Canberra CityNews May 14-20, 2009

TANYA

Pollies won’t call it a day

By Jorian Gardner

WHILE American President Barrack Obama has a maximum of only two, four-year terms to change the world, ACT politicians, it seems, would much rather go on forever.

Every party has rejected the idea of limited terms mooted in a recent opinion piece by former Assembly Speaker Greg Cornwell.

Mr Cornwell was suggesting that to refresh the local political scene our MLAs should limit themselves to a maximum of three terms or 12 years in the Assembly, like more than 20 US State legislatures introduced in the early 1990s.

“Not surprisingly, term limits have been hotly debated by incumbents and would-be-career politicians and a number of arguments support a case against their introduction,” Mr Cornwell wrote. “However, the loss of popular and effective members forced to step down prematurely need not be the fate of incumbents if the limits are applied sensibly and flexibly.”

To apply Mr Cornwell’s threeterm limit to the current Assembly, the ACT would have a different Chief Minister and Attorney General, with Jon Stanhope (first elected 1998) and Simon Corbell (1997) having passed their use-by date as

It’s a jungle out there!

LOCAL mural artist Byrd has created a jungle scene in a city laneway that has been stopping pedestrians in their tracks. With collaborator, local spray artist Stylized Impact, the large mural has lush green rainforests and rare birds. The work is in a laneway opposite King O’Malley’s beer garden, at the back of Bailey’s Arcade. The duo recently completed a smoky café scene in the Bunda Street area. The murals have been funded as part of the city improvements programs operated by Canberra CBC Limited. CEO Linda Staite said: “These are places that have often had graffiti before, so rather than keep cleaning them over and over, we thought we’d have some great murals – because we know that the ‘taggers’ won’t graffiti over a mural.”

– Jorian Gardner

well as Minister Hargreaves (1998) and Brendan Smyth, Deputy Opposition Leader (1998), would also have passed through the corridors of power.

But in a rare moment of bi-partisan politics, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, Opposition Leader Zed Seselja and the Greens Meredith Hunter have disagreed with Mr Cornwell.

“The voting public is responsible for deciding who should be elected to represent their interests in the Assembly and how long they should be assigned this privilege,” Chief Minister Jon Stanhope told “CityNews. “I don’t believe it is

necessary or desirable to play with a basic demographic principle by limiting the rights of some to participate in public life.”

Mr Seselja rejected the Cornwell plan out of hand.

“We do not support a three-term limit for ACT Assembly MLAs,” Mr Seselja said. “Every four years the ACT public decides if MLAs are doing a good job and whether they are re-elected.”

Greens Leader Meredith Hunter was to the point.

“We trust that MLAs, their parties or, failing that, the voters will recognise when their time has come,” she said.

Tonie’s on the tele

MONASH girl Tonie Sauers (pictured), 26, is one of 10 designers to star on “homeMADE”, WIN Television’s new home-renovation series. The group will fully make over 100 rooms at a cost of around $1 million. As well as her commercial design experience, Tonie says she brings “smiles, entertainment and a dash of blonde-ness” to the competition, which airs on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.

Cool crafts

THE Handmade Winter Warmer Market, at Albert Hall from 10am-4pm, Saturday, May 23, will feature 15 new designers as well as other favourites: 80 stalls in total. Visitors will have the chance to win Donna Hay homewares or a custom print by Col Ellis (valued up to $255), enjoy live music, buy original jewellery, artworks, homewares and accessories, and taste gourmet home-made food. THE market will raise money to help local families affected by motor neurone disease. More information at www.handmade.com.au.

Chook takes prize

THE “Pocket Oxford Dictionary’s” word of the month is “chook run”, which the dictionary defines as a social competition in bowls, golf, etcetera, with frozen chickens as prizes. The word “chook” comes from British dialect chuck (also appearing in the form chookie), where it was used as a “call to fowls”, and then as a word for “fowl, hen, chicken”. It became established in Australian English in the second half of the 19th century, though with a variety of spellings: chuckey, chookie, choock. The spelling chook had won out by about 1910.

May 14-20, 2009

Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 18

Arts & Entertainment 15-16

feature 10-14 Body 21 Crossword 23

Dining 16 Fashion 20

Health & Fitness 24-25

Horoscope 23 Movie

26-36

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

Editor: Ian Meikle ed@citynews.com.au

Acting 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 Accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

In the business of waste

ENVIRONmENt

By Tanya Davies

A NEW initiative aimed at helping businesses recycle waste has been launched in the ACT.

The Conservation Council ACTNow Waste is the result of a government grant and has already assisted the huge recycling effort seen at Canberra’s recent folk festival. The new network will facilitate information sharing between businesses and provide public recognition of their efforts in return.

Project co-ordinator Iome Crista hopes the network will encourage businesses to identify waste, share ideas and information about recycling options, and save them time and money.

As the largest producer of e-waste per capita, Canberra disposes of more electronic waste than any other State. The very nature of our city makes it essential local businesses, particularly government departments and research institutions, have knowledge of the best options available to them. Electronic waste in landfill leaches cadmium, lead and polyvinyl chlorides into soil and water. But recycled e-waste has its own set of problems, using massive resources to ship abroad, and endangering workers in underdeveloped countries, or merely being illegally dumped as illustrated in Greenpeace’s recent report on e-waste dumping in Lagos, Nigeria.

Robyn Tennant-Wood, director of the Canberra Environment and Sustainability Resource Centre, has worked with waste recycling since 1999 and is delighted to be part of ACTNow Waste. She says recycling in the work place is problematic for a number of reasons.

“Recycling involves extra time and costs to businesses, but the biggest problem is that it’s difficult to identify whose job it is to recycle in the workplace,” she says.

Although she concludes it is everyone’s job, she’s also been helping businesses identify the best ways to

dispose of e-waste.

As there is no over-riding legislation or regulation it’s still confusing and misleading for businesses, and the cheapest option is certainly not necessarily best.

Ms Tennant-Wood explains there are also growing concerns with electronic waste sent to China, the Philippines and Nigeria where women and children work in hazardous conditions to strip components, and waste is often burned, releasing toxic fumes.

The planned obsolescence of the electronic industry is the biggest enemy in the fight against e-waste, but

some companies are making a green contribution. Dell holds a free drop-off day for its equipment and Kyocera assists with replacement of parts rather than encouraging throwing machines away.

Territory and Municipal Services say there are no special facilities for recycling domestic TVs and VCRs although some can be recycled for a fee at Mitchell and Mugga Lane. Domestic computer equipment can also be recycled – for a fee. However, the Labor Government went to the 2008 election promising a free recycling point for electronic items.

Budget replies short on solutions

ACT LIBERAL Leader Zed Seselja’s Budget reply proved short on policy, but big on attack rhetoric. His speech was long on insults for the Treasurer and, what he called, the Government’s lack of vision – but where was his?

At one stage Seselja quoted a “commentator” as saying that the Budget was a “reverse Robin Hood – taking from the poor and giving to the rich.”

The “commentator” was a teenage girl who had been vox-popped on ABC 666 radio the morning before! Some “commentator”.

The Opposition Leader spoke of a government that “have no idea on how to handle the tough times”, but never went on to explain how he would handle them.

And then came the Greens’ reply.

Leader Meredith Hunter seems to

have also missed the point – but then again it is her first budget outside running the Youth Coalition of the ACT.

Unsurprisingly, her reply was full of self congratulation: “This week’s Budget is a sign that with a strong Greens presence in the Legislative Assembly, the people can expect a more sustainable Canberra”. She was direct, but slightly sub -

dued. While she kicked the Government hard too, she also failed to offer alternatives to the ACT’s woes beyond spending more on Green initiatives, which in this climate means more debt. The Greens will need to tread carefully to avoid being seen as part of Labor’s Budget-balancing problem.

– Jorian Gardner

By Mark Parton

It’s not what you say…

MY girls go to Kaleen Primary so, as you can imagine, I had more than a passing interest in the recent attempted abduction story. Apparently, a man had tried to nab a sixyear-old old boy soon after 3pm. It’s the fourth such reported incident this school year, which worries the life out of all Canberra parents.

However, the police have been sensational at Kaleen. They’ve been visible at the school on most days since the incident, talked to student groups and been more than happy to chat with us on the radio. It’s good community policing and most people don’t get see it or hear about it.

While witnesses have not been forthcoming and we’re still not sure what happened on that day, the positive has been an increased awareness and a preparedness – and I’ve learnt all about “police speak”.

The police don’t talk like you and I. They have their own language, which must be taught at police academy because it seems to stay with them for life.

I’ll give you an example. You and I might say: “I got up Sunday morning and drove to the shops, got myself an paper and an iced coffee and went back home to veg.”

A member of the constabulary would say:

“I awoke at approximately 8:13am on Sunday, May 10, 2009. After several minutes, I dressed in a grey, hooded sweatshirt, black track pants and white runners. I got into my 2005 model green Mazda 626 registered YFA 86M and drove in a westerly direction down Dumas Street to a retail premises. Whilst inside the retail premises, I purchased a copy of the “Sydney Morning Herald” and a refrigerated coffee-flavoured milk product. I was served by a white male approximately 180 centimetres…”

I think you know the rest.

Mark Parton is the morning announcer for Talking Canberra 1206 2CC.

wines and produce from RUTHERGLEN and the KING VALLEY

WINE TASTING & REGIONAL PRODUCE

10am – 6pm, Sun 24 May - Rydges Lakeside, Canberra.

More than 120 premium wines on tasting. Sample great produce from artisan producers including cheese, preserves, tapenades & olives.

‘Classics & Alternatives’ Wine Theatre – informative & entertaining sessions during the day – free to event visitors.

Tickets: $25 – pre-purchase highly recommended.

Bookings: 1800 801 065 or online at www.visitkingvalley.com.au

7pm Sat 23 May - Ottoman Cuisine Fabulous degustation menu. $120 per person. Bookings essential. Phone 1300 787 929. RUTHERGLEN WINEMAKERS’ DINNER

Hypers Hypers

Love among the ruins

with the Salvation army’s Red Shield appeal only weeks away, mEGaN HaGG aN meets a young couple on the front line of fighting social injustice.

FOR Myf Nizette and her fiancé Peter Evans, donating money and time to help the needy isn’t enough – they are both committed to developing new

their

The couple, who marry next month, were friends while studying at Deakin High. Myf told “CityNews” that she became a believer and joined the Salvos as their relationship blossomed.

“That’s when I decided getting cranky about the wrongs in the world was important!” she laughs.

Myf, 20, became a crusader for Fair Trade after being asked to research the issue by her local minister at the Braddon corps.

“I became pretty outraged at what I found,” she says. “I had no idea that people growing tea, coffee and chocolate were being treated like that.

“These are lifestyle essentials for us, but there are adults and children being enslaved to grow them.

“Children growing cocoa in [West African nation] Ivory Coast, who have been enslaved, often don’t even know what chocolate is.”

Free farmers around the world, particularly in Africa and South America, are also exploited by their buyers, she says.

Myf, a childcare worker, encouraged the Salvation Army to comply with the Australia/ NZ Fair Trade Agreement;

each corps makes the decision alone, and the Braddon corps has taken up the challenge.

She and Peter, “soldiers” in the service, now run a Fair Trade stand at the church’s services each week.

“We use only Fair Trade products at the church for morning teas and other events, and Peter and I run a stall selling a range of Fair Trade products at cost price, to eliminate any excuse for our congregation not to buy them!”

For his part, Peter, a plant technician, was the driving force behind The Shed, which gave young men who had been through drug and alcohol rehabilitation the chance to learn some practical skills.

“A couple who lived in Duffy – their house had been burned

down in the 2003 fires and they wanted to give back to the community that helped them – donated a car to us,” Peter says.

“With a mechanic, we all fixed it up and donated it to a refugee family, which meant the husband was able to attend CIT.”

Most recently Myf and Peter, also 20, co-ordinated a social justice conference, aimed at young Canberrans, which examined concerns such as homelessness and poverty, human trafficking and indigenous issues.

They both encourage Canberrans to get involved with the 2009 Red Shield Appeal: the doorknock will take place on the weekend of 23-24 May to raise funds for a range of projects.

“There’s overwhelming need in the community with the financial crisis – people are losing homes, jobs, security,” Myf says.

“People need emotional support as well as financial support, and the Salvation Army are involved with lots of ways to help.”

Peter says that even if we’re feeling the economic pinch ourselves, we can help by engaging with others.

“Someone who’s homeless will often get a big buzz if someone actually just looks them in the eye and says ‘g’day’, treats them like a human being – even if you don’t have the money, a bit of respect can help.”

To donate or volunteer for the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

20 years of self government

Of pot, prostitutes and porn

a s the act celebrates 20 years of self-government, “cityNews” political columnist mI c HaEL mOORE, a member of the first Assembly, remembers some of the big issues of the day.

POT, prostitution and pornography next to rampant law-and-order campaigns were some of the interesting features of the first Assembly. It is now 20 years since the inception of self-government and it is timely to reflect on the democracy that we did not want.

Getting the ACT finances right, sorting out planning, working out how the Assembly would be the most accountable in Australia, wrestling with pay and superannuation issues for MLAs were perhaps less interesting to most pundits. However, they were also a more important part of the business of the first Assembly. The vibrancy of the Committee system was also established at this time.

The Assembly Select Committee report on prostitution illustrates the early role of the cross-benches and the enthusiastic adoption of the Committee system. Rather than just making recommendations the Committee actually drafted the legislation and asked me, as its chairman, to introduce it.

The Committee visited a wide range

of brothels in the ACT and other States and Territories and I looked at legislation from across the world including a visit to a brothel in Amsterdam. The trip resulted in newspaper columnist Ian Warden for years after writing, on every mention of me, “Michael Moore (who has visited every brothel in Europe)”.

However, the stories he missed included the night my wife, when taking a call from a Sydney journalist said: “Sorry, he’s not here, he is out at a brothel”. On another occasion one of the madams wanted to let the media know that the World Council of Churches’ meeting in Canberra had resulted in a significant boost to their business. This was only weeks after the Anglican and Catholic bishops had told the Committee that, although the church did not approve of prostitution, it would be better for it to be decriminalised than illegal.

When the report was released the title was all in capitals: “PROSTITUTION IN THE ACT”. We should have put full stops in the last word!

Stop putting off study because you can’t

There were similar experiences in the preparation of reports on heroin and cannabis. The other members had agreed to have me chair the Drugs and Prostitution Committee as they thought it would mark the end of a political career. Nonsense! I had 73 votes to spare

when elected to the Second Assembly. Struggles on law and order, moveon-powers and X-rated movies also formed part of the rich tapestry in that first Assembly where the major parties held just half of the seats plus one between them.

One of the enduring achievements of the early days was the change to allow amendments to subordinate legislation on the floor of the parliament. In the Senate, the Democrats had managed to push through disallowance power for regulations, but the Assembly went further with the power to amend regulations. This amending power was intended to prevent governments and bureaucracy from slipping their own agenda past the Assembly.

With this power in place the opportunity has been available to ensure a significant change in the way our laws are enacted. The system has been working well for a couple of decades and it is now time to consider having just the broader principles contained in legislation. The democracy would not be undermined if the practical aspects were now all consigned to the regulations. Such an approach would provide a more flexible system without losing the power of review by the parliament.

The First Assembly was open to much criticism – but it did set the base for a lively democratic process.

Michael Moore is a former independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and minister for health. This column is taken from his speech at the 20th Anniversary of Self-government Conference.

It’s booming in Belconnen

BELCONNEN Town Centre is undergoing $124 million worth of major improvements, aimed at completion by the end of 2010.

Tony Gill, director roads ACT at the Department of Territory and Municipal Services, says the series of improvements are aimed at “giving people better access to services in Belconnen, simpler bus routes and easier pedestrian access”.

The demolition of the Belconnen Bus Interchange has been much publicised, with an arts exhibition which celebrated the structure’s 30 years of service to the northside.

From Monday, May 25, three stations will be used for ACTION

to operate bus services; one of these, on Cohen Street, will become permanent.

“The new bus station in Cohen Street will be the connection point for all school bus services in Belconnen,” says Tim Swift, acting general manager, ACTION.

“Changes to public transport in Belconnen, in conjunction with ACTION’s regular review of bus services, will allow for a range of improvements and modification to services such as route timings, extended routes, additional trips and a new bus service for Fyshwick.”

Cohen Street itself will be extended from Lathlain Street through Joynton Smith Drive to Emu Bank, and the Westfield Mall will be extended along Lathlain Street and over Joynton Smith Drive.

Traffic lights will be installed at six key intersections (including the Luxton/Lathlain Street intersection, this installation under the Federal Government’s Road Safety Black Spot Program).

Tony Gill says this will “manage the changed traffic arrangements and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists”.

For more information, visit www. tams.act.gov.au

Reshaping the lake

BELCONNEN Lakeshore is also getting a facelift, with the Emu Inlet (west of the Belconnen Arts and Cultural Centre) to be upgraded.

“The shoreline of Lake Gininderra will be reshaped to improve levels for pedestrian safety and access around the lake, and to improve water quality,” says Russell Watkinson, director, parks, conservation and lands, TAMS.

“The Belconnen lakeshore refurbishments will see improvements to the Emu Reach, Casurina Park and Emu Bank spaces within the Emu Inlet area.

“Lakeshore improvements will also strengthen links to other recreational and functional areas in the Belconnen Town Centre.” The area surrounding the Belconnen skate park will also be revitalised with the Lake Gininderra Foreshore upgrade.

BELCONNEN TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENTS

Belconnen Town Centre Improvements

The ACT Government, in partnership with Westfield, is implementing significant improvements to the Belconnen Town Centre. These improvements will deliver better access to public transport and a greater choice and variety in retail shopping for north-side residents.

The Belconnen Town Centre improvements include three primary projects:

1. Cohen Street extension

2. Belconnen Bus Interchange demolition

3. Westfield Belconnen upgrade

Permanent arrangements will see Cohen Street extended from Lathlain Street through Joynton Smith Drive and the existing bus interchange to Emu Bank.

To mange the changed traffic arrangements, new traffic lights will be installed at the following locations:

• Benjamin Way/Emu Bank

• Emu Bank/Eastern Valley Way

• Cohen Street/Josephson Street

• Cohen Street/Nettlefold Street

• Cohen Street/Lathlain Street

Lakeshore Refurbishments – Precinct 1 Emu Inlet

As part of the Belconnen lakeshore refurbishments, the Emu Inlet – west of the Belconnen Arts and Cultural Centre site – is to be upgraded. The shoreline of Lake Ginninderra will be reshaped to improve levels for pedestrian

Lake Ginninderra Foreshore Upgrade

The Lake Ginninderra Foreshore upgrade will revitalise the area surrounding the Belconnen Skate Park prior to full upgrade of the Eastern Valley Way Inlet. The upgrade will focus on the interface between Skate Park and Emu Bank and will include:

• Improvements to the paving, seating and shade pathways

• A shaded spectator space • Accessible pathways

safety and access to, and around the lake; and to improve water quality. The Belconnen lakeshore refurbishments will see improvements to the Emu Reach, Casurina Park and Emu Bank spaces within the Emu Inlet area. Lakeshore improvements will also strengthen links to other recreational and functional areas in the Belconnen Town Centre.

Construction design work for the Emu Inlet upgrade began in 2007 with further design work being carried out in 2008. Construction works will be carried out in two stages, with stage 1 to commence August 2009.

Birthplace of beauty

IT’S always been the belief of registered nurse Suzie Hoitink, founder of the Clear Complexions Clinics, that good, safe medical skin care should be available to everybody.

Right from the outset, Clear Complexions identified Belconnen as the place of choice for its first clinic: though residents are discerning, the area was vastly under-serviced.

During Suzie’s work with a cosmetic surgeon, prior to opening Clear Complexions, she noticed a growing shift in demand from invasive surgery to gentler procedures that still gave a dramatic outcome.

Clients with embarrassing skin conditions such as pigmentation, acne and rosacea were seeking help to regain lost confidence, and surgeons weren’t empathic to that, Suzie says.

“I was growing increasingly frustrated in that I knew I could help these patients as a nurse specialising in skin, but a cosmetic surgery practice was not the right environment,” she says.

As well as the original clinic in Belconnen, Clear Complexions recently opened a clinic in Erindale.

Coffee couture

FANS of Psychedeli in the city will enjoy manager Wally Rao’s focus on exceptional coffee at his new Belconnen venture, he says.

Employing 2008 ACT Barista of the Year

Patrick Connolly, the Orange Bean Café on the corner of Chan Street and Benjamin Way gets its beans from a boutique roaster in Melbourne each week.

“Patrick’s won several awards, including Barista of the Year, and is fanatical about his coffee,” Wally says.

“We grind it fresh for every customer order, and brought in a hand-made Italian coffee

advertising feature

The clinics, which are staffed by qualified nurses, cater for “everyone”, she says.

“From young teenagers to prominent local identities, they all feel equally as comfortable in the caring, friendly environment.”

Suzie has suffered from the debilitating effects of acne, in her teens and twenties; she says she can relate to how uncomfortable and frustrated her clients feel about their skin.

For more information call 6251 8889 (Belconnen) or 6231 0003 (Erindale) or visit www. clearcomplexions.com.au

machine that’s among the best in Canberra.”

Locals and workers are already enjoying the café’s extensive deli collection, monthly blackboard specials and, of course, coffee, he says.

For more information call 6162 1792.

INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR:

Freckles

Sun Spots

Pigmentation

Aged & Tired Skin

Leg Veins

Capillaries

Rosacea

Permanent Hair Removal

Acne

Acne Scarring

For a medical approach to flawless skin with all treatments performed by qualified nurses, call the clinic today on 6251 8889.

ERINDALE

Unit 1, 43 Comrie Street

CISAC

T. 62310003

100 Eastern Valley Way

BELCONNEN

Belconnen ACT

CISAC - 100 Eastern Valley Way

T. 62518889

T. 62518889 have you always wanted a

ACTION Bus Timetable and Route Changes

New ACTION bus timetables commence on Monday May 25 2009. The new timetables coincide with the major Belconnen Town Centre improvements being undertaken by the ACT Government in partnership with Westfield.

As part of the Belconnen Town Centre improvements, the Belconnen Bus Interchange will be permanently closed from Monday May 25 2009. Bus services will operate through two temporary bus stations located on Cameron Avenue and Lathlain Street and a new permanent bus station on Cohen Street. All bus routes passing through the Belconnen Town Centre will pass through the three bus stations. New bus timetables for all bus services across Canberra will be available from 11 May 2009. Pick up your new timetable from ACTION bus interchanges, Canberra Connect Shopfronts or from the ACTION website.

Green landscape at Bruce

A NEW facility at Canberra Institute of Technology Bruce Campus, to open in 2010, will replace the existing facility for horticulture students at the Weston campus, says education manager Jane Cottee.

Ms Cottee says the new Horticultural facility will enable training on a variety of subjects, including conservation and land management.

Horticulture students won’t be the only ones to benefit from its features, which will include an undercover landscape; those studying other subjects

including building and plumbing will be able to learn about sustainable practices at the facility.

“The new facility will use water-saving technology and water-harvesting technology, and will be drought-tolerant,” Ms Cottee says.

The expansion in Bruce provides a central location to CIT students, she adds.

“It’s close to the city, Black Mountain and the Botanic Gardens, on a direct bus route and close to Canberra Uni.”

For more information visit www.cit.edu.au

A stylish retirement

ON the eastern shore of Lake Gininderra, Kangara Waters has been designed to give retirees a sense of community, says Illawarra Retirement Trust (IRT) CEO Nieves Murray.

Due for completion in mid-2009, the development features accessible pathways around the lake and close proximity to Belconnen shopping facilities.

As well as a 100-bed residential care facility, Kangara Waters includes 150 self care villas and apartments, and has been designed to provide

the highest standard of aged care available “while setting the standard of a superb lifestyle development”.

Facilities include the Birrigai Café (named for the Aboriginal word meaning “laughter”); the Cooinda Community Centre, where residents can participate in activities from bridge and yoga to croquet; and the Yerra Wellness Centre. For more information, call 6251 7944 or visit www.irt.org.au/kangara /

“Police

Burglary is a fact of life, but that needn’t alarm you.

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,

When:

Time: 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Developed

When: 26 May, 2 June and 9 June

Time: 8am to 5pm

Venue: Minter Ellison Lawyers, Level 3, 25 National Circuit, Forrest

Proudly sponsored by: Minter Ellison Lawyers

Future Directions Trivia Night

When: Thursday 4 June

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Venue: The Rugby Union Club, Blackall Street Barton Proudly sponsored by: HBO+EMTB and Zenith Interiors

Win! Win! Win!

“CityNews” has 10 double passes to the opening night of ‘Breast Wishes’, The Playhouse, Wednesday, May 27.

All about Belconnen advertising feature

Under the boardwalk, down by the lake

WONDERFuL opportunities exist on the Lake Gininderra waterfront, which is likely to become a dining destination similar to Dickson’s Woolley Street – with the added advantage of beautiful views, says Mark Thompson, principal at LJ Hooker Commercial – Canberra.

Mr Thompson says that when restaurateurs realise the opportunities The Boardwalk offers, the precinct will come into its own.

“The front of the building facing the street was tenanted straight away, but people are reluctant to come to the back part because they’re not facing the street – however our owners are looking for quality food operators for that side who understand that it will become a destination.

“We’ve got some highly motivated owners who are prepared to be quite flexible with lease terms.”

Quality residential developments on the foreshore and in the Belconnen Town Centre in general foreshadow a shift in demographic towards older, well-heeled residents, Mark says.

“When you look at what’s happening in the Belconnen Town Centre now, with the proposed apartment buildings, Government focus and the development of the Belconnen Community Centre and art gallery, the whole place will see really significant growth and opportunities.”

Investment opportunities

DENNIS Vlandis, proprietor of LJ Hooker Belconnen, has seen Belconnen itself and the surrounding districts change greatly in his 29 years in real estate in the area.

“When I came here, in 1980, the Belconnen Mall was being promoted as the biggest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere,” Dennis says.

“I saw the establishment of some significant government departments in Belconnen, primarily the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Immigration.

“Moving forward, we now have the Lake Ginninderra foreshore development, which is really something worth looking forward to, with its picnic grounds, bushland trails and a 7km walk or jog around the lake.”

The demographic of Belconnen has changed, too, having become a much more cosmopolitan place, particularly with international students settling in the area.

Since 1980, the way we live has changed, and Dennis says that when it was built 18 or so years ago, the Miramar development, with north-facing views of Lake Ginninderra, set the pace for the growth of city-style apartments in Canberra.

These days there are plenty of opportunities for investors in Belconnen, he says, with more apartments, dual occupancies and townhouse developments constructed in suburbs such as Page, Scullin, Macquarie, Weetangera and Evatt.

Because the area is established, there are also good opportunities for owneroccupiers to find good houses on large blocks, he says.

“I remember my first three-bedroom sale in Canberra, having just started at LJ Hooker, was $35,000! Today the most basic three-bedroom, untouched home starts at $350,000.”

Opportunities will only increase with the urban renewal projects underway in Belconnen, Dennis says.

For more information call 6251 1477.

years.

arts&entertainment

Elitist? Not us, says Jakle

the Glassworks is turning two and HELEN mUSa sets out to smash some myths.

CANBERRA Glassworks is so beloved of ACT Chief (and Arts) Minister Jon Stanhope that he singled it out in the 2009 Budget as the perfect example of an old building turned to new purposes.

Over the weekend of May 23-24 the Glassworks will celebrate its second anniversary and, so far as its director Ann Jakle is concerned, there is much to crow about: There is the 22m shimmering tower of steel and glass replacing the old Powerhouse smokestack, to be executed by Warren Langley, top glass artist Clare Belfrage has come from Adelaide to be creative director and Canberra artist Mel George will arrive soon as manager of programs and artists’ services.

Jakle is shocked to hear that that some people have attacked the Glassworks as elitist.

“You could think that if we were producing inaccessible art, but we share what we do… we are accessible,” she says, citing a team of 13 keen volunteers and 142,689 visitors since they opened their doors on July 24, 2007.

She also points to kids’ glass classes and the popular “off the street” program where you can come in and make your first glass piece.

“We recognise that the public is a very important stakeholder,” she says, explaining that there are two faces to the Glass-

Ann Jakle… “We recognise that the public is a very important stakeholder”.

works – one catering to artists, and in the other to visitors from the wider community who pack into the hotshop’s viewing-mezzanine on weekends.

Jakle enthuses about “our fantastic, diverse range of activities.” The Glassworks, she says, is even ready to take on the education of non-glass artists such as Wendy Teakel, Kirsten Farrell and John Pratt, all recently enjoying residencies, helping them to use glass techniques such as sand-blasting in their art.

Kingston’s old Powerhouse is the home of Canberra Glassworks, where the present exhibition “Containing Pasts – Sustaining Futures: works inspired by the Cotter” looks backward and forward.

But it is also developing a profile in the wider world. Right now, eight Australian

glass artists are touring a show around Asia called “White Hot: Contemporary Australian Glass”, a co-production by Canberra Glassworks, Craft ACT and Asialink. Klaus Moje has a show on in the Museum of Art and Design New York while Belfrage has an exhibition in Seattle’s Foster White Gallery.

Jakle tells me it took a while to understand the nature of the Glassworks’ business, but she believes they have nailed it now. She is especially proud of the superb facilities that have seen 60 professional artists (including 30 interstate and one international) using the centre for their own work. As well, 749 students have attended classes and now in collaboration with CIT Solutions it is running accredited classes for glass artists.

Delilah the hero and heroine

SAMSON AND DELILAH (MA)

WITH a sombre, uncompromising story, Warwick Thornton’s film sends strong and important messages to Australians of every ethnicity.

In a small Aboriginal community in Central Australia, Sampson (Rowan McNamara), whose three older brothers ignore him, fries his brain every day sniffing petrol. Delilah and her grandmother make paintings that the local white storekeeper sells on commission. Not star-crossed teenaged lovers, they are reluctant to demonstrate their feelings.

Relying on vision rather than speech to make its statements, the screenplay is immensely effective. We may reasonably have faith in the validity of Thornton’s depiction of young Aboriginals and Aboriginal behaviour generally in remote areas. The film’s tribal characters expect to live a traditional lifestyle supported by whatever European benefits come their way. Its foremost proposal is that trying to impose European behavioural norms will work only with Aboriginals who want to conform to them.

With minimum words, the narrative follows Samson’s decline, too shy to declare his feelings, while Delilah keeps him at arm’s length despite feeling affection toward him. When they run away to Alice Springs, they can’t handle the cultural clash. Delilah, inevitably a victim, copes better with awful abuse. She is strong, capable and compassionate, credible, responding to adversity with a cautious optimism. This much, I believe, is a valid

c INEma

By Dougal Macdonald

portrayal of women in Aboriginal tribal communities contrasting with men’s behaviour which, while the film postulates it in a guarded way, leaves much to be desired. Delilah is hero and heroine, commanding great respect, and Marissa Gibson plays her with dignity and conviction.

At Greater Union, Manuka

SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK (MA)

CHARLIE Kaufman’s delightful film has many attributes – surrealism, satire, wit, humour, romance, quirks, stimulation, drama, tragedy, health issues, death, sexual and platonic love – and you may have faith in all the good things you hear about it.

Its effectiveness springs from Philip Seymour Hoffman’s portrayal of theatre director Caden, husband, father and chronic invalid suffering from a collection of discomforting, disagreeable but not necessarily terminal ailments. Caden receives a grant to create a new play based on the reality of his life. Seventeen years later, the grant is still supporting the production, still in script-development and rehearsal, the sets filling a gigantic warehouse, and opening night yet to happen.

Emily Watson and Samantha Morton are splendid as the two most interesting of the self-contained and powerful women in Caden’s life. Catherine Keener and Michelle

Williams play his children’s mothers. Tom Noonan brilliantly plays Sammy who has observed Caden over many years with a view to playing him convincingly on stage. “Synecdoche” is a good film to see with friends for later discussion over fine red wine. Few films deliver so much diversity with such wit and skill.

At Dendy

THE BAADER/MEINHOFF COMPLEx (MA)

GERMAN film-maker Uli Edel’s telling about the gang of middle-class, left-wing terrorists led by Andreas Baader and u lrike Meinhoff makes powerful cinema, crammed with information, driven at a relentless pace, packing a decade of politics, misdirected social turmoil and ruthless, unforgivable violence into 156 minutes.

Edel’s staging has enormous vigour and commendable realism. Its graphic destruction sequences are not there for vicarious entertainment in the manner of Hollywood’s exploitation movies, but to underpin the political statements that the gang was determined to make.

The film’s factual validity is reasonably reliable by my recollection of “Hitler’s Children”, Gillian Becker’s written account of the gang. Some might find the content load burdensome, which is no reason to avoid it. Despite its often unpleasant theme, Edel’s presenting of it and performances by a large and skilled cast make it compulsive viewing.

At Dendy

Meret Oppenheim, “Squirrel”, 1969. NGA, Canberra. Purchased 2008.

‘Soft’ strong, but left wanting

“SOFT Sculpture’s” 55 works, most from the NGA’s own collection, that are variously unusual, iconic, humorous, disturbing or deeply beautiful, are curatorially satisfying. However, while there are individual moments of sublime contemplation worth multiple viewings, the seemingly rushed and unsympathetic exhibition design has resulted in a lack of cohesion and overall excitement.

The problems begin with the choice of wall colours that run the gamut from various shades of grey through white, wheaten and light pink. Colours appear to take their cue from single sculptures. Thus the wheaten room reflects Ewa Pachuka’s emotive

VISUAL ART

“Soft Sculpture”

National Gallery of Australia. Until July 12. Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak.

ensemble “Landscape and bodies”, (1972), but does nothing to support the other works in this room.

These include an effervescent, five-panelled, upwardthrusting piece from Richard Van Buren titled “For Najeeb” (1972), a wild confection of colours reflecting the sculptor’s love of surfing and the marine world.

Nell’s “The Perfect Drip”, (1999), a beautiful, sleekly

impossible work displayed in the foyer, is badly juxtaposed against a ceiling which is, at best, utilitarian and at worst, plain ugly.

What a shame not to be able to interact with Joseph Beuys “Stripes from the House of the Shaman”, (1964-72, 1980). The work stretched off into the narrow and distant confines and we were left to imagine its textures and visual puns from behind the line.

The temporary exhibition space itself could do with some TLC, especially the floor of the “multiples room”, where strips of tape have been inexpertly removed and lifted sections of flooring.

The works deserve more.

Daring to be different

DINING

By Wendy Johnson

A CHINESE seafood restaurant daring to be different has opened in Civic. China Plate’s look is elegant, with champagne-coloured walls and tablecloths, copper and silver napkin holders and nicely designed tableware (including heartshaped tea cups). But don’t let the “look” fool you into thinking this is an expensive place to dine because it is not. The lunch special is $16.80 for three courses and a glass of wine.

Also different is the menu’s structure. Instead of pages of repetitive dishes (beef with black bean sauce, chicken with black bean sauce, veggies with black bean sauce), China Plate lists its live seafood and meats and lets you choose the cooking style. For example, you can mix and match live lobster, snow crab or mud crab with close to 10 cooking styles (including Singapore style, Hong Kong and vermicelli with XO sauce). This adds a welcome element of interest.

The menu also features banquets starting from $22.80 a head for seven dishes, traditional Chinese dishes and house-specialty dishes, many of which I have not seen elsewhere in Canberra. The wine list is also a point of difference. It includes interesting selections from the best regions of Australia and NZ, which you cannot buy in the supermarket. And the wine glasses are not the short, stubby ones you often have to endure in so many Chinese restaurants.

Four of us settled back to relax, having asked manager Amy Lo (formerly Noble Palace and Hidden Dragon) to create an interesting banquet. Dishes included amazing golden king prawns cooked in duck egg yolk, which Amy says is

trendy in Hong Kong these days. The ling jie mushrooms – great for vegetarians and good for the health – were also new to us. They are large, thick and meaty (almost like a small steak), but velvet in texture with a delicate taste.

The squid in hot rock salt was not plastered with batter (which some restaurants do to make them look big). It also demonstrated the skill of the chef. The duck pancakes, home-made prawn cutlets (not bought frozen and labour intensive to make), half-shell scallops (with home-made XO sauce; trust me, you will taste the difference) were all superb and we will be back, including for yum cha which starts May 24. And in between dishes we freshened up with hot towels delivered on green glass plates – no plastic wrapped numbers here.

China Plate’s dining area is divided into two large rooms, one of which can be sub-divided into private function areas. It seats 110, but the tables are nicely spaced giving room to breathe. And the service is top notch.

China Plate, Melbourne Building, Northbourne Avenue, Civic, open Monday-Saturday, lunch and dinner. Yum Cha Sundays. Call 6162 3838.

Canberra’s new place to meet, eat and groove

TONGuE & Groove is Canberra’s newest meeting place.

With its roots firmly in the traditional, Sydney-style pub genre, Tongue & Groove, in Bunda Street, Civic, pushes the concept into a new realm, with a visibly refined elegance and slick menu to boot.

Paul Kelly, of Sydney interior design firm Paul Kelly Design, is behind the fit-out, complete with an urbanchic wall mural, plush lounges and a series of long, timber benches.

Post-modern concrete beams add a rugged charm, while the customised hydraulic pendent drop-lights, that lower at night, complement the intimate “afterdark” feel. Tongue & Groove also incorporates environmentally friendly foam insulation for noise resulting in what the owners say are perfect acoustics.

Tongue & Groove buzzes with good conversation and laid-back tunes seven days a week.

Offering a comprehensive drinks list (with what is described as a first-class selection of wines; local and imported boutique beers; edgy cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages), customers can enjoy a drink by the bar or, for a more laid-back vibe, hang out with friends in the comfy lounge area or in the equally comfy outdoor area.

The venue’s mood spills on to the streets in a sophisticated outdoor setting that’s suitable for after-work drinks with colleagues, Sunday afternoon beers or Saturday night cocktails under the stars.

Tongue & Groove is not just a bar – it’s one of Canberra’s most exciting new dining experiences.

The kitchen offers a top-class menu to rival the best restaurants in Canberra with a wide variety to suit all tastes. For those on the go you can’t go past Monday’s and Tuesday’s two for one pizzas and Tongue and Groove’s express lunches Monday to Friday. The kitchen specialises in a range of wood-fired pizza options such as the traditional margherita, Italian Sausage and the unusually tasty steamed Spring Bay mussel pizza with tomato, chilli, garlic, parsley and fennel.

Mains are a gastronomic delight with French inspired slow cooked lamb with parsnip puree, scrumptious duck and fennel sausages with baker’s potatoes and buttered Savoy cabbage or a barbequed fillet of kingfish with eggplant salsa and chickpea chips – just a few of the selections.

Why not top off a meal by indulging in what the managers call the “sweet groove”. It’s the venue’s own Pizooki – a pizza-sized warm cookie, served with vanilla-bean ice-cream and covered in white chocolate and peanut butter drizzles. They say they’ve trademarked the Pizooki experience, so it can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There are also ice cream selections with berry salad and vanilla abglaise, baked pear with walnut baklava, or a chocolate ganache and hazelnut praline tart.

The up-tempo atmosphere and the city centre address makes Tongue & Groove suitable for an up-scale function, with trimmings to impress. With a bar area, restaurant area and lounge area – all bases are covered in terms of function needs, moods and purpose. When

MEYER VANDENBERG

the glass walls are pushed back, the room flows from the inside to the outdoor wine garden.

Tongue & Groove’s weekly events are set to please a broad range of party-seekers and lunch-goers. For more information visit www.tandg.com.au.

Tongue & Groove

High praise from the

“IT’S an iconic project for Canberra I would think,” says Richard Gaal, of Hughes Commercial Furniture, of the Tongue and Groove fit-out.

“I have worked with people involved in this project before and they know style!”

Hughes Commercial provided all the tables – indoor and outdoor – and it is said to be one of the main aspects of what helps set this new venue apart in Canberra.

“We custom made all the furniture for them,” says Richard. “It’s fairly unique, too – classic bentwood on all the dining chairs and American walnut tables that help make for a great dining experience.”

It all fits in with the ceramic tile designs that were provided by Rivoland Tiles right here in Canberra, as well.

Az Kelly, of Funk Furniture in Fyshwick, also put together a lot of custom-made furniture for Tongue and Groove.

“We do custom-made upholstery, so we provided the lounges, chesterfields, the bench seating as well as the wall panels,” says Az.

“It was a special project to be involved in as they are all one-off pieces. They’ve really gone for a vintage feel and it has turned out to be spectacular.”

As with any good venue, the sound and lighting has to be spot on – it can help “make the mood” says Nick Nonas, of Nova Multimedia.

“What a wonderful project

backroom boys

to work on, I must say,” says Nick, who is full of praise for the owners.

“The team was so easy to work with – it’s always a pleasure. Nova installed the audio system throughout Tongue and Groove which was a real challenge. But more than that, was installing the motorised lighting rig – it moves up and down depending on whether it’s in nightclub or restaurant mode.”

Nick says the lighting is spectacular, planned to precision and provides a perfect setting for an evening at Tongue and Groove.

Architecture Glass was integral to the design of the new establishment. Their work is a key feature that allows brilliant light to flow through to the bar and restaurant.

O’Connor Commercial Refrigeration has provided the refrigeration needed to service such a large and popular bar. The father-andson team have been proud local contractors for many years. As has John Castrucci, from JCL Electrics, who have been around since 1986. JCL supplied the electoral installation for Tongue and Groove.

“There were some tricky bits, but working with the owners and the guys at Designcraft really helped the project run smoothly,” John said.

Tounge & Groove, Corner of Bunda and Genge streets, Canberra City. For information or bookings phone 6230 4455 or visit www.tandg.com.au.

Deep and meaningful dance

SINCE 2006, local contemporary aerial dancer and director of DNA Studios, Gorman House, Janine Ayres has performed improvised collaborative works on May 19 every year, the birthday of her father Rod Chapman, who died in a tragic motorcycle accident.

“In Response” started as an artistic exploration of her loss and has evolved as a series of spontaneous and emotionally driven, diverse performances.

It encompasses movement, music and narrative and sees Ayres take to the stage with dramaturge and physical theatre artist Clint Dowdell, and DJs Lanny K and Miss Yeti in an improvised performance.

Each year, Ayres has performed “In Response” with sound designer Kimmo Vennonen, musician Leigh Miller and director (and “CityNews” reviewer) Joe Woodward. Due to the raw nature of the performance – live and intense – the audience is drawn deep into the performer’s emotions.

Audience numbers are restricted to the age her father would been. This year 64 seats are available.

“In Response” will be performed on Tuesday, May 19, 8pm at DNA Studio, Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman House. Tickets on sale now or available 20 minutes before the performance. Call 6247 3150.

We stock all your colour and hairdressing supplies including a full range of Eco Friendly Professional basin and retail products:

LK - Low Ammonia permanent tint, 100% grey coverage, 107 shades of vibrant fashion colours

DOUS - Demi colour

ABBA - True Shape Acid Wave

MASTEY, ABBA, PLAY, TOPCARE, SCULTURE

Full range of Sulphate, Paraben and Oil Free shampoos, treatments, and styling products and an Australian owned and made haircare range PLAY PLUS a comprehensive range of competitively priced DEVELOPERS, BLEACH, PERMS, BASIN PRODUCTS, BRUSHES, ACCESSORIES, and much more ...

‘Professional products such as tints, developers, perms, in salon straightening fluids, lighteners and other in salon treatments are available for sale to hairdressers only’.

RUBY HAIR DEPOT

Shop 1, 80-82 Newcastle St, Fyshwick, NSW 2609

P: 02 6162 1645 F: 02 6162 1658

Trading Hours: Mon 9am-5pm, Tues-Thur 7am-6pm, Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 8am-noon.

Wrap up, stand out

WITH classic lines back in style, and black as in all different shapes and sizes, and there are so

By Megan Haggan

AS the skies cloud over and we start looking for the right hats, gloves and coats, it’s also time to think about changing our fragrance to suit the cooler weather.

“In winter, we tend to look for warmer, spicy fragrances, particularly of the ‘oriental’ fragrance family,” says Sam Fakhoury, from Perfume Box.

The scent of winter

“Just as we want to wear a warm coat or jacket in winter, we tend to want a fragrance that makes us feel warm.

“Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade will be very popular coming into the new season; so will Karl Lagerfeld’s Kapsule, which is a unisex fragrance in floriental and woody variants, as well as a light version.”

The “oriental” family includes exotic, sensual and often heavy fragrance notes, such as incense, vanilla and musks. Classic orientals include YSL’s Opium, Tabu and Guerlain’s Shalimar. Woody and floral fragrance notes are also well suited to winter.

In men’s fragrance, Sam predicts Gucci by Gucci will continue to be a big hit – it’s been on the shelves for a couple of months, but according to Sam will become even more popular as it’s well suited to cold Canberra winters.

mUm IN tHE c Ity

By Sonya Fladun

Horrors of a moving experience

I HATE moving house and, like so many things in life, having children adds a whole new dimension to the experience.

Moving has to be one of the best ways to throw family life into total and utter chaos. It certainly tests parental sanity way beyond sensible limits. The first thing that happens is that your house is suddenly no longer your home. Instead it’s just the place you’re leaving, a place of packing, boxing and cleaning.

I thought I was rather organised at 2am as I was still frantically packing with the removalists due at 7am. I had been silly enough to try to move over school holidays. Two in the morning was just about the only chance I managed to get to pack without the children underfoot and thus I entered the twilight zone.

Everything has now been moved, but the new house isn’t a home yet. Little things, like the teaspoons, have all somehow managed to vanish. Socks have become so rare they should be entered on the endangered species list and I am on a towel-buying spree because heaven knows where they all went.

Meanwhile, the search continues in the double garage, currently known as “box land’’, for winter coats, the six-year-old’s school uniforms, my husband’s research notes and for “Lambie” (my three-year-old’s much-loved, stuffed toy that plays “Ba Ba Black Sheep” – unfortunately, it went silent somewhere in the pile of yet-to-be-opened boxes). Of course, a big part of the problem is that we just acquire so much stuff. But I love all my stuff. After all, that “stuff” includes the history of our lives, such as family photos, mementos and baby clothes (so tiny it’s impossible to think your long lanky string bean of a son ever fitted into anything that tiny). Or stuff that we think we’re saving for that day when we’ve got time to do the things we really want to do, such as those cook books that look so great but you have never have the energy to make the dish that requires 37 different rare herbs and spices. And then there are all those clothes hardly worn, if ever worn, but I am so going to be able to fit into some day. Yep, the list of stuff, much like the stacks of boxes I have to unpack, is pretty endless

Still, with each box unpacked, the new house feels a little bit more like home and I had to agree when my son commented: “Mum, I like our new house, I never knew I had sooo much really neat stuff!” Me neither.

Beauty Redefined salon and day spa

How Jan became a believer

TRYING the Endermologie massage system was a turning point for Jan Hopkins, new owner of Beauty Redefined salon and day spa on the Gungahlin waterfront.

“For some time I’ve had some health issues: I have a problem with my circulation, and also after having three children, one of which was a Caesarean birth, I was considering having a tummy tuck,” she said.

“To treat my circulation problem, I’d tried several things, including acupuncture; I’d read about Endermologie, and decided to give it a try.

“It really worked well for my circulation. Of course, I’ve always done things like exercise and eat a balanced diet as well, but I found that Endermologie treatment helped get my blood pumping and really improved my circulation.”

Jan said that Endermologie had benefits for the lymphatic system as well as the cardiovascular system. It also had significant beauty benefits.

“I found that my skin tone and texture improved, and I lost centimetres from my body. I found that I no longer needed to think about a tummy tuck, as I ended up with a flat stomach from the treatment,” she said.

Jan said that, like her, many women were concerned about the appearance of their stomachs following preg -

nancy, and that Endermologie massage therapy could help.

pregnancy,” she said.

“Many women want to tone up their stomach muscles; this therapy needs to take place at least six months after the

“It reduces the appearance of cellulite and of the ‘ripples’ on the upper arms we may get as we grow older; and many people use Endermologie for well -

being, as it’s a relaxing massage as well.

“It detoxes, and helps reduce fluid retention.

“Endermologie does work, all over the body, but it’s not a quick fix. It’s a course, and so really needs to be undergone as a series of appointments.”

Jan trained to become an Endermologist, and bought the Gungahlin salon with a view to introducing the system to the business.

She has also revamped the salon and given it a facelift, as well as introducing a microdermabrasion service.

Microdermabrasion lifts dead skin cells away, reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, sun damage and some scarring.

Beauty Redefined continues to provide a range of facials and therapies, including Myoxy caviar facial treatment, aromatherapy facials, de-stress eye treatments, and Sabai Mineral Stone Therapy.

There’s eyebrow and eyelash tinting, eyelash extensions, and a full range of waxing, acrylic and gel nails, manicures and pedicures, and spray tanning.

Beauty Redefined also offers spa treatments for couples.

For more information, call 6262 2124 or visit www.beautyredefined.com.au.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore May

18-24

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

With Mercury going retrograde in your cash zone [until May 31] watch out for financial fiascos and money mix-ups. Anything from forgetting your pin number, to losing your credit card, to overlooking the payment of an important bill. Time to hone your fiscal skills – you’ll need them!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Show me the money! You’ve been talking about saving for something big [like a car, trip or home deposit] for ages but now, with the New Moon in your finance zone, it’s time to put your money where your mouth is and actually start saving. Time for luxury-loving Bulls to get the hang of balancing the budget.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Lightning flashes of inspiration should make for an exciting, hectic – and confusing – week. Finding new ways to convey old ideas will give yourself [and others] a real lift. Make sure you communicate clearly though, or there could be some crazy mix-ups along the way!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Expect a week of mystery, where you are surrounded by innuendo and intrigue. What others say won’t necessarily be what they mean, so you’ll need to read between the lines to uncover what’s really going on. Don’t accept things at face value - you’ll have to be a cunning Crab if you want to stay one step ahead.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

What can you look forward to when Mercury does its crazy thing in your career zone? Expect major professional plans and goals to be put on hold for the next two weeks. You’ll feel like you’re treading water but that’s not such a bad thing. use the time wisely to plan, prepare – and practice being patient!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

You’re keen to get things moving at work but projects won’t proceed until you’ve dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t’. If you are traveling expect transport problems, timetable clashes or delayed departure times. The best way to handle it? With your usual sensible and sane approach!

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

The course of true love won’t run smoothly this week – especially on Wednesday. If you are attached, adjustments must be made [on both sides] and you’ll need to be honest about your concerns and expectations. For those who are looking for love, it’s time to face the reality that Mr/Miss Perfect doesn’t actually exist!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Scorpios are natural born detectives. With Sunday’s New Moon in your intrigue zone, no secret is safe from you this week as you uncover clues and pick up on cues that others miss. Be careful what you unearth though, as it may stir up issues from your own less-than-perfect past.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are honest and forthright [some would say blunt and insensitive]. With Mercury still moving backwards [until May 31] you’ll have to temper an increased tendency to shoot from the hip [or rather the lip] with guns blazing. So think before you speak, otherwise you could end up in hot water!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Loved ones may behave in unpredictable, irrational ways this week as Mercury [planet of communication] moves through your ‘friends and children’ zone. Expect careless slips and thoughtless quips, which you’ll handle with your customary Capricorn cool and maturity – won’t you?

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

With Sunday’s New Moon activating your drama/creativity zone it’s time to clear your throat and find yourself a captive audience. Aquarians love to court controversy but try to avoid pointless debate with family members, as Mercury stirs up mischief in your domestic zone.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

You need to be clear and straightforward in your dealings with others this week. Don’t waste precious Pisces time pussyfooting around. Sunday’s New Moon is a time of magical beginnings. Family and home life are the areas where you need to make some changes and adjustments – the sooner the better!

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

general knowledge crossword No. 211

ACROSS

1 Who conquered Britain in 55BC?

7 What is a concluding part added to a literary work?

8 What are royal domains?

9 Name the break, as between acts of a play in a theatre.

10 Which gland lies in the human thorax?

11 What is a pattern, used as a guide?

14 What is a tactical unit of an air force?

18 Name a prominent seaport of South Africa.

19 What do we call an unmarried man?

21 Which type of street is wide, and lined with trees?

22 Name a genealogical register of horses.

23 In films, what do they call persons hired to play in mob scenes?

DOWN

1 Name those who are in charge of museums, art galleries, etc.

2 Who was given the head of John the Baptist?

3 What is an electrical nonconductor called?

4 Name an Australian term for an elevator.

5 What is a reddish brown horse?

6 Name an emirate in southwestern Asia.

12 Who was a popular comic magician?

13 Name another term for preachers of the gospel.

15 Which imperial liquid measures are approximately 1.137 litres?

16 What are plant lice?

17 Name the archaic term for silver.

20 Which machine is used for weaving yarn?

health & fitness

Find a friend in fitness

TO get the most out of exercise, we need help – it’s much harder to go it alone, says nutritionist and fitness instructor Rose Males at ProFit Health Club, in Civic.

Personal trainers and gym staff need to help people with their regular program updates as well as designing a program in the first place, Rose says.

“A lot of people will come in, have a look at the equipment and think, ‘how does it all work?’ especially if they’ve never been a gym member before,” Rose says.

“Then there’s people who have been exercising for a while, who need to change their program every few weeks… so they’re getting new exercises which are harder, so they don’t plateau and they stay motivated. This makes sure every session isn’t the same.”

Different classes have different effects on the body – for example, boxing classes improve upper body strength and the cardiovascular system, while pilates and yoga improve flexibility, posture and tone.

Another area where they can help is nutrition.

“You can do hours of exercise a day, but if your energy intake is greater than your output, you’re not going to get the weight loss you’re looking for,” she explains.

“A lot of people start exercising, and find they get really hungry, and really tired as well. They crave carbohydrates, usually the high-GI carbs which give them a pick-meup.”

These high Glycaemic Index (GI) carbohydrates are quickly absorbed by the body, where they cause fast, significant changes in blood-sugar levels. This provides the “pick-me-up” effect – but it’s low-GI carbo -

hydrates that have benefits for health and provide longer-lasting energy.

“What we really need is adequate amounts of protein, which build muscle and make us feel less tired because they help us recover properly from exercise,” Rose says.

“We need healthy fats to make us feel full: Omega-3, Omega-6 and unsaturated fats; and we need low-GI carbs that keep our blood sugar levels fairly stable.”

Consulting a nutritionist can give us useful tips and tricks, such as cutting out soft drinks during the week.

“I’m often surprised at how little many people know about nutrition, and that they don’t know, for example, what soft drinks do to your body.”

The acid in soft drinks leaches calcium from our bones, which makes them weak and brittle.

Finally, a personal trainer or just a friend or gym buddy keep us accountable, Rose says.

“Personal trainers are great because they give you new exercises that you can do in your workouts at home, and they motivate you to keep going.

“On your own, you might get puffed or feel your muscles burn and decide you can’t be bothered, but a trainer can encour age you to keep going.”

Playing team sports such as touch football

Win! Win! Win!

“CityNews” has 10 double passes to the opening night of ‘Breast Wishes’,The Playhouse, Wednesday, May 27.

once a week also helps keep exercise fun.

“Exercise should be fun and social – otherwise it can get really boring, especially if you’re just working out by yourself.”

Fitness trainer and nutritionist Rose Males… “You can do hours of exercise a day, but if your energy intake is greater than your output, you’re not going to get the weight loss you’re looking for.”

THE Canberra FitMums team, which raised more than $1500 for breast cancer research as part of this year’s Mother’s Day Classic Fun Run. The team won the prize for the largest community team entered, with 55 people.

Good gear

reasons

“c I tyNE wS” asked Billy Giampaolo, of Elite Physique in Phillip, for the top five reasons we need to hit the gym…

property

At home by the water’s edge

WITH Canberra’s only recreational boat harbour at Kingston almost complete, true waterside living – combined with a waterfront promenade – has come to Canberra. Here’s an opportunity to live in a stunning development on Eastlake Parade just metres from the Lake Burley Griffin water’s edge. This contemporary designed ground floor apartment, offers luxury, privacy and views. The winter garden with full-length, doubleglazed windows and under-floor heating ensures cross ventilation in the summer months and a sun-filled room to relax with a book in the winter.

This property has two generous bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in robe, a kitchen with Bosch appliances and a lightfilled living area that flows out to two spacious terraces facing Lake Burley Griffin and Eastlake Parade.

The floor plan provides for a formal entrance foyer leading into a wide hall leading to a purpose-built study area.

For the security conscious, there are two secure car spaces with lift access to the ground floor, security intercom, security system and a concierge/manager.

Address: 53, 11 Eastlake Parade, Kingston.

Price: By negotiation.

Inspection: Call Maria.

Agent: Maria Selleck Properties Manuka, Maria 0417 258 803 or 6162 1234.

Be

aware, there’s a new deal for units

By Chris Miller

THERE are significant changes unit owners or residents should be aware of following the recent amendments to the unit Titles Act 2001 taking full effect on March 31.

In the past, an irreconcilable dispute between parties within a body corporate would have been heard by the Magistrates Court at a prohibitive cost and time and, in many cases, resulting in a stalemate.

However, the new Act allows for some of these cases to be heard by the new ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Examples of matters that may come before the tribunal include: pets, outstanding levies, noise pollution, unapproved alterations to common property and negligence by executive committee or strata manager.

Probably the most practical and useful amendment to the Act is the new requirement for an owners’ corporation to obtain and adopt a 10-year sinking fund forecast. This amendment aligns the ACT with the other States, where similar legislation has been in place for some time.

In the ACT there seems to have been a culture of “keeping the levies low” to reduce the financial burden on owners. Ironically, the net result is far more troubling so far as cost is concerned; huge capital repairs and upgrades to common property when something goes wrong, without enough money to cover the cost.

A perfect example is painting. I could not count on all my fingers and toes how many apartments that have not been painted for more than 10

years, with little or no funds set aside for this essential project.

What does this mean for an owners’ corporation? At a practical level, the first AGM held after March 31 requires a resolution to obtain a 10year sinking fund plan. The next AGM must adopt the plan.

The forecasts will be based on the particular capital requirements of each development, and we recommend that the forecast be professionally completed.

The amendments to the Act now require that an owners’ corporation may not unreasonably withhold approval for a resident to keep a pet. This raises the question of what “unreasonably” means. My advice to executive committees would be to develop clear criteria for considering pet requests.

It may be useful to consider information recently published by the RSPCA regarding the suitability of pets within high-density communities. It would be a safe bet that any pets policy that borrows from the RSPCA would be seen as reasonable, however this will no doubt be tested more thoroughly in the years ahead.

While the major issues such as pets, arbitration and sinking funds take a front seat in the amendments to the unit Titles Act, there are other, less conspicuous, changes that owners would benefit by knowing about and further information can be sourced online at www.minters. com.au.

Chris Miller is the residential strata director, Ray White Canberra and can be contacted on 6162 0681.

By Catherine Carter

Budget bonus for climate change

THE ACT Budget’s $2million “Tune up Canberra” program is the single-most significant ACT Government program to combat climate change and will deliver a measurable decrease in the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Proposed by the Property Council of Australia, it will provide incentives for commercial property owners to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. The two-year program will provide matching funds to retrofit commercial buildings to achieve a reduction in energy use and emissions.

In the ACT, energy use in buildings accounts for around 73 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Better-designed buildings provide some of the most-affordable forms of abatement in the economy.

Elsewhere, the ACT Budget contains mixed messages for the property industry with the Territory staring down the barrel of increasing and significant deficits over the next few years.

The operating loss for 2009/10 is forecast to be $171 million, and the ACT Government expects to accumulate operating deficits of over $1 billion from 2009 to 2013.

Managing such a deficit will be a delicate and significant job. We need to see details of a clear action plan which includes a tax-reform agenda to ensure the tax system going forward is simple, clear, efficient, fair and efficient. The alternatives are stark – increased taxes and reduced community services in the long term.

The ACT Budget also contains positive initiatives with a welcome focus on projects that will provide economic stimulus into the economy and environmental benefit.

For example, the change-of-use charge will be reduced from 75 per cent to 50 per cent for a year to stimulate investment. Funding is allocated to make inspections more timely and reduce planning delays.

$1million has been provided for the pilot of rapid-transit buses to provide better access to Canberra’s town centres and the Parliamentary Triangle, while there’s $300,000 to analyse options to improve car parking, including a parking offset fund and feasibility studies for car parks in Civic and Woden.

There will also be a parking fee increase across government parking areas, and an increase in bus fares. These initiatives aim to provide better public transport and remove the inequities across the Territory in parking and transport costs.

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

Located right in the heart of Belconnen’s town centre, Oracle

Residents

Apartments at Oracle will include:

• Designer kitchens with stainless steel appliances

• Stone bench tops

• Basement parking with lift access

• Private balconies or terrace areas

• Clothes dryer

• All floor coverings

With eligible first home buyers able to take advantage of $21,000 † in government grants, the developer paying any stamp duty on apartments up to $350,000 and weekly repayments as low as $369* per week, there has never been a better time to stop paying rent and buy your own home.

Investors can also take advantage of low interest rates and Canberra’s strong rental market and purchase in this highly popular location.

www.prdcanberracentral.com.au

PREMiuM iNNER NoRth LoCAtioN

TURNER, 43a Froggatt Street

This beautiful family town residence is located across the road from parkland and playing fields, and just a short walk from the local tennis courts and shops. One of only two in this boutique development. The home offers exquisitely manicured front and rear gardens and a seductive street frontage.

Generous accommodation includes 4 large bedrooms, ensuite, two living areas, high ceilings and much more.

With rich timber flooring, double garage (remote access), BIR’s to all bedrooms and luxurious bathroom and ensuite, there is nothing left to do but move right in!

AuCtioN: 11:30AM SuNDAy 7th JuNE

oPEN: Sat 12:00 - 1:00 & Sun 2:30 - 3:30pm

Jeremy Francis 0418 429 470 or Matthew Wenman 0421 350 518 jeremy@prdcanberracentral.com.au

www.prdcanberracentral.com.au

GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

EVATT, 23 Ashkanasy Crescent

Have you been thinking of building a new home, but don’t like the small blocks in the ‘new areas’? Then this attractive parcel of land of 1090sqm may be the opportunity you have been looking for.

Due to fire the existing home will need to be demolished allowing you to design and construct a stunning new home to suit the needs of your growing family, all in the heart of Evatt. Located only a short stroll to Evatt shops, with St Monica’s Primary School on your doorstep, Belconnen Mall and Lake Ginninderra all just minutes away, this is an opportunity rarely seen.

Also located on the block is a great free standing studio residence, built in 2003 with brick veneer construction, aluminium sliding door entry, kitchenette, full bathroom with shower and reverser cycle air conditioning/ heating. The studio may be used as a future rumpus room, teenagers retreat or perhaps for mum and dad use or visiting relatives. .

PRICE: offers over $299,950 OPEN: Sat 1:30 - 2:15pm Justin Ingram 0431 116 399

justin@prdcanberracentral.com.au

artwork, Gaggia automatic coffee machine and much, much more............

Resort style living - Inspirational, remarkably diverse res uniquely designed by prominent architect Peter Byfield and built to perfection, proudly set in prime “Peninsula”, adjoining Golf course with breathtaking views - Is sure to impress any astute buyer. Over 2 gleaming levels of style and comfort this elegant masterpiece showcases classy formal & informal living areas, two chef inspired kitchens, enormous rumpus, 5 large bedrooms, 4 elite bathrooms, 4 car garages & more. With smart, flexible design the prop could be converted into 2 separate dwellings if required. It offers 43sq under roof (32sq living) on 905m2 block. Positioned close to bus routes, schools, restaurants, Gung Marketplace plus only a short drive to the city - this executive, realistically priced residence must be one of the best buys around. EER 1

•

•

•

rooms, impressive family and meals room, customised home theatre/ rumpus room, “Al-fresco” dining covered verandah and a private central courtyard with a beautiful water feature. Accommodation also includes 4 spacious bedrooms, master bedroom with a walk-in robe and ensuite, study,

Tender: Closes 5pm, Wednesday 10th June 2009 f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

FARRER

Immaculate Family Living

With contemporary style and modern function this superbly presented 5 bedroom plus study home has been extended and renovated to create a welcoming environment that can easily accommodate the growing family. The accommodation spills generously over 3 levels to help ensure that parents and children can easily interact but also enjoy their own separate living space. Conveniently positioned on Farrer’s most sought after street that is close to the local primary school, shops public transport and just moments away from Westeld Woden; this home is a must to inspect! EER 5

Address: 14 Hawkesbury Crescent Farrer

Open: Saturday 16th May 11.00 to 11.45

Price: Price $939,950

Agent: Andrew Greenberger, L.J, Hooker Canberra City

HARRISON

This contemporary four bedroom ensuite residence spills over two levels and will be sure to impress those looking to buy a home that not only offers generous living space but also exceptional quality! A designer kitchen furnished with SMEG appliances and silstone benchtops, high ceilings with square set cornices, solid mirboo timber oors in the dining/ lounge room, hydronic heating and double glazed cedar framed windows are but some features. For alfresco entertaining there is an expansive timber deck that extends off the kitchen/living area and is highlighted a duel jet water feature. Conveniently positioned close to the local school, Gungahlin Town Centre and that is just moments away from the City this home is a must see! Call me today to arrange an inspection! EER 5

Address: 24 Windjana Street Harrison

Open: Sat 16th May 1:00pm – 2:00pm & Wed 20th May 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Price: Auction 3rd June, 6:00pm, Canberra Business Event Centre, Regatta Point

Agent: Andrew Greenberger, L.J, Hooker Canberra City

Contact: 6249 7700 or 0400 819 650

Angela Penhallow p: 0412 004

e: angela.penhallow@pbspropertygroup. com.au

Sasha Trpkovski

p: 0418

e: sasha.trpkovski@pbspropertygroup.com.au

The Smarter Office Solution

Flexible Virtual Office Solutions

Sign up online today! W | servcorp.com.au

T | 02 6243 3600

LYNNE - AUCTION

•

• Adjoining

•

•

• Machinery sheds, stables & cattle yards, perfect for horses

• 15 min on sealed roads to Batemans Bay CBD & 10 minutes to Pebbly Beach and North Durras Beach