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Will Clover stand for a fourth term as Lord Mayor?

DECEMBER 1 8 , 20 14

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BY ELLIOTT BRENNAN The Premier of NSW Mike Baird described the tragic events

of the Sydney siege as a test for Sydney, and a test that ‘we’ would pass. The large majority of Sydney-siders have passed this test. We haven’t taken to the streets like we did in the disgusting Cronulla riots - we’ve largely acted in reverence and respect to the victims of those affected, and we’ve impressed the world with a hashtag.

But this wasn’t the test.The true sign of how Australia treats these situations will be

how both the State and Federal Government deal with what has occurred. Based on past experience, this doesn’t look promising.

The Senate has already passed the draconian Foreign Fighters bill which has collateral implications that far outweigh what they claim to achieve. The reporting of some Government activity has effectively been vetoed. Journalists could face jail if they decide to undertake the crucial role of the fourth estate that they have always played.

The Government is already attempting to force internet service providers to store our personal metadata for two years, one of the reasons being that it will help stop terrorism. These are harsh laws that see personal privacy neglected in the name of the nation, but people are committing these crimes. Why haven’t these laws protected us?

People like Man Haron Monis will continue to slip through the cracks with or without knee-jerk reactionary legislation in place. They will continue to do so if these laws are strengthened.

ese re in ivi s ctin one n t ey wi not e fi tere out by blanket laws.

The real test for Australia is for our Government to recognise that the buck stops at them. They need to look deep within themselves, not our internet history. After all, they are responsible for controlling gun crime, they are responsible for the bail system, and they need to stop framing these issues in such a way that impinge on our rights to privacy, and our right to publish.

EDITORIAL

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BY SOPHIE TRIGGERMore than three months on from the

deadly explosion in Rozelle, the Village Fair has provided a symbol of the community’s recovery.

At 4.06am on Thursday September 4, an explosion woke the sleeping residents of Darling St in Rozelle, in Sydney’s inner west.

The explosion, sparked at the local convenience store, wreaked havoc on the street, causing road closures that lasted weeks.

While most residents managed to escape the blaze, three occupants remained unaccounted for - Bianka O’Brien, 31, her 12-month-old son Jude, and Chris Noble, 30.

Although Thursday continued without sight of the missing three, emergency services remained adamant that the mission was still one of ‘search and rescue.’

Hazards associated with the collapsed building prevented rescue workers from immediately reaching those unaccounted for.

Three men were also hospitalized following the explosion, two of which had jumped to sa ety rom their first oor apartment.

The bodies of Bianka and Jude O’Brien and Chris Noble were pulled from the rubble on Friday afternoon.

Although the bla e in i ted immense ost to the street, both in physical damage and through loss of business – the loss of these three local lives was hardest to bear for the Rozelle community.

Darling Street remained closed for nearly two weeks – and reopened at 3pm on Tuesday, September 16.

It is estimated that the street closure caused a loss of $3 million to local businesses and affected more than 400 jobs.

Chris Mumme, the business owner of Darling Street Meats, projects that his business lost thousands in the eight days that it

remained closed.Though his regulars continued to support

him, the aftermath of the explosion would affect the business for weeks to come.

Former Mayor, Darcy Byrne, spoke to City Hub about the damage in i ted to the lo al community.

“The longer that shops aren’t able to trade, the more long term damage is being done to our local businesses,” said Mr Byrne.

Meanwhile, a fund to assist the victims was instigated, with the help of the Rozelle Fire Appeal Working Party and Bendigo Bank – which currently stands at $228,000 raised.

100% of the funds from the appeal go directly to eligible applicants, who have either lost their home or signifi ant other in the tragedy.

$110,000 of this was allocated among 7 people on November 17, followed by a further $55,000 to the same people two weeks later.

The Rozelle Village Fair on Sunday, December 14, began with a memorial tribute to the victims of the deadly explosion.

Mayor Rochelle Porteous believes it is important for the community to acknowledge the tragedy that they have all undergone together.

“Three lives were lost and the community continues to be affected by the passing of Chris, Bianka and Jude,” said Cr Porteous.

She added that the Village Fair was of great success to the community, with “many businesses doing many times over their usual turnover on the day.”

“Local businesses are on the road to recovery,” Cr Porteous said. “Rozelle is a pretty special community – where people really look after each other.”

“We should be very proud of the compassionate and generous way the community responded.”

Rozelle three months on from the explosion

The scene after the blast

Published weekly and freely available Sydney-wide. Copies are also distributed to serviced apartments, hotels, convenience stores and newsagents throughout the city. Distribution enquiries call 9212 5677. Published by the Alternative Media Group of Australia. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, City Hub takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 48 135 222 169

Group Publisher: Lawrence GibbonsGroup Manager: Chris PekenGroup Editor: Elliott BrennanContributors: Christopher Harris, Lauren O’Connor, Tang Li, Keiran Adair, Erika Vass, Sophie Trigger, Jessica YunArts Editor: Emma SalkildLive Music Editors: Chelsea Deeley & Alexandra EnglishDining Editor: Jackie McMillanAdvertising Managers: Toni Martelli, Robert Tuitama& Mike Contos

Email: question@alternativemediagroup.comAdvertising: sales@alternativemediagroup.comContact: PO Box 843 Broadway 2007Ph: 9212 5677 Fax: 9212 5633 Web: altmedia.net.au

If you have a story you’d like to tell us:cityhub@alternativemediagroup.com

altmediagroup AltMediaSydney

BY KIERAN ADAIREnding the year with the release of the Social

Housing in NSW discussion paper Minister for Family and Community Services,Gabrielle Upton may head into an equally contentious 2015. It follows the controversial sell-off of Millers Point public housing and has already come under criticism from those that fear it encourages further privatisation of the state’s social housing.

The paper suggested the private sector may play a greater role in the future provision of social housing, and considers options for moving residents into the private rental market.The Government has argued these measures are necessary to address the growing gap between the demand and availability of public housing, with waiting lists expanding by an additional , amilies sin e they on o fi e in 2011.

“The simple truth is that the system has failed to keep pace with increased demand and changing demographics,” Minister Upton said.

“We must accept that, despite the best of intentions, the current system fails tenants… One of the main objectives of this government is protecting the vulnerable in our community, which is why we are determined to make improvements to the social housing system.”

But the paper has drawn the ire of critics who point to the Government’s budget cuts, and recent sell-offs as proof they are not sincere in addressing the growing housing crisis.

Sophie Cotsis, the Shadow Minister for Housing, told reporters that these measures have resulted in 6,000 fewer homes throughout the state.

“The Liberals have cut the budget to build new so ial housing in hal sin e they ame to o fi e, and they have sold more social housing than they have built,” she said.

Chris artin, enior oli y fi er o the Tenants Union of NSW, wrote on the

organisation’s blog that the system and its models should be reassessed.

“Much gets said about the failings of the social housing system; not nearly enough about the failings of the private housing system, and private rental in particular… If the NSW State Government really wants to help those on the waiting list, and make ‘transitioning’ out of social housing a realistic prospect, it must discuss reforming the private rental market too.”

With rent in Sydney amongst the highest in the world, it is feared that moves to transition social housing tenants into the private sector could place them at risk o severe finan ial stress. A ording to the 2011 Census 78 per cent of low income households reported paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent. Further research has shown that three out of four of these households face a ‘constant struggle to pay regular bills’.

Greens Councillor for the City of Sydney and

public housing advocate, Irene Doutney said getting people in and out of the system quickly was taking the focus away from solving underlying issues and ignoring problems faced by low income, vulnerable people.

“Every new statement or document that comes out of the Liberal State Government is another nail in the o fin o publi housing and government for the well-being of all members of society. The very idea that the private sector which is all about making a profit ould manage a omple human services system beggars belief but is the mantra of the Upton ministry.”

“[The paper] makes no comment on how people who can’t afford to live in this unaffordable city now are suddenly going to be able to move from subsidised housing to unaffordable market rent.”

With the waiting list for public housing estimated to increase to 86,000 by 2016 paper seeks to address an urgent problem.

Social housing paper criticised as out of touch

Government’s turn to ‘pass the test’

Millers Point Social Housing

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BY ELLIOTT BRENNANAs another year comes to an end, baubles and lights

go up on trees across the city, but the whispers among the political inner circles are less festive. Everyone is asking the same question: Will this be Clover Moore’s last term as Lord Mayor of Sydney?

In September the Shooters and Fishers Party pushed their business vote legislation through the NSW parliament. The reforms make business voting in local elections compulsory and give each business up to two votes; the apparent motive behind the move is the assumption that business owners are more likely to vote conservatively – and not for the progressive Clover Moore.

“The Liberal Party, with the help of the Shooters, is targeting the city, because they think they will get control of city government if they give the big end of town extra votes,” Ms Moore told 400 followers at a rally against the legislation in September.

Ms Moore expressed similar frustration towards the first get Clover la s in hen then remier Barry O’Farrel passed legislation to mandate that an MP couldn’t also have a local council position. Clover Moore stood do n rom the tate seat she had held or years and endorsed Independent Alex Greenwhich who won the by-election by a landslide.

With changes to the local electorate under way, political insiders are speculating on Clover Moore’s future. Some beieve that there will be a backlash against the major political parties in favour of Clover Moore, as occurred when the state government forced the amalagamation o the City o ydney in and again in when Greenwich defeated the Liberals with Clover’s endorsement. Others speculate that Clover Moore would lose votes next time around regardless of how business votes. They point out that Clover’s popular vote has dimished at every election and that she currently holds the balance of power by only one casting vote. Were she to be elected as Lord Mayor with a fractured Council, she would no longer be able to rule in a presidential manner.

Some wonder whether Clover would want the job under these circumstances.

Of equal concern for the Lord Mayor is the fact that hal o her independent team has made it lear that the current term will be their last on Council.

Both Cr ohn ant, and the eputy ord ayor Robyn Kemmis are retiring from politics and only Coun illors enny reen and obert ok are e pe ted to run again.

The Lord Mayor celebrated her 69th birthday in October, a fact that surprises most punters. If she were to serve another term she would celebrate her 75th birthday while still holding the position of Lord Mayor.

Clover oore s o fi e ould not omment on her political future. While it is possible that she hasn’t decided yet, others, including some within council have suggested

that she is too savvy for that. Many speculate that the Lord Mayor has already set the wheels in motion for a smooth transition to another Independent candidate, quite possibly Alex Greenwich. The strength of their political alliance is well known, but the possibility of him making a run for the Mayoralty has been shot down bluntly by his o fi e.

“Alex has no intention of running for Lord Mayor. If he is ele ted as ember or ydney in ar h , he is committed to seeing out the full term,” a spokesperson for Mr Greenwhich told City Hub.

The other candidate tipped to take over is the Independent Councillor Angela Vithouklas.

Vithouklas campaigned directly against the Lord Mayor in the previous council elections but has since established a less confrontational relationship with Clover Moore.

In August this year Cr Vithouklas was appointed by the Lord Mayor as the chair of the newly established small business committee and there have been no signs of vitriol between the two in recent council meetings.

Cr ithoulkas told City ub that she ould “definitely be ontesting the position o ord ayor in the council elections,” and said that she has “absolutely no idea” whether Clover Moore will do the same.

“I am an independent and I will run under my own ticket,” Cr Vithoulkas said to suggestions she might join Clover Moore’s independent team.

Cr Vithoulkas is a small business owner which bodes ell or her ith a signifi ant in rease in the business vote

at the next electionThe business voting reforms also make the conditions

ripe or a iberal arty ord ayor. Both serving iberal councillors, Christine Forster and Edward Mandla are vying or presele tion and other high profile andidates are likely to emerge.

“If my circumstances don’t change - and I don’t see them changing - I will certainly be putting my hand up for the Liberal Party preselection,” Cr Forster told City Hub.

Cr Mandla was the catalyst behind the business voting reforms and has always been clear on his aspirations for the o fi e.

“ is ertainly hen m aiming to be ord ayor, there s no doubt about that,” Cr andla told the ABC s Radio National in September.

All Clover Moore has to do is see out the remainder of her current term to become the longest standing Lord Mayor of Sydney, overtaking Frank Sartor’s record which alls just shy o years.

Perhaps it is the words of the famous New York Mayor, d o h a ter being de eated a ter years in the o fi e

which resonate most this council Christmas:“I was defeated because of longevity…”Mr. Koch

wrote in New York magazine. “People get tired of you. So they decided to throw me out. And so help me God, as the numbers ere oming in, said to mysel , m free at last.’”

Is it over for Clover?

Clover Moore Source: City of Sydney Council

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6

BY WestConnex could be Sydney’s most

contentious transport project of recent years and this week St Peters residents took to the streets to fight it.

ploratory drilling or toll ay smoke sta ks began last eek, just t o hundred metres a ay from St Peters Public School and it drove locals to stage a protest. pokesperson or the subse uent street estival Chris ego as devastated and disgusted by hat he onsidered a la k o on ern or ommunity.

“ he hole proje t is so badly thought out e re talking about , and , ar a day

e iting at t eters and there has been no e tensive tra fi management, planning or ore asting,” he said.

The family and community street festival in luded a live musi line up, art and politi s, ith Aria a ard inning and produ er aul a headlining the estival.

The street blockade was held on Saturday on Campbell treet, t eters one area here homes ill be ompulsorily a uired or a tra fi intensive inter hange.

ego des ribed the day as the union o a hole suburb, possible be ause everyone s on the same page or on e.

“ e ve got nine sound systems, e ve got a kids spa e ith a boun ing astle, giant bubble ma hines, street halking ontest, e ve got lo al artists and s ulptors oming to sho their ork.”

espite the o us on ulture and entertainment the intention o the event, hi h as run in oordination ith e laim the treets, as lear the ommunity ould not el ome estConne .

“ e re going to fight this every in h o the ay, ydney ark, t eters are not or sale and e

need to heavily invest in publi transport instead.

How do you compensate people for the loss of a ommunity that they gre up in ” said ego.

The development is intended to connect the CB ith rapidly gro ing estern ydney and solve ongestion issues on industrial and reight routes bound or the airport and harbour.

Construction is due to start next month as part of billion dollar in rastru ture plan.

The transition from a tunnel into an above ground high ay at t eters the ink ould dramati ally hange the suburb and en roa h on green spa e. As reported in City ub on e ember

a metre length o ydney ark o ned by the tate overnment ill be subsumed during the

e tension.

hen approa hed ego said the estConne elivery Authority did not provide lear ans ers

about the impa t o the inter hange on the suburb and the larger nner est. A government release the

roje t vervie assured they ould engage ith ommunity about the inter hange situated on a

jun tion ith Canal, Burro s, Campbell oads and the rin es igh ay.

“ he t eters inter hange ill be onstru ted to integrate ith e isting and uture surrounding land uses,” it said.

The State Government remains positive about the plans, hi h ere previously unsu ess ul under

abour. uring a press on eren e on aturday remier ike Baird des ribed the onstru tion,

hi h is s heduled or ompletion in , as a Christmas present or the people o the south est .

“ his government is all about delivering in rastru ture, making a di eren e to peoples lives on a daily basis and getting home and to ork ui ker, ell that is a great thing or ommunities,”

he said.un an ay, oads and ransport inister

said the o us as firmly on those ommuting to ork and or an easy run rom suburbs su h as

Banksto n and arramatta.he proje t is s heduled or ompletion in .

“ t s all happening in the south est and the est o ydney, e ill deliver in rastru ture right a ross the ity and right a ross the state.”

As reported in City ub s e tensive overage o estConne ompulsory a uisition o inner ity housing, protests, loss o green spa e and the vervie , all dre the ire o politi ians, transport

analysts and ommunity alike.Campbell treet Blo kade and estival organiser

te art imes said the day as a su ess and estimated over a thousand people turned out in protest. e as positive about overage rom mainstream media and hoped it ould en ourage the publi to re e amine the estConne plan.

“ ith larger ne s media pi king up the story e got our message a ross, the su ess is i starting

to get people to re ognise that this is a problem. personally had a antasti day, e got great

feedback from the different residents that we’re orking ith, ho said they enjoyed themselves. “City o ydney ayor Clover oore told

air a in ovember that amongst other riti isms, the city is decades behind and chronically short o transport in rastru ture. he sin e passed a motion to demand more information about the St eters nter hange and the potential health risk o

tunnel smoke sta ks.

St Peters festival to stop WestConnex

Reclaim the streets. Source: facebook.com

POTTS POINT, WE’RE OPENING NEW DOORS TO MORE CONVENIENT BANKING.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. Australian Credit Licence Number 234945.

CommBank Potts Point branch will be relocating on Monday 8th of December to 2/28 Macleay Street, Potts Point NSW 2011.

POTTS POINT BRANCH

Cow

per W

harf

Rdw

y

Challis Ave

Hughes St

Orwell St

Vict

oria

St

Mac

leay

vS

t

Greenknowe Ave

Elizabeth Bay

CommBank’s address isn’t all that’s changing at Potts Point. Our new branch will feature the latest in banking technology to make your banking faster, easier and more convenient than ever before.

cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Sydney2030/G

reen/Global/C

onnected

Public ExhibitionGeorge Street 2020 – revitalising Sydney’s main thoroughfareGeorge Street 2020 is a strategy to transition George Street into Sydney’s major boulevard and a world-class destination for walking, shopping and dining.

The strategy provides guidelines on how seating, outdoor dining, cultural activities, vending and building uses can best function alongside the NSW Government’s light rail and a pedestrian-only section of the street.

It details features to encourage people to explore and enjoy George Street. And it includes design recommendations to achieve the future look of the street – all supporting retail and the local economy.

The draft document is available at sydneyyoursay.com.au

Printed copies are available for inspection at:• One Stop Shop

Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney Monday to Friday: 8am–6pm

• Glebe NSC 186 Glebe Point Road (cnr Wigram Road), Glebe Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm

• Green Square NSC 100 Joynton Avenue, Zetland Monday to Friday: 10am–6pm

• Kings Cross NSC 50–52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday: 9am–12 noon

• Redfern NSC 158 Redfern Street, Redfern Monday to Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday: 9am–12 noon

The exhibition period is from 15 December 2014–13 March 2015.

Submissions marked ‘George Street 2020’ can be posted to: Chief Executive Officer, Attention: Katharine Young, City of Sydney, GPO Box 1591, Sydney NSW 2001

You can also email kyoung@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For more information call 02 9265 9333 or email council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

7

www.trustdeedregister.comWelcome to “The Australian & NZSouth Pacific Trust Deeds Register”

The Australian Trust Deeds DepositRegister is there to help solve onesingle problem ... when you, yourAccountants, and Lawyers makeFamily Trust Deeds, DiscretionaryTrust Deeds, Self Managed SuperFund Deeds and other Deeds youoften loose them! You canconfidentially lodge and register anoriginal duplicate with us and wewill store it and register it to the bestof our ability for all time as well aselectronically copy it for you for avery reasonable Annual Fee. *(All Credit Cards and EFTPOS accepted)

If you wish to do this please contact:City Representative OfficeAlex Tees, Lvl 16 ,447 Kent St Sydney Tel 9281 3230 Mob 0409 813 622 Email atees@bigpond.com Fax 02 8088 7172admin@legalexchange.com.au wwww.trustdeedregister.com.auPostal Address 74/78 William St, Sydney 2011

www.trustdeedregister.comWelcome to “The Australian & NZSouth Pacific Trust Deeds Register”

The Australian Trust Deeds DepositRegister is there to help solve onesingle problem ... when you, yourAccountants, and Lawyers makeFamily Trust Deeds, DiscretionaryTrust Deeds, Self Managed SuperFund Deeds and other Deeds youoften loose them! You canconfidentially lodge and register anoriginal duplicate with us and wewill store it and register it to the bestof our ability for all time as well aselectronically copy it for you for avery reasonable Annual Fee. *(All Credit Cards and EFTPOS accepted)

If you wish to do this please contact:City Representative OfficeAlex Tees, Lvl 16 ,447 Kent St Sydney Tel 9281 3230 Mob 0409 813 622 Email atees@bigpond.com Fax 02 8088 7172admin@legalexchange.com.au wwww.trustdeedregister.com.auPostal Address 74/78 William St, Sydney 2011

www.assetandpropertyprotection.com.au

Alex Tees Solicitor Will & Trust Services Available

Welcome to “The Australian & NZSouth Paci�c Trust Deeds Register”

The Australian Trust Deeds Deposit Register is there to help solve one single problem ... when you, your Accountants, and Lawyers make Family Trust Deeds, Discretionary Trust Deeds, Self Managed Super Fund Deeds and other Deeds you often lose them! You can con�dentially lodge and register an original duplicate with us and we will store it and register it to the best of our ability for all time as well as electronically copy it for you for a very reasonable Annual Fee.*(All Credit Cards and EFTPOS accepted)

If you wish to do this please contact: City Representative Of�ce Alex Tees, Level 1,299 Elizabeth St, Sydney 2000 Tel 9281 3230 Mob 0409 813 622 Email atees@legalexchange.com.au Fax 02 8088 7172 admin@legalexchange.com.au www.assetandpropertyprotection.com.au Postal Address 74/78 William St, Sydney 2011

ALSO Now at 3/45 Murray St,Pyrmont-Darling Harbour,Sydney NSW 2009, 1/299 Elizabeth St Sydney 200 Australia Skype alextees atees@bigpond.com

The Medicare Service Centres in Town Hall and King Street are moving

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Services offered at the following service centres will be available at the new myGov Sydney shopfront on Monday 5 January 2015: • Town Hall Medicare, Town Hall Arcade,

464–480 Kent St Sydney• King Street Medicare, Glasshouse Shopping Centre,

135 King St Sydney.

myGov Sydney shopfront Shop 1, 32 Martin Place Sydney (opposite the MLC Centre)

Medicare is also available online through my.gov.au

Find out more at humanservices.gov.au/servicechanges

humanservices.gov.au

8

City and State finally settle on Ultimo schoolBY ELLIOTT BRENNAN

After over a year of debate, the State Government has agreed to purchase the old City of Sydney depot on Wattle Street for the purpose of relocating and up-sizing Ultimo Public school.

“I am pleased to advise that the department accepts your proposed purchase price of $74 million,” the Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli wrote to the Lord Mayor.

The two parties had previously been unable to come to an agreement on the value of the site and the cost to decontaminate it.

On the November 25, the day before the sale was expected to go ahead, the Department for Education controversially walked away from the deal citing its “frustration with the Council”.

The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore said in the following council meeting that “the Minister appeared to not be across the issue at all”.

At this point, Moore was proposing that Council and the State Government split the difference between their two offers, which amounted to Council dropping their asking price by $4.5 million.

But Liberal Councillor, Edward Mandla put forth an amendment to the Lord Mayors motion, proposing that council meet the highest offer from the State Government.

Council adjourned and the CEO was given time to decide whether Cr Mandla’s proposal constituted “a legitimate offer from the State,” given that they had previously withdrawn from negotiations.

The amendment was accepted and the motion passed unanimously.

Ms Moore said that this was a chance for the State Government to show that it was serious about building a new school.

“The Minister for Education must now

instruct his Department to immediately resume negotiations with the City to conclude an agreement for the sale of this site so that a primary school can be built as soon as possible,” she said.

Minister Piccoli responded on December 12 indicating that he accepted the offer, but he put in place a number of conditions.

The payment for the site will take place in two equal installments separated by a year and Council has until the 19th of December to accept this.

Included in the sale was the condition that the State constructs an 80 space childcare facility.

The Lord Mayor told City Hub that she accepted the conditions.

“I am delighted that the State Government accepted our offer for the sale of land in Ultimo for a new primary school and child-care centre.

“This is a great result for the community and we look forward to the State Government beginning construction”.

Minister Piccoli has previously promised to

have a new inner-city school up and running by 2017 and is being pushed by the Independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwhich and the Greens Member for Balmain, Jamie Parker to honor this.

But Mr Piccoli has announced the school will be open for Term 1 in 2018.

Ultimo Public School Parents and Citizen’s Assosciation spokesperson, Bill d’Anthes welcomed the sale but said that the result could have come much earlier.

“We’ve lost a year in effect because of the miscommunication between the two parties,” he said.

“There was a blizzard of letters from the community urging both the State and the City of Sydney to get this over the line, and we’re relieved that they finally have.”

Mr D’Anthes says that the next step necessary is for an inner city high school so that the students of Ultimo Public School don’t have to travel to other Suburbs such as Leichhardt for their first three years o se ondary edu ation.

Car

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Students outside the new site. Photo: Joanna Kelly

9

BY TANG LIStudents from the University of Sydney and

the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) have united over the past year in a series of protests against the Federal Government’s push towards fee deregulation, which would allow universities to set their own fees.

A combined effort of the Palmer United Party, the ALP and federal Independents Jackie Lambe and Nick Xenophon blocked the bill after the students nationwide made it clear they opposed it.

The Senate rejected Education Minister Christopher Pyne’s controversial higher education reforms bill, 33 to 31.

In May student activists began to vocally rally against the proposal, starting with the National Union of Students’ National Day of Action (NUS NDA) where thousands of university students marched across the Sydney CBD in light of the Federal Budget’s cuts to university funding and fee deregulation.

During the largest of the Sydney rallies on May 21 students from Sydney, UTS and UNSW were joined by other protestors to force partial closures of

eorge treet as they blo ked tra fi and parti ipated in sit-ins.

This and following NDAs included speeches made by Greens senator Lee Rhiannon, political economy professor Frank Stilwell, NTEU representative Nick Riemer and various student groups.

The ABC Q&A protest and the burning of a Christopher yne e figy ere among the most controversial demonstrations to date.

Former President of the UTS Students’ Association, Andy Zephyr, said that tertiary students from across NSW universities and TAFEs have lead the national charge on the biggest protests this year, from interrupting Q&A, chasing Liberals off campus and gathering in thousands against the

corporatisation of universities.“This won’t be the last we see of deregulation, and

Pyne’s backwards bills that are gutting social mobility from students and young people,” he said.

Brigitte Garozzo, one of the Q&A protestors from the NSW Education Action Network said they were motivated to get the education crisis back in the spotlight with a two-minute disruption of a national television broadcast.

A convocation held in late August at Sydney University saw twenty-six speakers addressed a public audience and only one of the speakers voiced full support for Pyne’s reforms.

Zephyr said the main objective is to restore Gough Whitlam’s legacy of free education whether it be on the ground campaigning, or working in established student unions and groups such as NUS.

“The more doctors, nurses, scientists and degree-holders we have in society, the smarter and more innovative Australia will become. Education is a key part of democracy, and in attacking every

Australian’s right to receive further education the Liberals have shown how out of touch they are with us,” he said.

ydney niversity C du ation fi ers Ridah Hassan and Eleanor Morley hold themselves responsible for the Senate rejecting Pyne’s bill.

“Our 2014 student campaign has led to the defeat of the bill in the Senate in the last sitting week of Parliament. Keeping up the pressure on the opposition to hold their line, and to continue to rally in numbers on the streets will be crucial for defeating the bill for good next year,” Ridah Hassan said.

The 87th SRC’s agenda will focus on opposing ee deregulation and ontinuing to fight against discriminatory reforms to higher education.

“I want an SRC that will continue to challenge the government and the university management or the benefit o students,” resident yol Blakeney said.

Pyne has proposed a new reform package, which will be presented to the Senate early next year.

The students who took the fight to uni deregulation

Student Protest

Sweetness and Light Beauty was established 9 years ago after the owner, Sophie Trousas decided to go out on a limb and follow her passion for beauty and helping people.

“It’s going on ten years, next year will be the ten year anniversary and we’re really excited for that,” she said.

“I was working as a beauty teacher and I wanted to do something that I had a bit more control of and where I could help people.”

Sophie saw that her profession had the potential to be more than just an aesthetic experience, but could be a personal one too.

“When people think ‘beauty therapist’ I think often they don’t think much about the therapist aspect of it all. It’s a job where you spend a lot of time with people and talking to people.”

“It’s not just about making people look good but also to make them feel good.”

MEET THE LOCALS

facebook.com/alexgreenwich twitter/alexgreenwichwww.alexgreenwich.com

Read my 2014 recap at alexgreenwich.com/2014

Improving education, protecting the environment, fighting for equality for all.

10

Waverley Council testing the waters for West Bondi Junction development

BY JESSICA YUNThe fate of NSW women’s

refuge homes were the focus of media attention this year after structural changes were announced as part of the state government’s Going Home, Staying Home (GHSH) reforms.

GHSH meant many women-only services had to consider packages that did not allow women-only services to remain as such but to partner with larger, often religious, institutions or choose to become a ‘generic’ (men-inclusive) service.

“The size of the service packages was geared towards large organisations or consortia, further disadvantaging small independent services,” says SOS Women’s Services spokeswoman Roxanne Murray.

According to Save Our Women’s Services, there were around 100 women’s services prior to the tenders. Now there are only 14.

One of the issues is that smaller services are being consolidated into larger, more wealthy charities.

“Women’s refuges, including domestic violence refuges that have operated independently for decades, are now being managed by mainstream

providers such as Mission Australia, Wesley Mission and St Vincent de Paul with many well-regarded, long-established, independent women’s services now closed and others losing critical transitional housing,” says Ms Murray.

The end of October signalled a positive turnaround. A strong community campaign led by SOS saw full funding restored to five inner-city women’s services for the next three years: Glebe’s Detour House, Young People’s Refuge in Leichhardt, B. Miles Women’s Foundation in Darlinghurst, Leichhardt’s Stepping Out, and Community Restorative Centre’s women’s program located in Broadway, Chippendale.

The funding restoration is part of a NSW Government initiative to pour $8.6 million over three years to support Specialist Homelessness Services in order to assist the implementation of GHSH reforms.

“As I said back in June, we needed to ensure the inner city had more support and time to adjust so that people did not slip through the cracks, which is why I restored the $8.6 million in funding to the inner city,” Ms Upton said in October.

Looking back at the plight of women’s refuges

BY ELLIOTT BRENNANConcerned residents in Waverley have been

receiving calls from a market research company polling them about their attitudes towards a number the development of the West Bondi Junction Precinct.

The precinct encompasses the Waverley bus depot and land immediately surrounding Centennial Park which has long been the subject of heated debate in the LGA.

The locals have been presented with several possible hanges or the area that in lude tra fi solutions and the increase of housing density some examples of which were described as “very alarming”.

Included in these are the prospects of a six story development on the front of the Waverley Bus Depot, 9 stories on the north side of West Oxford Street, and a 10 story residential building in the middle o yd n ield drive.

Waverley Council said that they have developed “a range of opportunities and ideas that would improve the character, operation, identity and urban amenity o the high profile lo ation.”

The Council included in their draft strategy for the area what they see as the future of West Bondi Junction.

“The edges of Oxford Street will be low to medium scale, with medium rise development set back from the street and concentrated along the yd infield rontage, hi h ill be arti ulated to reate a distin tive profile and approa h to Bondi

Junction.”Local action group, Save West Bondi Junction

formed in April to oppose the overdevelopment of the area.

The community group and those being surveyed have again raised concerns that the

heritage of the area is not being considered in the developments.

A spokesperson for their group said that the community feels like Waverley Council is bowing to the demands of developers and trying to sneak through the mandatory consultation with these phone surveys.

When they formed in April the council allowed three residents to be ‘passive’ overseers of the project but they were bound by onfidentiality agreements.

Matthew Gain, a member of the community group said that the council needs to be more open about their plans.

“This hardly feels like the open and transparent process the council is espousing. Given those conditions it doesn’t seem that us being involved is going to be productive [but] I am open to discussing this and working out a way forward,” he told City Hub.

The Council will close the survey period on December 21.

Waverly bus depot. Source: flickr.com

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11

BY ERIKA VASSEveryone knows the iconic Christmas songs:

Jingle Bells, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Winter Wonderland. However, in Australia, these songs don’t make much sense when our holidays are spent lazing about in pools of our own sweat. No one knows this more than ARIA-award winning musician, Christine Anu, who has released her first Christmas album aptly titled Island Christmas.

Being in the music industry for more than 20 years, Anu has five studio albums under her belt, but this year she wanted to tackle something she’s never done before. “[Island Christmas] is not a traditional album,” Anu explains. “It celebrates what Christmas is like in Australia, in particular the song Island Christmas.” The album is comprised of a twelve-song track list that feature traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. Earlier this month, the music video for Island Christmas was released on December 2nd on YouTube.

“My two children, Kuiam and Zipporah, feature on this album in the songs Island Christmas and Ooh, Child! and my mother translated a verse from the song Silent Night into the Torres Strait Islander language.”

The album, Island Christmas, includes not only her family members but also the beloved TV presenter Jay Laga’aia and The Voice’s Steve Clisby. “Working with Jay and Steve was such a pleasure and I’m thankful that they are featured on this album,” Anu continues. “I worked with Jay on Playschool and this was a nice change of scenery.”

The song that Laga’aia and Anu sing together is Carol of the Drum/ Peace on Earth. This song is reprised with the melodic background of a

guitar heightened by their vocals. It is an absolutely beautiful and soothing Christmas tune. “This is a very special album as it encapsulates the essence of Christmas in Australia and I’m very proud of it.”

Anu will also be playing at this year’s Woolworths’ Carols in the Domain. Some of the musicians on the lineup are Samantha Jade, Judith Durham (The Seekers), Mark Vincent, Lee Kernaghan and even the cast of Wicked.

“If I told you what songs I’m going to play at Carols in the Domain I would probably have to kill you,” Anu says jokingly. “But it is definitely a surprise worthwhile!”

This is the 32rd year of the Woolworths Carols in the Domain and it will take place on the 20th of December. If you cannot make it to the event, never fear, Woolworths Carols in the Domain will be broadcasted live on the Seven Network from 8:30pm.

An Island Christmas with Anu

BY ERIKA VASSThe City of Sydney has a lot of things to do and see before Santa

comes along. There is a Christmas tree that will excite the whole family, the LEGO Tree at outside West�eld Pitt St Mall, the eye-catching Swarovski Crystal tree at the Queen Victoria Building and the classic, interactive Martin Place Christmas Tree where a choir will perform every night from 6pm-8pm.

St Mary’s Cathedral once again will project images on the building - a mesmerising experience that the whole family will enjoy. There are also a range of opportunities to hear carols there.

Taylor Square will light up with food, arts and music on the 18th of December. This event is a part of the Sydney Sustainable Market and will take place between 4pm-9pm.

If you absolutely adore snow globes, Market City will host the largest snow globe that Sydneysiders and Australians has ever seen! Market City is running a sel�e competition, tag @marketcity #mcsnowglobe to win $1000.

And the classic story of the Nutcracker will be brought to life at the Sydney Opera House this December with the Australian Ballet Company.

Each event is diverse and family friendly for each and everyone to enjoy the essence of Christmas.

What’s on in Sydney town

Australia’s Largest Snow Globe

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together with your favourite Essen classics

Beetroot Salad with yoghurt, walnuts, honey and mint

Fennel and Pumpkin Salad with goat cheese

Tomato, Cucumber, Olive, Feta Salad with oregano

Salmon Fillet on beetroot, celeriac, horseradish salad

Did you know we also deliver every day from 5 pm onwards?

Address: 135 Broadway, Ultimo Ph: 9211 3805

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS

Gazebo The revitalised Gazebo dining room runs in a gentle curve from grand piano to kitchen, the ceiling studded with low-hanging lights. Outside seating is prize territory at sunset. Everyone seems to be enjoying crunchy Carrot Crisps ($6) with Chantilly goats curd and balsamic. Creamy Polenta Wedges ($9) are outrageously crisp and worth coming for alone. Cucumber Cured ingfish ($19) is artfully strewn on a striking black plate with shards of green apple and a smoked oyster sauce, but it’s the Duck Breast ($28) with earthy beetroot, honeycomb and a smoked

almond sauce, that really steals the show. The pick of the desserts is Chocolate ($15) - cookie dough parfait spiked with raspberries and yogurt caramel. 2 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay (02) 8070 2424 thegazebo.com.auModern Australian $$$Surry Hills Eating HouseSujet Saenkham, owner of the popular Spice I Am restaurants, has done it again. Taking over the upstairs of Triple Ace Bar, Sujet explores Southern Thai. Pub prices for booze remain; and the Plan B 2012 Chenin Blanc ($36/bottle) makes an affable companion to Asian cuisine, starting with gloriously sticky and stretchy Pak Mor Youan ($9) pork-stuffed rice rolls. Follow them with crunchy and compelling banana flower

fritters – Hua Plee Tod ($12) or Mieng Ka Na ($16), sweet and sour pile of pork floss, lime and chilli you wrap in supple Chinese broccoli leaves. Your must-have dish is the Gaeng Het Pho ($28), a well balanced bar cod curry with explosive Thai black mushrooms. Level 2, 198-200 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills (02) 9212 4092 spiceiam.com Thai $$-$$$

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS

Three Williams This unassuming space on the fringes of Redfern is sparse, with wooden furniture, brick walls and a post-apocalyptic tree branch above the counter. However if you look closer, you’ll find a certain charm. reen smoothies and salads peppered with

the season’s freshest ingredients abound, like the Super Smoothie ($8) with kale, apricot, apple, almond, banana, ginger and cinnamon, and the Organic Tofu Salad ($15) with charred broccolini, almonds, Japanese seaweed and peas. Don’t want to work on your physique? The Chicken Schnitzel Burger ($15) has your back - crispy and delicious with wasabi and avocado mayo; and the Brioche French Toast ($16) is a textural masterpiece with caramel bananas, hazelnuts and Belgian chocolate. 613a Elizabeth St, Redfern (02) 9698 1111 threewilliams.comCafe $-$$

ROCKS & CBD

Keg & BrewSydney’s new home of deep-fried everything is actually an old home – the

former KB Hotel – done up a bit fancy-like, and rebadged as the Keg & Brew. Amidst brown leather banquettes, cowhide bar panels and assorted ta idermy, you’ll find thirty-three beer taps, pouring only six mainstream beers. Try the Angstrom Voltaic Pale Ale ($8.50) before moving to their other love – bourbon. They’re pouring over thirty, but if you’re not familiar with American whisky; start with the easy-drinking Old Fashioned ($15) against golden Fried Monterey Jack Cheese Sticks ($10). You can up your beer and deep-fried quotient with the Young Henrys Lager Battered Flathead ($15), and they’ll even batter and fry your Oysters ($30/12). 26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills (02) 9212 1740 kegandbrew.com.auAmerican, Pub Bistro $$Din Tai Fung Central Park

The signature item at Din Tai Fung is Xiao Long Bao ($10.80), the semi-legendary pork soup dumplings that have carried this restaurant across continents. They are seriously good dumplings; but be warned: the unctuous soup is delicious, but perilously hot. Similarly delightful is the Braised Beef Noodle Soup ($16.80) with its dark and well-flavoured broth and falling-apart tender beef; and the roasted chilli warmth of Shrimp and Pork Wontons with Tangy Sauce ($10.80) had me scraping for leftover morsels. Cool your lips with the sweet and fresh Lychee Mint Freeze ($8.80). If you stick to the classics, you won’t be disappointed, but be sure to let those legendary pork soup dumplings cool a little bit first.Central Park, Level 2, R201 28 Broadway, Chippendale (02) 8072 9427 www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au/central-parkChinese $-$$

$ - mains less than $15 $$ - mains between $15-$22 $$$ - mains between $22-$30 $$$$ - mains over $30

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

Bare tables and thumping 90s rock, featuring Smashing Pumpkins and the Pixies, clue you in immediately that Darrell Felstead’s restaurant reincarnation is no longer a fine diner. Thankfully long time elstead fans, including myself, will find a through-line in the dishes making up his choose-your-own-adventure menu of any-day eating fun.

And since fun’s at the heart of things, I’m skipping straight to his Angel Cake ($15): textural, tasty and joyful to consume, this plate of lightly caramelised cake hunks, peppermint jelly, ginger sherbet sorbet and fresh strawberries is a real winner. Design the rest of your dining adventure using solo snacks, share plates and savvy sides, complemented by a crafted and thoughtful wine list. Sommelier Belinda Mackie puts the list down to having “good friends”, but I suspect she’s being modest. Her teaming the Yellow Tail Mullet ($3/each) white gazpacho and pumpernickel wafers with the 2011 Domaine Pichot ‘Coteau de la Biche’ ($8/$16/$32) confirmed my suspicion. The kitchen’s robata grill is put to good use in the Smoked Octopus Salad ($22) featuring Felstead’s trademark (candied) olive smear. The Braised Tamarind Short Rib ($36) and roast tri-tip combo is accentuated by another Felstead hallmark: robust yet airy eggplant foam. The Pig’s Head Terrine ($22) sums up everything: laidback yet delicious, with playfulness (hello toffee apple and cheffy flair.65-67 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills (02) 9211 7752 foveauxstdining.com.auModern Australian $$$$

Cease your search for the quintessential place to bring visitors and introduce them to modern Australian cuisine. Blonde wood, part of an understated Scandinavian design aesthetic, makes for a beautiful dining room that allows the sandstone architecture, staghorns and Australian native table decorations to shine. Earthenware plates arrive

bearing a good cross-section of contemporary Australian cooking, with plenty of accessible choices. While it’s hard to beat seasonally appropriate local Asparagus ($18) grilled and dressed with Parmesan custard, nettle and shiso; gently cooked Confit Salmon with broad beans and blood orange curd also curried favour. Seared Kangaroo ($24) will give your guests the opportunity to eat half our Coat of Arms against horseradish and lightly pickled beetroot. With lamb practically a national past time, they do it here as tasty Lamb Ribs ($22) tarted up with pomegranate and Hunter Valley Binnorie feta, and also as a Lamb Backstrap and Belly ($38) combination under peas and mint. Team either with a hark-back to our British ancestry: Baby Gem Hearts ($10) with toasted pepitas and salad cream. A jammy 2011 Fruits of the Vine Grenache Mouvedre ($65) should illustrate the Barossa’s bounty, while the White Chocolate Cream, Puffed Black Rice, Mango and Lime Sorbet ($15) will highlight our proximity to Asia. Yep, this is Australia in a macadamia nutshell.Museum of Sydney, Corner Phillip & Bridge Streets, Sydney (02) 9241 1788 thegovernorstable.com.auModern Australian $$$$

Foveaux St Dining

The Governor’s Table

13

Leveraging off a series of legendary pop-ups, including one in Opera Australia’s back lot, the Full Circle crew have snaffled semi-permanent digs on a sundrenched back street in eichhardt. The early session pm sees a friendly collection of locals, heavy on beards, young parents and loafers without socks, sitting relaxed and convivial around the largest communal table. ehind

them an Amalfi coast mural catches the last rays of sun. Like the hanging Chianti bottles, it’s part of the previous occupant’s décor, which now – with the restaurant populated by hipsters – looks conveniently ironic. All eyes are on chef Daniel Johnston’s daily chalkboard menu kicking off with house-made bread and butter.

oman beans, tender from simmering all day in the pot, follow. The three-night week leaves chef time for the little things, like making creamy ricotta that adorns char grilled ucchini, mint and chilli and malloreddus, eggless Sardinian pasta, he dresses in a simple cherry tomato sauce with skinless salsicce Italian sausage and grated ricotta salata. After a simple grilled leather acket main accompanied by generous shared sides, I’m happy to end on runet, an indulgent fresh goats cheese from Piedmont. Surprise honey ricotta fritters are another hint this collective likes exceeding expectations – except with the bill fifty bucks apiece and no charge for .1 enwick Street, eichhardt

alfios.com.auItalian $$

Alfio’s

The Lemon Tree A little ray of sunshine has burst through the concrete brutalism of Australia S uare. Its warmth can be felt in the greeting of Kate McMahon, bringing her e pertise and a martini from Catalina. Co-owners Tim olmes Court and aimon owney, get their

own nod on the cocktail list, in the form of a well-balanced Pelicano Martini

1 . Chef Peter Streckfuss dishes up a short menu of simple Italian food using premium ingredients, from Antipasti

1 person to eal Milanese 3 . Pasta portions, like Lasagna Di Carne

, seem geared towards ensuring the predominantly female audience get to eat dessert. And Ilaria’s Ricotta Cake

1 is a lovely way to finish, taken alfresco on a gloriously balmy night. Australia Square Piazza, Corner Pitt and

ond Streets, Sydney 1 1 facebook.com thelemontreesydneyItalian $$$-$$$$

INNER WEST

LuMi Bar & DiningThis restaurant delivers an imaginative obligatory eight-course egustation

head that balances Italian passion with an intriguing Japanese aesthetic. The opener Parmesan chawanmushi stifles any doubts that these two

culinary influences will be anything other than the best of friends. It’s followed by five e cellent savoury courses, from e plosive caviar-topped spelt ravioli, to a delicate mound of crab, erusalem artichoke and oyster powder. A deceptive twirl of stinging nettle chitarra – spaghetti well-coated with intense mussel cream

and crumbled pork packs an umami punch reminiscent of bottarga. The Evergreen pre-dessert is outstanding – a garden of brightly green textures, temperatures and tastes. Catch this rising star while he’s still underpriced…

Pirrama oad, Pyrmont 1 1 lumidining.comItalian, Japanese, Wine $$$-$$$$

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

Popolo This is a confident restaurant that knows what it is. The wine list, mostly populated by Southern Italian wines, need not be bewildering. Wine-savvy staff are well versed in matching wines to drinkers, producing at my re uest for an easy-drinking red, a lovely

13 Pietradolce tna osso

bottle . With tea and cherry notes, it suits the Pecorino Timballo 1 , a firm, baked cheese dish presented with pear custard. Napolitana-style pi as baked in their wood-fired oven are also menu highlights, particularly if the urrata Pan erotto 3 is on. It’s a plump belly-shaped pi a pocket stuffed with creamy-centred mo arella, tomato and basil. r there’s a textbook Octopus Ragu

isotto . Mc achlan Avenue, ushcutters ay

3 1 1 popolo.com.auItalian $$$The Golden SheafThis leafy courtyard, alive with chattering birds and chatting crowds at sunset, is where the Eastern Suburbs set congregate after the Randwick races or the AFL. And

despite the affluence of ouble ay, you won’t find yourself having

to double pay at the popular Sheaf istro. oth pub classics like the

ever-popular eef illet . and the lighter Asian-inspired offerings like a Salmon and Tuna Sashimi Salad

are generously proportioned. andmade Pumpkin Tortellini 1

balance the sweet orange filling with a nutty beurre noisette. My only complaint even drinking at the top end of their wine list, the Simonnet ebvre Petit Chablis bottle indicated there’s room for improvement.

ew South ead oad, ouble ay 3 goldensheaf.com.au

Pub Bistro $$-$$$Charing Cross HotelThe light, coastally inspired interior is a

delightful surprise, especially considering the unassuming pub e terior. ela in a wicker chair in the stylish, baby blue dining room as you e plore a drinks list that hits the trifecta - great cocktails, wine and on-tap craft brew. A Locals

rop 1 blending white rum, ruby grapefruit and Campari helps reduce the e cesses of Chef Matt emp’s Crispy Pigs

ead 1 , pressed into fat, crumbed batons. A relative cheapie - Sant Josep White arnacha 3 bottle - is opulent enough to accompany oast Pork eck

3 with crackling, radicchio, honey and pears, without destroying a simple plate of Swordfish with uicy cucumbers, pink grapefruit and perilla. 1 Carrington oad, Waverley 3

3 3 charingcrosshotel.com.auBritish, Pub Bistro, Wine, Cocktails $$$

After trying most of owner Amelia’s favourite wines, and eating an entire cheese board 1 person , we come to the tipsy conclusion that Curtis Mayfield is really, really awesome. onely nly or ou stands out in the Redfern bar scene for being delightfully understated. It’s a dark, elegant and mod-inspired space, and the furniture, the vintage glassware, and every heavily shaded lamp has been selected to compliment the low-key 1 s lounge bar atmosphere. The bar list isn’t e tensive try not to panic there are only two beers , but the wines are excellent, well priced and constantly changing. There’s a range of good Australian choices, with the best by far being the Wills

omain Shira iognier bottle , and a scattering of uropean and South American wines, like the Argentinian ro uel Malbec 1 . Most astonishing of all are the rown rothers house wines, which are five bucks a glass. In Sydney. ive bucks. It’s like I’ve travelled back in time 13 edfern Street, edfern 1 3 facebook.comonely nly or ou

FOOD NEWS

BAR FLY

By Jackie McMillan

By Viv McGregor

LONELY ONLY FOR YOU

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

While some might argue that Sydney’s cupcake cra e has been and gone, they clearly haven’t visited My Little Cupcake. Darlo’s newest kitsch cupcakery has to be one of the most charming stores I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. It’s decked out with pink planter window boxes and an interior featuring gorgeous chandeliers, carefully selected baubles, scented candles, fresh flowers and of course cupcakes. eyond looking almost too good to eat in an array of pastel shades topped with sugar flowers, these beauties also really taste the part The moist and fluffy vanilla hidden under vanilla butter cream frosting reminds me of the buttery pound cake I grew up en oying. As the dashing, personable proprietor Tim all e plains “We don’t cook with oil, so it’s all the good old fashioned ingredients, baked fresh daily.” And if you don’t feel the love in the cooking, you will see it in the packaging, down to separating each cupcake in your box with coloured tissue paper. Certainly an improvement upon so many of Sydney’s cupcake stores, who have been disappointing on the nuts and bolts of the very item they’re selling cakewww.mylittlecupcake.com.au

GREATER SYDNEY

La TrattThe flagship of airfield S is a surprising restaurant delivering everything you’d e pect from a C hotspot without any pretentiousness. Settle into the rich brown restaurant with traditional aperitivi like Campari and Soda via the circulating drinks trolley. Clear dish descriptions and wine matches printed on the menu mean you’re unlikely to find it intimidating. While the Swordfish Carpaccio special showed great restraint, house-made pastas are highlights. Aragosta Gnocchi

i Patate 1 with slipper

lobster, tomato passata, chilli and cream, has been on the menu since they opened for good reason. Caramelised Pear Tart 1 will see you off into the night, likely with their take-home gnocchi tucked under your armairfield S , 1 An ac Avenue, airfield fairfieldrsl.

com.auItalian $$$$MontagneIn the style of a convivial Parisian bistro, Montagne’s black and white ceilings, complete with fabric shaded lamp chandeliers, are visually striking. In contrast to the monochrome, the bar is lined with vividly green Chartreuse and

in true French bistro style, daily specials are scrawled across a mirror. Try a classic rench Sidecar

1 or en oy rench wines, nearly all available by glass with bottle prices under fifty bucks. The

11 Cave de Clairmont Cro es ermitage lanc 13 glass is a

lovely drop. It’ll suit their textbook twice-baked Cheese Souffl 1 or extend to French Onion Soup

1 crowned with ruyere croutons. Lightly browned Café de Paris butter explains why the Steak

rites 3 is popular.airfield S , 1 An ac Avenue, airfield fairfieldrsl.

com.auFrench $$$-$$$$

With hot pink neon screaming “wa on, wa off and a name like aniel San, arate id style Americanised appropriation of apanese culture is a given. If you can get past “me love you long time trophy pla ues, replica caged chooks and goldfish in plastic bags, en amin

rpwood, former head chef of Toko, dishes up

credible beachside i akaya pub grub. eing a drinking venue and one which seats 3 at that – ordering takes place at the bar. The Miyagi Mai Tai 1 will wash the salt off your lips with a well-spiked mi of coconut, pineapple and lime. Move on to the Well Mannered ose

glass as you tuck into fat, deep red slices of ellow in Tuna Sashimi 1 . . Mounds of tuna and salmon tartare, Tar-Tacos 1 , are fun sharing food, let down fractionally by slightly oily deep fried gyoza crisps. Owner Fraser Short The Morrison ar and yster oom has deep pockets, and you see the effects in the expensive robata grill. So expect the Japanese barbe ue offerings to be highlights, from a trio of blackened crustaceans in Prawn u u osho

1 . to nicely charred roccoli florets on sticks. And if you need an alcohol blotter, the Porkie each bun with honey gla ed erkshire pig and spicy cashew sauce gets the

ob done.evel 1, Market Street, Sydney

tsydney.com.au food-drink gowings-bar-grill/Breakfast $$$

Daniel San

While my mas mantras are buy local’ and buy artisan’, if you are determined to brave the C madness, you’d best do it well fortified. ight in the thick of things, owings ar

rill offers up an e tensive breakfast menu that caters for all tastes and proclivities, including those healthy types who like taking the yolks out of their Super ood melette

1 . or the rest of us, there’s ggs ockefeller a free-range egg encased in warm brioche with warrigal greens, hollandaise sauce yes more yolks topped with not uite enough caviar. While it is decadent, if I’m honest, it’s outperformed by lack Truffle Scrambled ggs 1 with grilled asparagus and relatively sparse toast. The good thing about portion control is it allows you to make it a two-course breakfast – a perfect way to stretch out those corporate breakfast meetings. our other course could be Pastries 1 go on, be a devil or a Watermelon Salad

1 . The latter is the perfect post-egg palate cleanser, with the sweet, uicy fruit moderated by pomegranate, mint, ricotta and pomegranate molasses. There’s arista Coffee

. or you can make do with an orange uice and arm yourself with a takeaway cup of the same Allpress Coffee from Parlour ane oasters downstairs. I suspect you’ll need it…evel 1, Market Street, Sydney tsydney.

com.au food-drink gowings-bar-grillBreakfast $$$

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14

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Contributors: Alexis Talbot-Smith, Anita Senaratna, Carmen Cita, Ciaran Tobin, Craig Coventry, Erika Vass, Georgia Fullerton, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jamie Apps, Leann Richards, Leigh Livingstone, Marilyn Hetreles, Mark Morellini, Katie Rorison, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Michelle Porter, Nick Jewlachow, Peter Hackney, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Ruth Fogarty, Sarah Pritchard, Sharon Ye,

14 STAGE16 SCENE 17 SCREEN18 SOUNDS

Acting Arts Editor: Emma Salkild

Music Editor: Jamie Appsa&e

If you like cryptic and outstanding drama, Tell Me Again is for you. Cannily minimalist in production, this two-hander begins with a pair of unnamed characters, played by Jeanette Cronin (who also wrote the quick-witted, fast-paced script) and James Lugton admiring the simplicity of birdlife. They appear to be confessional strangers, mulling over past loves and transgressions, and share a familiarity that serendipitous meetings might create. But do they have a more intimate connection?Cronin is scornful, vital and difficult, transforming from timid to tempestuous in an instant. Director Michael Pigott matches the pair’s volatile, bracing exchanges; Lugton is no mere mirror to Cronin’s

challenging personality. When she objects to being called “sweetheart,” he rallies to name her a “nightmare,” and love reigns again. Both actors are seasoned professionals in command of the performance, and at around 90 minutes the play is never less than gripping.The bare-bones set, lighting and music build a cohesive domestic landscape of love in its banalities and exhilarations. Tell Me Again is a brilliant and tender exploration of love and loss, and well-suited to the intimate venue of The Old 505 Theatre. (OA)Until Dec 21, The Old 505 Theatre, 505/342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-$28, venue505.com

Seeing one of my favourite plays in the magical setting of the Bella Vista Farm in Baulkham Hills was one of the theatrical highlights of my life. Miller’s classic is beautifully staged in an old barn on the farm where audience members are directed into after picnicking on the green and chatting to actors in character amid the ambient surroundings.Director Damien Ryan manages to reach his goal of breaking the third wall in this production of The Crucible wonderfully. efore the first act the viewers are told

to leave their seats and follow the actors down to an old house where they then walk through and glimpse Miller’s

characters in chilling scenes through each room, then back to the barn for three hours of enchantment.The acting is superb, with Julian Garner as John Proctor, Georgia Adamson as poor and beautiful Elizabeth Proctor, and Anthony Gooley as the tormented Reverend John Hale. All of the talented actors manage to take the audience with them to Salem with help from the fantastic design from Anna Gardiner. It really is an immersive experience and well worth the trip to the Hills District. (MH)Until Dec 30, Bella Vista Farm, Baulkham Hills, $28-$35, sportforjove.com

THE CRUCIBLE

or five nights only, this weird, whacky and wonderful beloved children’s story, Jack and the Beanstalk, is reprised and rejuvenated to a belly dancing, sci-fi inspired story.Jack turns into Jackie and as she explores the unknown world in outer space. She meets some interesting characters including her cow, robot and two alien chicks.“The traditional storyline of Jack and the Beanstalk still applies,” says director, actor and writer Ruth Jost, “But with a twist!”In it’s eighth year running, sci-fi aficionados and families of all ages should be prepared for what the King Street Theatre Company has in stall.“We’re very e cited to have this show for five nights and are anticipating a fantastic turn out.”The music will also set the scene and ambiance. With traditional belly dancing music

in the ordinary world, the music will be transformed and enlightened by electric music in outer space.“When I was younger I watched a few pantomimes that excited and inspired me,” Jost explains, “And I wanted to be able to put a twist on my show and hope the audience

enjoys it as much as I do.”The King Street Theatre will ignite the imagination and inspiration of each audience member and will take them out of this world. (EV) Dec 18-22, King St Theatre, cnr of King & Bray St, Newtown, $15, bellydancepantos.com

For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

TELL ME AGAIN

CONNECTED

JACKIE AND THE BEANSTALK

Social media has brought young people closer together than ever before, but it has also torn them apart.Author and former teacher Craig Christie’s new musical with a message, Connected, will start touring through schools in 2015 to educate teenagers and parents about the dangers of cyberbullying.“I think we all know about cyberbullying in a general sense, but it’s performed in such a powerful way in this musical that it brings home that it is a serious issue,” Christie says.The production is the story of a girl who moves from the country to a new school and falls foul of the mean girl, and she becomes a target of cyberbullying.Set to a soundtrack of indie-pop, the

musical uses the language and style of teenagers to express the prevalence of cyberbullying and the destruction it can cause for those who experience it.“This doesn’t fit the form or structure of a normal musical, it begins quite lightly and then it becomes very dark at one stage,” Craig says.The musical is an educational and entertaining look at cyberbullying that is perfect for both children and adults.“I hope it alerts them to issues and encourages people to start more of a dialogue with their parents,” says Craig. (SOC)Touring through schools 2015, $11-$22, connectedthemusical.com.auStudent cast of Connected from McDonald College

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THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

MOTHER GOOSE With school holidays fast approaching, parents will be searching for activities and events to occupy their children’s time. Well, look no further because the world premiere of a new Australian pantomime will debut at the beginning of December. “A lot of the subscribers are getting older and you need to get a whole new audience and kids are the future so why not create theatre for them that they can enjoy,” says writer and director Maria de Marco. “Get kids back into live theatre, live performances is what we’re all about.” Musical director Peter Novakovich has put together a great mix of music ranging from nursery rhymes to well

known pop songs. “It’s a combination of everything – that’s the style of pantomime,” says de Marco. Mother Goose is not just a show for the kids. Adults will have a good laugh as well. “You got to have the pantomime dame played by a man,” says de Marco. “You get a double-edged sword there. You got to put a few jokes in there for the adults.” (CT) Dec 8-23, King Street Theatre, 644 King St, Newtown, $15-20, kingstreettheatre.com.auRUPERT David Williamson’s recent play is not so much a rags to riches story as a rich to filthy rich story, a tale of tyke to tycooN. James Cromwell plays the older, reflective Rupert Murdoch who narrates his past while the ensemble cast literally dances around him. The exuberant Guy Edmonds portrays the younger

Murdoch’s journey from disillusioned student at Oxford who is out to prove his worth to his mother, to the power-hungry mogul that we know today. Director Lee Lewis adeptly uses the stage to tell an upbeat cabaret full of meta-theatrical and self-referential gags with fun costumes and set changes. The acting is strong, the most delightful are performances by Jane Turner, Glenn Hazeldine and Bert LaBonte who play a horde of colourful characters that leaves the audience in stitches. But ultimately the show’s downfall is that it raises more questions than it answers. Whether you love or hate him, or love to hate him, Murdoch’s power and ambition is fascinating. However, surely what is even more fascinating is the motivation behind his ambition. But

that is a story for another time. (ES) Until Dec 21, Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, Sydney, $60-$120, ticketmaster.com.au SWEENEY TODD New Theatre’s latest offering is served up with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Audiences can expect a delightful and thrilling tale with a tragic twist and a realistic glimpse of historical 1800s London hardship within its well-defined, tiered society. Convict Sweeney Todd (played by award-winning Justin Cotta) goes on revengeful rampage of killings which are ingeniously covered up. When he returns and sets up a barber shop in his old stomping ground at 186 Fleet Street, London, it’s conveniently connected to Mrs. Lovett’s (Lucy Miller) pie shop - a familiar

neighborhood filled with hatred, severed relationships, (and jugulars). The musical gives a shocking insight into the remorseless head of a serial killer. The faultless live musical backing is thanks to a trio of piano/organ, cello and violin; and the cohesive 17-piece cast includes a chorus ensemble of eight. Lighting (Liam O’Keefe) and set design (Jo Jewitt) is simple in keeping with the austerity of the times and versatile as platforms are wheeled into varying formations to creatively accommodate a team vocal delivery that can be commended. (MS) Until Dec 20, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $17-32, newtheatre.org.auWICKED Steve Danielsen joins seasoned Wicked stars Jemma Rix (Elphaba) and Lucy Durack (Glinda) as the award-winning musical returns to

Sydney. Asked what it’s like joining a team who have been performing Wicked for years, Danielsen says Rix and Durack have been very welcoming and working together has been “amazing”. “I love it, and I don’t really just have to say that either, this show really means a lot to me,” he says. Despite debuting over a decade ago, Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz is still one of the most popular musicals in the world. With the whole cast working hard to deliver the best performances they can each and every night, Danielsen says that the “incredible sets and costumes” will make it “really hard not to like this show”. (LL) Until Dec 31, Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket, $69-114, wickedthemusical.com.au

Edmond Rostand’s timeless play about expectation, identity and the power of words and beauty, seems especially relevant in today’s age of online personas, catfishing and Tinder.“It’s funny how we curate our personas based on how we think people will perceive them,” observes Eryn Jean Norvill, the production’s Roxanne.“What we project in the world isn’t necessarily true and may not find us the honest and real connections that we’ve been looking for. In the play Cyrano hides behind his ugliness, and behind someone else’s good looks. Christian hides behind his wit and passion, and my character hides behind the idea of what she thinks it is to be a woman, or in love. And in the end of the play, all that stuff, all those shadows and masks disappear and drip away because they’re not important.” Also starring Richard Roxburgh, Julia Zemiro and coupled with an incredibly timely message, Norvill promises theatregoers an exciting night. “It has elements of fairytale and picture book, but also tragedy. It’s got sword-fighting and theatre, and war, and…the love triangle. There are so many elements of the story that are complex but in the end it tells a simple story of people searching for connection.” (SW)Nov 11-Dec 20, Sydney Theatre, Pier 4 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $50-109, sydneytheatre.com.au

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

In STC’s latest production Switzerland, playwright Joanna Murray-Smith and Director Sarah Goodes craft a thriller about the master of crime-thrillers, Patricia Highsmith.Held up in a house in the Swiss Alps, the hardened and eccentric writer (Sarah Peirse) lives in the secluded company of her cats, guns and books. But her isolated retreat is disrupted when a representative of the publishing house comes to e tricate a final novel in Highsmith’s famous Ripley series.Eamon Farren stars as the young man who launches into this “war of the wits and morals”. Based on the writer and often-controversial figure, arren is conscious of what makes Highsmith such a unique subject. He says, “she’s one of the most fascinating women of the 21st Century, a complex and layered woman which was all reflected in her work.”As was the case in her personal life and work, there seemed to be a precarious marriage between fiction and reality. Farren points out “it is the balance between naturalism and an undercurrent of threat”, a sustained and chilling undertone that something is about to break. Switzerland explores, “what it takes for someone to cross that line and what little it takes to become a killer.” (ATS)Nov 3-Dec 27, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, $55-90, sydneytheatre.com.au

SWITZERLAND

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Mongrel Mouth’s daring immersive theatre genre is growing in popularity. Their newest production The Age of Entitlement launches this December and features a crucial element of their project - a 166 year-old, 7-bedroom mansion at The Rocks.“Once we get the building we create the work in the building, it’s the other character. It’s the ship in which we’re sailing so we need to know our ship and understand it. As we swing from its mast we know where to go to next,” says producer/director Duncan Maurice.“All the rooms are live simultaneously, as all the different narratives are happening,” explains Maurice.

“There’s a central thread, and there’s an array of narratives coming out from the core. The audience can choose which one they want to follow, they can even choose how it ends.”With audience interaction not only encouraged but somewhat necessary for the plays success, it’s also an interesting way to see how people react and interact with the ideas and performances right before them. Maurice explains the show deals with political issues without being overbearing. “It’s an entertaining hour and a half with substance and heart.” (RBM)Dec 5-20th, Merchants House, 45 George St, The Rocks, $30, mongrelmouth.com

THE AGE OF ENTITLEMENT

Audiences all around the world know the songs, the dance moves and the iconic line, “Nobody puts baby in the corner.” Dirty Dancing will be returning to the stages of Australia for the 10th Anniversary of the production.Dancing behind the shadow of the legendary Patrick Swayze, Kurt Phelan will be playing the eminent character of Johnny Castle.The NIDA graduate and acclaimed triple threat is determined to shine a new light and show off his unique dance moves as Johnny Castle.“It is a privilege playing and dancing as Johnny Castle in the Australian production,” Phelan says. “Especially working alongside Kirby Burgess, Mark Vincent and Nadia Coote.”Dirty Dancing is based in the summer of 1963, with Frances “Baby” Houseman going on a summer holiday with her family.In the midst of taking dance classes and sneaking behind her family’s back, Baby and Johnny balance their hardship and misunderstandings on the dance floor where the feet do the talking.First performed at the Theatre Royal in Sydney in November 2004, the production has broken international records over the past decade and is ready to take on Australian audiences once more! (EV)Nov 28-Jan 11, Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont, $59-203, ticketmaster.com.au

DIRTY DANCING

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AZTECS

A plethora of multicoloured, glistening bricks, begging to be fondled and clicked, greet the visitor to the Towers of Tomorrow exhibition at the Museum of Sydney. The rectangular Lego parts are an irresistible lure to both children and adults and are sure to be the most popular aspect of the show.The display features prominent edifices of Australia and South East Asia which have been built to scale by Lego engineer Ryan McNaught. It includes the beautiful, shining, Petronas Towers, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, the Eureka building in Melbourne, and a model of Barangaroo.The highlight is the opportunity to play with 200,000 rainbow pieces, and organisers expect this to result in the construction of a miniature city surrounding the existing structures.This is an immersive experience which will appeal to enthusiasts of architecture and design and is sure to inspire the creativity of the next generation. (LR)Until April 19 2015, Museum of Sydney, Cnr Philip and Bridge Streets Sydney, $5-$15 or $45 family ticket, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

TOWERS OF TOMORROW

‘Eagle warrior sculpture 1440–69’, Photo: Michel Zabe © The Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (INAH)

A wall of carved skulls, which were once part of the Pyrmont incinerator, adorns the entrance of Aztecs, the new exhibition at the Australian Museum. It’s a suitably gothic introduction to a presentation that is not afraid to explore the more gruesome aspects of this lost civilisation.The visually spectacular display artfully conveys the intricacy of the people’s lives, the complexity of their mythology and the continued influence of the ancient culture on modern Me ico.A mask made of a human skull and an eerie statue of the god of the underworld, whose dangling liver and curved talons threaten ominously from a niche, are sinister reminders of the importance of human sacrifice in A tec life.A replica of the grand temple further illustrates the role of religion in everyday existence.The combination of interactive technology, ancient relics and contemporary relevance makes this a show which will appeal to a wide demographic. (LR)Until Feb 1, The Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, $14-24, australianmuseum.net.au

T H E N A K E D C I T Y

BY COFFIN ED AND MISS DEATH AND JAY KATZ

There’s no denying that Tropfest is a phenomenon, one that grew from the most humble beginnings in a Darlinghurst café and rolled on to conquer the world. In Sydney, audiences have flocked to the Domain in recent years with crowds estimated at around the 100,000 mark. This year however the move was made to Centennial Park where the current spate of thunderstorms saw the crowd drop to less than a twentieth of that number.

There’s sure to be lots of soul searching on the part of the Tropfest organisers as to why the attendance was so low, ever allowing for the weather. There are also questions hanging over the organisation of the event, particularly in the treatment of the fifty or more volunteers who gave up their time for free.

But for starters, why was the move made to the wilds of Centennial Park in the first place The official line was that Tropfest had outgrown the Domain and was looking for a site that could accommodate up to 150,000. A very dark site as it turned out, particularly if you happened to be watching the SBS coverage. There was none of the ambient illumination from the city skyline available at the Domain and the global TV audience must have wondered whether Sydney was experiencing a periodic blackout. The park is also a lot less accessible by public transport compared to its city counterpart. There may have been other reasons for leaving the Domain but the primary motive seems to have been an obsession with crowd numbers and the need to create an even bigger event.

ow to the handling of the fifty or more volunteers involved in the event, some of whom were on the site from 7.00am in the morning. We spoke to a number of these volunteers and the general feeling was of disappointment and disenchantment at the way they were treated. One seasoned volunteer we contacted was particularly upset at the treatment dished out by the event organisers. Unlike similar large scale festivals such as the Sydney Festival and Sydney Film Festival there was no induction or briefing of volunteers prior to their various shifts. Nor was there the mandatory OH&S drilling, normal with such events. Given the darkness of the venue and the inevitability of bad weather, this seems particular amiss.

Apart from the ‘thrill’ of participation volunteers were rewarded with a Tropfest t-shirt and a flimsy plastic poncho. There was no bottled water, no free food whatsoever, and not a cup of coffee to be had on site, even if you were prepared to pay for it. Given that some of the volunteers signed up for shifts as long as sixteen hours, the absence of any complimentary nourishment, not even a plate of soggy sandwiches, seems incredibly mean. While VIPs whooped it up with all manner of gourmet free fodder, volunteers had to make do with a voucher for a free Slurpee.

Whether Tropfest remains in the woodland abyss of Centennial Park next year remains to be seen. A return to the more punter-friendly Domain would appear the most sensible option. Regardless of the venue, organisers might take time out to confer with the volunteer co-ordinators at the Sydney Fest and Sydney Film Fest who have set the standard in recent years when it comes to looking after those who give up their time for free.

TROPFEST 2014 - WHEN BIGGER AIN’T ALWAYS BETTER!

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It begins with ‘Bob’ from the National Gallery, said to be the friend of every schoolchild in Australia, and continues through a mesmerising display of technical proficiency. This is one of the largest solo printmaking shows ever presented and it’s all courtesy of Chuck Close and the Museum of Contemporary Art.Chuck Close: Prints, Process and Collaboration is a fantastical journey through the oeuvre of a master craftsman. The voyage is augmented by an array of famous and not so famous faces, whose visages peer from the wall posing unanswerable questions.The exhibition includes tapestries, woodcuts and mezzotints. Each is uniquely and meticulously created to enhance tiny details and subtle colour. These jigsaw images represent exhaustive work and intelligent thought about the nature of humanity.From the bright smile of Emma, to the intense gaze of

oy, this show is a tribute to an innovative and influential artist without peer. (LR)Until Mar 15, 140 George St, The Rocks, $14-19, mca.com.au

CHUCK CLOSE: PRINTS, PROCESS AND COLLABORATION

Emma (2000)

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FINDING VIVIAN MAIERA beautifully crafted documentary centred on a mysterious woman who roamed the streets capturing the unalloyed reality of the view behind her lens. At first glance she was merely a nanny, but at second and third she was not only an artist, but a tender observer of the human condition. Over 100,000 negatives were inadvertently discovered at an auction in Chicago – many of which were never seen by Miss Maier herself. The documentary is captivating from start to finish, treading a fine line between honouring an artist and mild exploitation; which in essence is Vivian’s posthumous fame. Such beauty should be shared, but by whom? (RBM) WWWWINTERSTELLAR Science Fiction enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic

offering, an ambitious and highly-crafted film which effectively combines a family melodrama and an intergalactic space adventure. Set in the near future, Earth is slowly dying as its resources are depleting. Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) embarks on an expedition to the stars in search of other habitable planets. McConaughey delivers a remarkable performance as the father who decides to leave his children to save humanity and is supported by a high-calibre cast including Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine and Matt Damon. Adversely, storytelling technics falter in the second half of the film which leads to confusion, further compounded by long and intricate references to quantum physics, worm holes, the theory of relativity and space time travel.Ultimately, it is a visual spectacular in

which audiences will believe they have been transported to the far reaches of the universe. (MMo) WWWWSERENA The latest film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence is not comfortable viewing,but dark and atmospheric it most definitely is. Set in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina during the Depression, it is a story that starts quite simply: George and Serena fall in love, marry and begin to set up their life in the mountains. What starts as a passionate and loving marriage soon begins to deteriorate when a series of unfortunate events befalls the couple, and the past comes back to haunt George. A sense of foreboding begins early in the film, and the captivating and wild shots of the mountains build the tension. Cooper and Lawrence are stunning, and Rhys Ifans is a surprise, putting in a very believable performance as a sinister

and shadowy figure. y no means an uplifting story, but one filmed with brilliant technique and acted with intensity. (LS) WWLOVE, ROSIE The story is simple – two best friends who grew up together have always been in love but never seem to get the timing right.

ne thing that sets this film apart from its contemporaries is its portrayal of the lovers’ obstacles; it is not overdramatised nor dwelt on. Although by the same token, the incredible friendship of Rosie (Lily Collins and Ale Sam Clafin appears to be underdeveloped and not as unrelenting as the producers would have us believe. The latter, who is reminiscent of a young Hugh Grant is cast perfectly opposite the bright-eyed Lily Collins. Even though the characters are wanting in complexity, the film is charming and has its

moments of authenticity. The two leads share a very believable chemistry. (SY)WWW½THE GREEN PRINCE Well-researched, well-intentioned but tedious and slow is possibly the kind of documentary to avoid. The opposite of that is Nadav Sherman’s latest work which tells a tale of middle-eastern intrigue with the tension and pace of a thriller. Dramatic, shadowy interiors are shown in panning shots, an ominous but subtle music score (by Max Richter of Waltz with Bashir) adds to the mood. The story is told in matter-of-fact style by the two protagonists; a tale that seems to blend the incredible with the inevitable and has such immediacy it appears to happen in real time. Mosab Hassan Yousef is the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas. Recruited by Israeli security (Shin Bet)

and code-named The Green Prince, for 10 years he was their informant; his ‘handler’ was Gonen Ben Yitzhak. Both men have turned their backs on their former lives. (MMu) WWWWTWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT An extremely simple but nonetheless emotive French drama, beautifully crafted and subtly performed by all involved. Particular praise goes to Marion Cotillard who plays Sandra, a Belgian mother with a history of depression. Sandra is about to lose her job, and she is trying to keep herself together for her family and her sanity. If her co-workers choose their significant bonus over her keeping her position at work, she may fall back into bad habits. Viewers can’t help but struggle with her and any mild victory is magnified with brilliant nuances by Cotillard. (RBM) WWW

In the spirit of honesty I feel I should tell you that the only thing I knew about this play was what I had gleaned from a Simpsons episode called “A Streetcar named Marge”. In other words, I was ill-prepared for just how harrowing A Streetcar Named Desire would be.Filmed at the New Vic Theatre in London, this production takes place on a rotating stage. The faces of engrossed theatre-goers slide slowly by in the background, giving it the shared emotion of live theatre. Gillian Anderson gives a convincing performance as aging Southern beauty lanche u ois. She is all slurs, selfishness and insecurity against her abrasive brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski.The film’s three and a half hour span is incredibly captivating. The musical Southern dialogue of Tennessee Williams is rich, complemented by innovative stage design and audio production. lanche’s delusions of grandeur and insignificance are incredibly

poignant. This play to screen transition went off without a hitch. (HC) WWWW

The latest masterpiece from director Mike Leigh (Another Year) is a stunning, albeit warts-and-all, portrait of J.M.W. Turner, the eccentric English artist whose creative endeavours polarised public opinion throughout his tumultuous life (1775-1851). Leigh’s regular collaborator, Timothy Spall (Harry Potter) completely disappears into the central role. Stoic yet soulful, charitable yet cruel, brutish yet responsible for works of immense beauty, Spall captures Turner’s paradoxical nature in an understated performance that’s rich with emotional complexity but also droll humour. The meandering pace and sombre tone won’t appeal to everyone but Mr. Turner is a rewarding experience for patient viewers with Dick Pope’s cinematography a particular highlight — the meticulously crafted shots channelling the grandeur of Turner’s haunting landscape paintings are simply breathtaking. (JH) WWWW

While not exactly an orphan – more a foster kid – Annie waits each Friday night outside a Brooklyn diner for her parents to show up but they never do. Enter billionaire tycoon, Will Stacks, who needs some cred for his mayoral ambitions. It’s a match made in heaven and as the polls go up his frosty heart slowly thaws.Everything gets and update in this remake of a perennial favourite including new songs and even a last ditch rescue by social media. Too many songs are overproduced – read auto tuned – but the gawky dance numbers are endearing.Quvenzhane Wallis and Jamie Foxx somehow keep this from being overly sentimental and the whole cast make you care. Foster mother Cameron Diaz does menace unconvincingly and finds her heart by the end.Kids – especially those used to syndicated talent shows – will eat this up. (GW) WWW½

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

MR TURNERANNIE

Russell Crowe thrives in his starring role and directorial debut of The Water Diviner, an epic drama about hope, courage and loss which is based on true events.Set in 1919 four years after the battle of Gallipoi, Connor (Russell Crowe) an Australian farmer, honours a promise he made to his late wife (Jacqueline Mckenzie) and ventures to Turkey in search of his three missing sons.Filmed in Turkey and Australia, advantage was taken of some of the most beautiful landscapes in these countries, resulting in a film which is visually astounding.Crowe delivers an emotionally-charged performance and the standout in the supporting cast is Ryan Corr who plays Connor’s son. Audiences will be moved by his heartwrenching scenes in the horrifying battle sequences.Adversely, the romantic subplot involving Russell’s character feels drawn out and suffocating, overshadowing the primary storyline. Detracting also are the convenient aspects in some storylines which ensure the story progresses.Ultimately, The Water Diviner is inspiring and should enthral and touch audiences (MMo) WWW½

Celebrating its 24th year is Australia’s leading and most respected short film festival, iC ST, Australia’s only Academy accredited and A TA recognised short film festival.

iC ST is second to none on the Australian short film festival circuit and this year, the much anticipated theme revolved around iconic film classic ames ond.Festival director, Bronwyn Kidd, continues to be the driving force behind FLiCKERFEST and once again, Bronwyn and the selection committee have received record numbers of film submissions (over 2400 again this year!) and will tailor the 2015 programme to showcase the very best 1 films to audiences across Australia from January until May. Launching in Sydney on January 9th, FLiCKERFEST will run in Sydney for 10 days before taking the rest of the country by storm. The festival will screen to 50 venues across Australia.Tickets on-sale and full programme released on December 18. Head to the FLiCKERFESTwebsite – www.flickerfest.com.au for all the details!

THE WATER DIVINERFLiCKERFEST

SMASHING PUMPKINS - MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGYVeteran alternative rockers Smashing Pumpkins return

with a new lineup consisting of the ever-present Billy Corgan, guitarist Jeff Schroeder and Motley Crüe’s Tommy Lee on drums, for their latest release. Continuing in the alt-rock vein they are known for employing charging guitar riffs, the unmistakable nasal vocals of Corgan all interspersed with melodic piano keys. This time though adding a more pronounced drum line than previously employed by the band. Once again Smashing Pumpkins have produced an overall nice record that dedicated fans will enjoy while wider audiences should find a couple of new tracks for their alt-rock playlists. (JA)

TROPHY EYES - MEND, MOVE ONNewcastle’s Trophy Eyes arrive on the scene with an extremely emotional

and raw debut album. It bounces between pop-punk and melodic hardcore using fast, punk-inspired drums and driving pop-punk guitar riffs to accentuate lead singer John Floreani’s passionate and emotionally charged lyrics. While much of this album is bleak, it finishes positively on Penfold State Forest with the line, “I’m tired of writing sad songs, but that’s all that I have left. Cause it’s the things that I reflect on, that make me who I am” suggesting future releases could be more upbeat. The only criticism that can be placed is that the band never risks stepping out of their comfort zone. (JA)

The Cairos: Following on from the release of their debut album earlier this year, the Brisbane-based, indie, pop-rock band make their way to Sydney. With their party-infused rock sound they have supported the likes of Powderfinger, The Temper Trap and You Am I in the past but now break out with headline shows of their own.Thu, Dec 18, Newtown Social Club

Jingle Bell Rock: This year’s five-day Christmas At The House concert series kicks off over the weekend with Eddie Perfect and Emma Pask set to take the stage accompanied by a 48-piece orchestra and carollers first. They will have you swept up with festive cheer as they perform seasonal hits such as Frosty The Snowman, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.

Fri-Sun, Dec 19-21, Sydney Opera HouseMountain Sounds Festival Launch Party: For those that can’t wait for the Mountain Sounds festival the team behind it are bring some of the main acts to the Oxford Art Factory this week. East, Olympic Ayres, Hockey Dad and I Know Leopard are all due to take the stage and show of their individual sounds. Not only will music be featured but there will

also be live-art installations to help kick of the festival party festivities.Fri, Dec 19, Oxford Art FactoryEmma Donovan & The Putbacks: Known for her fusion of reggae, roots and soul within her passionately written songs, Donovan has recently joined forces with Melbourne soul outfit The Putbacks to record their recently released album. Be sure not to miss this opportunity to hear one of Australia’s great voices.Sun, Dec 21, Newtown

Social ClubChristmas Carol Singalong: The second half of the Christmas At The House series follows on with Rachael Beck set to light up the Concert Hall with a mix of traditional carols and Yuletide songs such as Silent Night, White Christmas, Jingle Bells and Winter Wonderland. Santa Clause is also tipped to appear before every performance making this a perfect family friendly event.Mon-Tue, Dec 22-23, Sydney Opera House

NYE On The Harbour: As one of the hottest locations and tickets for New Years Eve, Cargo Bar has secured Hermitude, Yolanda Be Cool, Crooked Colours and Hayden James to help ring in the new year with a great soundtrack while overlooking Sydney Harbour and all the pageantry that involves. This event already sells itself with the names included but there are even more yet to be announced.Wed, Dec 31, Cargo Bar

LIVE WIRE SYDNEY LIVE MUSIC GUIDE

Forming in 2011 The Ruminaters immediately set about establishing themselves on the Australian live music scene. This saw them touring up and down the east coast with the likes of Sticky Fingers and Wolf and Cub. Unusually, the band was able to generate a loyal following of fans without ever releasing anything more than a single here and there - that was until recently with the release of their debut album I Hate The Ruminaters.“We had the opportunity to do the whole EP thing a few years back but the vibe in the studio wasn’t there then,” says drummer Teddy Brennan. “So we held off to spend more time playing shows and writing. I’ve also always preferred the idea of a full record because it shows more depth. Itended up working out really naturally in that sense.”Recording the album on a secluded farm north of Byron Bay the band had originally intended to only lay down four tracks but that eventually grew into eight and finally into the 13 that made the final release.“Working in Byron was really cool,” Brennan explains. “Living in the studio really helped because it meant we got to surf

every morning, cruise and if something wasn’t working we could leave it and circle back on it later.”With this freedom the band was able to refine the sound that has evolved with them over time. Starting out they had been known as a fun, surfy, garage rock band but now have a much more matured and slightly darker presence.“I prefer the new sound because it’s not so straight up and down and in terms of songwriting there is a bit more depth to it, but it’s still really fun to play,” Brennan continues. “It’s pretty surreal to have the finished album in our hands, but we’re itching to get back on the road and in particular play the new tracks to a live crowd. It’s where we feel the most comfortable.”For fans intending to head out to see the show you can expect the boys to let it all hang out. “Sometimes we see bands that care too much about what people think or how they look but we’ve always just gone up there and played. So it can get pretty rowdy and fun.” (JA)Dec 19, JAM Gallery, 195 Oxford St, Bondi Junction

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aARIES (March 21-April 19): “Too much happiness can

make you unhappy,” reported journalist Marta Zaraska in the Washington Post. Citing research by psychologists, she concluded that being super-extra cheerful can make you selfish, gullible, and more prone to stereotyped thinking. On the other hand, she said, maintaining merely moderate levels of happiness is pretty damn good for your mental and physical health. So here’s the takeaway, Aries: The astrological omens suggest you’re due for a surge of joy and pleasure. Just be careful it doesn’t spill over into rash, delirious excess. Here’s your watchword: well-grounded delight.

bTAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the 19th century, the

Grimm brothers gathered over 200 old fairy tales from a variety of sources and published them in an unprecedented collection. Many of their stories are still popular, including “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Rapunzel.” Around the same time they did their work, a storyteller named Franz Xaver von Schönwerth assembled his own compendium of fantastic myths, fables, and folklore. Unlike the Grimm brothers’ book, his work faded into obscurity. But it was rediscovered in 2011, and 500 lost fairy tales are now finding their way into newly published books. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening for

you in 2015, Taurus. Forgotten stories will return. Raw material from the depths will resurface. Interesting news from the past will come flowing into the present.

C GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Through the scientific

magic of grafting, a single tree can be altered to grow several different kinds of fruit at the same time. One type of “fruit salad tree” produces apricots, nectarines, plums, and peaches, while another bears grapefruits, lemons, oranges, limes, and tangelos. I’m thinking this might be an apt and inspiring symbol for you in the coming months, Gemini. What multiple blooms will you create on your own metaphorical version of a fruit salad tree?

d CANCER (June 21-July 22): No other structure on the

planet is longer than the Great Wall of China, which stretches 3,945 miles. It’s not actually one unbroken span, though. Some sections aren’t connected, and there are redundant branches that are roughly parallel to the main structure. It reminds me of your own personal Great Wall, which is monumental yet permeable, strong in some ways but weak in others, daunting to the casual observer but less so to those who take the time to study it. Now is an excellent time to take inventory of that wall of yours. Is it serving you well? Is it keeping out the influences you don’t want but allowing in the influences you do want? Could it use some renovation? Are

you willing to reimagine what its purpose is and how you want it to work for you in the future?

e LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “TThere are two kinds

of light,” said author James Thurber, “the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.” Lately you have been an abundant source of that first kind of light, Leo. The fire in your heart and the gleam in your eyes have not only brightened the mood wherever you’ve gone. They have also clarified confusing situations, warmed chilly attitudes, and healed dispirited allies. Thank you! In the coming weeks, I’d love to see you continue on your hot streak. To help ensure that you do, keep your ego under control. Don’t let it pretend that it owns the light you’re emitting. With a little introspection, you will continue to generate illumination, not glare

f VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Studies suggest that

57 percent of all people with access to the Internet have engaged in the practice known as ego-surfing. This modern art form consists of searching Google for mentions of one’s own name. This is a suspiciously low figure unless we factor in the data uncovered by my own research -- which is that a disproportionately small amount of Virgos go ego-surfing: only 21 percent. If you are one of the 79 percent of your tribe who does not indulge, I invite you to remedy the situation. It’s an excellent time to risk

exploring the potential benefits of increased self-interest and self-regard.

g LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): EWhen I started writing

horoscopes many years ago, I was a good astrologer but an unexceptional writer. Eventually, the practice of composing 12 packets of pithy prose every week allowed me to improve my authorial skills. The stuff I composed in the early years wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t want to present it as my work any more. So should I feel guilty that I got paid and appreciated for those old efforts even though I was less than perfect? Did I get away with something I shouldn’t have gotten away with? I don’t think so. I was doing the best I could at the time. And even my unpolished astrological musings were helpful to many people. Now, Libra, I invite you to apply these meditations to you own unfolding destiny.

h SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You may already know

what I’m about to tell you. It’s a core principle at the root of your Scorpio heritage. But I want to focus your attention on it. In the coming months, you’ll be wise to keep it at the forefront of your conscious awareness. Here it is, courtesy of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “You have it in your power to invest everything you have lived through -- your experiments, false starts, errors, delusions, passions, your love and your hope -- into your goal, with

nothing left over.”

i SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “A savage desire

for strong emotions and sensations burns inside me: a rage against this soft-tinted, shallow, standardized and sterilized life.” So says Harry Haller, the protagonist of Herman Hesse’s novel Steppenwolf. His declaration could serve as an interesting point of reference for you in the coming months, Sagittarius -- not as a mood for everyday use, but as a poetic inspiration that you periodically call on to invigorate your lust for life. My invitation has a caveat, however. I advise you not to adopt the rest of Harry Haller’s rant, in which he says that he also has “a mad craving to smash something up, a department store, or a cathedral, or myself.”

j CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I have lived near an open

space preserve for five years. Up until the last two months, it has been a peaceful, quite place. But then the coyotes moved in. Just after dusk every evening, a pack of them start yipping and yowling in the distance. At first I found the racket to be eerie and unsettling. It activated some primal unease in me. And yet the coyotes have never actually been a problem. They don’t roam into my neighborhood and try to bite people or prey on pets. So now I’ve come to relish the situation: The wild things are close and exciting, but not

dangerous. I’m guessing this has a metaphorical resemblance to what your life will be like in the next six months, Capricorn.

kAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stanstead, Quebec and

Derby Line, Vermont are really a single town that straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. Many of the people who live there have dual citizenship, but they’re still supposed to carry their passports with them at all times. I suspect you may experience a metaphorical version of this split in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be in a situation that has a split down the middle or a seemingly unnatural division. Whether it turns out to be a problem or an opportunity will depend on your adaptability and flexibility.

l PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): When a dead tree topples

over in the woods, its withered branches may get entangled with the branches of a living tree that’s standing nearby. As years go by, the living tree must grow the best it can with the decaying wood trapped in its midst. Has something like that ever happened to you? Are you still carrying the rot that other people have burdened you with? If so, the coming months will be an excellent time to get disentangled. A tree isn’t capable of freeing itself from the dead weight of the past, but you are -- especially in the first half of 2015.

F R E E W I L L A S T R O L O G Y

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