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Canberra CityNews February 19-25, 2009

Page 1


A prestige location is all very well, but if you have to get in the car to pick up a loaf of bread the novelty could wear a little thin. At The Ambassador in Deakin, you have shops, cafés, restaurants, newsagent, chemist and even a fitness centre literally at the door. Combine that convenience with the large balconies, great views and exceptionally spacious layout of these Colin Stewart-designed apartments and penthouses and you can see why it’s worth putting The Ambassador on your shopping list.

Artist’s impression

Still thrills after 80 shows

WHETHER you want to meet a llama, check out the “Supertank Fishing Show”, ask questions of TV vet Dr Harry or just enjoy the rides and sample bags of Sideshow Alley, the 80th ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show has something for everybody, says chief executive officer Geoff Cannock.

“It doesn’t matter what you like, whether it’s an extreme ride, or whether you enjoy quietly look at the embroidery displays, or whether you’re an animal lover: if you look at a family group, there’s something for everyone, from grandma to a little two-year-old,” Mr Cannock said.

“There are new events this year, but generally it’s what’s old that brings people back to the show.”

The show can trace its history back to the Gininderra Farmers’ Union events of the early 1900s until 1915; and the first Canberra Show proper was held in 1927.

“The Canberra Show started off at the Hall Showgrounds in 1927,” Mr Cannock said. [It wasn’t held for two years during World War II, hence the 2009 80th birthday.] “In those early days, it was all about horses, sheep and poultry.

“We know from our research

INDEX

February 19-25, 2009

Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 7

Arts & Entertainment 17-18

Dining 18

Environment 8

Fashion 19

Letters 11

Movie reviews 18

Politics 4

Property 24-32

Social Scene 13-16

Television guide 22-23

Front cover: Recently returned expat and self-published

that the number-one attraction is the animals, so I’m sure everyone will be glad to know that the horses are back.

“We weren’t quite sure, following the equine influenza outbreak which affected the show last year, whether or not people would return to showing horses; but we have as many entries as we did in 2007.

“In many ways, some attractions are old-style, such as the arts and crafts displays – visitors like to see what’s new each year, but they also love the traditional.”

This year’s showbags have been carefully examined by a panel of experts – otherwise known as kids from Cranleigh School – as well as Fair Trading.

The kids test-drove this year’s sample bags at the show’s official launch, and gave the bags the thumbs up: the new WallE Showbag and old favourites Bertie Beetle and Mega Sumo proved popular.

The Hello Kitty Showbag was judged to be the hottest bag this year, with Cadbury named the best value.

The 2008 ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show will be held from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1. For more information, visit www.rncas.org.au

General manager: Greg Jones 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au

Advertising sales executives: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Jonathan Hick, 0415 177345

Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701

Advertising sales co-ordinator: Nick Garfoot, 6262 9100, ad@citynews.com.au

Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9439 9929

Adelaide advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 8379 9522

Perth advertising sales: HWR Media, 08 9429 3075

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111 GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle ed@citynews.com.au

Senior writer & arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286

Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 0411 045592 lifestyle@citynews.com.au

Arts writer: Helen Musa, 0413 466121

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Designer: Joran Dilucian JGD

41,560 COPIES A WEEK

Six-month audit to September 30, 2008

Sensing the smell of fear

The smell of smoke triggers life-anddeath memories for sOnYa FL aDUn .

FOR me, smell triggers memories: The aroma of face powder reminds me of my mother, a leg of lamb baking in the oven reminds me of my childhood, while a particular baby wash always conjures up images of my children as babies. Then there are odours that bring back less-pleasant memories – like the smell of smoke.

My parents were hobby farmers in the Adelaide Hills. On a particularly hot, windy day in 1983, I was 15 and home alone recovering from a wisdom teeth extraction. By lunchtime, there was thick smoke all around. Then the power went out and the phone went dead. By mid-afternoon, the sky was as black as night and there was a strange chemical smell as sparks burnt holes in my nylon dress and singed my hair.

A wall of flame flew down the hill toward our house and I have never been so terrified or felt so totally helpless. This could have ended very badly – and for many it did – but I was lucky.

Being inexperienced farmers, my parents had overstocked the paddocks and hungry animals had eaten just about every blade of grass so that the fire didn’t get much of a hold. For days after Ash Wednesday the air carried acrid smells of burning bush, burnt out homes and dead animals. I have never forgotten that smell.

So when, decades later, the skies went black as fires tore through the suburbs of Canberra and that old, familiar smell of burning bush brought back unwelcome memories and emotions, I was immediately a nervous wreck and had my bag packed and was out the door in two seconds flat. The horrific fires in Victoria make me think that no matter where we go in this beautiful but all-too-flammable land, it’s not such a bad thing to be hyper-sensitive to the merest whiff of smoke and to flee.

Tania McCartney. Story Page 6.
Photo by Silas.
All the fun of the show, August 1965. Photo courtesy National Archives.

Site Inspection @ The Royal Australian Mint

When: Wednesday 25 February Time: 3:30pm to 5pm

Proudly sponsored by St Hilliers

Future Directions Debate – Planners Play

God too often

When: Thursday 26 February

Where: Club Level, Uni Pub, London Circuit Canberra City Time: 6pm to 8pm

Proudly sponsored by Zenith Cite and HBO+EMTB

Site Inspection @ Attorney General’s Department Barton

When: Wednesday 18 March Time: 3:30pm to 5pm

Proudly sponsored by Knight Frank Australia

Division Lunch

Topic: Property Market Outlook 2009

Guest speakers: Craig James, Chief Equities Economist, Commonwealth Bank of Australia; Kevin Stanley, Regional Director Australia New Zealand, CB Richard Ellis and Cameron Kusher, Senior Research Analyst, RP Data

When: Thursday 19 March Time: 12pm to 2pm Venue: Hotel Realm, Barton

Proudly sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia

For more information on upcoming events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Antoinette Perera on 02 6248 6902 or email Aperera@propertyoz.com.au

Cross benchers flexing muscles

THE parliamentary sittings of the past few weeks have really seen the cross benchers flexing muscle to perform their function. Federally and in the ACT, the voters have forced a move from the arrogance and bullying tactics of majority governments to sensible consideration of legislation and proper review by parliaments.

The Senate has taken the urgency of the stimulus package seriously. On the one hand, the Greens, and Senators Fielding and Xenophon understood the need for the package and, on the other, the requirement for a fast turnaround of the legislation. Two days of parliamentary enquiry is extraordinarily fast for any parliament, but it did provide time for briefings from the Treasury and greater understanding of the goals of the package.

ness and accountability.

The minority government means that all MLAs are now engaged more fully in the process. There is a more active cross bench and a much more active Opposition.

The Assembly passed a motion of “serious concern” with a cautionary note from the Leader of the Opposition Zed Seselja: “[Attorney General, Simon] Corbell should pay careful attention to the message the Assembly sent him today: the days of hiding poor performance behind a majority in the Assembly are over”.

Watch out, wasps about!

CHIEF Minister Jon Stanhope has urged Canberrans to be alert to the presence of European wasps, with 350 nests reported so far this breeding season. “European wasps can become very aggressive at this time of year,” he said. “Anyone who finds a nest should keep away from it and seek assistance by a qualified pest controller.” Further information was available from the European wasp hotline on 6162 1914. If stung, a cold compression should be applied to the area to help reduce pain and swelling. Medical attention should be sought if breathing becomes difficult or swelling occurs away from the sting.

Scholarship partnership

Such a motion has no real status, but provides groundwork for the possibility of a “no-confidence” motion in a Minister that would force a resignation.

This seventh Assembly is still in its infancy, but early indications are that the Greens will ensure that there will be much vigorous debate and a much more robust parliamentary process. The same is true of the Greens, Family First and Independents in the Senate.

ACTEWAGL CEO Michael Costello, left, ANU vice chancellor Ian Chubb and ACTEW Corporation managing director Mark Sullivan at the launch of a $2 million partnership with the ANU to help secure the corporations’ future workforce, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research scholarships. The undergraduate scholarships will be available from Semester 1 and will include a range of undergraduate scholarships focusing on engineering, IT, finance and economics, as well as postgraduate and research scholarships commencing in 2010.

Trust surveys lake

In the wash up, Xenophon was able to extract considerable concessions, including meeting the needs of the people in the Lower Murray. He has only one vote. The power was placed in his hands by Malcolm Turnbull in declaring blanket opposition to the legislation and the other cross benchers considering their concessions adequate. Xenophon’s brinkmanship only delayed the stimulus package an extra day.

In the ACT, the Greens have joined with the Liberals to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act. Secrecy has only a very limited place in a State or Territory government for the protection of commercial interests or specific advice to government by public servants. However, these protections really need to be very short lived in the interests of open-

The first parliamentary sittings of 2009 make it clear that Chief Minister Jon Stanhope cannot simply take the Greens for granted any more than Prime Minister Kevin Rudd can afford to ignore the cross benchers in the Senate.

Michael Moore is a former independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and as minister for health.

THE National Trust of Australia (ACT) is inviting people to participate in a study of the social value of Lake Burley Griffin and its setting with a 30-minute questionnaire on its website at www.nationaltrustact.org.au/survey/. National Trust Heritage Officer Dr Peter Dowling said information from the study would be presented to the relevant planning authorities as evidence of the social value of the lake. Deadline for responses to the survey is Friday, March 6.

Theatre winner

JULES Baggoley is the winner of the Canberra Theatre’s double pass to the year’s theatre season. “CityNews” thanks the hundreds of entrants for their participation.

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Tania’s life of Riley

MEG an HaGG an meets a Canberra author who turned the love of China into a children’s’ book.

PEACEFUL Jerrabomberra is a marked contrast to the buzz of Beijing – but it’s good to be back home in Canberra, says recently returned expat and self-published author Tania McCartney.

The busy freelance magazine writer and mum to Ella, eight, and Riley, six, self-published the first of an intended series of children’s books, “Riley and the Sleeping Dragon”, in China just before returning to Australia this year.

Tania and the children followed her husband, who worked at the Australian Embassy, to Beijing four years ago.

“Taking two small children to a place that’s so different to Australia was actually quite terrifying, even though I’m well-travelled and not a fearful person,” she told “CityNews”.

“Getting there was a shock as well, and I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the people and history of China so quickly.

“I decided to stay in the background at home for a while with the children, but after two years I contacted local magazines, and my work took off exponentially.”

Tania wrote for and edited the expat magazines “beijingkids”, “City Weekend” and “Time Out Beijing”, and at one stage was freelancing and editing four magazines at once.

“It was pretty wild, but I loved it – and the undercurrent to all this was that I was writing children’s books at the same time.

“I’ve always had an enormous interest in children’s books, even before I had my children, and I’d dabbled in writing them for a few years; but it was in Beijing that I got the idea for a new type of book.”

“Riley and the Sleeping Dragon”, now in its third print run (which Tania says is an “enormous” success for a self-published book) includes illustrations over black-and-white photographs of the Chinese capital.

Tania says that one reason she produced the book was as a memento of the family’s time in China.

“Because the children were so young, I did wonder how much they’d remember of the experience of living overseas, so part of writing the book was about keeping those memories alive for them.

“The kids will be able to look at it and say, ‘I was there’.”

Tania’s intrigued by the response from adults: “I’ve had a lot of people ask whether I’m making a political point with the sleeping dragon metaphor!”

The book, as well as “Beijing Tai Tai” – a self-published collection of blogs and columns from “City Weekend”, about life as a wife, mother and writer in the Chinese capital – made a splash in Beijing’s tight-knit expatriate community, and Tania says their support was “mindblowing”.

“I don’t know quite what to do with myself now that I’m home!” Tania says, but it’s clear that she’s unlikely to slow down. She plans to promote both books to Australians, as well as pen some more.

She intends to turn Riley’s adventures into a series of books set in different locations around the world – and when asked her daughter Ella’s opinion on the matter, laughs and says, “I have plans for her, too – she’ll get her turn!”

Tania’s books can be purchased online at www.taniamccartney.com or from Australian Online Bookshop www.bookworm. com.au . She hopes to have books for sale in Canberra bookstores in the coming months, check for stockists at www.taniamccartney.com

PARK AND FLY PACKAGE

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While staying on this package guests have access to all general hotel facilities including the swimming pool, sauna, spa, and gym.

Note: Maximum of nights complimentary car parking. Additional nights for car parking is $10 per night. One car per booking. Rate for double/twin, additional $30 for extra person, max of 3 pax. *Subject to availability. Valid until 31 March 2009.Further terms and conditions apply

Author Tania McCartney… “It was in Beijing that I got the idea for a new type of book.” Photo by Silas.

SPECIAL PRICES*

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Clyde is available in manual and electric mechanism versions in a choice of 350 colours, in fabric, leather and Alcantara® Elegance.

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Google has revolutionised the way people access, view and use spatial information! The Spatial Sciences Institute (SSI) is partnering with NGIS to provide you with this fi rst time opportunity to receive hands-on training! GOOGLE EARTH FOR BEGINNERS & GOOGLE EARTH PRO WORKSHOPS

Thursday, 26 February 2009

Google Earth: A beginners course

Friday, 27 February 2009

Google Earth Pro: Take Google Earth to the next level REGISTRATION FEES: SSI Members: $400 Non-Members: $490

To Register on-line or view further information, please visit: www.trainingandsupport.ngis.com.au

people partnership

Workshops are CPD Accredited for SSI Members.

For further enquiries, please contact: Mandy Smith at the Spatial Sciences Institute

events@spatialsciences.org.au | T: 02 6282 2282 | F: 02 6282 2576

Recyclery Bike Drop Off Day

Saturday February 21 | 10am - 2pm

Donate your old bike to a good cause - clean up your yard and the environment!

Drop your bike to your local Community CPS Branch Gungahlin - Gungahlin Marketplace

Dickson - Dickson Shopping complex Woden - Ground Floor Lovett Tower, Phillip

Recyclery is a not for profit business employing people who have a disability to promote green transport solutions for Canberra.

environment

‘Seed squad’ to the rescue

AFTER a season of successful native seed saving, Greening Australia is gearing up for their six months of annual planting.

Supported by the ACT Landkeepers Project, the “seed squad”, as they have been affectionately dubbed, have collected more than 100 kilograms of seeds, and donated some 700 hours of work.

The first big, volunteer seed push collected redstem, blackwood and silver wattle, purple coral pea, austral indigo and sticky everlasting, as well as eucalyptus seeds in a plan to foster hardier plants in the region.

“We wanted to know where the seed

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came from,” says Haydn Burgess, volunteer co-ordinator with Greening Australia.

“If we know where we collected it, and that the plant has grown in those conditions, we get an idea of what the seed can do.”

As well as developing a seed database recording where seed was collected and by whom, the project has seed banks at its Aranda Nursery and the Botanic Gardens.

Last year, the ACT Government pledged $1million until 2013, to finish the Lower Cotter. Burgess says when Canberra celebrates its centenary in 2012 it will be a showcase for the capital.

The native seed will be used this year for regeneration programs in the ACT and

south-east NSW, particularly in the Lower Cotter Catchment. Since 2004, the year after Canberra’s bushfires, volunteers have planted more than 135,000 trees.

Mr Burgess enjoys seeing volunteers experiencing all aspects of the regeneration programs. As well as seed saving, they have cleaned seed at the National Botanic Garden, and kept the databases. At the Aranda nursery, volunteers propagate seeds, maintain tube stock and also learn to maintain the sites after trees have been planted.

Native seed saving will continue for some weeks and anyone wishing to volunteer can call Greening Australia on 6253 3035.

A brush with David Pereira

IT’S that time of the year when Canberra region artists rush to get in their entries in for the Archibald Prize. “CityNews” readers have already seen Ian Henderson’s portrait of theatre publicist Coralie Wood.

Now Hall artist Judi Power-Thomson has shown us her portrait of cellist David Pereira (at left), whom we featured earlier in these pages.

The painting is titled “One with your Sound” and is 1500mm wide x 1000mm high. It is mixed media, but mainly watercolour, on a stretched canvas. Pereira has given it the thumbs up so it now remains to be seen what the Archibald selectors think. – Helen Musa

Protection you can’t afford to be without

Break and enters affected more than 2,700 households in the ACT alone in 2007, with on average 54 home burglaries reported to Territory police each week.

While data from the ACT Department of Justice and Community Safety shows this figure continued the downward trend from a high of 5780 reported home burglaries in 1999, Mark Norton, General Manager and Vice President, ANZ of ADT Security says it is important to remember that 2007 also represented the height of economic prosperity for many Australians. With tougher economic conditions and higher unemployment being forecast, he warns it may not take long for these circumstances to cause an increase in home burglary.

“Overseas research indicates that when inflation increases and times get tough, the number of home burglaries

go up. Certainly, there is local anecdotal evidence that supports this trend and it is widely reported that areas with high levels of unemployment and lower average weekly incomes experience much higher rates of burglaries,” he says. Obviously some homes are more tempting to thieves than others. Homes that are located in quiet streets with minimal traffic tend to be particularly susceptible. Other factors include heavy foliage cover, proximity of access routes (for example, pedestrian laneways or open parkland), poor lighting and the lack of security systems. In fact, the Australian Institute of Criminology reports that house alarms are the

single most effective deterrent of burglars.

“The bottom line is thieves just don’t want to get caught. They would sooner rob a house without an alarm than one with. That’s why it’s important to use stickers or signs that advertise your home is protected by an alarm,” says Norton.

Cost has traditionally been seen as the biggest inhibitor to homeowners investing in security solutions such as monitored alarm systems and security cameras, and at no time is this truer than when inflation is high. Unfortunately, it’s also the time that homes are most at risk.

“It’s a tough situation. When pressure on the family budget forces home security down the priority list, is exactly when many homeowners need it most. On one hand, you can look at the savings made by not having a security system in place, but on the other hand you have to ask yourself whether you could afford to replace your possessions should the unthinkable happen. Suddenly $1 a day starts looking pretty good.”

Fortunately, a number of insurance companies now offer discounted premiums to customers who take precautions to protect their home, with added incentives to homeowners who invest in a monitored home alarm over a less effective stand-alone alarm. “The difference here lies in the response to an activated alarm”, explains Norton.

“How many times have you heard an alarm and not known what to do? AAMI Insurance has a frightening statistic – almost half of us do nothing. The difference between an ADT monitored alarm and the unsupported variety is that our Service Response Centre team is trained to respond 24/7,” he says.

Despite the benefits offered by monitored home alarm systems, Norton adds it remains vitally important to maintain a good relationship with neighbours.

“The safest and most secure communities in Australia are the ones in which people know their neighbours. They know who to call in the event of an emergency, they know when their neighbours are on holidays and they are aware of any work being done on their neighbour’s property. In short, they are better able to identify and report suspicious activity. Strangers may ignore the warning signs, good neighbours don’t.” Norton concluded.

For further information call ADT Security on 131238 or visit www.adtsecurity.com.au

“Police predict increasing unemployment will lead to a rise in household burglary”*

With monitored alarms available 24/7, rapid response teams and professional home security solutions tailored just for you, ADT is always there. Knowing you have taken simple steps to look after your home, family and possessions day and night, whether you’re at home or away. That’s the ultimate peace of mind. Call 131 238 or visit www.adtsecurity.com.au. ADT Always There ®

* Deputy Commissioner of Police, Victoria. Weekend Australian, 27 December 2008.

Sunday 1 March 10.00am – 4.00pm Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla Entry: $10 adult, $8 concession and $20 families

Treat yourself or your family to a rare chance to roam the magnificent 54 hectare gardens and take a glimpse inside the historic house itself. Picnic on the majestic lawns or enjoy the finest local produce at the food and beverage stalls. Entertainment includes the National Capital Orchestra, Questacon, Bush Dancers, the Strangeweather Gospel Choir plus activities galore for the kids!

www.gg.gov.au

Proceeds from the event will support The Smith Family thesmithfamily.com.au

Wonderful, warm story

WHAT a wonderful, warm cover story by Megan Haggan (“CityNews”, February 12). Jessica Good is giving very substantial help to the St. Vinnies door knock appeal, and at the same time exemplifying the work of the media and its journalists in coming to the nation’s aid in time of great trial. It’s easy to knock the media, but when disaster has struck over the decades the media has on every occasion fine-tuned the community into the suffering of the afflicted. And I see no reason for “CityNews” to hide its light under a bushel. I had to read to the footnote to find it is a proud sponsor of the door knock.

shock

T HE recent announcement by the ACT Government that the new feed-in-tariff for grid connected renewable energy production will be 50.05 cents per kilowatt hour (KwH) falls well short of community expectations and the approved legislation which states that the figure should be “3.88 times the Transition Franchise Tariff retail price”, which is currently 15.8 cents per KwH. Therefore, people who produce renewable energy should be receiving approximately 61 cents per KwH produced.

Whilst the legislation provides some discretion, I believe it is unconscionable for the minister to continue to hoodwink the community into accepting this new figure by continuing to say (by sleight of hand) that the new FIT repre -

Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to ed@citynews.com. au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.

is now fun, thanks to Canberra Eye Hospital.’ Cate, 32

sents “3.88 times the retail price” (as opposed to the legislation which states “3.88 times the TFT retail price”).

Peter Thornton, Wanniassa

Where the stimulation?

I HAVE been surprised by the Rudd Government’s unwillingness to compromise on its stimulus package. Perhaps it’s arrogance, but the more scrutiny that is put on its package the less obvious the benefits seem to be. The Americans found their May 2008 stimulus lead to a record spike in household savings and, in fact, the rate for all of 2008 was three times higher than 2007. For the record, in May 2008 Rudd was passing a contractionary Budget (completely the wrong thing to do). Some of the new Rudd stimulus package certainly shovels money out the door, but for no obvious stimulus and no obvious long-term benefits. What next, a rant against Senate obstruction?

Martin Gordon, Flynn

No more ducking

In an open letter to Federal MHR Annette Ellis, Dayle Redden, of Kingston, writes: THE time for pussyfooting, buck passing and ducking behind the “Federal” barricades is over. Are you going to stand up and be counted?

Pollution knows no boundaries, and the approval for the private, gas-fired polluting power station, which will exceed the 20-metre height limit AND the soon-to-be-revealed 30-metre height limit (and thus be in breach of BOTH limits) is about to be considered by a Federal body, (the NCA) and you (may I remind you?) are a Federal MP. What are YOU going to do about it?

What is Relay For Life?

Relay For Life is an overnight, community event where teams of 10-15 participate in a relay-style walk or run to raise funds for Cancer Council. The event brings the whole community together for a night of fun, entertainment, celebration and remembrance.

Why do we Relay?

Every five minutes, another Australian is diagnosed with cancer. While survival rates are improving every day, cancer remains a leading cause of death. That’s why it’s so important that we raise funds to fight cancer. Every dollar raised at Relay For Life helps the Cancer Council to:

• Investigate new ways to prevent, detect and treat cancers

• Educate people in your community about ways they can reduce their cancer risk

• Advocate for cancer control and influence government policy

• Support people during their times of greatest need.

How did it all begin?

Relay For Life began in the USA when, in 1985, Dr Gordy Klatt raised over $27,000 for his local cancer charity by running around an oval for 24 hours. Since then, the event has spread across the USA and then across the globe. Relay For Life is now held in over 23 countries and is the world’s largest fundraising event.

Relay For Life began in Australia in 1999, when the Victorian community of Murrumbeena raised over $75,000 for Cancer Council. Relay For Life is now run in every state and territory, and raises over $14 million each year for the cancer fight.

Who can participate?

Everybody in the community can get involved.

Cancer Council recommends each Relay For Life team consists of 10-15 team members, including a nominated team captain. There are no age limitations or fitness requirements – Relay For Life is suitable for everyone, and anyone can join in the fun!

Please note: all participants under the age of 18 years must have adult supervision at all times.

Software centre’s local support

BUSINESSES and government agencies in the ACT could bene  t from streamlining their business operations, according to Star Business Solutions chief executive of  cer Trish Hall.

Star Business Solutions, which was named Greentree Partner of the Year (Australia) in 2008, has just opened a new Canberra city of ce to offer software and support more directly to the ACT.

According to Trish, the focus for software suppliers should be more than simply supplying organisations with software – it needs to be about support and solutions.

“We distribute that software, but more importantly involve ourselves in its implementation, helping businesses work out how they should be using it, helping to put in place training and then supporting them, after the changeover to that software, for years into the future,” says Trish.

Star Business Solutions has been looking after some of its clients and providing software updates for more than 10 years, she says.

“We learn quite a lot about businesses during the implementation stage, and I take great pride in customers coming back to us regularly and asking us what we think about various issues.”

Star analyses clients’ requirements and helps businesses set up their systems to implement new programs and ventures. It also helps to ensure that staff are using the systems in the

Trish says. “To that end, we said, okay, let’s establish an of  ce in Canberra, which will assist our existing clients as well.”

Star Business Solutions are applicable to a wide range of organisations.

“We provide software to support all facets of business, whether it’s the accounting component or customer relationship management, sourcing and procurement of products, light manufacturing models and so on,” says Trish.

most productive way, and staff are trained on how to best use the new systems.

“All our consultants like to think that they’re not just selling software and going away, but contributing to the business from a process point of view, or making things more ef  cient,” says Trish.

Star already supports several Canberra businesses, but wanted to open a new ACT-based of  ce to better serve them and to offer its solutions to a wider range of enterprises.

“Given the level of software we provide, our services would be well suited to some government agencies as well as private enterprise,”

“Our clients range from small businesses which are anticipating growth to larger businesses with in excess of $100 million revenue.

“In terms of our software we’d be classi  ed in the middle range of applications.”

Greentree products are based around a core  nancial management system, with additional modules providing solutions around areas including job management, human resources, distribution and manufacturing.

Star Business Solutions’ major clients include not-for-pro  t organisations, distribution companies, service organisations, construction companies, manufacturers and semi-government bodies.

Star employs 23 people between its Sydney, Melbourne and now Canberra of  ces.

“If businesses are looking at changing their software, and doing things more ef  ciently, I’d encourage them to come and talk to us,” says Trish.

For more information, visit www.starbusinesssolutions.com.au or call 6243 3611.

Trish Hall… “I take great pride in customers coming back to us regularly and asking us what we think about various issues.”

At Richard Luton Properties Valentine’s Day Charity Ball, National Convention Centre

Helen Preston, Casey McDonnell and Hayley Backen. Tracy and Richard Keeley, Richard Luton and Jenny Tiffen.
Philip and Geetha Toua with Michael Hull.
Sophie Luton, Daniel Saunders, Madi Luton and Adam Rogic. Nick and Maureen Lawn.
Deni Richardson, Joe Anson, Karen Marriner and Corey McPherson.
Justine Simonds and Tim Burke.
Mayumi Smith, Jacqui Stenhouse and Kelly Muckle.

Come down and join in the celebrations. There are loads of activities and attractions for the whole family.

Get in early to save on time and money

Not only can you pre-purchase your show entry tickets, you can also pre-purchase Bonus Dollar coupons from the following ActewAGL outlets:

 Home Connect store, City walk, Civic

 Home Connect store, Westfield Woden

 ActewAGL Energy Shop, Fyshwick

 360 Living Store, Gungahlin Marketplace.

You can purchase 30 coupons for just $25. Bonus Dollar coupons have dollar for dollar value and can be redeemed on anything in Sideshow Alley including rides, games, food and refreshments. You can even combine your Bonus Dollar coupons with cash. For example, if a ride is $7 you can use seven bonus dollars, or you can use five bonus dollars and $2 in cash.

Get in quick—Bonus Dollar coupons are only available from ActewAGL outlets until Thursday 26 February.

Join in the fun at On Show

Don’t miss out on some of the best entertainment at this year’s show at ActewAGL and TransACT On Show, located opposite the ActewAGL Farmyard Nursery.

On Show includes special appearances from:

 Australia’s favourite vet Dr Harry Cooper

 The National Zoo and Aquarium

 Milo the Clown

 Warehouse Circus

 TransACT Capitals and CA Brumbies.

Make sure you visit the TransACT kids’ activities area to get your face painted for free by the Gecko Gang.

Visit www.actewagl.com.au for information about ActewAGL On Show, events, competitions, show bags and more.

Sign up for or upgrade your bundle services at the ActewAGL and TransACT trade stand to save and go into the draw to win $2,000 worth of groceries.

Grace and Hannah Gill with Liz McGrath.
Louise Douglas and Harriet Elvin.
Belinda Cotton, Justine Van Mourik and Eliza Forster.
Claire Buxton and Jonathan Campton.
Marlene Plumb, Linda Barnes and Mary Brett.
Carol and Norm Sawyer with Mary Laughlin.
Ray Finnegan, Evan Brett, Frank Brassil and Bob Wilson.
Michael Mustillo and Bing-Ching Yu.
Sam Proudfoot and Trish Kevin. Jon Longhurst and Rachael Wakely.
Bill Connolly, Melissa Allen and Michael Ristuccia.
Renee & Leonie Wykes.
Proprietors Allan and Barbara Smith, with Sonja Archer (centre).
Peter Carlin, Michael Costello, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and Ivan Slavich.
Belinda Johnston, Chevelle Hibberd, Geoff White and Claire Fargher.

citylife arts

| dining | fashion | television

EYES WIDE OPEN

it’s not every day that an arts writer gets invited to a conference in iran, but that’s where HELEn MUsa found herself this month, arriving in Tehran on February 0, exactly 0 years to the day after the ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from France to initiate the i slamic Republic of iran.

I’M not the timid type, but I donned my compulsory hijab (not the all-enveloping black chador, rather a modified mantle and coloured headscarf) to embark on a 10-day eye-opening visit to Iran.

I was there because of a Canberra connection. Iranian-Australian artist Nasser Palangi is on the committee of the inaugural Fadjr (meaning “Dawn”) Visual Arts Conference at the goahead Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Tehran and had persuaded them to invite several Australian critics and scholars to give papers.

Palangi’s revolutionary credentials turned out to be impeccable. A young artist at the time of Khomeini’s ascension, he had painted a series of huge murals on a mosque wall in the liberated border town of Khorramshahr during the Iran-Iraq War. These days, Palangi paints benign murals on bus shelters in Belconnen. In Tehran, celebration

was in the air. While flags showing the face of the present Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waved about, black-clad teenagers (about 70 per cent of Iranians are under 25) with jeans visible underneath, crushed in to a huge photo exhibition commemorating the revolution. There were fewer of them at a show of paintings and posters about martyrdom, the unique preserve of the Shia Islam that sets Aryan Iran apart from surrounding Arab Muslim countries. While the original revolution might have been less profound in meaning to those rather critical young Iranians, older ones celebrated the 30 years with high fervour. It had, after all, freed them from the tyrannical rule by the pro-Western Shah Reza Pahlavi, whose crown jewels I gaped at in the vaults of the country’s central bank. I was told that the Shah had left with 900 bags of jewels, but that there were enough

Bright and breezy

IN this bright and breezy new production of Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls”, director Anne Somes, and her large cast of predominantly young performers, succeed in capturing the style and essence of this classic musical set in the seedy milieu of New York gamblers and their dolls.

Somes has produced a spirited, fast-moving show, notable for its excellent singing and dancing. No matter that some of the principals are obviously too young to be credible in the roles they are playing, their performances are so engaging that it is easy to forgive this detail.

Georgia Pike almost steals the show as the long-suffering, cold-inflicted Miss Adelaide. She manages to invest real charm and warmth into her role while still nailing all her laughs. Tim Dal Cortivo as her forever unreliable fiancé, Nathan Detroit, also offers an engaging performance.

Sarah Darnley-Stuart, the prim missionary, Sarah Brown, also managed to bring warmth and credibility to her role and her beautifully trained

THEATRE

“Guys and Dolls” Directed by Ann Somes for Free-Rain Theatre Company. Q Theatre, Queanbeyan, until February 28. Reviewed by Bill stephens

soprano voice ensured that every one of her songs was a joy. She is well teamed with Adrian Flor as the gambler Sky Masterson, who gives what is possibly his best performance to date.

As the red-suited Nicely Nicely Johnson, Tony Falla almost stops the show in the big second act’s “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”.

Only some dull patches in the lighting, some repetitive staging, and the fact that some of Fiona Leach’s otherwise excellent costumes seemed to have missed the ironing board, marred the professional gloss on a production that is thoroughly recommended to anyone seeking an excellent evening of quality music theatre.

Canberra artist Nasser Palangi in Tehran… His revolutionary credentials turned out to be impeccable.

left to underscore the nation’s currency.

The nearest I ever came to being harassed was in the form of bumptious teenage schoolgirls wanting to practice their English by asking where I came from and if I knew their favourite hip-hop artists. Mostly, I did.

OCEAN TO OUTBACK: Australian landscape painting 1850-1950

A National Gallery of Australia travelling exhibition.

13 February -17 May 2009

This travelling exhibition of treasured works from the National Collection celebrates the rich history of landscape painting in Australia. Ocean to Outback has been curated by National Gallery of Australia Director, Ron Radford AM.

CMAG Staff Collections

7 February-31 May 2009

An exhibition highlighting the private collections of CMAG staff members showcasing a diverse range of collecting interests.

Helen Musa… 10 days under the hijab.

It’s just not that interesting...

Janine’s (Jennifer Connolly) obsession with renovating their new property in an old building has depressed their bedroom passion.

Beth (Jennifer Aniston) would like her sevenyears live-in relationship with Neil (Ben Affleck) to head for the altar, but he says that’s not necessary.

CLASSIFYING these 129 minutes of relationship angst invites a range of choices. Perhaps the least misleading is romantic comedy, although the romance is fragmented and the comedy depends heavily on the fatuity of its principal characters.

Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) waits for her most recent date to call on her pink phone, failing to control her own destiny, unable to accept that the film’s title truly summarises his position. Her expecting things to go her way is the film’s most infuriating element.

Aspiring singer Anna (Scarlett Johansson) is prepared to begin a full-blooded affair with agent Ben (Bradley Cooper) whose wife

Alex (Justin Long), manager of the bar where Gigi goes to find dates, is savvy about the complex and tortuous rules for relationships, but has difficulty in finding his own niche in them. He and Gigi become platonic friends, although Blind Freddie can see where they are heading.

Ken Kwapis’s film isn’t a “chick flick” in the accepted sense – its masculine presence is in fair balance. Leaving the cinema unsure whether true comedy or serious cynicism was driving the girlish laughter that came from all sides, I saw that the only testicles there were mine. Then I realised a great truth. The characters, so concerned to conform with the rules of dating and relationships, miss the Freudian sub-text of its title. More hot and sweaty close

encounters would have provided credibility that it so sadly lacks.

At all Canberra cinemas

THIS remake of a 1981 spatter movie about serial murder in a Pennsylvania coal town, in which the protagonists were thrill-seeking teenagers, takes no improvement from adult characters behaving less maturely than they might.

Tom returns after a 10-year absence to sell the family mine, an unpopular proposal. In his absence, the girl he loved has married the sheriff.

Then people start dying, as happened a decade earlier until the then-sheriff and a posse hunted the killer down and shot him. The new killer wears a miner’s breathing mask and wields a miner’s pick.

The main elements of a film shot through muddy neutral-density filters are explicit violence shedding copious blood, contrived tensions, loose logic, full-frontal nudity, numerous

production goofs and little visible justification for its making.

At Hoyts

NEW York dentist Bertram, recovering after spending seven minutes dead during minor surgery, finds the city full of ghosts with whom only he can communicate. And they all want him to clear their passage to the hereafter by resolving their mistakes during life.

Bertram’s misanthropy has deeply alienated Gwen whose unfaithful husband Frank has just fallen under a bus. The rest of the film is about how Bertram climbs out of his self-pity, goes around doing good for the other ghosts and may, in time, win Gwen’s heart. Ricky Gervais misses the chance to make an impression as Bertram; in Greg Kinnear’s hands Frank is snide and unlikable and as Gwen, Tea Leoni, rather misses her bus. Pleasant enough in a limited way, “Ghost Town” lacks substance, not really a hard film to miss.

At Hoyts

Bricks come home to Dom

IT is unusual to start a food review with a story about bricks, but once you visit the new Italian restaurant at Narrabundah Shops you’ll understand why.

The inside of La Cantina is created with 80,000 hand-cut, Roman-style bricks used to build a residence for the French Embassy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. When Dom Celestino – who opened the highly successful La Rustica in Kingston with his wife Ornella in 1990 – heard it was to be demolished and replaced with a high rise, he made a pitch for the bricks.

Dom organised about 20 men to carefully dismantle the residence, clean the bricks, fumigate the lot and then meticulously stack them into crates to be shipped to Australia. After time in quarantine, the bricks arrived in Narrabundah where another team – seven bricklayers trained in the “old school” – took four months to lay them to create La Cantina.

When Dom walks into his restaurant, which opened earlier this month, he takes a trip down memory lane. The “cellar” is designed after one his family had in Italy, where they made and stored oil from their olive grove during his youth.

But a restaurant review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the food and those who love “Dom’s famous original wood fired pizza”, made with a rich tomato base, smooth mozzarella cheese, quality ham, bacon and hot salami, fresh mushrooms and salty olives, will be delighted to see it on La Cantina’s menu.

Entrées range from $13.50 for bruschetta to $19.50 for Gamberi alla Cantina, large King prawns sautéed with Roman tomatoes, fresh chilli and white wine and served on a bed of spaghetti. It was the carpaccio di salmone, fresh raw Atlantic salmon sliced razor thin, that caught my eye and then melted in my mouth. It went beautifully with an $8 glass ($29 a bottle) of Corte Giara Pinot Grigio, from Veneto, Italy, the setting for Shakespeare’s love story “Romeo and Juliet”.

La Cantina’s menu is extensive and although the daily risotto and fish specials

sounded delicious, we both chose mains from the regular selection of dishes. The Galletto alla Brace – whole spatchcock marinated in olive oil, chilli and bay leaves – has a pepper crust and is served with extra virgin olive oil, lemon and parsley ($29.50). You need to allow 20 minutes for the slow cooking of this dish, described by my friend as “buttery and succulent”. I might not be able to get beyond the pizza list next time, but if I did I wouldn’t hesitate to once again order the Agnello Balsamico, marinated – and very tender and flavoursome – lamb cutlets with garlic, rosemary and chilli. They’re pan and flame grilled and served with quality balsamic vinegar and sautéed mushrooms ($27.50).

For pastas, you can select fettuccini, spaghetti or penne and then one of the house-made sauces (gluten-free pasta available and the pastas range from $18 to $23.50).

La Cantina also has a small selection of family traditional recipes and the coffee is a special treat. Dom’s family has been roasting since 1909 and the Celestinos own a roasting operation in Vietnam. The blend of coffee served at the new restaurant – branded under the family name – is smooth as silk.

La Cantina, 4 Iluka Street, Narrabundah. Phone 6239 5556.

Tips for victims

STAFF at The Ginger Room, the Café in the House, Double Happiness (happy hour on Friday evenings) and The Boathouse by the Lake are donating their tips until the end of February to the Red Cross Victorian bushfire appeal. So if you’re heading to Old Parliament House or The Boathouse for a coffee, drink or a meal, place your tip in the collection points available.

“MY BLOODY VALENTINE” (R) “GHOST TOWN” (M)

If the fits… Calling all junior fashionistas

A burst of dismal weather has reminded us that autumn’s on its way – and this year autumn will be all about rich textures and luxurious fabrics when it comes to fashion.

Shoes for the 2009 autumn/ winter season will see quilted fabrics, patent leathers and suedes come to the fore in opulent purples, fuchsias, reds and chocolates, as well as the everpopular black, says Gail Lubbock, of Escala Shoes.

Boots, whether kneelength, ankle-length or shoe-style, will be a big focus, she says.

Ankle boots can look great with a classic pencil skirt, or with a skirt suit and sheer black or opaque pantyhose.

“From observation, at the beginning of last winter in Europe, skinny jeans tucked into long boots will still very much be a fashion item, especially for younger people.”

Gail also predicted that kneehigh boots will team up with short skirts and three-quarterlength skirts this autumn and winter.

“Boots, whether knee-length, anklelength or shoe-style, will be a big focus...”

THE countdown to the AAMI Black Opal Stakes on Sunday, March 8 is on, beginning with Preview Day, on Sunday, February 22.

Preview Day will also see the inaugural Junior Fashions on the Field competition.

According to marketing manager Briony Young: “Already, Thoroughbred Park has had the pre-registrations rolling in from excited little ones ready to strut on the catwalk to win the overall prize of a trip for their family to Sea World Nara Resort.”

Categories include Boys and Girls aged six to 10, and Boys and Girls aged 11 to 17.

The winner of each category will take home an iPod and a sash to wear with pride, but each entrant will win a prize.

With parental approval, Canberra’s kids can pre-register by filling out the form on www.thoroughbredpark. com.au, or enter on the day at midday, Sunday, February 22.

– Megan Haggan
Carmen Steffens shoe, $299, from Carmen Steffens.
Stuart Weitzman cola suede boot, $599, from Escala.
Via Uno Leather-Croco Clear/ Patent shoe, $169, from Mania.
Martini Osvaldo black suede shoe, $369, from Furla.
Amada Bocarreves gold shoe, $239, from La Cobbler.

Thumbs up for new-look plaza

THE new-look Jamison Plaza at Macquarie, in south Belconnen, is proving an attractive destination, according to Mikaela Jones, owner/manager of Beauty Bar international, at the centre.

“Jamison Plaza just went through a $10 million upgrade, and the whole area has just absolutely boomed,” she told “CityNews”.

Beauty Bar International opened its door four years ago, aiming to fill a niche in the Belconnen market. Actively listening to customers in order to address their individual skin care needs is a focus for the salon, Mikaela says.

This provides a real point of difference when offering treatments such as facials and waxing, according to Mikaela, as does stocking the professional salon brands Dermalogica and Payot.

The salon also offers a range of beauty treatments including manicures, pedicures, spray-tanning and waxing, and is open seven days a week, with late trading three nights.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest in beauty is also important, says Mikaela, who last year was invited to attend an international Dermalogica congress.

Call Beauty Bar International on 6253 4488.

Jessica

McCauley… winter hair is straight, not strait-laced.

Going straight at Blaze

STRAIGHT hair is back for autumn-winter, but forget about the lifeless locks of the late 90s!

Jessica McAuley, from Blaze Hair Culture in the Jamison Centre, says that while straight hair’s starting to come back into its own, it still has movement.

“Thicker fringes are still in, and becoming even more popular,” she says. “And as well as straight hair, we’re seeing a trend towards crimping.

“These are soft, undone styles – they’re natural, perhaps a tiny bit messy but certainly not strait-laced.”

As for colour, auburn is set to warm up winter this year, while cool blondes will also be in vogue: blonde hair’s at its best when it’s not a “block” colour, Jessica says, but in highlights and lowlights.

Blaze Hair Culture is under new management, but Jessica assured devotees of senior stylist Ashleigh Wilton that she’s still at the studio.

Call Blaze Hair Culture on 6162 2855.

What’s new in beauty

AIRBRUSH make-up is the latest way to keep foundation in its place, according to Elise Terry, make-up artist at Bentley’s of Canberra, Jamison Plaza.

The gift of flowers for every occasion.

New to Bentley’s, Elise has been busy working professionally on productions such as “Australian Idol” and Sydney’s “Carols in the Domain” – and she’s now completing a hairdressing course to complement her existing beauty qualifications.

“Many people have airbrushing done for weddings or formals,” she says. “We use a compressor and gun with foundation paint, and airbrush the face.

all about Bluebells

“This means that the foundation stays on much longer, and lasts the whole night, so it’s great for special occasions.”

Beauty is returning to a “classic” look, Elise says – it’s similar to the natural look of the ‘70s, but more elegant.

Florist at Jamison Plaza, Macquarie 02 6251 7799

As well as make-up for special occasions, Bentley’s at Jamison also offer minimakeovers with Napoleon products, and tips on how to apply cosmetics for work, day and evening.

Call Bentley’s of Canberra on 6251 2681.

Elise Terry… “Many people have airbrushing done for weddings or formals.”

in Belconnen...

Expert advice for brides

CANBERRA’S brides are choosing a wide array of different hair and make-up styles for their big days: but the one thing they have in common is wanting to look “150 per cent”, says Bentley’s Bridal Studio owner Sarah Booth. In the past, couples tying the knot tended to focus financially on aspects of their weddings such as the photographs, but that’s changing, Sarah says.

“We’re seeing short hair, long hair, classic up-dos and hairstyles bordering on high fash-

ion – women are really putting a lot of time and effort into planning their look.

“I think they realise that if they don’t look amazing on the day, they won’t feel amazing.”

As a one-of-a-kind specialist bridal studio, Bentley’s offers advice from expert hairdressers and Napoleon make-up artists, and as well as weddings, caters for formals and even big nights out.

Call Bentley’s Bridal Studio on 6281 4339.

Blooming Bluebells

and floral art are merging together at the award-winning all about Bluebells florist, at the Jamison Centre.

According to owner Vance Jones, traditional blooms such as carnations and roses are still popular, but there’s strong demand for modern flowers such

Gloria Jones, Emma stewart and Trish Thistleton from all about Bluebells.

as oriental lilies, gerberas, sunflowers and Australian native flowers – “something a bit different”.

“The traditional A-shaped bowl is becoming a thing of the past,” he says. “These days it’s all about the florist’s ability to design something modern and exciting.

“Native plants like proteas are also becoming very big, partly because they’re long-lasting and I think people also like to support home-grown products – and again, they’re something different.”

The shop has been established in Jamison

for 18 years, and has expanded since the recent renovation. It regularly works with the Australian War Memorial to prepare wreaths, and is a popular supplier of wedding bouquets.

It won the 2008 ACT and South-Western NSW Regional Local Business Award, and employs Emma Stewart, who was presented with the achievement award for floristry last year, recognising the quality of her work during her studies at Canberra Institute of Technology.

Call all about Bluebells on 6251 7799.

The new-look Jamison Plaza at Macquarie.

Triple Zero Heroes

Sunday, Prime, 8.00pm

Who are the people on the end of the line in emergency calls who save lives by calmly instructing panicked callers to perform first aid? This intriguing new series gives a name, a face and a backstory to these unsung heroes. In this episode, a night of partying ends in near-tragedy when a 20-year-old man falls 25m from a clifftop.

Customs

Monday, WIN, 8.00pm

Our fascination with routine airport procedure knows no bounds. Nine’s brazen copy of Border Security is hosted by actor Vince Colosimo (above), well known for playing a murderous thug in Underbelly. The main reason these shows are so popular is that we all get to play detective: It’s fun to study a traveller’s body language, add up the clues and work out whether the suspect is guilty.

6.00 At The Movies. (PG, R, S) 6.30 The Einstein Factor. (S)

7.00 News. (S) 7.30 Wild Caribbean: Reefs And Wrecks. (G, S) 8.25 News. (S) 8.30 Cranford. Matty suffers a disappointment, and reveals to Mary the great wrong done to her as a young woman. Mary writes to Major Gordon about Jessie’s changed circumstances. (G, S) 9.25 Compass: The Brotherhood. Charts the rise and fall of the Universal Brotherhood, a uniquely Australian “cult”. (PG, S) 11.20 Princes In The Tower. (M, R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Sunday Night. (S) 7.30 Border Security

– Australia’s Front Line. (PG, S) 8.00 Triple Zero Heroes. (PG, S) 8.30 City Homicide. After a homeless man is found bludgeoned to death, the team must piece together a life lived on the fringes and uncover the victim’s past. (M, S) 9.30 Bones. With some help from a destitute man, the investigators search an abandoned tunnel system beneath Washington DC, hoping to solve the murder of a documentary filmmaker. (M, R, S) 11.30 The First 48. (M)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Domestic Blitz. (PG, S) 7.30 60 Minutes. (S) 8.30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. The team needs the help of an eight-year-old, HIV-positive boy to figure out who shot and killed his uncle and his mother during a street party. (M, S) 9.30 CSI: Miami. After the body of a woman who was meant to testify against Kyle is found dead in her car, the evidence leads Horatio to his son’s mother. (M, S) 11.30 Aussie Ladette To Lady. (M, R, S)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 7.30 So You Think You Can Dance Australia. (PG, S) 9.30 Rove. Celebrity interviews, comedy, music and regular variety segments. Guests include Magda Szubanski, Bruce Beresford and Jimeoin, with music from Jessica Mauboy who performs her single Burn. Hosted by Rove McManus. (M, S) 11.40 The Office. (PG)

6.00 Thalassa: The Healing Boat. (G, S) 6.30 World News Australia. (S) 7.30 Lost Worlds: Darwin’s Lost Paradise. (S) 8.30 Dateline. A look at a disturbing wave of violence unleashed by the Italian Mafia in their heartland of Naples. (S) 9.30 Movie: Twin Sisters. (2002) Sina Richardt, Julia Koopmans, Thekla Reuten, Nadja Uhl. Separated by their parents’ death, twin sisters lead dramatically different lives during World War II. (M, R) 11.50 Fifty Years Of Love. (PG)

Aussie Ladette To Lady

Tuesday, WIN, 9.30pm Out to prove that Aussie chicks (like Maria De Corrado, right) are just as uncouth and boozed-up as their English counterparts, eight rough lasses from across Australia have arrived at the 1950s-style finishing school at Eggleston Hall. Officially, they’re there to learn deportment, elocution, flower arranging, etiquette and cookery – unofficially, these girls just wanna have fun.

6.00 Landline Extra. (R, S) 6.30 Talking Heads. (G, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 The 7.30 Report. (S) 8.00 Australian Story. Unprecedented access to a foster mum, her children and their biological mother sheds new light on the trials and tribulations of foster family life. (S) 8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program. (S) 9.20 Media Watch. Hosted by Jonathan Holmes. (S) 9.35 The Cut. (M, S) 11.10

Lateline Business. (S) 11.35 The Russian Revolution In Colour: Freedom And Hope. (PG, R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Today Tonight. (S) 7.00 Home And Away. (PG, S) 7.30 How I Met Your Mother. (PG, S) 8.30 Desperate Housewives. Dave’s motives for moving to the neighbourhood continue to take shape. (M, S) 9.30 Brothers & Sisters. Nora prepares for her new charity venture by cleaning out all of William’s belongings. Holly begins her own investigation into the whereabouts of William’s lost son. (M, S) 11.20 30 Rock. (PG, S) 11.50 Last Comic Standing. (Final) (M)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 WIN News. (S) 7.00 A Current Affair. (S) 7.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG, S) 8.00 Customs. (PG, S) 8.30 Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities. An armed robbery in Melbourne sparks a deadly turf war between rival gangland “generals” (M, S) 9.30 81st Annual Academy Awards. Presented by Hugh Jackman, from Kodak Theatre, Hollywood. Nominees for Best Picture are The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader and Slumdog Millionaire. (PG, R, S)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Neighbours. (G, S) 7.00

The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 7.30 So You Think You Can Dance Australia. (PG, S) 8.30 Good News Week. Hosted by Paul McDermott, with team leaders Mikey Robins and Claire Hooper. (M, S) 9.30 Dexter. Dexter’s latest target is a murderous used-car salesman. Rita forces Dexter into a 12-step program after his inability to explain his midnight activities leads her to believe that he is a drug addict. (AV15+, S) 11.20 Late Show With David Letterman. (PG)

6.00 Global Village: Friuli. (G, R, S) 6.30 World News

Australia. (S) 7.30 Top Gear. (Final) (PG, S) 9.00 Drawn

Together. Notorious billionaire Bucky Bucks comes to the house and hosts an Apprentice -style boardroom, to answer the demands of the housemates for prizes.

(MA15+, R, S) 9.30 World News Australia. (S) 9.55 Market Update. 10.00 The Mighty Boosh. Howard is struggling to find a new musical direction for the band. (PG, R, S) 11.30 Movie: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. (2002) (M, R, S)

The Farmer Wants A Wife

Wednesday, WIN, 7.30pm

Australians have taken this lovey-dovey series to heart. And why wouldn’t they?

The farmers are almost always charming, genuine and self-effacing, the women they choose are real rather than Barbie dolls and Natalie Gruzlewski’s narration adds to the appeal. The addition of a female farmer, Jenny (above), looking for a husband is just the twist needed to maintain interest in the third season.

6.05 Time Team: The Castle. (G, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 The 7.30 Report. (S) 8.00 Lead Balloon. (PG, S) 8.30 Doctor Who. On a 51st-century ship, The Doctor, Rose and Mickey find time windows leading to 18th-century France, where a young woman is being stalked by a group of clockwork androids. (PG, R, S) 9.15 Doctor Who Confidential: Cut Down: Script To Screen. A behind-the-scenes look at Doctor Who. (G, S) 9.30 Foreign Correspondent. (S) 11.10 Lateline Business. (S) 11.35 Four Corners. (R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Today Tonight. (S) 7.00 Home And Away. (PG, S) 7.30 RSPCA Animal Rescue. (G, S) 8.00 Find My Family. (PG, S) 8.30 Packed To The Rafters. After a drunken one-night stand, Ben faces a gut-wrenching dilemma. Dave is keen to spice up his marriage and organises a rendezvous with Julie. Sammy and Nathan’s relationship becomes strained when he discovers she has lied to him. (PG, S) 9.30 All Saints. (M, S) 11.30 Dirty Sexy Money. (M)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 WIN News. (S) 7.00 A Current Affair. (S) 7.30 Wipeout Australia. (PG, S) 8.30 Two And A Half Men. A new girlfriend wants Charlie to sleep over at her place. Alan has trouble enforcing Judith’s grounding of Jake. (M, S) 9.00 Two And A Half Men. Charlie begins acting strangely after spending an evening with his mother. (M, R, S) 9.30 Aussie Ladette To Lady. Putting emotions aside, the ladettes are challenged to prepare and serve afternoon tea. (M, S) 11.30 Just Shoot Me! (PG, R)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Neighbours. (G, S) 7.00 The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 8.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, S) 8.30 NCIS. The team attempts to defuse a prison riot that has left McGee in the clutches of a group of angry inmates by exposing the truth behind a guard’s death. (M, S) 9.30 Lie To Me. The team tries to prevent the assassination of the South Korean ambassador at a state wedding. (M, S) 11.15 The Late Show With David Letterman. (PG)

6.00 Extra Time. 6.30 World News Australia. (S) 7.30 Insight. (S) 8.30 India Reborn: Manufacturing Dreams. Part 3 of 4. Personal stories of Indians whose lives have been impacted by the burgeoning film industry. (PG, S) 9.30 World News Australia. (S) 9.55 Market Update. 10.00 Hot Docs: The Times Of Harvey Milk. (S) 11.35 Movie: The Forced March. (2003) (MA15+)

In The Bush With Malcolm Douglas

Saturday, Prime, 6.30pm

Welcome back, Malcolm! We’ve missed the iconic Aussie adventurer since he took a break from TV to fight prostate cancer, among other things. It’s great to have the bearded bushman (above) back showing city slickers all the beautiful scenery and intriguing characters our big brown land holds. If Baz Luhrmann’s Australia didn’t make you start planning a roadtrip across Oz, this certainly will.

6.00 The Queen’s Cavalry: Just Another Day. (G, R, S) 6.30 The Cook And The Chef. (G, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 The 7.30 Report. (S) 8.00 The New Inventors. Showcases the art of invention and design in a national competition that celebrates Australian ingenuity. (S) 8.30 Spicks And Specks. Music game show. Hosted by comedian Adam Hills. (S) 9.00 Chandon Pictures. (M, S) 9.35 Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry & Paul. (M, S) 11.05 Lateline Business. (S) 11.35 Midsomer Murders. (M, R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Today Tonight. (S) 7.00 Home And Away. (PG, S) 7.30 Australia’s Got Talent. (G, S) 8.30 Criminal Minds. The unit assists local law enforcement in catching a serial killer, dubbed “the road warrior” in the media, who is targeting blonde women travelling on freeways in Orange County, California. (M, S) 9.30 Gangs Of Oz: The Bikies – Inside The Band Of Brothers. Reveals the real stories of Australia’s criminal underworld. (M, S) 11.30 Disorderly Conduct Caught On Tape. (PG)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 WIN News. (S) 7.00 A Current Affair. (S) 7.30 The Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG, S) 8.30 The Mentalist. Patrick and the team head to a small rural town to investigate the case of a National Guard veteran killed in a fire. Questions arise after they discover another veteran perished in similar circumstances. (M, S) 9.30 Flashpoint. The team provides backup for a group of undercover agents involved in a major drug bust. (M, S) 11.30 Just Shoot Me! (PG, R)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Neighbours. (G, S) 7.00 The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 8.00 Guerrilla Gardeners. A team of six young gardeners transform barren and under-used city spaces into an oasis of greenery. (PG, S) 8.30 House. Cuddy decides to spend more time at home to take care of her newly-adopted baby and passes on her day-to-day responsibilities to Cameron, including supervising House. (M, S) 9.30 Life. (M, S) 11.15 The Late Show With David Letterman. (PG)

6.00 Global Village: The Dance Of The Gods. (G, R, S) 6.30 World News Australia. (S) 7.30 Feast India. (G, R, S) 8.00 Tales From The Palaces: The Secret Lives Of Palaces. (G, R, S) 8.30 Tribe. Bruce Parry joins the Nenets reindeer herders of the remote Yamal Peninsula in northern Siberia for their annual winter migration. (PG, S) 9.30 World News Australia. (S) 9.55 Market Update. 10.00 Movie: Babylon Disease. (2004) (MA15+) 11.35 Movie: Musa The Warrior. (2001) (MA15+, R)

Twin Sisters

Sunday, SBS, 9.30pm

Earnest Oscar-nominated European drama about two orphaned German girls (Nadja Uhl and Thekla Reuten, above), who are separated in their youth during WWII. The two meet up years later, but the wounds from the war are all too obvious in their relationship. Tessa de Loo’s moving novel is beautifully adapted by Dutch director Ben Sombogaart.

In The Mood For Love

Thursday, SBS, 11.00pm

A unique love story from Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai (Chungking Express). Set in the conservative Hong Kong of the early ’60s, the film follows neighbours (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, above) who discover their respective spouses are engaged in an affair. With no one else to turn to, the pair endeavour to understand how the affair could have developed.

The Player

Saturday, SC Ten, midnight

From the flawless eight-and-a-half-minute opening tracking shot to the surprising final reels, the late Robert Altman’s virtuoso command of camera and cast propel this biting satire on the Hollywood film industry to stunning heights. There’s ample wit and suspense encased in an intelligent murder mystery that dispels the myths on everything from the casting couch to the million-dollar handshake. Stars Tim Robbins (right) and a whopping 65 other celebrities.

thursday, 26 friday, 27 s aturday, 28

6.10 Grand Designs. (G, R, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 The 7.30 Report. (S) 8.00 Catalyst. (G, S) 8.30 Bringing Up Baby. Part 2 of 4. The families navigate the crucial first two weeks after the babies’ births, a period when some of the big issues of childcare are addressed – where the child should sleep, maintaining a healthy routine, and the emotive subject of whether to breast feed. (PG, S) 9.30 Q&A. Hosted by Tony Jones. (S) 11.00 Lateline Business. (S) 11.30 Live From Abbey Road. (Final) (M, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Today Tonight. (S) 7.00 Home And Away. (PG, S) 7.30 Ghost Whisperer. (PG, S) 8.30 Grey’s Anatomy. Bailey heads up a team of surgeons performing a “domino procedure” in which each surgery hinges on the one preceding it. Derek gets sole credit for the brain tumour study he did with Meredith. Lexie goes to great lengths to have George notice her romantically. (M, S) 9.30 Private Practice. Charlotte tries to woo Addison to St Ambrose Hospital. (M, S) 11.30 Beauty And The Geek. (PG)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 WIN News. (S) 7.00 A Current Affair. (S)

7.30 Getaway. (PG, S) 8.30 Adults Only 20 To 01. Host Bert Newton counts down 20 of the most outrageous celebrity temper tantrums – from the crazy to the calculated, some stars are walking time bombs. (M, S) 9.30 CSI: Miami. Calleigh is abducted and her kidnappers use her to try and cover up a murder they committed after a poker game went wrong. (M, S) 11.30 Just Shoot Me! (PG, R)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Neighbours. (G, S) 7.00 The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 8.00 Bondi Vet. (PG, S) 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. Stabler seeks help from his old mentor after being confronted by the perplexing murder of an astronaut, whose death somehow appears linked to the activities of a serial rapist. (M, S) 9.30 Life On Mars. Sam encounters the younger version of his mother, and is surprised to discover that she is involved with a violent loan shark. (M, S) 11.15 Letterman. (PG)

6.00 Global Village: Liguria. (G, R, S) 6.30 World News

Australia. (S) 7.35 Inspector Rex. (PG, R, S) 8.30 Baby Boom To Bust: Missing Children. Part 1 of 2. A look at the looming social, political, economic and human impact of the world’s rapidly ageing population. (G, S) 9.30 World News Australia. (S) 9.55 Market Update. 10.00 UEFA Champions League Hour. Features highlights from the UEFA Champions League. 11.00 Movie: In The Mood For Love. (2000) (G, R)

6.00 Message Stick. (G, R, S) 6.30 Can We Help? (G, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 Stateline. (S) 8.00 Collectors. (G, S) 8.30 Miniseries: Trial & Retribution XIII: Curriculum Vitae. (2007) Part 2 of 2. A naive charmer or a ruthless manipulator?

The truth will be revealed when a nanny with a string of identity thefts in her past goes on trial for murdering a baby. (M, S) 9.40 Dalziel And Pascoe. (M, R, S) 11.10 triple j tv With The Doctor. (R, S) 11.40 Good Game. (R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Today Tonight. (S) 7.00 Home And Away. (PG, S) 7.30 Better Homes And Gardens. (G, S) 8.30 Movie: The Guardian. (2006) Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Sela Ward, Melissa Sagemiller. A young man enrols in a US Coast Guard school, where a jaded rescue swimmer teaches him some lessons about loss, love, and self-sacrifice. (M, S) 11.20 Movie: Hot Shots! Part Deux. (1993) (M, R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 WIN News. (S) 7.00 A Current Affair. (S) 7.30 Movie: Yours, Mine And Ours. (2005) (PG, S) 9.30 Movie: Hitch. (2005) Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta. A self-styled New York “date doctor” forgets all his tricks when he falls for a sassy journalist. (M, R, S) 11.50 WIN News. (S)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Neighbours. (G, S) 7.00 The Biggest Loser. (PG, S) 7.30 The Simpsons. (PG, S) 8.00 The Simpsons. (PG, R, S) 8.30 Medium. After visiting a crime scene, Allison’s unusual behaviour puts her family at risk, but it may also be the key to solving a 17-year-old crime. Joe extends a dinner invitation to his new colleague but things take an unexpected turn. (M, S) 9.30 Law & Order. After a stockbroker is beaten to death, the investigation leads to an illegal streetfighting ring. (M, S) 11.30 News. (S)

6.00 Global Village: Grenoble. (G, R, S) 6.30 World News Australia. (S) 7.30 The Thirties In Colour: A World Away. (S) 8.35 As It Happened: Churchill’s Bodyguard – Attack At The Flying Boat Dock. (G, R, S) 9.30 World News Australia. (S) 9.55 Market Update. 10.00 My Big Breasts And Me. Three young British women discuss the problems they encounter having larger-than-normal breasts. (M, R, S) 11.05 Movie: The Miracle According To Salome. (2004) (M, R)

6.00 Totally Frank. (PG, R, S) 6.25 Minuscule: Ladybugs. (G) 6.30 Gardening Australia. (G, S) 7.00 News. (S) 7.30 New Tricks. (PG, R, S) 8.25 News. (S) 8.30 The Bill. As evidence mounts, DI Manson and DCs Dasari and Webb struggle with the realisation that 10-year-old Mason Kemble is responsible for the murder of an eight-year-old girl. Trainee DC Fletcher struggles to adapt to DS Turner’s leadership style on his first day on the job. (PG, S) 11.00 Rage. (M)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 In The Bush With Malcolm Douglas. (G, S) 7.30 Kath & Kim. (PG, R, S) 8.00 The Vicar Of Dibley. Geraldine takes on the organisation of the annual autumn fair and promises to feature a guest far more celebrated than the one who appeared at last year’s event. (PG, R, S) 8.40 Movie: Overboard. (1987) Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell. Struck with amnesia after a fall from a yacht, a snobby millionaire’s wife is made to believe that she is the mother of a carpenter’s four badly behaved children. (M, R, S)

6.00 News. (S) 6.30 Australia’s Funniest Home Videos. (G, S) 7.30 Movie: 50 First Dates. (2004) (PG, R, S) 9.40 Movie: Click. (2006) Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken. A workaholic architect is given a universal remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind through his life. (M, R, S)

6.00 The Simpsons. (G, R, S) 6.30 Movie: Center Stage. (2000) (PG, R, S) 8.50 Movie: Kiss The Girls. (1997) Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes. A forensic psychologist goes on the trail of a psychopath who is kidnapping and killing women. (M, R, S) 11.10 Football. NAB Cup. Round 2. Collingwood v Richmond. (S)

6.00 Classical Destinations: Paris & Versailles (SaintSaens & Bizet). (G, S) 6.30 World News Australia. (S) 7.30

Prototype This: Traffic Busting Truck. (S) 8.30 Iron Chef. (G, S) 9.20 RocKwiz. Hosted by Julia Zemiro. (PG, S) 10.00 Movie: Fearless. (2006) The life of martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who overcame personal tragedy to represent his homeland in a tournament that pitted him against fighters from the four major powers occupying China at the turn of the 20th century. (M) 11.50 Shorts On Screen. (PG)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Cocktail Artists

6PM – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC (301)

Spirit makers and mixers from around the world are filling glasses with their own distinct styles. London’s Shochu Lounge makes mixology an art form, while hand-made spirits are sought after in India and Chile.

Little Einsteins

6.30PM – PLAYHOUSE DISNEY (202)

The Little Einsteins blast off for another mission that includes Rocket taking them to the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and dipping through Van Gough’s “Starry Night”.

Movie Extra Tropfest Live 2009

7PM – MOVIE EXTRA (413)

For the first time, the world’s largest festival, Movie Extra Tropfest, will be live from Sydney’s Domain featuring 16 finalist films, red-carpet arrivals and interviews. Hosted by Adam Hills and Alan Brough.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Live from the Red Carpet

6PM – E! ENTERTAINMENT (253)

The 2009 Academy Awards: red-carpet coverage of the Oscars with Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic.

Astro Boy

8PM – BOOMERANG (204)

Relive this Astro Boy classic – “The Wreck of the Titan”. The maiden voyage of the Titan meets with disaster in the form of a hail of meteorites.

Stranger

than Fiction

8.35PM – MOVIE TWO (412)

When an average man begins to hear a female voice narrating his every action, he tries desperately to take control of his own destiny by finding the person who is writing his story. Starring Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson.

prestigeproperty

Charm from a bygone era

Exu DING character, charm and elegance from a bygone era, this spacious Ainslie home has been fully renovated.

Original features such as the high, battened ceilings; picture and chair rails; restored cedar windows and the slow-combustion stove in the

kitchen are complemented by a new country style kitchen with stainless-steel appliances; solid-timber bench tops and plate racks; floating hardwood floorboards and a new bathroom.

The indoor/outdoor flow is enhanced by the dining room’s French doors that open out to a deck.

It has three, king-size bedrooms. The property is conveniently located near the Ainslie shops and restaurants and a five-minute drive from the city. EER: 0.

Address: 12 Officer Crescent, Ainslie.

Price: $679,000.

Exhibition: Saturday, 11.30-12.15pm.

Agent: Fran Pearson, Richard Luton Properties Manuka, 0410 475052 or 6260 8999.

queAnbeyAn

57 cAMERON ROAD - As you walk through the gate and along the garden path towards the front verandah you will realise that “Bon View” is a three bedroom double brick residence that’s rather special. A Federation style duplex home built circa 1913 and featuring a formal lounge room with fire place and gas fire, meals area, kitchen with dishwasher and gas cook top, utility room suitable for use as a study or teenagers’ retreat and a single garage with work bench. As a bonus there is an adjacent parcel of land to the rear of the home.

open: Sunday 12 noon - 1pm

Auction: On site 1pm, Saturday 14th March

details: Gillian Thorn 0416 017 072

Property cheers package

THE property sector heaved a collective sigh of relief when the Commonwealth Government’s four-year, economic stimulus package finally passed through the Senate.

The package will boost confidence in construction, creating jobs and ensuring a continued supply of skilled workers through apprenticeships. It will provide a much-needed boost to housing availability for key workers and those in need.

“The stimulus package’s individual programs are well-targeted, ensuring each dollar spent circulates around the economy as many times as possible in a manner that helps the most people,” says Property Council of Australia CEO Peter Verwer.

Caryn Kakas, executive director of the Residential Development Council has also spoken highly of the plan.

“In committing this money to the sector, the Government is ensuring projects that are already in the development pipeline are built, and more importantly that new projects get off the ground, which is difficult in the current market,” she says.

“The development industry has the capacity to turn this much-needed injection from

PROPERTY

the government into bricks and mortar very quickly. This will not only increase supply of public and community housing, but will also keep the industry going, maintaining employment in the sector.”

The package includes $3.9 billion for green initiatives, increasing solar hot water rebates, providing free installation of ceiling insulation and doubling the Low Emissions Plan for Renters. It allocates $14.7 billion to schools, for building new libraries, halls, science labs and language learning centres as well as providing every school with funding for maintenance and renewal of old buildings. And it is offering a $6.6 billion boost for housing, which will provide 20,000 new social housing dwellings and 802 new Defence houses, as well as funding maintenance and renewal of around 2500 vacant social houses.

Catherine Carter is executive director of the Property Council of Australia (ACT)

0418 632216

AUCTION07.03.09

LILLI PILLI 28 Allinga Close A Little Slice of Heaven

You’ll never want to leave this stylish architect-designed residence on 1000sqm, tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in leafy Lilli Pilli, and a short walk from renowned beaches. Its north easterly aspect bathes it in morning sunlight and its location is so tranquil. Perfectly designed to accommodate family or visitors you’ll especially enjoy the master bedroom suite with own sitting room and secluded deck. It also has a large stand alone garage with adjoining workshop, wired for 3-phase power. Just ten minutes from Batemans Bay town centre, and our vendors are highly motivated!

MALUA BAY 2 Karoo Crescent

Timeless Beauty On The Water

Several years ago, our vendors chose to live on this picturesque headland for its privacy and tranquility. Here, you could shut out the world and relish the 240 degree ocean views, enjoy the quietly majestic nature of the residence on 1,195sqm and find your own space; entertain in the Hemingway-style bar; offer guests their own wing, and laze beside the solar heated pool. You could stroll to a quiet beach or walk to a surf one. But, now it is time for our vendors to move on and leave this paradise for someone else to treasure. Is that you?

SURF BEACH 4/724 Beach Road

Inviting Unit Close To Beaches

This beautifully cared for unit is tucked away at the rear of the block and upstairs for extra privacy. Just a short stroll from both Surf and Wimbie Beaches, with a delightful leafy outlook from its deck, it is cosy and compact and has a lock up tandem garage. A quick drive or enjoyable walk to Surf Beach shopping village, it is ideal for permanent living now, or to buy for your holidays whilst enjoying the benefits from holiday letting, knowing we are looking after it for you!

Award Winning Restaurant + Take Away Outlet

Captain John’s is an icon that has been established for nearly 30 years. Now the owners wish to relocate interstate and reluctantly offer the business for genuine sale. It is situated in an ideal and highly visible location in the central Merimbula CBD, and complementing the restaurant is a separate takeaway fish and chip shop with alfresco eating area. All equipment is in good condition and the business is showing excellent returns. Sale price includes furniture, fittings and equipment plus SAV. Seize the opportunity before it’s too late. Enquire now for details.

MERIMBULA

Murrumbateman | Country Charm

20 CLYDESDALE CLOSE - Beautifully nestled on the high side of the estate, this spacious abode exudes romantic country charm with relaxed lifestyle living. Occupying a prized 6700m2 allotment and boasting stunning scenic views, this gorgeous residence with a north-easterly aspect to living areas, captures the true essence of family living whilst providing a sense of space and serenity. Fusing classic with contemporary, this stylish “Harkaway” Victorian-style home surrounded by a wide verandah, features 4 large double bedrooms including segregated master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, study, separate formal lounge and dining rooms, magnificent, designer kitchen with a huge walk-in-pantry overlooking a massive family and meals rooms, rumpus and a double garage with barn doors and loft.

Sunday 11-12noon

South Bruce | Blue Ribbon Location

By Negotiation

5 CLEWS PLACE - The epitome of understated elegance, this stunning entertainers’ home is located in what is arguably one of North Canberra’s most desirable residential enclaves, making an instant impression with its family-friendly layout and premier address. Displaying a sophisticated design, this sleek, fully refurbished residence is a showcase of traditional appeal and stylish contemporary finishes. Set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds, the home features 4 bedrooms, master with a large WIR, dressing room with generous ensuite, main bathroom with spa, over-size shower recesses with semi-frameless glass, formal lounge and dining with direct access to large covered timber deck, striking granite kitchen with quality stainless-steel appliances that opens up to the family, meals rooms and the superb outdoor entertaining area. EER 2. Agent Interest.

162 BIDGES ROAD - Arguably the most beautiful property in Sutton on 8.4 acres approximately of the most prolific and picturesque gardens in the area. This solar-passive home of approximately 343m2 offers beautiful garden views from every room with living areas opening to a central courtyard, gazebo and a large pool. Features 5 double-sized bedrooms, segregated master with a walk-in robe and ensuite, spacious kitchen, 2 family rooms, rumpus, huge lounge and dining rooms, 3 bathrooms, double garage, half-size tennis court, water features, reverse cycle air-conditioning, solar hot-water, 2 huge water tanks, bore, remote control entry gate and much more. Truly a welcome oasis for the family or busy executive.

Open: Sunday 1-2pm

Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

47 A & B BUNTINE CRESCENT - Majestically perched on hillside in one of Isaac’s most exclusive streets, and capturing magnificent views, are these two magnificent architecturally designed homes. Faultlessly presented, the larger home offers 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite and WIR, study, open-plan kitchen, family and meals room leading out to a large entertaining area, spacious lounge/dining room opening out to a large balcony and huge under house storage rooms. The second home features a private courtyard, 3 bedrooms, open plan kitchen family/dining, large bathroom and laundry. Both homes share 3 spacious garages. Perfect for an extended family or for an investor to live in one while renting out the other. EER 1.5.

Tender: Closes 5pm, Saturday 26th February

Open: Call Maria for viewing times

f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803
Open:
Sutton | Resort Living with Acreage
f
f Maria Selleck
Open: Call Maria for viewing times
Tender Isaacs | Exquisite homes with views
f Maria Selleck

All these websites accounted

artners.com.au

ww.brightpartners.com.au wwwbryan u wwwrwccan m.au

wwwgogeckoc

www.domain.com.au www.badenoch.com.au www.berkley.com.au www.bertramellis.com.au www.blueproperty.com.au www.bradyscountrywide.com.au www.breezeresidential.com.au www.brightpartners.com.au www.bryanrumble.com.au www.canberraexchange.com.au www.canberrarealestate.com.au www.canhomes.com.au www.canreps.com.au www.capitalrealestate.com.au www.cbre.com.au www.colmcintyre.com.au www.elders.com.au www.firstnational.com.au www.gogecko.com.au www.gumtree.canberra.com.au www.hodgkinsonrealestate.com.au www.homeact.com.au www.horizonrealestate.com.au www.hqrealtyrealestate.com www.independent.com.au www.karenrush.com.au www.lanyonrealestate.com.au

Save money, ask your agent to…

www.realestate.com.au www.livein.net.au www.ljhooker.com.au www.luton.com.au www.maloneys.com.au www.mcnamee.com.au www.myhome.com.au www.noagentproperty.com.au www.onthehouse.com.au www.peterblackshaw.com.au www.philipkouvelisrealestate.com.au www.prdcanberracentral.com.au www.privaterealestate.net.au www.property.com.au www.raywhite.com realestate.ozfreeonline.com www.rh.com.au www.rwccanberra.com.au www.savills.com.au www.sadilquinlan.com.au www.spackmanrealestate.com.au www.suttonrealestate.com.au www.todayshomes.com.au www.tuggeranongrealestate.com.au www.wodenrealestate.com.au www.yassrealestate.com www.yourestate.com.au

• Landmark office building

• 709sqm - 1455sqm* available

• Quality existing fit-out in place

• Generous on site car parking

• Available now

• Within easy walking distance to Canberra Centre

• Tenant profile includes CB Richard Ellis and IAG

• Pleasant outdoor entertaining area

• Naming rights opportunity

• Negotiable lease terms

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Canberra CityNews February 19-25, 2009 by Canberra CityNews - Issuu