Canberra CityNews September 24-30, 2009

Caring & sharing

Why Canberra’s top stockbroker is no ordinary Joe

ROBERT

writers!

MACKLIN

Wonders why pharmacy assistants are rude to him

TIM GAVEL

Wonders why sports clubs wonder why they get bad publicity

MICHAEL MOORE

Wonders about dodges in the planning laws

SONYA FLADUN

Wonders about weight issues for women

5 double passes to Viktoria Novak’s fashion spectacular 5 ‘George Gently’ DVDS

Chief slams dam dunces

CHIEF Minister Jon Stanhope bluntly points the finger at Actew’s lack of “rigour” for the shock cost blow out of the Cotter Dam expansion.

In an exclusive interview with “CityNews”, the Actew shareholder spared no feelings.

“I can’t get away from the fact that in Actew’s initial costs there were some things that should have been included and weren’t. I am pointing the finger at Actew to that extent,” he said.

“At the initial estimate, none of the geo-technical work had been done and now they propose to go about nine metres deeper than was first thought and extend the dam on either side. In the absence of the design and geo-technical work, the numbers were always going to change.

“There is no doubt now that, in retrospect, the proposal for the expansion for the Cotter Dam, at $150 million, seriously, massively underestimated the cost of construction.

‘Dam’

wasn’t probably the word on the Chief minister’s lips when he was told that the Cotter extension costs had blown out again. JOrIAN GArDNer reports…

was given an updated costing of around $250 million – already about $100 million higher than initially presented. In 12 months, the cost is another $113 million at $363 million.

“They could have done this better from the outset and I hold them accountable for this.”

In June, 2008, the ACT Government

INDEX

Septmeber 24-30, 2009

Since 1993: Volume 15, Number 37

Arts&Entertainment 15-17

Body 20

Crossword 25

Dining 17

Fashion 18

Horoscope 25

Letters 8

Movie reviews 16

News 3-8

Property 26-31

Social Scene 12-13

Sudoku 25

COVER PHOTO: Stockbroker Joe

Cardone, story Page 9. Photo by Silas.

“When we were presented with that (the final) cost there was a genuine level of surprise and concern,” said Treasurer and fellow Actew shareholder Katy Gallagher, who has been weathering much of the political backlash.

“I was aware that the costs were increasing and that they were bringing in an independent reviewer to review their methodology, so we knew that there was a level of escalation occurring, but the final figure was a genuine surprise.”

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Ho-ho-ho, oh-no!

THE “CityNews” news desk is getting its ear bent by readers cranky about the major department stores starting to sell decorations more than three months before Christmas Day. One Yarralumla matron and aspiring grandmother, says she gets stonewalled when she calls the stores to complain on behalf of the sensibilities of little children. Another Braddon reader was shocked enough to visit Myer and David Jones and sent, despite being confronted by nervous management in one store, through photographic evidence from his phone that the season is jolly well underway.

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111

GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au

Editor: Ian Meikle, editor@citynews.com.au

Senior writer and arts editor: Jorian Gardner, 0415 516286

Lifestyle editor: Kathryn Vukovljak, 6262 9100 lifestyle@citynews.com.au

Arts writer: Helen Musa, 0413 466121

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Designer: Joran Dilucian

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

Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100 JGD

4,65 COpIeS A week

Six-month audit to March 31, 2009

Katy’s punting for a pat on the back

By Jorian g ardner

AFTER her horror May Budget, Treasurer Katy Gallagher is confident of a pat on the back when she delivers the ACT’s much-anticipated mid-year financial review in late December.

“Well why wouldn’t I?” she laughed. ”Seeing how I am blamed when everything goes wrong, the flipside is that I should be rewarded when everything goes well – that’s what I reckon!”

Despite a difficult first year as Treasurer, Gallagher is upbeat and optimistic that the Territory is heading towards a better result than predicted.

“I haven’t seen how it will translate into our operating result, but even the GST receipts are better than the Commonwealth predicted, so that will have an impact on our Budget,” Ms Gallagher told “CityNews”.

“But regardless of some of the improvements that we have seen, the savings target set for that final out year is in the order of $196 million – that’s not going to change enormously. We still have a big savings target – there is more work to be done.”

The Treasurer believes the decisions she and the Government have taken are proving to have “been right for the Territory.”

“I don’t just say that because of the better performance of our own revenue, I say that because (it was) I who went out there first and said that this was going to be a seven-year deficit,” she said. “That’s not an easy position to go to the community with in your first few months as Treasurer but it was the right decision.

“The seven-year plan allows us the flexibility. We could have made a sharp, short response (to the GFC); we could have cut everything by $100 million and be in extraordinary pain at the moment, I would imagine. That wasn’t what we did; we decided to respond more slowly and carefully.”

“If the Budget position improves then that will possibly shorten that seven-year time frame,” Ms Gallagher said.

Air and graces of the ladies in white

WHY are the shop assistants in pharmacies so rude?

Until recently, I thought I might be imagining it; or maybe it was confined to the two or three chemists I patronise on Canberra’s south side. (I also considered that it might be me, but I get along so well with the checkout ladies at my supermarket that I rejected the idea.)

However, for the last few weeks I’ve been on the world’s longest book tour and have visited chemist shops in all our major capitals (usually for throat lozenges) and it’s the same everywhere. They’re snooty, they’re impatient, they’re just plain rude.

Part of the reason, I suspect, is that the chemist selects a “superior” type of lass to give his shop a professional patina. Then he gives them nice white uniforms to add to the illusion. The effect on the girls is that uniformly they adopt airs and graces. And since they deal with the old,

Convinced he’s not imagining it, rObert mACkLIN wonders why shop assistants in pharmacies are rude to him.

the infirm and the less-assertive members of the community, they get away with it.

In Canberra they stand out because generally the service we receive in our retail outlets is pretty good. Some young assistants need help – especially the ones who respond to your “Thank you” with “No worries”. But usually people are pleasant to each other and in some hardware shops – like Magnet Mart in Phillip – they fall over themselves to he helpful. (People tell me they are also quite attentive at Bunnings, but I’ve only been there once. I felt I’d landed on an alien planet and fled.)

Indeed, there are one or two establishments in our fair city where the service is so good it takes

Nurse Helen goes to see

By Megan h aggan

IT’S a long way from Canberra Hospital to a hospital ship with no portholes in the operating theatres, but theatre nurse Helen Boyd rose to the challenge.

Helen recently came back to Canberra following a month’s service volunteering on the “Africa Mercy”, the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, in Benin, West Africa.

For some time she’s been keen to help those less fortunate than herself in developing countries.

“In 2006 I went to Java after the earthquake, and was there 16 days. I’d always wanted to do something like this, but before the trip to Java my kids were too young – they’re now 22, 21 and 17,” she said.

After Mercy Ships’ work was mentioned to her in conversation, Helen investigated the organisation and decided she wanted to do something to help.

“A lot of the work was in cataract extraction – they can do up to 150

eye operations a week, most of them removing cataracts,” she said.

“There’s absolutely no eye protection for the people there, or any idea that they should wear eye protection because of the fierce wind, the sun and the white sand. The youngest cataract extraction I saw was a baby of 10 months.

“When we took the bandages off, some of these little children would scream their lungs out. They couldn’t remember seeing anybody before, let alone one white person among all these black people, so we’d just run off so they wouldn’t be too scared.”

The other patient who remains etched in Helen’s memory was a man who had sustained a terrible facial wound that had then been infected by a fungus.

“It was just eating his face away. Apparently this fungus is endemic in West Africa.

“I showed a picture of him to my kids at home, and they said, ‘it’s so sad, his lips are so uneven’ – because he had quite a severe scar when we’d

your breath away. Top of my personal list is the Battery Factory at Fyshwick where I reckon Robert, the manager, sets the standard for the nation. My visits there are well spaced – once every four or five months. Usually, I’ve broken some little thing in my battery-powered golf buggy and with anyone else one would feel like a damn nuisance. Yet each time Robert spots me it’s like the prodigal has returned.

I’m sure his “personal discounts” are illusory; and I’d lay odds that he doesn’t really remember me from last time; but I couldn’t care less – under his tender gaze, the beaten up old golf buggy takes on the grandeur of a vintage Rolls; its health and good order become a personal mission.

finished with him. Then I showed them what he’d looked like before we treated him.”

Helen said the hardest thing to get used to was sharing a room with five other people – “I’m old enough that getting in and out of a top bunk bed isn’t a lot of fun!”

The poverty she witnessed, including lack of access to basic nutrition, was also shocking.

“There’s no nutrients in the soil, so a lot of locals have goitres [neck tumours that result from iodine deficiency] the size of watermelons.

“Everyone seems to lead a handto-mouth existence to the extent that many of the people screened

for possible surgery couldn’t be accepted – they are so malnourished they simply would not survive the anaesthetic.”

Helen said she hoped to do more work in developing countries in the future – ideally closer to home, after a gruelling 52-hour each way trip to Benin.

In the meantime, her two older children have already followed in their mum’s footsteps, working as volunteers in the Philippines, Cambodia and Africa following Helen’s work in Java.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978.

Robert has the happy knack of making the customer feel instantly special; and that’s a great gift, not just to his business and his customers but to the wider community. People leave smiling.

Yet here’s the rub: there is nowhere in the Territory – or indeed the nation – that teaches this most essential art.

I realise that some businesses put their people through their own courses, but that Americanised “Have a nice day” stuff just doesn’t cut it. In fact, it’s irritating. Perhaps the time has come for a CIT course called, “Making the customer happy”.

I’m sure it would bring instant returns to the businesses participating. It would certainly add to our communal happiness… especially if we made it compulsory for the pharmacy viragos. robert@robertmacklin.com

Walking

to work is a

AVOIDING parking costs, no sitting in traffic jams and arriving to work that little bit fresher? Walking to work is a no-brainer, says Blumers Lawyers solicitor Phil Schubert.

“I started walking when I had to park miles from the office to get free parking,” he said. “But I felt so much better for it that I made it part of my day.”

Blumers Lawyers are among many Canberra businesses, big and small, involved in National Walk to Work Day on Friday, October 2. Walk to Work Day is about encouraging people to fit some physical activity into their busy working day, says organiser Harold Scruby, president of the Pedestrian Council of Australia. “Walking is a great way to increase fitness and reduce the incidence of diabetes and related diseases, while also reducing emissions by taking cars off the road.

“Canberra is a spread-out city so you don’t have to walk all the way to work to take part. If you drive, just leave the car a good distance from work and walk the rest of the way, or use public transport and get off the bus a few stops earlier.”

“People complain they’re not doing enough exercise, but it seems obvious to me,” said Phil. “If you incorporate walking into your everyday life it becomes a habit.

“I enjoy it so much I just wish I had further to walk!”

Visit www.walk.com.au for more information.

Future Directions Debate

Topic: Bankers or Valuers: who's better @ the Maths?

Speakers: Paul Powderly, Colliers, Nick McDonald-Crowley, CB Richard Ellis, Paul Kane, St George Bank, Julian Farmer, Macquarie Bank

When: Thursday 1 October 2009

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Venue: Uni Pub, Level 3, 17 London Circuit Canberra City Proudly sponsored by Zenith & HBO+EMTB

Property Council Golf Classic

When: Thursday 22 October 2009

Venue: Federal Golf Club, Red Hill Proudly sponsored by NDH Property Services Division Luncheon with the Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP

When: Wednesday 28 October 2009 | Time: 12:00 to 2:00pm

Venue: Hyatt Hotel Canberra Proudly sponsored by Commonwealth Bank

For more information on upcoming events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Antoinette Perera on 02 6248 6902 or email Aperera@properyoz.com.au

Plumbing their noses… planning

PLANNING issues have always been contentious in Canberra.

A range of ministers has struggled to sort out planning problems and, no doubt, most would claim to have been successful.

At the moment, the responsibility lies in the hands of Planning Minister Andrew Barr and, as much as he might like to say that things have improved, it is clear that there is still a long way to go.

At the risk of being accused of being a NIMBY (“not in my back yard”), a recent redevelopment near me was approved for a single dwelling by the planning authority, but was given plumbing approval for five residential dwellings.

The matter was followed up.

There was a stop-work order placed on the development, which was not lifted until some of the plumbing fittings were closed off.

Even so, a perfunctory glance at the development reveals that it is designed for five dwellings.

Who knows what arguments the developer put to the Government?

The minister and his department need to recognise that something is awry when the lease allows for one dwelling and the reality is actually five.

Surely, part of the role of a planning authority and its minister is to protect

pOLItICS

By Michael Moore

the integrity of a suburb from such ad hoc development.

Planning is about leadership by planners rather than developers and about preventing change by stealth.

Quality of life, the environment, a healthy atmosphere and appropriate infrastructure are all part of careful planning rather than redevelopment simply focused on profit.

One of the reasons that we have a leasehold system is to ensure that upgrades of this kind can be planned for the broader benefit of the community.

Under such circumstances it is the prerogative of the Government to charge a windfall (or betterment) tax as a method of paying for additional infrastructure needs such as appropriate sewerage, water, electricity and broadband.

As soon as a single developer with colluding architect and builder is allowed to get away with thumbing their noses at the system it will not be long before others see the opportunity.

There is a significant financial motivation to get around the planning system.

In the long term, the growth of our city will be as influenced by the way neighbourhoods are carefully planned, replanned and the development controlled as by the big infrastructure projects that support their growth.

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

Come on, let’s show them how it’s done

AUSTRALIA’S growth over the next 90 years will still leave us with a small population compared to the world’s largest cities, according to demographer Bernard Salt. Even so, we need to plan carefully to keep our major growth areas viable.

Salt says with medium migration of 180,000 a year, the national population will grow from 22 million to around 35 million by 2056, and Australia is likely to remain a migration destination for at least another century.

The growth, he says, will probably be concentrated around the job centres of Sydney and Melbourne with the population in each city reaching around seven million.

This may seem huge but, as he points out, large cities, such as London, Paris and Chicago already contain more and Los Angeles has 18 million, New York, 23

prOperty

By Catherine Carter

million and Tokyo, 34 million.

It is possible that new cities may be formed over the next few decades, but look at the last century – only two cities were formed in Australia, the Gold Coast and Canberra, and these combined reached only a seventh of the population of Melbourne and Sydney by 2000.

So, says Salt, it is more likely that three mega regions will develop around Sydney, Melbourne and south-east Queensland, and that these will require careful urban planning.

Of course, projected population growth in the ACT will be on a much smaller scale

than any of the mega regions, but the value of strategic and integrated plans for accommodating growth is the same for us as it is for them.

Salt calls for vigorous debate on the subject, and that is what Canberra has been conducting in recent months. We are already further along the track towards such planning than those places forecast to receive huge population growth.

We face a great opportunity. We have the chance to plan now for a productive and effective and liveable city in the future. We can show the rest of the country how it’s done.

Let’s grasp this opportunity and make the most of it.

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

Minutes of madness

t Im GAVeL is constantly being called by Canberra sporting organisations seeking advice on how best to avoid negative publicity. this is what he tells them…

IN these tight economic times, sports are concerned that even the slightest hint of negative publicity will deter potential sponsors, stop other funding support and draw families away.

It comes at a time when there appears to be a strong media focus on the negative, with stories about the poor behaviour of sportspeople gaining far greater coverage than positive stories.

If this is true then there is an obvious solution to preventing negative coverage: Avoid situations that may lead to negative stories.

I believe that some people involved in sport, whether they are sportspeople or people supporting sport, have little understanding of the consequences of poor behaviour and the impact that it can have on their sport.

You don’t have to look too far when seeking examples.

When the Tuggeranong Vikings defeated the Queanbeyan Whites 30 to 28 in the ACT Rugby Union Grand Final at Viking Park it was probably one of the best games of rugby union I have ever seen at a local level. It was physical and dramatic as the Vikings won with 14 players on the field.

The coverage that followed on television, radio and in the press should have been entirely positive, but the actions of a few spectators ensured that there was also plenty of the negative. It is a classic example of how the media coverage of a great game of football can be overtaken by a couple of minutes of madness.

I had calls from people blaming the media for beating up a non-story and that the coverage should have been more positive. I’m sorry, but the crowd behaviour was a legitimate story.

Sportspeople do some great work in the community; the Brumbies, the Raiders and the Capitals are constantly assisting charities in Canberra, but it takes one misdemeanour to ruin that community work.

Another issue is the lack of comprehension of the problems associated with new media such as mobile phones, Twitter and Facebook.

There are still some prominent sportspeople who believe that if they make a derogative comment via Twitter or place pictures on their Facebook site, it won’t be picked up by the media. Or they behave poorly in a public place, a snap is taken via a mobile phone and it’s quickly sent to the media.

While I don’t condone poor behaviour, I can appreciate when sportspeople say they are under more pressure than ever with the celebrity nature of sport becoming a major issue.

The result is that some sportspeople feel that they are suffocating because of the scrutiny: Some can handle, others can’t.

The media bias towards the negative may be true, but the reality is that this is the world in which sportspeople, their audiences and the media operate. The best advice I can offer sportspeople, sporting organisations and supporters is to avoid trouble in the first place.

SEND the snapper to the blooming Floriade for a news page photo and, look at this, he goes all soft and cuddly. Still, it’s a lovely photo that Hayden Franks, 5, and Megan Hare, 4, are going to grow to grimace at, but for the moment it’s a heart-warming reminder of the joyous weather that’s attracting big crowds to Commonwealth Park’s special spring flower festival.

by Silas.

Why exclude some blood donors? letters

THE Australian Red Cross periodically campaigns for more blood donors (CN, September 17). Yet it excludes thousands, probably hundreds of thousands and perhaps millions, of potential blood donors because they have lived in the UK for more than six months between 1980 and 1996, or received a blood transfusion there at any time.

Yet there have been just 169 confirmed cases of vCJD (variant-Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease) in the UK, in a population in the region of 60 million. No cases of vCJD have been recorded in the squillions of Australian residents who passed through the UK in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Has the Red Cross really weighed up the costs and benefits of alienating such a large number of potential donors to protect against such a tiny risk?

And am I wasting my time be -

ing a registered organ donor? Will my organs also be turned down as a potential source of vCJD?

Or will the potential recipient be given a choice? If so, why doesn’t the Red Cross also give blood recipients a choice?

Peter Marshall, Captains Flat, nsW

Showing mettle

I WAS dismayed at [columnist] Michael Moore’s and [reporter] Jorian Gardner’s notion that fireworks should not be banned in the ACT (CN, September 3 and10). They say that the research has suggested that the community is in support of fireworks continuing (sorry, but no-one asked me!). In any case, research probably also supports speeding, but we don’t allow that to sway us.

I don’t know where you live because here in Conder some three months after the weekend on which fireworks were legally allowed, they are still going off as late as 10.15pm. As a responsible pet owner I do not ever get to go away for the long weekend in June because the dogs get stressed and don’t understand what all that noise is about.

It’s not just that weekend but the lead-up and the continuation way past the date that frustrates my family.

By all means have a community fireworks time and place set aside to mark the Queen’s Birthday weekend, but not in every backyard, every street corner and at all times of the night.

Finally, congratulations to the ACT Government for having the mettle to stop this insane practice.

Mari Petrovic, Conder

Patient Cardone is no ordinary Joe

AT 15, Canberra schoolboy Joe Cardone set about finding ways to make money – and developed instincts that became a habit of a lifetime.

The teenager’s resolve took him on a journey of washing dishes at a cafeteria in Belconnen, watering plants and selling suits (he can still pick a 40-regular at 10 paces).

These days, at 42, after experiencing the effects of four market crashes, two wars and a terrorist attack, he’s the highly respected head of Canberra’s most successful, privately owned stockbroker. Patersons is also Australia’s number one, non-bank-owned share trader.

“We are a robust organisation, with offices in every capital city. Privately owned, our principal relationship is always to our clients. The company has been around since the early 1900s,” he says. It took some nudging but by his own modest estimates he’s the number one of the number one broker in town – or Canberra’s “Mr Shares”, we teased.

Cardone learnt self-confidence from his retail days and financial market skills through experience in insurance, chartered accounting and banking. Bored by accounting, he abandoned a “big five” cadetship and restarted his career with a lower-level teller’s job with Westpac. Eighteen months later he was assistant to the regional manager. Cardone had personally resolved

through good times and bad, success is all about building positive relationships, says Canberra’s leading stockbroker Joe Cardone.

to stay in the ACT and resisted the subsequent transfer temptations of the bank, moving to financial planning and then to stockbroking in 1999. By 2004, the emerging Patersons had opened in Canberra and the energetic Cardone was on the team as an adviser: Two years later, he made branch manager.

He’s been building the business ever since. Patersons is one of four, full-service brokers in Canberra and, though here only five years, the Perth-based, national company, according to its manager, is a serious competitor. How so?

“Locally, we have in excess of 30 years dealing with markets through awkward times,” he says, talking passionately about his team and the loyalty of his colleagues in Canberra and across the national company.

But this is no ordinary Joe. His personal success revolves around, and he means it, relationships.

“It’s about the big ‘S’ for service,” he says.

“Relationships are about patience. No-one can always get it right all the time, but our focus is on our clients and getting the best outcome that keeps them from the worst of the market and gets them exposed to the best of the markets.

“We’re in the first year of a three-tofour-year recovery. The good times of 2003-07 won’t be back until 2014,” says the man who knows the rough end of the investing pineapple.

His investment career began at age 16, when he plonked down a hard-earned $2000 (“That’s worth, oh, $20,000 these days,” he laughs) to open an investment account and leapt into coffee and orange-juice futures, quickly shedding a shuddering 50 per cent of his investment. Lesson one was quickly learnt: i.e. “You need to be well capitalised to be in futures. Commodities are unemotional”. And lesson two: “You get emotion from equities, stocks like BHP, Woolworths and Telstra,” he says. “Stick with companies that are relevant to your day-to-day life.”

But his brown eyes brighten as he relates his worst investment decision. Just married and working at Westpac, he decided to buy a Hyundai car for $24,990, by selling 2000 Macquarie Bank shares at $12 apiece. They went on to reach almost $100 at their peak. Like he says, it’s all about patience.

For more information on the services Patersons offers call 6120 2222, email canberra@psl.com.au or visit www.psl. com.au

Looking to make a difference?

Wanting to join the clean energy revolution? Want to learn more about the bene ts of Grid Solar?

Sunpath Solar is the premium supply, design and install service for Solar and Renewable Energy Systems in the Canberra Region.

Easy start to greener life

kermit got it wrong: It’s easy to be green – that’s the simple message of this feature. there’s an unquestionable desire in the community to embrace a more energyefficient lifestyle, but there is some uncertainty about what can be achieved. “Being Green” showcases the benefits, efficiencies and ease of living a greener and environmentally respectful life.

Plug in to electric cars

ELECTRIC vehicles are a major part of the future of sustainable transport in the ACT, says the recently established ACT Electric Vehicle Council.

ActewAGL has taken a lead role in the establishment of the council, whose aim is to promote electric vehicles as a viable alternative to conventionally fuelled vehicles in the ACT and surrounding region.

“This is a great opportunity for Canberra to make a huge dent on its greenhouse gas emissions, so we’re very keen to co-operate to help make it a reality,” said ActewAGL CEO Michael Costello.

The core purpose of the council is to identify electric vehicle opportunities and projects and assist in implementing them in the ACT and increase awareness of electric vehicles in the ACT.

Better Place Australia announced recently that it has chosen Canberra for its first roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure in Australia, and construction will begin in 2011. ActewAGL will be responsible for sourcing and distributing the renewable energy that Better Place will use throughout its network within the ACT.

To receive updates from the ACT Electric Vehicle Council, register at www.electricvehiclecouncil.com.au.

If you appreciate customer service, quality products, information and outstanding workmanship then Sunpath is the company to get you connected. Solar Grid Connect in the ACT makes good environmental and economic sense We can help you take full advantage of the new Solar Credits Scheme and the ACT Feed in Tariff.

Give us a call or send us an email Phone: 02 6251 5905 Mobile: 0418 623 307 Email: info@sunpathsolar.com.au

components tailored to suit you,” said Phillip.

Established in Canberra and Narooma, Solartec Renewables services the ACT and Southern NSW region; provides complete system design, engineering and installation for commercial and residential grid connect and remote power applications.

For more information visit www.solartec.com.au

Organic and available

AUSSIE Organics is launching its home delivery service to the Canberra region. Founder and owner Stuart Boonstra says that Canberra was a natural choice for expansion.

“With its population of busy, hard-working public servants and business people, we see a huge potential for a large customer base,” he said. “Our easy online ordering system, and the broad range of produce we offer, means that we can provide a total organic service which saves people lots of precious time.

“Aussie Organics is all about promoting health and well-being through affordable and convenient organic produce. We are excited to offer this same service to Canberrans.”

Delivery can be made to offices or residences.

Aussie Organics sells a range of certified organic fruit and vegetables, organic and gluten-free groceries, organic meat, organic dairy and Australian wild-caught seafood.

For more information call 1300 644944 or visit www.aussieorganics. com.

Switching to solar

NOT blessed with an enormous north-facing roof? Many Canberrans aren’t, says Kelvin Martin from Sunpath Solar, but it doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from harnessing solar energy.

“We provide a range of solar panels, but the most popular are Sunpower, which have the advantage of a smaller footprint – offering maximum efficiency in a small space,” he said. “The panels are even quite stylish – they’re mirrored black and can really add to the aesthetic of a house.”

Solar-power believers

PHILLIP May and Sophia Moody, co-directors and owners of Solartec Renewables, have worked with the local community for more than 10 years to bring about positive change for solar power producers. They have been lobbying and advising decision makers at all levels to ensure the encouragement of clean power generation to offset the ever-increasing energy consumption of Australians.

“We have the technical knowhow, long-term experience and understanding through living on solar to provide the best-engineered systems and

More people are interested in renewable energy as we are moving into a complex market, said Kelvin. Sunpath is looking towards a holistic approach, managing the energy flow throughout the entire house, and will make the process of switching to renewable energy straightforward.

For more information visit www.sunpathsolar.com.au.

Making the cut

“BUSINESS people in Canberra actively seek us out and hire us because of our green motto,” says Claire Connelly, owner of Papercut Graphic Design.

Papercut’s Turner studio is a “green”, creative hub close to the city. Claire and her team pride themselves on being a small boutique studio that greets clients with a friendly and personal approach, while offering cutting-edge design.

“The businesses that contact us have already taken a holistic green approach in their practice or are looking to become more sustainable in the future,” she said. “They want to actively contribute to helping the environment, starting with their own branding and graphic design.”

Papercut’s services include everything from e-cards to fully animated websites; business cards to books; and logos to banners.

For more information call 6162 4045 or visit www.papercut.net.au.

At the Sibu Beauty’s VIP night, Nicholls

Putting a friendlier face to your banker Weathering the storm

REMEMBER when you knew the bank manager by name? When going in to the branch meant talking with a friend, neighbour and fellow community member who could help you achieve your  nancial goals rather than treat you like a number?

Well, Westpac branches in the ACT are bringing back those days with a drive to improve the person-to-person side of its retail and commercial divisions.

The new motto, branded in massive letters outside their Petrie Plaza, Civic, says it all: “We’re Canberra”.

“We want our customers to know that they can come to us and talk to us about their  nancial needs at any time,” says a smiling Julie Elliott, Canberra resident and regional general manager for Westpac Retail in the ACT. “It’s about dealing with someone you know and trust.”

Julie has been in banking since 1992 in a broad range of roles and says that bringing back local business bankers in braches in one of her key priorities.

“I am very excited to be part of a team that is leading the way in a more personal approach to banking,” she says.

Walking around the branch you can see the change, too. The queues are short, even though it’s lunchtime, and an assistant bank manager is sitting, listening intently to what an elderly customer does and doesn’t like about her Westpac services.

“We are doing things that are more value added for our customers,” says Julie.

“Over the next few months we’ll be

holding seminars and get togethers for our customers in both the retail and commercial divisions to gauge what their needs are.

“A lot of the decisions about what happens on the  oor of each branch have been

transferred to the management team of that branch. Isn’t it best that those on the front line decide how best their customers and their community can be served?”

Just like the good old days, really.

THROUGH the world economic crisis, the public has arguably become cynical about bankers.

“Perhaps,” says Ian Gash, “but I would argue that that is one of the very reasons for banking with Westpac.”

Ian heads up the Westpac Commercial Banking, Canberra.

“Through good management we have been able to weather the recent economic storm and provide a stable environment for our customers,” he enthuses.

“Bank bashing has been a national sport for sometime in Australia – but I think our customers would rather be banking with Westpac, making money in hard economic times, than a bank in America or Europe where some people have lost their entire life savings.”

Ian has worked across an array of sectors in his 13 years of commercial banking in Canberra which, he says, gives him a

competitive edge.

“I know the Canberra business scene inside out and backwards!” says Ian. “So we can offer a greater understanding of our commercial customers’ needs.”

And, as if by magic, while taking the photographs for this article one of Canberra’s most senior business identities walks past and slaps Ian on the back greeting him like an old mate.

“I take great pride in knowing that what we are doing is helping Canberrans build their businesses which, in turn, creates jobs and opportunities for those across the ACT,” he says.

“We have the most experienced team in commercial banking in Canberra. We have a raft of specialists on our team as well, from equipment leasing to  nancial planning and high-level transaction business.”

all about living

‘Swan Lake’ gets a little shake

“MY company members can swim everywhere – in small lakes and small rivers,” says founding director of the Imperial Russian Ballet and former Bolshoi superstar, Gediminas Taranda.

In other words, he goes on, “my dancers are able to perform in big theatres but also in very small halls… my philosophy is that ballet is for the people”.

The company will be in here on October 4 only at the Canberra Theatre with “Swan Lake”.

Speaking by phone from Madrid to “CityNews”, Taranda says he will tour with a company of 42 people including just five technicians. He complains about long distances and high airfares, but his company has already been to NZ seven times but never before to Australia.

“I like to do something new,” he says and unapologetically claims to mix subtle modern variations into his classical works.

Nonetheless his three-act “Swan Lake” will have the popular Stalin era happy ending, because “it is a story about love… it is a story where the virtues of love and forgiveness in the end conquer evil and betrayal”.

Taranda confirms that there will be lots of changes in small details that connoisseurs will be able to pick. In addition, those connoisseurs should be looking out for some of the younger dancers he has drawn from the many Russian cities where are good dance schools and not just the stars from Moscow, St Petersburg, Paris, Tokyo and New York.

But the Russian Imperial Ballet Company’s success comes at a price. “We work very, very hard,” the straight-talking Taranda says. “The Russian Federation does not help with private companies, so I must take the company to many countries to perform many, many ballets.” To supplement their income they also do popular TV shows and Taranda also raised the profile of the company when he choreographed the Winter Olympics in Torino in 2006.

By Helen Musa

Fairies at the bottom of the theatre…

I AM reliably informed that this is The Year of The Fairies, which perhaps explains why the “Fairy Tales & Nursery Rhymes Tour” is playing two shows at Canberra Theatre on October 13. The show, which comes from the popular TV program “The Fairies”, will feature four well-loved fairy tales in new songs, plus sing-along nursery rhymes and a magic burst of fairy dust! Book at Canberra Ticketing.

TENDER observations, mixed with hearty chunks of sarcasm and delicate slices of irony, smothered in that good ol’ fashioned, unwarranted anger and you’ve got the eye-watering cracks of popular funny-man Arj Barker’s new show “Original Style Bits ‘n Pieces”. At the CTC on October 15.

INTERNATIONAL dancer Lailah Masiga will lead the performance of “Within” in the Garden of the Five Senses for the Floriade Festival, accompanied by percussionist Jim Sharrock at noon, 1pm and 2pm. on September 26 and 27, and October 3 and 4.

LITTLE Dove Theatre Art, run by Canberra-

Gently win ‘George’!

“CITY N EWS” has five copies of the television hit “George Gently” to be won. The two-disc set, valued at $39.95 features the original pilot program and the following two episodes of this top-rating English detective drama. Entry details are at www.citynews.com.au.

ArtS IN tHe CIty

By Jorian Gardner

based artist Chenoeh Miller, has opened its award-winning show “Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall” at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The group will be on show until October 9. LOCAL songstress Simone Penkethman will be joined by bassist Paul Christiansen and guest vocalist Chanel Cole for an afternoon of songs from Simone’s solo and “Soothsayers” albums with a few surprise new covers that she and Chanel especially like to sing together. They play the Parlour Bar, NewActon, from 3pm on October 18.

YOU never know what you are going to get when you go the “Open Mic Comedy Night” at the Front Café and Gallery in Lyneham. Laugh, cry and occasionally cringe with some of our best up-and-coming comedians from 8pm on October 14.

Love, frustration and a couple of Erics

CINemA

KEN Loach’s new film, set in Manchester Humour, offers family turbulence, narrative tension and conflict, violence and a rich emotional panorama of love, affection and frustrations.

One of its two Erics, delightfully played by Steve Evets, is a postman who in the 30 years since Lilly (Stephanie Bishop), the love of his life, left him while pregnant with their daughter Sam (Lucy-Jo Hudson) now a single mum about to graduate, has known little joy.

Since then, he has married, acquiring two tear-away teenage stepsons whose mother is now dead.

After a mild traffic accident, Eric’s colleagues try to comfort him. But the only advice Eric accepts is from Manchester United’s great player Eric Cantona playing himself. While easing his anguish with a soothing joint, Eric talks to his idol, whose poster adorns Eric’s bedroom wall.

Eric is an engaging character, desperate to be a good person, unable to be assertive in even the most agonising family crises. While minding grand-daughter Daisy, Lilly must initiate the first conversation between her and Eric since they separated. Reconstructing this relationship connects the story with a lovely warm thread.

The other dramatic thread is the mess created by the older stepson’s unwitting and unwilling involvement with a criminal heavy. Led by the acerbic but determined Meatballs (a lovely seriously comic turn from John Henshaw), Eric’s colleagues come to the rescue in a revenge that had the audience shrieking with laughter. Give your endorphins a run here; they’ll thank you.

At Dendy THIS semiotic essay about “Don’t judge a book by its cover or a woman by her appearance” could have been more convincing had its writers given director Marc Webb better scope to present its quite valid argument.

Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) composes messages for cards that people send to convey feelings they can’t adequately express. When Summer (Zooey Deschanel) joins the firm, Tom falls base over apex for her. But he can’t cope with her insistence on denying him a commitment despite willingly sharing happy and intimate times.

Women will understand Summer’s determination to be her own person, behaviour not seen often enough in romantic movies. This one at least inverts a cliché that pervades so many last reels. At all cinemas

By Dougal Macdonald

THIS feature-length claymation, directed by Tatia Rosenthal and written by Etgar Keret adapting his own short stories, is an Israeli/Australian co-production.

Its publicity describes “$9.99” as offering slightly less than $10 worth about the meaning of life. It’s set in a high-rise apartment building where a mixed bag of characters live, love, argue and work.

The animation is effective but the voicing gives the film its edge. Geoffrey Rush plays a homeless man who shoots himself when a businessman refuses to give him money for a coffee and re-appears later as an angel. Other voices include Anthony La Paglia as the businessman, Leeanna Walsman as a femme fatale with unusual sexual proclivities, Claudia Karvan as a teacher and Barry Otto as a widower who pushes the angel off the roof.

“$9.99” isn’t easy to read, but people who enjoy a challenge should find it rewarding.

At Dendy

THIS delightful Pixar animation breaks several conventions of the genre, erects its share of fantasies and offers drama, humour, charm and excitement to delight children of all ages.

Developers crave the city house block where toy-balloon seller Carl (voiced by Edward Asner) lives, but he isn’t selling.

Under his roof is a cache of helium balloons that he’s about to release to carry the house to Paradise Point in South America. But little Russell (Jordan Nagai) was on the front porch at lift-off waiting to qualify for the last of his Wilderness Adventurers’ badges by helping Carl cross the street.

Carl and Russell waft down to the Amazon basin where for decades explorer Muntz (Christopher Plummer) has been searching for an exoticallycoloured struthiform (emus and ostriches are also struthiforms) to put in a zoo. One such bird has found Russell who names it Kevin.

The obsessed Muntz has devised a collar that allows his pack of dogs to speak. They are aggressive, except for big lollopy Doug, who befriends Carl and Russell.

“Up” then evolves into Carl and Russell cementing their friendship and protecting Kevin and her chicks from Muntz. It’s all quite charming, utterly improbable and, in the 3-D version, handsome.

At all cinemas

Plaza gets new artwork

HERE’S the first look at the latest public art work to be purchased by the ACT Government and destined for Petrie Plaza, Civic, by month’s end. “On the Staircase” is a work by Danish artist Keld Moseholm and was exhibited at the famous Sculpture by the Sea festival, Bondi in 2005. Moseholm is an established artist who has held numerous solo exhibitions in Denmark and was selected to exhibit at the 21st International Biennale in San Paolo, Brazil in 1991.

Cheeky and beautiful show

THE new Belconnen Arts Centre gallery looks very fine with its movable hangingwalls removed for the spring exhibition, “Cycles: The Revolution of the Chrysalis”.

This exhibition is an exploration of the themes of migration, memory and the environment. As an adjunct, the seven writers of the Belconnen-based Encuentro Group have produced a 200page book of short stories in English and Spanish.

Rosemary von Behrens’ bitter visual attack on the destruction of habitats, seeing in chainsaw marks, gives way to a delicate,

VISuAL ART

“Cycles: The Revolution of the Chrysalis” Works by members of the Encuentro Artists’ Group, Belconnen Arts Centre gallery, until September 27. Curated by Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak. Reviewed by Helen Musa

more optimistic tracery of the forests. Oscar del Pozo’s paintings play with patterns but also, in “Yes, they coming,” with the natural life cycle of birds and insects. Ian Haynes’ photographs find poetry in railway tracks, but also explore light.

Ceramicist Celia Gallardo has made a surprise move into drawing in a series devoted to a feminised Vitruvian Man, throwing off the symmetrical shackles of Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, Taiwan-born Chun-chiang Shih sees blue and white ceramic ware in the waves of the ocean, but also pokes fun at his own art with a kelpie urinating disrespectfully on one of his cultural icons. It is at once a beautiful and a cheeky show.

Anni Doyle Wawrzynczak. is a “CityNews” visual arts reviewer.

Pretty as a picture

TUCKED away at Weston Park is a picture-perfect setting for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.

The Oaks Brasserie, at Yarralumla Nursery, has been operating since 1990. There’s nothing pretentious about the place. It is upfront about what it is and also about the length of time it takes to get served, all of which is described in the “conditions of entry” printed on the menu: “We do not do fast food, only good food as fast as we can”.

It took 20 minutes for our coffees to arrive, but we were warned about the wait by the staff. Somehow it didn’t matter. The sun was shining and the tables in the two outdoor dining areas are spaced well apart so you do not feel cramped or in any way rushed. You pay for the privilege of eating in this pretty heritage English garden exploding with the colours and blossoms of spring. The portions tended to be small for the price – my pan-fried mushrooms lightly herbed and served on one thin slice of Italian bread was a case in point ($23). It was not exactly anything to write home about, and not enough breakfast to satisfy my hunger. The Eggs Benedict was better value at $20. The eggs were fresh organic, the shaved ham top quality and the hollandaise sauce just right. If you have a sweet tooth, the apple pancakes come with caramel sauce and ice cream ($19.50).

The Oaks Brasserie offers plenty of vegetarian, vegan and wheat-free dishes and the menu is surprisingly extensive. Foccacias, bagels and light lunches are from $10.50, several salads are served as mains (up to $18.50) and chef’s specials rotate – eggplant

DINING

By Wendy Johnson

and potato moussaka ($25.50), spinach calzone ($23) and roasted pumpkin and pine nut pasta ($24.50) on our visit.

The yummy list of desserts is also available for afternoon tea in the garden. The decadent brownie with Chantilly cream sounded tempting. Larger desserts include a hazelnut torte, a rhubarb, pear and almond tart, and a baked berry cheesecake.

The menu features a children’s section, starting at $4 for fairy bread sprinkled with hundreds and thousands. If the child in your life is a pet The Oaks Brasserie offers canine cuisine for $4.50, including poochy pasta and snags. Quiet, friendly dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash and supervised. After dining, wander through the gallery which displays, in several small rooms, the artwork of some of the region’s finest artists.

The Oaks Brasserie, Weston Park, is licensed. Open seven days, 10am to 5pm weekdays and 8.30am to 5pm weekends. The brasserie gets busy, so it is best to book on 6260 5253.

Wines with winning ways

ELEVEN trophies were awarded to the winning wineries at the 2009 ActewAGL Canberra Regional Wine Show. A record 285 entries from 53 wineries around the region were received. The winners were:

Careers Unlimited Trophy for Best Riesling: Helm Wines, 2008 Premium Riesling; Canberra District Vignerons’ Association Trophy for Best Chardonnay: McWilliam’s Wines, 2008 Barwang 842 Chardonnay ; TransACT Communications Trophy for Best Dry White, Other Varieties: Centennial Vineyards, 2008 Woodside Sauvignon Blanc; University House Trophy for Best Dry White of Show: Helm Wines, 2008 Premium Riesling; Capital Insurance Brokers Trophy for Best Shiraz: Eden Road Wines, 2008 The Long Rd Hilltops Shiraz; Oakton Trophy for Best Cabernet and/or Merlot: Tallagandra Hill 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc; Oakton Trophy for Best Dry Red Other Varieties and Blends: Not awarded; Caffe Della Piazza Trophy for Best Dry Red of Show (Open Classes): Eden Road Wines, 2008 The Long Rd Hilltops Shiraz; Bentley MRI Trophy for Best Sparkling of Show: Centennial Vineyards, Pinot Chardonnay; Wine Selectors Trophy for Champion Wine of Show: Eden Road Wines, 2008 The Long Rd Hilltops Shiraz; Wine Selectors Trophy for Champion Wine of Show: Result tied – Eden Road Wines, 2008 The Long Rd Hilltops Shiraz, and Helm Wines, 2008 Premium Riesling; Viticulture Society of the Southern Tablelands (ACT & NSW) Trophy Most Successful Exhibitor of Show: Eden Road Wines.

Rights of the Child Lecture

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Save the Children you are invited to attend the ACT Council’s Inaugural Rights of the Child lecture by Raimond Gaita – internationally renowned philosopher and author of RomulusMyFather.

Date: Wednesday, September 30 Time: 6.45pm Venue: Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton RSVP: Dr Lynne Reeder E: lynne.reeder@australia21.org.au

Race fashion goes back to the ‘50s fashion

THE fabulous fashions of the late ‘40s and ‘50s will be the key style at trackside this spring and summer, says milliner Viktoria Novak, who has just returned from Paris and London.

Viktoria, who will show her own spring/ summer collection of hats, hatinators and fascinators at an exclusive event on Wednesday, September 30, says she loves the ladylike, yet far from boring, look of 2009 race wear.

It’s an interpretation of what’s happening on the high street in Europe, she says.

“At the moment, we can’t get enough of one-shoulder dresses and tops,” Viktoria told “CityNews”.

“Hemlines are getting longer, which I like, and we’re seeing a return to the ‘40s/’50s figure – the hourglass is back!

“One of the strongest looks is a high, cinched waist, with a fitted top and a tulip skirt.”

Designers are using opulent fabrics – oftenstiffer fabrics than we’re used to in spring, in another nod to the ‘50s – in unusual textures; and bows, feathers and sequins are all in vogue.

Shoulder pads are another key trend in tops and dresses, though they’re the elegant, structured 1950s type, rather than a take on power dressing. Pleats, ruffles and frills have also made a comeback.

For headwear, Viktoria says the bigger the better, though the hatinator – bigger than a fascinator, yet not a hat – is still the dominant trend.

“Don’t be afraid to take things up a notch: find something big and fabulous!”

Viktoria’s spring/summer 2009 collection will be showcased at the National Press Club, from 7pm on Wednesday, September 30.

“I’m using a lot of rich fabrics this year, and a lot of very saturated, opulent colours,” she says.

“There’s also a lot of (cruelty free) feathers. As for colour, I’m obsessed with lime green this year – it really is the colour of the moment! Orange and watermelon are also very much on the horizon for spring/summer.”

As well as her signature couture headwear, the show will also feature vintage clothing that’s been handed down to Viktoria by members of her family.

Limited tickets to the exclusive event are available from Silvia on 0410 900245 or email vndlaunch@gmail.co m

“CityNews” and Viktoria are giving away five double passes valued at $70 each to this exclusive event. Full details at citynews.com.au.

Beating the big dry

CRACKED hands, parched lips and scaly skin – it’s all part and parcel of Canberra’s dry climate, but you can bring back baby-soft smoothness, said Jasmine Pedley, spa manager at Soma Day Spa.

The first step is always exfoliation, she told “CityNews”. “Applying any moisturiser over dead skin is a waste of time – it’s just not going to penetrate deep into your skin where it’s needed.”

Lips will benefit from a gentle exfoliation once a week – rub lightly with a soft toothbrush, and reapply a nourishing lip balm frequently throughout the day.

Hands should also be exfoliated and regularly moisturised with an easily absorbed, non-greasy cream.

“Regular manicures are a great idea. Cuticles must be kept tidy, as they can flake and peel when they’re dry. Rub a nourishing oil into the nail base to keep them soft and supple,” she said.

“Use a body brush before a bath or shower, and moisturise all over with body oil or a rich cream afterwards to hold in moisture. Remember not to have the water too hot, as that also contributes to dehydration.”

– Kathryn Vukovljak

u rban Rituelle Sweet Treats Lip Balm in Peach Blossom, $9.95. Chanel Body Excellence Hand Cream, $79. Biotherm Aquasource Intense Moisturisation, $72.

Thin end of the wedge

OBESITY is an issue often in the headlines. Sometimes it’s the wrong sort of headlines and, yes, I’m talking about shock jock Kyle Sandilands’ comment the other week that comedian Magda Szubansky needed to go into a concentration camp to get thin. That obviously got plenty of attention, as did his much earlier comments calling his co-star Jackie O fat.

Sandilands is a recidivist attention seeker, but his comments did reflect the pervasive belief that you can never be too thin that dominates advertising and social attitudes.

Having fought a life-long battle with my own weight, I’m overwhelmingly supportive of efforts to boost awareness of healthy diet and exercise to help fight obesity, but it’s an issue that has to be handled carefully.

As the mother of a three-year-old girl, I already find myself hearing other mums talking about whether or not ballet or gymnastics is a good idea or whether a love of dolls is healthy because Barbie

mum IN tHe CIty

By Sonya Fladun

has apparently been linked to eating disorders. And then there is the question of how to discourage the derogative use of the word “fat” in the playground and, it seems, in the media.

Many friends with teenage daughters have had serious and traumatic issues relating to diet, anorexia and bulimia. I well remember my first fad diet. I was eight when my friends and I went on the then much touted jelly baby only diet that was supposed to get rid of our pre-pubescent potbellies. This was followed by years of grapefruit, banana, tomato juice diets, and baked bean and egg diets along with numerous other masochistic dieting regimes. As decades past I tried just about every weight-loss program, diet drink or fitness craze that came along.

Many high school and university friends dieted their way into anorexia, regurgitated their meals, regularly took laxatives and diuretics and in one case developed drug addiction and a heart condition from prescription diet pills. The weird thing was it didn’t matter whether they actually had any real weight to lose, because the social pressure to be as thin as possible meant living on a constant dieting treadmill that stuffed up our health, wrecked our metabolisms and probably ultimately contributed to further weight gain.

What I take exception to with Sandilands’ and other similar comments is they make the serious issue of obesity just about fat or thin, good or bad, or black and white. The reality is much more complicated and crude judgmental attitudes are counterproductive. For the good of young women (and also young men) who are stepping on to the fat/thin diet treadmill, let’s drop the old attitudes and focus on being healthy, fit and confident.

home improvements

Of doors and sails and colours

w ith the better weather, the thought of home improvements is rarely far behind spring cleaning and here we feature the services of people keen to help.

DURATECH, a Canberra based and owned company, started supplying vinyl-wrap doors to kitchen, vanity and wardrobe builders in 1997, but the word spread quickly and the company soon opened its doors to the public.

Now anyone can access the range of economical and stylish doors designed to suit any budget and décor, says owner Joe Lukic

“We started in Queanbeyan with four employees and through sustained growth and planning are now employing more than 20 full-time employees at our Fyshwick premises,” said Joe.

“We manufacture our vinyl-wrap doors using quality Australian-made, moisture-resistant, medium-density fibreboard and source the world’s best vinyls from Australian and international manufacturers, which enables us to offer the largest range of colours and finishes available.”

For more information call Duratech on 6280 8988 or visit 125 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick.

Duratech’s vinyl-wrap doors and drawers.

Stars in the shade

JUST Rite offers energy efficient products from skylights to double glazing that can help with any renovation and save money on energy costs.

Through design, quality insulation and the choice of appliances, energy smart homes not only cost less to heat and cool, but they help to reduce the greenhouse effect by lower reliance on energy created by burning fossil fuels. Energy smart design takes advantage of the sun's warmth in winter and limits its impact in the summer as well as ensuring that afternoon heat from the west gets particular attention.

As we approach the summer months, now is a good time for

those looking to spruce up their outdoor area’s to consider Just Rite’s professional design and installation service to select the best shade sail for any area. Just Rite’s shade sails promise a high-quality, long-lasting products that are 95 per cent UV blocked and available in a large range of colours (with a 10-year warranty).

Just Rite’s outdoor display at 14 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick, offers a complete range of shade sails and examples of the other products on offer such as pergola roofing, glass bricks, glazing and skylights.

For more information call 6280 5300 or visit www.justrite.com.au.

Help with everything

SOMETIMES it can be hard to visualise what you'd like as an end result to your home maintenance projects or the effect that something as simple as a wall colour could have on the look and feel of your home.

That’s why Kenro Services, a Canberra-based, home-maintenance company that specialises in the organisation of tradespeople to handle a range of trade jobs, offer the services of a design and colour consultant. You can get advice on colour choice as well as the effect that lighting, fittings, flooring, furniture and other features will have on the overall "look" of your home, both inside and out.

The explosion of “do-it-yourself”

shows on TV has caused a surge in the number of people attempting to carry out home maintenance themselves – with mixed results. Pressures of work, poor weather and the high cost of tools and materials can also cause problems in trying to get things done yourself. With 25 years experience in the business, Kenro Services says it has developed a philosophy to take the pain out of organising home maintenance from painting and bathroom renovations to carpentry and design services and carefully co-ordinate each project from visits to job sites until final completion.

For more information call 6239 3211 or www.kenro.com.au.

and wood Hammer of love

SOME of the most impressive renovations nowadays feature used and recycled timber. A local supplier is Thor's Hammer, which uses timber recycled from demolition sites around Australia to make a range of architectural products that include re-milled and salvaged floor boards, lining boards, durable hardwood decking, and recycled posts and beams.

“In terms of our joinery we make kitchen bench tops, entry doors and tables from recycled timbers,” says owner Thor Diesendorf.

“We build to last, using traditional joinery techniques combined with the best of modern environmentally friendly glues and finishes.”

Thor says that bench tops and tables finished in Osmo Hardwax Oil, an eco friendly finish made from natural oils and waxes are a popular choice. “Durable Osmo finishes are also available for flooring and decking,” he said.

“Their careful selection and machining of recycled timber has enabled our company many exquisite bench tops and solid timber doors,” says Conor McNamara, of Spectrum Joinery ACT. “Thor Diesendorf has a passion for his company and the product he works with, which makes dealing with recycled timber a pleasant process.”

For more information call 6282 9900 or visit www.thors.com.au.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore

September 28 - October 4

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Sunday’s Full Moon in Aries sees rampaging Rams at your rambunctious best – and worst. Plan plenty of physical activities for the next seven days, so you can use up your excess energy in constructive ways. It’s time to channel the Warrior Man/Woman within!

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

It’s very important to get the balance just right in your daily life. Perhaps some activities (and people) will have to go? Your quote for the week is courtesy of Mahatma Gandhi (born October 2) “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Thank goodness Mercury starts moving forwards again, so domestic dramas should start to settle down. It’s the ideal time to clarify your goals and dreams for the future. Knowing where you are heading will make all the difference. Make sure you take your partner along for the ride.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Expect some workplace dramas this week, as the Full Moon triggers prima donna moments and petty jealousies. Try to schedule difficult tasks for another time, as you’ll have trouble keeping your mind on the job (and your emotions under control). Don’t neglect home and family issues.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

This week’s Full Moon activates your travel/adventure zone so get out and about as much as you can. It’s not a good time to be stuck indoors otherwise you’ll just drive yourself (and those around you) nuts with your demanding diva-like ways. Hey – just another normal week in Leo Land!

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Vigilant Virgos love things to run efficiently and on time. Well, be warned – there’s manic, unpredictable Full Moon energy about this week so drop the strict schedule and just take things as they come. Those full moonbeams stimulate your sex/money zone so expect some dramatic developments to do with lust or loot.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

If you’re expecting loved ones to behave themselves this week you’ll be sadly disappointed. They’ll all have a dose of Full Moon fever so throw etiquette and good manners out the window, let your perfectly coiffed hair down, and join the party. Discipline is out and divine self-indulgence is in.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Get ready for fiery Full Moon energy to disrupt your daily routine. Expect mood swings and emotional dramas (but also creative inspiration and spiritual insights). Attached Scorps – discuss your dreams for the future with your partner. Singles - spruce up your keyboard skills because love is waiting online.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Sagittarians are no shrinking violets. And this week’s Full Moon falls in your drama zone – need I say more? Those around you can look forward to an entertaining week from yours truly. Expect everything from passion and flamboyance to arguments and dummy-spits. Life certainly won’t be boring!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

If you were hoping for a relaxing weekend pottering around the house, forget it! The Full Moon visits your home zone so expect domestic dramas and family fiascos of a fiery kind. Avoid making long-term romantic decisions this week, as your thoughts and feelings are in a state of flux.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your Aquarian idealism could get you into trouble this week. If you learn from any disappointments or setbacks you receive, then you’ll bounce back in no time. Be inspired by the great Truman Capote: “Failure is the condiment that gives success it’s flavour.”

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

This week’s Full Moon stimulates your money zone so it’s not a good time to go on a shopping spree, buy or sell property, or lend cash to others. You’re likely to make financial decisions based purely on your emotional state, which is fluctuating wildly under those full moonbeams.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2009.

general knowledge crossword

ACROSS

3 What is a wooden panelling applied to the walls of a room?

7 Which name is applied to one who falsely reports mishaps, etc?

8 What do we call persons who are withdrawn from places of danger?

9 Name the domesticated camellike South American ruminant.

10 What is a small, firm, rounded nodule?

11 The bite of which African fly causes sleeping sickness?

14 What are comments that are incidental to the main subject?

17 To have counted over one by one is to have what?

18 To stand with hand on hip and elbow outwards is to stand how?

19 Which descriptive term relates to land tenure, or the like?

20 Name a mender of pots, kettles, pans, etc, usually an itinerant.

21 What is the art and training of a horse in obedience, deportment and responses?

DOWN

1 Name an alternative term for a theatrical revue.

2 Which type of fan removes vitiated or excess air?

3 To adorn with a garland is to what?

4 What, in the US, do they call fivecent pieces?

5 To have been forced to do something is to have been what?

6 Those who throw the coins in twoup are called what?

11 Which drinking cup has a handle and, sometimes, a hinged cover?

12 Name a mostly deciduous large timber source (3,4).

13 What are chains of mountains, the peaks of which suggest the teeth of a saw?

14 What is a piece of music played moderately slowly and evenly?

15 Harrison Ford plays the role of which of the Jones boys?

16 Items of food, fit to be eaten, are called what?

Solution next week

Nestled in a quiet cu de sac this superb 4 bedroom home has a fabulous feel from the moment you step inside. Spacious sundrenched open plan living areas with full length windows and high ceilings gather the northern sun and open through French doors to a large private courtyard, perfect for entertaining. Features gourmet kitchen, ensuite, ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling. Easy care gardens include a studio/cubby house, veggie garden & sand pit for the kids. EER 1

Auction on site 10am Saturday 10th October

Paul Sutton 0407 099 175 or Robyn Sutton 0409 442 484

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

Licensed Agent Peter Blackshaw Pty

‘Outstanding’

HIGH quality design and finish, with extensive use of timber, are some of the features of this four-bedroom, family house in O’Connor.

Selling agent Andrew Chamberlain describes the centrally located house as being “in outstanding condition”, comprising an open-plan living and dining room with polished spotted gum flooring plus superb gourmet kitchen with feature island bar and Smeg appliances

Address: 12 Brigalow St, O’Connor.

Inspection: By appointment.

Auction: On site, 10 am, Saturday, October 3.

Agent: Andrew Chamberlain, of Peter Blackshaw Real Estate, 0412 411422.

in O’Connor

– including 900mm oven.

“The adjoining large family room opens to huge wraparound rear deck and private, lowmaintenance gardens,” he says.

“The downstairs, segregated main bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom. There is a double garage with internal access and ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning.” EER 5

2 WALKER CRESCENT

In a premium location just meters to Bass Gardens & a short stroll to Manuka, a spacious & beautifully presented family home with delightful charm & character. Carefully renovated & extended the residence boasts superb contemporary function whist retaining the classic integrity of the original 1930s cottage. Comprises elegant main lounge & dining room with open fire & polished timber floors, 3 bedrooms (ensuite), study, modern kitchen & fabulous north facing family room that flows beautifully out to parklike garden surrounds (land area approx 1625m2) EER 3 Auction on site 12pm Saturday 10th October

Andrew Chamberlain 0412 411 422

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

1/7 COXEN STREET

The sale of this older style, ground floor apartment provides a great opportunity for the investor to add to an existing portfolio or for those thinking of buying their first investment property. The location is so convenient, close to the Canberra Hospital & the Woden Town Centre and the Hughes Shopping Centre is within walking distance. The apartment has two bedrooms, both with built in robes, a modernised kitchen, communal laundry & a carport. It is leased until April 2010 for $310 per week EER 2.5 $298,000

Mary Debus 0414 623 876

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

This solid, spacious home is surrounded by richly planted gardens and offers a wonderful northern aspect. Tastefully modernized, the home represents an opportunity to secure a substantial land holding with the Inner South lifestyle. Welcoming and airy, the property opens to an informal living room which leads through to a solid timber eat in kitchen and the formal lounge with an open fire place. Down the hall there are four large bedrooms, all with built in robes and an ensuite to the master. A charming character filled home in a prime location EER 0 Auction on site 11am Saturday 10th October

Louise Harget 0412 997 894

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

12 MASSON STREET

A superb northerly aspect to the master bedroom & living areas plus a beautiful outlook over Haig Park make this 176m2 3 bedroom ensuite plus study townhouse a rare find. On entering you’re greeted by the superb timber flooring which flows through the spacious open plan, sun drenched living areas with courtyards front & rear. The large kitchen adjoins the dining & family rooms & boasts copious stone bench tops & as new stainless steel appliances. There’s also large rumpus room/home gym, ducted heating & cooling, ducted vacuum, alarm & double garage. EER 3.5 Auction on site 11am Saturday 3rd October

Albert Stavaruk 0418 628 641 or Vaughan Liddicoat 0438 637 689

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 6295 2433

SURF BEACH 674 Beach Road

Love it! Want it! Must Have!

With gorgeous open plan living and decking embracing those inspiring sea views this is the most delightful seaside residence. Enjoy three to five bedrooms depending on how you utilise either of the self contained levels separately wired and with their own hot water systems. Relax in the sunny securely fenced rear garden with a blokes' shed, and make use of the spacious more-than-double garage with room for your boat. Walk to village shops but, best of all, simply step across the road and be on one of the Bay’s best beaches. Your choice - to live here or to holiday. 2T zoning offers future potential.

Auction Saturday 10 October 12 noon On Site

View 26.09.09 @ 12 noon, or by appointment

Caryl Haslem 0418 564 599 raywhite.com/BBY11328 caryl.haslem@raywhite.com 3+22+1

BATEHAVEN 113A Beach Road

Picture Yourself Here!

Looking for your ideal coastal retreat? Something that has gob smacking views from every room, is right on the water and needs no to low maintenance? Look no further than this superb townhouse on the placid waters of Corrigans Cove. Chill out on the north facing deck while you take in the sail boats and the occasional angler, or lift your gaze to the distant mountains and picturesque headlands. And, you’re just a stroll from the Batehaven shops for your coffee or bottle of vino. With superb finishes and in tip top condition this is truly a rare opportunity that you should grab now.

BATEMANS BAY 133 Vista Avenue

Singularly

Classy and Private

Here is an architectural masterpiece at the cutting edge of design.

This inspirational split level 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom residence is an offering of unrivalled distinction where the eye is charmed by subtle use of colour, masterful use of timbers and soaring vaulted ceilings. Expertly oriented windows ensure loads of light and a natural bush vista which enhances the all pervading sense of privacy offered by the 5,213 sq m block. Outstanding features include a sheltered lap pool with two-way pizza oven from dream kitchen, billiard room, guests’ retreat, ducted air con and intercom, and all just five minutes drive to town centre, golf club and beaches.

Price by negotiation

View by appointment

Caryl Haslem 0418 564 599 raywhite.com/BBY11342 caryl.haslem@raywhite.com

Price $955,000

View 26.9.09 @ 11am, or by appointment

Caryl Haslem 0418 564 599 raywhite.com/BBY11284 caryl.haslem@raywhite.com

MORUYA 261 North Head Drive

Direct River Access

A slipway and jetty are licensed to this picturesque residence on 1,088 square metres, a sunlit jewel. Innovative design by architect/ builder Pip Smith, cleverly utilising glass, steel and concrete has ensured exquisite views in every direction encompassing river, mountain and pastoral outlooks from almost every room. There’s also a special place for guests. Framed by imaginative low maintenance landscaping, it is well located for access to Moruya, airport and hospital, racecourse, golf club and beaches.

Price by negotiation

View 3.10.09 @ 4pm, or by appointment

Melissa Williams 0408 253 481 melissa.williams@raywhite.com John Haslem 0418514399 john.haslem@raywhite.com raywhite.com/BBY11192

25 TELOPEA PARK

Originally built in the 1920’s, this charming “heritage” unrenovated cottage is awaiting your upgrading skills. Two bedrooms, study, high ceilings, picture rails and a lovely northerly aspect to the rear. The wide, deep block of over 800m² has enormous potential. There are now very few homes in Barton left untouched so this is an excellent opportunity. EER 0

To be Auctioned Sat 10th October @ 1.30pm on site

PHILIP KOUVELIS 0412 622 420

Philip Kouvelis Real Estate

Garran

97 MONARO CRESCENT BLOCK OF FLATS!! Wonderful opportunity for your self managed super fund, developers or someone wanting a “stand alone” block of Strata Titled flats. Seldom found two storey solid brick 1960’s built block surrounded by high quality residential homes & currently bringing in $150,000 per year in rental income. Block size is 1800m² and UV (2009) is $1,452,000. Over 545m² of living area in the 4 X 2br and 6 X 1br flats. EER’s vary from 0 to 2.5. (Agent interest). Inspection by appointment.

To be Auctioned Wednesday 14th October @ 1.00pm on site

PHILIP KOUVELIS 0412 622 420

108 HOPETOUN CIRCUIT

SATURDAY 1.30 – 2.15PM

WOW!! Outstanding views across Yarralumla to the beautiful Brindabella Ranges. One of the highest positions in this lakeside suburb, the block of 700m² lends itself to build your dream home. Original 3 bedroom solid brick cottage in excellent condition and currently rented till Dec’09. If serious about buying for your future this one tops the list. EER 0.5

To be Auctioned Sat 10th October @ 12 noon on site

PHILIP KOUVELIS 0412 622 420

Located just 13km from Gunghalin & 23km from Murrumbateman this inspirationally established property ideally suits a wide range of rural activities, particularly horses.

• 200 prime pasture improved acres, 3 dams & bore

• 1920’s 3 bedroom timber cottage with 2nd dwelling approval, 2 cabins

• 60ac with 37 horse/large animal paddocks, 8 stables, 26 livestock shelters, 80mx40m dressage arena, round yard, electric fences, gravity fed troughs, prepared base for approved indoor arena, wash bay

• 60ac of excellent grazing/cropping land, 80ac of lightly timbered mixed agistment land