5GB* data for $39/month† plus a FREE internet stick!
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.
Coverage provided on the Vodafone network
Opposition treasury spokesman Brendan smyth… “t he chief minister needs to explain himself.”
a rts& e ntertainment 15-16
Body 17 crossword 19
Dining 16
e nvironment 6
h ealth & Fitness 18
h oroscope 19
m ovie reviews 15
n ews 3-11 politics 9
p roperty 20-23
s ocial s cene 13
sudoku 19
General manager: Greg Jones 0419 418196, greg@citynews.com.au
advertising sales executives: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660
Jonathan Hick, 0415 177345
Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701
Scott Meikle, 0404 318888
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
Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100
p hone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111
GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au
editor: Ian Meikle editor@citynews.com.au
s enior writer and arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286
l ifestyle 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 JGD
Hire purchase agreement
No deposit, $8,995 balloon payment
Payment includes on road costs and 12 months registration
Approved business customers only
Approved business customers can drive away a new smart fortwo 52kw mhd coupe and pay from $9.95 per day* on a 48 month hire purchase agreement. Contact us at Capital Star Motors today on 02 6280 5500 to organise a test drive. smart fortwo 52kw mhd coupe from $9.95 per day*
By Jorian Gardner
IT’S a stunning success on the internet (“A recent survey told us that 90 per cent of Canberra buyers found the home they purchased first on allhomes”) and now Canberra’s home-grown, real-estate web business is starting to show its face around the place.
Allhomes, which has 26 employees, 20 of them full-time programmers, has just moved into new offices in Kingston.
It’s part of a strategy for the growing business to have a public face, says affable CEO Tim White.
“We’ve got highly visible signage, which is us saying ‘here we are!’.”
A Canberra boy born and bred, Tim came to the business in 2007, having spent five years in London growing a start-up internet retail site. He’s happy to be home – and has a young daughter plus twins on the way.
“I love being here and working on the business,” he says. “Each day is different – it’s fun, exciting and dynamic.
“We run regular surveys and have the stats to back up our market dominance. A recent survey told us that 90 per cent of Canberra buyers found
a llhomes ceO tim w hite… “ we want to make sure that we keep providing the c anberra real estate market with what it
wants.”
the home they purchased first on allhomes.
“When we talk about how they use allhomes in comparison to the other mediums – and there is, of course, no doubt that they go to competitor websites or other publications – we see that they may go to another website like Domain and see
five properties for sale, then they log on to allhomes and find 50.
“That’s what we are trying to reinforce – if you want the full picture, you come to allhomes.”
Having now secured its place as Canberra’s leading real estate contact point, is the company considering taking its strong brand national?
“Not right now, but I certainly won’t say that that isn’t one of our ambitions,” Tim says. “We want to make sure that we keep providing the Canberra real estate market with what it wants.
“We have a good footprint in the south coast and Wollongong – so we are actually playing outside the ACT area in those pockets. We want the regions we are in to have the most-informed buyers and sellers – and that is our mark of success. Put simply, it’s because we have a better product than the other sites that have followed since we launched in 2001.
“The reality is with a company such as ours, when you are first to market, it’s hard for others to catch up.”
And how did he find his new Kingston office? In a shot he replies: “I found it on allhomes of course!” Indeed – where else?
When: Wednesday 15 July 2009
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Minter Ellison, Barton
Proudly sponsored by: ActewAGL and TransACT
When: Wednesday 22 July 2009
Time: 330pm to 5pm
Venue: Childers Square, 14 Childers Street
Proudly sponsored by: CB Richard Ellis
When: Friday 7 August 2009
Time: 7pm to midnight
Venue: National Convention Centre
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
SUSTAINABILITY was a key feature at the recent ACT Chapter Architecture Awards, with president David Flannery calling on ACT Government to create a government architect.
The chapter has met with government officials and various MLAs from the Liberals and Greens parties over the past 12 months and the general response has been positive.
Mr Flannery appealed to the Chief Minister Jon Stanhope to continue with considerations, adding: “The proof is in the pudding with highly successful roles already established in NSW, Queensland, WA, Tasmania, Victoria and the NT. In every one of these cases, the respective governments and their communities have witnessed the value of sound strategic and professional advice about good design that has resulted in innovation and more sustainable urban planning and built environments.”
The ceremony also honoured renovation of existing homes with Philips and Associates taking the Archicentre Mervyn Willoughby-Thomas Renova-
MaRk paRToN says innocent businesses will be hurt by the petulance of disaffected kangaroo lovers.
PAT O’Brien from the National Kangaroo Protection Coalition is an outspoken animal lover. In my view he has now become an “economic terrorist” as well.
The ACT Government is pushing ahead with a kangaroo cull at the Canberra Nature Park and the NKPC is refusing to accept the validity of that action. Animal Liberation NSW had managed to temporarily delay the Majura kangaroo cull, but the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal eventually gave it the green light.
An international tourism boycott of Canberra was the bright idea from the NKPC. I spoke with Pat O’Brien on my radio program at 2CC. I hoped that perhaps he had been misquoted on the “tourism boycott”. It quickly became evident that there was no ambiguity in his organisation’s intentions.
eNvi RoNMeNT
By tanya Davies
tion Award. Andrew Raszewski received a commendation.
Raszewski’s entry, a Mugga Lane property, required a small extension to the building fabric and a refurbishment of existing spaces; his brief asked for ecology, functionality and visual appeal. By changing the orientation, introducing cross ventilation and a night purge system, he significantly enhanced the efficiency and comfort of the home. Raszewski, who has worked in Europe and a variety of countries, says many of the techniques being embraced in Canberra have been used overseas for centuries where they are not considered sustainable but simply part of the culture.
“In many eastern countries buildings have been designed to keep their inhabitants cool. In Europe, they’ve learned to manage both cold and heat.”
Can you believe the audacity of these people? At a time when so many Canberra businesses are scrambling to survive, the NKPC thinks it’s a fine idea to hold the city to ransom because they didn’t get their own way. This is irresponsible, juvenile and absolutely misguided. As if the ACT Government was ever going to back down because of this threat. That was never going to happen.
I don’t know how successful the tourism boycott will be and to some extent, we’ll never know. At the time of writing, I hadn’t actually seen any evidence of the anti-tourism action other than mentions of it in Canberra media but the viral nature of the internet should ensure that even if nothing else is done, the anti-tourism sentiment will have some negative effect. Tourism operators and the rest of Canberra will always apportion some blame for any downturn to the NKPC.
This irresponsible flexing of “roo-lover” muscles will have just two results: It’ll make it tougher for our tourism operators to turn a profit and the number of Canberrans who are openly against the NKPC, and Animal Liberation will multiply one hundred fold. This isn’t about kangaroos anymore. It’s about bullies. Those who still believed that the ACT Government was being heavy handed have all but disappeared. This argument never had anything to do with any Canberra businesses and they shouldn’t have been sucked into it.
I was always prepared to listen to the NKPC. I don’t care what they’ve got to say anymore.
PHOENIX Package4AinParadiseFabric. 3seater,2seaterArmless plus4largebackcushions. 50%off.Only$3,574 (Save$3,574) or 40% off all individual Phoenix pieces in Paradise Fabric only.
up to 50% off
* at the Winter Sale on now. JASPER Package1 From$5,990* (RRP$8,582) InselectedKingFabrics. Asdisplayedinluxurious TrueTouchLeather $10,990* (RRP$16,188)
DELTASTORAGE Package7 Easy to use, generous storage spaces solve the storage problem.
From$2,490* (RRP$4,162) Inpremium KingSuedeFabric.*
026239
SYDNEY: Annandale 61ParramattaRoad 0295165466 Chatswood 216VictoriaAvenue0294103366 Northmead 2 Windsor Road 028838 6666 (CornerJames Ruse Drive) MELBOURNE: Southbank 312City Road0386338666 Richmond 569ChurchStreet0394297666 BRISBANE: Fortitude Valley 1024AnnStreet 073253 6666
A KEEN interest in business, plus an in-depth understanding of the communication problems caused by geography, will be big advantages now that he’s come to Canberra, says Chris Taylor, Telstra Country Wide’s™ new general manager, ACT and South-East NSW region.
For the last three years, Chris has been GM of the company’s Western NSW division, based in Orange and overseeing operations everywhere from Lithgow to Broken Hill.
“In that area there’s lots of differences in geography and population – and in regional Australia geography is the biggest challenge,” he told “CityNews”.
“Out there we’ve got coverage in towns and villages down to populations of around 200, but there’s also issues like highway coverage, and for people outside those centres we’re addressing the problems.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with ways to help people understand how to maximise the coverage they get: Using aerials when they travel, for example, can make a 30 to 40 per cent difference in someone’s coverage experience.”
Telstra now offers “blue tick” mobile handsets that can get around some of the problems in notorious coverage black spots such as the Hall region, he says.
Chris says he’s excited about helping Canberra’s tech-savvy business and residential customers get the most out of their communication.
The commercial sector tends to include a large number of early adopters of communication technology, he says.
“My goal is to allow them to see technology as a way to improve their business, to overcome challenges, rather than being seen as a cost.
“Everyone’s looking at ways of competing more effectively in their market, particularly because of the global downturn – and that needs to include ways that doing business can become more streamlined.”
Environmental awareness is also a factor, Chris adds – and teleconferencing and telecommuting can help reduce travel and thus cut pollution.
“I think what drives me is the fact that in business, we all need to be flexible. We work on the road, we work from home and we all want to be more productive in our work.
“Because of that, we need equipment and services that are high quality and are going to be reliable.
“I’ve got a team of 21 people in Canberra, and we’ll cover things from working with our Telstra shops and partners to looking after business accounts and managing relationships with councils, local members of government and community interest groups.
“I plan to be heavily involved in the Canberra business Chamber of Commerce: I’ve been vice president of the Orange business chamber for about two years, and I sat on the Board of the Central West Business Enterprise Centre.
“I really have a strong affinity for business. When I first joined Telstra in Newcastle, which is where I’m from, I worked in customer service there for three years so I understand business from a few different perspectives.”
THE decision of the Rudd Government to say “sorry” was a major step forward in indigenous well-being. But there is still a long way to go as the recent Productivity Commission shockingly reported that the gap between black and white Australians is widening.
The situation for indigenous people in the ACT may be better than it is for indigenous people in other parts of the country, but there is a long way to go before a child born into an average Aboriginal family in Canberra has the same prospects as a child born into an average non-indigenous family.
Aunty Agnes Shea may be less known in the broader community, but she is a stalwart of the local Ngunnawal people. The work that Aunty Agnes does with local young people is legendary amongst those who deal with Aboriginal youth in Canberra. It was Agnes Shea who welcomed past and present MLAs to the Assembly on the 20th anniversary of self-government. Her welcome reflected her own gentleness, her pride and her determination to work for a better future for young indigenous Australians – especially those living in Canberra.
When Aunty Agnes Shea spoke about the way all members of the Legislative Assembly have dealt with her over the years, it was not difficult to see the pride in her eyes. She referred to the respect that had been afforded her. It is a respect that she has earned and that she deserves. I have seen her with young men who were in juvenile detention. These tough young men would bend over backwards to please and comply with the wishes of this elder.
People such as Agnes play an extraordinarily important role in improving the lot of the
By michael moore
indigenous people of the area. However, there are still structural issues that must make the challenges seem insurmountable. Leading the list are structural racism, poverty, alcohol and other drugs, poor nutrition, unemployment, poor educational and health prospects and incarceration.
Professor Ted Wilkes recently told a gathering that incarceration had effectively become a rite-of-passage for indigenous people in some communities. Twenty years ago, the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody identified that 14 per cent of people incarcerated were indigenous and this over representation was the driving force behind the deaths. The commission made many recommendations about how to handle this issue. Two decades later, the rate is 24 per cent and growing. Our policies and approaches are not working. We need to continue showing respect as all of us work with local Aboriginal elders to improve the lot of our first Australians.
Michael Moore is a former independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and minister for health.
CORRECTION: The quote in the column of June 25 on the “cavalier attitude of Ministers” and the 54 recommendations was inadvertently taken from the Estimates report of the previous year.
“WE want our clients to remember us as a rm that helped them to achieve both their nancial and personal goals – not just a rm that saved them a bit of tax,” says accountant James Watt. And James is not your average accountant; on July 1 he became the joint director of the boutique accounting rm Beames & Associates in Deakin, of which 25 per cent is owned by a major, listed nancial services company.
He brings a mix of experience dealing with small business and enthusiasm to the team headed by brothers Peter and Ross Beames and
nancial planning director, David Rae.
When asked why someone should bring their business to Beames & Associates, he uses the analogy of a car on a highway: “There are three kinds of accountants – one that sits in the passenger seat, looking in the rear-view mirror to tell you what has happened. These are your stereotypical accountants whose annual highlight is lodging your income tax return.
“The second kind is the driver, one who looks out the windscreen to see what is immediately ahead. This is the accountant that will prepare
your tax return and offer some advice on what you should be doing in the short-term future.
“We are the third kind – we are the GPS system that not only tells you where you have been and where you are going – but also how to get there. We advise our clients on all their nancial affairs throughout their entire life cycle.
“In part, we believe that is why our rm was selected for a 25 per cent investment by a major listed company. The investor saw the bene ts of the ‘whole-of-life’ adviser services being provided to clients.
generation look to retire. They are young and hard working, absolutely dedicated to their clients, but also happy to take time out to celebrate successes with their colleagues.
“It’s not just me,” says James, when asked why he has remained at Beames & Associates for so long. “We have managed to keep the core group of our best and brightest employees together for a long time, which can be very hard in the accounting industry.
Joint director James Watt… “We look at where a client is now, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there.”
“We look at the big picture – annual compliance, tax advice and structuring, investments and nancial planning, superannuation, insurances, lending and estate planning. We look at where a client is now, where they want to be and what they need to do to get there.”
James, who joined the rm in 2004, is typical of the new breed of chartered accountants who are moving into the industry as the previous
“We offer excellent pay and incentives, a mixture of youth and experience, social functions every quarter, Friday drinks, weekly training, a focus on sport and tness… the list goes on.
“You won’t nd a lot of businesses, let alone a lot of accounting rms that offer both the professional and social aspects that we offer here. We also make a point of promoting from within based on merit – not on age or length of service.
If you’re good enough, you can become whatever you want here.
“Beames & Associates are always on the lookout for the right person to join our team.”
Contact James at Beames & Associates on 6282 9500 or at www.beamesandassociates.com.au
and brightest employees together for a long time, which can be very hard in the accounting industry,”
MeGaN HaGG aN discovers that employers will need to adapt to more flexible working conditions with the introduction of the National employment standards in January.
EMPLOYERS will need to become more flexible to accommodate the needs of working parents, says job search network founder Kate Sykes.
“In the workplace, employers are in one of two camps when it comes to flexibility – they are talking about it or doing it,” says Kate, director of the Canberra-based www.careermums.com.au.
“Ninety per cent of ACT businesses are small, and this creates many opportunities to work flexibly.
“On a bigger scale, Government agencies are leading by example and offering flexible positions, particularly to employees returning from parental leave.
“Employers will need to adapt to more flexible working conditions with the introduction of the National Employment Standards in January, which includes giving parents of children five and under the ability to request flexible working arrangements.
“If employers don’t already have policies on flexible working arrangements and parental leave, it will become imperative in the next six months.”
A recent survey by Westfield, the “Westfield We are Family Initiative”, showed that 67 per cent of working mums said their main reason for working was the money – which left 22 per cent working because they like their job, and 10 per cent for the adult social interaction.
c areerm ums founder Kate sykes… “For many women, it is a mixture of needing to work and wanting to work.” photo by silas.
Kate, who was one of 30 experts involved in the survey, says it’s often forgotten that mums may work out of enjoyment, not just necessity.
“Women are used to having a career now before having children: Women, like men, are accustomed to working and earning money.
“For many women, it is a mixture of needing to work and wanting to work.”
The economic downturn has had an effect, with 23 per cent considering a return to work sooner than they had anticipated, and around 10 per cent having had their work hours reduced, or their role has been made redundant.
Kate says the biggest barriers to returning to work include the cost of child care and lack of flexible jobs.
The Government’s 50 per cent child care rebate is a step in the right direction; “However it does not fix the long-term problem that over 70 per cent of child care centres are privately owned,” Kate says.
THEY sponsor the Government and Business Triathlon each year and the ANU Debating Society’s spring tournament, take part in local and world championship mountain biking, and volunteer on St Vinnies Food Van runs in Canberra… it’s all part of giving back to the community, says Anthony Willis, Canberra managing partner of DLA Phillips Fox.
The legal rm’s latest contribution is to move to an environmentally sensitive building in Kingston.
“We’re very conscious of our impact on the environment, and keen to do anything within our power to minimise that impact,” says Anthony.
“When we went looking for a new building, it was an absolute must on our shopping list that the building be at the top end of the environmental rating.”
The new premises have been designed to achieve a 4.5-star Australian Green Building Rating and a four-star Greenstar rating.
“The building contains recycled and environmentally responsible materials and double-glazing to minimise heat and cold transfer and, as a result, heating and cooling costs; it also has a lighting system that’s been designed to minimise wasted energy.
“The environmental side of things goes right down to the fact that we’ve got power boards in each of ce with ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ plugs, and the non-essential ones go off in the evenings when there’s nobody there.
“It’s amazing how many non-essential things are left plugged in to waste electricity, and an awful lot of people just leave appliances switched on all day and night where they keep consuming power.
“We want to reduce our power consumption where we can.”
The rm also sat down with its employees to talk about ways to encourage cycling to work, and as a result has incorporated a large bike storage area and shower/change rooms to make
cycling a more attractive option.
DLA Phillips Fox is one of Australasia’s largest legal rms, and has had an ofce in Canberra since 1990, which currently has 11 partners and 80 staff.
A dedicated government legal service provider, the rm sits on the panels of most Common-
wealth Government departments as well as providing services to the private sector.
As part of its commitment to good corporate citizenship, DLA Phillips Fox does substantial pro bono work.
“In recent times the Commonwealth AttorneyGeneral has required that rms that provide legal services to government have a genuine commitment to pro bono work,” Anthony says.
“Only a very few rms around the country met his requirements right from the outset, including us – in fact, we already exceeded those requirements.”
The rm has just appointed a full-time partner in charge of pro bono work in its Sydney of ce.
DLA Phillips Fox also works with Tandem, a community organisation that provides respite, personal care and other support services to needy people, such as the frail aged, those with disabilities and mental illness, and their families and carers.
“And we support Action Aid Australia in raising funds for the Korng Pisei community in Cambodia,” Anthony adds.
As for the mountain biking, Anthony told “CityNews” that DLA Phillips Fox is now the of cial law rm sponsor of this year’s Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships, to be held in Stromlo Forest Park in September.
“We had two teams of our lawyers in the 24-hour races they put on last year, and this year we’ll have three,” Anthony says.
For more information visit www.dlaphillipsfox. com or call 6201 8787.
ENTRY to the Territory’s most prestigious business awards, the 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards, closes on July 31.
The awards acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets and also recognise the important contribution that ACT and region businesses make to the local economy through job creation and increased prosperity in the community.
For anyone hard pushed for time, or unsure about their eligibility, or what category to enter, there is a free mentoring service available to assist them through the entry process. This is an opportunity to discuss and develop an application, or get comment on a draft application.
The Business and Industry Development area in the Chief Minister’s Department is responsible for delivering the awards on behalf of the ACT Government and has appointed the Canberra Business Council to manage and present the 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards.
The council is the ACT‘s leading business organisation and is committed to sustainable economic development in the ACT and the capital region. It has a long history of active involvement with the local exporting community through its leadership and ongoing management of the International Business Taskforce and ACT Exporters’ Network.
ACT category winners will be announced at a presentation lunch on September 22 at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and progress as national nalists to the Australian Export Awards.
Visit www.exportawards.gov.au/act for information about the awards or to download an application form.
The Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) at the University of Canberra is a world leader in border management education and training. It has a global reputation for strengthening the organisational capability of customs and other border agencies throughout the world, and is recognised by the World Customs Organization as an international centre of excellence. Last year, CCES was recognised as the ACT Chief Minister’s Exporter of the Year and was also named the 2008 Australian Exporter of the Year for Education and Training.
The ACT Exporters’ Network is a well-recognised network of ACT and region exporters collaborating and helping each other in the practical business of building exports. Creating effective, business-driven and globally focused events, the ACT Exporters’ Network is committed to the sharing of knowledge to enhance businesses opportunities overseas.
Austrade is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency. Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment. We provide advice, market intelligence and support to Australian companies to reduce the time, cost and risk involved in selecting, entering and developing international markets. The Australian Export Awards, which recognise and honours export excellence through innovation and commitment, are presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) provides nance and insurance solutions
to help Australian exporters overcome nancial barriers when growing their business overseas. As the Australian Government’s export credit agency, it helps successful businesses to win, nance and protect export trade or overseas investments where their bank is unable to provide all the support they need. EFIC’s sponsorship of the Small to Medium Services Award re ects its commitment to small and medium-sized exporters. Contact EFIC on 1800 887 588 or visit www. e c.gov.au
IELTS Australia Pty Ltd (IA) is a fully owned subsidiary of IDP Education Pty Ltd. IA manages, markets and delivers the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. IA offers testing through a network of centres in over 215 global locations. In 2004 IA became the rst ACT company to win an Australian Export Award, and in 2008 was inducted into the ACT Exporters’ Hall of Fame.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra is Canberra’s nest and most-awarded, ve-star hotel, delivering 21 years of internationally acclaimed Hyatt service and hospitality in a timeless setting.
Inland Trading Co (Aust) Pty Ltd exports Australian, NZ, South African and Austrian wines from premium and highly respected vineyards to the smaller and more-complex international markets. A distinguishing feature of ITC is its incredible portfolio and massive selection of wines available to buyers.
By h elen Musa
TO stage star and singer Craig Pesco, Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the rock band Queen, was always "a huge influence".
Pesco gets to play Freddie in the concert "Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic", coming to Canberra later this month, and tells me, "when Freddie died in 1991, I felt obliged to get all the stuff… the Queen stuff… it was so exciting".
Back in those days, Pesco could never have imagined that he would get to play the eccentric Mercury – born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, of Indian Parsi parentage.
Pesco says Freddie always tried to keep his ethnic background “under wraps and heavy make-up” and in addition only announced that he was HIV-positive the day before he died. Nonetheless, he is now lauded as “the first Asian rock superstar”.
"It was beneficial that I was a true fan,” Pesco says, “I had studied his whole life… getting the role was just fate, I guess."
This show goes a step further than just a tribute concert.
"We put it in a theatrical context,” he says.
It looks at Queen's 20-year history using stage settings, lighting and costume to recreate “a fantasy Queen concert… the best of", with all-time hit numbers such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions".
And while Freddie usually only wore two costumes per show, Pesco wears five or six. "It's outrageous," he says.
Most of Pesco’s job is fun, but there are some rather terrifying fans known as Queenologists, who follow the show around and pick up faults. “That can be scary for a singer… I also need to
keep the general public entertained,” he says.
In playing his part, Pesco has become close to Freddie’s personal assistant and biographer Peter Freestone. Next year Pesco and Freestone are planning on producing a documentary on the life of the star, starting in Zanzibar then travelling to the school near Mumbai where both Mercury and Freestone studied.
And, yes, in their spare moments they might even find time to set up an Indian tour – “Freddie comes to Bollywood” perhaps?
"Queen – It’s a Kinda Magic" is at the Canberra Theatre on July 31.
Not really nuts, just a little hopeless
AFTER two years of sharing a room in a mental institution, Elling and Kjell are allowed back into society. It’s not that they’re dangerous, they’re just a little …hopeless. Based on the cult Norwegian film of the same name, “Elling” was first performed at London’s Bush Theatre in 2007 before
aRT s i N THe ci T y
By Jorian Gardner
moving to the West End. The Sydney Theatre Company brings its production to The Playhouse, August 5-8.
QUEANBEYAN Art Society’s Gallery Painters are present-
ing a new collection of their work throughout July in the Queanbeyan Art Gallery.
ALSO in Queanbeyan, at the swanky Q Theatre, “Chess” the renowned musical written by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with lyricist Tim Rice, opens on July 16. Stephen Pike, Roy
Hukari and Lexi Sekuless will play the leads. IT would be interesting to hear from any “French and Saunders” fans who attended the recent performances at the Royal Theatre. “Arts in the City” hears that the show, at $200 a ticket, was underwhelming.
“last riDe” (ma)
GLENDYN Ivin’s short film “Cracker Bag” won the Golden Palm at Cannes in 2003.
“Last Ride”, his first feature, tells about Kev (Hugo Weaving) fleeing across SA’s arid yet awesomely beautiful interior, dragging his 10-year-old son Chook (Tom Russell). Not much of a film plot, do I hear somebody say? True, but physical movement influences “Last Ride” less than the dreadful issues of an emotionally unstable, intellectually vacant and morally misshapen ne’er-do-well confronting his responsibilities for a child with no other adult role model and the child’s confusion in trying to understand it.
Mac Gudgeon’s screenplay is economical of dialogue, long on visual
description, providing Ivin and his two principal actors with powerful motivations and semiotic factors to energise the film’s impact. The back-story emerges slowly, taking its time explaining why it is worth telling. “Last Ride” doesn’t compromise in depicting Kev’s violent, dishonest awfulness and his self-serving attempts to be a nice guy. A joy to watch, quite overcoming the essential grimness of the scenario, Tom Russell’s portrayal of the vulnerable Chook brilliantly matches Weaving.
At Dendy
“ice aGe 3: Dawn OF the DinOsaurs” (pG)
MOST of the patrons watching this CG animation from Fox could be there in school time because they weren’t old enough to be at school!
On departing, their demeanours made it clear that they thought it a great movie. Which rather reinforces the innocence and intellectual simplicity with which they watched it.
The film’s best part, a trailer that’s been screening for several weeks about a pair of squirrels squabbling over an acorn, gets “Ice Age 3” started. What follows is a big scrunch of same old same old stuff, American
cultural imperialism Hollywood style, as prehistoric mammals set out to rescue a sloth that, having deluded itself that it is the mother of three baby dinosaurs, follows the babies’ real mother into a subterranean environment populated by dangers galore.
Reminiscent of a lot of un-meritorious TV sitcoms, it’ll not harm littlies for whom soft toys still have significant meaning and whose comprehension can’t yet reach the plot’s sub-texts of violence and danger or its fantasy foolishness.
At all Canberra cinemas
“hannah mOntana: the mOvie” (G)
THIS pernicious travesty of cinema as social and cultural engineering tool is so gosh-awful that refusal to confer stars rather over-values it.
Pernicious because it sends misleading messages about celebrity and performance talent to its vulnerable target audience of pre-pubescent girls. A travesty because of illfashioned screenplay, structure and plot raising moral and cultural issues spinning uncontrollably for the benefit of unworthy folks at the expense
of gullible people seeking idols to worship.
Teenager Miley (Miley Cyrus) wears a blonde wig to play Hannah Montana in a network TV kids’ show. Her father (Billy Ray Cyrus, who also co-produced the film) takes her to her grandmother’s farm to celebrate the old girl’s birthday. There she must confront the realities and hollowness of celebrity and make a fateful decision about coming out as the idol of a generation.
At all Canberra cinemas
Restaurant 20% OFF WHEN YOU SPEND $20 OR MORE * *conditons apply
Dickson - open 7 days
T:6249 6662
F/T: 6249 6476
4/6 Cape Street
Canberra City - Closed Sundays F/T:6262 9565 19 East Row, Sydney Building (In the bus interchange)
DiNiNG
By wendy Johnson
WINTER has settled in and to dine outdoors can be risky without rugging up. While many eateries have heaters working overtime, a few innovative ones are offering customers extra comfort with warm, colourful, cosy blankets to wrap around their shoulders or place on their knees. Tosolini’s, Manuka Fine Foods and Kopi Tiam are three such places.
At Kopi Tiam the food also adds warmth, especially the signature curries the restaurant has been serving through its 11 strong years. I’m sure I’ve been eating at Kopi Tiam since they first opened and have, over that time, seen this Chinese-Malay restaurant win many well-deserved awards.
However, only recently did I have the occasion to indulge in one of the restaurant’s highly popular banquet menus. At lunch, the banquet menus (minimum five people) are $18.50 or $29.50 per person (a vegetarian banquet is also available) and the owner Abel Ong ensures his staff respects those who need to get back to the office promptly. At night (when our group of seven dined), the banquet menus are $34.50 or $38.50 per person. We went the “whole hog” and opted for the larger menu, which includes five dishes plus rice and tea or coffee.
The king prawn and bacon wrap in crispy wonton skin with coriander mayo was a
KNIT
one, purl one; next stop, please… an entire bus was covered in knitted wool in Mexico City by the American group “Knitta Please”, which is dedicated to “making the urban world look more alive”.
And over recent days the National Gallery of Australia has held a knitting summit called "Knitta Please”, which has seen artists Magda Sayeg from the US, Denise Litchfield from Sydney and a group of volunteers transform six concrete poles at the front entrance of the NGA with squares of knitting sent to the gallery from as far as Sweden and the US after an SOS went out from the public programs section. Schools
hit and was followed quickly with Kopi Tiam’s unique salt ‘n’ pepper encrusted calamari – always tender, but never overly spicy. Also among our dishes were the restaurant’s famous Bali chicken, a unique combination of flavours that is not your “typical curry fare”. The sizzling king prawns were plump and hit the spot. The teachew soy pork was tender and fragrant and, like many of Abel’s dishes, has been refined over time.
Remember also that Kopi Tiam is always happy to adjust the banquet menu to cater to dietary needs and seasonal availability – just call ahead to discuss.
Abel is a bit of a wine buff, so keep your eye on what he has on offer – he marries his wines well with his cuisine. Or, you can
BYO (bottled wine only) for $6.50.
And while at Kopi Tiam, enjoy the small art exhibitions on the wall to the right as you walk in the front door – which often feature Abel’s wife’s work. Lorna Sim is blossoming as a photographer and growing in popularity. At the moment a series of photos Lorna took in Crackenback are on show. The service at Kopi Tiam is pretty efficient and the staff always friendly. If you haven’t been, now is the time – even if it’s a tad nippy outside. The food is irresistible and so are the warm blankets.
Kopi Tiam, open seven days, 7 Furneaux Street, Kingston. 11.30am to 2.30pm for lunch and 5.30pm to 10pm for dinner (closes at 9pm on Sundays).
from the Canberra region have also sent in their own knitted art.
Sayeg founded “Knitta Please” in Texas in 2005 and now it’s a worldwide phenomenon, found in public spaces, even on the
Don’t
get mad, get even
n
AN even skin tone, free from spots, blemishes and fine lines, is appealing from an evolutionary perspective – and creates a canvas for colour cosmetics.
“A clear complexion is the key to looking youthful and healthy,” explains Joanne Schlip, US celebrity make-up artist from Physicians Formula, which specialises in colour correction.
“With flawless skin, you can try
out several looks of the season, like a sexy bronze eye.” We can use the colour wheel to perfect our skin’s appearance, using not just flesh shades on flaws, but also coloured products: green concealer neutralises red blemishes such as angry pimples or irritated areas, while yellow concealer helps cancel out the appearance of blue-purple under-eye shadows.
NICCOLA Mudge indulges in a nostalgic look (1980s beaded cocktail dress and a fake fur shrug) at the Canberra Vintage Fashion Fair at the Albert Hall. As well as celebrating the 40th anniversary of the moon landing with mini, midi and maxi skirts, the fair featured coats, hats, gloves, bag and, of course, clothing from ‘20s beaded dresses, to ‘30s bias-cuts all the way through to the best of the ‘80s.
“Canberrans love vintage – you can look at it as a recession-buster, but vintage is the best way to get a one-off piece for a special occasion that no-one else will have,” said organiser Fiona Baverstock.
by s ilas
CURVES Belconnen has earned the brand’s Shining Star designation, which recognises only clubs under the franchise that meet certain high standards.
“Becoming a Shining Star Club wasn’t easy, but the process helped us to identify areas where we could improve, and also highlighted areas where we were already excelling,” says Melissa Turner, co-owner of the Belconnen franchise.
a sana grey marle yoga singlet, $59.99, from l orna Jane, c anberra centre.
Five moments with...
kaReN ellioTT, master trainer at Rushfit.
Why did you go into the fitness industry?
Because I wanted to spend as much time in the gym as I could! I had found something I felt passionate about and had achieved goals I thought were never possible.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The good feeling I get when my clients get results.
What’s your favourite workout or exercise?
It’s hard to say, but I can say without a doubt that my least favourite are “burpees” (a full body exercise used in strength training, incorporating four steps).
What aspect of health do we need to work hardest on?
Meal planning! Having our meals prepared, spending the time to think and plan ahead, and being creative with our food is in my opinion one of the best ways to achieve and maintain low body fat.
If you weren’t in the fitness industry, what would you be doing?
I’d like to work with girls and young women on alcohol education, nutrition and working on healthy lifestyles – possibly counselling.
1 Which parts of the arms lie between the forearm and the hand?
8 Name a particular type of Eucalyptus tree.
9 What are golf scores over par?
10 What is one of the various freshwater turtles?
11 Name an insect of the order Coleoptera.
12 What is a floating platform?
13 In computers, which stored units of information are usually eight bits?
16 Who composed the renowned Pomp and Circumstance march?
19 Name the US frontier gunfighter, Wyatt ...
21 In which room is clerical work done?
22 Which island lies 80 km north of Darwin NT?
23 What is another term for farewells?
24 Which cavities act as the organs of voice?
25 Which buildings supply accommodation, food and alcoholic drinks?
2 What is a breeding place of birds?
3 Name an alternative term for a ghost.
4 What is one's female sibling?
5 An ungrateful person is known as a what?
6 What is used to keep out undue noise?
7 In horseracing, what is a betting coup?
13 Which apparatus is used in weight-lifting?
14 Who were the tribal members under the leadership of Genghis Khan?
15 What are the small shining spangles used to ornament a dress, etc?
17 What do we call a member of a socialist or radical party?
18 Which term suggests the act of accumulating in the course of time?
20 What is another name for potassium carbonate? solution next week
ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Travel or further education are on your mind as you look ahead and set goals for the future. Attached Aries – take the time to stop and listen (carefully) to what your partner is saying. Jumping to conclusions is not recommended. Single Rams – you might be bitten by the love bug while studying or traveling. What a way to go!
TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)
Money matters are on your mind as you weigh up the pros and cons of spending versus saving. Bulls appreciate the finer things in life (you are a happy hedonist) but, in the current economic conditions, you’ll have to reign in your love of luxury and learn to live on less. Creative, musical and educational activities are favoured.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)
With Venus and Mars both in your sign this week, you’re double the trouble – and having twice as much fun. Too much happy hilarity (and no action) could annoy others (who are doing all the work!) so try to walk your talk. In the words of Elvis “A little less talk, a little more action please …”
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. s olution
Your dream zones are activated this week, so it’s important to focus on your nightly dreams and use them as a springboard for future planning and success. If you combine intellect and imagination, head and heart, then you’ll be on your way to realizing your true potential. “There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” (Victor Hugo)
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Many Leos will be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a longstanding relationship problem. Accept the opportunity gratefully, with outstretched hands and an open heart. Don’t let false pride stop you from taking a massive leap forward when it comes to love and forgiveness.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
We all know you are a diligent hard worker. (In the words of uber-Virgo, Kevin Rudd: “Frankly, I do believe in burning the midnight oil.”) But, this week, make sure you take the time to lift your head up from the grindstone and actually enjoy what you are doing. All work and no play can make Virgos very boring (and very lonely!).
Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)
Your creativity is at an all-time high as you tune into inspiration from the outside world – and your inner world as well. Many Librans will be given the opportunity to try an innovative approach at work. Don’t be shy about promoting your original ideas - thinking outside the square could take you far.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)
Being demanding and domineering will get you nowhere this week Scorpio. Calm cooperation is the way to go. Learn to relax and go with the flow, otherwise you’ll end up constantly arguing with others – and thoroughly exhausted. Perhaps it’s time to sample a session of meditation or a spot of yoga?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Sagittarians are the eternal students of the zodiac. Your curious mind needs constant stimulation from a variety of educational sources, otherwise you end up restless, bored - and looking for trouble! This week favours taking up a new form of study, especially if it involves contact with different countries, languages or cultures.
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Other people are acting as a mirror, and reflecting back personal traits that you may have been avoiding. Use these experiences to learn more about your weaknesses – and strengths. “A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths … recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.” (William Arthur Ward)
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
With romantic Venus and proactive Mars in your romance zone it’s the perfect time to look for a new love or reboot a tired old relationship. You’ll find the more you cooperate with others, the more love, affection and abundance will come your way. What you give out will come back to you in spades!
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Home and hearth is the place to be at the moment, as you enjoy the company of family and friends, and attend to DIY projects around the house. Pisceans aren’t the most practical of people so, if your handyperson skills are lacking, make sure you call on the services of a professional – or a capable (and kind) relative.
SET within a tightly held location in Griffith and offered for sale for the first time in more than 50 years, this full-brick cottage offers potential to develop, extend or renovate in one of the inner south's most highly sought after locations.
The property, on an elevated position, on the high side of Stuart Street, sits on a 947sqm block.
The cottage features three bedrooms, a spacious bathroom, open-plan living/dining area with high ceilings and timber floors.
address: 58 Stuart Street, Griffith.
tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday, July 23. agents: Maria Selleck, 0417 258803, and Orieta Ossio, 0448 882941, Maria Selleck Properties.
SPRINGBANK Rise, the new $500 million, 1100-home community, adjacent to Gungahlin, on Horse Park Drive, will ultimately be home to up to 3000 residents.
The 103-hectare community has dedicated more than 30 hectares to green open space, with additional land committed to recreation, retail, and possible community, education, and mixed-used facilities. Nearby are eight schools, seven childcare centres, three local shopping centres and the Gungahlin Town Centre.
Developed by Delfin Lend Lease, the
first limited land release comprises a range of lots priced from $159,000 to $226,000 and sized up to 600sqm.
Construction of the community is expected to start in September, with a Living Options Display Village due to open next year featuring homes from some of the region’s leading builders.
Project director Steve Harding said the first land sales would begin this month for those who had registered interest through the community’s new website www.springbankrise.com.au.
“It will feature a magnificent entry and
distinct residential villages that boast a range of homes to suit different lifestyles and budgets, along with local parks and open space reserves,” he said.
“These villages have been designed to be linked by cycle ways and footpaths and centred around a small neighbourhood village centre. A central green spine will run north to south through the community creating an inviting and useable open space.”
More information at www.springbankrise.com.au or call 6276 0622.
Imagine there was nowhere to
CONSIDER the implications of a housing shortage where there are more Australians than there are homes for them.
Of course, it is not as simple as an increasing number of homeless Australians. Parents would have to continue providing young people with accommodation. And those who do move out into shared digs are likely to endure more crowded and cramped conditions.
Skills shortages are exacerbated as workers avoid leaving existing homes for new jobs with no nearby housing. Commuting trips become longer as people are forced to move farther away from the jobs they have. And that has environmental implications, as long-distance travel is energy intensive and emission rich.
According to the Residential Development Council's report, “Australia on the Move”, we are potentially facing just such a problem.
Looking at growth and demand for housing from 2001 to 2031, the report says that the national population will grow by 330,000 a year, increasing today's 21.5 million level by 1.6 million before 2015, reaching 28 million in 20 years' time.
Currently, 70 per cent of
Australians live in and around cities. That number, says the report, will increase to 80 per cent within five years, creating a need for 155,000 new homes a year. “Australia on the Move” also forecasts a change in the type of housing wanted, with more than half the future market potentially requiring houses on smaller lots, townhouses, villas and apartments in the inner and middle ring areas of major urban centres, rather than the traditional family home on a large block of land.
Ours is an ageing population and the report expects a 13 per cent increase in the number of retirees over five years, creating a growing need for affordable, conveniently located retirementbased housing.
The report's conclusion is disturbing: unless changes are made to the way housing is delivered, Australia will be unable to meet future demand.
Catherine Carter is the executive director of the Property Council of Australia (ACT).
5 SHE OAK PLACE - Showcasing a sleek contemporary fusion of creative design, quality finishes and effortless indoor/outdoor living, this designer residence is a lifestyle haven with an uplifting blend of light and space. This near new residence with sweeping views to Black Mountain Tower is a statement in style and sophistication. Entering from the stunning foyer, with its striking Jarrah floor and high ceiling, through to the open plan living/dining area and designer kitchen, you will appreciate that no expense has been spared in creating this urban oasis. The sun-filled family room and meals area, with in-slab heating, opens to a beautiful deck with mountain views to the front and to the extensive covered outdoor entertainment area with a spectacular swimming pool and water feature to the rear. This stunning residence is an ideal home for the family, executive or anyone who wants to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in a prestigious location.
Open: Contact Maria for viewing times
Tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday 6th August
f Maria Selleck 0417 258 803 f Orieta Ossio 0448 882 941
time in over 50 years, this charming property offers a rare and unique opportunity for the astute buyer to purchase a home with endless potential to develop, extend or renovate in one of the Inner South’s most highly sought after location. EER 1.5.
Open: Contact Maria or Orieta for viewing times
Tender: Closes 5pm, Thursday 23rd July
