While little feels better than enjoying some outdoor time in the sun (wearing sunscreen of course!), frequent exposure to the scorching summer sun can leave your skin suffering. Humidity and sunburn can leave our skin super dry, so it’s important to replenish our thirsty skin with nourishing ingredients that help get our skin and hair back to a healthier state and glowing all summer long! For the body A heavy moisturiser can make you feel sticky and sweaty in the summer heat. Thankfully, the Tropicology Pure Avocado Body Oil (RRP $79.95) is an intensely moisturising lightweight oil that leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. Containing cold pressed avocado, a natural collagen stimulant, simply massage the oil into damp skin, in long upward strokes and watch your body glow! If you’re after something incredibly light-weight, the We Are Feel Good Inc. Kakadu Plum Body Milk (RRP $29.95) is a fantastic choice, and at less than $30, it's hard to beat! Made with native Australian Kakadu Plum extract, this product smells so good you’ll want to drink it. But don’t — it’s NOT real milk! The Body milk also contains Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and is enriched with beneficial additions such as Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Ok, I know what I said about heavy moisturiser, but sometimes you need one! When we get a sunburn, our skin is crying out for moisture, and there’s nothing more soothing and nurturing than the Tropicology Avocado Body Moisturiser (RRP $59.95). The collagen-producing avocado oil helps bring some shine back to the skin. This product is definitely for when your skin is at its thirstiest. For the face Obviously, hats and sunscreen are the way to protect your money-maker in the summertime, but, we get it; it’s hard to avoid the sun on your face at all times. Fair enough! If you’re suffering from dryness on the face, you NEED SunButter Face Oil Boab, Wattle & Kelp (RRP: $43.95). This goodie absorbs quickly and is designed to target sun damage. How clever! This face oil promotes the repair of skin cells and is packed full of nutrients. For the hair When constantly slathering our faces and bodies in sunscreen and moisturiser, it can be easy to forget about our hair. BUT! Hair gets sun damaged just like our skin and deserves a bit of TLC too. If you’re proactive (good for you!), you can apply the SunButter Rosemary Hair Serum (RRP: $27.95) to the ends of your hair before taking a dip in the pool or ocean. This serum helps protect against the damage caused by chlorine and salt — goodbye dryness! However, if your hair needs some love after the fact, this serum also makes a fantastic hair mask. Just rub it into your hair and leave for a few hours before washing it out with shampoo. Easy! As amazing as all of these products are, remember the best thing you can do for your hair, face and body in the summertime is SLIP SLOP SLAP! (and SLIDE and SEEK — they’ve got to stop expanding the slogan!)

Check out our events guide Seymour Centre - 15th Feb - 4th March - Presenting nine WorldPride Arts events as part of Sydney WorldPride — a diverse program featuring a kaleidoscope of comedy, cabaret, dance, and drama from a host of much-loved local and international LGBTQIA+ artists. The festivities begin with Elias Jamieson Brown's brand-new play, CAMP, charting the birth of Australia's fierce gay rights movement. Then comes Gay Sydney: A Memoir, an evocative new work from renowned storyteller and artist, William Yang, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Sydney Theatre Awards. The party continues with All Out Comedy, a spectacular night of stand-up featuring Geraldine Hickey, Nath Valvo, and Coco Jumbo. To follow, Dan Daw presents the Australian premiere of his critically acclaimed work, The Dan Daw Show, named one of the five best dance shows of 2022 by The Guardian UK. Plus, Shaun Parker & Company return with their cutting-edge dance piece, KING, the Briefs boys return with their new cabaret show, Dirty Laundry, and EnQueer/ Sydney Queer Writers' Festival presents two thought-provoking panel events. And there's free offerings to be enjoyed, too: Seymour’s popular outdoor music series, Seymour Nights, also returns for Sydney WorldPride, offering free performances from some of Australia's most vibrant voices and wickedest DJs, all in the leafy, summery surrounds of the Seymour Centre courtyard. Get out your planner, get your tickets, and experience Sydney WorldPride arts at the Seymour: seymourcentre.com/what-s-on/sydney-worldpride-2023/ Kara Zmatiq - Pride Soiree, 4th March 2023, The Vanguard Newtown - Following a string of sold-out shows around Australia - Kara Zmatiq brings their touring production company Soiree Cabaret to Sydney for World Pride with their show 'Pride Soiree' (4th March). Sequin-dipped and muscle-ripped, this sexually arousing drag circus cabaret is bound to get your heart racing. Starring Australia's Premier Live Singing Drag Queen, Kara Zmatiq, as seen on Australia's Got Talent, this one-night only, cheeky and sexy interactive show is the ultimate night out, featuring jaw-dropping circus and dance acts performed by a talented cast of contortion and aerialist performers synonymous with Cirque Du Soleil! Alongside, there are performances by special guest acts to cult classic gay dance anthems you know and love. Delivered by the powerhouse live vocals of Australia's Best Live Singing Drag Queen (Kara Zmatiq) in a kaleidoscope of colour. Book tickets now - thevanguard.com.au Opera Australia presents Opera Up Late - Feb 18th & 23rd A late-night celebration for the ages! Opera Australia is throwing open the doors to Australia’s most famous cultural icon for Sydney WorldPride with two exclusive concert performances of Opera Up Late. Making a grand debut at the Sydney Opera House, international cabaret star and opera lover Reuben Kaye will host this late-night celebration of queer romance, drag and music. Directed by the award-winning Shaun Rennie, this production offers a rare after-hours glimpse at what the stars of Opera Australia get up to when they unlace the corsets and take off the wigs. Please note this production may contain adult themes, coarse language, and sexual content (...if you’re lucky!) Sydney Opera House - Joan Sutherland Theatre - Book now at opera.org.au City Recital Hall - Switched On: Nakhane - March 3rd - Multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and novelist Nakhane has been hailed as “a real star in the making” (The Observer) who “makes the dancefloor a place of tenderness” (VICE). Their previous album, You Will Not Die, garnered acclaim from critics and the adoration of fans like Madonna and Elton John. In their many guises in music, film and literature, Nakhane has been instrumental in challenging the status quo in conversations about gender and sexuality; steadily building a body of work of cultural importance that hits every dancefloor sweet spot. Book now at sydneyworldpride.com - Tickets from $59 - 2 Angel Place, Sydney Oxtravaganza - Darlinghurst is turning up the Glitter Factor for 2023 and is getting ready to party from Feb 17th till March 5th .The Darlo festival is back with a huge series of events including an art walk, performances, big drag brunch, late night shopping, kids zone, storytelling, viewing parties and more. There’s the Darlo Big Drag Brunch on March 4th, with 20 drag queens getting ready to hit the streets and the many venues across Darlinghurst! AR Decals around the area are sure to be a social media hit. A Photo Exhibition featuring the “best of Oxtravaganza” from photographer Robert Knapman, will be displayed in the windows of local businesses. Weekend trading hours are extended and key stores and galleries will have DJs, discounts, giveaways and more. Plus. there are other hubs to be explored like the Rainbow Precinct, Hollywood Quarter, Stanley St, the Glittering Mile, all within a short stroll from Taylor Sq or the CBD. Excitingly, the Mardi Gras Parade - Feb 25th has made its return to Oxford St this year - with plenty of viewing areas! Oxtravaganza.com.au Sydney Dance Company are hosting a range of events as part of the 2023 Sydney WorldPride festival at their Wharf Studios, with the support of City of Sydney. You can't miss Queers of Java (4-5 March, Tickets $49) - a Project Eleven and Sydney Dance Company production, in association with Sydney WorldPride, performed and choreographed by acclaimed Indonesian dancer Rianto. Or strut your stuff with Dance Workshops on 18th February ($15 per class) in Heels, Voguing, Waacking and Drag + Lip Sync with international drag queen royalty Minnie Cooper of RuPaul's Drag Race fame! Worked up a sweat? Join us at The Social every Wednesday and Thursday evening in February for a pop-up bar with harbourside views! 15 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point - Book now: sydneydancecompany.com The Mardi Gras Parade - It’s coming home! The world-renowned Parade returns to Oxford Street in celebration of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ 45th anniversary. This dazzling display of LGBTQIA+ excellence showcases the beauty and strength in pride and self-expression as we continue the fight for equality. As the biggest event of the Sydney WorldPride festival, all eyes will be on over 12,500 marchers as 200+ floats adorn Oxford Street for the first time since 2020! Download the Mardi Gras Parade Map at sydneyworldpride.com Belvoir - Tradition meets mayhem in Blessed Union, a brand new lesbian divorce comedy playing at Belvoir St Theatre from 11 Feb–11 Mar, presented in collaboration with Sydney WorldPride. Host and curator of celebrated LGBTQIA+ storytelling night Queerstories - Maeve Marsden has penned a queer tale of her own, exploring what it means to watch your family fall apart when that family had to fight so hard to be together. 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills - Book now: belvoir.com.au/productions/blessed-union Flinders Street Gallery - DANIEL McDONALD - 'Nexus' - Feb 15th till March 4th Daniel McDonald is a Deaf First Nations LGBTQI artist, inspired by the Western Desert dot techniques. He paints with an eye to his coastal NSW & Inner Sydney origins to tell his own story. In his exhibition ‘Nexus’, Daniel fuses traditional painting techniques with contemporary iconography, colours and concepts. The exhibition seeks to draw harmonious connections between diverse orientations and identities. 61 Flinders St, Surry Hills - Gallery hours Wed - Sat, 11am-6pm - flindersstreetgallery.com Sketch Co Gallery - Life in Colour - Feb 15 - March 4 Join us 5-7pm on Thursday 16th February, the eve of Sydney World Pride, as we celebrate Australia’s brilliant and diverse LGBTQIA+ art community. Featuring works from such artists as multiple Archibald Prize finalist Kim Leutwyler, Tits & Co. co-founder Marisa Mu, multidisciplinary emerging artist Cadmium Mellow, Nadege Lamy, Nicholas Watt and many others. 420 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Get Ready Sydney. From the 17th of February Until the 5th of March Sydney Will Come Alive with Colour, Culture and Community. The 2023 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (SGLMG) will be the biggest and most exciting one yet. To align with their 45th anniversary they will join forces with WorldPride to bring the city streets alive for 17 consecutive days. WorldPride began in Rome in the year 2000 and is a global festival that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. Cities all around the world compete with each other to be the next city to host the event and this year is Sydney’s turn. The alignment will be an important milestone for Sydney's LGBTQIA+ community as it will be the first time in history that WordPride has been held in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite WorldPride receiving backlash when it first began, it continues to gain momentum each year and is the biggest organisation of its kind. During the festival, the Sydney Region will host over 300 events and activities, ranging from arts, sports, theatre, concerts, parties and a human rights conference. These events will be held all around the Sydney Basin and will proudly gather on the land of the Gadigal, Cammerayagal, Bidjigal, Darug and Dharawal people. The main event of WorldPride is the Human Rights Conference that will be held from the 1st to the 3rd of March at Sydney’s International Convention Centre. The focus will be on LGBTQIA+ Human Rights, both in the present moment, the goals for the future and where the movement is headed. It will be the largest conference of its kind to take place in the Asia-Pacific region. There will be over 1500 experts and thought leaders, ranging from LGBTQIA+ activists, campaigners, government officials, First Nation Elders, policymakers and many other stakeholders who will gather here from all over the globe. During this time there will be presentations, workshops and panels designed for reflection and to initiate change. Although there will be plenty of parties during WorldPride it will also be a time for reflection and learning. We must never forget where the roots of the movement began and the injustices that have occurred. It will become a time in history that will create an important pause to focus on what is still left to be done and bring about change for those still facing discrimination. If you would like to be a part of history, check out WorldPride online and see how you and your family and friends, both young and old can get involved. www.sydneyworldpride.com

By Tahney Fosdike Most of the time, it’s not the bricks and mortar that make a restaurant an iconic feature of a neighbourhood, but its people. Such was the case for Sausage Factory, an inner west ‘Snaggery and Brewery’ with a devoted patronage. Its legacy won’t ever die, even after co-owners Chrissy Flanagan and Jim Flanagan part ways and close their restaurant on 17 December. “We know our way around a sausage,” the Sausage Factory’s website confidently states. Housing their restaurant in an old butcher shop, the Flanagan duo (who coincidentally have matching last names) created small batches of sausages for all dietary requirements from “real meat, no junk, and always certified free range.” They also stocked Sausage Queen Brewing, poured to wash down sausages devoured by the Sausage Factory’s eager visitors. While their origin story harks back to 2015, the Sausage Factory opened as a Dulwich Hill-based restaurant in 2017. “The Sausage Factory evolved since we started [operating] five nights a week doing like a huge menu,” said Chrissy Flanagan, also known as the Sausage Queen, “We cut back with a set menu that worked for us. People wanted to trust us to give them delicious sausage — a huge endless range of choices wasn’t as necessary.” They were well-known for experimentally integrating Australian Indigenous ingredients into both their beer and sausages. “My favourite sausage was a chicken and pork button blanc, an incredibly decadent French sausage with an absolute ton of eggs and milk. Incredibly difficult to make, but rich. People compared it to the texture of souffle.” Chrissy said her favourite beer was “the first beer we ever made — Boss Ale Paleish — which was incredibly fully flavoured.” It wasn’t just the menu that was innovative and inclusive, but the vibes too, with many reviews praising the restaurant as ‘fun,’ ‘intimate,’ and ‘warm.’ “It became clear that people were coming as much for the experience, atmosphere and community as they were for the sausages,” Chrissy reflected. “That was something I hadn’t expected, but I’ve been incredibly thrilled by.” When considering a memory from the restaurant’s story that would stay with her, Chrissy spoke about a recent 30th birthday celebration at the Sausage Factory. “It was just an incredibly joyful night, and a Phil Collins song came on which the friendship group had choreographed a dance for,” she recalled. “They got up and did the dance, and it was just so light-hearted. That’s definitely something I will remember.” On 6 December, just eleven days before their final night, Chrissy shared to her 74k TikTok followers that the Sausage Factory would close. The decision followed the separation of the co-owners in their private life partnership. Neither felt it was right to continue their project without the other, nor was it sustainable to continue working together. “We’re closing on our own terms,” she said. “We could easily keep going. We’re not closing for lack of patrons or financial reasons. It’s just our relationship circumstances and out of respect for each other that it’s such a special place that we built together. I certainly couldn't consider doing it on my own.” While their closing devastated the local community, Chrissy stated in a follow-up TikTok that she didn’t want to let the door hit her on her way out or let the “punitive gods of hospitality” punish her. She might have achieved this wish, as the Sausage Factory booked out for their final week of service. Once the Sausage Factory finishes up its chapter in Dulwich Hill, will the Sausage Queen live on, having dismantled the kingdom she constructed over the last five years? “I will continue to be the Queen of Sausages. I will continue making them and teach people as a sausage educator,” Chrissy confirmed about the future. “I will not be manufacturing sausages in the same volume, but sausages will always belong in my heart.”

On 30th March 2022, the owners of Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, nestled within the St Ives Village Shopping Centre, celebrated 30 years in business! Back in 1992 Bill Scott purchased St Ives Village Newsagency, following a career as a partner in a large chartered accountancy firm and a director of a property development group. The shop was then located opposite Justin’s Cafe (now Cafe JJ) and painted bright pink! In 1997 the business was rebranded under the “Nextra” banner and relocated to the then “new” (western) end of the shopping centre where it remains. It has also undergone a few renovations over the years. The newsagency has been run by Bill the entire time, but his daughters Emma and Karen (both of whom have business qualifications) now also manage the shop together whilst raising a young family each. “During this time, many wonderful staff have come and gone,” said Emma, “but the current team still includes Nancy, who has worked for us for the entire 30 years and is well loved by the St Ives community, and Anthony who has been with us for half that time. “Our newsagency business has certainly seen plenty of changes over the years and we have adjusted our product range and services offered accordingly. “We love conversing with our customers every day, many of them regulars we know by name, and enjoy hearing chuckling in the aisles when shoppers are selecting a funny greeting card.” The Newsagency certainly has one of the best selections of cards on the North Shore along with wrap, stationery, magazines, newspapers, kids’ books, printer ink, party supplies as well as plenty of art and craft goodies. “Every day we have people marvelling at the variety of products sold in our store,” Emma continued, “and we are always happy to help them with finding what they need.” The business offers a fabulous assortment of gifts including candles, diffusers, homewares, photo frames, puzzles, tea, glassware, toys and games. The store also provides a printing and copying service and Bill and Emma are both JPs who are happy to help out the local community when they can. “Those that partake in lotto have done well over the years,” Emma revealed, “with three first division wins over Saturday Lotto and Oz Lotto, as well as a number of first prizes in Lucky Lotteries and Instant Scratch-Its.” The Scott family has always been a great supporter of the community, whether through prize donations for school and sporting club fundraisers, gift vouchers for the local art society exhibitions, or running free school holiday activities at St Ives Shopping Village. Emma and Karen, along with their suppliers, have hosted many popular art and craft sessions for children and adults, and relish conversing with customers of all ages. “To still be running a successful business after 30 years is a massive achievement and one of which we are very proud,” Emma said. “We wish to thank our current team of amazing staff, along with the many that have served our customers with a smile over the years. We look forward to celebrating our 30-year milestone with many customers, suppliers and staff.” Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency Level 1, Shop 23, St Ives Village Shopping Centre Contact: Emma Thurlow Ph: 9449 7565 or 0408 029 902 Email: nextrastives@optusnet.com.au Web: https://stivesvillage.com.au/stores/nextra-st-ives-village-newsagency/

The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges to Australians unlike any seen in recent times. I relish the return to some of the ‘normalcy’ we had before. However, I also see signs that there may be longer-term impacts of COVID-19 mitigation on the development of children. Parents, educators and health professionals must be aware of these and act to address them. Impact of staying at home Exposure to rich experiences in varied environments is crucial to a child’s social and communication development. Parents worked hard to ensure children were safe and engaged during lockdowns. However, for two years, children missed out on meaningful opportunities for socialisation outside their homes, like birthday parties, visits to grandparents, sports, and play dates. Children need these experiences to practice social communication and learn new vocabulary. Research is clear that a child’s communication environment is a key predictor of education outcomes. Screen-time I admit: my children had far more access to screen time during the lockdown, and it seems our family was not alone. Children were required to use screens for education and social interaction. We were fortunate enough to access technology that made tele-education and tele-socialisation possible. However, opting for screen time instead of face-to-face social interactions with family may have further eroded access to social interaction. Home-schooling In talking to our clients, it seems that some, but not all, children thrived under home-schooling conditions. Distance made it more difficult for many children, particularly those with a disability or children who did not have access to adequate technology. Some projections suggested that in the school years impacted by lockdowns, children would gain only 60% of the learning we expect in a typical school year. This is likely to more significantly impact children already behind academically and those with learning disabilities. Access to therapy Lockdowns and social distancing reduced access to therapy for many children. Telehealth therapy was viable for some families but was challenging for many, including young children and children with complex disabilities. Some school-aged children were exhausted by full days at ‘Zoom school’ and could not cope with more time focusing on screens. Masks If babies and very young children cannot see the speaker’s face, they receive limited information required to develop speech, such as lip and tongue movement. Masks also obscure the sound quality from the speaker’s mouth. Children with hearing impairment may primarily rely on lip-reading to comprehend what is being said to them. Should you be concerned about your child’s development? 1. Know what to expect: Speech Pathology Australia has some great, parent-friendly information sheets on developmental milestones. https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/. 2. Talk to your child’s educators: They can tell you what they have noticed and refer you to a professional for support. 3. See a speech therapist: They will evaluate your child and pinpoint the areas where your child would benefit from support. What can you do at home? 1. Talk to your child. Get in the habit of narrating what you see/smell/hear/taste/feel/do/think. 2. Avoid testing or questioning your child. Peppering children with questions about the names of things may make them less likely to engage, as they may feel pressured to have the correct response. 3. Take 10. Identify 10-minutes each day that you and your child talk. Pick an activity that you both enjoy, e.g. bath time. 4. Create a mini-photo journal. Reflect on the pictures and talk about what you did and how it made you feel. 5. Be realistic about screen time. It is going to happen. Consider creating a family movie/TV time and set aside time to discuss it after watching. 6. Notice opportunities to teach new words. Pick one new word per day. Include various word types. Actions, locations, and feelings are just as crucial as nouns. For more tips, go to Speech and Language UK. https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/a-message-to-our-supporters-on-coronavirus/activities-to-develop-speaking-and-listening-skills/. Kristin Bayley is a speech therapist and behaviour consultant. She is a mum of two kids and the owner of To the Moon and Back Speech Therapy in St. Ives.

Opera Australia is taking over Cockatoo Island with their latest production, ‘Carmen on Cockatoo Island'. A reimagining of a classic opera with a modern twist, audiences are sure to be wowed by this reinterpretation. Director Liesel Badorrek explains why ‘Carmen’ still rings true today. How did you approach directing this reimagining of ‘Carmen’ for modern audiences? Firstly, it was important that we look at the opera through the lens of contemporary standards and ideas. There's a global conversation about the misogyny of opera in a number of contexts. The history of the character of Carmen has been one of fetishing and demonising this 'wild woman'. I just want to inform our interpretation of the character by connecting her to real women...women I know. We also wanted to give audiences something new with this work. Carmen is such a frequently performed opera that aspects of it have become cliches. This Carmen, performed on Cockatoo Island, is not set in a specific location or historical period. It’s not concerned with faithfully documenting a particular time or place. Rather, it plays in a cultural space, in an attitude, in an aesthetic of rebellion. Why do you think ‘Carmen’ still resonates nearly 150 years after Bizet wrote it? The story of Carmen has been told and retold countless times over generations. Both Bizet’s music and the character of Carmen are iconic. As the late legendary director, Peter Brook said “It’s not only an opera: it’s a phenomenon”. It has been revisited, reimagined and reinvented so many times, so endlessly discussed and explored that it has attained the status of myth. Myths are vital to who we are as a society. They are stories that we tell in order to understand ourselves and others — to try to make some sense of who we are and why we behave the way we do. Each new generation will examine and retell the same myth but it will be re-appropriated to reflect and explore the issues, anxieties and social conversations which loom most large for that society. That is the power of Carmen as a myth, far beyond the mere entertainment of a night at the opera. Musicologist Susan McClary puts it frankly: “if we were not still stuck in the dilemmas Merimee and Bizet point to, we would not be witnessing the endless stream of Carmen productions on stage, film and TV.” I think this particular production will resonate with audiences today because by locating the story in a contemporary context we're inviting an audience to see actually how current the themes of the opera are. We're also using other 'languages' in the opera that will speak to a modern audience — projected imagery, contemporary choreography and a visual design style that will invite the audience to connect more completely with the world we're creating. How does this performance make the most of the Cockatoo Island location? Taking opera generally, and Carmen in particular, out of the polite and hallowed atmosphere of an opera house or theatre gives us a unique opportunity to be bold and unconventional with both the design and staging. Cockatoo Island is a singular space. An island in the middle of Sydney Harbour which has a unique majesty despite also feeling bleak and industrial. It invites an interpretation of Carmen which is very much ‘outsider’ — rough and urban, gritty and wild. The incredible beauty and muscularity of Bizet’s score is complimented and magnified by the creation of a world that feels like a dystopian present. The size of the site allows for staging choices that include motorbike chases, pyrotechnics and performance that feels like it surrounds the audience. The audience has come to this island and is now in the world of this Carmen — thrilling and dangerous. What can audiences expect from ‘Carmen on Cockatoo Island’? Audiences can expect an all-inclusive night out. There will be pop-up bars and dining options, spectacular views of Sydney’s Harbour, fireworks, and of course, an opera performance like no one has ever seen before… Carmen on Cockatoo Island runs from 25 November to 18 December. More details and tickets are available from https://opera.org.au/productions/carmen-on-cockatoo-island.

Tell us a bit about yourself: “My name is Jenni Large. I'm currently based in lutruwita, Tasmania. I'm a performer, choreographer, rehearsal director, and teacher. I studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and have worked independently and with various companies around Australia.” Your recent works have examined the female experience and body in relation to capitalism and consumerism, will these themes appear in your new work? “For New Breed 2022 I have been sourcing inspiration from vampire culture. It has led me down a path that includes the work of Mary Shelley (Author of Frankenstein and the ‘mother of horror’) and the film adaptations of Dracula over the years. I’m drawn to the drama, suspense, tension, grit, desire, sexuality, obsession and grief. For me, vampires represent vital social deviance and are a relatable embodiment of transgression. In literature and popular culture, vampires are often used as a sexual metaphor and depicted as sexually ‘overt’ and ‘deviant’. Throughout history vampires and horror characters have served as vehicles of expression for queer culture and sexual oppression. Horror exploits our primordial predisposition to fear otherness. And yet, I think the genre’s cult followings show that we identify with ‘villains’ and ‘monsters’. We’ve all felt victimized and isolated for our differences, and paradoxically, this is what connects us.” How does your creative practice reflect your individual experiences? “The themes and movement vocabulary of my recent works, this one included, share a distinct sexual expression and entertainment value. Maybe a rejection of post modernism, and definitely a revival of the reasons I came to dance in the first place. As a struggling teenager, dance was my vehicle for expression and quite literally, a saving grace. I wasn’t cognisant of that at the time, but now and particularly as a freelance artist, I make conscious effort to stay connected to these core values. The miraculous ever-changing body, movement, creativity, expression, collaboration and the non-linear continue to play an important role in how I process life’s challenges. There are undoubtedly parallels between why I’m obsessed with dance and why I’ve chosen to explore horror/vampires in this work. Dance is my vehicle for expression and vampires are a tool for expressing the repressed.” How do you approach your audience? “I want to let audiences in, live art exists because of our audiences. I hope to create work that is both entertaining and challenging, I want the viewer to feel connected and included even if they don’t fully ‘understand’. Accepting that our intellect can’t fully comprehend the experience of dance/dancing is powerful and freeing.” Will this opportunity change anything for you? “This is my first choreographic commission of this scale - I’m scared and thrilled! It's an honour to be a part of New Breed 2022. I'm really ecstatic to be among such amazing other choreographers and the chance to collaborate with the incredible dancers and artists at Sydney Dance Company is going to be a thrill.” Since 2014, 34 emerging choreographers have created dynamic, vibrant and thrilling works on the Company as part of New Breed. With four world premieres from four rich choreographic voices, New Breed 2022 will return to Carriageworks for its ninth edition from November 30 – December 17. This unmissable program is made possible with the generous support of The Balnaves Foundation.

More on Glebe In a modern, fast-paced, internet focused age the world around us has become a fleeting folly. However, for one young man the history of Sydney has never been more important to focus on & highlight to the wider community. So in order to do just this Nathan Mete created the @RetroSydney_ Instagram page to showcase the history & beauty that has been forgotten by many Sydneysiders. By Jamie Apps 1970: Wigram Road, Glebe — Looking West from near the intersection of Bell Street and Wigram Road as the 432 heads up towards Glebe Point Road in late August 1970. It's amazing how much trees have changed the landscape of the area today. Credit: John Ward via City of Sydney Archives Growing up on the Northern Beaches, 31-year-old Nathan told Neighbourhood Media that interest in Sydney’s retro past first sprouted from his own family history. “I guess coming from a migrant family (My grandparents on both sides emigrated to Sydney in the 19650's from Italy) I was always interested in why Australia & particularly Sydney was the place to start a new life… Even from as a kid myself in the 90's, Sydney is just such a different place now which is truly fascinating - it became a great obsession almost, seeing the face of our city change over time (sometimes good & sometimes in a not so good way) but it makes up the story of where we are today & there's so many fascinating people & stories that have contributed to the history of Sydney.” 1981: Mitchell Street, Glebe — A baker with his freshly baked loaves from the Demeter Bakery inspects the intersection of Derwent and Mitchell Streets in late March 1981. This location was later home to Florilegium Books until recently. Credit: National Archives of Australia, A6135, K31/3/81/5 Although Nathan didn’t have a photography background himself when he started @RetroSydney_ in August 2020 he has always been able to appreciate the skill & power of the artform. “The one thing I love about most of the photographs that I post is the level of detail & the story that one photo can capture,” explained Nathan. “It's a real art to capture a moment & there's so many complex layers to a photograph.” Given that Nathan lacked that photography background he has had to lean on his fascination with history & research in order to source pictures for the Instagram page. Something he has done incredibly successfully, having grown the page to 101k followers in just 2 years. Many of the pictures Nathan posts on @RetroSydney_ are sourced from public archives, but the pictures which are “really special” to him come from public submissions. 1981: City Road, Chippendale — Looking towards the Grace Brothers Broadway store (now the location of Broadway Shopping Centre) near the busy intersection of City Road and Broadway in early 1981. Credit: State Library of NSW In terms of what makes for a great image to post on the page Nathan says it comes down to “a sense of familiarity of a place & the contrast of it now is what's really amazing.” Nathan also notes that many of the images are “candid” in nature & thus “ truly are a snapshot in time” which shows just how much the way we live has changed. It’s not just the images which make @RetroSydney_ special though. As Nathan told us excitedly “the stories behind the photographs” can be magical. One set of photographs in particular that stand out in Nathan’s mind in this regard were submissions by a follower of the page. “One of my followers, Nick, sent me a collection of gorgeous images that his late father took in the early 1960's on his Leica camera and you have to remember this was at a time before Autofocus was a thing, so everything was done manually - the clarity of them is amazing and I just love the moments that they've captured,” Nathan beamed. “One day I was shopping bumped into Nick and his mum Di and it was a surreal moment. It was amazing hearing how Di said it was like the photographs were keeping her late husband and his memory alive - so it's special when you hear stories of how it affects people in amazing ways.” It’s this connection with the images & the “nostalgic” feeling for a Sydney of old that Nathan feels is what has made @RetroSydney_ such a hit on Instagram. “With my posts, I try and immerse people in the journey back, mostly through the captions describing the time, sometimes it's the contents of the photograph - usually the cars or the place - & this adds another layer to the photograph or video giving it more context - and usually I'll couple that with a song of the era in a story post. In terms of his favorite photographs that he has posted on the page Nathan called out, “the shot of the Warringah Freeway from August 1983 because there's so many great cars in there, but also the shot of the Concorde taking off from Sydney Airport in February 1985 with people lining General Holmes Drive and scaling the security fence to get a shot of it - a total sign of the times.”

Acclaimed Australian artists Glenno Smith and Reg Mombassa bring their distinctive styles together in a thought-provoking Sydney exhibition exploring nature, humour and contemporary life. By ALEC SMART Reg Mombassa, surrealist artist and musician (and resident of Glebe), has teamed up with Glenno Smith, er, also a surrealist artist and musician (but former resident of Glebe), in a joint creative project that is being exhibited at Rogue Pop-Up Gallery in Redfern under the title Creatures: Losing the War on Nature. The exhibition features a range of lino-cut prints, the lino initially prepared by Smith, with illustrations then drawn by Mombassa, before being carved and printed by Smith. The exhibition title refers to climate change and the loss of species and ecological habitats, topics that occur frequently in Mombassa’s ironic, iconic illustrations. Mombassa (real name Chris Doherty, the former Mental as Anything guitarist whom Neighbourhood Media featured in our 2037 Glebe #1 magazine as well as online) is not known for his collaborations. However, he and Smith have a lot in common, not least their talent for viewing the world through bizarre lenses that utilise humour and dreamlike, sometime nightmarish, landscapes to make critical observations. They are also both Mambo artists, working with the original surf apparel label; Glenno since 2016, Reg a veteran since 1986. Reg’s posters and T-shirt designs were so influential in setting a zany template for Mambo that today he has become synonymous with the brand. Glenno Smith and Chris Doherty - aka Reg Mombassa - in front of one of their major artworks Neighbourhood Media interviewed Glenn ‘Glenno’ Smith – for 2037 magazine Congratulations on the joint exhibition with Reg Mombassa - two major talents of warped Australian art together in one venue. How did the collaboration with Reg come about? I simply asked him and he said yes. He's a very nice man - a down-to-earth surrealist. I'm very lucky he said yes to this collaboration because it's a rare thing for him to get involved in. We have both been through a similar ‘do a band, make art, go to art college, work for Mambo, be more of an artist’ sort of trajectory. What is the meaning behind the exhibition title, ‘Creatures: Losing The War On Nature’ It's a blanket-term that sums up a lot of Reg's imagery and universe that we used for the show - this species is losing its war on nature. It's a real horror-show of stupidity - sort of like the war of drugs - pointless. Greed and ignorance leading to extinction. Fun themes like that. The artworks are printed lino cuts, but do you have a preferred medium to work in that you most commonly utilise? I love to draw using black ink pens; a very cheap, transportable sort of medium that’s very simple to use but hard to master. There’s a photo in the exhibition catalogue of you and Reg playing guitars together. Is there a chance of a musical collaboration in the future, or are your musical tastes too far apart? Not sure that would work. He has as many balls in the air as I have musically and artistically, so that wouldn't be possible. I love his music though! Glenno (left) performing with Jason Whalley in Chinese Burns Unit. Photo: Alec Smart How is your band, Chinese Burns Unit, progressing? Have you managed to perform the latest album, Borrowed Gear, in the post-Covid world? This was the first album that an actual label put out - everything has always been DIY, self-funded when it comes to art or music. Vinyl is still what I put out all the music I write in all my separate bands. I have a band called HELLEBORES with my wife Gina [artist Gina Smithaco] and two killer friends, and a full-on band called OUTCEST with some mates. Chinese Burns Unit is a rare bird these days; the guys in that band all have so much on their plates, but we are going to do a new album soon. A favourite cartoon of yours is the Fleetwood Mac ‘Tumours’ parody - very black humour! Do you worry that censors or trolls might harass you to tone down your darker side? I don't care about that side of this new anonymous culture - it's a cowardly and narcissistic type that feels they are getting offended by things that don't align with their world-view. I like irony, parody and especially hearing from other people’s viewpoint; whether it's fierce or stupid, ignorant or life-changing. Comedy these days seems to be under attack and a lot of it is watered down to keep the vocal minority appeased, which is a shame. I'm always willing to listen to the contrarian - some of them are spot on. Fleetwood Mac - 'Tumours' - art by Glenno Smith Your Tintin spoof covers are hilarious. I recall Tintin in Quarantine and Tintin in Penrith. How many have you created and is there another in the works? Not really - the Penrith one was first. I did a Tony Abbott Canberra one and also a Shire. I grew up on those comic books and just love to hassle all the sacred cows of my childhood. Cats feature heavily in your portraiture, from one-eyed surfing moggies to Satanic felines to portraits of friends’ pets. How come you like cats? They are incredible creatures - it's hard to explain why - you just know when you've made that connection or lived with a couple of them - we have 3 cats at the moment, 4 if you count the guy that keeps on coming in - his name is Garfy Gaddafi. Did you grow up in Glebe or arrive there during your adolescence? I grew up in Orange, but made a bee-line to Sydney to attend art college - I lived in Bridge Rd for a while in that time - loved the Glebe markets, while rents were still AuStudy affordable. What was Glebe like then and how did it shape your creativity? The suburb has always been a place of eccentrics. One of my favourite comic/ record stores was on Glebe Point Road - Half A Cow Records – a hugely influential store for the early punk scene for both music and art. A lot of my friends lived along Glebe Point Road in pokey little student accommodation. Anything you’d like to add? I’d love people to go see Creatures: Losing The War On Nature. It's a print show, so the pieces won't destroy the average budget. There's also some individual art we've made separately, to show what we do apart from this combined style. Spoof Tintin covers - art by Glenno Smith Creatures: Losing the War on Nature 5-30 October 2022 Rogue Pop-Up Gallery, 130 Regent St, Redfern https://roguepopup.com.au/exhibition/reg-mombassa-glenno-smith-creatures-losing-the-war-on-nature/ Reg Mombassa FB: www.facebook.com/RegMombassa Website: https://regmombassa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regmombassaofficial/ Glenno Smith FB: https://www.facebook.com/glenno.smith Website: https://www.glennoart.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennoart/ Glenno's iconic lino artworks available on Mambo Australia apparel exclusively at BIG W online and in-store nationwide. ==================================== More on Glebe

A guide from Suzanne Taylor at Mortgage Choice Newtown. Image source: iStock It’s been three months since the Reserve Bank called time on record low interest rates. Suzanne Taylor, owner of Mortgage Choice in Newtown, and her team have been helping locals save on their home loans for over 21 years. With three rate hikes in as many months, homeowners across the Inner West are facing the challenge of rising home loan repayments. With the Reserve Bank warning of more rate rises to come, now is the time to act. Suzanne shares five steps that may help you lower your loan repayments. 1. Know the rate you’re paying Research by Mortgage Choice found more than half of homeowners don’t know their current home loan rate, yet understanding your mortgage rate is the starting point to know if you’re paying too much. If you’re unsure about the rate you’re paying, ask your lender or call my office and we can contact your lender on your behalf. 2. Challenge your lender Your loyalty to the bank probably isn’t being rewarded. Reserve Bank data shows new borrowers continue to pay a lower rate than established customers. This gives you plenty of scope to call your lender and ask for a rate discount. If you don’t feel comfortable haggling with the bank, my team at Mortgage Choice in Newtown can do the talking for you. 3. Consider taking your business elsewhere While your lender may provide a small rate discount if you ask, it’s still worth checking out the potential savings you could make by switching to a new lender. Many lenders are offering competitive rates and some are also offering cashbacks worth thousands of dollars to homeowners who refinance. 4. Decide on fixed versus variable Many homeowners are asking, “Is now the time to fix?” Fixed rates are currently significantly higher than variable rates at present — we can discuss your repayments options with you if you’re unsure what to do. If you think you might be paying too much, it is worth talking to our Newtown team to know whether fixed or variable would be best for you. Or, whether you could benefit from splitting your loan into a fixed and variable component. 5. Leave the hard yards to an expert team With hundreds of home loans to choose from, finding the best deals on the market can be time consuming for homeowners. Unsurprisingly, a recent Mortgage Choice survey found over 60% of borrowers said refinancing was a hassle they’d like to avoid. The thing is, refinancing has the potential to put thousands of dollars back into your pocket each year. That’s where an experienced mortgage broker can help. Our team uses software that can identify the loan that’s right for your needs – at a competitive rate. We can also show you how much you could save each month by refinancing. Then, if you choose to go ahead, we do much of the legwork for you. If you’re pressed for time, uncertain about where to start with refinancing, or have concerns about securing home loan approval, Mortgage Choice in Newtown is just a phone call away. Contact us today for a chat about how you can save even when rates are rising. Mortgage Choice in Newtown https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/suzanne.taylor/ (02) 9517 1818 557a King Street Newtown Monday — Friday, 9–5pm

If you’re considering studying at university next year, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices available to you. There are so many unis out there and so many degrees to choose from! So, before you make that all-important decision, ask yourself what’s important to you about university and the degree you’re keen to study. Do you want to study a degree you can personalise? One that’s been co-designed with industry? Or maybe one that has internships that are built in? Do you want to study at a uni whose campus is green and spacious, as well as being home to state-of-the art facilities? Or study at a uni that’s ranked number one in Sydney for graduate employment rate and that offers a one-of-a-kind employment service? If you answered yes to any of these, Macquarie University might just be the perfect choice for you. But why’s that? Here’s a few reasons. PERSONALISED DEGREES You can undertake one of more than 40 single bachelor degrees or one of countless double bachelor degrees. While a single degree generally focuses on a specific area, you’ll have lots of scope to choose units from outside your degree. This means you’ll gain the skills you’ll need for your career, but you can also follow your passions in diverse areas. If you’re considering a double degree, you might be interested to know that while all universities offer double degrees, we allow you to personalise your double degree by choosing the combination you consider will best kickstart your career. DEGREES CO-DESIGNED BY INDUSTRY So that our degrees equip you with the capabilities that employers are looking for now and into the future, we design many of them in consultation with industry. Degrees co-designed with organisations such as Accenture, Adobe and Fujitsu, offer a curriculum that’s shaped by the latest industry trends and can be adjusted to respond to the needs of industry in real time. DEGREES WITH IN-BUILT INTERNSHIPS Practical experiences are built into all of our degrees, so you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the current and future challenges of your profession. In-built practical experience is made available through our unique PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program, while our extracurricular Global Leadership Program helps you develop cross-cultural and leadership skills. Plus, if international experience is something you’re keen to explore, you’ll have many options to undertake overseas – or virtual – exchange. A CAMPUS BUILT FOR COLLABORATION We’re uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct and we’re only a quick Metro ride from the Sydney CBD. Our campus is green and spacious with so many different spots to either hang out with your friends, relax by yourself, or hit the books. What’s more, $1 billion has been injected into campus development initiatives, so many of our facilities are brand new, state-of-the-art and built for collaboration. CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE Our Career and Employment Service will work closely with you so that you’re in the best position to secure the job of your dreams. Our staff will help you build your résumé and online profile, workshop your interview skills and provide advice about building your networks. You’ll also have access to a recruitment service that’s unique among universities – you’ll be matched with local industry partners who want to employ motivated students and graduates in casual, part-time and full-time roles. So, now that you’re across so much of what Macquarie has to offer, surely you’re not still unsure about where you want to study! But if you are, why not speak with our fantastic recruitment team. You can catch them at futurestudents@mq.edu.au or on (02) 9850 6767. You can also check out the full range of courses online HERE. CRICOS Provider 00002J