - 18 June, 2016 An exhibition based on a year in Palermo, looking at the produce, people and language of the old markets. The exhibition, La Ricchizza di la Terra / La Ricchezza della Terra / The Wealth of the Land, is based on a year in Palermo, looking at the produce, people and language of the old markets. It is very much about the things so important to Italian cooking: local produce, seasonal availabilty. 14 The Review June ’16 Wordplays

Noble Figs I am a tree a thousand years old Like the Burghers of Calais I live here on this corner doomed until you cut me down they stand and wait Now I am a tree with the keys of the city a thousand years on in bound hands I will live forever and nooses around forever on and on their necks – Adrian Spry In this instance thin pieces of string Corner of Anzac Pde fluttering and Alison Rd with red ribbons Its branches spread Chain saws to catch the falling dark scream from east to west The lungs of the city shrink with each cut arched to almost Illustration by Andy Walker The wood chips fly touch the pillowed grass and are removed embracing those who gather in We do not its house of air South Sydney Puzzle remember by David Angell to grieve the sacrifice what was once there We forget of ancient trunk, Problem Last month's problem so quickly limbs, bole and seed You are trapped in the centre of a maze (the grey The International Pirate Bank has rather We wonder why for a mess of woodflakes, square in the middle) and have to escape! The walls idiosyncratic password rules, which must be the air is so heavy a ticket from the Quay are impenetrable; however, the circles represent followed by all account holders. A password Why to Malabar, and locked gates, and the figure in each circle tells must consist of ten letters - no more, no we are so higher return you how many dollars you have to pay to unlock fewer. The only letters allowed are P,I,R,A,T,E,S, tired. the gate. Once you have unlocked a gate, it stays and the password must, somewhere, contain on real/unreal estate. unlocked and you can use it again for free if you so the letters ARRRRR (with 5 or more consecutive – Margaret Vazey – Catherine Skipper wish. If you can reach the “encouragement desk” Rs). So, for example, PSARRRRRPP is a marked with an “E” in a black square, you will receive valid password, so is ARRRRRRRRR, but an encouragement award of $10 (but only once). TARRIRRREP will be rejected as it does not have How can you escape from the maze for the smallest A followed by 5 Rs in a row. Commentators WORDPLAY – CREATIVE WRITING GROUP CLUB REDFERN, possible overall cost? have expressed concern that the Bank does 2/159 REDFERN ST – every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. not have very many different passwords and Contact Yvonne on 0415 226 854. All welcome. accounts could easily be hacked.

How many possible passwords are there, exactly, which obey the International Pirate Bank's rules?

Last month's solution There are 12005 possible passwords.

Imagine a row of 10 spaces

in which the letters of the password are to be written. The A of ARRRRR must be in one of the first 5 places. Once we have placed ARRRRR, there are 4 more letters to be chosen, with 7 FIRST CORRECT ENTRY WINS A PRIZE. options for each. So the number of possible Send to South Sydney Puzzle, passwords is 5x7x7x7x7. PO Box 3288, REDFERN NSW 2016.

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

Circular Quay Glebe Newtown Newtown Redfern @vintonn @beclewispix @globallocal @newtowncentre @andrewhcollis JUNE

JUNE 2016 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

Uniting Churches ADVERTISE WITH THE SSH Community connections, competitive rates. Phone Duncan on 0402 525 061 or email [email protected]

South Sydney Uniting Church 56a Raglan St, Waterloo Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Evening Prayers 5pm (2nd Sunday of the month) Rev. Andrew Collis 0438 719 470 www.southsydneyuniting.org.au

Ron Hoenig MP and Superintendent Luke Freudenstein with award recipients the Lok Wan Cantonese Opera and Dancing Group Photo: Claire Mahjoub The Sacred Lounge Cnr St Johns Rd & Colbourne Ave, Glebe Worship 7pm Sunday ‘Colbourne Ave’ intimate candlelit concerts 8pm Thursday Office 9518 9413 www.sacredlounge.org.au

Leichhardt Uniting Church 3 Wetherill St, Leichhardt (near Norton St, free parking behind church) Worship 10am & 6.30pm Sunday Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117 www.leichhardtuniting.org.au

Mustard Seed Uniting Church Cnr Quarry St & Bulwara Rd, Volunteers gathered for the 10th Redfern and Waterloo Volunteer Awards ceremony. Photo: Claire Mahjoub Ultimo Worship 9.30am Sunday Rev. David Gore VOLUNTEERS’ NEWS 0449 875 065 mustardseed.unitingchurch.org.au PAT CLARKE

10th Redfern and Waterloo Gerard: “Building a strong community Newtown Mission Volunteer Awards 2016 takes time. It takes a few dedicated 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday The Redfern and Waterloo Volunteer people. It requires a belief that change Rev. Graeme Tutt Awards ceremony was held this is possible. And it thrives when a few 9519 9000 year on May 25 at the Alexandria- committed individuals care enough www.newtownmission.org.au Erskineville Bowling Club. to take the lead. A few small seeds of goodwill and a genuine desire to help Paddington Uniting Church Our SSH Photo Editor Claire others are ingredients that go into 395 Oxford St, Paddington Mahjoub received an award, along Worship 10.30am & growing a true community garden.” 7.30pm Sunday with SSH photographers Bec Lewis Rev. Ben Gilmour and Kat Hines. Congratulations! Vivid Sydney 2016 continues Office 9331 2646 Sadly, Claire has resigned as Photo until June 18, and as part of www.paddingtonuca.org.au Editor to return home to take up a Vivid there will be Night Markets position with French magazine L’Union. at Carriageworks from 5-10pm Pitt Street Uniting Church We thank Claire for her magnificent on Saturdays June 4 and 18. 264 Pitt St, Sydney Worship 10am Sunday Women’s contributions over two years, and Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman wish her every success for the future! School Holidays will be from Office 9267 3614 Reconciliation July 2-16, and City Council will as www.pittstreetuniting.org.au Network The Awards are under the auspices always have plenty of free school Meetings are held on of the Redfern and Waterloo NAB Wayside Chapel the 4th Thursday of holiday activities. Check the website: the month. Events Group, with FACS Housing whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. 29 Hughes St, Potts Point 10AM-12PM at the the main sponsor. The Guest Worship 10am Sunday Rev. Graham Long Redfern Community REDWatch Speaker was Gemma Rygate, CEO Federal Election 2016 Centre. Meetings first Thursday Office 9581 9100 of the month at The Factory of the Centre for Volunteering. Saturday July 2 www.thewaysidechapel.com Hugo Street Redfern. Community Centrte. Phone Geoffrey Turnbull It will be another long month 10am cuppa followed by (02) 8004 1490. There were 115 nominations until Election Day, so don’t forget meeting till 12 noon. Email [email protected] of individuals and community to vote, and check newspapers groups and special 10th Year or online for polling booths. Awards Presentations made by Counterpoint Executive Officer, Trevor Davies Mike Shreenan, and South Sydney This month marks five years since food distribution network Community Aid Executive Officer the passing of our Founding Editor BABANA home delivery of low-cost fresh fruit & vegetables and Events Group Chair, Bill Yan. Trevor Davies. Trevor’s commitment ABORIGINAL to accessible, reliable and volunteer MEN’S GROUP The Food Distribution Network is a not-for-profit organisation that A special Peer Nomination Award community news delivery continues delivers boxes of fresh and inexpensive fruit and vegies to older Babana Shed people, people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and was presented to Favour, a group to inspire and challenge. Trevor would open Mon-Fri which not only received the most carers who live in the City of Sydney and need assistance living have turned 60 years old on May 25. independently at home. For $10 you can have a box of 6-8kg of nominations by their peers, but was (Cnr St Johns Rd & Colbourne Ave, Glebe) fruit and/or vegies delivered to your door each week or fortnight. nominated for the first time, despite Until next time. Please call 9699 1614 or e-mail [email protected] for over four years of service to their Contact: Mark Spinks more information. These services are funded by State and 0411 282 917 local community. One nominator Pat Clarke & Ross Smith Federal Governments. said of Favour’s leaders Russell and [email protected] JUNE

16 SPORT & FITNESS JUNE 2016

RAVENS RUNNING GROUP The Ravens meet each Sunday at 5pm at Redfern Oval (Cnr Phillip & Chalmers Sts in Redfern). New members A decoy run by Nelson sets up an All Blacks attacking play Photo: Vangeli Kollias (and beginners) welcome! Phone Adrian on 9690 1427. Revenge on hold for Redfern All Blacks VANGELI KOLLIAS The second half was the highlight Randwick to take the upper hand. marching orders which evened Widders was still positive despite of this closely fought match, with They made use of a 2v2 situation out the playing field and, with his side’s tough loss. “We were good THE Redfern All Blacks were controversial player coach Dean as the defence was drawn in and 13 minutes to go, the All Blacks today and especially the toughness narrowly defeated by Coogee Widders making his appearance. the free winger scored Randwick’s had a chance to level the score. and energy. The boys kept trying Randwick at Coogee Oval on Sunday Shane Nolan thought he was third try of the day and led 20-14. After Dean Widders returned to and the spirit was good, but we May 22. Although the All Blacks led in to score just after halftime. A Back-to-back penalties from a the pitch, an unconverted try by just lacked a bit of leadership. I let 14-10 at halftime, with tries from brilliant dummy from Peni Roqica frustrated All Blacks side were Nolan almost levelled the match, them down getting sin-binned and Hickey and Vale and a conversion broke the Randwick defensive preventing any signs of a comeback. with the All Blacks two points it wasn’t a good thing. We will get from Nolan, Coogee Randwick line and the forward surged for After a number of high tackles, the behind with three minutes to play. better, we know we can get better; closed out the match 20-18. the line only to be held up. referee lost patience and sin-binned The final attack of the game for the we were below our best today.” S Moments later, with only 20 Dean Widders after a scuffle All Blacks ended in disappointment. In this top of the table clash minutes to play, Randwick took with the Randwick forward. But it was a match that did not fail Notable performances and match stats: the All Blacks were seeking the lead for the first time in the The match started to get heated. to live up to the high expectations. Most Hit-Ups: Steven Winters (13) revenge for their Round 1 loss match, with a try under the posts. Poor tackles from the Randwick The All Blacks now sit four points Most Tackles: Shane Nolan (24) to the undefeated home side. An error from Kieran Vale allowed defence gave the centre his behind the competition leaders. Completions: 19/27 (70 per cent)