Canberra CityNews May 21-27, 2009

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Who got big bucks?

THE Canberra Business Club, a major donor to the October ACT election, has breached the Territory’s Electoral Act by lodging its third party financial disclosure particulars almost three months after the February 12 deadline. CBC’s return, signed by its president, local businessman Jim Murphy, shows that it spent $72,836.50 on three subsequently unsuccessful candidates.

The CBC was formerly known as the 250 Club, a Liberal Party fundraising arm, but publicly fell out with the party and decided to support individual candidates sympathetic to its business agenda.

At the election, the CBC supported no Liberals, but financially aided three candidates by paying for advertisements it placed with local television stations on their behalf. They were independent, media personality (and “CityNews” columnist) Mark Parton, as well as Community Alliance Party candidates Val Jeffrey and Norvan Vogt – none of whom were elected.

JoRiaN

he was “seeking compliance” from the CBC.

“CityNews” made five unanswered calls and left messages to Mr Murphy over a week to discuss the matter. The CBC has subsequently filed the relevant disclosure forms.

The paper has continued to call Mr Murphy’s office and mobile phone without success. We have also faxed him a list of questions in relation to the CBC. A week later, at the time of going to press, Mr Murphy has not responded.

The CBC’s publicly available third party return shows that Motto Media received a cheque for $72,836.50 from the CBC for candidates as listed: Mr Parton, $23,487.72, Mr Jeffrey $22,727.27 and Mr Vogt $20,000. This totals $66,214.99. The balance is, presumably, the agency’s fee.

out the forms to the best of my ability.”

The CBC return also lists names of the club’s members and their membership fees. They are: Peter Fairburn ($2000, over 24 months); Brian Jones ($2000, 24 months); Paul Donaghue ($3000, 36 months); former Chief Minister Kate Carnell ($2000, 24 months); chairman Jim Murphy ($6700, 36 months); Ian O’Connor ($2000, 24 months); Doug Edwards ($3000, 36 months); former Liberal MLA Lou Westende ($2000, 24 months); Karen Rush ($1000, 12 months); Dominic De Marco ($2000, 36 months); Col Alexander ($2000, 24 months) and the late Russell Parkes, ($2000, 24 months).

“CityNews” had sought clarification from Elections ACT and Mr Murphy, himself a former Liberal Party heavyweight, some weeks ago as to why the CBC had, at that stage, failed to provide a third party financial disclosure as required under the Electoral Act. The ACT Electoral Commissioner Phil Green confirmed at the time that

Mr Vogt, an experienced local campaigner, told “CityNews” that the CBC paid for advertising and other material in his campaign, but was unaware of the actual figure.

“The CBC ran their own show, rather unfortunately – they kept their cards pretty close to their chest,” Mr Vogt said.

“When I went in [to Elections ACT] they asked if I had a receipt for [listing on] the return or something like that [for advertising] and I said I didn’t, so presumed it would come up on the CBC return. It was the first time I had done that kind of stuff. Other than that, I didn’t really ask and the electoral commission didn’t say anything more – I haven’t heard from them since then. I filled

Meanwhile, Mr Parton’s return showed that, in a single donation, he had received $3000 from local businessman Josip Zivko’s Consolidated Builders Limited. However, the company’s third party return showed the donation as $4000. Having had the discrepancy drawn to his attention by “CityNews”, Mr Parton has subsequently amended his return.

Commissioner Green has confirmed to “CityNews” that Elections ACT is seeking compliance and clarification from some individual candidates on their financial arrangements.

“We are currently looking into a number of matters relating to the 2008 ACT election including some third parties who we are aware of who have not lodged financial disclosure forms by the due date,” Mr Green said. “We watch these things quite closely.”

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111

GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601

Birthday takes the cake

merici college old girl a nn cleary, principal c atherine rey and third-generation student Lauren m orrison cut the cake celebrating the Braddon school’s 50th anniversary as Canberra’s first Catholic all-girls’ school. The celebrations included a ‘50s dance-off with c anberra Fm ’s scotty and Nige; a soccer challenge; a donation to the south c are helicopter rescue service, and “remember When”, a panel discussion on the changing role of women over the last 50 years. Photo by silas.

m ay 21-27, 2009

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

advertising sales executives: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Jonathan Hick, 0415 177345 Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701 Scott Meikle, 0404 318888 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

4,560 copies a week

Six-month audit to September 30, 2008

editor: Ian Meikle ed@citynews.com.au

acting editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286

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

a rts writer: Helen Musa, 0413 466121

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Designer: Joran Dilucian accounts manager: Bethany Freeman-Chandler accounts@citynews.com.au

Future Directions Trivia Night

When: Thursday 4 June

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Venue: ACT Rugby Union Club, Barton

Proudly sponsored by: Zenith and HBO + EMTB

New Changes to the Unit Tiles Act

When: Wednesday 10 June

Time: 4pm to 6pm

Venue: Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Canberra City

Proudly sponsored by: Commonwealth Bank

Division Lunch

Speaker: Katy Gallagher MLA, ACT Deputy Chief Minister

When: Thursday 11 June

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Venue: Hotel Realm, Barton

Proudly sponsored by: St Hilliers

For more information on upcoming events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lauren Waugh on 02 6248 6902 or email LWaugh@propertyoz.com.au

Conflicting shades of Green

IT’S hard being a Green. It’s great being an idealist. It’s hard to make compromises. And it is so much more difficult when it is time to make hard decisions within a political context. With four Greens in the ACT Assembly the decisions that they make are now much more important and carry much more responsibility.

What should a Green Member do when climate-change reductions comes into direct conflict with animal welfare?

Elected Greens are expected to do all they can to reduce greenhouse gases. After all, these gases are one of the key causes for the biggest environmental disaster facing us since the time of the dinosaurs. The general consensus amongst Green voters is that climate change is something that the major parties have not taken seriously enough and a high proportion of voters in the ACT sent a clear message about such issues by voting Green at the recent election.

However, in the ACT it seems that the Greens are now putting animal welfare ahead of climate change.

politics

By michael moore

farm emissions are associated with methane and nitrous oxide. In other words, they are associated with farmed animals.

At a time when the ACT Greens are in the process of attempting to shut down caged egg production at Parkwood in Belconnen the report states “evidence currently available, suggests that, on a kilogram of product basis intensive poultry production is less GHG-intensive than organic or freerange.” Gosh, it’s hard being Green!

So what is more important – caged egg production or climate change?

set zero as our emissions target. Environment Minister Simon Corbell has responded, telling ABC radio: “It should be the vision for which we all strive to achieve and it will help inform the development of the Government’s policies to tackle climate change in the coming months and years ahead.”

Greens’ MLA Caroline Le Couteur responded by suggesting that the approach is just aspirational without appropriate timelines and funding. “We think that’s a good program, but it needs to be more than just a website,” she said.

She also called for a ban on the installation of electric hot water systems as one way to help reach the target. It seems like a good idea on the surface – although there are many positive applications of electric hot water systems such as the “zip-boil” systems that are used throughout the ACT Assembly members’ offices for making tea and coffee.

The British Government have adopted a National Food Policy that goes beyond nutrients to take into account all aspects of food. “Food Matters” includes agriculture, employment, health, food safety, food security and impact on the environment.

The report identifies that “around 18 per cent of all emissions are related to food production and consumption. Nearly half of these come from farms”. Most of the

Feds

give

A major influence on the Green party is from animal liberation and from vegans and vegetarians who do not get much joy from the major parties. These groups have recently being using the climate change crisis as a persuasive method to move people away from eating meat towards a vegetarian diet. The real difficulty is that the area of food policy crosses agriculture, production, preparation, consumption and waste. Food issues are extraordinarily complex. The UK report has not just relied on one piece of research, but has drawn on the extensive evidence available at this time.

Most political decisions are simply not straight forward and require choices based on priorities. So the question should be what is the priority – climate change or an anthropomorphic approach to chickens? However, this is politics so it is more likely that they will just dispute the evidence.

In the ACT, the Greens are pushing the government to minimise emissions and to

Michael Moore is a former independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and minister for health. The UK Policy Food Matters is available at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Canberra clip over the ear

THE ACT’s GST revenue share is expected to fall by $200 million over the next four years. This makes it even tougher for Treasurer Katy Gallagher to come up with the “magic millions” in savings she had hoped to find for her own Budget through community consultation to bring the Territory back to surplus in seven years.

This latest blow is the result of forecasts contained in the Federal Government’s

recent Budget, which has sliced a further $53million from the ACT’s own deficitdriven Budget.

“The magnitude of the fiscal shock has been quite extraordinary,” the Treasurer said. “The revised revenue forecasts have made the challenge of returning the Budget to surplus by 2015-2016 that little bit harder, but the Government remains committed to its seven-year recovery strategy.”

Gallagher’s Budget is on shaky ground with a $122million shortfall in the Territory’s bottom line still to be identified. The Treasurer will say only that she will make these decisions through “community consultation”. But added that she still believes that “our balance sheet has the strength to absorb temporary deficits on the path to recovery”.

– Jorian Gardner

Miss Spent hits the high notes

BY Megan Haggan

IT may seem like an unusual hobby for a thirtysomething management consultant, but playing air guitar took April Mack all the way to Darwin and won her local fame.

April, who plays air guitar “because I can’t play a real guitar”, says that after winning the ACT air guitar championships in 2007, she was surprised by the positive response from family, friends and colleagues.

“I think most people play at home: the more I got out there and did it, the more people told me that they do it, too.

“I was working for Deloitte’s at the time, and they loved it: I ended up performing at their annual consultants’ conference, and in the end we had consultants from all around Australia up on stage with me.”

April won a trip to Darwin to compete in the 2007 finals. She encourages Canberrans to enter this year’s championships.

The ACT qualifying heats are set for Thursday, May 28; Thursday, June 4; and Thursday, June 11 at the Canberra Irish Club.

And this year the Australia and NZ grand final will take place in the ACT: the best air guitarists will have their playoff on Saturday, June 13, again at the Irish Club.

Prizes include a trip for one to Europe, including airfares and accommodation, to attend and compete in the World Championships in Finland in August.

April, who performed under the name Miss Spent Youth, says that preparation is very important. “A costume’s a necessity – mine involved a schoolgirl uniform – as is a stage name.

“A lot of courage and preparation, wanting to

o utgoing act air guitar champion m iss spent youth (a pril m ack) struts her stuff… “a lot of courage and preparation, wanting to have fun and not caring what anybody thinks about it is also important!”

by silas.

have fun and not caring what anybody thinks about it is also important!”

Competition co-ordinator Ronnie Riffless says that Canberrans are always strong competitors, and he was looking forward to holding the grand final in the ACT.

“It’s the first time the final’s been held in the ACT, and it’s going to be unreal,” he says. For more information, visit www.airguitaraustralia.com or phone the Canberra Irish Club on 6288 5088.

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The legacy of that apology

IT was tremendously gratifying to hear Tom Calma, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Race Discrimination Commissioner, report recently that real progress had been made since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s national apology in early 2008.

In fact, I sometimes wonder whether that grand gesture – and the follow-up work by Minister Jenny Macklin – might not be seen in retrospect as Kevin Rudd’s principal legacy to the nation.

After all, the rest of the government agenda –from rebuilding the education and public health systems, to climate change, to refocusing the defence posture – was pretty much forced on to him by the previous government’s inaction. And the global recession took care of the rest.

The apology was expected of him, but the manner of its creation and delivery was all his own… and it was far more powerful than anyone expected.

Over lunch one day, he told me how he had struggled with the speech on the weekend before it had to be delivered on the Monday; how he sought inspiration in prayer privately and in Church but didn’t really find a way into it until he visited with an old Aboriginal woman in Canberra – a member of the stolen generation – and listened for hours while she told him her story.

When he got back to the Lodge he took up his pen and wrote longhand on prime ministerial letterhead well into the night. In fact, he was still putting the finishing touches to it in the minutes leading up to his appointment with destiny in the parliament. The result was very powerful.

Not long afterwards, I was at BHP Billiton’s mining operation at Mount Newman and learned that the management team had travelled 60kms that morning to an Aboriginal settlement on their lease to share the moment with the 260 people there. They had rigged up a satel-

tHe GaDFly

By robert m acklin

lite dish to get the telecast; and way out there in Spinifex country under a tarpaulin for shade tough old miners cried and shook hands with Aboriginal elders in a similar condition. Then they had a cup of tea together.

Since then, Jenny Macklin has been unceasing in her efforts and genuine progress seems to be on the way. But in government there’s been a curious spin-off – where once senior ministers began all their speeches by acknowledging the tribal people of the area – and paying tribute to the Aboriginal custodians – the practice seems to have been quietly dropped.

I think this is a good thing. It always seemed very forced and contrived. Tribal groupings have long since been shattered. And the Aboriginal people were no more the “custodians” of the land than the rest of us ignoramuses have been these last 220 years. In fact, recent research indicates that Aboriginal forest burning was the main contributor to transforming the continent’s interior into a desert. And unquestionably they helped send the native megafauna to extinction.

The Aboriginal people might have unique and wonderful qualities in art and athletics; but their knowledge of climatology was very limited; their culture divided the sexes; and their Dreamtime religion was no more sensible than Christianity or the rest of them.

The differences between us are at the very margins of the margins. For the truth is that “race” is a worn-out concept to divide and categorise us – there is only one: the human race. robert@robertmacklin.com

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A sophisticated and discreet atmosphere makes Club Lounge the perfect place to catch up with friends, impress clients and visitors or to have a celebratory drink or meal. Drop by after work, enjoy fi ne company and try one of our politically incorrect CLUB LOUNGE Cocktails. They include Leadership Challenge, Working Families, Chair Sniffer, Scumbag, Memoirs, Brasnapper, $7 Stroganoff, Double Dissolution and are complimented by tempting tapas and piano bar entertainment.

Time to tackle tax

WHEN the ACT Budget was handed down on May 5, the ACT Government expected to accrue operating deficits of more than $1 billion over the five years to mid 2013, with a balanced budget out of sight until 2015.

The Federal Budget has changed all that with a $152 million hole in Canberra’s bottom line due to reduced GST revenue.

This makes our local Government’s commitment to a long-term plan for managing the economy crucial to our economic well being. Such a plan must also include a tax reform agenda.

There has been too much reliance for tax revenue on a narrow revenue base – the property sector (which this year provided half the Territory’s revenue in taxes) and Australian government grants (mainly from GST). But now GST revenue has already cut the Budget and the property sector is suffering along with the rest of Australian business in this global economic crisis.

The Territory already faces the prospect of having substantial resources diverted from community services over the coming seven years, to service the expected debt. Earning and saving enough to achieve these goals will be dauntingly difficult.

The ACT Government needs to consult experts, including external consultants with pub -

pRopeRty

By c atherine c arter

lic finance expertise who can help develop recommendations and a long-term strategic plan to deal with the fallout.

It would also fulfill the ACT Government’s commitment to community engagement if it convened urgent economic roundtable discussions with the business community to identify strategies to deal with the problem and opportunities to broaden Canberra’s economic base. And talking of strategic plans, the time has never been more right for an immediate start on a long-term infrastructure plan. Unfortunately, apart from Majura Parkway, there was almost nothing in the Federal Budget for ACT projects, despite the ACT Government’s Budget announcement of a record injection of $762 million for new and current capital works.

It seems clear that the lack of a coherent longterm infrastructure plan was at least part of the reason why we missed out on infrastructure investment.

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

At the Law Week cocktail party, Uni Pub

ACT Stainless Steel & Catering Equipment Central

Success comes ‘outside the square’

ACT Stainless Steel & Catering Equipment Central has effectively diversi  ed and expanded its market share while competitors are downsizing.

Utilising online technology, it has been able to expand its business nationally through the launch of a comprehensive online store, CateringEquipmentCentral.com.au.

The company has been supplying the Canberra construction and hospitality industries for more than 15 years.

Seeking to increase their current distribution channels, directors Trevor Tsiouris and Steven Graham identi  ed the need to expand.

“Skilled labour shortages pushed us to think outside the square. We began looking at ways to grow our business creatively and cost effectively,” said Mr Tsiouris. “We approached The Mark Agency who analysed our business and looked at opportunities to grow to a national level.”

The agency provided ACT Stainless Steel with the means to grow and expand on its already thriving local manufacturing and  t-out business.

The new website offers ease of use and a comprehensive product list, which has quickly attracted an expansive client base.

Showcasing a range of catering equipment that is fast approaching 10,000 products, industry customers are sure to  nd a plethora of products to meet their needs.

For Canberra locals and clients with special needs, the recently opened Catering Equipment Central showroom in Fyshwick offers a one-onone, tangible experience.

The new, open-plan showroom showcases an extensive range of products available on the website, with industrial kitchen displays and product demonstrations to assist buyers make decisions.

Last year, the company’s projects included: ANU Cellar Bar, National Portrait Gallery kitchen  t out, ACT Youth Detention Centre kitchen  t out, Centrelink National Support Of  ce cafés and kitchen  t out, Hellenic Club Taverna kitchen refurbishment and Calvary Hospital kitchen refurbishment.

Sun and fun on the Gold Coast

THE spectacular Queensland’s Gold Coast is a very special city, and one of the world’s best holiday destinations. It has everything that is great about Australia, all in one easy-to-reach location. There’s a spectacular coastline, world heritage listed rainforest, an exciting city centre, theme parks, shopping, restaurants and year-round events.

And now, with Virgin Blue offering direct flights between Canberra and Gold Coast Airport, it’s just over an hour away – quicker than driving to the south coast!

The Gold Coast is a genuinely interesting city with friendly people and excellent weather; this means travellers freely enjoy all the city sights and experiences. Many shops, restaurants and attractions are open late into the night, so there is always something to do.

Families, couples and business travellers can all have a great time with attractions including some of the world’s tallest and fastest thrill rides, encounters with koalas, kangaroos and wildlife, tours to the rainforest and exciting events. Everyone is kept busy doing things they enjoy at Gold Coast theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, cruises, stage shows, events and shopping centres.

Accommodation is more than just a place to stay; it will be a memorable feature of any holiday. There are a plethora of options, from the Mantra Legends or Gold Coast International, through to the Watermark Hotel & Spa or the luxurious Sheraton Mirage.

The city is celebrated as one of Australia’s best shopping destinations, with everything from late-night shopping, new retail precincts, major shopping centres and boutiques.

Fashion is a big part of life on the Gold Coast and international names such as Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Salvatore Ferragamo are popular stores in the beautiful shopping avenues.

It is more than the man-made experiences which excite travellers. There are natural attractions such as the 70 kilometres of Australia’s best beaches, the heritage-listed rainforest, unique

the

presents a safe and secure holiday destination where families can freely explore and experience the very best that Australia has to offer – and now it is just a hop, skip and a jump in a beautiful Virgin Blue aircraft from the national capital.

conferences and training advertising feature

No barriers to learning

MANY people who are tired of their jobs or want to get extra training to remain competitive are concerned about financing their decision, says Sean Steele, general manager of the Australian Business Academy Canberra.

Now that the Federal Government has introduced student loan support for vocational education and training programs from approved providers, student enrolments at the ABA’s Sydney, Parramatta and, of course, Canberra campuses are seeing a significant increase in enrolments on a range of eligible diploma and advanced diploma-level courses.

“This is because the scheme has given individuals, who previously may have been deterred or restricted from enrolling in vocational courses due to financial reasons, the ability to undertake a course and pay for it later, once they begin working,” Sean says.

The VET FEE-HELP scheme, an extension of the FEE-HELP Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), assists eligible full feepaying students to pay for some or all of their tuition costs.

It applies to VET courses including diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses, undertaken with an approved VET provider.

Individuals who use the scheme begin repaying their debt once they have graduated and reach a taxable income threshold of $41,594.

“All of a sudden, there are absolutely no barriers to anybody, regardless of their age, their educational background or their

study now, pay later… a Ba c anberra offers a range of courses.

financial position, up-skilling themselves through a vocational educational course into a better paid and more enjoyable job, fast,” Sean says.

He listed several reasons to choose ABA Canberra instead of TAFE or university, including accelerated career pathways; the availability of tailored programs to meet industry requirements; nationally recognised and accredited courses; individual one-on-one support and no UAI requirement.

For more information, call 6248 0877 or visit www. aba.edu.au

VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

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Peaceful learning by the lake

CONFERENCE organisers are moving away from staging sessions in featureless rooms, says Ray Kellett, event co-ordinator at the Boathouse by the Lake.

Situated on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin in Barton, the Boathouse was opened as a fine dining restaurant, but thanks to its versatile function spaces and its views, enjoys a great deal of conference and function business, Ray says.

“I think there’s been a general shift in conferences,” he told “CityNews”. “A few years back, people looked for closed rooms so that everyone would have to focus on the board or flipchart, but I think they now understand that an environment with natural light and views helps people relax.”

As well as enjoyable views across the lake,

the Boathouse offers a modern Australian fine dining experience, which Ray says means it’s easy to convene in one room and adjourn to another to dine.

For more information call 6273 5500 or visit www.boathousebythelake.com.au.

MBA offers easy training centre

ONE of Canberra’s newest venues open for staff training and meetings is the Master Builders’ Association building in Fyshwick, adjacent to DFO Canberra.

According to general manager Wendy Tengstrom, the association holds a range of training opportunities for members and apprentices, and decided to offer its training facilities to the wider business community.

“We have about 40 different qualifications that we deliver, including Certificate Four Builders’ licenses, which is the license that most residential builders get; we do occupational health and safety courses and diplomas, short courses, and our apprentices are in there doing carpentry and bricklaying training,” she says.

This focus on training has given the association an understanding of what businesses and other organisations require when holding meetings, Wendy says.

Room to relax

HOSTING conference delegates in serviced apartments instead of hotel rooms gives them room to relax, says Josh Wrest, of Quest Apartments in Civic’s Melbourne Building.

“When it comes to corporate travel, businesses are no longer satisfied with the standard hotel room, which means that delegates have to find somewhere to eat out every night,” he says.

“Serviced apartments give people options. They can eat out, or choose to cook for themselves and be self-sufficient, but with the added option of room service and the other comforts of a hotel.”

Apartments contain a kitchenette up to full

Eastlakeconferences

ROOM50%OFFHIRE Bookanalldayconference before the end of June and receivea50%discountoff theroomhirecharge.

Eastlake offers modern and stylish facilities in the heart of Canberra. The function facilities have been recently refurbished and include state of the art audio visual equipment in every room.

Eastlake's function centre boasts four contemporary and beautifully appointed function rooms. The boardroom is perfect for a small meeting of up to fourteen people. All rooms are equipped with operable walls, providing the flexibility of accommodating up to 250 people.

The club is able to cater for conferences, functions, weddings and social events. There are a number of conference packages, comprehensive menus and catering options to suit any occasion or dietary requirement. We guarantee you won't be disappointed!

CONTACT DETAILS

Katrina Lowe Functions Manager functions@eastlakefc.com.au Phone: (02) 6228 0999

Rooms include a 20-person boardroom, classroom-style spaces and meeting rooms, which are in keeping with the modern trend towards incorporating natural light into meeting spaces.

“They’re nice, bright and modern and we have catering facilities plus Internet access and audiovisual materials.”

The facility offers convenience outside the city centre, including 120 car spaces.

“It’s a point of difference to the city centre. If you have to bring 30 people to the city for a training session, where are they going to park?

“It’s not a direct cost to the organiser, but to attendees it can be a big source of frustration that they can’t get a park, which is where we differ.

“And, of course, if the meeting is on a break, people can duck across to the DFO and do some shopping – it’s certainly another attraction where we are!”

For more information call 6175 5970.

kitchen facilities, as well as laundry facilities in most.

This is particularly important when conference delegates bring families, he says: the Quest has apartments of up to two bedrooms which can cater for this growing trend.

For more information call 6243 2222 or visit www.questcanberra.com.au.

conferences and training advertising feature

Sports experience

THE Australian Institute of Sport can host events with a difference, such as sports-themed functions and accommodation that lets guests stay in AIS residences to experience life as an athlete.

As well as being an attraction in itself, as the home of sport, the AIS has a strong focus on corporate sport and team-building facilities.

Delegates can learn from AIS experts such as nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and specialists in recovery, skill acquisition and strength and conditioning.

The AIS recently hosted a “familiarisation” trip for local conference and meeting organisers, and displayed its “Sportex” attraction, an interactive sports exhibition space which can double as a cocktail venue where delegates can enjoy basketball, virtual rowing or even rock climbing.

There are several venues within the AIS, appropriate for small meetings of 10 people up to gala dinners of 1200 people, and theatrettestyle presentations.

For more information call 6214 1888 or visit www.ausport.gov.au

The AIS has significant experience hosting gala dinners.

Focus on hospitality

FINE-TUNED food and a focus on hospitality are key offers at the Eastlake Football Club, says functions sales manager Katrina Lowe.

The Passionfood bistro offers modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The club recently refurbished its function facilities at a cost of just under $2.5 million, and now offers four function rooms, including a boardroom.

“In addition to the boardroom, we have three rooms that can be used individually or opened up for large conferences and dinners of up to 200 people,” Katrina said.

The rooms now feature independent, climatecontrol and state-of-the art audio-visual equipment, plus adjustable, coloured LED lighting systems to create the right ambience for individual functions.

For more information call 6228 0999 or visit www.eastlakefc.com.au

Bureau means business

CONFERENCE and meeting organisers from around the country are bringing major events to Canberra, highlighting the capital as a strong choice for events both local and interstate.

The Canberra Convention Bureau recently assisted the University of Canberra in winning the bid to have the International Cultural Policy Research Conference come to Canberra in 2010, attracting around 200 delegates (180 of whom will be international delegates).

The Universities Australia Higher Education Conference was held in Canberra in March.

This month, the Bureau showcased Canberra to the nation at the National Convention Centre.

The showcase allowed local and interstate event planners to learn more about what Canberra has to offer conference, training and other business events.

“We are very proud of our town and all it has to offer,” says Bureau CEO Robyn Hendry.

“Our business event industry is having great success with people, both interstate and internationally, recognising what a great place Canberra is to hold a conference or business meeting.”

The showcase, known as the “Top Secret Famil”, has been very successful since it was created in 1996.

The Bureau’s Research and Learning Institutes Group works collaboratively to bring research and learning events to the ACT; it consists of representatives from all the higher learning and research institutions in the ACT region, such as ANU, AIS and CSIRO.

For more information call 6247 7500 or visit www.canberraconvention. com.au

CPM Training Centre

A professional, high quality and cost effective training venue located near the Belconnen Town Centre

The CPM Training Centre is a new training facility at the CPM offices in Jamison, ideal for training or planning activities

Designed by professional trainers, this recently built facility offers a range of features to government departments, agencies and other businesses, including: capacity for up to 30 people configured with round team tables or U shaped board table; capacity for up to 50 people in theatre style seating; . an adjoining lounge for session breaks or team break-out space; and an additional conference room and team activity space if required.

The facility includes fully adjustable ergonomic chairs, dual projection surfaces, smart whiteboard, controlled lighting, internet and wireless access and a 10m long wall whiteboard. These are all included in the standard room hire charge.

Further information, including additional photography and room layout options, is available online at www.cpm.org.au/trainingcentre

To discuss pricing, catering packages and availability or to arrange an inspection, please contact Drew Baker or Shelly Hall on 02 6255 3988 or email training.centre@cpm.org.au

www.cpm.org.au

conferences and training advertising feature

Smart, new centre

BELCONNEN is now home to a new state-ofthe-art training facility: The Centre for Public Management Training Centre. It is located next to the Jamison Centre, a short 2.3km walk to Belconnen Town Centre and only 7.3km to the city.

“Jamison isn’t the first place you would expect to look for a training centre, but it’s very central to Belconnen and the city,” says Drew Baker, from the CPM.

“Jamison is an area that is changing rapidly, from the recent refurbishment of the Jamison Centre to the new unit developments springing up around the precinct.”

The development of a new training centre in Belconnen was driven by the need for a venue to run CPM’s half-day and one-day training programs, Drew says.

“While CPM runs most of its training as residential programs at venues in Bowral and Bungendore, we continually found ourselves looking for suitable Canberra venues in which to run short courses.”

Located in the former offices of the National Recording Studios, the centre has been given a complete refurbishment, finished only weeks ago.

Drew says it was a great opportunity to purpose-build a facility from scratch.

“It allowed us to build a room designed by trainers, for trainers. Everything from the room dimensions to the sound-proofing to the amount of natural light was based on our many years of experience running management and leadership development programs.”

While the facility has been developed primarily for CPM programs, it is also available for hire: a training room, adjoining lounge and connected conference room are available for inspection.

For more information call 6255 3988 or visit www.cpm.org.au

Professionalism and privacy

THE expanded Rex Hotel features a conference space with its own entrance.

This ensures privacy and means that local guests do not need to negotiate hotel foyers and other guests.

Heritage at the hall

FOR a meeting or training session with atmosphere, University House has several options, including outdoor dining in a parkland setting.

“University House, which is within the ANU has been here since the 1950s, when it was an exclusive home for research scholars and academics,” explains general manager Walter Sauer.

“Since then, it’s evolved into a three-and-a-half star hotel, with 105 rooms and 11 function rooms, bars and restaurants.

“The building and the furniture is all heritagelisted, and it’s full of original artwork, so it’s a very pleasant and evocative setting.”

University House caters for a wide range of functions, including weddings, training sessions and conferences, and can seat up to 2000 people for a sit-down dinner outdoors, weather permitting.

Indoors, the Hall can seat up to 220 delegates for a banquet dinner or up to 280 theatre-style.

Bigger in Barton

THE Servcorp team at the St George Centre, Canberra has recently expanded to The Realm precinct in Barton to extend its service and facilities as part of the Servcorp Virtual Office program.

The meeting rooms all have natural light, and Walter says that coupled with the surrounding parklands, the University House makes for a unique conference setting.

For more information call 6125 5211 or visit www.anu.edu.au/unihouse

options to suit a variety of needs.

These range from small meeting rooms for confidential discussions to full-sized corporate boardrooms for larger groups.

The Rex has several meeting rooms available including its Grand Ballroom, which can seat up to 300 guests depending on seating configuration.

Close to the city centre, it also has good proximity to restaurants and attractions, and has a dedicated conference co-ordinator.

For more information call 6248 5311 or visit www.canberrarexhotel.com.au

Canberra’s best-kept secret is revealed...

The success of any event hinges on three key elements: an outstanding venue, meticulous attention to detail and the ability to provide every guest with a satisfying and memorable experience. University House can provide all three.

Heritage, award-winning architecture, tranquil gardens and classic décor make University House a charming setting for any occasion, from small board room style setting to an al fresco wedding extravaganza.

Our experienced and qualified team is dedicated to making your event a huge success and can work with you to ensure that every detail is attended to. And, as our testimonials and repeat customers will tell you, the charm of University House, combined with our quality, affordable function packages, range of unique venue choices and impeccable service will leave guests with an unforgettable experience and a reason to return again.

Now you can experience it for yourself. Visit www.anu.edu.au/unihouse or call 6125 5270

Servcorp has provided business people with a corporate environment in which to host meetings, training facilities and conferences for more than 20 years.

On the principle that a café or hotel room is not always the ideal venue for a serious business discussion, Servcorp offers a range of

Guests are greeted at reception and have access to up-to-date technology including IP phones, videoconferencing and high-speed broadband connectivity; the Servcorp team can also be called upon to serve tea and coffee, and to arrange catering.

Clients of Servcorp Virtual Office can access Servcorp Online for real-time access to an online booking system to arrange function needs.

For more information call 6243 5151 or visit www.servcorp.com.au.

Five star boardrooms, meeting rooms and office suites in Barton or Canberra City

Servcorp is the world’s finest serviced office provider and offers you access to:

Executive boardrooms, meeting rooms or office suites ▪ Complimentary LCD TV, DVD and whiteboards

Data projector and screen to connect to your laptop ▪ Complimentary tea and coffee facilities with professional catering ▪ services available on request

Access to IP telephones and high speed internet ▪ Book meeting rooms and boardrooms via Servcorp Online - Hottdesk

® - online and in real time

From just $45 per hour!

Visit a location today!

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

... stage an event at the AIS

Discover an Australian icon, the Australian Institute of Sport, a unique and distinct venue where champions are created, world records are broken and expectations are exceeded

Inspire and motivate your delegates by staging a record-breaking business event at the AIS.

From a high-powered meeting for ten to a business conference for 500, our dedicated events team will help you deliver an event that exceeds expectations and inspires your delegates to excel.

> Over 12 event venues with capacity for 5200 delegates

> Modern and professional theatrettes

> Fresh and nutritious on-site catering

> Minutes from the city centre and hotels

> Free parking for conferences and meetings

> Standard audiovisual included in room hire

Tel: (02) 6214 7137 Email: sales@ausport.gov.au website: ausport.gov.au/events

DAS KAPITAL

– BOUTIQUE BAR –

SERVING LUNCH

WED, THUR, FRI FROM 11.30AM - 3PM

WED, THUR - PIZZA & SCHOONER $15

FRID - HAPPY HOUR 5PM - 7PM

function enquiries welcomeT. 6232 6482 Iluka St Narrabundah Shops

Moya gets personal

music/tHeatre

"Big Voice: the story of an accidental a lto"

Directed by John Bolton, at Street 2 until May 24. reviewed by Helen m usa.

THE funny thing about this stage's story of the musical life of popular Canberra performer Moya Simpson is that the big voice is actually smaller than usual for this performer.

This is partly because of the disciplining influence of Sydney director John Bolton, who has taken in hand two star artists – Simpson herself and the jazz saxophonist Sandy Evans – weaving their skills together to provide a fascinating story of a very personal musical journey.

As we learn, Simpson’s gameness to sing was crushed by a school teacher during her childhood, so it is unsurprising that her "big voice" years in Australia are emphasised in the numbers chosen, with a happy conclusion involving Simpson's long-time partner John Shortis.

Conversely, the comedic drama in "Big Voice" comes during the childhood section, where we are introduced to a range of eccentric and often dour English personalities, all played by Simpson. No wonder she came to Australia!

But in the end, this is essentially a musical show. And when the virtuosic Evans gets going on sax, flute and recorder and Simpson opens her throat, the sparks really fly.

Bright but shoehorned

music

“a ll shook u p” Presented by Supa Productions. ANU Arts Centre until May 30. reviewed by Bill stephens.

young lovers preparing to elope. Grant Johnson and Christine Forbes, as the older couple, also impress, but in the central role of the Presley-like Chad, Roy Hukari lacks the necessary presence and panache.

The opening-night performance appeared under-rehearsed, marred by erratic lighting and sound, unpressed costumes, and endless, long blackouts that destroyed any sense of pace.

Powerfully serious ‘Seed’

tHeatre "t he seed"

By

THIS was one of the most powerful serious dramas to be seen on a Canberra stage in a long time. It also rippled with sharp, humorous dialogue and we were aware that playwright Kate Mulvaney is an important new talent on the Australian theatrical scene.

Kate m ulvaney uses her own story.

ALTHOUGH little more than a collection of songs associated with Elvis Presley, shoe-horned into an unconvincing storyline about a charismatic jailbird whose presence in a small American country town causes havoc for everyone with whom he comes into contact, “All Shook Up” is exactly the type of bright, stripped-back production that Supa Productions has built a well-earned reputation for.

Songs such as “Jailhouse Rock”, “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Blue Suede Shoes” and “It’s Now or Never” are presented with catchy new arrangements and energetic choreography, by a predominately young cast, that struggles to make much impact with the cardboard cut-out characters provided by the clunky script, which lacks originality or wit.

Best performances come from Emilie Van Os as the cross-dressing Natalie/Ed who relentlessly pursues the reluctant Chad, Pete Ricardo as her nerdy suitor, and Kate Brand and Will Huang, as the

In a tragic twist on the notion of the seed as the sperm helping to create an unborn child, Mulvaney uses her real-life personal family history to create a play full of poetry, personality conflict, and diabolical mischief making, with the cultural archetypes of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and Guy Fawkes lurking in the background. Mulvaney, playing the Australian descendant of the formidable Maloney clan, made a credible job of portraying a character with a history rather like her own. At the same time she matched the on-stage action with a rhapsodic evocation of the ocean just off the coast of Geraldton, WA. She and Pip Miller, who gave a restrained and sympathetic portrayal of her damaged Vietnam veteran father Danny Maloney, were very nearly acted off the stage by Ralph Cotterill as the Anglophobe IRA bomb-maker grandfather, now living in Nottingham.

Yet Cotterill's seductive villainy was exposed by the end of the play; so were his historic revolutionaries heroes. And if you never really knew what the 5th of November was all about, you did by the end of "The Seed".

Unserious, not funny, just silly

“oBserVe aND rePort” (ma)

JODY Hill wanted to make a comedy version of “Taxi Driver” but “Observe and Report’s” closest contact with it is a defective main character aspiring to a law enforcement career. It’s not funny, just silly in frequent examples of denying satire’s pleading for recognition.

More respectful of Travis Bickle than for how Robert de Niro played him, Seth Rogan plays mall security head Ronnie, a gunhappy retard, a text-book authentication of the Peter Principle, foul-mouthed beyond imagination, in uncontrolled bi-polar condition, more concerned to dominate subordinates than build a team. He considers the mall his personal fief and has redhot testosterones for free-make-up chick Brandi, neither trammeled by morals nor burdened with brains (Anna Faris outshining the rest of the cast).

As Brandi walks into the mall one morning, a flasher does his thing across her path. A woman in control might respond with ridicule, saying she’s enjoyed bigger. Instead, Brandi chucks a huge hysteria, giving Ronnie an ideal opportunity to do a white-knight rescuing act.

When detective Harrison (Ray Liotta, looking as if smiling inwardly while pocketing his fee for such small effort) arrives to take Brandi’s statement, Ronnie’s strong reaction against this intruder following police procedure to catch the flasher initiates the film’s conflict.

Hill serves “Observe and Report” to the

ciNema

By Dougal m acdonald

filmgoer as comedy. Yes, it’s significantly un-serious. But funny? More a failed attempt to satirise behaviours characterising shopping malls everywhere, pitched at a subterranean intellectual level, inviting us to wonder whether its attempts to make us laugh have merit and coming up empty.

At Hoyts

“aNgeLs aND DemoNs” (ma)

tom Hanks in “a ngels and Demons”.

IN director Ron Howard’s precursor to “The Da Vinci Code”, Tom Hanks again plays symbologist Langdon, summoned to the Vatican on the morning of a Pope’s funeral. So is CERN physicist Vittoria (Ayulet Zoria) whose team has just succeeded making a smidgen of anti-matter only to have it stolen and used to blackmail the church to do the thieves’ bidding or face dire consequences.

Irish former helicopter pilot now Ca -

merlengo Father Patrick (Ewan McGregor) persuades Langdon that the villains are Illuminati, similar to a group of priests on whom the Vatican inflicted cruel and inhuman punishment four centuries earlier for suggesting that science might explain phenomena that the Bible says are God’s work.

The trio wages a vigorous, but too-often risible, intellectual battle decoding a trail Galileo described in a paper held in the Vatican archives and denied for a decade to Langdon who needs it to help him finish writing a book.

Akiva Goldsman’s screenplay invites the audience to take a side in the dispute between creationists brooking no disagreement with their beliefs and scientific explanation demanding proof based on observation. A vigorous storyline built around murder of a Pope and three cardinals, unfolding between dawn and midnight on a single day, fails to suspend audience disbelief.

Charles Darwin is one of my heroes. Watching “Angels and Demons”, people who share my view may understand the many colliding feelings it generated, including humour in passages meant to be serious, incredulity for some of its propositions about God, moderate stimulation from some of its action moments while totally failing to accept the validity of others. The film’s mixing of those components doesn’t withstand careful examination. Tom Hanks’s acting lacks enthusiasm.

At all Canberra cinemas

MY’s is the perfect place to escape from the cold this winter.

Conveniently located in Cooleman Court, MY’s serves up lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reserve your table to try MY’s new winter dish, the Steam Boat available Sunday to Wednesday, pictured left.

MY’s offers an extravagant choice of both vegetarian and meat dishes that truly capture the exquisite taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

A purple patch

Sothys

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.

PURPLE’S a colour many of us either love or hate intensely, says Roslyn Wright, of Momento and Soho – but even if we’re not big fans, we shouldn’t give it a blanket “no”.

From mauve to violet and indigo, purple is the colour du jour and it isn’t going away: it will be a big part of summer’s prints and brights.

“Shop for your skin tone,” says Roslyn. “Purple comes in so many tones and shades, such as pinkpurples and blue-purples – it’s not about being garish.

“Somebody like myself, with reddish hair, looks good in purples which have a brown base.”

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our “Breast Wishes” competition, who each win a double pass to the opening night at the Playhouse on Wednesday, May 27:

‘Breast Wishes’ winners

Garvey – O’Malley

Debbie Soxsmith – Kambah

Judy Gleeson – Mawson

Janelle May – Ngunnawal

Felicity Chivas – Scullin

Lisa Walsh – Jerrabomberra

Gail Neuss – Queanbeyan

Lauren Funstan-Davis – Queanbeyan

Renee Keenan – Cook

Christine Crosswell – Banks

1. Visible e ffects mineral Foundation Dark tan No 24, $59. 2. clinique even Better m akeup with sPF15 in cream chamois, $48.

3. La Prairie a nti-aging Foundation with sPF15 in shade 200, $150. 4. australis Fresh & Flawless m akeup with sPF15 in Natural Fawn, $12.95. 5. Napoleon china Doll Foundation in Look 7, $65.

Lighter shade of pale

6. sisley teint eclat o il-Free Long-lasting Fluid Foundation in i vory, $130. 7. m odel co Powerstick Duo Foundation in Warm Beige 03, $62. 8. Designer Brands mineral Foundation in 198 medium, $14.99.

Balancing act of being on hold

THERE is virtually nothing I can’t do these days while balancing a phone to my ear with my shoulder.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve got used to being put on hold. So long as the music is not too “elevator’’ and I’m not bombarded with advertising, and I’m not one hundred and thirty two in the queue, then I can cope.

But there have been incidents – such as the time the three-year-old lost her balance on the loo while toilet training, grabbed my shoulder and managed to flick the cordless phone where no phone was meant to go.

All-in-all, my annoyance Richter scale remains pretty low – at least for call waiting. But it’s a different matter with the new, automated answering systems, the ones that have an annoyingly chirpy recorded voice that runs through a host of options and asks you to say what you want or else

mum iN tHe city

By sonya Fladun

answer “yes” or “no” to various questions. Recently, I had an internet/computer problem and had to get on to my service provider. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. These organisations seem only to want to talk to you when it comes to selling new products, but when you need assistance it’s a different story.

After a long series of automated questions, I got totally confused and kept ending up back at the beginning with that chirpy voice sounding ever more condescending. Eventually the computer detected that we were having a “failure to communicate” problem and put me through its technical service area only to

disconnect me altogether. Eventually, I did get through to a human being who told me I would need a particular product code number that, of course, I didn’t have at hand. So, of course, I had to start at the beginning again. But by then the system was quite unresponsive to my string of expletives. By the time my husband got home I was beyond reason as I roamed the house with the phone trying to escape pint-sized interruptions.

These systems are just not designed for your average multi-tasking mum.

What really gets me is that the one person I did speak to had given me a bum steer and I never needed that product code at all. Yep, dealing with people can also be frustrating, but letting loose all that pent up frustration on a person rather than a machine would have been so much more rewarding! Even that satisfaction is denied in today’s automated world.

THE cool weather means many of us have to reconsider the foundation we’re wearing and choose a lighter shade, says Caddie Robinson, at Le Beaute Lounge in Bruce.

“Women usually have to go down a shade in winter,” she says. It’s because we are exposed to less UV light, so unless we invest in spray tans, our skin fades – and our darker, summer shade may stand out on our face!

“If our body is one colour and our face another, it can look quite unfortunate,” Caddie says. “We shouldn’t be able to see foundation on our skin.

“Make-up should illuminate our skin, not hide it.”

Caddie works with Visible Effects Mineral Makeup at the salon for a low-chemical alternative. She says that as mineral make-up is powdered, users need to be careful about dry skin.

“It’s important that we keep our skin hydrated as well, as it dries out in winter.”

Family Law Matters

Property Settlement

There is sometimes confusion about how to divide assets when a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down. Here, we answer some common questions about the process of dividing assets.

When can I apply for a property settlement?

You can apply at any time after you separate. However, if you are already divorced, you must apply within 12 months of the date of the divorce. In a de facto relationship, you must apply within two years after the end of the relationship. In very limited circumstances, the Court can extend the time to apply.

If we can’t agree, how does the law divide our assets?

The Family Law Act undertakes a four step process: assets, liabilities and resources of each party are identified; the Court assesses (as a percentage) the contributions made by each party to the acquisition, conservation and improvement of assets, as well as contributions made as parent and homemaker; the Court considers whether a further adjustment should be made for a party in a weaker financial position having regard to matters such as income disparity, health or the need to accommodate young children (called “future needs” adjustments). Finally, the Court determines whether the overall adjustment arrived at is fair and reasonable.

Are the steps the same for de facto couples?

For the majority of de facto couples who separate after 1 March 2009, yes. For de facto couples who separated before 1 March 2009, existing State/ Territory laws (some of which are different to the Family Law Act) apply. However, parties can elect to abide by the provisions of the Family Law Act

FREE SEMINAR

Attend a free general information seminar about family law at our offices.

Tuesday 26 May 2009, 5:30–6:30pm. Bookings essential: 6212 7690.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore may 25-31

ARIES Mar 21 – Apr 20

If you are impulsive, you’re likely to miss vital information this week – especially involving financial matters. And don’t be too hasty when it comes to love! Rams are notorious for sudden elopements and shotgun weddings. Keep in mind the following quote from James Branch Cabell: “I shall marry in haste and repent at leisure.”

(Apr 21 – May 20)

Bulls can easily slip into a dependable and dull routine. But, with Mercury still moving backwards through your sign [until Sunday] things won’t run as smoothly as you’d like. Expect missed meetings and communication chaos of the most annoying – and interesting – kind!

(May 21 – June 21)

Gung-ho Geminis are easily bored and can give up too quickly. This week you need to be bold, brave – and persistent. Your weekly motto comes courtesy of birthday girl Kylie Minogue [born May 28]: “I don’t want to fizzle out. I have to keep going, like a little Shetland pony.”

(June 22 – July 22)

“Keep moving forward and don’t look back” should be your current mantra. With proactive Mars in your career zone [until June 1] you’re full of initiative as you take the lead at work. If you are looking for employment you need to be one step ahead, which means enquiring about jobs before they are advertised.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Your finances are currently being influenced by serious Saturn and unpredictable Uranus. More careful budgeting [and less spontaneous spending sprees] will help life run more smoothly. Keep your feet on the ground, even though your head’s in the stars. Attached or single, you’ll win in love if you have realistic expectations.

(Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Yes, we all know Saturn’s in your sign and life is a struggle at the moment as you try to juggle a myriad of conflicting responsibilities. But is moaning and whining about your worries really going to help? Your motto for the next seven days is courtesy of John Wayne [born May 26]: “Quit your belly-aching and saddle-up!”

(Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Laidback Librans can be an indecisive lot. But, with assertive Mars now in your relationship zone [until June 1] you’re giving as good as you get. A friend or lover may be upset by your unusually direct approach but don’t be discouraged. Hang in there – you need to be patient, persistent – and positive.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Don’t even try to second-guess the behavior of others this week Scorpio. They will continually surprise [and flummox] you with their unpredictable antics, so don’t lose sleep trying to work out where they’re coming from. If you expect the unexpected – and are flexible – then you’ll manage just fine.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Over-confidence could be a problem for you over the next two weeks. It’s not a good idea to finalise business affairs or make long-term investments, as you are likely to view the world [and your finances] through rose-colored glasses. However it is a wonderful time for creative pursuits or to help those who are sick, old or disadvantaged.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Don’t spoil your romantic chances by being too business-like. A little bit of your special brand of Capricorn efficiency goes a long way! The personal touch will get you a lot further – especially from Wednesday through to Saturday. At the moment, money and friends are a misguided mix.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You’ll be feeling super idealistic over the next couple of weeks, as you strive to make the world a better place in your own inimitable, Aquarian style. Don’t get so carried away that you forget your nearest and dearest though. Sometimes it’s best to start your charitable work in your own backyard!

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Neptune joins up with Jupiter [until June 12] which can be positive and negative. Expect your intuition, creativity and compassion to go through the roof, which is good news for artistic and spiritual souls. But don’t overdo it, otherwise you could slip into fantasy-land where problems are avoided; nothing gets done – and you could be taken for a ride.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

ACROSS

3 What is a frame, set with glass, in a roof?

7 What do we call a plant living only one year?

8 Name another word for a boa constrictor.

9 In mythology, who was the ferryman that conveyed souls of the dead across the river Styx?

10 Which violence seems to be emerging more, of late?

11 Informally, what is a thoroughly bad, worthless person?

14 What are light meals?

17 Name the flag with a forked end, borne on a lance.

18 Which term describes a progenitor?

19 In art, what is a set of three panels, side by side, bearing pictures?

20 To support, as by agreement, is to what?

21 A soldier, etc, who runs away permanently from duty is called a what?

DOWN

1 Which phrase is descriptive of being very active (2,3,2)?

2 The ampere is the unit of which electrical charge?

3 What is a malicious, false and defamatory statement known as?

4 Name a reading desk, especially that in a church.

5 Which type of fingerprinting employs the use of DNA?

6 What are unconscious hypnotic conditions?

11 To have allowed as a discount is to have what?

12 Name the oval masses of lymphoid tissue situated one on each side of the fauces.

13 What do we call one who votes?

14 In chemistry, which element has the symbol S?

15 What is a state of society without government or law?

16 In which establishments are dogs boarded?

s olution next week

‘Amazing’ place offers rural escape

THIS north-facing, solar-passive house, serenely positioned in the heart of exclusive Sutton Park, offers an escape from the stresses of contemporary life.

An architect’s own residence, the five-yearold building graces the top of the northern slope of around 12 hectares (30 acres) of picturesque Australian wooded bushland, set 300m from the road.

Integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, large open rooms are filled with natural light providing a sense of warmth while taking full advantage of the picturesque backdrop.

The house comprises a formal lounge and dining rooms, family room, three bedrooms, master segregated with an ensuite, study, open-plan kitchen overlooking the family room and outdoor decks, double garage with internal access, a two-bay carport with storage sheds, 1200-cubic metre dam for irrigation, and a 90,000-litre rainwater tank for domestic use. “It’s a sensational opportunity to own an amazing private and secluded rural, lifestyle property about 20 minutes from Dickson and Civic,” says selling agent Greg Hedger.

address: 132 Goolabri Drive, Sutton Park. Price: $1.1million.

inspection: By appointment. agent: Greg Hedger, Richard Luton Properties Manuka, 0427 214337.

Address: 1-7/29 Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde

Price: From $487,600

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Unique New Townhouses

Here’s your chance to secure one of seven brand new contemporary townhouses in the burgeoning suburb of Forde. The five three bedroom ensuite homes with double garages to the middle of the development all feature two balconies upstairs, guest powder rooms downstairs, central granite topped kitchens with walkin-pantries and stainless steel appliances, spacious living rooms, private rear

To the front of every home is a large and functional office which would make an ideal home office, having direct access to the front of the home via sliding glass doors, as well as internal access to the home. This room is perfect for a home business, rumpus, hobby room, or play room. The two end townhouses are four bedroom ensuite homes, each with very functional separate studio perfect for grown-up kids or extended family, or to lease out separately. A mixture of double and triple garages. EERs 5, 5.5 and 6.

Brand New House And Office!

A unique buying opportunity like this may come along once in blue moon... The chance to purchase a four bedroom, ensuite house with double garage within Kingston Foreshores is exciting, but combine that with a full commercial office or business facing Printers Way on the other side of the block and the options become endless.

From this prime location you could live in the house and run your own business from the commercial premises, or live in the house and rent the commercial space with high rental returns. You could also rent the whole property out with combined commercial and residential tenancies.

Address: 1 Waygoose Street, Kingston

Inspect: Saturday 11:00 - 11:45am

Price: $2,200,000

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

The commercial space has a kitchenette and full bathroom and is wired for data. The house provides open plan living with family and dining, and a separate living area with extra powder room, and a large courtyard with barbeque area for entertaining. EER 5.

Address: 51 Cunningham Street, Kingston

Inspect: Saturday 12:00pm - 12:45pm

Price: $1,395,000

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Brand New Home In Kingston Foreshore

A brand new contemporary home within an established, tree-lined street, this new four bedroom ensuite house with separate studio above the garaging is a unique offering. Combining cutting edge architecture by Tomi Milin and superb building innovation, within the first edition estate, this property is sure to excite the astute buyer. The home offers approximately 26 squares of living space spread over two levels, with double lock up garage. Downstairs includes the master bedroom with ensuite, and the main living area which faces out onto a private courtyard for barbeques and outdoor entertaining. These rooms are segregated from the remaining three bedrooms upstairs which enjoy a leafy outlook from the private balcony. The home is of the highest quality finishing, with modern fixtures and fittings throughout and an easy stroll to the lake, shops and cafes of this central, cosmopolitan location. Enquire today for an inspection on this superb offering. EER 5

A Grand Home Of Difference

From the entry of this stunning elevated four bedroom ensuite and rumpus property, you are greeted by beautiful Tasmanian Oak timber flooring throughout the formal areas. The open fireplace in the formal area creates an ambient spot to curl up and enjoy the lovely views.

Downstairs is a full sized billiard or rumpus room with built-in bar, a great place for entertaining family and friends. This room could also be converted to a home office, as it has separate access to the front of the property through sliding glass doors.

Address: 232 Bicentennial Drive, Jerrabomberra

Inspect: By Appointment

Price: By Negotiation

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Secure front gates give this impressive home a feeling of stately seclusion. Excellent outdoor entertaining is provided for under an enclosed gazebo at the top of the block, with its own built-in barbeque and sink. From this spot on the top of the hill, you can see all the way to Lake Burley Griffin.

Address: 62 Dawes Street, Kingston

Inspect: Saturday 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Price: $1,795,000

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

A unique five bedroom, four bathroom, rumpus and study home with triple garage is now available. This contemporary residence features stunning finishes and design allowing natural light to flow through.Timber floors throughout, beautiful tiling to the wet areas, private and secure courtyard, views across the lake, park and Kingston Wetlands, with boardwalk access through to the new Kingston Marina and shops to be built. This location will become one of the most desirable positions in the nation’s capital. The rumpus with kitchenette downstairs has separate access and would lend itself to a home office or business. This wonderfully low maintenance home provides fabulous entertaining, large open living areas, and huge versatility. Designed by award winning architect Tomi Milin, the home features wine fridge, data cabling, glass balustrades, double glazed windows, and individual heating and cooling units to every room. Move quickly to secure your place in Canberra’s premier waterfront location. EER 5.

Address: 62a and 62b De Graaf Street, Holder

Inspect: Saturday 11:00am - 11:45am

Price: $570,000 and $575,000

Contact: Will Hampson of LJ Hooker Tuggeranong on 0410 689 729

Brand New And Waiting For You

Take advantage of this rare chance to blend an established location with a brand new, quality constructed home. This three bedroom ensuite dual occupancy home would suit young families and professionals, with a large open plan living area and segregated master bedroom with walk-in-robe and ensuite with double vanities, plus a study to the front of the

The home’s rental potential is estimated to be between $520 and $570 per week. With an extra large double garage underneath, alfresco dining area, ducted heating, evaporative cooling, stone bench tops, glass splash backs and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and fully landscaped surrounds complete with 10,000L rainwater tank feeding the irrigation system, there will be nothing to do but move in and enjoy your brand new home.

EER 5

8 MURRAY GREY PLACE - Escape from the demands of modern day living to this secluded urban oasis, surrounded by picturesque country views. Occupying a prized 1.9 acres allotment, this gorgeous contemporary-style residence with sleek lines and vibrant, light-filled interiors captures the true essence of family living whilst providing a sense of space and tranquility. Perfect for the expanding family, the home features five separate entertaining areas including formal lounge and dining 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, designer kitchen with granite bench tops and the finest of modern appointments, polished timber floors, high ceilings and many more features. The property offers two separate paddocks and the best of both worlds. Experience luxurious lifestyle in a glorious country setting less than 25 minutes away from Canberra.

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

Open: Contact Maria for viewing times

f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803

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

Canberra Central 6295 4999

www.prdcanberracentral.com.au

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

see! Call me today to arrange an inspection!

Address: 24 Windjana Street Harrison

Open: Sat 22rd May 1:00pm – 2:00pm

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

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