Canberra CityNews September 10-16, 2009

Hargreaves ignores reworks support

Minister John Hargreaves spent $ 4 0,0 0 0 on “ex tensive communit y consultation” only to ignore what the research was telling him, repor ts JORIAN GARDNER .

WA S I ndust r ia l Relat ions M i n ister Joh n Ha rg reaves reflect i ng publ ic opi n ion when he ba n ned t he publ ic from buy i ng a nd usi ng fi reworks i n t he AC T ?

Not accord i ng to t he $ 4 0,0 0 0 wor t h of “extensive com mu n it y consu lt at ion” resea rch cont a i ned i n t he m i n ister ia l br ief t hat i n for med t he AC T G over n ment ’s decision last mont h to ba n t he t rad it iona l Queen’s Bi r t hday weekend fi reworks

T he br ief, sighted by “Cit yNews”, shows t hat over t h ree telephone su r veys of 10 0 0 people each when asked: “ To what extent do you ag ree or d isag ree t hat t he Ca nber ra publ ic shou ld be able to buy a nd use fi reworks? ” repl ied i n t he a f fi rmat ive of 5 0 per cent (October 2 0 0 7); 6 2 per cent (Ju ne 2 0 0 8) a nd 5 6 per cent (Aug ust 2 0 0 8)

T hat is, over 2 0 0 8 , t he most-recent resea rch showed a clea r major it y of people i n t he AC T wa nted to ma i nt a i n t he fi reworks t rad it ion

However Cabi net , i nclud i ng a reluct a nt Ch ief M i n ister, issued t he ba n based on what m ight be a rg ued as a h igh ly subject ive m i n ister ia l br ief t hat , apa r t from t he u n helpf u l resea rch, i ncluded newspaper repor t age, cor respondence from M Ps, a n RSPCA “posit ion paper”, a “Ch ronolog y of i l lega l use i n R icha rdson” a nd a t able l ist i ng cra n ky const it uents seek i ng a proh ibit ion

I n Ju ly, when Cabi net was consider i ng its posit ion, M r Ha rg reaves sa id t hat wh i le he k new t he genera l publ ic were wel l behaved on “cracker n ight ” , t here was a sma l l element of t he com mun it y who were not "My pat ience ra n out 10 yea rs ago when my pet had fi reworks st rapped to h is bel ly a nd he was set on fi re by people," he sa id, goi ng on to expla i n h is long-felt , persona l v iews

At t he t i me of Cabi net ’s del iberat ions, Ch ief M i n ister Jon St a n hope had cu r iously sa id t hat he was awa re of t he com mu n it y’s mood on t he subject a nd t hat t here was a n "i ncrement a l ly g row i ng opposit ion to fi reworks,” at odds w it h t he dat a But t he Ch ief M i n ister has si nce revea led t hat he wh i le he abides by G over n ment ’s decision on t he mat ter – he “reg rets it ” ' ' I a lways enjoyed fi reworks, cracker n ight , I loved it as a ch i ld,” M r St a n hope sa id a f ter t he ba n was a n nou nced “I t h i n k of decisions I 've made i n G over n ment it s one of t he decisions t hat I have sig n i fic a nt reg ret a rou nd ” However, it m ight hea r ten t he Ch ief M i n ister to k now t hat not a l l is lost: T he com mu n it y has

Govern men t w rong, say ou r readers

“CIT Y N E W S” aske d it s Faceb ook fans this we ek if they agre e d with the G over nment’s fi rewor k ban: A resounding 73 p er cent s aid they didn’t.

ra l l ied aga i nst t he ba n w it h a Facebook g roup

“L i f t AC T Ba n on F i reworks”, a massi ng a n a ma-

zi ng 70 0 0 members i n a week

Creator of t he g roup Cla re Hoga n sa id t hat it showed t hat G over n ment is not represent i ng t he major it y of Ca nber ra ns who wa nted to see t he cont i nuat ion of a fa m i ly t rad it ion i n t he AC T – cracker n ight

“ T he G over n ment is on ly l isten i ng to a sma l l m i nor it y whose opposit ion to fi reworks is bec au-

se a ha nd f u l of people don’t fol low t he r u les,” Ms Hoga n sa id “ T h is is goi ng to r u i n it for ever yone ”

Refer r i ng to t he m i n ister’s repor t Ms Hoga n sa id:

“ T h is sa me resea rch a lso repor ts t hat 18 per cent of respondents or t hei r fa m i l ies used fi reworks on t he 2 0 0 8 Queen’s Bi r t hday long weekend T h is mea ns t here a re over 6 0,0 0 0 Ca nber ra residents enjoy i ng fi reworks i n cont rast to approx i mately 2 0 0 compla i nts Joh n Ha rg reaves has received

“We a re c a l l i ng on t he AC T G over n ment to work w it h t he com mu n it y to develop st rateg ies to adequately reg u late t he use of fi reworks – ensu r i ng t hey look at t he issue i n a hol ist ic ma n ner rat her t ha n l isten i ng to a nu mber of lobby g roups a nd t he few compla i nts t hey get

“ T he s a me log ic c ou ld b e appl ie d to a lc ohol abu s e or sp e e d i n g on ou r road s A few p e ople br e a k i n g t he r u le s do e s not ju st i f y a n out r i g ht ba n ”

Cloud over arrogant A ndrew

A cloud hangs over AC T Education Minister Andrew Barr, says MICHAEL MOORE . He been chastised in the A ssembly and required by the A ssembly to apologise for the way he has treated Liberal Steve Doszpot . But he won’t say sorr y.

b e appropr i ate for St a n hop e to a sk h i m to st a nd dow n I g nor i n

ate s t h at “m i n i ster s w i l l

t r e at ot her memb er s of t he L eg i sl at ive A s s embly, memb er s of t he publ ic a nd ot her of fici a l s hone st ly a nd fa i rly, w it h prop er r ega rd for t hei r p er son a l d i g n it y, r i g ht s, ent it lement s, dut ie s a nd obl i gat ion s “ M i n i ster s shou ld exerci s e due d i l i genc e, c a r e a nd at tent ion, a nd at a l l t i me s s e ek to ach ieve t he

h i g he st st a nd a rd s pr ac t ic able i n r el at ion to t hei r dut ie s a nd r e sp on sibi l it ie s i n t hei r of fici a l c apacit y a s a G over n ment m i n i ster ”

B a r r ’s r ef u s a l to c omply w it h a n A s s embly i n st r uc t ion r a i s e s t he sp e c t r e of h i s g row i n g a rroga nc e It a l so r a i s e s t he c or e i s sue of m i n i ste -

r i a l r e sp on sibi l it y W het her he t h i n k s h i s L ib er a l e duc at ion sh adow de s er ve s a n ap olog y i s now i rr eleva nt – t he m i n i ster i s u nder d i r e c t i n st r uc t ion by t he A s s embly a nd he h a s not c ompl ie d

T he i rony i s t h at B a r r brou g ht t h i s on h i m s el f by s et t i n g up a que st ion f rom c ol le a g ue M a r y Porter a l low i n g h i m to l au nch a n at t ack on D osz p ot B a r r h a s now h ad t i me si nc e t he A s s embly ros e to r e c on sider h i s p osit ion It wou ld b e ac c ept able for h i m to w r ite to A s s embly Memb er s i nd ic at i n g t h at he i ntend s to i s sue t he ap olog y at t he b eg i n n i n g of t he nex t sit t i n g of t he A s s embly on S eptemb er 15

However, shou ld he r ef u s e to c omply it wou ld

of

Su m mer prom

ise for new bu bblers

TH E G over nment is now promising that the fi ve dr ink ing fount ains the Chief M inister announce d would b e inst alle d and wor k ing in Civic by mid -year will now b e inst alle d in time for summer, six months late L a st we e k “Ci t y N ew s ” r e p o r te d t h a t t h e n ew “b u b b l e r s ” p r o m i s e d i n J a nu a r y fo r co m p l e t i o n by m i d - ye a r h a d n o t b e e n st a r te d W h i l e

Good bye Fri nge, hel lo Fri nge

THE ACT Government wil call for expressions of interest for a new annual Civic-based arts event from March next year to enliven the city centre during the Canberra Festival and in the lead up to the city’s 100th birthday celebrations in 2013 This follows its recent decision to truncate the Februar y multicultural festival and controversially relocate its fringe element to the Easter National Folk Festival

Bunyip in bronze

ALEX ANDER Bunyip, from the children’s book “The Monster that ate Canberra” will be immortalised in bronze outside the new Gungahlin Librar y The Gungahlin Community Council's campaign for a public art piece recognising the popular children's book by Michael Salmon has been successful, with ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope approving the idea for a sculpture

Walk for research

THE second Walk 4 Life fundraiser, in aid of breast cancer research, will start from the Linear Park town common at Gungahlin on Sunday, September 20 at 10 am The walk stretches around the Gungahlin Town Centre and Yerrabi Pond for five kilometres Registration is $20 for adults from any store in the Gungahlin Town Centre or at either centre management office of the Gungahlin Marketplace and The G

EsCarpade bonus

NEARLY $30,000 has been raised for the Camp Quality esCarpade 104.7 Torana and crew in a “helping hands” fundraiser held in 16 McDonald’s outlets in the ACT, Queanbeyan and Yass Camp Quality supports children and their families living with cancer “The money raised is a great contribution to our 2009 Camp Quality esCarpade car rally,” said Ivan Slavich who, with Eoghan O’Byrne, will participate in the rally, which starts on October 17 in Nowra, travelling to Lightning Ridge and ending in Gilgandra on October 24

Prize winner

CONGR ATUL ATIONS to Shona Kitto who has won a personal styling consultation and half-day shopping date with personal stylist Jenny Koslow, worth $360. Shona impressed our judging panel with a new interpretation of children’s rhyme “Hickor y dickor y dock” –“ nurser y rhymes I know, but my fashion’s not so hot!” the Ngunnawal mum told “CityNews”.

•

Patience w ill pay o

The C anberra Raider s’ polic y of keeping its young player s at the expense of chasing bigname star s from other teams will eventually pay dividends, but fans will need to be patient , says T IM GAVEL

i n g a n d t r a i n i n g i n c o ol c o n d it i o n s we

a r e p r o b a bly b e t t e r o f f w it h out t h e m

a n d i n s t e a d fo c u s o n pl aye r s c o m i n g t o

C a nb e r r a s e e k i n g a n o p p o r t u n it y t h at

m ay n o t e x i s t e l s ewh e r e

C a nb e r r a T h e l a c k o f e x p

n g s , n o r d o e s

t h e p e r c e p t i o n t h at C a nb e r r a i s c ol d

a n d b o r i n g

O n e p o t e nt i a l r e c r u it w a s fl ow n t o

C a nb e r r a i n t h e m i d d l e o f w i nt e r ; h e

s t e p p e d o f f t h e pl a n e s e ve r e ly u n d e r

d r e s s e d fo r t h e c o n d it i o n s a n d r e f u s e d

t o w a l k out o f t h e t e r m i n a l T o t h e s u r -

p r i s e o f R a i d e r s ’ o f fi c i a l s at t h e a i r p o r t

t o p ic k h i m u p , t h e pl aye r j u mp e d o n

t h e n e x t pl a n e a n d r e t u r n e d h o m e c o m -

pl a i n i n g o f t h e c ol d c o n d it i o n s I f t h e y a r e s o c o n c e r n e d a b out pl ay-

The lack of exposure on free -to -air television doesn’t help things, nor does the perception that Canberra is cold and boring. ‘

You h ave t o l au g h , t h ou g h , wh e n pl aye r s s u g g e s t t h e c ol d we at h e r i

L e a g u

Kate rises to the challenge

s wor k for Kather ine A llen, of C apit al Chemist, S outhlands in M awson, who has just b e en name d AC T Phar macy A ssist ant of the Year by the Phar macy Guild of Australia

“ We’re tr ying to help p e ople lead healthier lives and b e more proactive, rather than reactive, ab out their health,” s ays Kather ine

“Par t of the prob lem is that ever yb o dy want s to just t ake a pill for whatever ’ s wrong, whether they want to lose weight or quit smok ing, and have the prob lem go away. ” She s ays phar macy assist ant s, who supp or t phar macist s in their wor k , are a “vit al link” in providing health care.

“Phar macy has change d really drastically over the year s . Twent y or 30 year s ago, phar macy assist ant s did prett y much ever ything, and then our job b e came more of a ‘cash and wrap’ role

“ These days, it’s gone back to the way it was, and there’s a lot we can help with – and p e ople are st ar ting to realise it! ” Kather ine will comp ete in the national fi nals in Octob er

rly t h at mor n-

i n g , M r Ros siter h ad s e eme d a s ad , pat het ic fi g u r e wei g he d dow n by t he she er aw f u l ne s s of h i s pl i g ht “ My l i fe i s a l iv i n g hel l ,” he s a id “ I c a n’t

even w ip e t he te a r s f rom my eye s ” T he pa i n wa s c on st a nt ; t he f ut u r e hop ele s s Jud ge M a r t i n wa s de eply c on siderate a nd t h rou g hout t he he a r i n g he m ade it cle a r t h at M r Ros siter ’s c om-

for t wa s h i s fi r st c onc er n T he m a n i n t he whe elch a i r wa s t he c ent r e of at tent ion T he l aw yer s wer e e qu a l ly

t hou g ht f u l a nd when t he jud ge a n-

nou nc e d t h at M r Ros siter wou ld b e

g iven ch a r ge of h i s ow n de st i ny, h i s d ay wa s c omplete Psycholog ic a l ly at

le a st , he h ad d i sc over e d a new s en s e of s el f- e ste em

It wa s t h i s, I b el ieve, wh ich l ay

at t he ba s e of h i s sudden i nde ci sion

ab out dy i n g A s a demon st r at ion of t he m a n ner i n wh ich ou r f r a me of m i nd a f fe c t s l i fe a nd de at h de ci sion

m a k i n g , it c ou ld h a rd ly h ave b e en mor e st r i k i n g

S o, how c a n t h i s k nowle d ge b e appl ie d to ch a n ge t he m i nd s of t he 2 0 0 0 or mor e you n g p e ople who ever y ye a r t a ke t hei r ow n l ive s i n Au st r a l i a? It

Perils of puppy love

GET T I NG a puppy i s s er iou s bu si ne s s, a f ter a l l , we’r e t a l k i n g ab out a new memb er of t he fa m i ly – some one who w i l l b e a rou nd for a lon g t i me, she dd i n g over t he f u r n it u r e, r u i n i n g a ny t h i n g bl ack you m i g ht h ave on, chew i n g up you r br a nd new patentle at her, Su nd ay b e st sho e s a nd goi n g p ot t y (at le a st i n it i a l ly) i n a l l t he w ron g pl ac e s Ye s, t her e’s a lot to lo ok for wa rd to I ’ve r e si ste d my ch i ld r en’s ple a s for a puppy for a s lon g a s p os sible, but it ’s a l l my si x-ye a r- old son wa nt s for h i s s event h bi r t hd ay A nd somehow b oys a nd dog s a r e a n i r r e si st ible c ombi n at ion, l i ke L au r el a nd H a rdy, B on n ie a nd Clyde, a nd m ayb e D r Jek yl l a nd M r Hyde

My l it t le m a n h a s some broad cr iter i a for a su itable pup: A wh ite, m a le dog t h at w i l l pl ay w it h h i m, l i ke s to fetch t h i n g s, w i l l sle ep on t he end of h i s b e d a nd b e br ave, ju st l i ke t he c a r to on dog “ B olt ” S o t he l a st mont h h a s s e en me (a nd h i m) p or i n g over website s t h at of fer adv ic e ab out br e e d s, wh at to lo ok for i n buy i n g a pup, a nd end le s s l i st s of puppie s cu rr ent ly for s a le (a nd a l l to o of ten a l r e ady sold)

F i nd i n g a go o d t r u st wor t hy br e e der i s h i g h ly

r e c om mende d ; ot her w i s e you m i g ht end up buy i n g a cute l it t le t h i n g on ly to fi nd out a ye a r l ater t h at d addy wa s a Gr e at Da ne/ Rot t wei l ler cros s w it h bad h ip s, a nd a her e d it a r y overbite a nd a n ger-m a n a gement i s sue s

But t h at ’s not t he on ly pit fa l l i n t he mo der n world of puppy pu rch a si n g I a l so d i sc over e d t her e a r e ot her d a n ger s b e c au s e t he puppy s el l i n g bu si ne s s h a s b e en i nvade d by c on fidenc e t r ick ster s r u n n i n g some n a st y sc a m s F r aud ster s p ost fa l s e adver t i s ement s on b on a fide website s i n t he hop e of get t i n g hop ef u l dog ow ner s to m a ke dow n pay ment s on a cute puppy t h at w i l l never b e del iver e d W hen you’ve got a de sp er ate si x-ye a r- old hoveri n g over you r shou lder a nd goi n g i nto a f r en z y over ever y cute puppy pic t u r e on t he web, it i s e a sy to let t he he a r t r u le t he he ad Even I fou nd mys el f em a i li n g p e ople

Men are rubbish!

I D ON ’ T t h i n k S onya F l adu n’s b e en pay i n g attent ion (“ B oys, who c a r e s? ” , CN, S eptemeb er 3) No - one h a s c a r e d ab out b oys for de c ade s, le a st of a l l i n ou r appa l l i n g “e duc at ion system”

B et t y F r ie d a n’s “1, 0 0 0, 0 01 T h i n g s I H ate Ab out

Men” a nd G er m a i ne Gr e er ’s “ Ever y M a n Ne e d s

a G o o d R up t he A ” s et t he ba l l rol l i n g a nd it

h a s b e en cr u sh i n g m a le s ever si nc e

Men a r e r ubbi sh I shou ld k now I ’m a m a n, a nd h ave b e en a l l my l i fe. T hou g h , t her e wa s a

p er io d i n my e a rly 2 0 s t h at wa s a bit va g ue

T he “e duc at ion system” i s m a k i n g up for 3 0 0 0

ye a r s of m a le oppr e s sion, a s one m a n-h at i n g

fem i n i st told me. But t he f ut u r e i s rosy. Ac c ordi n g to fierc e fem i n i st It a But t ros e, t he old m a le

t rog lo dy te s a r e dy i n g out , a s t he new br e e d of

wel l b eh ave d , cr u she d men c ome t h rou g h to do t he hou s ework a nd we a r t he k n icker s rou nd t he hou s e

You c a n fi n i sh me of f now

J o h n C l e l a n d , L a t h a m

I a gree w ith Jorian

I AGR E E w it h Jor i a n Ga rd ner (“ Bubbler Hu nti n g ” , CN, S eptemb er 3) T hen a ga i n, when we h ave a tot a l fi r e ba n i n C a nb er r a St a n hop e a nd

h i s mob t u r n of f a l l t he ba rb e cue s even t hou g h t hey a r e ele c t r ic

G e ra r d H a l to n , v i a e m a i l

Let’s ban sex?

W H AT a g r e at a r t icle a nd so r i g ht , M r Mo or e (“C r acker s, t h at ’s t he a r g u ment ” , CN, S eptemb er 3) O u r of fic e c om ment wa s why i sn' t s ex on

t he l i st of f u n ac t iv it ie s to b e ba n ne d or ba l lo on s or g i g g l i n g babie s?

It ’s not t he fi r ework s t h at a r e u n s a fe, it i s t he u s er!

Slowly but su r ely, t he f u n a nd f r e e dom i s goi n g out of l i fe (a bit l i ke t he r e duc e d a mou nt of nut s i n a p opu l a r cho c ol ate ba r).

I h ave t wo dog s, neit her of wh ich l i ke s t he noi s e of fi r ework s goi n g of f so I ke ep t hem i ndo or s a nd s a fe A nyone who h a s p et s shou ld do t he s a me. A s for p e ople get t i n g hu r t , we h ave to stop bl a m i n g some one el s e a l l t he t i me a nd t a ke r e sp on sibi l it y for ou r ow n ac t ion s or l ack of M a r j R u s s e l l , a n i m a l , h u m a n a n d fi r ewo r k l ove r, v i a e m a i l

L et te r s a re i nv ite d f ro m “Cit y New s” re a d e r s . L et loo se to e d @c it y n ew

C a n be r ra 26 01. L et te r s o f 20 0 wo rd s o r le s s st a n d a bet te r c h

I R E A L LY enjoye d M ich ael Mo or e's a r t icle "C r acker s, t h at s t he a r g u ment " (CN, S eptemb er 3) ab out Joh n H a r g r e ave s, of t he F u n

Pol ic e W h at do e s c onc er n me t hou g h i s t h at t he

go o d fol k of T u g ger a non g c ont i nue to vote t h i s

p o or-p er for m i n g m i n i ster i nto t he A s s embly a ga i n a nd a ga i n T h i s m a ke s not on ly T u g gera non g , but t he whole of C a nb er r a , somewh at of a l au g h i n g sto ck a nd i s c er t a i n ly not a go o d adver t i s ement for f u l l s el f- gover n ment . We h ave joi ne d NSW a s t he but t of p ol it ic a l joke s, a lt hou g h m a ny wou ld s ay t h at we wer e fi r st

It i s h i g h t i me t h at H a r g r e ave s wa s put out to pa st u r e R i c H i n g e e , D u f f y

Tedious ima ges

T H E i m a ge s of Rudd i n h a rd h at s a nd Swa n cl a i m i n g cr e d it for some my t h ic a l t u r n a rou nd

i n ou r e c onom ic for t u ne s a r e get t i n g a bit te d iou s We a r e doi n g b et ter t h a n much of t he world , but t her e a r e m a ny qu ite negat ive fi g u r e s a nd

t r end s i n t he n at ion a l ac c ou nt fi g u r e s C apit a l sp end i n g h a s c ont r ac te d , a s h a s n at ion a l d i s -

p os able i nc ome, ei g ht out of 18 i ndu st r y s e c tor s h ave c ont r ac te d i n t he l a st t h r e e mont h s, a nd

t he bi g ge st g row t h s e c tor i s t he “st at i st ic a l d i scr epa ncy ” a ga i n!

Under employ ment i s a s er iou s i s sue; w it h obv iou sly m a ny p e ople d roppi n g out of t he work forc e a l l toget her, tot a l hou r s worke d h a s d ropp e d i n t he l a st qu a r ter a nd t he l a st ye a r

Bu si ne s s e s a r e r e duci n g i nventor ie s, i nclud i n g

i n t he m a nu fac t u r i n g , whole s a le a nd r et a i l s e ctor s T he st i mu lu s pack a ge i s not a n e c onom ic st r ateg y but a r e - ele c t ion st r ateg y wh ich m ay ex pl a i n t he “exc e s sive” spi n r at her t h a n t he “nor m a l” spi n we h ave c ome to ex p e c t !

M . G o r d o n , F l y n n

“C I T YNE WS” Facebook fans of fer some pithy comments

Michael Moore’s column ridiculing the Government ’s decision to ban the use and sale of firework s:

M artin Ross: I do not agre e. There are many resp onsib le p e ople that enjoy a goo d night or t wo of close - k nit time with family and fr iends and fi rewor k s . But the donkeys that use these incor re ctly are the ones that ne e d monitor ing and the communit y also ne e ds to play their par t in p olicing these idiot s That way prop er t y won't b e as damage d, if at all. A nd animal owner s may have to strate gise a bit more so dogs and cat s don't tur n up at R SP C A , but G o d b less M ichael Linke and the st aff for the wor k they do Lydia Teo: [ Replying to M ar tin’s comment]

Please don't slander donkeys, they are sensitive, intelligent creatures . The dropk ick s who do damage with fi rewor k s are human – dict ate d by Shnook y the donkey, keye d by Lydia Tr evar Alan Chilver : Pit y we can't ban banishment

M elanie Lindner : I actually like the suggestion to ban the r ugby player s . well some of them any way :)

Alan Kerlin: We could ban smar t-ar se comment s in the A ssemb ly. That'd screw Hargreaves up big time

At the Canberra Cystic Fibrosis dinner, Cadets’ Mess, Duntroon

When:

VOLUNTEER GRANTS 2009

Invitation to Apply for Funding

Eligible non-profit organisations are invited to apply for funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $5,000 to suppor t the work of their volunteers. This funding will enable organisations to purchase practical and tangible small equipment items and to contribute to their volunteers’ fuel costs to suppor t the work of their volunteers.

The Volunteer Grants 2009 Application Form and Application Guidelines are available at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by phoning the Volunteer Grants 2009 toll-free hotline on 1800 183 374. A TTY ser vice is available for persons who have a hearing or speech impairment, on 1800 555 677.

Applications close on Friday 25 September 2009 at 5pm

Better Building advertising feature

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It shows, too, with B etter Building one of the most-awarde d builder s in Australia having won awards from the M BA and H I A ever y year since 19 9 9 The company has won seven major nationals awards, something which Ivan s ays he couldn’t have done without his team

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All about Floriade

September 12- Oc tober 11

Marcia shines in free show

A R I A Hall of Fame st ar and Australia’s que en of soul, M arcia Hines, headlines this year ’ s Flor iade enter t ainment program with a sp e cial one - off, fre e concer t p er for mance at St age 8 8 on Sunday, S eptemb er 19

With the million b looms of spr ing as a backdrop, dozens of top enter t ainer s will weave their magic in Commonwealth Par k throughout the month - long Flor iade, drawing inspiration from this year ’s theme of “M ind, B o dy and S oul”

From S aturday, S eptemb er 12 to Sunday, Octob er 11, A NU S chool of Music musicians will fe e d the soul with a ser ies of lunchtime concer t s with all sor t s of music – jaz z, classical, solos, ensemb les, piano,

p ercussion, guit ar s, har ps, str ings and win O n Sunday, Octob er 4 , countr y music’s b gest female act The M cClymont s will p er fo on St age 8 8 along with cur rent 20 0 9 Telst Road to Tamwor th winner Peter M cWhir te The concer t will showcase a b ev y of budd countr y music t alent, including NZ Countr H or izon Award winner, A shley Coop er. M elb our ne theatre troup e B or n in a Tax will p op up throughout Flor iade to presen quir k y, funny and often absurd or iginal p er for mances, which combine physical come dy with improvis ation. The group ’ s award -winning stre et theatre shows trans for m ever yday environment s into places o unexp e cte d wonder, playfulness and delig

For

the kids

K I DS can join in one of the roving p er for mances by the juggler s, acrobat s and stre et ar tist s who will br ing an extra splash of colour to ever y day of the festival

Then there’s the patting paddock where k ids can fe e d and pat spr ingtime animals including k ittens, pigs, hatching chick s, baby duck s and little lambs

From Sunday, S eptemb er 19 to Sunday, Octob er 4 , k ids can help Sp onge B ob S quare Pant s celebrate his 10 th bir thday!

Snakes, liz ards, frogs and other cre epy crawlies will b e on show at the National Zoo and Aquar ium’s

“R iveting Reptiles” exhibition from We dnesday, S eptemb er 2 3 to Thur sday, Octob er 1. Handler s will r un wor k shops on their habit at s, favour ite foo ds, and what to do if you me et one in the back yard

Ever yone will b e enchante d by the magical creations of Er th, one of Australia’s premier pupp etr y and visual affe ct s groups . From M onday, Octob er 5 to Fr iday, Octob er 9, whole wor lds will infl ate within minutes and b e fi lle d with fant astical b east s, while or iginal music and visual effe ct s create an exp er ience to engage the full fi ve senses

The Australian Sp or t s Commission marque e features a diver se range of sp or ting activities, demonstrations, present ations and wor k shops

From S aturday, Octob er 3 to Fr iday, Octob er 9, you can test your mind p ower and get your b o dy fit at the Nintendo marque e Tr y games such as Wii Sp or t s, Wii F it, brain training and more.

The fast guide to Floriade

Ever y thing you need to know about Floriade, September 12- Oc tober 11.

W hat is Floriade?

LO R I A DE is the largest ower festival in the southr n hemisphere with more han one million b looms reating a colour ful backdrop or C anb er ra ’ s month - long elebration of spr ing

The event b oast s an excitng enter t ainment program with local, national and nter national p er for mer s on how, k ids’ activities, garden wor k shops, exhibitions, isplays and plent y of fi ne oo d and wine from across he C anb er ra re gion.

It also encompasses Flor iade NightF est, fi ve night s fi lle d with outdoor movie scre enings, music and more. But while the music plays and the wine fl ows, it is always the fl ower s that are the st ar of the show, all plante d out in eye - catching and unusual designs

W hen did i t

s t ar t?

FLO R I A DE b e gan in 198 6 when the AC T Par k s and Conser vation S ociet y dreame d up a huge fl oral display to celebrate the 198 8 bicentenar y and C anb er ra ’ s 75th bir thday. C anb er ra ’ s Flor iade is now the largest spr ingtime festival of it s t yp e It was inspire d by the Dutch Keukenhof fl ower display and H olland’s Flor iade, which happ ens ever y 10 year s The name Flor iade comes from the L atin word “fl or ist”,

which means to design with fl ower s

This year ’s

t heme

E ACH year the Flor iade team sele ct s a new theme that guides the plantings for the festival as well as the entert ainment program and other event s . L ast year ’s theme was “F ilms that Shap e d Our Nation”, but in 20 0 9 the festival will b end exp e ct ations and lift spir it s with the theme “M ind, B o dy and S oul”. The displays involve more than one million bulbs and annuals, which b loom and change throughout the month - long event.

W hen?

FLO R I A DE will b e held from S eptemb er 12 to Octob er 11. Gates op en from 9am until 5pm, M onday to Fr iday and from 9am until 5 30 pm on we ekends and pub lic holidays . L ast entr y to the festival is 30 minutes b efore closing

W here?

TH E home of Flor iade is Commonwealth Par k in C anb er ra, on the nor ther n bank s of L ake Bur ley Gr iffi n. The sp ot t akes in views across the lake to C anb er ra ’ s other landmar k s, including Par liament H ouse, the High Cour t and the National Museum of Australia

C o n t i n u e d Pa g e 22

Message in t he

Clouds

ENTER the wor ld of mind, b o dy and soul through this garden b e d, which depict s the billowing clouds of a dream

The light- pastel colour s, r uffl e d p et als of the tulips and round, soft shap es will help your mind dr ift off in a daydream

M usic for t he soul

A SO N G can evoke a million memor ies, and the mind can rememb er lyr ics from favour ite songs for a lifetime. Look out for the music notes depicte d in this garden b e d. The re d fl ower s represent the emotion, love and passion evoke d by music

The white fl ower s represent the pap er she et s, which hold the b lue and pur ple notes

Water drop

TH IS b e d features a sea of tulips, ir ises and hyacinths mainly in different shades of b lue, representing life - giving water. Water hydrates our b o dies and quenches our thir st, and is essential for life. It also rejuvenates the soul, b e it the sound of the ocean, the smell of rain or the tranquillit y of a water fall

E VERY year, the team behind Floriade put on their creative caps to come up with new designs for the garden beds, and this year is no exception.

The following themed garden bed descriptions of fer an insight into what all visitor s can look for ward to

Ocean waves

TH IS thre e - dimensional garden b e d r ises and falls to depict the waves of the ocean. The different shades of b lue, white, and yellow are colour s we associate with iconic Australian b each culture.

Love

(s u p po r t ed by t h e H ea r t Fo u n d a t i o n)

TH E hear t represent s our emotional core and is re cognise d as a s ymb ol for love. Love t akes many for ms and enr iches the mind, b o dy and soul. De ep shades of pink and re d depict a b eating hear t Elixir of li fe

TH IS garden features raise d

mounds representing plump grap es, which are use d to create the elixir of life – wine Wine is s ymb olic of celebration, relaxation, fr iendship and luxur y and holds an imp or t ant place in many cultures

Friends and family MO M ENT S of fr iendship, intimacy, b onding and laughter de fi ne our lives . Fr iends and family make us who we are, and can transfor m our moo d in a se cond. The fi ve p e ople of different colour s and sizes holding hands depicte d in this garden b e d represent the fr iends and family who nur ture our mind, b o dy and soul

Checkmate

R EPR ESENTI N G the shar pness of

blooms and beds

the mind, this giant chessb oard will make you want to challenge your fr iends to a game Crosswords, b oard games, word puz zles and more allow us to challenge our selves and ke ep our minds active

W i ndow to t he soul

The senses

A F TER t ak ing time to re fl e ct on the wonder of sight, consider the remaining four senses in these thre e - dimensional garden b e ds . These garden b e ds depict each of the senses which allow us to exp er ience life – touch, t aste, smell and sound

Y i n and yang

I N Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent how ever ything in life must b e balance d – you can’t have goo d without bad and opp osites can only exist with one another. These opp osites complement, interact

and balance one another. This yin and yang s ymb ol is nestle d in a sea of pink fl ower s

Feas t of colou r

TH E colour ful tulips in these s ymmetr ical garden b e ds continue the theme of balance and represent foo d as essential to wellb eing. F oo d helps to enr ich and nur ture the mind, b o dy and soul

Lot us pool

TH ESE stunning garden b e ds are place d separately near and around N erang Pool, depicting br ightly coloure d lotus fl ower s The lotus fl ower represent s pur it y and p eace. It s unfolding p et als re fl e ct the expanding of the soul. Sit and soak up the serenit y of this p eaceful, re fl e ctive area

Su nligh t

TH E centre of the solar s ystem, the sun is the source of life. This garden b e d depict s a large ball of fi re with long reaching rays radiating out from the centre over t wo b e ds . The sun ’ s rays are juxt ap ose d by the b lue, sunlit sk y that can b e se en at the e dges of the fl ower b e ds

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Hor ticultural happenings

FA SH I O N , like fl ower s, is all ab out b eaut y, and the 20 0 9 “Passion for Fashion” comp etition will b e a stunning display of creativit y and colour. Local and national fl or ist s and fl oral designer s will do battle to create the most or iginal and unique fl oral gowns base d on the theme, “M ind, B o dy and S oul”

Watch demonstrations, lear n how to make sp e ct acular ar rangement s and get tips from the exp er t s on how to treat and look after your fl ower s at the Inter fl ora displays and demonstrations . From Thur sday, Octob er 1 to We dnesday, Octob er 7, watch leading Inter fl ora fl or ist s go head - to - head in the fi nals of the Inter fl ora national comp etitions (Australia Cup and Flor ist s of the Future)

FLO R I A DE also has plent y to offer for those who want to b e a bit more hands- on, including wor k shops and seminar s on gardening, how to grow your own plant s and her bs, and creating a self-suffi cient and sust ainab le k itchen garden. Renowne d author Jack ie French will lead a ser ies of seminar s on tur ning the ur ban back yard into a fer tile far m, and how to har vest

C o

Floriade takes gardening to a new level with dozens of work shops, ac tivities and events happening throughout the festival

Diar y dates…

I NTER FLO R A E xhibition M arque e Passion for Fashion comp etition and displays:

S aturday, S eptemb er 12 to We dnesday, S eptemb er 16

• B er nie Gadd: fl oral demonstration

“Under st anding F ib onacci”: Sunday, S eptemb er 13

• Haute Couture B r idal E xp ose: Thur sday, S eptemb er 17 to M onday, S eptemb er

• A melia’s C akes we dding cake display: Thur sday 17- M onday 21 S eptemb er 21

• C ake de corating demonstrations and wor k shops: Fr iday, S eptemb er 18 to M onday, S eptemb er 2 2

• Award -winning inter national fl oral designer R ichard G o fl oral demonstrations:

S aturday, S eptemb er 19 and Sunday, S eptemb er 20

• S oget su Ikebana display: Tuesday, S eptemb er 2 2 to Thur sday, Octob er 1.

• F inals of the Inter fl ora national comp etition: Australia Cup and Flor ist of the Future) Fr iday, Octob er 9 to Sunday, Octob er 11

water from the air. Gardening exp er t s Graham Ross and Ce dr ic B r yant will demonstrate practical gardening tips in the k itchen garden.

main site across the road off Commonwealth Avenue

Just follow the tulip signs

including the

I F b eing around so much colour and life gives you the urge to capture it all for p oster it y, memb er s from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography will b e r unning sp e cial ear ly mor ning and t wilight wor k shops on captur ing nature through a camera lens

JU DY H or ton from Yates will also b e in the marque e r unning present ations on how to identif y and handle common bugs and p est s while still maint aining an organic garden

Sust ainab le gardening will b e a big focus this year, in ke eping with the holistic theme of “M ind, B o dy and S oul”. M any of the wor k shops and present ations will look at how to grow healthy ve get ab les and plant s without t ak ing too great a toll on the ear th, while the de dicate d k itchen garden will emphasise practical tips and tr ick s to tr y at home

Commonwealth Par k is a fi veminute walk from the hear t of Civic and AC TI O N r uns re gular buses to and from the festival, visit w w w. action. act.gov. au or call 131710 for a timet ab le Access to the festival is through four entr y p oint s: at Re gatt a Point, off Commonwealth Avenue; off the Par kes Way over pass next to the O lympic Pool car par k in A llora Stre et; at the south -wester n end of the N erang Pool where the fer r y dock s, and at N erang Pool with access via the under pass off Constitution Avenue

En t r y and fees

ENTRY to Flor iade is fre e, so visitor s can attend as many times as they like throughout the season to se e the b eautiful b looms develop and change T icket s for Flor iade NightF est, the fi ve - night fi est a of music, movies, foo d and wine, are availab le from T icketek at w w w ticketek .com or by calling 1328 49 They cost *: Adult s (17 year s and over) , $20; child (5 to16 year s) , $10; concessions (p ensioner s, senior s and student I D card holder s) , $10; Family (t wo adult s and t wo children) , $5 0; children (four year s and under) , fre e

*Price per night. Transaction fees apply

All about you

FLORIADE 20 0 9 is all about “ Mind, Body and Soul ”: So “Cit yNews” spoke to some of Canberra’s leading wellbeing ser vices to find out more.

Jindii EcoSpa – the fir st of its kind in the Canberra region, according to owner Bianca Pritchard – is set to open in late 20 09, and in the meantime, Jindii Mini Spa is offering quality treatments at reduced prices

“Our team is here to provide Canberrans with the opportunity to be completely present in the moment – to unwind and just be,” says Bianca

The Clear Complexions Clinics in Belconnen and Erindale are focusing on treating sundamaged skin this spring, says founder and registered nur se Suzie Hoitink

“ Without doubt, Fraxel laser treatments offer the most dramatic results I have ever seen, ” says Suzie

Avida Aesthetic and Wellness Clinic, at Bailey’s Corner, Civic, offer s a range of non-invasive treatments to enhance beauty and wellbeing

Owner Lina Prego says that treatments such as non-surgical liposuction, cellulite reduction, photorejuvenation and ox ygen facials can leave us looking and feeling great

Sole E ssence is a holistic healing ser vice that helps people “restore their oneness ” by using their minds, bodies, spirits and hearts, says owner and holistic healer Annette Hennessy B eaut y S alon Rest and Recuperate in Pearce is inviting C anb er rans and visitor s to celebrate their mind, b o dy and soul with a spr ing sp e cial offer

Jindii: call 6257 8777 or email rela x@ jindii com au Clear Comple xions: visit w w w clearcomple xions .com.au or call 6251 8 8 89 ( B elconnen) or 6231 0 0 03 ( Erindale)

Avida: visit w w w avidaclinic com au or call 6249 18 4 8

Sole Essence: visit w w w.soleessence.vpweb. com au Rest and Recuperate: call 6286 8123

Seen the flowers? Tr y some of these

C ANBERR A’S many other at trac tions have joined in the cit y ’s celebration of spring with Floriade -themed mind, body and soul experiences

Tid bi n billa

IT’S the Inter national Year of A stronomy and for 4 0 year s the C anb er ra De ep Space Communication Complex at T idbinbilla has playe d a key role in the exploration of space as par t of N A S A’s De ep Space N et wor k . There are views of the largest antenna complex in the souther n hemisphere, a pie ce of moon rock that’s 3 8 billion year s old and the latest images from M ar s .

Old Parliamen t House

“H A N DS - O N democracy ” is the theme of an exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at O ld Par liament H ouse. The exhibition encourages younger visitor s to b e come active citizens by lear ning ab out how democracy relates to them

I ns t i t u te of Spor t

TA K E a tour guide d by an elite athlete and discover where Australia’s sp or ting champions live and train. Step into a wor ld of fun at Sp or tex , the interactive sp or t s exp er ience. Children and adult s can tr y whe elchair basketball, t ake a simulate d mount ain bike race or tr y fl ying head fi r st down on a b obsle d track . The newest exhibit,

“ S cience of Success”, displays the se cret te chnology develop e d by the institute’s sp or t s science sp or t me dicine depar tment

Nat ional Zoo

B I GGER k ids (ages 10 and over) can hand fe e d lions, tiger s and b ear s, play ball with a che et ah and interact with monkeys, otter s, giraffes, p enguins, dingoes and more at the National Zoo and Aquar ium

Nat ional M useu m

CR E ATE a house or vehicle of the future in K-Space and watch your creation come to life in a 3D cinema at the National Museum of Australia. You can also visit the new Australian Jour neys Galler y,

and explore the voyages that conne ct Australia to the wor ld

Aus t ralian War Memorial

DISCOVER the Australian War M emor ial’s “Discover y Zone” and crawl through a trench, climb into a Vietnam War helicopter and lear n ab out p eaceke eping

Ques t acon

AT Quest acon, the National S cience and Te chnology Centre, you can explore the wor ld inside your head and discover that realit y isn’t what it se ems Quest acon has something for ever yone – from giant dinos aur s, a t wo - metre fre efall slide to science theatre shows .

Haven for f ine Indian cuisine

LO C ATED in a large op en - plan space along G enge Stre et in Civic, B lu Ginger is the capit al’s mo der n haven for fi ne Indian cuisine

The rest aurant’s high ceilings, ceilingto - fl oor windows and e dgy wallpap er add character to the dining exp er ience

The focus at B lu Ginger is on mo der n Indian cuisine, with an extensive menu

that’s eas y to de cipher E ach dish has a useful heat strength rating and infor mation is provide d ab out the var ious dishes’ or igins

B lu Ginger is a stone’s throw from bar s, cafe and b outiques and a goo d me eting p oint for a great evening out

Some bar t hat, bar none

O PEN ED in 19 96, A ll B ar Nun at O’Connor

has b e come a C anb er ra institution and, with the creation of it s new lounge bar offer ing great-value, gastro -st yle cuisine at an affordab le pr ice (including op ening for break fast seven days from 8 am) , the venue is now ab le to cater for a wide clientele from professionals and uni student s, to tour ist s and the sp or ting crowd With an expanded menu and attentive,

Combining

friendly staff, All Bar Nun provides one of Canberra’s largest arrays of international and domestic beers (including SA’s Coopers beers) and one of the ACT’s most impressive wine lists

With live music on Sunday after noons, “piz z a and pint” night s (M onday and Tuesday) , the latest live sp or t action on huge scre ens in a b eautiful inner- cit y location, A ll B ar Nun is a great place to escap e after the sight s and sounds of Flor iade.

ar t and food

I O R I provides an enjoyab le and relaxing dining atmosphere with foo d and ser vice that may make you fe el you’re dining in Tok yo!

It offer s a range of menu options, from traditional Japanese dishes, hot p ot cour ses, sushi and s ashimi to mo der n Japanese cuisine

The freshest of pro duce is use d to guarante e the highest qualit y p ossib le. The rest aurant has a sushi bar, a sp e cial function

area and traditional Japanese t ab les to cater for your seating preference

“Our menu is base d on the use of only the freshest ingre dient s,” s ays owner M amor u A iz awa.

“ We br ing an experience that combines art and food into one ” Pictured are the specialities Real Eel Meal Deal (left) and Crab Club.

lunch and dinner

ALL BAR N U N O’Connor Shops, M acpher son Stre et, O’Connor. C all 6257 9191 or visit w w w allbar nun.com au

I O R I JAPAN E S E R E S TAU R ANT Lunch M onday to Fr iday from 12pm. Dinner M onday to S aturday

Enjoyable and rela xing dining

CO O Japanese Iz akaya is the latest addition to the growing cit y pre cinct of traditional Japanese rest aurant s . O p ene d re cently by the team from I O R I Japanese rest aurant, Coo offer s a wide range of traditional and mo der n Japanese cuisine

An “izakaya” is a common kind of Japanese restaurant, found in cosmopolitan cities throughout the world You can dine in the traditional Japanese style while enjoying

fresh sushi or sashimi and other exotic dishes made by top chefs, who say they bring It’s not just tradition that makes Coo wor th the visit, but the touch of the new Japan in a sele ction of innovative and sophisticate d mo der n Japanese dishes that herald the countr y ’s broad - base d, multinational app etite

Flor iade lunch b oxes are availab le from 11:30 am

arts&entertainment

Funny side of the blues

T WENT Y-SIX-Y E A R- O LD M elb our ne come dian and b lues p er for mer M ichael Connell was a happy man when I met him re cently

“I came up for the ‘Gre en Faces’ come dy comp etition at the C anb er ra Ir ish Club and guess what? L ast night I won ” Connell, a st and - up comic for eight year s, has re cently change d t actics and plans to mix his own come dy, b lues guit ar, har monica - playing with local AC T come dy t alent s in a show calle d “ The B lues” coming up at The Stre et Theatre.

Two or thre e year s ago, Connell tells me, he found himself travelling too much on subur ban trains in M elb our ne and de cide d he ne e de d an occupation, so he t aught himself how to play the har monica

“M y fe l l ow p a s s e n g e r s d i d n’t

a thre e - line str ucture in b lues that pre cisely matches the str ucture of a joke – “it’s biz ar re! ”

Torment and delight

NEW York-based choreographer Aszure Barton created this work from her six-week visit to Australia and close collaboration with the Sydney Dance Company dancers. Bradley Chatfield, as the company ’ s retiring stalwart is Sid, initially seeming to channel Dr Evil, as he descends from the rafters in a throne, to embark on his birthday masquerade through a shared, intimate space that feels like an underground world unto itself

He is led through this journey by Reed Luplau, who embodies New York style and flair in a wonderfully dapper, smooth performance with a touch of Gene Kelly and a nod to Bob Fosse

Sid is simultaneously delighted and tormented by the people he encounters A distinctly sexual yet understated language

DANCE

“Sid ’s Walt zi n g M a sq u e ra d e ” Sydney Dance Company. T he Play house S eason end e d Rev iewe

is used to create a dialogue between the dancers to communicate relationships, flirtations, and playfulness

Contemporar y dance with hints of “Swan Lake” and influences of jazz, tango and waltz, move us along the journey with Sid, as familiar bush-tunes blend seamlessly into classical works Barton’s choreography, while not ground-breaking is unique It is wonderfully executed as the cast moves from poignant, beautiful stillness to energetic, acrobatic repartee

If you imagine that there isn't much in common b et we en come dy and the b lues, you’d b e wrong, I discover.

“ You t ake emotions and pain and then you tur n it to something b eautiful,” he s ays “A nd there is a common theme b et we en b lues and come dy.

Just ab out any b lues song will b e gin:

‘My car ’s broken down, my gir l's just left me and I don’t have a job . when you think ab out it, it’s exactly the s ame in come dy ”

Connell admit s that the b lues are not an obvious choice for a white, middle - class Australian, but then again, middle - class themes easily intr ude –“woke up this mor ning and my i - Po d was broken” A nd there is

With Connell is G oulbur n b lues guit ar ist Jonno Zilb er as guest musician H e and Connell met a couple of year s ago at the Australian B lues Music and Wangaratt a F estivals

In this “exp er iment al” concer t, Connell is engaging a local come dian each night. O ne such is Jay Sullivan, well k nown from the Multicultural Fr inge and it s National H e ck ler ’ s Comp etition. These days he sp or t s an unexp e cte d pinstr ip e suit and look s ever y bit the Defence Depar tment employe e that he has b e come – more fo dder for come dy. H e'll b e followe d by musical come dy duo The Stevenson E xp er ience and come dian Tom Gibson.

“The B lues”, The Street Theatre, September 17-19

Complex and v isuall y arres t ing

THE 35 finalists in this year ’ s Ranamok Glass Prize employ more than 28 separate techniques in many combinations

The winning work from emerging NZ artist Lisa Walsh is complex and visually arresting. “Across The Lines” (hot moulded glass, paint and wire, 90x170x 5cms), is concerned with the role of women in World War I

This wall work, undeniably feminine in nature, is composed of more than 500 glass pegs wired together to form a Maori cloak Colours weave and flow, creating a mesmeric display. Weighing in at 102 kilograms, “Across The Lines” was unquestionably the winning piece in a strong field

Other outstanding works include: Ede

VISUAL ARTS

Ra n a m o k Gl a s s Prize 20 0 9 C anb er ra

Horton’s whimsical group of three curious, birds-head cups, titled “Chinese Whispers”; Mark Elliot’s “Transcen-dance”, an exquisite work lushly echoing North Bondi’s aquamarine, white and cobalt sea; Emma Varga’s complex exercise in manipulation of both material and viewer response titled “Vertigo #1 (totally under control)” and respected, local artist Judi Elliot’s “Enclosure-Wall Series”, a sophisticated and entirely resolved meditation of cur ves and flat planes

arts&entertainment

W i ld abou t Larr y

C ANBERR A’S most famous composer Larr y Sitsky (pictured at work) celebrated his 75th birthday with a star turn in the foyer of the National Librar y of Australia “The Musical Journey of Larr y Sitsky” featured performances of his work s by Sitsky and friends including Michael Kieran Har vey, Geoffrey Lancaster, Angela Giblin, Susanne Powell and Tor Fromyhr. The librar y is also celebrating the acquisition of Sitsky’s per sonal paper s and the launch of a new Larr y Sitsky website created and donated by his former student Dr Marcia Ruff Hewitt – H e l e n M u s a

Colour and lots of movement

ARTS

IN THE C IT Y

“CO LOU R my Wor ld” is a p er for mance showcasing the creative and p er for ming ar t s sk ills of more than 10 0 0 student s from the AC T’s 8 8 pub lic schools . The show (S eptemb er 16 and 17 ) to b e st age d in the C anb er ra Theatre will b lend music, drama, dance, me dia and visual ar t s . M ore infor mation at w w w.canb er ratheatre. com au S TA R R I N G in his new show, “Jime oin on I ce”, this muchlove d Aussie / Ir ish come dian explores the fi ercely funny obser vations on the absurdities of ever yday life and s ays he will gracefully skate around as an adde d hilar it y for this p er for mance! It’s one night only – on S eptemb er 12. M ore infor mation at w w w.canb erratheatre centre.com au WH AT happ ens when the chocolate - loving bunny from the local animal k ingdom, builds up enough courage to confront the ter r ib le and all might y Plop? F ind out when quir k y pupp etr y, funk y tunes, lot s of r hyming and br ight designs come together to create this fun play sp e ci fically designe d for pre -school age d children. “Plop” aims to provide an intimate and non - threatening fi r st theatr ical exp er ience. T icket s are pr ice d at a family fr iendly $15 and will

b e p er for me d at the C anb er ra

Theatre Centre’s Cour t yard

B y Rac hel Cra m pto n Sm it h

Studio multiple times dur ing the we ek st ar ting S eptemb er 14 F or b ook ings call 6275 270 0

TH E C anb er ra Youth O rchestra is presenting “Rome o and Juliet” in Llewellyn Hall, A NU on S eptemb er 18 . The orchestra has thre e pie ces prepare d including “Concer to for F our H or ns and O rchestra” featur ing soloist s Julian Hunt, A ngharad Johnson, A lison Logan and A list air M cGre gor. F or more infor mation call 6247 4714

Work- e xperience student Rachel Crampton Smith prepared this week’s column Regular writer Jorian Gardner will return ne xt week

Despite flaws, it ’s Charlie, Boots and all

“CHARLIE AND BOOTS”

DESPITE the fl aws in “Char lie and B oot s”, cowr iter/dire ctor Dean Mur phy has made a fun fi lm

It’s a father/son road movie founde d on loss, of Char lie’s wife of 42 year s, whose funeral op ens the fi lm, and B oot s’ son who drowne d while grandma was minding him

When Char lie (Paul H ogan) wallows in self pit y on the family ’s dair y far m near Por t Fair y, B oot s (Shane Jacobson) de cides to shake him up by hijack ing him without war ning and setting off in the K ingswoo d to go fishing at C ap e Yor k Mur phy built the scr ipt with shor t grabs that make p erceptive obser vations of Australia and ordinar y Australians, but don’t always move the stor y along Occasionally, he pauses the nor thward progress while Char lie and B oot s reminisce or admonish each other in a relationship - clear ing process

The G over nment is ab out to sp end me ga - buck s re - branding Australia as a tour ist destination “Char lie and B oot s” makes a prett y goo d, even

C INEMA

B y Do u g al M acd o n ald

cre dib le, template

Wait after the end cre dit s for Char lie’s sneak y in - joke

At all Canberra cinemas

“THE SOLOIST” (MA)

‘ TIS aver re d that this fi lm tells the tr ue stor y ab out how “Los A ngeles T imes” feature wr iter

Steve Lop ez discovere d Nathaniel A nthony Ayer s, b efr iende d him and ultimately rescue d him from a b e ggar ’s life among the 9 0,0 0 0 homeless on the cit y ’s Sk id Row

We may have confi dence in that aver ment, although dire ctor Joe Wr ight and co -wr iter (with Lop ez) Sus annah Grant have adde d comp onent s of cinema ar t that provide useful diver sions from the emotional intensit y of a ver y moving picture

Ayer s is an A fro - A mer ican with a passion for

tin’ on the dock of the bay…

TH ER E’S nothing like sitting on the water ’ s e dge (p er haps with your toes dipping in) , munching on fresh, t akeaway fish and chips

Think it’s still a bit chilly for that? Well, at the south coast, where it’s several de gre es war mer than in C anb er ra, it is p ossib le to enjoy the exp er ience

Tuross H eads – where the lake me et s the sea – is a nice hidey- hole, with O’B r iens B oat she d, the Pick le d Octopus and, if you are not fusse d with fresh fish, Re d B ox Piz z a all nestle d on Trafalgar Road. While not exactly a “gour met str ip”, these thre e eater ies offer “honest foo d” with a great p osition r ight on the lake with b eautiful views and all - day sun

It is a p er fe ct sp ot to watch fishing b oat s, amazing sunset s, and the dolphins trapp e d in the lake b e cause of a k ing tide, which has close d off the mouth of the Tuross R iver We dine d at Pick le d Octopus, with t akeaway availab le on the woo den lower de ck and a “fancier ” license d seafoo d café on the upp er de ck , b oth with 18 0 - de gre e views . It is owne d by Gre g F erguson, a local character who wor k s hard to offer the freshest fish availab le from the abundant supply in Tuross

DINING

B y We n d y Jo h n so n

L ake and sur rounding coast al areas . This se es him re gular ly having a line or t wo out himself and fi lleting on the premises

The line - caught local fish, bar b e que d outdoor s on the upp er de ck and ser ve d with creamy b éar naise s auce ($28) was succulent and, to b e honest, did not ne e d anything more than a squir t or t wo of lemon to set it off

H owever, you don’t have to “go fishy ”. The Pick le d Octopus’ set menu and sp e cials b oard include plent y of other dishes . The chargr ille d scotch fi llet ($28) was tender and the oyster s fresh and creamy. The only “ho - hum” item was the entré e – a generous ser ve of cr umb e d mushrooms stuffe d with C amemb er t and ser ve d with re d wine jelly ($15 ). The exe cution was p e destr ian and the mushrooms water y. Still, the scener y made up for it

real music and great t alent p er for ming it But, not unlike “ Shine’s” David H elfgott, he is cur se d by a dest abilising ment al illness while studying at the Juilliard S chool of Music, denying him any chance of a p er for ming care er

Jamie F ox x is magni fi cent as Ayer s . A nd Rob er t Downey Jr is a convincing Lop ez

The music, mostly excer pt s from B e ethoven’s “Eroica” and choral s ymphonies with occasional visit s to the acme of comp osition for solo cello, the B ach suites, is infi nitely b etter than pur p osecomp ose d fi lm scores!

Don’t se e it alone S e e it with someb o dy imp or t ant to you

At all Canberra cinemas

“KAMINEY” (MA)

THERE were three other s in the cinema, a reviewer for a daily paper and an Indian couple, well spoken, well dressed, obviously educated and intelligent We agre e d that we hadn’t se en a goo d movie. Vishal B hardwaj’s sixth fi lm as dire ctor

The k ids’ menu includes fish and chips or calamar i and chips for $8 . Desser t s are inexp ensive ($9) and include d p e can pie and a brandy snap basket

A fter lunch, we wandere d next door to Re d B ox Piz z a. The woo d - fi re d oven was going full b last cook ing up an extensive range of piz z as – traditional, sp e cialt y and bianco (gar lic and olive oil base) , with plent y of options for ve get ar ians . Small piz z as st ar t at $12 9 0 and the large top off at $24 9 0. It is byo (no cor kage) and you can eat in or t ake away. If you’d rather b e on the lake, simply rent a tinny from O’B r ien’s B oat she d and grab a prett y de cent coffe e while getting organise d The Pickled O ctopus , 93D Trafalgar Road, Tuross Heads , 4473 6 8 0 4

and seventh as wr iter is a mish - mash of romance, come dy, violence, melo drama, cr ime, cor r uption and Indian societ al values . B hardwaj has wr itten character s and situations with H olly woo d fl avour s fi lme d in st yles strongly influence d by B olly woo d – hand - held camera often chasing focus unsuccessfully, a multi -strande d scre enplay that even with subtitles made little sense to any of us and moral issues that faile d to convince at least me of their validit y

The plot centres on t win brother s, Char lie with a lisp and low moral values, Guddu with higher moralit y and a stutter, who haven’t se en each other for several year s Guddu’s love - mak ing with Swe et y, insisting that she wante d to fe el him, not latex , inside her, has the inevit ab le result Char lie has stolen cocaine b elonging to Swe et y ’ s cr imelord brother

With real - life relations b et we en Australia and India in uncomfor t ab le ter r itor y, I ’d like to praise “Kaminey ” rather than disparage it, but it simply doesn’t let me

At Hoyts B elconnen

Shor t + sold out

THEATRE “Sh o r t + Swe et ” Rev iewe d by Hele n M u s a

“ SH O RT + Swe et” is a str ik ing theatr ical phenomenon founde d in Australia and now extende d into Singap ore and M alaysia. In it s fi r st C anb er ra manifest ation, the Cour t yard Studio s aw sell - out audiences for the Sydneysele cte d “ Top 10 ” 10 - minute plays, while The Stre et s aw packe d houses for the next 10 on the list, package d as “ Wildcards ”

O nly thre e scr ipt s were single d out: the overall winning scr ipt, Hal Judge’s “ Tell M e Your S e cret”, and t wo separate Pe ople’s Choices in Adam Hadley ’s “ Whe elbar rows, Stoat and M ount ain M an, Attor neys at L aw” and Eliz ab eth Ward’s “Flamingo Dancing”. Mystif yingly, the top play came from the se cond rank , though inde e d some of the “ Wildcards” se eme d more interesting than many in the “ Top 10 ”

If more plays had b e en include d on the judge d list, we might have se en evidence that it was dramaturgy which was under the microscop e, not pro duction. That way we could have under stoo d if their cr iter ia include d the effe ctive use of the 10 - minute for mat (some of those 10 minutes dragge d) , the tightness of focus, the use of nar ration and dresse d - up monologue

A s it was, the judges Katie Pollock , C aroline St acey, A nne - M ar ie B r itton and B r uce C ar michael single d out dire ctor David Atfi eld and actor s B r ian Kavanagh and A li M cGre gor, an o dd way to go in the context of a play festival that should have emphasise d the scr ipt s .

Shine and sizzle

FI R E WO R K S might b e gone, but shine and siz zle is hot this spr ing in fashion – all the way from a few discre et se quins to full - on b ling

“I think we’ve all had a long, hard winter and this summer, we want things to b e colour ful, shiny and fun,” s ays C anb er ran p er sonal st ylist J enny Kozlow. “A nd I think it’s fant astic!

“Eighties-st yle silver se quins are ever y where – you can textur ise with them easily by layer ing.” This could mean teaming a spar k ly top with one of this season’s “b oyfr iend” jacket s, she suggest s “M ake se quins a day look – it’s not just for the re d car p et or cockt ails! ”

The daily grind

AUS TR A LI A NS are ke ener than ever on mak ing their own coffe e at home, s ays John RussellStorey, coffe e gur u at L avaz z a – but mak ing goo d coffe e re quires a bit of effor t, he s ays .

“ The new generation of home espresso machines we ’ re se eing on the mar ket are a lot easier to use; and coffe e companies, including us, are mak ing b lends appropr iate for home machines,” John told “Cit yN ews”

H e s ays that user- fr iendliness is an imp or t ant consideration when shopping for a machine

“Don’t just t ake it out of the b ox and exp e ct to b e a bar ist a straight away, though

“ You have to set it up and, most imp or t antly, clean it cor re ctly – and it does t ake a little while to lear n how to use a machine, so make sure you t ake that time.

“If you’re a shor t- b lack fanatic, make sure it pro duces a goo d shor t b lack ; if you dr ink your coffe e with milk , you ne e d to consider that – most machines pro duce reasonab ly goo d milk these days, but milk qualit y is something you ne e d to b e aware of ”

We also ne e d to buy a goo d qualit y gr inder to get the most out of home espresso machines .

“If you buy an inexp ensive gr inder, it won’t gr ind coffe e – it will r ip, tear and smash coffe e and you won’t get a goo d qualit y cup ” - M e

NELLIGEN 21 Sproxtons Lane

River Frontage + Pontoon

There’s bound to be a lot of interest in this precious offering, so don’t dally Here is a neat and tidy three bedroom traditional cottage with timber floors, right on the banks of the Clyde River AND with a sturdy pontoon and three garages! On a good sized block of 1,897sqm with a spacious deck taking in the river views, it is an absolute delight for anglers and water skiers. What more can we say Come see!

Ray White works!

Price by negotiation

View by appointment

John Haslem 0418 514 399 raywhite.com/BBY11336 3 1 3

Batemans Bay

At home in Yass

M E A D OW VA LE is nestle d amongst est ab lishe d gardens and 4 0 0 0 sqm of lawns

The prop er t y ’s homestead features high ceilings and French door s, and compr ises for mal lounge with a Chemine e Philipp e fi replace, a dining room, sunroom and a family room meals area with an A r row, slow- combustion woo d fi replace

The meals area adjoins the large countr y k itchen. F our b e drooms, main with walk in rob e plus thre e with built- ins, t wo bathrooms, offi ce, attic and a vine - covere d patio with colonnades

There’s a t wo -storey doub le garage with a large studio ab ove and a professionally constr ucte d tennis cour t

The lawn is ir r igate d by an underground spr ink ler s ystem supplie d from the homestead dam, plus most of the garden is ir r igate d with a dr ipp er s ystem

The prop er t y of ab out 6 0 ha, offer s highly fer tile, heav y granite loams with some re d bas alt caps and se diment ar y soils in lower areas, the pasture is comp ose d of microlaena, danthonia,

phalar is and sub clover and the prop er t y enjoys an average rainfall of 65 0 mm

There are est ab lishe d scattere d shade tre es of re d gum and yellow b ox , plus a st and of pine tre es east of Der r ingullen Cre ek where a pump deliver s ab out 10,0 0 0 litres an hour to the homestead dam. This is use d for stock , garden and water ing the 520 0 lavender plant s Stock water is also drawn and pip e d to troughs . M etere d town water is conne cte d and availab le for house, garden and stock

The prop er t y also features a t wo -st and shearing she d with raise d b oard, mo der n design and drafting and holding yards along with a grain silo and t wo machiner y she ds

Address: 10 Lachlan Valley Way, Yass Inspection: By appointment.

Auction: Midday, Sunday, September 27. Agent: Greg Hedger, of Richard Luton Properties, on 0427 214337.

5 LESLIE STREET

Builder’s showpiece - crafted to fastidious perfection & exquisitely finished throughout this builders own residence presents as new and is the ultimate offering in modern living. Architecturally designed for gracious living & entertaining, this home is perfect for the large family, those who like to entertain on a grand scale or home business. An open light filled floor plan provides spacious formal & informal areas, 4 bedrooms, powder room, rumpus, study & large office area with ensuite easily converted to teenagers retreat or granny flat . EER 3 Auction on site 6.30pm Thursday 1st October

Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

709/86-88 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE

6 ARABANA STREET

Crisp design, contemporary vision and an excellence of construction A magnificent , yet understated 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home in an ideal location, set on a level, perfectly oriented block of 761m2 The home offers a warm yet minimalist feel

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

12 BORROWDALE STREET

There is so much to like about this seventh floor apartment The location is excellent , within walking distance of the ANU, Mort & Lonsdale Street s fashionable boutiques, trendy bars & cafes & the best the City has to offer Take in spectacular Black Mountain views from the open plan living spaces & balcony There are two generous bedrooms, main with ensuite bathroom & a well appointed kitchen Reverse cycle air conditioning, secure parallel parking for two cars storage & resident use of the gym & pool are included EER 6 $480,000

Mary Debus 0414 623 876

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Andrew

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

• High prole shops available from 98sqm*

• Shopping Centre anchored by strongly performing Coles Supermarket

• Busy centre with excellent ow of pedestrian trafc

• Owner says “Bring us tenants and we’ll do deals!”

Unbelievable Opportunity for First Home Buyers

The majority of these fantastic to wnhouses are two bedroom ensuite homes with courty ards and there is a choice of various  oor plan designs

s t a m p d u t y.

Address: McWhae Circuit, Wanniassa

Price: From $320,000 - $420,000

From this prime loca tion close to Erindale Shops you only ha ve a short drive over the hill to Woden and hand y access to the Tuggeranong Hyperdome. Within

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

Brand New Home in Kingston Foreshore

This contemporar y home in a tree-lined street, features four bedrooms, ensuite and separate studio above the garage. With cutting edge architecture by Tomi Milan, this home offers approximately 26 squares of living over two levels, with double lock up garage and private outdoor courtyard for entertaining. Quality nishings, modern xtures, a stroll to the lake, shops and cafes of this cosmopolitan location - enquire today for this rare opportunity! EER 5.

Address: 51 Cunningham Street, Kingston

Inspect: Saturday 2:00—2:30pm

Price: By Negotiation

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

walking distance to Erindale College, Active Leisure Centre, cafés, restaurants and the Vikings Club, this position is one not to be missed! A full set of plans and inclusions lists are a vailable from the a gent, so move quickly to secure your to wnhouse because this opportunity a t these prices will not last long.

EERs 5, 5.5, 6.

Brand New Home in Kingston Foreshore

This beautiful four bedroom ensuite home offers approximately 38 squares of living area, spread over two levels, with triple garaging and a private courtyard for outdoor entertaining, in the prestigious new Kingston Foreshore!

Stroll to the lake, shops and cafes from this separate title house. With quality inclusions such as Miele appliances, glass balustrades, double glazed windows and much more - enquire today for this once in a lifetime opportunity! EER 5

Address: 58 Dawes Street, Kingston

Price: By Negotiation

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

Brand New And Waiting For 1ou!

Choose your fa vourite! These two brand new, spacious four bedroom ensuite homes ha ve been built by an a ward winning local builder

Designed with the family in mind, these stylish homes enjo y open plan designs centring on large kitchens with stone benchtops and stainless steel a ppliances,

surrounded by roomy informal family and meals areas which spill onto the alfresco entertaining areas.

With double auto gara ges with internal access, modern nishes, ducted vacuum, reverse cycle air conditioning, oor coverings and much more - you can just move in and enjo y! EERs 5.

Address: 8 Aldous Street, Franklin and 4 Arndt Street, Forde Inspect: 4 Arndt Street, Forde open for inspection Saturday 3:00—3:30pm

Price: $594,000 and $495,000

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

FURLONG A;ARTMENTS

SELL>NG FAST

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Call Chris Farmer Toda/! 0415 735 777

ON any good night in Australia, more than 1 2 million people will have trouble getting a good, restful sleep and will greet the morning feeling tired and cranky

But now for residents of Canberra and surrounding areas, a good night’s sleep is one step closer thanks to Sleepy’s Fyshwick.

According to the Chiropractic Association of Australia (CAA), many people sleep badly and su er preventable pain and other spinal conditions due to their beds being incorrect for their body type.

‘‘We spend one third of our life in bed, so it is impor tant to choose the right one and look after it,’’ Dr Eva McQueen, spokesperson for the CAA said Proprietor of Sleepy’s Fyshwick, Michael George said: ‘‘If your aches and pains feel worse in the morning than before you went to bed or if your mattress has annoying peaks, dips or lumps, then you need to consider updating ’’

The latest technology in latex, memor y foam, pocket-coil and chiropractic mattresses and ensembles that Sleepy’s provide could be a solution for many Australians who su er back, neck, hip or shoulder pain

‘‘Sleepy’s chiropractic range of beds is the only bedding range that the CAA has helped design,’’ Mr George said

‘‘The CAA thoroughly tests the range and when they pass all the chiropractic criteria they are approved – the only CAA endorsed range in the Australian Bedding Industr y ’’

A bedding purchase is one of the most impor tant choices you make for your body and is one of the most used items in the home.

‘‘It is one of the only household items you will buy that is a health bene t and factors largely to how well you function ever y day,’’ Mr George said

‘‘Some people want to spend up to $10,000 on a plasma or LCD television and many only watch it for two hours a day It is not unusual to spend $30,000 or more on a car, which becomes an ongoing expense, yet we may only spend an hour or two in it each day.

‘‘A bed that is comfor table can alleviate many sleep problems, improve quality of life and is an investment in your health

‘‘At Sleepy’s, we o er a 60-day replacement guarantee on our core range, so if you are not sleeping better within two months, you can exchange your mattress,’’ he said.

‘‘The exchange program is all about having peace of mind, as it is often di cult to tell how a mattress really feels in the shor t period of time you spend in a bedding store ’’

Sleepy’s deliver free to Canberra, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra They stock a large range of mattresses, which means you don’t have to wait six weeks to take deliver y

‘‘We also o er a mattress and ensemble removal ser vice at no charge to our customers. We take out the old and bring in the new – all you have to do is strip the bed,’’ Mr George said

Sleepy’s also sponsor sleep awareness programs and host chiropractic workshops suppor t Breast Cancer Network Australia, Sids for Kids and local community groups

The sta at Sleepy’s have been trained by Sleepmaker and representatives from the CAA so they are able to give exper t advice.

If you have any questions or need advice about a new or existing mattress, call Michael, Stephen or Susan at Sleepy’s Fyshwick on 6239 1140 or drop in and visit the team at 125 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick