so(hot)right(now)

arts & culture. airs on 2SER (107.3 fm) every Saturday 11am – 1pm.

I love artist Fionn McCabe’s interpretation of the distinctively noodley exterior of our new Darling Square Library!The #library officially opens at 12:30pm on 9 November, and there are already some unique creative events lined up at the Library, including @readtome_ Over 3 Tuesdays in November, cartoonists, writers, illustrators, comedians, musicians and radio makers will present a night of graphic storytelling like no other. It’s happening Tues 12, 19 and 26 of November, you can book your spot by clicking through to @readtome_ Presented by City of Sydney Library as part of Late Night Library, #ReadToMe will be sharing stories about identity, family and place at the @cityofsydney‘s newest #publicspace for creativity and community.

Published on October 3, 2019 7:52 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

Looking to inspire a girl in your life? We had a cuddly visit from Girl Geek in Chief, @girlgeekacademy CEO Sarah Moran, just before she launched the second round of amazing #GirlGeek novels – the Babysitters’ Club of C21. I’m most excited by the fact that they’re evvvvverywhere – I can imagine 8 year old me finding them in the book section of Big W & it changing my life forever. Check them out & scoop them up for the creative, young maker in your life!

Published on October 2, 2019 3:05 am.
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Great news for Sydney: it looks like lockouts are on the way out. The NSW Parliamentary Committee report released today maps a way forward, to help fix the damage done by the lockouts and rebuild a safe, diverse and creative nightlife we can be proud of. Sydney Independent MP @alexgreenwich was deputy chair of the Inquiry, watch Alex and I go through the report highlights.

Published on September 30, 2019 10:35 am.
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Whatta cutie! Pat @poisontofu and I would like to introduce you to Elinor, our most excellent new boss and muppet-in-chief. It has been a helluva week, but we’re getting there, together. Thanks to everyone who has/is helping us so so so much so far.

Published on September 26, 2019 11:51 am.
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Wow, what a night: I’m so thrilled to be able to tell you I was elected Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney for the next year. I love this city, and I think we have the potential to be the fairest, most inclusive, sustainable and creative place in the world: but we won’t get there if we don’t stand up and fight for it. The City of Sydney is home to a community that represents double the national average of high income earners and double the national average of low income earners: it’s a place that embodies the polarisation of Australia, caused by governments which have allowed wealth to trickle upward and our priorities to go awry. #TeamClover fights for fairness: we arm David against Goliath when communities are undermined or steamrolled by other levels of government. More than that, we model and experiment and innovate, to show another kind of government, another kind of city, is possible. We fight for a city that is more fun, more creative, and stays up late too. Hopefully, a city we can dance in. Thank you to everyone who helped today and so far, and to @thesocialoutfit for lending me this rad jacket, it was the night for it!

Published on September 9, 2019 1:04 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

This morning I joined the community (including Balmain MP @jamieparkergreen and Inner West Councillor @marghanitadacruz) in a protest at Buruwan Park.The chainsaws are scheduled to arrive today, to destroy this green lung, cycle and pedestrian connection, and for what? For WestConnex: this time, a grossly over-engineered freeway off ramp from the Rozelle Interchange to The Crescent, where it will funnel traffic into the residential streets of Harold Park, Glebe, Forest Lodge and Annandale. We’ll lose trees (some over 100 years old) and active transport connections (right at the Rozelle Bay tram stop), cut people off from the waterfront, and we’ll see thousands more cars pour past homes and our new skate park at Jubilee Park, the Tramsheds, and past kids trying to get to school at Forest Lodge Public School, just for a start.When people question why we oppose a project like WestConnex, why we support the communities all over the city fighting against this toxic tollway – this is why. This is a backward 1950s project stealing from the future: from investment in public transport, and leaving a permanent scar on our neighbourhoods. Sydney deserves better and #TeamClover is proud to back our neighbours and residents in opposing this destruction. #stopwestconnex

Published on September 9, 2019 12:05 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

You know I love Green Square Library, but I’m not alone: since its official opening last October, it has experienced higher rates of new membership than any of our libraries, ever! Tonight I’ll be asking council to expand the opening hours for Green Square Library, so even more people can enjoy its award-winning social, creative and learning spaces. Wish me luck!

Published on September 8, 2019 10:09 pm.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I hate talking Sydney down: and I’m optimistic, hearing the Premier concede that it’s time for the lockouts to go. But there’s precious little detail: why not Kings Cross? Will Oxford St be liberated from the lockouts? Why this announcement *before* the Inquiry hands down their report, at the end of the month? And importantly: how will the NSW help the industry and our city recover from the kick they’ve given it over the last few years? Still, it’s good she’s finally heard the message that @keepsydneyopen @cityofsydney the Night Time Industries Assn, and the tens of thousands of Sydneysiders who voted for change or made submissions. You kept the pressure up on this government and if we do see change, it’s because you demanded a city you could be proud of. Let’s keep it up!

Published on September 8, 2019 8:17 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

A lil slice of @maxberry magic can make your day

Published on September 3, 2019 7:55 am.
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I really like the way Madeleine thinks. She’s only four years old now, but by the time she’s older, she would really like Sydney to have more places to dance. Same here (but sooner, pls)! If you’ve got an idea for Sydney in 2050, you’ve got less than 24 hours left to submit your big idea, here (artistic interpretation optional) – just search for “Sydney 2050 ideas” or go here: http://bit.ly/2050ideas

Published on September 2, 2019 9:32 am.
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Whatta wonderful way to spend my birthday: hosting a panel on #housingaffordability at #Antidote, featuring the brilliant development renegade Jason Twill, author Peter Mares (read No Place Like Home, it’s an education) & community land trust guru Louise Crabtree. Featuring a happy birthday sung to me by the lovely Antidote crowd!

Published on September 1, 2019 7:10 am.
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Such loveliness today at our baby shower! I resisted the heck outta having one, but let the record show my Mum was right about this one! An enormous thank you to both our mums & our sisters, who worked super hard, special shout out to @cassscullyflorist who was a felt & floral demon! Thanks to all our pals for coming (especially Becca for coming down from Qld) & for the amazing presents!

Published on August 31, 2019 11:34 am.
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‪Open letter in the SMH today: I’m proud to back the Pyrmont community and everyone who wants a fair, consistent and transparent planning system in NSW.‬ ‪At the @cityofsydney we’ve approved over 5700 hotel rooms in the last 5 years. We’re not anti-tourism. We’re against loopholes for the powerful.‬ The usual suspects are arraying themselves on the side of the influential few who expect the city to be built in their interests: I’m proud #TeamClover will fight for the rights of the future inhabitants of this city, and for the rules to apply to us all, equally.

Published on August 25, 2019 11:03 pm.
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Whatta lovely way to start the day: @freedomhuborg for a morning with the @franklyco_au community of women talking about how we make work work for everyone, and how we build active, purposeful, engaged communities. What’s not to love?! And I got to introduce the bump to @lisamessenger, to meet Ariane Virtue (flexible work #futureofwork thinker), meet lots of wonderful people and see some faves like @ngaioparr Thanks so much for having me, Frankly & Co! I love what you’re building.

Published on August 17, 2019 2:37 am.
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Melbourne pals: my bruv from another muv, @omarbinmusa just got a 4.5 review for Since Ali Died: you can catch it at the Arts Centre till Sat! I’ve seen it and it is moving, funny & foot-stompingly good. Do yerselves a fave Melb! Get a ticket!

Published on August 15, 2019 12:01 am.
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With my council fam (minus @jessmillersydney) to support @lousplace_sydneyWomen (esp. aged 55+) are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness: from 2011-2016, there was a 56% increase in women sleeping rough in NSW. 1/3 of women seeking homelessness support were escaping domestic violence. We need more dedicated women’s services, like Lou’s Place, to support women sleeping rough. That’s why we’re backing their #sewingforhousing campaign this #homelessnessweek

Published on August 9, 2019 2:44 am.
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So lovely to sing along at the launch of the wonderful With One Voice choir at Redfern Town Hall tonight, with my pal Cr @jessmillersydney. Big congrats to everyone who joined in, and to the organisers and choirmaster Mary Kiani.If you’re looking for a way to express yourself and make new friends in the area, they meet every Monday evening at Redfern Town Hall. I’m verrrrrrryyyy tempted to join! So glad this wonderful community connector is supported by the City of Sydney.

Published on July 29, 2019 11:11 pm.
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#NAIDOC in the City was so much fun today! It was an honour to represent the Lord Mayor and speak on behalf of the City, and to explore the markets, healing and elders’ tent with the new NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and Cr Philip Thalis. Great to meet Jarin from @jarin_street_ too, they’re making beautiful products with Indigenous design right in the heart of Redfern, check them out!This event just gets bigger and more exciting every year, it’s a wonderful way to connect with and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in our city.

Published on July 13, 2019 4:52 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

I was excited to join @gooddesignaus 61st Awards night tonight, to present the *first ever* #WomenInDesign Award. As a member of the jury, I got to see the work of the brilliant nominees, all leaders across the design realm. Congrats to Sharon Gauchi, Executive Director of Industrial Design for General Motors, for winning the inaugural Women in Design Award. The other 4 finalists were also extraordinary: Sydney sustainability guru Liane Rossler, RMIT design & sexual health lead Judith Glover, Vanessa Bird, an architect shaping inclusive community housing, & Ros Moriaty of Balarinji, creating commercial opportunities & visibility for Indigenous design.What a list! Honoured to be a judge & to present this Award: thanks for putting gender on the agenda in the creative industries, Good Design Australia.

Published on July 11, 2019 12:59 pm.
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Congrats Glebe Public School on a deadly #NAIDOC celebration today! Fantastic performances and art from students, and from rising star Rebecca Hatch. There are tons of wonderful NAIDOC events in the week ahead, including the Weave Woolloomooloo NAIDOC festival tomorrow from 11am, the huge NAIDOC in the City event in Hyde Park next Saturday 13th. Come on down, everyone is welcome, and I always learn something new about First Nations culture and meet new people.

Published on July 5, 2019 3:55 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

TFW u really think you’re connecting with the youth… (hehe thx @rebeccayang_ for always keeping it )

Published on June 25, 2019 12:47 pm.
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I’m so glad the City of Sydney declared a #ClimateEmergency tonight. We have a responsibility to the people of Greater Sydney (at a 525-650% increased risk of heatwave deaths), our neighbours in the Asia Pacific, & our residents (97% of whom want #ClimateAction) to take #ClimateEmergency seriously. It was great to stand with local reps from #ExtinctionRebellion before Council to reaffirm our solidarity with them & commitment to #ClimateAction

Published on June 24, 2019 10:17 am.
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“We could give our depression depression,” says Frances Rush, CEO of Sydney’s amazing #AsylumSeekersCentre, if we get caught up in the hopelessness of Australia’s cruel response to the global refugee crisis. But we don’t.We take action instead. It was wonderful to MC their #WorldRefugeeDay event tonight, with a keynote from @amnesty Sec General (& rockstar) @kuminaidoo. Special shout out to my mum @trishscullydesigns for trekking down from the mountains (sorry I didn’t mention you)… if you can, pls donate to ASC, link in my bio.

Published on June 20, 2019 11:13 am.
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Thxxxx for baby’s first baby rave @nicolasjaar @dark_mofo

Published on June 15, 2019 12:37 pm.
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Worshipping at the altar of @paul.yore rnnnn, It’s All Wrong But It’s Alright ️

Published on June 15, 2019 10:06 am.
Filed under: stuff along the way

• about

  arts & culture in Sydney and beyond. airs as a radio show Saturdays 11am - 1 pm on 2SER (107.3fm) or at www.2ser.org.

  jess[at[sohotrightnow[dot]net