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3city hub 18 june 2015

By Leanne eLahmadIn six months, the cost to remediate a

contaminated Council depot has more than doubled, according to the NSW government, ultimately costing the students of Ultimo Public School a new school at the site.

The Department of Education confirmed its decision came after “independent expert advice” revealed the remediation of the Wattle, Jones and Fig streets site would cost over $50 million.

The unforeseen decision surprised parents, locals and the City of Sydney Council, as the option to relocate and rebuild the new school was accepted in December last year.

But, the new school site was never officially confirmed, and Lord Mayor Clover Moore criticised the state government’s decision, which has left many confused.

“The Education Minister’s broken promise is failing the parents and children of Pyrmont and Ultimo. This betrayal from Adrian Piccoli leaves parents and children from across the inner-city in limbo,” Clr Moore said.

“Since the Minister’s announcement in December that the purchase of the land would go ahead, our staff have tried repeatedly to finalise the sale.”

Ultimo Public School P&C spokesperson, Bill d’Anthes, expressed frustration that the plan fell through after the community had campagined for the site over a number of years.

“We spent all this time doing our homework and planning and to find that it drops out is disgusting really,” he said.

Mr d’Anthes said the decision has caused parents to think about alternative schools for their children.

“We heard from someone who is going to take their child out and they’re studying right now where they’re going to send their child,” he said.

Mr d’Anthes explained that people don’t want to put their kids through the process of being sent to another school while a new school is being built on the existing site.

Pyrmont Community Group president, Jean

Stuart, said she believes there is no adequate planning being done for Australia’s most densely populated area.

“We are not happy about the idea of knocking the school down and building the school in a high-rise development for 700 students when the Bays Precinct is coming on line in the next 20-30 years and the school population is going to increase accordingly,” she said

“And we need to be planning ahead.”The Wattle Street depot was not only to become

the site of the school, but also a childcare facility holding up to 80 children.

Independent Sydney MP, Alex Greenwich expressed concerns about selling more inner-city public assets.

“We need to know how a big enough school can be built on this constrained site and have capacity for

the future. What happens to the promised childcare that is sorely needed in this precinct?” he said.

The community has called for the remediation report to be made available for the public to see. Mr Greenwich has backed these calls, stating the government must take responsibility for facilities like schools and parks.

“I support the community calls for the remediation reports to be made public – surely the department knew the remediation costs when the Wattle Street agreement was made?” he said.

The state government has been questioned about the withdrawal of its decision to build the new school after the elections. Clr Moore said, “was the Minister ever serious about this purchase, or was it simply an attempt to make the issue go away in the lead up to the March election?”

Ms Stuart also said she thought the plan was to sideline the issue of the school until the elections were over.

“We now believe it was an election ploy to promise us the school on the Wattle Street depot site,” she said.

The Department of Education explained in a statement that full remediation of the contaminated site, plus costs for the site’s acquisition and construction of the new school would cost more than $177 million. This is in comparison to a standard primary school which would only cost $15 million to $30 million.

Mr d’Anthes believes if the new estimated costs to remediate the site are indeed as they are reported then it should be done regardless.

“We’ve been warning them since ‘97 that that area was polluted but they just left it there, and you get water run-off and wind blowing this stuff around. If it’s harmful they need to get that stuff out of there, we live here,” Mr d’Anthes said.

The Department confirmed its plans to rebuild a new high-rise school at its current site would begin immediately.

A community meeting to discuss the future of the school is taking place as City Hub went to print.

By Joe BourkeSpeculation is mounting over the future

of Wentworth Park as the inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW heats up and the inner city property market booms.

The nearby Bays Precinct is set to house 16,000 new residents and last weekend the Minister for Housing Brad Hazzard announced a $170 million development of 500 apartments on nearby Cowper Street, Glebe.

The area is the most densely populated precinct in Australia, and as well as greyhound racing, Wentworth Park is used for rugby union, rugby league and soccer.

Ultimo resident Bill d’Anthes told City Hub the community was concerned “about everything” due to a pressing need for more open space.

“The problem is that there’s so little open space per capita so we’re worried about the loss of anything,” he said.

“It’s just such a worry that we’re not going to have the infrastructure to service all of these people.”

Chief Executive of the Wentworth Park Trust, Peter Mann, said that he would be “surprised” to see any more development at Wentworth Park.

“Lots more people will be living in the area with no more green spaces available, so whilst I could never say with certainty that there will be no more residential or commercial development on this site, it would be very surprising,” he said.

“The only kind of speculation you do hear isn’t from any reliable source... there has been nothing even approaching official on the subject.”

Last year, Fairfax Media reported on lease negotiations to sell the Wentworth Park Greyhound racetrack and create 700 apartments on the site. Although this plan

was quickly denounced by the government, the development of the Harold Park raceway is fresh in the mind of local residents. The former raceway was converted to a 1300-lot residential area and opened last year.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes told City Hub they were not aware of any decision to cease greyhound racing at Wentworth Park.

Convenor of Pyrmont Action Group, Elizabeth Elenius, said the government’s recent developments such as Barangaroo had caused the community to lose faith in the government.

“We don’t trust the government as far as we can kick them now. We’ve been so badly

dudded in recent years that we don’t trust them at all and they seem to be hell bent on making our lack of trust worse,” she said.

The greyhound track’s suitability for future development has also been brought into question. Originally the Blackwattle Cove Swamp, it was infilled in the late 1800s using silt dredged from the harbour.

Mr Mann said he couldn’t see anything changing on the site in the near future.

“My guess is that in the short to medium future, nothing will change here in terms of its use,” he said.

“Our tenants all have long leases and are quite happy here.”

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Ultimo school pays the ultimate price

Residents’ Wentworth Park worries

Ultimo Public school

If you have a story you’d like to tell us:[email protected]

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 Altmedia Pty Ltd. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of content, City Hub takes no responsibility for inadvertent errors or omissions.

ABN 52 600 903 348Group manager: Chris PekenGroup Editors: Joe Bourke & Emily Contador-Kelsall Contributors: Lydia Watson-Moore, Leanne Elahmad & Wendy Baconarts Editors: Jamie Apps, Alannah Maher Dining Editor: Jackie McMillanadvertising managers: Robert Tuitama, Mark Barnes

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a grandstand at Wentworth Park. source: wikipedia.commons

4 city hub 18 june 2015

By Leanne eLahmadLocals have criticised the proposal for a

cable car system across Sydney Harbour as an ineffective plan to ease traffic in the Bays Precinct and city.

The proposed 3.4 kilometre cable system would transport commuters to stations at Rozelle Bay, White Bay Power Station, White Bay cruise terminal, Pyrmont and Barangaroo in under five minutes.

Plans for Harbour Skylink have won over cruise line Carnival Australia and The Star casino owner Echo Entertainment, who backed the Sydney Business Chamber and Committee for Sydney’s call for the state government to consider the proposal.

A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson told City Hub that it understood the concept was in its early stages and it would need to prove itself.

“The proponents of the cable car would need to demonstrate its feasibility and benefits including potential reduction of road congestion,” the spokesperson said.

“As part of the planning for the Bays Precinct redevelopment, the NSW Government is considering a range of transport options to link the Bays Precinct to the CBD.”

But many locals have argued the proposal does not have the capacity to transport large amounts of people travelling on the route.

Instead, they believe it serves to benefit the tourism and gambling industries, leaving the Bays Precinct and city areas at gridlock.

EcoTransit Co-Convenor Gavin Gatenby said the cable cars have a very low capacity limit.

“Around the world they are little more than tourist attractions... as serious public transport infrastructure, they’re a joke,” Mr Gatenby said.

Echo Entertainment will consider placing the Pyrmont stop on top of The Star, which would

link it to the proposed casino at Barangaroo.NewsCorp media reported that an Echo

Entertainment spokesperson said “any iniative that could contribute to improving connectivity to and around such an important precinct is worth looking at”.

But state member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich questioned the effectiveness of the proposed cable car system.

“I’ve been pushing for better public transport for the Ultimo and Pyrmont peninsula, which has had massive population increases, but the cable car proposal does not seem to help commuters,” he said.

Elizabeth Elenius, convenor of the Pyrmont Action group said she believed the way to fix the issue of congestion would be to have a ferry hub in the area.

“[The cable cars] appear to be a transport proposal that would benefit the tourism and gambling industry, with no benefit for the people who live and work around the Bays Precinct. A Bays ferry service, planned in consultation with the community, would be far more practical and visually acceptable,” Ms Elenius said.

EcoTransit has previously proposed the White Bay Green Link plan to construct a light rail for the area linking the Dulwich Hill line with the Rozelle Bay stop and connecting it to the city, covering all the proposed locations.

“[The plan is] to get serious commuters directly from the inner west to Balmain and Barangaroo in the shortest possible time. And to do that you really need to have a fast light rail link going underneath Darling Harbour.” Mr Gatenby said.

“Now that’s a serious people mover”.

Locals slam cable car system

The Cable car at Taronga Zoo, Sydney. Source: sydney.com

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By Wendy BaconHundreds of residents packed into Leichhardt Town

Hall on Tuesday June 16 to call for an “immediate halt” to all home acquisitions and work related to the WestConnex project until the findings of a parliamentary inquiry into the project are released. This is the latest in a string of community meetings opposing the WestConnex motorway that the Baird government plans to build across Sydney.

The meeting, organised by No WestConnex Annandale, unanimously passed a motion calling for a parliamentary inquiry to investigate “environmental and health aspects, business case and tender and construction process” for the project. Another motion called for the $15 billion cost of the project to be redirected to “building public transport infrastructure” across the entire Greater Sydney region.

President of the NSW Branch of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) Jude Page told the meeting she was disappointed with NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay’s statements that there was no need to worry about health impacts of the motorway.

Ms Page said Mr Gay was wrong and that “disregarding the health of people affected by infrastructure is unethical at best”. She described the findings of a research review by PHAA, which led to warnings that tunnel pollution could cause asthma and heart attacks. Medical experts are particularly concerned about ultra-fine particles PM2.5 that are carcinogenic and according to the World Health Organisation “belong in the same potentially deadly category as asbestos, arsenic and mustard gas”.

Ms Page said that the design and height of ventilation stacks and portals can reduce pollution, but the Baird government has adopted designs for the NorthConnex tunnel in northern Sydney that are well below world’s best practice.

The audience clapped Greens Transport spokesperson and engineer Mehreen Faruqi when she said that it was time for Mr Gay “to catch a train into the real 21st

century to see what is happening around the world”.“More motorways will bring more cars and trucks

onto these tunnels, and I’m afraid they will still be emitting toxic poisonous pollution and more of it. Hiding them in a tunnel will not magically make the toxic emissions go away, ventilating tunnels will just shift pollution to new locations... This is dangerous, unsafe and out-dated infrastructure,” Ms Faruqi said.

Labor’s Shadow Minister for Roads Jodi McKay lives only 300 metres from a planned Haberfield pollution stack, and delivered a stinging attack on the government’s lack of accountability and its failure to release information about WestConnex. This was well received by the crowd. She supported a parliamentary inquiry, after telling City Hub only a week ago she was not sure it was needed.

But the position of NSW Labor, which went to the recent NSW election supporting both the M4 and

duplicate M5 tunnels, came out of the meeting looking weak.

This was highlighted when long term resident Colin Menzies drew on his experience forty years ago when he was part of a famous protest in Fig Street Ultimo against a freeway going through Glebe. Labor leader Neville Wran joined the protestors and later when elected to government in 1976 stuck by his promise to stop the road. Menzies asked McKay whether she would “stand by residents” if the meeting resolved to oppose WestConnex. Mackay answered that the position Labor took to the election remains its policy.

“The issue for us remains the information that we don’t have,” she said.

“We don’t have enough information to say that we don’t support it.”

In an attempt to mollify audience frustration, McKay referred to recently elected Summer Hill MP Jo Haylen

who openly opposes the WestConnex that will dislodge hundreds of residents and impact thousands more in her electorate.

Haylen’s opposition is in stark contrast to that of Labor member for Kogarah Chris Minns, who attended a Westconnex Action Group residents’ meeting in Kingsgrove last week. A few days later, he published an opinion piece for News Corporation attacking Ms Faruqi for “perpetuating a con” by denouncing the WestConnex M5 as a “waste of public money.”

McKay also said that if the business case didn’t support the project, Labor may yet reconsider its support for WestConnex.

Another resident asked McKay, “You are surrounded by... experts who say ‘it won’t work, its deadly’... What is it that the Labor party knows that means that even though all these people are against it, we support it in principle because... ?”

McKay said the Westconnex was “a reality” and there was no election for four years. At which point Greens’ Faruqi intervened by saying that a strong grassroots movement had succeeded in discrediting the project by showing that there was no evidence that it would work. She said that there were “voices in parliament standing up and shouting out against the project” but success in changing the government’s mind would depend on the growing grassroots movement.

“We cannot give up hope on that. We can stop it,” she said.

One of Australia’s leading experts on planning, City of Sydney Councillor John Mant then told the audience of a point around which Sydney urban planners are becoming increasingly vocal. That the continual emphasis on roads to bring cars to the CBD on the eastern edge of Sydney is fundamentally misguided.

“We have to bring on board western Sydney... because the NSW Baird government has turned it into an ‘us and them’ argument. Western Sydney doesn’t need this road. What they need is $20 billion for public transport and fixing some roads in western Sydney”.

Minister Gay told to ‘catch a train to the 21st century’

The packed meeting. Source: Facebook.com

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By Emily Contador-KElsallThe south Sydney community is calling for a

“tailored dialogue” with the government bodies involved in the Sydney Metro project, following the announcement that the state government has secured funding for the project through the leasing of the state’s electricity network.

The government has allocated $7 billion of funding towards the project and community consultation has already begun, remaining open until July 17.

REDWatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said that while the group supports public transport infrastructure, a broader dialogue between government bodies and the community was needed due to the “complex interaction by a range of different parties” on the project.

The Better Planning Network also posted on Facebook that “local communities are still in the dark”.

The recently renamed Sydney Metro, previously Sydney Rapid Transit, will run under Sydney Harbour and through the CBD to Bankstown. Several station options are yet to be determined including whether to place a station at Waterloo or the University of Sydney.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said that as part of the early planning process for Sydney Metro, the NSW government is encouraging community feedback on either Waterloo or University of Sydney proposals.

“Once a final decision is made, the government will work together with the community and other stakeholders to deliver an integrated transport solution,” the spokesperson said.

While the University of Sydney supports a metro station on site, UrbanGrowth NSW is reportedly backing the Waterloo station, according to planning consultants JPA Urban and Mr Turnbull.

An UrbanGrowth spokesperson told City Hub that both options could provide benefits to the inner city.

“UrbanGrowth NSW is considering the opportunities around Waterloo, as this is within the study area of the Central to Eveleigh Program and will

affect a large area of government owned land that has public housing,” the spokesperson said.

“If, following consultation and assessment, Waterloo is chosen as the site for a new station, we can then fully consider how public housing could be renewed to return the same number of public housing dwellings together with affordable housing choices.”

But Mr Turnbull said UrbanGrowth had been justifying their push for the Waterloo option “on the basis of substantial increase in density, built around the redevelopment of the public housing estate”.

“UrbanGrowth is claiming that if you put a

station here then we can put a lot of new housing development in this area and service people in that Waterloo-Green Square area and provide transport options that wouldn’t be there,” he said.

The effect of the potential station on the public housing estate at Waterloo brings the Land and Housing Corporation and Housing NSW into the “mesh” of involved government bodies, according to Mr Turnbull.

Mr Turnbull said REDWatch’s main concern stems from the Metro’s impact on public housing and that “at the present moment neither UrbanGrowth or the

Land and Housing Corporation or Housing NSW are engaging the public housing community in the discussion”.

“The problem is, when tenants go and talk to Land and Housing or Housing NSW, they say ‘we don’t have any plans’ and they’re quite correct because other parts of government have plans that when they go through, it’ll cascade down to eventually redeveloping the estates,” he said.

Mr Turnbull’s comment was confirmed when City Hub asked the Land and Housing Corporation if there were any plans to engage the public housing community at Waterloo about the future of the site.

REDWatch is currently attempting to organise a meeting between the community, TfNSW, UrbanGrowth, Housing NSW and the Land and Housing Corporation, to have a direct dialogue that addresses the “broader context”

TfNSW is currently holding community information sessions, and those regarding the Waterloo-University of Sydney station option will be this Thursday June 18 and Saturday June 20.

Community engagement triggered the recent project name change according to the state government, with “customers telling us they wanted a simple name just like the London Tube”.

The Sydney Business Chamber applauded this change and Executive Director Patricia Forsythe said in a statement that “changing the name to Metro may seem small but it gives clarity to the system that is based on high-frequency trains”.

This is not the first time Sydney has been presented with the possibility of a metro system. The state government proposed a CBD Metro in 2008, that ran from Rozelle and Pyrmont to Wynyard, Town Hall and Central, with one train every four to five minutes.

This project was shelved by the Kenneally government in 2010. The project’s former CEO and chief of the North West Rail Link, Rodd Staples, is leading the new Sydney Metro project.

Premier Mike Baird called the Metro “the new backbone of our public transport network”

Communities ‘still in the dark’ over Metro

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance and Premier Mike Baird Source: twitter.com

By Lauren O’COnnOr A protest against forced

amalgamations near State Parliament last Thursday June 11 highlighted a “united position” against amalgamation, according to Greens spokesperson for local government David Shoebridge.

Several state politicians supported the “Save Our Councils Coalition” rally including Labor’s local government spokesperson Peter Primrose MLC, member for Strathfield Jodi McKay, Christian Democrats MP Fred Nile, Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and ratepayers from across the state.

Mr Shoebridge told the gathering that the government could not force amalgamations on local communities “unless they get a change to the law in the NSW Parliament”.

“Whether you’re in Strathfield or Randwick, Byron Bay or Bega, people have a right to have a genuine local council. This government wants local councils that are the size of a quarter of a million residents. The only reason they want that is because it’s good for big business,” he said.

For inner west suburbs, a merger would mean a single council would oversee an LGA from Sydney Airport to Balmain and Homebush.

Councils across Sydney and the state have until June 30 to prove they are ‘Fit for the Future’.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has been charged with reviewing the efficiency and ability of individual councils to deliver services. It is understood IPART

will commence their assessments in July, and report their findings to parliament in mid-October.

This short time period between submission and parliamentary decision-making has drawn particular criticism at anti-amalgamation meetings.

The opposition’s Local Government spokesperson Peter Primrose MLC has criticised the methodology of IPART and time constraints of the reviewing process.

“The focus of local government reform must be the delivery of better services, but IPART’s methodology is clearly designed to simply make bigger councils. They have failed to provide any modelling justifying the key assumption that ‘bigger is better,” he told City Hub.

By lydia Watson-moorEAn amalgamation between Waverley

and Randwick councils has been likened to a “shotgun marriage” by one Waverley councillor, as tensions ignited over council’s vote to accept a merger.

At an extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday June 10, Liberal councillors voted in favour of amalgamation with Randwick Council, to the dismay of over 50 angered residents and community representatives.

The decision was intensely contested, with a final verdict of six to five.

Greens Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak said the proposed “unholy mergemony” of the two councils lacked community support.

Clr Wy Kanak addressed the meeting and proposed the situation as “a marriage under duress with a bearded grandpa Baird holding a double-barrelled IPART shotgun”.

“Our community has spoken and they are against this marriage. They do not give it their blessing,” he said.

Clr Wy Kanak said that further community consultation was needed as the council’s survey figures were “contrived, connived and concocted”.

Council business papers reveal it undertook community engagement, in which it claimed 36.6 percent of people supported Waverley standing alone, and thus concluded around 60 percent of those surveyed wanted some form of merger.

Labor councillor John Wakefield said that the Council needed to allow a referendum of residents to get accurate community consultation.

“Does a group of councillors have the

right to move amalgamations without conducting a referendum? My opinion is no,” he said.

“They’re not willing to ask the community, who they’re supposed to represent, to vote on it. It’s an outrageous undermining of democracy.”

Clr Wakefield said that larger councils have not been proven to be better at delivering services.

Former Greens councillor and Waverley resident Nicola Grieves agreed. saying the government had not made a business case to prove the advantage of larger councils.

“Residents access to councillors is going to be diminished. It’s removing the local out of local government,” she said.

But Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said she believes the council has no other choice but to propose an option.

“The issue as far as I’m concerned is not about amalgamation or no amalgamation. The government has made their position quite clear,” she said.

Clr Betts said the government model for Waverley is a global city merge between Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick, Botany Bay and the City of Sydney, which she believes would be a “really bad outcome” for residents.

She said that proposing a merge with Randwick and potentially Woollahra, who have adamantly rejected the proposal, is the only way to avoid the government’s default merge.

“I don’t think we have a choice, so I’m making the best choice for the residents of Waverley,” she said.

Yet, Ms Grieves said under law, the government cannot force amalgamation

without a boundary change or legislative reform.

“The whole premise of the argument is false, no council has to do anything. The government cannot forcefully amalgamate,” she said.

Mill Hill and Bondi Junction Precinct spokesperson Marcella McAdams said Council had ignored the combined precinct vote against amalgamation last November.

“The Council uses the precincts on many occasions to consult, to engage them in projects… but if they don’t like what they hear, they just ignore it,” she said.

Liberal councillor Andrew Cusack said that while his first preference was Waverley standing alone, the council needed to propose an amalgamation to be sustainable.

“At the moment we are not fit for the future, we can’t sustain our infrastructure,” he said.

“If they put a gun to my head and say do you want to go with the City of Sydney or with someone else, I’d rather go with Randwick,” he said.

The decision was put to a rescission motion by Labor, Greens and Independent councillors, which was scheduled for last Sunday June 14.

Residents and community representatives, such as Marcella McAdam, were disappointed the meeting was scheduled on a Sunday, as this was an unsuitable time for many concerned residents who wished to attend.

But the meeting was quickly adjourned, after a planned walkout by Greens and Labor, led by Independent councillor Miriam Guttman-Jones.

The meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday June 28.

Community ‘united’ against amalgamations

‘Unholy mergemony’ of Waverley and Randwick

Thursday’s rally against forced amalgamations. Photo: Joe Bourke


By emily Contador-kelsallThe community campaign to

extend Ballaarat Park is moving steadily forward with the support of independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.

Mr Greenwich submitted five questions centering on the state government’s plans for the future of the park to the Minister for Planning Rob Stokes in late May.

Mr Greenwich told City Hub he hoped that his questions to the minister “will help get more useful open green space”.

“I’ve met with residents onsite and heard their concerns about limited open space and unnecessary roads that are a magnet for anti-social behaviour,” he said.

But a decision is yet to be made on the future of the park.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said, “no decision has been made on this land, pending the review of the Harbour Foreshore Vision & Strategy, which was announced by [the former Planning] Minister Goward in August 2014.”

Despite no decision being made by the state government about the park, resident and co-convenor of the Ballaarat Park community campaign Jean-Paul Markopoulos said Mr Greenwich’s support was “vital” in bringing the campaign to the attention of the government.

“We are receiving tremendous feedback, particularly from the local

residents who are fed up with the aggressive drunken behaviour, noise and pollution emanating on Thursday to Sunday late nights,” he said.

Many residents have attributed the ncreased noise and antisocial behaviour around Ballaarat Park to the billion dollar redevelopment of The Star casino, which has increased traffic on surrounding roads.

One of the key aims of the community campaign is the removal of the roads surrounding the park, as it would increase the park’s space by 60 percent and help reduce late night activity.

“Pyrmont is now the most densely populated area in Australia, and residents in apartments need public open space,” Mr Greenwich said.

By lydia Watson-mooreRandwick Council’s approval of the

redevelopment of Kensington Bowling Club has upset local soccer enthusiasts and residents.

At the latest Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday June 9, councillors voted in favour of the community centre development, which will terminate the current lease at the bowling green held by soccer club, Kikoff.

Liberal councillor Brendan Roberts voted against the development application, describing the $4.2 million development as a “white elephant”.

“It’s probably going to be under utilised. I hope I’m wrong… but on past experience, if you look at the record of other community centres in Randwick, a much smaller community room would’ve fulfilled the need for the space,” he told City Hub.

The site will be altered to include two community halls, a half basketball court, gardens and a 16 space carpark.

In initial 2013 deliberations, the Kikoff fields were included in plans. But in July 2014, Council’s report recommended the termination of the soccer club’s lease.

Kikoff currently uses an old bowling green as two small soccer fields, running competitions, coaching and access to children and adults of varying skill and mobility.

Clr Roberts said it was unfair to kick out the Kikoff club, and questioned why they couldn’t have stayed until the end of their lease.

“It was a five year joint venture agreement, they were only two years into it, so why couldn’t we let them stay for another three years?” he said.

“But no, what we’ve done is we’ve shut down a business that provides a service for over 1000 locals.”

Liberal councillor Harry Stavrinos supported the redevelopment, and said the community centre was a much needed asset.

“This is 15 years in the making and it has been a facility that has well and truly been missed by the community,” he said.

“I believe that a community centre might not look after the physical wellbeing of people, but the social, intellectual and cultural wellbeing is just as important”.

Clr Stavrinos said that while he loves

soccer, he thought Kikoff shouldn’t be kept at the site due to proximity to residences and noise concerns.

“We had petitions and residents complaining about noise, and Council’s own report came back to say that the noise from Kikoff at night was in breach of industrial noise policies,” he said.

But spokesperson for Kikoff Nigel Bramley told City Hub the club had done nothing wrong.

“We’ve had an independent acoustics report done, which said we’re well within the law, noise levels are well within what’s allowed,” he said.

Mr Bramley said the club was extremely disappointed by Council’s decision, and that they had been misled about their future.

“Well basically the Council have lied to us. We’ve been there for nearly three years, and the Council has previously said we could stay there,” he said

“The local community are furious.”Labor councillor Noel D’Souza thought

Council should have delayed the decision and further engaged with the community about the impacts of the Kikoff site’s use.

“Haste sometimes makes waste…it doesn’t matter how long it takes us to make the decision, as long as we make the right decision, let’s go back to the drawing board,” he said.

Clr D’Souza said there was a division between Kikoff and a group he coined “Kick them off”, the residents complaining of noise issues.

He said the community centre would not be used enough and that keeping Kikoff could have been beneficial to Council as an ‘income generating asset’.

Greenwich puts Ballaarat Park on government’s agenda

Kikoff to be kicked off

Kensington Bowling Club is currently used by

five-a-side soccer club Kikoff.

Source: Facebook

Alex Greenwich with Jean Paul in Ballaarat Park.

CANTERBURYOLYMPIC ICE RINK

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Class dates and times:29 June – 3 July

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Public Skating until 12.30pm inclusive.

Make sure you have your skates on ready to go as classes start strictly at 10.00am. No booking required.

Public Skating sessions:11.00am – 12.30pm,

1.00pm – 3.00pm


BY jamie apps Over the next six weeks Sydney’s

Carriageworks will be transformed into an immersive multimedia and dance experience, featuring 24 different works by 24 different artists.

Commissioned as part of a partnership between the Australian Council Of The Arts and Carriageworks, this exhibition is set to be one of the most ambitious and extensive presentations of dance on screen in Australia – “occupying a space that is 6000 metres squared” according to co-curator Nina Miall.

As an arts space Carriageworks has always maintained a commitment to being an experimental, cross-disciplinary, multi-arts space. This is strongly reflected in this exhibition, as Miall says it has brought together “artists working in different media – whether that was dance, performance, visual art or film – to collaborate and take their art in new experimental directions.”

According to Brian Fuata, one of the artists commissioned for the exhibition, a show of this nature was “kind of inevitable and natural, because there is a current turn in artistic and cultural practice to combine different disciplines, so this is very much a show of the moment.” With this trend in mind the curators of the show placed very few limitations upon the artists, the only guidelines being that the works had to have a film element and also incorporate a dance element. Due to this philosophy the variety of works is astonishing, ranging from projections in various sizes and formats: big multi-channel installations on suspended

screens, immersive interactive environments, smaller more deliberately intimate formats, works on iPads and finally works that incorporate the structural heritage elements of the venue itself into the art.

Brian, who doesn’t come from either a dance or film background but rather contemporary theatre, is a perfect example of how this exhibition has allowed artists expand their style and explore new mediums. “When I was asked to be in the show I kind of freaked out a little bit about not being either a dancer or filmmaker, so I decided to look into dance film and what they’re all about,” he explained. From this Brian was able to create a series of three-line written observations of each film, which he has then overlaid onto footage of an artistic performance recorded specifically for the show, but inspired by something he has been doing for the past two years.

At first Brian says he “hated every single bit” of the recorded performance, but after editing the footage of himself dressed as a ghost he was left with a series of ever evolving empty spaces. The final product, Appropriational Charlatan, sees these two elements “sandwiched together but operating on different systems, the text and images are operating on their own logic so you never get [the] same combination of things in this sort of live moment.”

An artwork by Khaled Sabsabi commissioned for 24 Frames shows just how different the outcomes have been thanks to the broad brief given by the

curators. Organized Confussion features images of Western Sydney Wanderers supporter group the Red Black Bloc, and juxtaposes this against traditional Javanese shamanistic dancing.

“I’ve always been interested in ritualisation in my work and what it means in terms of meaning, learning and knowledge in both traditional and contemporary societies. In my previous work videoing many rituals I’ve found that there striking similarities between the contemporary ritual of football fans coming together and other ancient forms of ritualization,” said Sabsabi.

Another advantage that this show had over many others is the amount of time the curators were able to give artists to develop an idea and then execute it how they best

saw fit. “We’ve had two years to create this work, usually you’re given a very limited time, whereas here we were allowed to develop an idea and develop it well,” explained Khaled.

In contrast, Futana believes that due to the collaborative nature of the show (where half of the artists selected had “no history in filmmaking”) it proved to be “very challenging because we were kind of thrown in the deep end to make a film.” However he also believes that this is exactly what makes the show so exciting and interesting, in that it creates a space “not of complete works but of works that challenge the idea of finished, slickly produced work.”

Obviously without the help of the Australian Council For The Arts, projects like this could not happen. As Nina Miall

explained “it is a hugely expensive project to both commission these works, as filmmaking isn’t cheap, then obviously it’s also very expensive to stage as an exhibition because you’ve got projectors, media players, speakers and hugely complex technical installs. So from that point of view it has been very important to have a government partner.”

This is an exhibition catering to all age groups; there is something here for everyone.

Carriageworks has developed an educational guide for the exhibition, particularly of interest to secondary students studying dance and visual arts.Jun 18 – Aug 2, Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Everleigh, FREE, info: carriageworks.com.au

arts FEatUrE

24 Frames Per second

Brian Fuata Photo: Chris Peken

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Australia Post is proposing to decommission the Street Posting Box (SPB) located at the corner of Lord Street and King Street, Newtown.

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Australia Post is currently undertaking a 30 days consultation process with the local community. During this period a notice will be placed on the SPB.

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During his recent visit to Australia promoting Nissos Beer, founder Alexandros Kouris, told me Alpha Restaurant produced the best Greek food he had in Sydney. Sliding into the stately restaurant, that simultaneously summons monumental history and lazy days by the seashore, I start to see why. Chic apron-clad staff exude effortless cool. They’re confident in the menu, and they should be - parts of it, like the Scallop Moussaka

($27), have stood the test of time. To think I could have been eating this clever dish, with rounds of tomato-topped eggplant sandwiching seared scallops, glued together with a smear of standout Taramosalata ($12) (also available in dip form with addictive, house-made pita bread), back in 1993. More fool me. Other classics, like Spanakopita ($20), result in an airy, golden-topped spinach pie dissected at the table by a member of the universally handsome wait staff. They’re also dab hands at translating wine preferences into Greek if you’re keen to branch out. The 2013 Boutari Assyrtiko Santorini ($11/glass) has a beautiful mineral character with citrus notes that readily complement simpler grill options, like Mastic Spiced Quail ($27) with fetta and watermelon hunks. Make Head Chef Peter Conistis’ Greek Spiced Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder ($38/$58) the centrepiece of your meal – roast potatoes don’t get much better.238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney (02) 9098 1111 alpharestaurant.com.auGreek $$$

Alpha Restaurant

ROCKS & CBD

Martin Place Bar Martin Place Bar takes pride in not only producing good food, but in sourcing free range produce. With an impressively long bar, and sizeable wine list, bar snacks like Prawn Tostadas ($12) and Pumpkin and Thyme Arancini ($10), are bite-sized and moreish. Full marks for the delightfully porky terrine, part of a Charcuterie Board ($24), that goes down nicely with a peppery Cake Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.50 glass/$55 bottle). More substantial fare comes in the form of elegant ‘Cone Bay’ Barramundi ($25), with new potatoes and a cauliflower puree, or the hefty, bone-protruding goodness of a 300g ‘Northern Rivers’ Rib Eye ($30).

This is unpretentious pub food with appreciable sophistication. 51 Martin Place, Sydney (02) 9231 5575 martinplacebar.com.auBar, Modern Australian, Pub Bistro $$$O Bar & Dining Head Chef Darren Templeman is now cooking in this iconic Harry Seidler-designed location. Some dishes, like creamy Burata di Buffala ($29) play with expectations, substituting crisp chicken skin where you might expect crackers; while others, like House-made Soy Tofu ($30) with dashi spiked with aged Korean soy, are gloriously uncompromising. Owner Michael Moore’s health focus can still be found in delicate Pink Snapper Sashimi ($32) or lettuce boats of Rump Steak ‘Tartare’ ($35) topped with crunchy

puffed tendon. In the hands of Head Bartender Andy Calderon, innovative cocktails like Pete the Peruvian ($18) & The Kingsford ($18) are in keeping with this high altitude location. Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney (02) 9247 9777 obardining.com.au Modern Australian, Cocktails $$$$The Gantry Restaurant & BarRaw materials are a focus at the refurbished Pier One Sydney Harbour. Interior designers Bates Smart have done wonders with reclaimed timbers; while in the kitchen, Canadian Chef Chris Irving pays reverence to the bounty of our seas. On a blustery evening, it’s his handling of land critters that beckon, from Venison Tartare ($20) to brutally satisfying Smoked Bone Marrow ($16). Rustic

Beetroot Homefries ($8), salt-crusted slabs of earthy-sweet beetroot, provide a good stick-to-your-ribs supplement to judiciously sized mains, including the ultra-pretty Jumjum Muscovy Duck ($36) with citrus glaze, carrots and purslane. End with the deceptively simple Fresh Austral Figs ($15) - dessert elevated to near perfection. 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (02) 8298 9910 thegantry.com.auModern Australian, Wine $$$$

INNER WEST

Forest Lodge HotelFestooned with fairy lights, vintage photos, and boasting craft beers on tap, the Forest Lodge Hotel—or Flodge as I once lovingly knew it—has come a

long way from stale beer and aromatic football socks. Where there were once VB jugs, rusted-on locals, and footy on the TV, there’s now Craft Beer Tasting Paddles ($15) featuring hoppy Murray’s Stone Kicker Ale ($7) and smoke’n’barley flavoured Draughty Kilt Scotch Ale ($9). And I’ve got to admit—things have changed for the better – especially with perfectly cooked Kangaroo Fillet ($26) with earthy beetroot, walnut and goats cheese salad, and the famous madras-style Fish Curry ($20), mild and elegant, with a slab of crisp-skinned salmon.117 Arundel Street, Forest Lodge (02) 9660 1872 forestlodgehotel.com.auPub Bistro $$-$$$The Balmain HotelWith dumplings one buck each on a

Thursday night, most patrons are tucking into steaming bamboo baskets—but The Balmain Hotel also has new dishes to try. Salty creamy goodness is doubled down in smoked cheese-enriched stuffed zucchini flowers and aromatic jalapeno croquettes, each irresistibly deep-fried and crispy. Throw in some fluffy Peking duck steamed buns, and you have one tasty Share Plate for 2 ($35). But this is a pub, and pubs live and die by their classics. Fortunately the Balmain Burger ($18) stands and delivers with classic charred Australiana complete with grated beetroot. Fluffy little ice cream buns - Salted Caramel Sliders ($12) – have a nice hot-cold dynamic against warm chocolate sauce. 74 Mullens Street, Balmain (02) 9810 7500 thebalmain.comPub Bistro $$-$$$

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

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

By RyAN KENNEDyDespite sitting at the base of Governor Macquarie Tower in the heart of the CBD, Bertoni Farrer Place remains remarkably casual. Maybe it is the warm Italian welcome, the backslapping enthusiasm of the owners, or the hearty Italian fare, but the end result is a good mix of suits, casual

lunchers, and even a bike courier. Hot out of the open kitchen, Quattro Formaggi Stuffed Zucchini Flowers ($18) are as densely stuffed as all zucchini flowers ought to be, oozing rich cheesy goodness on a necessarily sharp rocket salad; while the classic Vitello Tonnato ($19) is lightened with salad leaves and exceedingly tasty capers. It would be remiss of me not to tuck into some carbs, and you can’t go wrong with the earthy and shellfish-sweet Farro Risotto ($24), arriving perfectly al dente. While n’duja spiced Gnocchi Sardi ($24) had a nice porky waft, it unfortunately lacked the flavour punch to match its heat. An even more porky option is the glistening curl of fragrant Slow-Roasted Porchetta ($23); it’s tender and unctuous, with an irresistible ribbon of crackling. Though it’s worth coming just for the Tiramisu ($12). Individual portions are served from a large tray that is brought to the table, and it is compulsorily accompanied by a Macchiato ($3.50). What could be more Italian?Corner Phillip and Bent Streets, Sydney (02) 9241 2127 bertoni.com.au/farrer-place Italian $$-$$$

Bertoni Farrer Place

MEEt tHE LOCALS

the Aphrodite & Apollo Cosmetic Medicine difference

the Good-Buy End of Financial Year Sales at Broadway

Sydney City toyota – Revving up for the EOFY!

Aphrodite and Apollo Cosmetic Medicine pride themselves on delivering the latest treatments in cosmetic medicine, including dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, peels, and many other services.

Their doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, keeping up to date with the latest advances in cosmetic medicine. Aphrodite and Apollo also have monthly training to ensure they are always abreast with the latest techniques and products.

All of their staff are focused on listening to your needs in terms of the treatment result, personal budget, and delivering a treatment plan to suit each individual’s desired outcome.

Aphrodite and Apollo Cosmetic Medicine are very unique in that they have interest free payment plans available to clients. You can have your treatments, plan future appointments, and spread payments over 12 months.

If you are considering having a treatment and are unsure of the options available to you, book a complimentary consultation at one of our clinics by calling us 1300 666 244.

Boxing Day is not the only time you can cash in on shopping bargains – June is just as good a month for some frugal retail therapy.

Throughout June there will be hundreds of clearance specials available across many stores at Broadway.

This end of financial year, Broadway has everything you need to make life easier and help you save. There is a bevy of tasty bargains at some of your favourite stores, including Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, Dick Smith, Camera House and many more.

Celebrate the end of the financial year Stocktake fever at Broadway until June 30.

Broadway shopping centre is located at Broadway, 1 Bay Street, Broadway 2007

For more information go to: www.broadway.com.au/events/end-of-financial-year-sales/

The (end of financial year) EOFY sales are in full swing and with June being the busiest month of the year for Sydney City Toyota, it’s definitely not too late to get the best deal on a Toyota before June 30!

Sydney City Toyota is holding a “4 Day Mega Sale Event” to clear all new and used stock before the EOFY, starting from Friday June 19 until Monday June 22, 2015.

Dealer Principal, Mr John Roca, said “if you’re ready to buy a Toyota,

talk to us before making a decision as we must clear all stock by June 30 and we mean it.” And you know you are in good hands with Sydney City Toyota, NSW’s number 1 Toyota dealership.

”Our goal is to exceed your expectations and make your car buying experience easy and exciting, as it should be”, said Mr Roca.

If you are not already a customer of Sydney City Toyota, then this is the perfect time to join the majority of car buyers. Sale starts tomorrow on June 19 at Toyota’s Glebe and Waterloo sites, so drop in or call to book an appointment or test drive on (02) 8093 5444.

Sydney City Toyota is on 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe


EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan [email protected]

FOOD NEWS

EAT & DRINK By Jackie McMillan

After meeting personable founder of Nissos Craft Beer, Alexandros Kouris, I was keen to give his beer a whirl. What I found was a lovely, clean and refreshing pilsner, with enough flavour not to be boring.

Nissos is coming all the way from the Cyclades archipelagos of the Greek islands, so it’s unsurprising that its herbaceous, citrusy and ever so lightly malty flavours are perfectly suited to Mediterranean foods, particularly grilled meats and seafood. (I drank mine with a Lebanese feast, and it went down a treat.)

Nissos is definitely the kind of refreshing beer that should do brilliantly in the Australian climate. At this stage, you won’t find it in bottle shops, but you can try it at Nick’s restaurant and bar venues, including Cyren Bar Grill Seafood, Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, Nick’s Bar & Grill, I’m Angus Steakhouse and Adria Bar Restaurant for $9 per bottle, $8.50 on tap and $24 a jug (only at Stacks Taverna).

With enough enthusiasm from beer lovers like you and me, hopefully we’ll get some take-home options for this great Greek beer soon – it deserves to be drunk by the sea!www.nissoscraftbeer.com.au

There are several large African and Oriental portrait-murals in the downstairs of Mr Tippy’s. Moroccan tiles encase the bar and medina blue is the feature wall colour. I’m here for the gin cart, a portable trolley of G&Ts (options: Tanqueray 10, Hendricks and Larios with Schweppes tonic water) wheeled by an amiable waitress. Sipping one, and in the gaze of one of the exotic murals, I’m starting to feel like I’m in an imperial British tearoom outpost. This is especially so in ‘The Attic’, the more lushly fitted out upstairs area, where they’ll serve you a yet-to-be-named maple syrup Old Fashioned (set to run $19) that is festively spicy, as well as some food. Tempura rock shrimp with chilli mayo. ($19) are solid bar nosh, and, with the DJ already well and truly on at 6pm on a Friday, everything is lined up for the inevitable excess of a few cocktails.347 Kent St, Sydney (02) 9299 4877 mrtipplys.com.au

GREATER SYDNEY

Cottage Point Inn Descend onto one of the leafy green fingers that protrude into the Hawkesbury. Parisian born Chef Guillaume Zika delivers a modern, fad-resistant menu. Line-caught Snapper Carpaccio ($28) utilises familiar ingredients - strawberry sauce vierge and celery – united by white balsamic to transport the dish somewhere new. Spatchcock ($45) scratches the old roast chicken dinner itch, but lands looking beautifully contemporary. Under a fluffy shaved foie gras, the Grilled Wagyu Rump Cap ($48) is balanced by plump blueberries, king

brown mushrooms, and roasted onion and lemon puree. Fabulous wines like the textural 2013 Château Petit Roubié Picpoul de Pinet ($83), and a ripper Raspberry Salad ($19) dessert, cement my affection for this unique spot. 2 Anderson Place, Cottage Point (02) 9456 1011 cottagepointinn.com.auModern Australian $$$$

NEWTOWN & ENVIRONS

Knuckles Sandwich BarIt’s the inkblot test – whether you think of a knock to the face, or a succulent hock of pork. This sandwich bar lies amongst factories

in the industrial fashion precinct of Alexandria. Their Veal Schnitzel Ciabatta Roll ($12) made fresh to order with lemon aioli, rocket and Parmesan demonstrates it’s seriously the only decent place to get a sanga on McEvoy Street. However don’t neglect the burgers! The popular Cheeseburger ($10) has a golden sesame milk bun that reminds me of the old school milk bars. Speaking of which, you must order a side of Hand Cut Chips ($3.50) and the Belgian Chocolate Milkshake ($6.50) to wash it down. 88 McEvoy Street, Alexandria (0403) 821 117 knucklessandwichbar.com.auCafé – $-$$

Twenty-six year old Zac Stanning (ex-Public Dining Room) has been a head chef for six months. Team that with a triumvirate of owners - Stephen Thompson, Tony Binning and Alex Searle – “all sommeliers by profession”, and you have what could be a recipe for disaster. What you find, however, is a cohesive wine bar and restaurant reflecting the tastes, down to BYO proclivities, of the local area. Both Thompson and Stanning know their audience from their time in neighbouring Balmoral. Stanning wants to cook “something that people will like”, expressed writ large in his soft, port-sweet Duck Liver

Parfait ($17), but also in the wider absence of obscure ingredients. Instead Stanning makes much ado about Carrots ($17) presenting them as a sweet orange symphony of 24-hour cooked carrots, pickled heirloom carrots, smoked carrot puree and crisp carrot tops offset by pebbles of

honeycomb. Equally exciting, though definitely more savoury, is the forest floor of Sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms ($17) scattered with crisp mushroom bark and a mossy green parsley take on Ferran Adria’s famous microwave sponge. While seafood dishes from a pretty 12-Hour Cured Queensland Prawns ($18) to Line Caught Snapper ($31) with persimmon, zucchini and yellow squash, are solid and easy to like, desserts felt a little dated. Wine is (obviously) another strong suit.3/362 Military Road, Cremorne (02) 9904 5687 barrelbar.com.au Modern Australian $$$-$$$$

Barrel Bar & Dining

Mr Tipply’s

BAR FlY By Ryan KennedyBy Jackie McMillan

BY AlEx HArmONAlthough they might not have the weather for it, the British sure do know how to make a decent fish’n’chips. Sure, it’s not exactly ‘catch of the day’ and the menu reads like a DIY heart attack, but it’s a damn good feed. This chippie has a mix of British and Irish specialties like haggis, black pudding and deep-fried Mars Bars. There’s even a deep fried jam

sandwich; but if you want to ease yourself in, go for the Cod ($14.95) with hand cut chips. Throw in some Mushy Peas ($2.50) and douse it with vinegar for a bona fide taste of England. The Curry Cheese Chips ($7.50) are a standout – like an Irish poutine, they’re decadent hangover food. Wash it down with an Irn Bru ($3), the ‘national drink of Scotland behind Whiskey’ – basically a sherbet-flavoured soda. The Southern Fried Chicken ($9.95) is more familiar territory; the Irish owners use a family recipe to fire up a really tender piece of chook. Their Scampi ($11.95) is crumbed nicely and ties in perfectly with Pickled Eggs ($1.60). The Jumbo Battered Sausage ($5.95) looks like carnival food to me, but for my ex-pat. dining partner, it’s a delicacy that should be taken seriously – with a good shake of the tomato sauce bottle.49-55 St. Pauls Street, Randwick (1300) 2447 7467 thechipshop.com.auSeafood $

The Traditional Chip shop

“It’s big, it’s heavy, it’s wood. It’s log…” Ren & Stimpy aren’t the only ones obsessed with logs. Firedoor’s log is the first gnarly object to catch your eye, right after the fancy sliding door spits you unceremoniously into the Surry Hills warehouse, your arm awkwardly half-raised. Fink Group backing makes this the perfect sibling to Bridge Room; oozing the same casual luxury. Ned Goodwin has curated a great wine list, and Bar Manager Phil McElory

delivers it with aplomb, steering me into a lovely blend of chardonnay and Chenin blanc, the 2011 Lammershoek Roulette Blanc ($77). The long banquette provides a vantage point to view the open kitchen, where Chef Lennox Hastie puts the skills he learned at Spain’s Etxebarri to good use. Employing wood fire and variety of different logs (including nectarine wood), he gently coaxes the best out of your dinner. Jersey Curd ($16) balances smoky creaminess with pickles. Seafood options, from barely-set WA Marron ($46) to plump Pippies ($32) with garlic and chilli, prove menu highlights; the latter necessitating Wood Fired Bread ($7) for mopping up tasty, briny juices. Meatier options, like Lamb Rump Cap ($48) with perfectly cooked borlotti beans – form an ideal bridge to dessert: root vegetables made super delicious as roasted Spaghetti Squash ($16) with pepitas and pumpkin ice cream.23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills (02) 8204 0800 firedoor.com.auModern Australian $$$$

Firedoor

DARlO, KINGS X & SURRY HIllS

Osaka BarThis spot celebrates the dishes of Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, famous for inexpensive street food. It’s the birthplace of Takoyaki ($8.50/8), and the gooey-centred offerings here are the bomb. Just keep your on-tap Suntory Premium Malt ($8.50) handy; they’re served piping hot. You should try their pressed, rectangular oshizushi. The BBQ Eel ($18.50) version stuffed with shitake mushrooms then topped with cucumber, egg and chives, proved excellent. Konamomo – flour-based dishes - including tasty Ika-yaki ($8.50) squid pancakes, are also popular with the people of Osaka. Alongside golden-

crumbed deep-fried stuff on sticks - kushikatsu – from moist Zucchini ($1.50) to Potato Croquettes ($2.50), they make excellent drinking snacks against sake or Japanese whisky. Shop 15, Llankelly Place, 24-30 Springfield Avenue, Potts Point (02) 8970 1143 osakabar.com.auJapanese $$Haven The end of one-way communication between you and your barista is nigh! Inside this spacious Chalmers Street café, a star-shaped flavour chart invites you to direct the barista using aroma, sweetness, acidity, body and aftertaste. It’s translated into adjustments in time, temperature, grind size and single origin bean, producing a customised Latte ($4). The best expression of the work

of world champion Taiwanese coffee roaster, Jake Hu, is the 8-Hour Cold Brew ($6). Now while the focus is coffee, Chef Thomas Taylor ensures food isn’t neglected. His Pork Belly Kimcheese Burger ($19) shines from bold use of the healthy Korean staple, tangled with coriander, grated apple, radish and sesame-dotted omelette. 30-34 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills (02) 9281 9300 havenspecialtycoffee.com.auCafé $-$$Mafi MitloSlide into this subterranean M.A.S.H. unit to eat Arabic street food. Start with beer, and if on-tap Aussie options like Coopers Pale Ale ($6/330ml) don’t grab you, get the affable staff to nip next door for the Lebanese 961 red Ale ($8.50). Yes, this is an offshoot of the formidable Kazbah empire, owned by Zahi

Azzi. He’s put his stamp on the menu using his mother’s excellent recipe for Kibbeh ($8/4 pieces). Sambousek ($8/4 pieces) are also impressive, especially with strong garlic Toum ($6.50) or super-smoky Baba ($7.50). Kale Tabbouleh ($12.50) is fabulous, nudging out Grainy Fattoush ($13.50). Round out your meal with fragrant Chicken Shawarma ($14.50) and surprisingly good Chips with Harissanaise ($6.50). 9/15 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross (1300) 529 224 mafimitlo.com.au Lebanese $

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES

Mappen Bondi JunctionThis DIY noodle bar, where you self-serve your fresh crispy tempura and

toppings, sauces and water, has the bustle of a traditional Tokyo style diner with the warmth of Sydney hospitality. Servers giggle sheepishly as you peruse the menu, made up mostly of ramen, rice bowls and salads, with a couple of Japanese beers. Whether you go for the Teriyaki Salmon ($8.50) with rice, or the lighter Teriyaki Chicken Salad ($7.90), the teriyaki is on point, and at food-court prices, you feel like you’re winning. Mappen members get edamame, salad and sake for only $3, great against the warming Curry and Beef ($7.70) with udon noodles and tender stewed beef. Shop 5, 183-193 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction (02) 9388 0609 mappen.com.auJapanese $little Jean Double Bay has had a little makeover, and

riding on the coattails of the impressive InterContinental Hotel, is Little Jean. relaxed and streamlined, it’s like a first-class airport lounge, so keep it classy with freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters ($20/6) and Prosecco ($9.50/glass) from Victoria’s High Country. The café (bistro by night) is by the guys behind the Golden Sheaf’s bistro, and showcases seasonal, sustainable produce. Bruschetta ($16) with house-cured salmon is fresh and filling, while Steak Frites ($28) are Frenchy and chic like the clientele, smothered in maître d’hotel butter. On the lighter side, roasted Cauliflower Salad ($18) is perfectly balanced with creamy tahini and yoghurt dressing. 1 Kiaora Road, Double Bay (02) 9328 0201 littlejean.com.auModern Australian, Café $$

13city hub 18 June 2015

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Jacob Harrison, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olgar Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone.

13 STAGE16 SCENE 17 SCREEN18 SOuNdS

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah MaherSub-Editor: Charlotte Fostera&e

Like Me is a mad mayhem of a comedy about the modern era’s narcissistic obsession with social media and the ‘ridiculous consumption of our own image’ – but it is also so much more than that.Eight hours of theatre is condensed into an hour-and-a-half and eight rooms, over two levels of a 166-year-old, five-storey mansion.“Unlike promenade theatre, which is where the audience follows the action and the action dictates where you go, we have action happening simultaneously across the house,” explained Duncan Maurice, co-writer and director of Like Me and artistic director and producer at Mongrel Mouth Theatre.Inspired by the Bouffon clowning technique of French dramatic master Jacque LeCoq (which is ridiculous and mocking in style) this unique performance simultaneously follows a small community of dysfunctional and ego-driven former patients who have overthrown their once pristine treatment centre.The comedy operates as a process of discovery;

the audience has the freedom to wander essentially wherever and whenever they want. Maurice describes the experience to be “much like how we use the internet”… “You can ‘hyperlink’ whenever you want and watch this bit of it, and go to that bit of it, and push forward and run around to the other bit of it, so you are in control of your own experience in that way.”The Rocks Pop-Up Initiative of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority organised the unique mansion venue. Duncan explained, “they’re really supportive of new art in Sydney and contributing to the landscape of a more enriched cultural way of making art and theatre in Sydney.”This is the third production from Mongrel Mouth, a group of artists, actors and designers creating original, site-specific theatre with a common goal of working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. (AM)June 18 – July 11. Merchants House, 43-45 George St, The Rocks. $20 - $30. Tickets & info: www.mongrelmouth.com

When you go to a comedy show the general expectation for the night is a good chuckle, some thought-provoking material and a charismatic comedian with their own twisted perceptions on life. But what if you could have MORE? Tuesday Night Live (TNL) comedy at the Chippendale Hotel is a creative weekly event that welcomes budding comedians and the general public to sit back, relax and even join in.No - it’s not like an open mic night. Yes - it IS stand-up comedy, but around the second half of the night things can get a little… conceptual.Seizure Kaiser, event coordinator and comedian, says he has been playing around with quite a few ideas. For example, he along with other comedy panellists including Gary Eck, co-writer

and co-director of Happy Feet 2, decided to create a podcast live in front of the audience where they fought over films. And Sean Michaels, ex-producer of NOVA 96.1, just this week performed his stand-up routine meant for the Melbourne comedy festival.Coming up next week is (Jun 23) Raw Comedy finalists Andrew Wolfe, Jonas Holt and Paige Hally.Check out their Facebook page for the latest weekly events. (JC)

Every Tuesday from 7.30pm. The Chippendale Hotel, 87 Abercrombi St, Chippendale. $10.www.comedyonedge.com or www.facebook.com/comedyonedge

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

MoNgREl MouTh PRESENTS: lIkE ME

Pandelis is married to Soula who loves the Bulldogs. They are Greek and live next to Shane who is an Aussie NRL referee married to Ngoc Bich, a Vietnamese import. The domestic, cultural and marital harmony soon tilts wildly out of control thanks to a meddling neighbour from hell.Fresh from a sold-out premier season in 2014, It’s War returns to the Factory Theatre in Marrickville and judging by the opening night audience, there’s a lot of love in the room.Writing and direction by Alex Lycos is tight and assured with all the players jumping on the end of each other’s lines. Maria Tran shows massive comic talent and gets the biggest laughs playing the overblown ‘I not Chinese, I Vietnamese’ mail-order bride.Its War doesn’t so much explore racial stereotypes as hit you over the head with them. Refreshing in its political incorrectness and far from subtle but a hugely engaging laugh-a-minute performance. (GW)Until June 21, Thursday – Saturday, 7:30pm, Sunday 5:30pm. Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, $21-25, Tickets: www.bulldogtheatre.com or 9550 3666.

IT’S WAR

TNl: TuESdAy NIghT lIvE

14 city hub 18 June 2015


THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

LEGALLY BROWN Phenomenal ticket sales for comedian Nazeem Hussain’s Sydney Comedy Festival season has seen the Logie Award nominee announce two return shows in June. Hussain will perform his debut solo show Legally Brown at the Factory Theatre twice on Saturday June 20. The master of exposing the inherent absurdity in prejudice and flipping stereotype on its head, Hussain’s live shows are no different - cerebral, confronting and funny. June 20, 7pm and 9pm. The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Marrickville. $30.58 - $35.68.

Tickets & info: www.nazeemhussain.com or www.livenation.com.au LORE The latest offering from Bangarra features a double bill of stories about the land and sea crafted by established choreographer Francis Rings along with up-and-comers Waangenga Blanco and Deborah Brown. Tara Gower is a senior dancer at Bangarra, and had this to say about the components of the upcoming show: “I.B.I.S. is.. a lighthearted look at the great people up there and the ins and outs of island life. There’s a bit of traditional in there, too…. It’s a big contrast to Sheok, which is more dramatic. “Sheok explores the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islanders from the beginning of time. “The leaves represent our future, the trunk is our present, and the roots are our past. [It’s] life as a circle, where our culture is strong from the beginning.” (HC)Until June 27, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point. $31 – $97. Tickets & info: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/lore.aspxBATTLE OF WATERLOO This Kylie Coolwell play tells the tale of two sisters; Sissy, played by the incredibly talented Shareena Clanton and Cassie, played by Shari Sebbens who is best known for her outstanding performance in The Sapphires. As Cassie’s boyfriend arrive

back home to Redfern after three years on the inside, the sisters must decide whether to settle for the life they have or to work hard and achieve their goals. The play aims to change your perceptions and transform your reality. (LB)Until June 27. Wharf 1 Theatre, Pier 4 & 5, Hickson Rd, Circular Quay. $55. Tickets & info: https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on/productions/2015/battle-of-waterlooKiDSHOW! After spending a year in the United States working with the team from Sesame Street, the unforgettable Umbilical Brothers make their long awaited return to Sydney with their new show. It

includes all of the elements of your typical kids show from singing and dancing, to audience participation and storytelling, however it takes an unexpected turn. “It’s a kids show that’s probably just crazy enough to NOT be watched by kids,” explains one half of the comedy duo, David Collins. (JA)Jun 19-27, Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay, $46.90-$49.90, umbilicalbrothers.comMISTERMAN Referencing the grand old men of Irish theatre, Misterman is ‘off-the-wall’. Directed by Kate Gaul and starring Thomas Campbell, it’s a one-man show about a small Irish town beset by sin and one man’s Christian attempt to redeem

the people of the village. Playing a number of characters, Campbell approached it with Walsh’s stage instructions at the forefront. “It’s highly scripted,” he explains, allowing him to move within the characters and their boundaries, and also working with long-time collaborator Gaul. Irish theatre has a “very sarcastic twist,” says Campbell. “There’s a sense of humour, which I love, that wants to rile and challenge people.” Misterman is sure to provide. (OA)Until June 27, the Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo. $22 - $32 (Earlybird $20). Tickets & info: http://www.oldfitztheatre.com/misterman/

It’s been a long time coming, but we have just seen the release of Jurassic World, likely the biggest blockbuster of 2015. Yawn. I’m a child of the 90’s, I lived through‚ The Great Dinosaur Fad’ of 93’ and my tastes have matured. I’m looking for something with more teeth, more twists, and a few more musical numbers. Fortunately Squabbalogic Independent Musical Theatre is about to present the Australian premiere of Triassic Parq!Based on the original blockbuster and billed as ‘a theological dinosaur sex comedy 65 million years in the making’, Triassic Parq splices dinosaurs, shows tunes and sex changes together in this inventive new musical, which presents the classic movie from the dinosaurs’ perspective. When one female T-Rex suddenly turns male and the entire pack must question their identity, gender, and what is possible – examining love, faith and science through a comical lens.Since its birth in 2006, Squabbalogic has been delighting audiences with confrontational whimsy, bringing new material to musical theatre goers and bringing new audiences to musical theatre, with recent productions including Man of La Mancha and Carrie: The Musical. Director, Jay James-Moody explains it was his love of dinosaurs and musicals that brought him to the script, “It’s Rocky Horror meets Jurassic Park, with fantastic and current themes of gender and identity peppered among gut-busting, hilarious comedy and songs.”The show will run between June 17 and July 4, with a very special ‘In Conversation with the Cast and Crew Q&A’ following the 2pm performance on June 27, use the promo code #CleverGirl for discount tickets on first performances.To reiterate: Singing Dinosaurs! (JH)June 17 - July 4, Tues – Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm & 7:30pm. Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre, City Road, Chippendale. $30-$49. (Thursday Date Night: 2 tickets for $80) Bookings: http://www.seymourcentre.com/events/event/triassic-parq/

SQUABBALOGIC PRESENTS: TRIASSIC PARQ

This winter, The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir will be presenting a glorious performance entitled Cheek to Cheek. This will be presented in the third week of June, in conjunction with the same sex ballroom community and some great musical theatre performers.Cheek to Cheek tells the queer tale of Frederika and Roger (Ginger, to his friends) who have been ballroom dance partners since they were children. Things change during the Tasman Strait Ballroom Dancing Championships when an incident makes them realise that want to be their true selves. Their Cinderella type story is helped along by the appearance of their ‚Fairy Godmother’, a drag queen on her way to the ‚Rainbow Ball’.This production stars Johanna Allen as Frederika, Ben Palumbo as Ginger and Tom Sharah as the ‘Fairy Godmother’. With the combination of this talent along with the amazing Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, it is sure to be a fabulous, glittering, and fun performance. Be sure to book your tickets quick as it is only on for the weekend. You wouldn’t want to miss this show. (LB)June 20 - 21. (Saturday 3pm and 8pm, Sunday 2pm.) The Roundhouse, UNSW Anzac Parade, Kensington. $44-$49. Tickets: www.sglc.org

Written in 1955 by playwrights Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, this stage play is based on The Diary of Anne Frank, which explores the lives of a group of Jewish people who lived in hiding from Nazi persecution in Amsterdam between 1942 –1944.The play focuses on the tensions which arise as a group of people are forced to live under confined conditions in a small apartment, and their courage and desperate need for survival.Justina Ward delivers a vibrant performance as Anne Frank and the powerful direction of Sam Thomas has extruded emotionally charged performances from the ensemble cast. Anne Frank’s outspoken and vivacious nature provides many humorous moments and a breakaway from the horror and uncertainty that audiences will experience for these characters.The intimacy of the fringe theatre and a small stage cluttered with basic furniture and props effectively resonates the extremities in living conditions, and audiences are seemingly on stage as the story unfolds. The frightening last moments of the play as the Nazis discover the hiding place are intensified by clever lighting techniques - a finale audiences will not soon forget.Compelling and insightful, this story of discrimination and racial intolerance is a fine tribute to the millions of Jews who perished in one of the darkest chapters in history. (MMo)Until July 11, New Theatre, 542 King Street Newtown, $17 - $32, Bookings: 02 9519 3403 or newtheatre.org.au

CHEEk TO CHEEk: A BALLROOM FANTASIA

REVIEW: THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANk

16 city hub 18 June 2015

exhibitions

GAME PROTOTYPING WITH DR EGG As part of the month-long DoDarlo festivities, game developer Catherine Fargher and her collaborators at Hero Videogames are running Game Prototyping With Dr Egg, an event for children to come along and get a small insight into the games development industry, whilst also testing out the prototype of their new game The Dr Egg Adventures.

Fargher was given funding by the Australian Council For The Arts to help develop her highly successful childrens’ theatre show into an interactive multi-platform gaming format. “I’m working with a screen director and multi-platform producers to create a games platform, TV episodes and an interactive storybook,” said Fargher. (JA)Jun 20, Spunky Bruiser, 68 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, www.dpb.org.au (Food supplied by Greenhouse Cafe)

VIDEO GAMES LIVE Veteran video game composer and world record holder Tommy Tallarico brings his Video Games Live show to Australia. This show brings video game music to life through a full symphony orchestra synchronised to video game visuals. During his 25 years in the industry Tallarico has worked with some of the biggest games franchises in history from Earthworm Jim in the early 90s to Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Twisted Metal, Metroid Prime, Sonic and Madden in

the mid-90s and right up to today working with the developers of Destiny, Assassins Creed 4 and Mass Effect. With this extensive experience, Tallarico has seen the games industry grow and develop a significant cultural standing over the years. (JA)Jul 30, Enmore Theatre, 130 Enmore Rd, Newtown, www.videogameslive.comMODERN ABORIGINAL ART AT THE GALLERY – POTTS POINT Since opening its doors in

Bronte in 2010, The Gallery Shop has been one of Sydney’s premiere galleries to showcase contemporary Aboriginal Art. Due to popular demand, The Gallery Shop is excited to announce the launch of its second space, The Gallery – Potts Point. Exhibitions will change monthly, showcasing Aboriginal artists from remote community art centres throughout Australia. Nicola’s close work with remote communities has given her access to

curate and bring exceptional new works to the city. The current exhibition is Billy Benn and Conway Ginger’s My World, a contrast of pleasures, with Ginger’s whimsical etchings and watercolours playing with the bold complexities of Benn’s more established work. My World will run till June 26. (JH)35 Orwell Street, Wednesday to Friday, 11am-6pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Details: www.thegalleryshop.com.au.

For the third year in a row at the William Street Gallery in Paddington, a group of Australian artists will be showcasing their work, under the title Eight by Two.Four Sydney-based artists are coming together to encourage more collaborations between Australian artists. Each artist in this creative partnership has their own unique pieces, which makes for a creative and intriguing display.These four artists are Carolyn Hunter, Cristina Harris, Angela Robinson and Pauline Plumb.Hunter’s artwork is inspired by her travels around Australia where in this exhibit she focuses on etching of seedpods and trees. Harris’ work is a reference to Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles. Robinson’s piece is a series of photographic images to explore the elusiveness of memory through spatial, emotional and political constructs.Plumb’s exhibit is a continuation of her Transitional Denudation Series, where she comments on the aesthetic relationship and impact that power transmission and distribution has on shifting landscapes. (AMal)Opening Night: Wednesday June 17, 5pm – 7pm. Exhibiting daily: June 18 – 30, 11am - 7pm.

Art as a Verb is a group exhibition that denotes the concept of art as action. Showcasing actions, performances, situational pieces, manifestos, interactive props, take home photographs, instructional works and intriguing takes on seemingly mundane activity. Following its successful presentation in Melbourne by Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), Artspace is presenting the exhibition with a dilated selection of works.There are over 60 pieces in the exhibition that journey through the 1960’s to the present. There are mixed mediums used throughout including sculpture, performance and documentary. There are many reflections on the social function of art itself, the relevance of interactions and all the situational, individual experiences and responses in between. The role of the artist seems to be everything and anything and the props, texts, artefacts and visuals they use to portray their ‚everything’, which we in turn dub art –– is the proof of their existence, or any existence for that matter.This major thematic exhibition imposes interesting questions to the viewer: What is art? Who is the artist? Where does one stop, and the other begin, and why?A provocative and surreal exhibition, that requires an open mind and certain introspection to take effect as you walk from room to room, indulging your senses in a unique blend of art in the form of a verb. (RM)Until July 26. Artspace. 43 - 51 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo. Info: http://www.artspace.org.au/

eight by two

Art As A Verb

T H E n A K e D C i t y

Droning on AboUt DronesBY COffIN ED, AND MISS DEATH AND JAY KATz

Whether it’s a clinical US strike on a terrorist in Yemen or a piping hot pizza delivered in a matter of minutes, drones are the latest technological whizbang to capture our attention – and raise our concerns.

Whilst their military application has been known for years, albeit of a clandestine nature, it’s only recently that they have entered our everyday life. All kinds of extravagant claims have been made for their potential use, like delivering books for Amazon, to covert surveillance of rural meth labs or urban crack houses. No doubt there are people who lie awake at night, racking their brains, thinking of new and monetary rewarding ways in which drones can be used.

The applications are limitless it would appear, judging on the number of prototypes now evident on the internet. For starters there’s the ambulance drone which carries a defibrillator or life saving medicines to the patient who has just had a heart attack, faster than any ambulance could imagine. Waiters and waitresses could soon be out of work if drones are employed in restaurants, particularly when it comes to servicing al fresco diners. And then there’s the radar equipped drones that can hover behind trees on country roads and issue instant speeding tickets via the net.

Like it or lump it those pesky, whirling, buzzing drones are here to stay and who knows what wacky

and outrageous uses to which they’ll be put. Forgive us for ‘droning’ on, but here’s just a few suggestions (patent pending!) you might like to contemplate:

COCKY WRANGLERS: No need for council culling

of those troublesome cockatoos as the Drone Cocky Wrangler rounds up our sulphur crested friends and drives them back to the bush where they belong.

DRONE-HOUNDS AT WENTIE PARK: The doggies

have had a bad wrap in recent months, so why not replace them with drones? No need for live baiting here as the Drone-Hounds tear after the bunny much to the delight of a new breed of techno-punters.

THE JEHOVAH-DRONE: There’s a unexpected knock at the door and you are astounded when you are confronted with a hovering drone with a speaker spruiking the need to embrace the kingdom of God. Slamming the door in somebody’s face just became a lot easier.

THE DDDD: It stands for “Doggie Doo Detecting Drone” and every dog owner and council needs one. No need to clean up after Fido has left his calling card on the nature strip. The DDDD spots the offending dropping, sweeps from above and promptly whisks it away.

THE REF IS RIGHT DRONE: Footy referees are only human and sometimes make mistakes but a computer programmed drone, that knows every rule in the book, is faultless as it hovers just over the players during the match, instantly processing image after image.

MOBILE DJ DRONE: Need a DJ for you next backyard party? The mobile DJ Drone comes with a 10,000 track selection and a pair of mixing arms, if vinyl is your bag. It can also be programmed to pick up the empties after the party is finished.

Footnote: Cat lovers – the moggy in the picture was already dead and most likely feral, predating on native species.


LAST CAB TO DARWIN This low-budget Australian road-trip film surrounds a dying cab driver called Rex who drives 3,000 km from Broken Hill to Darwin, hoping to take advantage of new euthanasia laws. But whilst on this incredible journey, he meets people who force him to re-evaluate his life and ultimately realizes that before he dies he must live life to the fullest, sharing it with loved ones. Michael Caton is a natural in the lead, supported by Oscar nominated Jacki Weaver in the role of a doctor who is a passionate advocate for euthanasia. This rewarding comedy/drama explores themes of belonging, mateship, loneliness and family. (MMo) WWW½ENTOURAGE The boys are back and it’s like they never left. The enduring bromance between Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his entourage, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Drama (Kevin Dillon) and Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is now living large on the big screen. Entourage series creator and the film’s writer/director, Doug Ellin, knows how to give fans what they want – fast cars,

hot girls, angry Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) and more cameos than viewers will keep up with. Blink and you’ll miss a lot of them. Entourage the movie feels like a two-hour episode – a do-over for the somewhat disappointing series finale, where the characters begin with a fresh slate so loose ends can be left neater than they were at the end of season eight. (LL)WWWALOHA This romantic comedy written and directed by Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) feels at its heart like a love letter to Hawaii, wrapped in a rom-com, wearing a lei. It’s enjoyable on the surface, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but a contrived narrative makes it difficult to invest in the central characters and their relationships. The always-delightful Emma Stone is pleasant to watch as the eager young fighter pilot tasked with babysitting Bradley Cooper’s disgraced military contractor. With strong leads backed by Bill Murray, Alec Baldwin, Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski, it’s hard to imagine Aloha wouldn’t be a hit.

Unfortunately the depth lacking in the characters and the script is only momentarily found in beautiful snippets of Hawaiian culture and legends – all too briefly showcased in a subplot that is lost among many competing subplots. (LL)WWWFAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD Set in Victorian England, this British romantic drama surrounds Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a headstrong and fiercely independent farm owner who attracts the affections of three very different men – a sheep farmer (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sergeant (Tom Sturridge) and a prosperous bachelor (Michael Sheen). Adamant that she doesn’t need a husband, she impulsively marries and this sets off a chain of tragic events that changes all their lives. Mulligan is perfectly cast as Bathsheba and works well with Schoenaerts who plays Gabriel, one of her love interests. The sexual chemistry between them is exuberant. Incurable romantics should be captivated by this sweeping romantic tale and especially by the very predicable but

satisfying conclusion.(MMo)WWW½INFINI This ambitious Australian sci-fi film is set in the 23rd Century, where 95% of the Earth’s population is living on the poverty line. When a catastrophic accident occurs on a mining station in outer space, a rescue team is deployed to save lone survivor Whit Carmichael (Daniel MacPherson), but a deadly alien force awaits. This respectable deep space disaster film is not an original concept and is obviously filmed on a smaller budget than its Hollywood counterparts, but is equally as suspenseful and frightening. Immaculate sets, impressive CGI and good performances from a talented cast should allure and satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts. (MMo) WWWCLOUDS OF SILS MARIA This German-French-Swiss co-production is a brilliantly written and intense drama which focuses on an actress’s emotional upheaval once she has signed on for the resurrection of a stage play. Many viewers will be exhausted by the depth in themes and perplexed by

the complexities in characterizations and storylines, but lovers of fine cinema should be absorbed and challenged by these intricacies.Beautifully filmed in the stunning and remote regions of the Alps, this is a performance driven film with the talents of three exceptional actresses also including Kristen Stewart. (MMo)WWWWKUMIKO, THE TREASURE HUNTER This drama explores the ideal that obsession can lead to disillusionment and a slow path to self-destruction.Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi) is depressed and lives a lonely and mundane life in Tokyo. Upon viewing a discarded copy of the 1996 film Fargo, she obsesses over the illusion that the hidden fortune exists and embarks on a desperate search to America. She loses touch with reality and ultimately fantasy leads to danger.Comic elements are welcoming and stem from the delightful and quirky characters Kumiko meets on her journey.Beautifully filmed, especially scenes in the frozen Minnesota wilderness,

this film thrives from its originality. (MMo)WWW½SUNDAY Sunday opens on what appears to be a couple in a physical and emotional paradise. This atmosphere is soon completely shattered; we have been watching a flashback. No longer a couple and separated by distance, Australian Charlie (Dustin Clare) arrives in Christchurch hoping to win back Eve (Camille Keenan) and contend with the arrival of what usually is considered a bundle of joy.Throughout the film we are not treated to grandiose scenes of adventurous and comedic wooing but instead revel in the reality of the characters situation. It is easy to relate to them because the actors play them with such honesty, we often find ourselves siding with one but also understanding the motives of the other.Shot in an earthquake ravaged Christchurch; the terrain also adds an element of either hope or impending disaster. You’ll just have to find out! (BM)WWW

This Italian comedy-drama is insightful and showcases the activities of the Sicilian Mafia and its lingering effects on the local community. Set in Palermo, Sicily, in the 1970’s, the story follows Arturo’s (Alex Disconti) escalating affections for neighbour and school friend Flora (Ginevra Antona) which ultimately develops into mutual love in their adult years.The child actors deliver bright and delightful performances and the adult roles are charmingly portrayed by Pif (Arturo) and Cristina Capotondi (Flora). This film is strangely but effectively

complemented by the fusion of comedy and graphic violence. The underlying story of the mafia’s murderous prevalence as priests and law enforcers are being assassinated is terrifying and thought-provoking.Actual newsreel footage displaying riotous demonstrations as concerned citizens were making desperate pleas to have this organized crime disintegrated adds credence to the film.Movie-goers will cringe at the scenes of bloodshed, but the impact is softened by the ongoing humour. (MMo)WWW

Russell Brand calls for revolution in this documentary about the disparity of wealth. He focuses on the UK, which has been particularly hard hit by economic inequality in recent times.A documentary like this makes sense when the neoliberal lie that free market growth will spread to the masses becomes increasingly obvious; especially when in London a cleaner working in the city would have to work for 300 years to make their boss’ yearly salary.

It’s hard to say whether Brand’s guru posturing is self-reflexive or not. He spouts mantras to the screen while MIDI wind-chime sounds happen, and there’s a distinct new-age-Jesus vibe at times. Whether this is tongue in cheek or a way to spark attention, his message is valid. The way he unashamedly asks uncomfortable questions is occasionally intense, but mostly funny, and definitely necessary. The hilarity of the delivery might just make the message stick, or at least start a dialogue. (HC)

THE MAFIA KILLS ONLY IN SUMMER

REVIEW: THE EMpEROR’S NEw CLOTHES

INSIdE OUTRiley (Kaitlyn Dias) is guided by her emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions live in the control centre of her mind, and when Riley’s life is uprooted by her dad’s new job, she and her emotions must adjust to the chaos caused by the big move and growing up.Pixar is famous for making animations that comment on the human condition and Inside Out is another triumph. It’s laugh-out-loud funny for both adults and children, featuring comedic star voices such as Amy Poehler as Joy, Bill Hader as Fear, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust and Phyllis Smith as Sadness.As with all Pixar animations, the formula is simple

— there’s laughter, fun, nostalgia and a good dose of tugging at the heartstrings, with an honest message to tie it all together — but this is by no means a formulaic offering. Inside Out is an original, well considered premise that takes a look inside all of us and imparts important messages about healthy mental attitudes. The film acknowledges that it takes a range of emotions — good and ‘bad’ — to make a person feel whole.The deeper emotional moments will go over children’s heads but this bright and entertaining look inside all of us is enjoyable for kids of all ages. (LL) WWWW1/2

Chris Cavill & The Prospectors: Raw, sensitve, honest and hard working folk rockers arrive in Sydney this week to celebrate the second single from their album Know Your Destiny. A hauntingly twisted love song to Melbourne and its songwriters, the song explores the inherent struggles for creative artists. Come out and support the live show which makes all the hard work worth it.Fri, Jun 19, Lazybones Lounge

Ella Fence: With her debut EP Wanderlust out last Friday the Gold Coast songstress is set to arrive in Sydney this week. Having recorded the EP at the famed Brighton Electric Studios, Ella is truly a unique and incredibly talented musician with a beautiful voice, she is bound to blow up so don’t pass up this opportunity.Fri, Jun 19, Kings Cross Hotel

Anna Salleh: Quickly developing a reputation as one of Sydney’s finest Brazilian jazz musicians, Salleh return home this week after a successful tour of the NSW mid-north coast. Joining her are Dan Holland on piano, Tim Bradley on drums, Stan Valances on bass and Stuart Vandegraaf on clarinet, saxophone and flute for an incredibly moving night of music.Sat, Jun 20, Foundry616

El Espiritu Del Flamenco: The dynamic combination of Alin Bahram on flamenco guitar and Melike Bayram

providing vocals come together to give Sydneysiders a night of passionate and fiery music from Spain and the Mediterranean.Sat, Jun 20, King Street Theatre

Neal Peres Da Costa: The third instalment in the Australian Hayden Ensemble’s Beethoven Concerto’s on period instruments is due to happen this week with Neal Peres Da Costa the guest soloist this time around.Sun & Mon, Jun 21-22, Sydney Opera House

Egarr & The Golden Age: Arriving this week for two shows only is a true showman, musical historian and one of the finest keyboardists around. Coming down under to lead the Australian Chamber Orchestra as they play Bach’s Violin Concerto in A-minor for the first time in nearly 20 years and on Australia’s only Stradivarius violin, this will be a magical experience.Tue & Wed, Jun 23-24, City Recital Hall

The Walking Who: Before embarking on yet another trip overseas, this time to the UK, the Sydney based psych-rock trio are excited to launch their latest single My Future Wife in their home town. Continuing to defy trends and push boundaries, the band’s ability to constantly create new and unique sounds has seen them continue to amass a following both here and internationally.Wed, Jun 24, Beach Road Hotel

LIVE WIRE

BY JAMiE APPS

The flamboyant and fun soul singer Gazele is going to be bringing her high energy and positive vibes to the launch of her debut EP tonight (Thurs Jun 18).Reaching this point in her career has been a life long journey for the Australian born singer of Nigerian descent. “i was born into a a musical family so i’ve been singing all my life,” she said. As she grew older the supremely talented singer/songwriter decided to make the move from Canberra to Sydney to pursue musical studies at the Australian institute of Music. The time spent there was invaluable in developing a personal sound: “it was a really safe place to work on my skill whilst being pushed by encouraging teachers and given helpful criticism.”During her time studying the contemporary course at the institute, Gazele was able to add some new and surprising influences to

her style and repertoire: “Every term there was something different going from all of the different styles of jazz to world music and then to Aussie rock.”in terms of her performance Gazele sights Jill Scott, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston as artist she has always looked up to, all for their own distinct reasons. “i really love how Jill tells a story…i love how Michael Jackson sings really rhythmically and percussively, using his voice to articulate different sounds and finally the epicene of

Whitney’s voice just stops you in your tracks, especially the big power songs,” she said fondly.More recently Gazele has spent time working alongside both Jessica Mauboy and Ms Murphy to which she credits both with teaching her the importance of “finding your own voice and style, because people fall in love with you for that.”With all of these touchstones in her life Gazele was able incorporate a lot of these lessons into her EP Love Life. Whether that was in the form of making the decision to “ditch the first effort and start again” or to take a very hands-on approach in designing the cover art and arranging the launch show.“it was challenging, having worked with so many artists on so many different styles of music, to go back and find my own style. But now i’ve got something that i think tells a story and i’m very excited to show it. Hopefully everyone comes away from my show and music with an experience.”Jun 18, Rock Lily at The Star, 80 Pyrmont Rd, Pyrmont, Free Entry, gazelemusic.com

GazELESydnEy LIVE MuSIc GuIdE

BY JAMiE APPS

Airy pop kicked up several notches with a persistently bouncy baseline is a recipe to make any stiff-limbed tree dance into the night and beyond. This album is supremely musical, it will take control of the listeners hands and feet, playfully stopping any other actions, even while i write this review i have to stop for a dance every few words. Don’t fight it, as the words of the music itself tells you, set yourself free, this stuff is too strong, too enjoyable and far too polished for you to stand still (SP) WWWW

This album is slow and measured like a metronome with a large weight on the arm of the machine. The intro begins with almost no sound and builds so that the listener isn’t sure when they first begin to hear it, and continues in this vein for what feels like a longer set than five songs, only producing a noticeable beat in the last song. She gives us something different but non-threatening, spacey and atmospheric, shot through with her sharp yet airy voice. No sound is wasted, it is focused but nothing stands out from the rest. it is hard to hold onto an impression even while listening to it. (SP) WW

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Kings Court is the onlyplace to have twenty twomassage rooms and eleven hottubs, spas, and bubble baths.

Wall to wall beautiful ladies,pool tables and luxuriousleather lounges. You can have acoffee and enjoy the friendlyatmosphere.

Approachable managers help youchoose a lady for your massage.There is a fair queuing system andno hidden charges or credit cardfees. We are just along fromCentral Railway at 261 ParramattaRd Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037

Phone 02 9660 0666

Its a $10.00 Taxi Ride from the CBDVisit our web site at

www.kingscourt.com.au

We are open 9 am to 1 am and24 hours on Weekends. There is a20% discount from 9 am to 12 noon& FREE ENTRY before 9 pm each day.After 9 pm a $20 entry fee forms partof the pricing structure and alsoprotects the massage ladies frominsincere callers.

Parking is available in the BroadwayShopping Centre near our discreet rearentrance at 18 Grose St Glebe, first 2hours free. Check out the website:at www.kingscourt.com.au forinformation, funny stuff and picturesof pretty women. There are no photosof the regular girls as they are too shy.

Also check out Big John’s Facebookto see a mixture of really funny pics,photos and stories. This is updatedregularly:

www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn

Kings Court Massage: Where the first time

customer can meet the first time massage girl!

Kings Court Massage

Kings Court Massage

VACANCIESVACANCIES Kings Court is the best place to learn adult massage. You can work with us part time orcasual and you are paid cash daily. Work times can suit students or young mothers. When you start we getone of the regular girls to show you how to do your first massage. We have off street parking for ladies withcars and for your interview you can park in the Broadway Shopping Centre near our discreet rear entrywith two hours free parking. The 18 Grose Street Glebe NSW 2037 address is the best way to find us usingGPS plotting. Ring us on 02 9660 0666. Some ladies from out of town stay over when they visit. We havethe bestest and sweetest customers of any place. The website is www.kingscourt.com.au On the homepage have a look at, “Is this your first time” and see the ten tips that help customers to understand how wedo business and how they must behave towards our girls.

Hi, this is Big John the owner of Kings Court.

We don’t use slick advertising because we are notthat kind of slick place. We do have the biggest and mostinteresting place but our personality just isn’t slick.

A few years ago when the police stopped taking an interestin all the places and many places became legal we had todecide if we would become a full brothel like many otherplaces did. We decided to continue as a massage place thatdoes a happy ending. It really is a very nice experience andyou can sit naked in the spa with a pretty girl and have

champagne at no extra charge. It is about half the price ofgoing to similar places where they offer more. We have verynice, normal “girl-next-door” types here and because wedon’t allow the girls to have their privacy invaded theyremain as sweet young things and do not toughen up. Youwill leave with a smile on your face and a tremble in yourknees!

The best new thing we have at the moment is allthe really funny stuff on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KingsBigJohn

For complete details and to enrol go to:

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