Cape Banks Bunkers.

There’s something about these local bunkers that scare me to the bone, yet continue to intrigue me. Chloe and I decided to adorn ourselves in Souths gear from head to toe and embark on a walk to Fort Banks. Nestled deep in the New South Wales Golf course, Cape Banks is another historic time-warp into south-east Sydney, between the wars.

The artillery housing and groups of underground tunnels are located on the north-easterly point of La Perouse, with panoramic views overlooking the Tasman Sea. At the time, you could understand why the Australian Defence Force would choose this sneak rear-end to Sydney as a strategic watchpost during the wars.

As you reach the 2 hour mark on your walk through the bush, you might come to a sudden jolt when you find a bunker nestled in the bush. Continue along this road and you will soon find the main battery with sweeping views of the ocean before you. At the height of pre-war paranoia the main battery was built to look like a rock. Very little of this housing remains on the structure, but there are a few clues that let you know that there was something there.

Photo Courtesy: The Australian War Memorial

 If you're game enough to take a stroll inside these fortifications you will discover some underground systems that would've been vital if Sydney Cover was under attack. A plotting room, underground powder and shell magazine, hydraulic pump room and short tunnels which link the bunkers together. I didn't see a single soul on the entire journey that day, it made it difficult to imagine how busy the area was when it was in full operation. 

Today's government frustrations.

This morning I listened to a great interview by Chris Ulhmann (newbie radio presenter and a legendary political correspondent). He was speaking with Australia's treasurer, Joe Hockey in the lead up to Abbott's first federal budget. Cuts are eminent, just where and how big they are remains a mystery. 

Some of the issues Chris raised rang true to my theoretical understanding of the media and it's role in society. Pollies are ratbags, and holding them to account is vital in an infinite battle against corruption and spin. 

So what happened this morning? 

As usual Hockey managed to take up plenty of air-time talking about the fiscal mess labor left behind. Ok, we get it. They blew our money on social services and their taxes weren't as effective as initially thought. 

What we want to know is what the budget means for us. To the nation as well. 

CHRIS ULHMANN: Should you scrap the rebate for private health insurance?

JOE HOCKEY: I’m not, I promise you Chris, I’m not going to respond, we can go through every line item in the budget but you won’t get an answer because we’re not going to be announcing or revising policy on the run.

CHRIS ULHMANN: Sure, but aren't these conversations that the community needs to have because, as you say some areas of spending are unsustainable and those areas need to be identified and they shouldn't come as a shock to people.

ALAS, THANK YOU CHRISTOPHER. 

My biggest frustration with current government is it's lack of rapport and consultation with the community. I'm not okay with you dropping a new surprise scheme or amendment out of the blue at a planned prime time press conference. 

Where is the conversation? Where are the ideas, the visions and the charisma that is so rare in the House of Representatives these days. 

If you can't give us that, then we would really like a simple outline of what you're doing with our nation.  

Disinclination from The Coogee Bay Equals Disappointment for Local Bands.

Kyle, Phoenix, Sam and Spencer: Disappointed with The Bay. 

WARNING: My two cents is free. 

Dijana Aleksandrovic 

February 28, 2014

Months of planning, promotion and practice were canned by the Coogee Bay Hotel on Thursday afternoon, resulting in a blow to the local live music scene. Just 24 hours before their start time, four youth bands were told by Sydney’s famous beer garden that they were simply not allowed to play.
In the lead up to the live music extravaganza, the bands felt as though they were playing alongside some of their idols. Selina’s, the Coogee Bay’s performance area has hosted rock greats such as Good Charlotte, INXS, and Getaway Plan. Sam Bathis, whose band was playing their second gig said the problem lay in the timing of the message.

“If The Bay had contacted us earlier and given us enough time to notify the media, advertisers and most importantly the crowd we had worked to draw for the night, then it wouldn't have been such an issue. Even more so, the reason behind pulling the pin was just laughable”.

Flick the Bean lead singer and manager, Luke Colombo felt like the bands and their fans had been left in the dark.

“We’re not criminals and we’re not gang members, there was no risk in having us. All you need to do is manage the night properly, and the bay definitely has the resources to do so. If you can do that, then the live music scene, especially that for young locals could have a chance to thrive”

After attempting to negotiate earlier set times and speaking to local police about what they could do Luke Colombo decided to contact local police for legal advice.
“The police were quite surprised when I told them what happened. They told me that the venue was well equipped to manage large crowds and already had effective ways of dealing with potential troublemakers," Luke said.

By 4pm, just hours before a start time. The four bands; Flick the Bean, Prime Suspect, Crossing Red Lines and MC Bunz had one choice, to find an emergency venue to play at, or to not play at all.

“To simply base the decision on assumption really made us all feel victimised. We were so relieved that Souths Juniors were able to organise a last minute event for us at Juniors at the Junction” Luke Colombo said.

 Keith Mcraw, president of Souths Juniors made a statement about the behaviour on the night.

“All those who came and watched on Friday night respected the venue and respected our staff and we’re happy to have them again”. Despite the last minute change the event still drew crowds, as Juniors at the Junction reached maximum capacity by 10pm. In the audience, there were a mix of locals from all walks of life coming to enjoy the music. But many spoke out about the excessive nature of the Coogee Bay’s management and security and its impact on the community. The last minute change of heart made by the venue left a bad taste in the mouths of plenty of locals.

Band Flick the Bean performing at the emergency venue.

A moment for modern youth to enjoy local live music.
Credit: Crossing Red Lines