Canberra CityNews June 25-July 1, 2009

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Corbell growls at Greens: Get used to it

By Jorian Gardner

SIMON Corbell has hit back hard at disparaging Greens comments that he is a “pain in the ass” with the clear message that the Greens are not another arm of ACT Labor and they have no real influence on the Government.

Last week “CityNews” reported that tension between Labor and the Greens was opening cracks in their parliamentary agreement and that extremely high-level officials of both parties were openly critical of each other.

Attorney General and Minister for the Environment Corbell has provoked the Greens in recent weeks, at the height accusing (Greens) Speaker Shane Rattenbury of “bias” on the floor of the Assembly

The Greens retaliated, labelling Corbell a “total pain in the ass” and a “goose” and accusing him of stealing their initiatives.

“I think that comment is disappointing because it seems to suggest that Labor doesn’t have its own environment agenda – which we do,” Corbell says. “It wasn’t the Greens who were pushing forward to develop a solar farm for 10,000 homes – it was Labor; it wasn’t the Greens that suggested that there should be rebates for renters to get energy efficient compliant – it was Labor.

“The Greens are going to have to get used to the fact that they are not the only party in town when it comes to the sustainability agenda. Labor has a progressive agenda – and we are going to implement it. They are not the only party in

Credit union to the rescue

ONE of the country’s largest credit unions has rescued the ACT Government’s foundering land rental scheme by agreeing to allow low-income borrowers to rent the land component of a house-andland package.

Praising Community CPS Australia, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said that it was heartening that a financial institution dedicated to serving the needs of the community was the first institution to formally offer finance under the scheme.

There are 119 blocks either on hold by Canberrans wanting to participate in the land rent scheme, or with contracts exchanged.

town when it comes to the environment.

“This is not a coalition, this is an agreement on certain matters… People seem to think that because there is an agreement that we not going to keep putting our political position.”

Corbell isn’t backing down from the accusations of bias levelled at the Speaker, either.

“The Speaker’s not above scrutiny,” he says.

“A bit of push and shove is part of the Assembly’s work, but this is something that the Greens are going to have to face – seeing they have put one their number in the Speaker’s chair.”

Mr Corbell says that the Greens have muddied the waters on an important agenda item for him as Attorney General – reform of the Self-Government Act. He says the Greens push in the Assembly to pass the Civil Unions Bill will lead to another “unhelpful” stand-off with the Commonwealth – “we’ll lose”.

“We have to stop viewing issues around reform of the Self-Government Act through the prism of civil unions. Self-government is much bigger than those issues and as long as we keep linking the two, so will the Commonwealth Government and it will make it difficult to achieve any significant reform,” he says.

“We have to broaden the debate, and that’s what I am trying to do. That’s why I have stressed to the Greens that we shouldn’t make this a debate about civil unions – because we’ll lose and the whole cause of self-representation and self-government will be put back.”

“Greens can’t be trusted”, Letters, Page 6

Blitz nabs hundreds

ACT Policing issued 427 traffic infringement notices over three days during traffic targeting operations in specific locations around Canberra.

Police and ACT RTA motor vehicle inspectors had targeted locations that had been the subject of complaint or previous police attention.

The locations targeted included Archibald Street (Lyneham), Canberra Avenue, Richardson Crescent (Conder), Monaro Crescent (Red Hill), and Parliament Drive (Capital Hill). During speed monitoring at road

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Anything for a laugh

GRAHAM SHAW, principal of Canberra district winery Shaw Vineyard Estate, gets in the swing of the “laughter class” at Regatta Point that launched the winery’s new, single-vineyard, premium cool-climate wines.

Called the Laughter Series, the wines were created to help Camp Quality – Australia’s leading raiser of funds and laughter for kids with cancer. From every case of the Laughter Series sold, $50 will be donated directly to the local branch of Camp Quality. The Murrumbateman winery, a Camp Quality supporter for more than 17 years, will be aiming to produce 10,000 cases of the new wines, raising a potential $500,000 for families and children affected by cancer.

Social photos, Page 14

Tip fees rise

FOR the first time since 2005, some tip fees are to rise on July 1. A small load of household waste (up to a boot load) is up $2 to $10; a medium load (up to a ute load), $20 (was $16) and a large load (up to a ute load plus a fully loaded trailer), $30 ($24).

Darters help out

MORE than 4000 people are expected to watch netball team The Canberra Darters play Singapore in the Australian National League’s first international match in Canberra on August 7. The team is using the night to raise money and awareness of breast cancer and will donate half the ticket prices to the McGrath Foundation.

New bus lane

A NEW bus lane, coloured a distinctive red, on Belconnen Way, on the city-bound approach to Barry Drive, will reduce travel times from Belconnen, particularly during peak travel times, by giving buses a priority run through this busy section of the city, says Chief Minister Jon Stanhope. The route is one of the busiest with more than 300 buses using it during peak periods.

Playing games

READERS are urged to gather a group of friends to play bridge, mahjong, Scrabble or any game at Marymead’s fund-raising annual card and games day at The Royal Canberra Golf Club from 10am on Thursday, July 9. Cost is $30 and includes lunch, a glass of wine, tea, coffee and petit fours. RSVP by July 1 to Anne Nolan on 6288 2502.

works on Yamba Drive near Mawson, one motorist was clocked at 90kmh in the 40kmh restricted speed zone.

One of the defected vehicles included a late-model Range Rover that had the layers of rubber missing from a tyre, and its steel belts were exposed. This vehicle received a major defect notice and had to be towed away.

Sgt Andrew Warry, from ACT Policing Traffic Operations, said that targeted operations would continue at intermittent times in the months ahead.

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

Editor: Ian Meikle ed@citynews.com.au

Senior writer and arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286

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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 JGD

Attention Specsavers Customers

Who can you trust?

SOME of the best and worst ideas are hatched over a good bottle of red. My mates “Nasho” and Dan were around the other night sharing a couple of bottles of ’04 Jeir Creek Cab Merlot, and we came up with a corker of an idea.

“Readers Digest” that day had revealed its list of the 100 most-trusted Australians.

It had run the same 100 names past 750 Aussies and put them in order of most to least trusted. For the fifth consecutive year Dr Fiona Wood was our most trusted Australian. She ranked just ahead of Mark Donaldson, the ’09 VC winner, Professor Ian Frazer and Ian Kiernan.

Before we got to the second bottle, Dan suggested that we come up with a list of Canberrans and do our own poll. It was suggested that I draw on my list of 800 or so Facebook friends to find respondents. It took us all night to come up with “the list” and if we left anybody off it, we’re blaming the wine. The “Readers Digest” list had a mix of celebrities, politicians, journalists and community workers. We tried to get the same feel for our smaller ACT list. It was Nasho’s idea to put in the guy who washes the car windscreens on the corner of Northbourne and Antill. To be honest, I can’t remember who suggested we list Todd Carney.

Despite a killer headache the following morning, I managed to send the “Most-Trusted Canberran” poll to around 300 of my Facebook friends as well as asking my radio audience at 2CC if they’d like to participate and emailing it

Michael Milton (athlete) 2. Rob De Castella (retired athlete)

3. Professor Ian Chubb (academic) 4. Stirling Mortlock (footballer)

Carrie Graf (coach) 6. Virginia Hausegger (news reader) 7. Jack Waterford (journalist)

8. Bob McMullen (politician)

9. Michael Linke (RSPCA) 10. Annette Ellis (politician) 11. Jessica Good (news reader) 12. Senator Kate Lundy (politician) 13. Meredith Hunter (politician) 14. Ivan Slavich (businessman)

15. Senator Gary Humphries (politician) 16. Zed Seselja (Opposition Leader) 17. Jon Stanhope (Chief Minister) 18. Chic Henry (event organiser) 19. The guy who washes the car windscreens on the corner of Northbourne and Antill Street.

20. Todd Carney (footballer)

out to anyone interested. The responses came back thick and fast. I ended up with just over a 100 responses from which to compile our list. It didn’t surprise me that Michael Milton topped the list. He is a much-admired Australian. Bob McMullen should be chuffed at being the highest-ranking pollie. There was very little that separated Jon Stanhope from Zed Seselja and there was quite clearly not enough petrol heads among the respondents to push Summernats’ Chic Henry up higher than 18.

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

...not the Greens, says Greg

UNFETTERED ACT self-government might swell us citizens with pride. It certainly fuels the ambitions of ALP and Green politicians. Can Canberrans trust the current or future ACT Governments not to legislate in defiance of Commonwealth laws? Judging from the performances of ALP Governments and the current ALP/Green Government, I suggest they cannot be trusted.

The push has the earmarks of the usual Greens deceit. The Greens leader recently admitted what the Greens had continually denied throughout the ACT elections: “Greens policy objectives and Labor policy objectives are not too far apart.” This is an unforgivable fraud the Greens perfidiously played upon an ACT electorate that was looking for an alternative to a tired, arrogant Labor Government.

The ACT Greens have been merely eight months in office. Their proposal smacks of immaturity and ideology directed from outside the local party.

The newly elected Greens fail to grasp that the ACT lacks adequate internal resources to be self-sufficient and needs to walk in step with the Commonwealth with which it shares the Territory, which is a major employer of its citizens and whose centre of power here is the reason for Canberra’s continued existence.

Though the ACT electoral system is abominable, I sleep easier knowing there is in Section 16 of the ACT (Self-Government) Act 1988 the possibility of rescue from fundamentalist Green ideologues

Greg O’Regan, Farrer

Greens in a spin

ALL politicians do it, but the Greens have lead the pack recently in terms of squeezing every bit of publicity out of failed legal actions and crying children. Bob Brown took legal action and failed, as the loser he is liable for costs to be awarded against him. He knows that, he knew for nearly 18 months that he would have to pay but made sure that he turned it into a huge cause and fundraiser. Incidentally, the taxpayers of Tasmania would have been out of pocket otherwise.

As for Sarah Hanson-Young, she knows children are not to be taken into the Senate chamber, or anyone that is not elected (officials aside). Is the Senator not paid enough already to accommodate the needs of her child? The Senate President John Hogg is quite a reasonable man (and parent), and I look forward to seeing what rules will be devised.

What stunt will next week reveal?

M. Gordon, Flynn

Caffeine cold turkey

CAN those people suggesting that "correction" is better than graduated withdrawal from drugs please familiarise themselves with the problems of going "cold turkey"?

The easiest way of achieving this is to give up caffeine for a month. Just stop drinking caffeine today, and see how long you last without caffeine or professional psychological assistance.

While Coca Cola is the highest-selling beverage and coffee consumes more space in the supermarket than rice, we have no right to judge heroin users.

Alex Satrapa, via email

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Rising prices signal a solid investment

WHILE it had been a pretty wild ride in the economy over the past 12 months, house prices for the rst four months of this year were on the rise, according to Jeff Proud.

And he should know: Mr Proud, is the principal of Canberra-based, property investment company Park Heath and has bought more than $60 million worth of property for clients over the past eight years,

“The share market has tanked, superannuation returns have collapsed, interest rates have tumbled and unemployment has risen,” he said.

“House prices were predicted, by some, to collapse as well but, despite a modest fall in the December quarter, that hasn’t happened.

“In fact, for the  rst four months of the calendar year (to April), residential property prices have once again grown and the losses of last year have been erased.

“Residential property has been the bestperforming investment over the past 20 years, outperforming the share market,  xed interest and superannuation. Property really has been the great survivor.”

Mr Proud said that over the past year there had been many forecasts suggesting that property as an investment had had its day. Prices were supposed to collapse and Australians would abandon the market as the cost of ownership had become too high.

“With the bene  t of hindsight, we know that

this just hasn’t happened,” he said.

“Over the past year, I made a few forecasts of my own: I said that interest rates would fall, even though they were at nine per cent at the time and the Government was crying about the need to keep them high to  ght in ation.

“I forecast that residential rents would rise as supply fell further behind demand and forecast that property prices would stay  at for a while before rebounding during 2009/10.

“I forecast  rst-home buyers would re-enter the market in numbers and that properties under $500,000 would be in high demand.

“These and other forecasts have proven to be accurate, so in the spirit of continuing to put my

neck out, I have a couple more forecasts.

“I believe that we have reached the bottom of the interest rate cycle. The Reserve Bank is unlikely to reduce rates further. Fixed interest rates have been slowly rising and are now more than one per cent above the variable rate. This is a signal that the banks see rates lifting over the next few years rather than falling further.

“Consumer con  dence is rising sharply and, as spending picks up again, interest rates will rise to more normal levels to reduce the risk of in  ationary pressures as a result of rising consumer demand. Housing affordability is at its best in more than nine years and this will continue to encourage  rst-home buyers into the market.

Continuing high rents due to the shortage of supply and lack of construction will also encourage more  rst-home buyers. The modest rise in interest rates delivered independently of the Reserve Bank will have little or no impact on this demand.

“I said in February that the fundamentals of Australia’s property market were sound and that those investors who take advantage of the current conditions to buy well will be celebrating in a few years.”

He said that recently BIS Shrapnel had released its own forecasts for the next three years and were predicting that prices would rise by more than 20 per cent over that period.

“The message is clear; property will continue to be one of the most reliable investments over the long term and the current conditions continue to offer excellent buying opportunities,” Mr Proud said.

One of the main bene  ts of investing through Park Heath was that all properties recommended were physically inspected, he said. This guaranteed independence and ensured that properties were only ever recommended on their merits and that all opportunities could be considered, whether locally or interstate.

In addition, Park Heath assisted by co-ordinating the purchase process and liaising with other involved parties such as lenders and solicitors to ensure a smooth settlement of the purchase. It also identi  ed competent property management to ensure properties were well managed and tenanted as soon as possible.

“Expertise is required to take full advantage of the opportunities and that is what Park Heath is about.”

FREE INVESTOR BRIEFING

Jeff Proud, Principal of Park Heath, Canberra’s longest established independent

Date: Wednesday1July2009 Time:

Behind questions of accountability

IT is the nature of politics that accountability is the catchcry of those seeking government rather than those in government.

The Estimates Committees at the Federal level and in the ACT have exposed a series of concerns across government. That is the role of these committees in their task of examining the Budget. However, particularly in the ACT, they have also exposed a growing reluctance on the part of government to be put under scrutiny.

Hearing ACT Government Ministers carping about the number of questions being put to their departments should reassure us that the Opposition and cross-benchers are getting on with their job of scrutiny. Of course, politics plays a part – as always.

The ACT Government was seeking to find a way to respond to the scathing report of the Estimates Committee, which was accusing it of failure to plan effectively to manage the Territory recovery from the global financial crisis. In politics, the best form of defence is attack. Instead of maintaining a media focus on the Budget issues we hear a cacophony about the costs of answering questions that have been either put on notice by members or taken on notice by the Ministers and departmental representatives.

Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, did himself no favours when he described the questions as a “fishing trip”. Later, on ABC radio, colleague John Hargreaves, while purportedly supporting his leader’s stance, accepted that there were some of the questions that rather than being “trivial” were quite “reasonable”.

The Estimates report brought down 54 recommendations. While some were broad in scope, many were detailed suggestions to the Government to improve in specific areas. However, the Opposition was still dissatisfied and presented a dissenting report decrying “the cavalier attitude by which Ministers override expressions of concern or attempts to raise legitimate issues demonstrates how arrogant and irresponsible these Ministers are in representing the Canberra community in the Legislative Assembly”.

The Auditor-General also plays a key role in accountability. In a recent report into the ACT Ambulance service the Auditor-General found deficiencies in planning, documentation of policies and procedures, risk management and performance management and review. For the most serious of emergencies the ideal response time of less than eight minutes is being met less than half of the time and only in about 16 per cent of our suburbs. The report reflects well on the office of the Auditor-General and poorly on

By Michael Moore

the ambulance service.

One response to the Auditor-General’s report suggests that the problems are about lack of funding. Prioritising expenditure is a government responsibility, but it is also a responsibility that is appropriately scrutinised by the parliament. Some of the tools we expect to be used by our MLAs include the Estimates Committee and other committees, Question Time, motions in the Assembly and questions on notice (that are delivered in writing) and review of such reports.

Another accountability tool is the annual report of individual departments and agencies within government. Ordinary citizens, as well as members of the Assembly, can find extensive information about a department when the annual reports are done well. The Institute of Public Administration (ACT Branch) provides awards to those Federal and ACT departments and agencies that do them well.

It was disappointing this year that the judges determined to provide no ACT agency or department with either a gold or silver awards. It reflects poorly on accountability in the ACT.

Credit to the Departments of Education and Training, Justice and Community Services and Territory and Municipal Services who were all awarded bronze – but it is still disappointing that the silver and gold levels were not attained.

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

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The Multicultural Women’s Advocacy Inc. with the support of ACT Office of Women presents: MULTICULTURAL WOMEN LEAD A series of talks from local multicultural womentosharetheirlifeexperienceson developingtheirleadershipskillsinthe community. This month’s presenters; Vic Koutsounadis, OAM Chair of

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Maria likes to break price records

DESPITE downturns in other areas of the economy, the Canberra property market remains strong and stable, says well-known real estate identity Maria Selleck.

“The only discernable difference between the boom time of the past couple of years and now, is that some properties are taking slightly longer to sell as some buyers are taking longer to make their decisions; but at the end of the day, I have not seen any reduction in real estate values,” says Maria, principal of Maria Selleck Properties.

“In fact, since May this year I have sold properties at the higher end of the market in Aranda and Chapman for record prices; and homes at the lower and mid-levels are also realising strong prices.”

A Canberran since 1978, Maria worked in administration and management in the public and private sectors in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Pacic before setting up her own boutique real estate agency in January.

Based in Manuka, the agency is off to a running start, with signicant repeat business from Maria’s previous clients.

Maria says that choosing or investing in a home is often as much an emotional decision as it is nancial.

“Nowhere is trust more important, I believe, than when you are involved in the sensitive, even delicate matters of selling, buying, leasing and renting property, because there are so many tangible and intangible facets involved: From nding what is pleasing, what is emotionally satisfying and what is secure for you and your family,

to the bottom line factors of affordability, investment, and attracting the right buyers or tenants for your property.

“Each property we market or manage is unique; each has its own challenges and appeal, and the particular requirements of every seller are treated with courtesy and discretion.

“I have always held a passion for real estate, and I have always enjoyed helping people, so the two really do go together quite well.

“However, I made the decision to nally take the plunge, so to speak, as a result of an unpleasant experience with the industry when trying to sell one of my own properties here.

“I thought that I could perhaps make a difference from the inside, rather than just feeling bad about it – so as soon as my husband retired from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I made the move from the public service to real estate.”

Maria says that because trust and personal service is important to her, the professionalism of her staff is paramount.

Her husband Gordon has joined the business as executive manager; there’s also development and marketing manager Kristine Dennis; senior property manager Melanie Gibbs, administrative assistant/receptionist Anita Scerba, apprentice salesman Ruben Mack, and Orieta Ossio, who has begun her Australian real estate career with the company as a sales agent.

For more information call 6162 1234.

Now you can make f the smart move

Future of farming

By Tanya Davies

BUNGENDORE’S organic Mulloon Creek Natural Farms have been using biodynamic methods for two decades, and now they’re becoming the centre for cool-climate permaculture techniques. The farms, which comprise 2450 hectares, including 800 of bush, are working farms, with an education centre and entertainment venue. They also work closely with ANU conducting research into soil, water and planting.

On August 1-2, renowned tutor Geoff Lawton, permaculture practitioner and consultant, who has worked in some 30 countries, will host an “Introduction to Permaculture” weekend. He is currently consulting on the building of a carbon positive area in the Middle East.

The Home Farm, in Bungendore, and the chicken farm Duralla, a few kilometres down the road, are a model of profitable biodynamic production and landscape restoration. Proprietor Tony Coote says permaculture is not merely about growing food, but about structures, environment and maximising hydration of the land, and starts with an ethic of “Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share”. If organic farming is the star child, think of permaculture as the strong, silent parent; organic and biodynamic farming, natural sequence farming and more all come under the umbrella of permaculture.

Conceived in Australia by David Holmgren and Bill Mollison, permaculture encourages working through problems and defining solutions, while working with nature.

August’s workshop, as with many of the other events at the farms, will be held in The Barn – a corporate/concert venue complete with dirt

Music about the drought

MuSICIANS from the Canberra Youth Orchestra perform in City Walk as part of a major fundraising drive for drought relief in southern NSW.

The event was to raise awareness and extra support as part of St.George Bank’s sponsorship of the Sydney Symphony Drought Relief tour of Canberra, Albury and Wagga Wagga.

“The support of all our sponsors, including St.George Bank and this local busking initiative are critical to helping us to hit our ambitious fundraising target of $50,000 for the tour,” said Sydney Symphony managing director Rory Jeffes.

In the vegie garden… Mulloon Creek Natural Farms have been using biodynamic methods for two decades.

floors, and a screened wall that can be opened up to views of the lagoon, gums, and resident ducks and peacocks.

Lawton will cover soil science, natural pest management, compost, food garden design, and more.

Coote describes Lawton’s talks as “beautifully drawn. He’s a great designer” and filled with real-life examples and anecdotes from Iran, South America, Vietnam, Africa and more. After that, “he gets down in the veggie garden.”

Mulloon Creek Natural Farms have many aspirations for the future – all of them wonderful ideas; as with all creative beings they have more ideas than they might be able to put into practice. Past workshops have included bee keeping, making bio-diesel, and biodynamic farming. They hope to see schools coming out in the future, and would love to show them an organic farm, and then a chemical farm, “to compare, the smell, the feel, the taste.” The end of November or early December the farms will host a public open day, possibly with a market – my advice would be to show your interest now to ensure a great event in a beautiful setting.

Bookings for the “Introduction to Permaculture” weekend ($330, including meals), to Donna on 0413 535957.

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New lessons for job seekers

ALTHOuGH the worst appears to be over, the global economic crisis has changed the way jobseekers and employers need to go about the hiring process, says Kate Prior, managing director of Face to Face Recruitment.

Generation Y in particular need to adapt to economic conditions that they haven’t experienced before – and part of this involves altering the way they present themselves and their CV to time-poor employers.

“They may need to develop an awareness of what their parents have been telling them all along!”

However, Kate says that Gen-Y candidates have a lot of positive attributes and that employers should consider more than their length of employment when hiring.

“They bring energy and fresh ideas; they have confidence, pick new things up quickly and want to be constantly learning,” she says.

“Sometimes attitude can be more important than the experience you see on paper, which is why it’s important for a recruiter to visit an employer, and get a feel for the company culture and how applicants might fit in.

“If somebody has the right attitude, you can teach them anything.”

The number of applicants for advertised jobs makes life difficult for employers as well as jobseekers, Kate says.

“There’s about 120 project managers applying for each role; 100 candidates for a role as business analyst. We just advertised a part-time PA role and got 60 applicants overnight.

“unless they hire a recruiter to go through them, the employer is faced with reading many more resumes at the moment, which makes using a recruiter more cost-effective in terms of the sheer time saved.”

She says that jobseekers, particularly those who haven’t been through an economic downturn before, can make their resumes stand out by keeping them clean and uncluttered, and using bold text to highlight key attributes an employer is seeking, such as proficiency in certain programs and software suites.

“If you’re applying for a job in the private sector, I’d suggest an overview, with eight to 10 bullet points covering the strengths you showed in previous jobs.

“Change your resume for each job you apply for. You can’t get away with using the same one for every application any more.

“And when doing selection criteria for a public service role, I’d like to see people bring the length down: If clients are getting 100 resumes it’s hard to get through five to seven pages of selection criteria.

“I’d suggest a short paragraph for each one, followed by bullet points to substantiate your claims.”

However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel for employees, Kate says.

“We believe in the private and government sectors, that we can see the early stages of recovery,” she says.

“People are more confident now – they believe the worst is over and I think we’re looking forward to a year of growth.”

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At opening night of ‘Construct’, Canberra Theatre

At the Jane Brown Pearls opening, Yarralumla

At Peter Blackshaw Manuka’s wine tasting, Royal Canberra Golf Club

citylife

By Jorian Gardner

COVER STORy

Role that made Marian Back to the funky future

By Jorian Gardner

MARIAN Frizelle is a young star on the rise.

She glides from one artistic form to another, gracefully going from a modelling shoot, to the sound stage on the set of Stephen Spielberg’s war drama “Pacific” and now into the touring production of “Steel Magnolias” with some of the country’s best-known actresses – Jacki Weaver, Ana Maria Belo, Jennifer Hagan, Debra Lawrance, and Geraldine Turner.

“It’s been incredible, I have to say – a huge learning experience for me,” she told “CityNews”.

“It’s my first big stage show so am quite honoured to be in the company that I am in.”

Marian had auditioned for the plum role, but thought nothing more of it when two months had gone past with no phone call.

“You know, you go for so many auditions and do your best and I have just learnt over the years if it’s meant to be yours – you’ll get the phone call!” says Marian. “And then I got it!

“I grew up in South Africa, a wondrous country, where the diverse culture inspired my fascination with the human spirit.

“I felt the need to explore this and discovered the joy of performing at a young age. At 18, I decided I wanted to further my acting training, so I packed up all my belongings, hoicked up my skirts and voyaged across the Indian Ocean to an island down under!

“I studied performing arts, completing the ‘Journey’ program at the acclaimed Actors Centre Australia.

“Since graduating in 2006, I have played on many stages, from festivals to seasoned shows. I am always willing to contribute and

get involved, purely for my love of storytelling.

“I also have a love for philosophy and writing.”

Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” will be remembered primarily as a successful international film (in case you are wondering, yes, Marian plays the Julia Roberts character). It serves up a slice of life in Truvy’s beauty salon in small-town Louisiana, where six very different women come together to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little neighbourly gossip for good measure. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they weather every event with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair.

When tragedy strikes, it is in Truvy’s salon where the women seek the solace and support to carry them through. Truvy is played by one of Australia’s best-loved and most respected performers – Jacki Weaver.

“I am loving playing (the central role of) Shelby,” says Marian. “She is definitely the heart of the piece. She is such a source of joy and light for people around her, so as an actor, it’s been fun to go to those places.”

With a newcomer like Frizelle as part of the cast mixing it with some of the country’s best female performers, this production is already getting a huge buzz around the country. For Marian though, it’s just another stage in her steady career-on-the-rise, but she’s keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

“I now live between Sydney and Los Angeles,” the young actress says, perfect for her to be able to take up larger American roles when they arise.

“Steel Magnolias”, The Playhouse, July 8-18. Bookings to Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700.

WAS there a time warp and it’s 1983 again? I reckon the names for the weekday “Groovin’ in Garema” (don’t get me started) entertainment program, run by Canberra CBD and the ACT Government, are really naff. Anyone for a “Moochin’ Monday”, “Tappin’ Tuesday”, “Worldy Wednesday”; “Theatrical Thursday” or a “Funky Friday”?

THE 10 Tenors are back at the Canberra Theatre on July 9 with a new show, “Nostalgica”, featuring a collection of “classic” songs plus their most requested numbers. Book through Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700.

GEOFFREY Borny will direct the final show, “Play”, in the Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s “Seasons of Beckett” program (July 29 to August 1). “Play” features one man and two women in tall, slim urns that are touching each other. Only the heads of the characters can be seen as Beckett’s dramatic metaphor communicates the banality of their repetitive existence. Book through the TAC on 6293 1443.

IMMORTALISED in the film “Shine”, pianist David Helfgott will perform a solo recital at the Canberra Theatre on August 22. This is a rare chance to experience Helfgott’s interpretative genius with a romantic program of works by Rachmaninov, Chopin and Liszt. Book through Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700.

IT may seem early, but it’s time to start thinking about the “CityNews” Artist of the Year – the town’s top annual art award as part of the Canberra Critics Circle Awards held in early December. The award recognises an artist who has contributed to the cultural life of the ACT in a significant way and can come from any of the art forms – visual arts, music, dance, theatre, film and new media. The honour can be bestowed on a one-off special contribution, a body of work or for a series of works. Final decisions are made in conjunction with the Canberra Critics Circle and we’ll be calling for nominations later in the year – so take note of artists that attract your eye even now.

arts&entertainment

THAI food is sensual food in many ways. It’s colourful. It’s a wonderful balance of spicy and sweet and salty and sour. It can be smooth. It can have texture.

SOI VIII (or “Soy 8”) is one of Canberra’s newest places to dine on this internationally loved cuisine.

And it’s well positioned among the strip of restaurants that have already made the Griffith shops a destination for food lovers.

By it’s own admission, SOI VIII is still finding its own feet. The cover of the temporary menu on our visit asked for patience on any “rough patches” and explained that the restaurant, while waiting for their liquor licence, was not charging corkage.

We visited after it had been open a couple of months and, despite the best efforts of the staff, we felt the warning on the menu needed to be there.

We began with a dish neither of us had tasted before and did so partly because

By Wendy Johnson

we liked the name (why not?). Boo Jaa is steamed chicken mince with crab and water chestnuts coated with egg yolks, lightly fried and accompanied with a tangy, sweet chilli sauce and a refreshing cucumber relish ($7.80 for four pieces).

Our eyes wandered through the rest of the menu, with its strong focus on stir fries and vegetarian dishes. In the mood for a Thai curry, we next ordered the chicken Gang Massaman ($16.90) made with coconut milk and sweetened with palm sugar. The peanuts added crunch and the potatoes weren’t overcooked.

If stir-fries are your thing, go for the Pad Ped Gaae ($18.90) if it’s still on the menu.

The lamb was cooked quickly in the sizzling hot, steamy wok and not overpowered with the red curry. The refreshing mint and wild ginger added interest to the dish and had us wanting more.

SOI VIII’s décor is warm and simple. It’s describes itself as “casual/elegant” although we agreed it’s more on the casual side. All of our dishes were decent, although not outstanding. None of the food has MSG added, which is a big plus for many.

Despite the service being friendly and helpful, we were interrupted often by staff members keen to take our order. Then it took ages to grab someone’s attention when we were ready, and another uncomfortable wait before the meals arrived. Just as well the good old IGA is down the way and we had wine to enjoy.

SOI VIII, Griffith shops, call 6239 7999.

A friendly taste of Thai When ceramics is the language

ERNABELLA, Hermannsberg and the Tiwi Islands are the communities; ceramics is the language. Fifteen indigenous potters from four art centres in three communities have collaborated to produce more than 100 works in an exhibition of pulsating colour and entrancing forms.

The project, co-ordinated by Australian ceramicist Geoff Crispin, had its genesis in 2006 when principal artists from the three communities attended the National Ceramics Conference in Brisbane. This led to travels and collaborative exchanges with groups of potters travelling from Ernabella to the Tiwi Islands, from the Tiwi Islands and Hermannsberg to Ernabella and from all communities to the ceramics workshop at the AN u

Robert Purantatameri’s glazed, brown, clay pots and bowls are exquisite. Decorated with black body

“Three Communities: One Language” Watson Arts Centre, until July 5. Reviewed by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak

painting designs and graphic linear representations of marine animals, they exhibit masterful brush control and a heightened sense of form. There were only a handful of these exceptional works left at the end of opening night.

Other outstanding work includes contemporary design pieces from Ernabella, particularly a large platter decorated by Vivian Thompson titled “Walka”, (glazed platter made by Hudson Allison and Ngyuntjima Carroll, 47x47 cm). The design, reminiscent of three extremely magnified strands of wool which loop around each other to create

open worked tunnels, surprises by continuing on to the back of the work.

The Hermannsberg women Judith Inkmala and Lindy Rontji have thrown and painted a series of large pots that display the distinctive Hermannsberg landscape and native birds and flora. These beautiful pots include the iconic lids with vibrant and sometimes whimsical pairs of galahs, cockatoos and marsupials.

arts&entertainment

Riveting doco no one will show

“ACROSS THE PLATEAU” (G)

ON 15 June, a full cinema applauded this latest production from Canberra’s Ronin Films, 95 minutes of riveting doco about retired men and women cycling 3000 kms from Lanzhou in northern China to Lhasa, traversing five mountains soaring to elevations above 5000 metres.

In a three-month trek, director Zhang Zeming’s cinematographers shot about 180 hours of film. In Canberra, Zhang and Scott Wombey shaped a three-hour rough cut into what we saw.

Against a background of fresh perspectives on China’s interior and the breathtaking majesty of the Himalayas, the film graphically illustrates the physical demands of such a ride, carrying all the necessities for the trip, coping with health issues, particularly altitude sickness.

Serendipity sees the riders transiting a Tibetan community during a festival while beautiful, colorfully clad, young Tibetan women dance and brightly caparisoned horsemen canter by. Ordinary Tibetans offer genuine friendship and hospitality. The riders’ experiences after leaving the paved highway to battle along a sodden, goat-stopping 100kms of potholes and mud through summer snow storms to Everest base camp at 5600 metres make a powerful and utterly admirable statement about courage and determination.

“Across The Plateau” has screened in Official Selection at six international Film Festivals. Alas, the only way to see it in Australia is by ordering the DVD from www.roninfilms.com.au, $34.95 incl. delivery. Incomprehensibly, both the ABC and SBS have declined to broadcast it.

cineMa

By Dougal Macdonald

“DISGRACE” (MA)

Au STRALIAN director Steve Jacobs and his writer wife Anna Maria Monticelli tell expat South African novelist J M Coetzee’s powerful story with a wonderful verity of location, character delineation, dramatic structure and the stubborn, uneasy minutiae of how poor white farmers live.

“Disgrace” is economical of dialogue. Subtle visual subtexts prophesy progress of a plot flowing from much-married academic David’s sexual adventurism and dismissal after giving a high mark to a girl who didn’t take the examination. He goes to his lesbian daughter Lucy’s isolated small rural holding to lick his wounds and try to bury his self-pity.

Three black youths loot the farm, rape Lucy and leave David gravely injured, forcing an anguished re-evaluation of attitudes. This is tough stuff, giving the film strong emotional, moral and intellectual backbone. Politically neutral, it avoids predictability with a delicacy that only reinforces its powerful impact.

John Malkovich makes David achingly credible.

Jessica Haines is strong yet vulnerable as Lucy.

“Disgrace” pulls no punches. It has moments that un-reconstructed animal lovers may find discomfiting, but compassionate animal owners will understand.

At Dendy

Darryl’s digital challenge

Darryl Mcintyre, new ceo of the national Film and sound archive, has his work cut out in the digital world, says Helen Musa

ONE of Darryl McIntyre’s most pressing challenges in this era, of what he calls “digital deluge”, is to manage the storage of the 1.4 million items in film, sound, documents and artefacts at the National Film and Sound Archive.

While a good deal of the collection is already online, 40 per cent of the users access the collection via the internet, so the pace will have to be stepped up there.

When he arrived to lead the archive in November from the Museum of London, he could scarcely have arrived at a more exciting time as he looks forward to the use of robot servers, especially useful since the archive acquired the whole of “Homicide” and “Number 96” from TV companies.

Preservation remains a key focus of the archive as well as a drive to get collection items into DVD format. He is particularly proud of the recent completion of the “Wake in Fright” DVD. McIntyre is no stranger to public collecting institutions and in London found himself in the middle of a 21-million-pound gallery redevelopment. Before that, he was general manager of public programs at the National Museum of Australia. In fact, he has been in Canberra since 1972, mostly working in the Federal Government’s cultural sections and helping to write Paul Keating’s “Creative Nation” document and policy for institutions such as the National Maritime Museum.

“I’ve got a good understanding of bureaucracy and a bit of political savvy,” McIntyre tells me.

Oral history with interviewing Australian

THIS likeable grown-up romantic comedy posits publishing executive Margaret working above rather than below the glass ceiling by dint of toughness, dedication and ruthless domination of colleagues who all hate her guts.

But family-less Canadian Margaret’s uS visa is about to expire and she must leave New York for a year before qualifying for another, unless she acquires citizenship by marriage. So she swindles her male executive assistant Andrew, an aspiring author, into entering into a quickie marriage with her. Seeing career prospects, he takes her to meet his family. In Alaska (actually filmed in Michigan).

Versatile comedienne Sandra Bullock is total eye-candy. Ditto Ryan Reynolds in a boy way. Mary Steenburgen is rather under-used as Andrew’s mother. Betty White rather overplays his grandma.

The film has a low credibility quotient, but it’s enough mindless fun for that not to be a problem.

At all Canberra cinemas

film directors, actors, technicians and cinematographers is also a focus, as are interviews in indigenous languages that are dying out.

Although McIntyre is well aware that the focus of a film and sound archive is more specialised than for other museums, he believes the principles are the same – to document, collect, preserve and to make available. Availability is seen in the Arc cinema programs, events such as the recent “Voss Journey” and film festivals.

As for the non-film and sound community, the NFSA is doing its bit, too. Recently, staff pulled together a compilation of Marysville images so that members of the fire-torn Victorian community could be sure the heritage was preserved.

McIntyre is quick to assure me that the sound section, sometimes sidelined in the history of the archive, is well serviced and relationships in the sound area have been established with the George Eastman Institute and in future with the BBC and the National Sound Centre in Mexico.

Oh yes, he adds, “and 2013 is very important to us”. But right now, who can tell what surprises they may come up with for Canberra’s centenary?

“Latin: or Tobacco and Boys” By Stephen Fry. Directed by Jarrad West, at the Courtyard Studio until June 27. Reviewed by Joe Woodward

In the hands of Mr Clarke

SOME “Latin” moments would make “The Chaser” blush! So there is no doubting the potential for the play to upset and provoke, but pedophilia?

Written in 1980, the play has become more significant over time.

The audience sits in a class run by the comical Mr. Clarke. We join in the fun until the uneasy tension of knowing that we are also child victims of the teacher or at least are colleagues of an abused child in his class. The choice is to disassociate or to go along with it all and wait for some resolution.

The performances by Duncan Driver (Mr. Clarke) and Oliver Baudert (Herbert Brookshaw) are well modulated. They extract surprising humour with ease and an integrity which is never compromised by the context of their characters. Baudert’s blackboard scene with unwitting irony is one of the funniest I have seen in years. While on the surface “Latin” may appear to occupy similar territory to Ron Blair’s “The Christian Brothers”, it is very different. unlike in Blair’s play, there is not a shred of empathy extracted from “Latin” for either of its characters. Each is totally impervious to their own monstrosity; each shielded by their own disconnection from their role as teachers. This is what makes it possible to share the theatrical experience with enough distance to enjoy the characters’ antics in the same way we might enjoy the misadventures of Punch and Judy puppets.

Art with an American accent

canberrans used to enjoying the world’s best touring art exhibitions at their doorstep have an excuse to escape the worst of winter for a hot, new blockbuster in Brisbane, says JoRian GaRDneR.

THE supremely beautiful Queensland Art Gallery is host to the breathtaking and inspiring “American Impressionism and Realism: A Landmark Exhibition from the Met” until September 30.

Curated by Dr Barbara Weinberg, curator of American paintings and sculpture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition shows Australian audiences for the first time – and on an unprecedented scale – a selection of 71 paintings from the legendary New York gallery.

It includes many of the Metropolitan’s best examples in the American impressionist and realist traditions that have never before been displayed together and are unlikely to be lent again as an ensemble.

This groundbreaking presentation features works by 34 painters, renowned and less well known. Some of the leading figures – such as impressionists John Sargent, Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam,

and William Merritt Chase, and realists John Sloan and William Glackens – are represented by several of their works.

The works on show consider how proponents of two styles that flourished around the 1900s responded to modern life. Often saturated with light and colour, these paintings are also saturated with meaning.

The exhibition features lightfilled landscapes and seascapes, magnificent portraiture and images that reflect aspects of modern life – leisure, cities, and intimate depictions of women and children and sectioned into these different aspects.

It’s also surprising how often the American paintings have a quirky Australian connection, as revealed to me by the curators.

The unusually large number of major American paintings is on tour while the permanent galleries of the Metropolitan Museum's American wing are renovated.

Highlighting how Australian artists responded to artistic developments of the time,

A detail from impressionist John Sargent’s evocative work of 1892 “Mrs. Hugh Hammersley”.

more than 30 iconic Australian paintings are included in the exhibition. Australian artists include Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Frederick McCubbin and Rupert Bunny.

For more info visit qag.qld. gov.au. Jorian Gardner was a guest of Sofitel Grand Central Brisbane and Virgin Blue.

ACT AHA Hospitality Awards

Kochinos knocks their socks off

SOCRATES “Soc” Kochinos has been recognised as the Australian Hotels Association’s ACT Member of the Year in front of 500 industry leaders at the OutInCanberra 2009 AHA Hospitality Awards held at the National Convention Centre.

Mr Kochinos owns some of Canberra’s most successful restaurants, including Verve and Belluci’s in Manuka, Belluci’s Woden and Cream the city. He also recently opened Sub- urban, a multi-million dollar refurbished venue in Dickson.

AHA general manager Steven Fanner said the association’s most prestigious Award was a fitting recognition.

“Soc Kochinos is a deserving winner of this award. His career in the ACT hospitality industry spans over 20 years and has seen his interests expand from one restaurant to a diverse portfolio including many of Canberra’s most successful venues.

“Soc is known throughout Canberra for the passion with which he approaches all things relating to his businesses. The Belluci’s restaurants have been popular eating spots for many years, and were followed by Verve in 2003, Cream in 2007 and now the recent multi-million dollar redevelopment of Belluci’s Dickson into Sub- u rban – a substantial combination of pub and restaurant that is helping to turn Dickson into one of Canberra’s hottest entertainment precincts.

“Soc has gone to great lengths to assist the career development of many of his staff over the years and today many of Canberra’s leading chefs and restaurateurs actually started their careers at one of Soc’s venues. He has been a great supporter of the AHA over many years and is a very worthy recipient of our most prestigious award.”

The award capped a successful evening for Mr Kochinos, with Sub- urban taking out three awards for Best Bar Presentation & Service, Best Sporting Entertainment Venue and the People’s Choice Award for Best Bar/Nightclub, and Cream waiter Nathan Sparrow being acknowledged

as Canberra’s Best Restaurant Service Employee.

The AHA also recognised King O’Malley’s proprietor Peter Barclay, who received the John Press Award named after the AHA’s first ACT President and recognising outstanding contribution to the local community by a pub or bar owner.

“Peter is one the most passionate philanthropists we have anywhere in Canberra and is a shining example of how Australian pubs are pillars of their local communities”, Mr Fanner said.

Peter is actively involved in the Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal.

Rydges Lakeside

R ydges Capital Hill

“King O’Malley’s is a three-time winner of the AHA’s Outstanding Community Service & Achievement Award and, in 2007, was inducted into the AHA Hall of Fame in this category.

Peter has also been a member of the AHA ACT Board since 2001 and has served as ACT vice-president and national board member of the AHA.

The association is pleased to be able to honour his contribution to Canberra with this award.”

The third individual award presented by the AHA was the President’s Award recognising outstanding contribution to the tourism and hotel industry, which was awarded to David

Marshall, chairman of the Canberra Business Council’s tourism, arts and sports taskforce and was, until recently, chair of the ACT Ministerial Tourism Advisory Council. He is also a former CEO of the Canberra Tourism and Events Corporation.

“David has had a long involvement with the ACT tourism industry and continues to generously give his time and experience in a range of forums that benefit our members. This award is a mark of appreciation for helping to raise the profile of tourism,” Mr Fanner said.

Full list of winners, Page 24

ACT AHA Hospitality Awards

Big night of winners and grinners

Second to none

ALL Bar Nun, Canberra’s popular bar located at the O’Connor shops, has walked away with the one of the top new awards at the AHA’s night of nights – Best Local Pub. The award was set up to recognise the different business environment for venues outside the major entertainment precincts of Civic, Kingston, Manuka and Dickson. AHA general manager Steven Fanner said the award was “well deserved by the team at All Bar Nun.” All Bar Nun is regarded as one of the top pub-style venues in Canberra offering a selection of local and international beers.

Mezzalira again!

MEZZALIRA Ristorante, on London Circuit, Civic, fended off a strong field of contenders to take out the double of Best Prestigious Dining and Best Wine List at the AHA Awards. This is the third time Mezzalira has won both the awards, so sought after by Canberra’s fine dining restaurants, and it remains

the only venue to win both awards in the same year.

“With a host of strong competitors this year, special congratulations must go to Pasquale and Joe Trimboli at Mezzalira for holding off the competition to regain the awards they last won in 2007,” says AHA general manager Steven Fanner.

“Mezzalira has been going strong for over a decade and continues to set the standard for others to follow”, he said.

Attraction of science

Qu ESTACON, the National Science and Technology Centre, won the inaugural Best Tourist Attraction Award at the AHA dinner.

The award recognised Questacon’s role as a significant destination, with activities to attract visitors to the ACT and Questacon’s collaborative relationship with the hotel and hospitality sector.

“The past 12 months have been successful and rewarding for Questacon with new exhibitions, new programs and a series of popular family events,” said Questacon Director, Professor

Graham Durant. “I am delighted to accept this award in recognition of the hard work of our enthusiastic and dedicated team.”

In the last financial year more than 406,000 people visited Questacon, including more than 109,000 schoolchildren from across Australia.

Ha Ha’s happy news

THE Ha Ha Bar, at 12 Emu Bank in Belconnen, has won the new AHA Award for the Best Outdoor Entertainment Area.

With beautiful views over the Lake Ginninderra, the Ha Ha Bar managers say it’s the best way to “keep the vibe unbuttoned.”

The new outdoor area is obviously popular with patrons and has been a major reason why Ha Ha Bar customers keep coming back, management says. When asked what it meant to win the award, owner/manager Aaron Ridley said: “It means we no longer just have a deck – we have an award-winning deck!”

Double prizes

HOTEL Realm in Barton has taken out both the Best Bar in a Hotel, for Bacchus Bar, and Best Restaurant in a Hotel, for Konoba Restaurant, at this year's AHA Awards.

Food and beverage director for Hotel Realm, David Blewitt, said his team was ecstatic.

“Our experienced staff, like our barman, a previous AHA Barman of the Year actually, David Kingsburg, deserves a big pat on the back. I think our extensive cocktail and wine list helped us defend the title this year!

“Also executive chef of Konoba, Anthony Fullerton’s use of nothing but the finest, fresh produce has showed dividends. It’s a very busy restaurant, so keeping up the standard has been a top priority for Anthony and the team.”

Inn’s big win

LOCALLY owned, The Belconnen Premier Inn, on Benjamin Way, underwent broad extensions in October 2002, increasing the property in size by 50 per cent. Since then, the accommodation options have evolved with distinctive wings featuring a range of rooms, suites and apartments as well as an exercise room, business centre and fresh conference and dining facilities.

Their joint win as the Best Mid-Range Accommodation (3-4 stars) at the AHA Awards has cemented their ever-growing reputation as a leader in their field where they say they “aim to deliver each visitor with outstanding customer service creating the perfect hospitality experience.”

The place to meet

RYDGES Lakeside Canberra’s CBD location, combined with spectacular views and exemplary service, has ensured it was the AHA award winner of Best Meetings and Events Hotel as well as Best Environmental Initiative.

The hotel is home to Canberra's largest hotel conference venue – a dedicated conference and banquet floor comprising eight convention rooms with a capacity of up to 1500 in the ballroom. All rooms have natural light and on-site support in terms of function management and audio-visual requirements. All conference facilities include high-speed and secure broadband internet access.

This year’s AHA award winners

Member of the Year:

Soc Kochinos.

John Press Award: Peter Barclay. President’s Award: David Marshall.

Best Suite/Apartment h otel:

Quality Suites Clifton on Northbourne.

Best Mid-Range Accommodation (3 to 4 star):

Belconnen Premier Inn and Quality Hotel, Woden.

Best Superior Accommodation (4 to 4.5 star): Crowne Plaza.

Best Deluxe Accomodation: Hyatt Hotel.

Best Front of House (Hotel) Employee: Alicia Howe, Rydges Capital Hill.

Best Bar in a h otel:

Bacchus Bar @ Hotel Realm.

Best Restaurant in a h otel:

Konoba Restaurant @ Hotel Realm.

Best e nvironmental initiative: Rydges Lakeside.

Best Meetings and events h otel: Rydges Lakeside.

Best Family Restaurant: Le Rendezvous.

Best Café-Style Restaurant: Tosolinis.

Best Casual Dining (Modern Australian Cuisine): Ellacure.

Best Cocktail Bar: Knightsbridge Penthouse.

BESTMIDATIONAWAAwards”

Best Casual Dining (Asian Cuisine): China Tea Club.

Best Bar Presentation and Service: Sub- urban.

Best Casual Dining (european Cuisine): Flint Dining Room.

Best Prestigious Dining Venue: Mezzalira Ristorante.

Best Wine list: Mezzalira Ristorante.

Best Restaurant Service Employee: Nathan Sparrow, Cream Cafe Bar.

Best Outdoor e ntertainment Area: Ha Ha Bar.

Best live e ntertainment Venue: Transit Bar.

Best l ate Night e ntertainment Venue: Mooseheads.

[02] 6253 3633

www.belconnenpremierinn.com

Best Apprentice Chef: Shay O’Brien, Rydges Capital Hill.

Best New/Re-Developed licensed Premise: Tongue & Groove.

Best Sporting e ntertainment Venue: Sub- urban.

Best local Pub (venues not located in major entertainment precincts, Civic, Manuka, Kingston, and Dickson): All Bar Nun.

OutinCanberra People’s Choice Award – Best Restaurant: Ellacure Restaurant

OutinCanberra People’s Choice Award – Best Bar/Nightclub:

Sub- urban

Best Tourist e xhibition:

Degas – Master of French Art, National Gallery of Australia Tourist Attraction: Questacon (National Science & Technology Centre)

Hooray, bottoms are back!

THE poor old “gluteus maximus’’, the butt of so many jokes and so much female angst, has at last apparently come into its own.

Much of this new popularity for the bigger bum owes much to celebrities with rounded posteriors who have proudly embraced their curves (think Beyoncé or J. Lo). Butts are so big in pop culture that there is even a song dedicated to the larger derrière titled “I Like Big Butts’’. (Predictably, this is a song my six-year-old son has somehow learnt the words to – accompanied by numerous sniggers.)

Many women are positively butt phobic, particularly those of us entering middle age that are all-too-aware that our bums have expanded under the pressures of life and are heading south as fast as gravity

These are the talented stylists who went to Sydney with Sarah Booth to work with Vogue at Fashion

in THe ciT y

By Sonya Fladun

and cellulite can take them. Today’s fashionable bums are so not your average butt. No, we’re talking carefully sculptured works of art. More often than not, celebrity butts are the product of thousands of hours of labour by dieticians, personal trainers, masseurs, and, in some cases, cosmetic surgeons.

So where does that leave the rest of us? Well those of us with no butt, really big butts, butts that are directionally challenged need not despair. There is “shapeware”, designed to create at least the appearance of a perfect butt. There isn’t anything new

about shapeware: My grandmother wouldn’t have been caught dead without her girdle and step-ins that held her in and pushed everything up.

Today, of course, the shapeware is a world apart from the whalebone-lined monstrosities of the past and they do achieve remarkable results.

After seeing my butt looking almost perky, and my thighs and tummy if not flat, then at least packed in nice and firm, I’m thinking breathing could be an optional extra at special occasions.

But there are risks.

Trying to extract myself from shapeware in a small fitting room nearly saw me literally rolling in the aisles. Still, it’s probably about time I give my poor butt a little support. I’m thinking a shoehorn might be a solution.

Weighing up the options

By Megan Haggan

DESPITE a growing understanding of the benefits of training with weights, there are still a lot of myths out there, says Karen Elliott, master trainer at RushFit.

The biggest misconception is that using weights will make women big and muscular, giving them a “body-builder” physique, she told “CityNews”.

“Due to the fact that women cannot produce as much testosterone naturally as men do, by just touching weights it’s impossible for women to gain massive amounts of muscle without the use of steroids,” Karen says.

However, a nice level of definition – think Michelle Obama’s arms – is achievable.

Weight training does not make us stiff and muscular, says Karen.

“Flexibility will actually increase when you perform a range of exercises, through a full range of movement – by performing these exercises correctly, your stretching capabilities increase.”

Sadly, weight training can’t do a couple of other things frequently attributed to it, such as increasing bust size and transforming fat into muscle.

“Sorry, girls! Breasts are mostly composed of fatty tissue,” she says.

“The only way to increase your breast size is by implants or weight gain.

“Fat and muscle are different types of tissue, and we cannot turn one into the other.

“A lot of women feel they should not perform resistance training until they get to their ideal body weight, mistakenly dieting

Karen Elliott… “It’s

their way to weight loss and avoiding weight training, but body transformation occurs by gaining muscle through weight training, diet and aerobic exercise.

“Weight training helps promote your metabolic rate. This directly aids in the burning of fat as fuel.

“One of the most important activities you can do is weight training, to help lose body fat.”

As well as helping improve the metabolism, weight training has other benefits, some of which are particularly important for women.

Its positive effect on bone density is

important, Karen says – enough weightbearing exercise, particularly in our 20s and 30s, can help us prevent osteoporosis in our later years.

Weight training can also strengthen our connective tissue (ligaments and tendons), she says, improve our posture and coordination, and produces endorphins, the “feel-good” and pain-relieving hormones.

“Most importantly, it maintains anaerobic fuel sources, as well as fast-twitch fibres, both of which decline as we age.

“As these two youth-related physical attributes decline or become non-existent, individuals tend to lose their balance more often.

“While this is more prevalent in the elderly, women suffer earlier, due to the above-mentioned hormones and our predisposition to avoid resistance and weight training programs.

“And no, walking doesn’t cut it.

“While it is weight-bearing in a sense, walking does not supply adequate resistance, and aerobic training doesn’t stimulate growth, sex and feel-good hormones.”

Karen suggests that to maintain a physique higher in lean muscle and lower in fat, we should eat plenty of high-density foods, such as meat, poultry, fish and dairy (little tins of flavoured tuna make an ideal snack).

“Eat lots of veggies, especially in green, red and yellow – the more colour the better!

“Limit starch-dominant veggies, such as the potato family, peas, beans and corn – and stick to only small serves of pasta, rice and bread.”

Reebok Ladies Fitness Glove, $34.99 from Rebel Sport, Canberra Centre.

MBT Changa shoe, $379.95, and M-Walk shoe in silver, $369.95, from Athlete’s Foot, Canberra Centre.

Get into the right gear

Nike Running Hydration Belt, $39.99 from Sportsmans Warehouse, Civic.

Gaiam Walking Fit Kit Beginner Pedometer, $19.99 from Rebel Sport, Canberra Centre (includes CD).

Shock Doctor Gel Max Adult mouthguard in Pink, $21.99, from Sportsmans Warehouse, Civic.

Mouse a trap for workers

CANBERRANS are increasingly suffering from headaches, back and neck pain caused by using a mouse, according to ACT chiropractor Pete Garbutt.

He says that white-collar workers often don’t expect to injure their backs during routine office work, but it’s all too common.

“If you look back to the 1980s, many people had RSI in the elbows because of repetitive work, but since then back, neck and shoulder pain has moved upwards, and it’s all because of the mouse. I see a lot of it.

“People may have headaches and not know why.

“While Canberrans are fortunate in that they’re among the most active people in Australia, people do suffer from having to be in the office for long periods of time, and the back and neck pain we see is often

a consequence of that office lifestyle.”

Recent research showed that 67 per cent of Australians suffer from back pain on a weekly basis, while 25 per cent suffer from daily pain.

Besides hunching over a mouse and keyboard, causes include lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, diet, smoking, poor posture and being overweight: the survey showed that overweight people were almost twice as likely to have back pain.

Pete Garbutt said that taking regular breaks from the mouse could help prevent pain, as could stretching.

“Another thing you can do is swap the mouse to the other side. Within a day, most people are very competent with their ‘off’ hand, and it gives their ‘normal’ side a break.”

No time like the present

“CITYNEWS” asked Rose Males, from the ProFit Health Club in Civic, why good things come to those who don’t wait…

1. Making a decision now helps avoid procrastination. “Now is always the perfect time to make yourself your number-one priority and invest in your health,” says Rose.

2. “Right now, the gym is warm and lit up!”

3. Hitting the gym now gives us enough time to lose weight and gain fitness for summer, she says. “It’s those who work out over winter who have great-looking bodies in summer.”

4. We’ve overtaken the uS in the obesity stakes – and it’s not a good title to have. “We’re now the fattest country in the world, and so it’s a good time to get that percentage down – not on a personal level, but if more of us make an effort we can reverse this.”

5. Ceasing to procrastinate sets a good example for our children, many of whom are now overweight or obese, says Rose. “It’s the best time to be a good role model.”

cause

& Friends

from the past Blasts

THE “quirky and retro” trend in homewares – particularly kitchenware – is all about a combination of fun and nostalgia, says Allison Jones, founder and designer of Lark & Friends homewares.

“I think that people like to look back to their childhoods – and the home, the kitchen, is a central part of childhood,” she says.

“The illustrations and designs from this period are beautiful, too – something that was lost in the blandness of 1990s design, and is now being rediscovered. Being surrounded by these things can bring you a warm, happy feeling.

“The thing that’s different today is that designers are taking images previously used in children’s books and advertising, and applying them to homewares and accessories, so people are buying specifically because something is ‘quirky and retro’, whereas previously it was just ‘the norm.’

It’s not necessarily a return to domestic goddesshood, either – Allison says lots of men also love vintage images and styles.

“However, there’s definitely been a trend for people to spend more on homewares and accessories that help to make housework and baking more enjoyable, and give them a sense of pride and domesticity!”

Tupperware Alegra 3.5L bowl with servers, $53.15.

Lark & Friends Dumpling Dynasty Baking Kit, $29.95 (from Toyhaus, Fyshwick).

Division Lunch

Speaker: Jon Stanhope MLA, ACT Chief Minister

When: Wednesday 8 July

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Venue: Hotel Realm, Barton Proudly sponsored by: BVN Architecture

Feed in Tariff Scheme Forum

When: Tuesday 23 June

Time: 4pm to 6pm

Venue: Minter Ellison, Barton Proudly sponsored by: ActewAGL and TransACT

2009 Awards Night and Gala Ball

When: Friday 7 June

Time: 7pm to midnight

Venue: National Convention Centre Proudly sponsored by: St Hilliers

ACROSS

1 The republic of Latvia is part of which States?

7 Name a ball game of American Indian origin.

8 Who was the Danish king of England 1017-35?

9 Which type of vote is cast by one who is not at the polling booth?

10 Name the planet, the sixth in order from the sun.

11 Name a Swiss resort bearing the same name as a South Sydney suburb.

14 What term describes a psychological emotional disorder?

18 What do we call a "shooting star"?

19 Name a state of being affluent.

21 Who were the mythological deities of enormous strength and gigantic size?

22 What, broadly, is an eponym?

23 Name a style of art, architecture and decoration of the 18th century.

DOWN

1 In golf or tennis, what can cause the ball to bounce backwards?

2 Which is the second sign of the zodiac?

3 What is another word for "chars"?

4 Which playing cards count as either the highest, or lowest in their suit?

5 Name a type of pickled or boiled beef.

6 To be to the rear of a ship is to be what?

12 Which apparatus measures the amount of energy substance used (3,5)?

13 Name a particular kind of steamed coffee.

15 What is the act of spying?

16 What do we call help given, as to those in poverty or need?

17 Which electricity is produced by friction?

20 To be orderly in appearance is to be what?

Solution next week

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rambunctious Rams want everything done yesterday but you’ll find a slow and steady approach will get you there faster this week. Whatever you expect [or ask] loved ones to do, they are likely to go ahead and do the complete opposite. A good time to employ some reverse psychology perhaps?

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

It’s a wonderful week for soft lights, candlelit dinners and romantic reveries. Don’t get carried away though and let your usual common sense go out the window. If you have unrealistic romantic expectations, you could end up sadly disappointed. Taurean artistic types – prepare for a creative surge as you are infused with ideas and inspiration!

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Geminis are the gregarious gadflies of the zodiac. Light and fluffy is your usual style, but is your partner longing for more substance? Dig a little deeper as you communicate your thoughts and feelings on a more complex level. Singles – a sudden attraction may tempt you but take the time to think things through.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Sudoku is an 81, square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks. You can successfully solve the puzzle just by using logic and the process of elimination. Solution next week

The Sun is moving through Cancer, which boosts your energy and motivation levels. And Mercury moves into your sign on Saturday, which heightens your mental abilities – and also your obsessions. If you must be a compulsive Crab, make sure it’s over something that’s important!

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

We all know the Lion and Lioness are the King and Queen of the jungle, but you can too easily go off on a power trip. The iron fist in the velvet glove approach will work best this week Leo – especially at work. You’ll discover you can be powerful and influential, without being domineering and dictatorial.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Don’t even try to second-guess the behavior of others this week Virgo. 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.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

“Keep moving forward and don’t look back” should be your current motto. With the Sun in your career zone, you’ll be full of energy as you take the lead – and your workmates should happily follow behind. But are you expecting too much from a new love [or an old friend] and viewing them through rose-colored glasses?

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

It may feel as if everyone wants a piece of you this week. If you’re a smart Scorpio, you’ll do all you can to avoid power struggles and misunderstandings. Don’t feel you have to assert your authority - compromise and cooperation will get you a lot further. Don’t expect more of a loved one than you would ask of yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Current communication over joint finances or shared possessions looks complicated and confusing, so tread carefully. Are you using money as a weapon? Better to temporarily retreat and re-think your tactics - a fresh approach will work wonders. Thursday is the best day of the week for study, travel and creative projects.

CAPRICORN

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Don’t spoil your romantic chances by being a Capricorn control freak – especially on Saturday. Try the softy-softly approach instead. At work, you need to lead [and inspire others] by example. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” [John Quincy Adams]

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your finances are still being influenced by unpredictable uranus and penny-pinching Saturn. More careful budgeting [and less impulse buys] will help life run more smoothly. Keep your feet on the ground, even though your head’s in the stars. Make sure you are seeing a family member clearly – are they taking you for a ride?

PISCES

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Pliable Pisceans – are you doing too much for everyone else and neglecting your goals and desires? Your motto for the coming week is from Jack Canfield; “Success depends on getting good at saying no without feeling guilty. You can’t get ahead with your own goals if you’re always saying yes to someone else’s.”

Stunning as new 4 bedroom town residence with tree top views conveniently located close to Canberra Hospital, Woden Plaza, Southland Shopping Centre & numerous schools. Boasting

open plan living at its best, state of the art kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite, WIR & balcony, generous sized bedroom 2 & 3, study/4th bedroom & a large double garage with workshop area & internal access. EER 4 Auction on site 12.30pm Sunday 28th June Manuka 6295 2433 Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

Time for the vision

WE’RE now well into the 21st century and it’s high time steps are taken to ensure that Australia’s capital will never again be seen as a “cemetery with lights” or the “ruin of a good sheep station”.

These were the sorts of comments Sir Robert Menzies faced when he took power in 1949 and, even today, they are not far from the view held by many Australians.

In a recent ABC radio interview, Professor George Williamson called for a vision for our capital. He said party policy has so far lacked the ambition to drive the next stage in Canberra’s development

Our city is more than just a place that employs politicians and public servants. It is the symbol and heart of our nation, but to maintain that position with credibility and honour, it must embody the best our nation has

By Catherine Carter

to offer. Canberra should be a city for all Australians, not just those who live here.

That is more than a job for our local government. It needs federal commitment, too.

It is unfair to expect local taxpayers to carry the expense of providing infrastructure, just as vital to the national parliamentary sector and those offices which support it, as it is to the local residents. And there it is also impractical to expect local politicians, elected to represent their local constituents, to also make decisions that benefit the nation, sometimes to the exclusion of local interests.

A vision for Canberra means creating a clear picture of what

we want our capital to be in future, to clearly define what we want to achieve towards that vision at target dates, to quantify and qualify fuzzy, but comforting goals, transforming them into defined, reachable targets. We need to know what our ideal population will be by a given date (that needs demographic targets). We need to know where the people will live and work (that needs land-use planning). We need to know how we will be educating them, caring for their health, providing them with transport options (that needs infrastructure planning).

Right now, there is an opportunity for the Rudd Government to work with the ACT to recapture the vision held by Prime Ministers Chifley and Menzies of a great bush capital for Australia. Catherine Carter is the executive director of the Property Council of Australia (ACT).

Praise for local building project

LEIGHTON Properties was “highly commended” in the office developments award category of the Property Council of Australia Rider Levett Bucknall Awards for Innovation and Excellence for its development at 7 London Circuit.

Property Council national president Daniel

Grollo said: “This year’s highly commended winners, including 7 London Circuit, continue to raise the bar for the industry, particularly in the area of design and innovation.

“The project is 18,600sqm and, when viewed from street level, is a dramatic transparent showcase with floor-to-ceiling glass.”

AUCTION 4 ACTION!

MORUYA HEADS 7/11-13 Native Way

Brand New Townhouse, Affordable Price Expectation!

This lovely townhouse is only 500 metres stroll from the beach - perfect for holidays! Beautifully finished, every room has balcony access, there’s a gorgeous main bathroom, stainless steel kitchen appliances, and the courtyard is secure for children and pets. Quality carpets and tiles put the final touch to a good floor plan. Buy now to enjoy for yourself or as an investment. This won’t last long!

Auction View 27.6.09 @ 1pm, or by appointment

SURFSIDE 11 Hawks Nest Place

Looking For a Beach House?

Melissa Williams 0408 253 481 raywhite.com/BBY120 42

Auction

With the distant hum of the surf, the sound of the birds, a short walk to the beach, all just five minutes drive from town, this property fulfills your dream of an affordable beach house. On two levels, it offers upstairs three bedrooms, living and spacious deck, while at ground level you have one bedroom council approved self-contained roomy accommodation also with sweeping deck. And oh! Those views! Plenty of hard space to park your boat or van too. In a great location in a quiet cul de sac this will be a good buy. Very motivated vendor!

View 27.6.09 @11am, or by apppointment

Melissa Williams 0408 253 481 raywhite.com/BBY11311

MALUA BAY 72B Bellbird Drive

Quality Living, Affordable Price

This sunny house is brand new, and just ten minutes drive south of the hustle and bustle of Batemans Bay. Within a casual stroll of both Garden Bay and Malua Bay’s sandy beach and village shops and eateries, and priced well below its neighbours, it is quality-built and equipped with top class inclusions. Very comfortable as a residence and delightful for a holiday retreat, ‘Sea Breeze Estate’ is set back from the salt spray and is locally renowned as the location for better-than-average homes. Quiet and peaceful, it represents 21st century living at its best.

Auction View 27.6.09 @ 1pm, or by appointment

John Haslem 0418 514 399 raywhite.com/BBY113

Final Release at Elmslea Final Release at

Attention: 1st Homebuyers are

6297 7911 Visit Elmslea Estate Sunday 12pm — 4pm Cnr McCusker & McMahon Dr, Bungendore

By Negotiation

9 HAMILTON DRIVE - A sumptuous Federation-inspired home, wrapped in exquisite manicured gardens and uninterrupted panoramic rural views, this stunning property of approximately 12.5 acres is ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on the Canberra side of Yass with easy

and a superlative sense of craftsmanship with an elegant country appeal. North-facing to living areas, accommodation includes 4 large bedrooms, master with ensuite and WIR, additional two bathrooms, formal lounge and dining rooms with a beautiful fireplace, substantial kitchen overlooking family and meals rooms with a wall of glass to capture the outstanding views, rumpus room and double garage. Comprehensive infrastructure includes water tanks, bore, dam, machinery shed/ workshop and paddocks. Discover a very private world, extraordinarily beautiful and an abundantly luxurious rural escape.

33 MCINNES LANE - ‘Areia Branca’ a Sutton Park sanctuary, about 12 minutes from Canberra City, capturing rural views in every direction and encompassing the essence of relaxed resort lifestyle and charm in an irreplaceable very private position with 28 acres of unique grassy woodland, . This north-facing energy-efficient residence features 4 large bedrooms, master with a spa ensuite and parent’s retreat leading out to wrap-around deck, open plan living areas surrounded by an extensive use of glass overlooking the rural views and outdoor entertaining area with swimming pool, and a magnificent modern kitchen. Designed to provide flexible living, a second newly-built 1 bedroom home of about 12 squares is also available and is ideal for the extended family, guest or teenager, artist’s studio or as a bed and breakfast guest house. With too many features to mention, this outstanding property is a welcome oasis for the family or busy executive alike.

Contact Maria for viewing times Tender: Closes 5pm, Wednesday 29th July

Open: Contact Maria for Viewing Times f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803 f Maria Selleck 0417

Building Services Display Home

Address: 10/11 Fawkner St Braddon

Open for Inspection: 12:00 -12:30pm Saturday 27 June

Agent: Stephen Bunday, L.J. Hooker Dickson Contact: 6257211 or 0416 014 431

Contemporary excellence packed with luxury features.

9 Tarrabool Street is a contemporary 4 bedroom home which features formal lounge, dining room & family room. The focal point of the home is the stunning 'designer' kitchen which includes CeasarStone bench tops, walk-in pantry, gas cook top, electric oven & grill, and dishwasher.

A superb master bedroom with walk-thru robe, ensuite and private courtyard. Bedrooms 2 (ideal as a nursery), 3 & 4 have built-in robes.

3 car lockup garage, remote panel lift doors and internal access; Security system; down lights Timber deck; High ceilings; Italian Porcelain oor tiles; within 1km of Yerrabi Pond, local schools and shops; 719sq/m block, 205.14sq/m living. EER4

The Smarter

Kouvelis Real Estate Garran Shopping Centre, Garran, ACT Telephone: 6285 1590

This Home Raises ‘Superb’ to New Heights. Right home – right address. Faultless 3 bedroom home, about 8 years old, on easy care block in up-market neighbourhood. Isolated master suite with walk-in robe, ensuite and retreat area, open plan living area, brilliant ‘professional’ kitchen (the boy can really cook!) and internal access to the double garages. Internal comfort controlled by ducted heating and evaporative cooling with a terrific covered courtyard with spa catering for outdoor activities. Delightful boardwalks and decks allow full appreciation of the lush gardens. If you look at nothing else, look at this one.

Andrew York 0418 624 411

It’s convenient and portable. Just plug the internet stick into your laptop and you’re ready to surf the net, check emails and download music wherever you like – using the Vodafone 3G network!

Minimum cost over 24 months including $15.95 connection fee is $951.95.