Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully | Politician

Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully

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25.01.2022 Have you shared your visions for the future of Oxford Street? There’s big planning changes ahead, so help shape the possibilities that’ll be built into planning controls: what should we enable, encourage and support to help creativity, community and commerce thrive? Take the survey or share your ideas here by tomorrow: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//planning-changes-oxfo

25.01.2022 How do we update democracys operating system? There are models in use around the world showing us how we can rebuild trust and get more courageous policy decisions by expanding who has a say and how. Bottom-up and participatory democratic processes that recognise the potential we all have to contribute; that make political engagement active and part of everyday life, something everyone can do. I saw this in action in the City of Sydney through our Citizens Jury process ...last year, and it has yielded incredible results here and around the world. Im in The Guardian today sharing some of the ideas in #GlimpsesOfUtopia https://www.theguardian.com//there-are-new-ways-to-do-demo

25.01.2022 Did you know the City of Sydney is reclaiming about 9000m2 of road space for people in the heart of our city? That’s about the size of Federation Square in Melbourne, but stretched out along the length of George Street, from Circular Quay to Central. What activities would you like to see supported and infrastructure installed here to help put people first? It was so lovely to join my pals Cr Robert Kok and Councillor Philip Thalis today, along with our brilliant planning staf...f and interested members of the city community, for a tour along the next stretch to be enhanced. This section spans from Bathurst St to Rawson Place (near the Central light rail stop), covering a lot of Haymarket. The City is asking for your feedback and ideas now - what would you like to see as this space is improved? Let me know and share your ideas here: https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//proposed-pedestrian-b #publicspaces #smallbusiness #culture #sydneylocal #citiesforpeople

25.01.2022 Does your pup have plans tomorrow morning? Im so excited to join the Darlo Dog Show at Bloody Marys Sydney - it kicks off from 11am! Its being put on with the help of Darlo Darlings and Paws On The Run; come on down to see the contestants put their best paw forward! Lets hope the competition isnt too ruff.

25.01.2022 So lovely to be lunched-with in todays Sydney Morning Herald Spectrum, at my #1 Fairfield destination, La Paula chewing the empanada on my life story, love of cities and dreams for Sydney, and some of the ideas in #GlimpsesofUtopia Big thanks to writer Helen Pitt and photographer Wolter Peeters for capturing me mid-convo (and somehow without half a completo in my mouth). https://amp.smh.com.au//jess-scully-is-this-the-face-of-sy

24.01.2022 Youve probably bought a Legacy pin like this one in the past: Legacy Week is one of the most important fundraising events for Legacy, an organisation that has been supporting the families of Australian veterans for 97 years. Legacy helps out when families are impacted by loss of life or health in military service, or by the mental health impacts of war. It was an honour to represent Sydneysiders at the launch of Legacy Week at the Cenotaph today. Things are a little different this year, and there wont be volunteers selling pins at train stations and around the city, but theres still a great deal of need. If you have the means, please consider supporting #LegacyWeek

23.01.2022 Im so honoured to be part of Brisbane Writers Festival this week and their creative, thoughtful, experimental reimagining of their program - pairing authors and artists to create call-and-response readings, performances, meditations, or whatever results. Theyve given us #RoomToDream and I couldnt be more excited to see what the wonderful Mary Hoang has created, reflecting on my exploration of social infrastructure and space for connections... but like you, Ill have to wait till Saturday Sept 5 to find out! Theres a new artist/author pair every day this week. Explore the whole program at https://bwf.org.au

23.01.2022 We got super lucky walking home yesterday: as we were passing Glebe Youth Service Inc. artist Aunty Kathy Dodd Farrawell called us in to have a sneak peak at the incredible room-sized artwork she has been working on for weeks now. This revamped room features Glebe icons like photographer Aunty Barbara McGrady, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legends from Archie Roach to Patty Mills. I cant wait to see this room finished, back in action and welcoming more kids to create and play at the Youthie!

22.01.2022 Is your local school running on sunshine? If not, what’s stopping you? School and childcare centre rooftop solar is an easy renewable energy win - big rooftops and mostly daytime energy usage - and the parent-led national campaign Australian Parents for Climate Action are encouraging governments to support schools across the country by funding installations and removing barriers: they’ve just delivered 10,000 signatures in support to the PM! Incredible stuff. So now, what...’s next? Over the last few weeks I’ve been talking with the campaign leaders and working out how we at City of Sydney can help directly, and what we can ask the NSW govt to contribute to help schools in our part of the world. I’ve been talking to P&Cs who are at different stages on the renewables journey and would love to talk to you: is this something your school community is working on? Would you (or someone you know) be up for being a local champion, connecting your school with the campaign? How can we best support childcare operators to take up the solar opportunity? I’d love your ideas. More on the campaign here: https://www.ap4ca.org

21.01.2022 We asked the City of Sydney community how to focus our #COVID19 recovery efforts, and thousands responded. Almost 75% said their highest priority was that we support our most vulnerable people: like asylum seekers, refugees & temporary visa holders so theres #nobodyleftbehind. Thats the spirit that will guide us as we plan our recovery efforts. Im backing the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) in their #NobodyLeftBehind campaign, calling on the federal government to exte...nd a safety net to refugees and asylum seekers in our community who are still struggling to survive during the pandemic and lockdown. This crisis is not over yet. I wrote this op-ed in todays SMH to express how my experience of the generosity and warmth of our community is not matched by the actions of our leaders in Canberra. https://t.co/tBmgyV947Q

20.01.2022 Do you want late night trading, agent or change sound protections and DA-free use of creative spaces? If so, speak now, this is the final countdown to change! Until the 18th November, we are inviting you to weigh in on proposals to improve planning controls for cultural life, creative activities, live entertainment and the night-time economy. We want to make it easier for businesses, creatives, and entertainers to utilise existing space in our city, and we also ...want to allow them to trade later, perform live and host small scale cultural activities, all without having to go through the additional time consuming approval process. You may have heard me banging on about this before, as we’ve been working on this since 2017! Planning changes take time and usually have two rounds of consultation: right now, this is the final phase of this process to make it a reality, so get your feedback in before it’s too late. It is a lengthy process because planning reform takes a really long time, but can have a huge positive social impact. The results of this feedback will impact the Councils decision on the planning proposal, so it’s so important for you to get involved and have a say in the Sydney you want to live in. Complete your submission online at the link below, or email your submission to [email protected]. Get in before the 18th November to make it count! https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//an-open-and-creative-

20.01.2022 I am so excited to be launching my book #GlimpsesOfUtopia in three weeks from now. Im floored to imagine it out in the world after years of work, and also incredibly impatient to share it with you all (and also to stop shouting thats in the book! halfway through most conversations). Itll be launching with an event at The State Library of New South Wales on August 6, with the brilliant Benjamin Law and I talking about the stuff in it. You can register to attend now - get... in quick - and fingers crossed we can all meet in person to talk about the future we want! Please drop me a line if you have ideas on getting this book out to people - I want to spread these ideas far and wide. #GlimpsesOfUtopia https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/author-talk-glimpses-utopia

20.01.2022 Do you live or work in Surry Hills, or send your kids to Bourke Street Primary School? You might be interested in the Citys plans for Wimbo Park - on Bourke Street, at Devonshire Street, where the tram runs through. This Wednesday, Lord Mayor Clover Moore is hosting an online forum to give an update on our progress and outline our next steps. City staff will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Be quick and pls spread the word: signups close at 5pm today.... https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/community-update-on-wimbo-p

20.01.2022 Can we imagine the climate-adapted, creative and caring future that we’d be proud to pass on to our kids? Can you picture life in a resilient world? What changes can we make today to get there 20 years from now? I’m excited to be part of this @ABCscience live speculative experiment on Facebook at 8pm this Wednesday night: join the storytelling and the conversation as we project forward with experts, activists and change-agents. Wouldn’t you like to shape a future worth lo...oking forward to? Sign up here: http://ab.co/Gen2020

19.01.2022 Its #RefugeeWeek - as well as taking political action by calling on your federal MP to provide the support that refugees and asylum seekers need and have not received through the COVID-19 crisis - its a moment to show some love to those organisations who help people get connected and employed. The Social Outfit is a wonderful, ethical and impactful org in local area that does so much, so this week Im supporting their #WearTheChange2020 fundraising challenge by splitting m...y donation between four of my absolute favourite champions: my council wife Councillor Jess Miller, sustainable fashion guru Claire Press, state parliament powerhouse Newtown MP Jenny Leong and ethical textile radical Eloise Rapp. You can chip in too! Check out their profiles (and epic style notes) and donate what you can! Love you all and love The Social Outfit https://wear-the-change.raisely.com

19.01.2022 Bravo to everyone who kept up the pressure to retain the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. This is the right decision: we need greater access to the innovation, creativity and learning that Powerhouse Museum provides, across Sydney. Im so thrilled to see this. https://t.co/Z1XCuXL92q

19.01.2022 I went to the cinema last night (!!!) in support of a wonderful film, Picturing Home documentary, which takes us through Sydney through the eyes of photographer Jai Jaru. Jai has had a challenging journey on the road to finding her eye and her voice, and has spent much of the last 20 years homeless in our city, with the insecurity and vulnerability that that brings. Through director Annette Cohen’s sensitive storytelling, editing and production by Marcus Gillezeau and Ric...hard Wilmot, and the impact of Michael Allwright’s incredible Homeless In Focus photography competition, we get an insight into Jai’s story. Thank you all for this gift, and special thanks to Jai for your courage and openness in sharing your story, I hope through it we better understand what so many are experiencing and work to change the policies and skewed priorities that keep homes empty while people need them. This extraordinary film was supported by City of Sydney, Fujifilm X Series AU and a crew of exceptional creative talent, and now is available to use as a fundraising tool for homelessness orgs. I’d love to hear from you if you have ideas and want to be connected - I’d love to help share this more widely. Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/462459068

19.01.2022 As with almost everything right now, were launching ~in the cloud~ so you could join us wherever you are, 7-8pm Australian Eastern Time! Ill be talking with the hilarious and whip-smart legend that is Benjamin Law about the transformative visions and movements in my book, Glimpses of Utopia, as part of the State Library NSW program. Well be talking about some of the ways brilliant people are already hard at work, building a fairer and more sustainable future. Its going to be good. Join us by registering here: https://t.co/NGEGyikbZ5

19.01.2022 Im looking forward to joining the CBD Sydney Chamber next week for this discussion about #COVID19 recovery and how the City can assist businesses to bounce back or build new models of operation. You can join in the conversation by registering here: https://business.cbdsydneychamber.com.au//expert-panel-vir

19.01.2022 Today is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day! I love a reason to rock The Birthday Party at Town HallCelebrate Aussie music and help support our local industry - it’s more important than ever as the industry recovers from the pandemic - if you’ve missed it today, just wear yours tomorrow and donate if you can! #AusMusicTShirtDay exists to help raise desperately needed funds for Support Act. @supportact is a charity providing financial help, advice and practical assistance to music indu...stry workers who are experiencing hardship. The pandemic has taken such a massive toll on the industry. Practically everyone working in live music - that’s artists, crew and music workers - have lost their jobs and their income, and the future is anything but certain. Requests for Crisis Relief have increased by 883% since the pandemic began, while calls to the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline have increased by 52%. I’m proud to have gotten the City of Sydney behind Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, and for the financial support provided to Support Act as part of our Covid-19 relief packages. Donate, promote, support Aussie music - https://www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au/

18.01.2022 Im looking forward to joining Committee for Sydney in a webinar next Wednesday to talk about some of the city-making elements in #GlimpsesOfUtopia - register here to join us. My book isnt *just* about cities, but many of the solutions we need, to the big global problems of inequality and climate disaster, can be impacted at a local level through the policies we enact, the way we build housing and communities, and the choices we make about what uses we prioritise. Cities ...can be save us: but we have to shape them with a clear intention to be engines of fairness and sustainability, not just property plays. Id love to hear your questions and ideas to share with the engaged bunch at the Committee, please let me know what interests you or join us Wednesday August 26 at 2pm. https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_8ov4k3T3RLygpxmtFMd11g

18.01.2022 Retailers, cafe operators, hospitality gurus: it’s an understatement to say it has been a tough year. If you could use some coaching, market analysis, business development and expert support as you imagine new ways forward, you’ve got to check this out. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from the first two cohorts through Investible and City of Sydney’s Retail Innovation Program, and now you can be part of the third group. ... Apply by Oct 30 here and pls let your favourite cafe or retailer know! https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//retail-innovation-pro

18.01.2022 Today I helped launch the #ArtFromTheHeart exhibition at 107 Projects, presenting art made by clients of the Uniting Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre. The MSIC has saved thousands of lives over the last 19 years, giving people a safe, judgment-free place to be when using, and this is the 10th year of an exhibition which empowers MSIC clients with the tools to express themselves and tell their stories. It was a joy to see the remarkable work on display, to meet pe...ople and to hear stories today. I’m so grateful that this is a resource for care in our city and a place to build community for those who are marginalised by the stigma around some kinds of drug use. Their courage and openness through projects like this can shift the dial. FYI you can see the work for the next week at 107 or bid online in the silent auction... big ups to MSIC Medical Director Dr Marianne Jauncey, Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann, and one of the judges, the excellent Tina Havelock Stevens - hard to pick a pic when we weren’t all laughing.

18.01.2022 Very well said Councillor Jess Miller - governments are often accused of moving too slowly, yet a moment like a pandemic requires them to move quickly - and so theyre accused of trampling over community consultation. A very good rebuttal and refocusing on the real big picture here: learning to share public space in the city for public good.

17.01.2022 Sending love to Lebanon: Sydney stands with Beirut

16.01.2022 Expanding the range and availability of #affordablehousing is one of my driving goals for participating in public life and a long-term focus for #TeamClover: so its wonderful to be able to celebrate the official opening of one of the most beautiful new projects in Sydney, one that is already having a great impact in so many lives, and enhancing the neighbourhood. This gem at Harold Park from City West Housing is providing 75 studio, one, two and three bedroom homes right on... the park, near Tramsheds, playgrounds, and the light rail, a social and well-served place to live. The City sold land at a discount and provided a grant from our Affordable and Diverse Housing Fund to deliver this project, one of many weve supported over the last decade. Im very grateful Lord Mayor Clover Moore has championed this for years and that she invited me along for the very small ribbon-cutting yesterday. Im so proud that the City of Sydney goes above and beyond to deliver sustainable, affordable, well-designed housing to make this city a fairer place.

16.01.2022 Thank you, climate-championing-parents of Oz! It’s such a pleasure to be a part of your campaign. There’s such extraordinary leadership coming from the community, pushing Australia to be a renewables powerhouse, and Australian Parents for Climate Action are showing us how it’s done. Solar on schools + batteries is an immediate way to decarbonise, save tens of thousands a year and even earn $$$ for schools as Virtual Power Plants, selling energy back into the grid.... But in talking to parents in our area, we’ve found many school communities have hit obstacles. Where is your school now on it’s renewables journey? We’re asking parents in Sydney school communities: what are the barriers to #renewables for your school: building, funding or department rules? how could we best support you or advocate for immediate change? can you connect with @ap4ca to share what you’ve learned? This will be debated (and I hope supported) at Council Monday night, but the work is ongoing. Once we get obstacles removed for schools in our area, we’ve got to tackle childcare - a whole other project. If your school (or child care centre) is working on this, let’s talk!

16.01.2022 With fewer people in the inner city and fewer of us carrying cash, the Big Issue vendors’ job is tough right now: but they’re out there selling as always, with new Covid-safe procedures, and contactless payments too. Today I joined vendor David, long-term vendor outside Woolies, for #MayorSelling, helping to highlight the awesome work done by The Big Issue Australia, and the vendors who are on the streets everyday. It’s really not easy to do: thanks David for showing me the ...ropes today. The Big Issue, best known for the iconic magazines, provides work opportunities to people who are doing it tough for all kinds of reasons - homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage. So next time you see your local Big Issue vendor, pop out your headphones and say hi, pick up a copy of the mag and know that your money is going towards a business doing good, and an individual who is #ProudlyWorking #HelpingPeopleHelpThemselves

16.01.2022 It was so wonderful to visit Kensington Street in Chippendale this evening and experience one of the few silver linings of this strange time in history - reclaiming space for people to enjoy, rather than traffic to pass through. Have you checked it out yet? From 11am Thursday to midnight Sunday, every single week of the next year, Kensington Street Chippendale is closed to cars, giving the many restaurants room to spill out, space for live music performances, and for us all t...o enjoy the city while being Covid-safe. Its going to be a great destination for Fathers Day celebrations next weekend, take a look at their offers and entertainment line up. It was a pleasure to support the precinct managers in their vision to deliver this permanent periodic closure: this is exactly what we need more of in Sydney. Where else do you think would be perfect to reclaim for people? Id love to hear your ideas.

14.01.2022 I believe that January 26, as a date of national celebration, doesn’t address the totality of who we are as a country, and it centres the date of invasion in our national story. It excludes Australia’s First Nations people and negates their long history, and it limits the story of what Australia is. I support the date being changed to allow space for reconciliation, truth-telling and a collective and inclusive process of building a nation and national day we can all be proud ...of. However you plan to spend the day tomorrow in Sydney, there are events that will be about remembering and reflecting on our history before colonisation, celebrating the resilience and vitality of the world’s oldest living culture, and the complexity of our national story. Tune in online to Yabun Festival an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture; held every year on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people at Victoria Park in Camperdown in Sydney, it’s usually packed with tens of thousands of Sydneysiders, but this year it will be streaming around the world. Yabun translates to 'music to a beat' in the Gadigal language. You can still book tickets to attend SugarFest Oceanic Culture, History and Music Festival: it’s a celebration of Australian South Sea Islander culture and the contributions of this diverse community, which also has strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections. I’ll be joining Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson at their event from 10am - 5pm in Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. In the morning, Gadigal Traditional Owners will rally at Djarrbarrgalli, known as the Sydney Domain to mark invasion day 2021. This will be a significant reclamation of a special place where First Nations have gathered since time immemorial, and elders invite us to join them for a healing ceremony. The organisers have stated that this will be a COVID safe event, with strict safety protocols: please mask up, keep distance and don’t attend if you’re unwell. #alwayswasalwayswillbe

14.01.2022 We know CBD and Haymarket businesses have been hit hard by the lower numbers of workers and visitors in the central city, and that artists and creative workers are also disproportionately impacted, with many opportunities in their sector put on hold. Im so glad the City has introduced the new CBD Activation Matching Grant: you could access up to $10,000 for projects in which creatives and local businesses collaborate to aid a culture-led recovery. City staff are running a sp...ecial (online) information session this Thursday August 13 bringing together artists and creative producers looking for a venue and for venue owners looking for creative ideas to activate their space. (A venue could be any business in the CBD or Haymarket - where can you imagine more creative work appearing?) Therell also be presentations on other grants now open, including Night-time Diversification Grant and the Live Music and Performance Grant. Register here: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//cbd-activation-ma

14.01.2022 So many people have been left without the support we all need to get through the pandemic and lockdown: it shouldnt be like this. Lets keep pushing governments to do the right thing as this crisis is continuing, but we can also help those who are stepping up to fill the gap. The City of Sydney has made a donation of $1 million to help people access food, working with OzHarvest and 60+ community organisations. On Friday I was glad to see the new OzHarvest Waterloo Market in action, helping more people shop in a way that is dignified and allows them to pay what they can. Our donation has helped, but this job is huge, and they do need more donations: please consider it if you have the means.

14.01.2022 One of the few upsides of this wild time? Were all bumbling through it together round the planet. We can learn from each other and draw on case studies in real time to try to get positive action. Thats why Im excited some of the Citys stellar, experienced and downright brilliant Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel will be in convo with his Party Excellency, Night Mayor Merlijn Poolman from Groningen in The Netherlands, as part of a Music Cities Events session on Tuesday 5pm (Sydney time). Weve already had a preliminary chat and there is so much we have in common as we try to save, revive and enhance nightlife, entertainment and culture right now. Sign up and tune in! https://www.musiccitiesevents.com/community-about

13.01.2022 Do you run a business in Pyrmont or Ultimo? Are you thinking about your road to recovery from the shutdown, and youd like to learn from other businesses in the area? Im looking forward to joining in a discussion hosted by the Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce this Wednesday morning, listening in to ideas from the community and sharing what were working on at the City of Sydney. Find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/post-covid-19-the-road-to-r

13.01.2022 Our city centres will recover from this crisis: but now is the time to redesign them for the 21st century. We‘re reallocating space for people rather than traffic. We’re changing rules and making room for entertainment and social life. We’re using creativity and supporting artists, venues and businesses to entice everyone back into our inner city. I’m hopeful that many of these creative interventions will stick and we’ll see a radically transformed city centre, with more spa...ce for innovation, nature and community and a 24-7 program of use. What do you want to see in the future of our CBD, as we reimagine it together? I was on The Project last night talking about our plans for Sydney this summer: our Summer Streets program is a huge part of the recovery plan, be sure to check out all the grants and opportunities that are waiting to support your big ideas. https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1328608593550176257

13.01.2022 White Australia has a Blak history, and every year that passes, the push towards truth-telling and true reconciliation grows. There’s the growing momentum to #changethedate of Australia Day to one that isn’t divisive and connected to invasion, particularly from younger people, that gives me hope that we’re moving towards a more mature understanding of our history. That is essential for us to build an inclusive and positive future for all of us. There’s other parts of our hist...ory we’re also beginning to recognise and reconcile, like our history of slavery - the euphemism is black birding - decades in which around 50,000 South Sea Islanders were stolen from their homes and forced to work in Australia’s sugar industry. Displaced and exploited, these men (many from Vanuatu and neighbouring islands) formed deep connections and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, which continue today. There are cultural connections and dreaming stories which run back even further, but more recently, these communities were united in their resilience and vitality in the face of oppression. It’s clear we need to continue truth-telling about our history of slavery, when only months ago, our Prime Minister seemed to be oblivious to it. That’s why it was an honour to attend and speak at SugarFest today, a celebration of Australian South Sea Islander culture, in Pyrmont, a place in our city steeped in the history and of the sugar trade. Thank you to Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson for presenting this meaningful event and to Sydney MP Alex Greenwich for his continued advocacy: Alex led the NSW Parliament in acknowledging and apologising for this cruel practice and its ongoing effects. I hope, one day soon, we start to see this date become one on which we embark on more truth-telling and reconciliation as a nation.

13.01.2022 The name Equality Green recognises the historic moment thousands gathered in Prince Alfred Park in anticipation of the result of the marriage equity survey. Surry Hills businesses and residents in the Surry Hills Creative Precinct Inc wanted to go further: they asked me to take this beautiful celebratory rainbow footpath to council, and I’m thrilled to say it was supported unanimously in February this year, and staff have been hard at work. Now we have a plan on exhibition for public feedback: if you want to see this rainbow become reality, please, add your support at the link below! Consultation closes Nov 29, please spread the word. https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//rainbow-path-design-p

13.01.2022 Im very excited to be todays featured author in Brisbane Writers Festival #RoomToDream author/artist collaborations: my piece from #GlimpsesOfUtopia on social spaces, the role of artists in city-shaping and the infrastructure of connections paired with a sonic embodiment - a guided meditation on connection - by psychologist and The Indigo Project founder Mary Hoang. Check it out: https://bwf.org.au//room-to-dre/jess-scully-and-mary-hoang

12.01.2022 Last week I popped into The Lansdowne o chat with legends-in-residence Jake and Kenny (more on that soon) and I got to see a band rehearsing for the first time in a long time (I think its Pleasure Coma and wowwwwwww did it make me want us to get our nightlife roaring again. Im so glad the Lansdowne crew is keeping stages lit with two shows a night... Yesterday, the state government unveiled its vision for a 24-hour Sydney. After six years of lockouts and the devastation of ...COVID-19 lockdowns, its great to see that theyre taking the health and vibrancy of our late-night life seriously. Theres a lot to like in their proposal, which includes some ideas the City has been championing for a long time: more late-night transport options, extended opening hours for retail, and streamlined liquor licensing and noise regulations. We also need to make it easier for venues to get DAs and liquor licenses at the same time and with the same set of conditions for certainty and consistency for venues and neighbours - something were advocating for in the new Liquor Act amendments too. But lockdown has hurt our late-night industries badly, and the state government needs to bring in solutions to help them now, not down the road. Late-night venues need easy access to outdoor dining and performance spaces, a way to close streets to car traffic when they put on events, and ongoing financial support until lockdowns over. Venues, performers, entertainment and hospitality were the first to be hit by lockdown and have one of the longest roads to recovery. Well keep pushing the state government to give our late-night sector the support it needs, now and into the future. More on the NSW Govts 24 hr economy plan here: https://www.theshout.com.au//nsw-government-sets-out-plan/

12.01.2022 Good news for everyone who wants to be powered by sunshine: I had two solar-themed motions supported unanimously at Council last night! Both motions are about removing practical barriers to solar, so that Sydney schools and more residents can increase their uptake of renewables, and be an active part of the Climate Emergency response. Public schools face real obstacles to going solar - we’ve heard from so many of you that even with fantastic programs like Solar My Schools wh...ich the Council supports, it’s just bloody hard to do! Old buildings, wiring, heritage provisions, funding limitations and counterproductive department policies are significant and genuine barriers that we want to help our schools overcome. We are doing this alongside the amazing Australian Parents for Climate Action and their #SolarOurSchools campaign, and with parent advocates across our city. We’re now advocating at a state level to remove the barriers that exist for each of our schools, as well as (hopefully) improving the policies of the relevant departments to have flow on effects for all schools in NSW. Next step? An invitation for the NSW Minister for the Environment and Minister for Education to meet with P&C reps from the city and members of Australian Parents for Climate Action to name these barriers and potential solutions, so that we can increase rooftop solar uptake, reduce schools reliance on the grid, and support them to trade their excess solar energy with great financial and environmental results! Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. This is just the beginning of the work. I’m committed to helping make genuine, lasting change for our schools and residents on this issue, and I’m going to need your help along the way. We’d still love to hear from you if you have stories to share on your solar journey...

11.01.2022 World War II concluded 75 years ago today: it was an honour to represent the people of Sydney at the commemorative service at the Cenotaph this morning, recognising the service of everyone who sacrificed for a better world, at war or at home. It was a physically-distanced event but Im so glad we could be there in person. Thanks to the Governor Margaret Beazley for a moving speech and to this excellent WWII veteran Mr Trist for a good chat.

11.01.2022 Today is Australian South Sea Islanders Recognition Day: its 26 years since PM Keating officially recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct community. Australian South Sea Islanders today are the descendants of the more than 50,000 people who were torn away from their homes and families in the Pacific Islands (many from Vanuatu) and forced to work as slave labour in Australias sugar plantations. The practice continued until 1903, and discrimination against Au...stralian South Sea Islanders continued - for example, when Aboriginal people secured the right to vote after the referendum in 1967, Australian South Sea Islanders werent included. Advocates like Emelda Davis from Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson have been fighting for this painful part of history to be recognised, and for the contributions of this community to be acknowledged: it was a pleasure to join in the flag raising and commemoration today. It was a bit smaller than the incredible event last year - check out the pics featuring a delegation from Vanuatu as part of the 2019 event - but just as moving today in a more restrained COVID-Safe mode.

10.01.2022 #NIRIN is a deep well of knowledge, feeling and connections across the planet. Its a reframing of history as told from the edges, a centering of the marginalised, a vast trove of solutions from those who have endured and survived more than one apocalypse, more than one pandemic. It is a gift to Sydney. I wish it could go on for another 100 days because I have so much more to learn from it, but it ends September 6 (a little longer at Carriageworks). Its extraordinary in so ...many ways, including this one: its possibly the worlds first completely plastic-free arts event, a painstaking process initiated by artists Lucas Ihlein and Kim Williams. Please, dive in and soak up as much as you can in the next few weeks. Thank you Biennale of Sydney and Artistic Director Brook Andrew for this most timely and necessary experience. This work by Melanie Mununggurr.

10.01.2022 GRANT ALERT We want to see a creative-led recovery for Sydney, so we have a slate of grants and opportunities opening so creative minds can work in partnership with businesses to entice people back to the city centre. Do you have ideas you want to bring to life? We want to hear from you! We’re looking for businesses, creatives, performers, event organisers and innovators to activate spaces in the City’s public domain and vacant corporate locations with live music and cu...ltural programming as part of our Covid-19 recovery. Businesses aligned with the night-time economy are encouraged to apply. If you’re in the city centre and Haymarket (inc Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and the Rocks) and this sounds like you, then apply and help us enliven our city. Be quick, applications close on the 7th December! Link below. [On the creative transformation tip, pictured is Nick Cave’s public work HEARD.SYD performed in Pitt St in 2016, presented by City of Sydney’s Art and About. Unforgettable.] https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//cbd-activation-grants

10.01.2022 Look out for the latest edition of Urban Village Media Summer 2021 at your favourite retailers across Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Potts Point, Redfern, Paddington, Chippendale, Glebe, East Sydney, Woollomooloo and the urban fringes of Sydney. Or take a read of the online version - it’s full of local news that will remind you that there is so much to enjoy in our fabulous city. I really appreciated the opportunity to contribute to this edition with my take on 2020, that despite... the storm clouds there were two major silver linings - firstly our community coming together and supporting each other, especially the city’s most vulnerable, and secondly the revival of our streets and outdoor spaces with governments at all levels working to make it easier for businesses to take advantage of our streets. So much to look forward to as our Summer continues into 2021. I’d love to hear your ideas on how we can work together to nurture this more social and connected life even further in 2021. Check out the online version here https://issuu.com/urban_village//urban_village_summer_2021

09.01.2022 Whats the next evolution of Kings Cross? KX has had many identities over the decades: it has been the heart of counterculture and nightlife, from sophisticated theatres and supper clubs to underground haunts for generations of Sydneysiders. We know its history, but what can you imagine for its future? We want to hear from you. The Committee for Sydney, in partnership with the Sydney Business Chamber and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technolo...gy Sydney, is undertaking a project to develop a vision for the Kings Cross precinct. Their aim is to produce a set of ideas and suggestions to improve the social, economic and cultural fabric of Kings Cross. The consultation will feed directly into the final project report which will include policy recommendations. They have launched a survey closing 10 September to gather feedback for the project. Share your ideas and please spread the word: you can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SDMFF59

09.01.2022 Can big business play a role in bringing forward a sustainable and fair future? When there’s a lack of climate action from many governments, will the business world push ahead? In researching Glimpses of Utopia I encountered companies implementing internal carbon taxes in order to transition towards a circular economy in their operations, and others, like IKEA, trying to change their business models despite a world of deliberate disincentives to genuine corporate social r...esponsibility. I’m looking forward to joining this #TEDxSydney conversation on Tuesday 13th, chatting with Fenella from TEDxSydney, Dom from Atlassian and Jan from IKEA. Tune in on Facebook Live from 3.30pm. https://fb.me/e/2zgGaTu1I

09.01.2022 Imagine how much space for people and nature could be unlocked in cities by reclaiming little-used roads? Imagine play space, trees and gardens in back lanes, and new affordable work and living space instead of garages... We’ve been dreaming this up and plotting within our team, so we love to see this convo spreading! Would you like to see this on your back lane or street? Let me know! ... https://www.smh.com.au//giving-back-the-streets-the-plan-t

09.01.2022 This is epic. Im so thrilled to join Live from Stonewall tomorrow night for their Global Pride Special! Live From Stonewall has been bringing joy, support and a bit of much-needed fun to lockdown, keeping the LGBTIQ+ community and allies connected and supported. It runs entirely on viewer donations, gives work to freelance creatives affected by job losses, and gives 10% of proceeds each week to charity. The truly legendary line up tomorrow includes icons Lily Tomlin and Conchita Wurst, alongside so many local stars youll need shades. Tune in at 8pm and donate to keep the show going: https://www.gofundme.com/f/live-from-stonewall-production-f

08.01.2022 The extraordinary Requiem, an exhibition curated by artist Janet Laurence, is a moving, therapeutic, probing exploration of the trauma of last summer’s bushfires. It features a restaging of Janet’s Water Bar, but updated to reflect the impact of fires and run off in our waterways, as well as works by Dirt Witches, Juz Kitson and Tony Albert... if you can make it down to Paddington Reservoir Gardens, please dive in: tomorrow there’s also a talk from Uncle Bruce Shillingsworth at midday, on water and care for country. Thanks Sydney Festival and to the artists for this important event, I saw Janet and Lille Madden today at a beautiful Caring for Country kids storytelling event supported by Groundswell Giving. Events are free but registration recommended: https://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/events/requiem

08.01.2022 One of the best experiences of the book-release-blur is getting to talk with people about the ideas in the book - I cannot wait to be able to talk with more of you about them! Last week I had the joy of speaking with the icon Benjamin Law for the State Library of NSW (hoping theres a link I can share on that soon) and this week, Ill be in convo with the legendary Sally Rugg for Booktopia. I cant wait! You can join us tomorrow night on the Booktopia Facebook page at 7pm:

08.01.2022 Pour out a Cass beer for Ding Dong Dang, the lil karaoke bar that just kept on keeping on. Generations of Sydneysiders pay their respects, including this piece in the Herald. Glad to be able to join the chorus and hog the mic, just like old times... #IllBeMissingYou #DontGoBreakingMyHeart https://www.smh.com.au//we-ended-up-at-the-ding-dong-dang-

08.01.2022 Its July 1: which means weve officially flipped over to 100% renewable energy for City of Sydney operations. All our pools, sports fields, libraries, depots and buildings, including the historic Sydney Town Hall, are now powered by 100% renewable energy in the largest standalone renewables deal for an Australian council. Were getting three-quarters of the Citys power from wind generation and one-quarter from solar, and best of all, a chunk of that energy is being so...urced from three community energy projects across regional NSW: Sapphire Wind Farm near Inverell, Bomen Solar Farm near Wagga Wagga, and Repower Shoalhaven (solar) near Nowra. This is what city and country coming together in a #JustTransition looks like, and its saving us $500,000 a year for the next ten years (on business as usual power buys). While we as a council only represent 1% of the energy use of our LGA, this is saving us 20,000 tons of carbon a year (thats about 8,000 households worth of power), so the impact is huge.

07.01.2022 Library lovers Bookworms, welcome back: most of our libraries are open again! We’re not back at full capacity yet, as we’re taking measured to help keep everyone safe, including more cleaning and limiting the number of visitors at one time. The libraries that are currently open for a browse and borrow are Surry Hills, Green Square, Darling Square, Customs House Library and Kings Cross. The rest will follow as soon as possible. Stay updated on details of types of services... and opening hours on all City of Sydney libraries here https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//city-sydney-library-

07.01.2022 ARTIST CALLOUT! Big brief, short time: what would you do to bring life to Sydney laneways this summer? From green installations to creative lighting, sculpture to sound, social practice to AR, the City of Sydney is calling for projects for 4 x $50,000 laneway art commissions for the summer ahead. I’m so excited that we have a #CreativeLedRecovery on the cards for our CBD: help us bring joy back to the inner city and entice people out to rediscover Sydney. Projects like this ...and our ongoing commitment to beautifying and enhancing the public spaces of our city are one of the important ways we support the many businesses who keep our city working. You only have until Mon November 16 (!!!) to get your team together and your ideas in, there’s a briefing this Friday 6 Nov and a link below. Creative thinkers, get dreaming and spread the word! Image from a previous laneway art project, The Amazing Rolling Picture Show by Emma Pike and Sarah Langdon, beneath another city art project: Forgotten Songs by Michael Thomas Hill. https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/commu/city-art-laneways

07.01.2022 What are your favourite memories of Oxford Street? I remember seeing my first drag show at the Albury Hotel, amazing hip hop nights at Good Bar, indie shows at Spectrum and Brighton Up Bar, club nights at Phoenix, some of the best gigs of my life at OXFORD ART FACTORY and late nights at Judgement Bar... But as well as looking back on the memories and moments we’ve had in the past, it’s time to look forward and think about the next generation. What do we want to retain and e...nhance, and bring forward to help lay the foundations for the future of Oxford Street? The City of Sydney is currently investigating planning changes to breathe new life into the famous strip and secure the area’s creative, cultural and commercial future. There have been some major challenges in the last few years, but there are some big exciting projects and ideas in the works: this is about more than activation and marketing. There’s an opportunity to go deep to help set this legendary location up for another 50 years of creative life. Do you want to see more entertainment and late night activities? More workspace or hotels? Changes to public space? Do you want us to advocate for changes to transport and the road ways? Share your vision for Oxford Street by 5pm on Tuesday 3rd November at the link below. We’re thinking of the zone beyond the strip so think big! Later this year we’ll be holding workshops and meetings with residents, landowners, businesses and other interested groups to talk more about the experience, character, and built form of Oxford Street now and in the future - so stay tuned! https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//planning-changes-oxfo

06.01.2022 ARTIST CALL-OUT: Green Park in Darlinghurst is a special place. At the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1990s, patients and loved ones being cared for at the nearby St Vincents Hospital would use the park as a place of reflection and respite. Thats why Im so glad the City is commissioning a memorial in Green Park to all those who died from HIV/AIDS, as requested by a petition championed by Darlo Darlings and which I submitted as a motion last year, unanimously supporte...d by Council. Were now calling for local artists and designers to submit their proposals for the memorial, so that the Darlinghurst community has a fitting tribute to those friends and loved ones who were lost: your idea could take any form, from a light or sound installation to a sculpture. The first stage of the call-out requires a top level concept submitted by Thurs 30 July (next week!) and five artists or collectives will then be shortlisted and paid to further develop their proposals. Please get involved or tag an artist who might be interested: https://www.cityartsydney.com.au//aids-memorial-green-park/

05.01.2022 On Friday 22 January the UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into force. Way back in 2007, a movement began in Melbourne. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) began lobbying the UN to begin negotiations for a nuclear prohibition treaty. They built a powerful groundswell of support, and as of Friday that Treaty became international law.... This Treaty required the support of 50 nations before it could enter into effect. In 2018 and 2020 I presented a motion to the City of Sydney and the Australian Local Government Association, respectively, to write to the Government on behalf of our community urging them to sign and ratify this Treaty. Both of these motions were adopted and local government sent a strong message to the government about nuclear disarmament. Unfortunately while the rest of the world is taking serious steps to disavow use of nuclear weapons - Australia has failed to adopt the Treaty. In fact, ICAN report that Australia was one of the most active countries in trying to prevent the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons from being negotiated. Congratulations to ICAN winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize for their ground-breaking contribution toward global nuclear disarmament. Thank you to the activists, survivors and leaders who have led us to this achievement. If you’d like to take action, ICAN have developed a fantastic toolkit that you can find here: https://jointheban.icanw.org/

05.01.2022 Want an arvo perk-me-up? Pop on a cuppa and watch this Covid Recovery conversation at 4pm, hearing from events sector creatives in our community who are finding new ways to connect with audiences and run their businesses.

05.01.2022 Its so hard to capture how stunning this installation is - youre just going to have to get down to Oxford Street to see it yourself. Photographer Richard Hedger is showcasing portraits of local LGBTQIA community icons from his Telling Tales series alongside stunning looks by the late Ron Muncaster, lovingly restored by Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras workshop. A huge thank you to the generous Arts Hotel for offering up this showcase for creative talent, and to the wonde...rful Cr Harriet Price for the connection, Ive been so happy to play a part in bringing some amazing creative minds to play in this space - literally watch this space over the months to come! Do you have a window or shopfront youd like to see host creative production or exhibition? Are you an artist or creative who wants to share their work with our main streets? Drop me a line, lets make magic

05.01.2022 Its great seeing the word get out about the Green Park AIDS Memorial project - artists, you have until tomorrow (!!!) to put your name and idea into the running for it. Spread the word! Some good background here about why this project is so important, and about the wonderful community campaign that propelled the idea into action. https://cityhubsydney.com.au//darlinghurst-aids-memorial-/

05.01.2022 Lord Mayor Clover Moore and I joined very first #DarloDogShow as it rocked Victoria Street this morning: with so many stylish pups in the 2010 you know it wont be the last. Thanks for bringing so much joy to the strip Bloody Marys Sydney Darlo Darlings and Darlo Dogs - thanks to the super MCs Paws on the Run and Mike Galvin - and everyone who dressed up and made a special groomer visit for the pink carpet! I get the feeling an institution has just been born...

04.01.2022 Have you, like me, got a whole bunch of hard-to-recycle things packed away? On Saturday Sept 5 you can recycle clothes and shoes, polystyrene, electronics, light bulbs, soft plastics, paint, gas bottles, cardboard, large garden waste, CDs & DVDs, household batteries and x-rays. Find out more about Recycle It Saturday here: https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au//recycle-it-saturday-