Canberra CityNews November 11-17, 2010

Rosser says ciao to the Libs

Canberra Liberals

president Winnifred Rosser has been an important figure in bringing the party together. But now she’s off, selling everything and moving to Italy. Why, asked KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK?

“WE’RE following the dream… it’s just that our tree change is a little further away than most,” laughs

Winnifred Rosser, president of the Canberra Liberals, on her decision to emigrate to Italy with her husband, David Malloch, to restore a crumbling 17th century farmhouse.

“I know people think we’re mad, selling up and buying a house that’s been uninhabited for 40 years,” she says. “But it’s not so hard for me. I’ve started over before.

“It’s my dream, to live there and open a B&B, but I’m a practical dreamer!”

Winnifred says she’s “going off feeling very satisfied”, believing the Liberals are in a good place and that the team is working well together.

“I believe we will win the 2012 election – the energy is there, the team-

November 11-17, 2010

Since 1993: Volume 16, Number 45

Arts&Entertainment 21-25

Cinema 22

Crossword 42

Dining 24

Fashion 38

Health&Fitness 40

Home 37

Horoscope 42

Letters 14

News 3-15

Politics 15

Property 43-59

Social Scene 17-19

Sudoku 42

work,” she says.

“In everything I’ve done, I always step back when I’ve achieved what I set out to do, and let someone else have a go. And for me, it’s time. I believe in succession, in new blood. No one is indispensable.”

Gazing out over the lake from the National Museum of Australia, the museum she helped create, Winnifred admits she will miss certain people and the general feeling of Canberra.

“Canberra’s been very good to me,” she says. “I feel quite a sense of pride at what I’ve achieved here. If you’d told me what I’d do when I first moved

here – a bank teller, single mum, two daughters – I’d have thought you were mad. But I do believe that you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Since moving to Canberra in 1991, Winnifred’s been chair of the ACT Heritage Council, deputy chair of the Tuggeranong Homestead Advisory Committee, founder of the Rose Patronage Program for the garden at Old Parliament House, an active member of Rotary and has helped establish the Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Foundation.

As vice-president and president of the Friends of the National Museum

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

Phone 6262 9100 Fax 6262 9111

GPO Box 2448, Canberra City 2601 www.citynews.com.au twitter.com/city_news facebook.com/canberracitynews

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

Senior advertising executives: Melissa Delfino, 0415 137660 Ernie Nichols, 0421 077999

Advertising sales executives: Sebastien Kriegel, 0438 198701 Mara Stroppa, 0431 245130 Lyn Cram, 0458 028990

Advertising sales co-ordinator: Rebecca Darman, ad@citynews.com.au

Sydney advertising sales: Ad Sales Connect, 02 9420 1777

Political reporter: Eleri Harris, 0414 618493 eleri@citynews.com.au

Lifestyle editor: Megan Haggan, 6262 9100 lifestyle@citynews.com.au

Arts editor: Helen Musa, 0400 043764 helen@citynews.com.au

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Graphic designer: Louise Brooks, 6262 9100

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

Distribution and circulation: Richard Watson, 6262 9100 circulation@citynews.com.au

of Australia, she lobbied the Keating and Howard governments for the need for the museum. Winnifred says the day the museum opened in 2001 was an emotional milestone for her.

“I remember seeing the long queues of people, and I just thought, ‘the fight’s over – no one can take this away now’,” she says. “And it was a hard fight.”

Having had a “lifelong love affair with Italy”, which started in her early 20s on a working holiday in Rome, Winnifred says she’s excited to be returning.

“I’m lucky that David is with me 100 per cent, and that it’s become his dream, too,” she says. “We both feel we’ve achieved everything we set out to in Canberra.

“I’ve had a lucky, lucky life to have been involved in so many exciting projects. But it’s time to do something new.”

Winnifred says their 13-acre property in Emilia-Romagna is “hilly, green and pretty” and that she fell in love with it on first sight – and fortunately so did David.

“He admitted that when we went on our recent trip, he was humouring me and had no intention of buying a place!” she laughs. “But when he saw this house, he felt the same way as I did.

“No, I don’t have any sadness about leaving. I believe people will visit!”

BizSafe returns

THE police and the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry and ACT CrimeStoppers have relaunched a reinvigorated crime prevention program called BizSafe, which provides information about the types and prevalence of crime specific to that business type and area, and has advice on such diverse topics as citizen’s arrest powers, preventing shoplifting and fraud.

Taste of Taiwan

FOUR award-winning, Taiwanese chefs, invited by The Taipei Economic & Cultural Office, will cook a special set menu for the public at the China Plate restaurant in Civic on Tuesday (dinner) and Wednesday (lunch). The price of the meal is $36 and includes a glass of wine. Reservations to 6162 3838.

Chief resigns

DR Darryl McIntyre has resigned as CEO of the National Film and Sound Archive to pursue interests personal research, historical writing and to devote time to working in the nonprofit cultural sector.

Correction

IN last week’s “CityNews”, World War I historian Charles Bean was described as being a correspondent to the Australian Infantry Forces. Reader Wing Cdr Bill Saunders, deputy director of Air Force Heritage, correctly points out that Bean was attached to the First AIF (Australian Imperial Force), which included Navy and Air Corps elements as well as infantry.

Paul walked his own talk and beat cancer

With the Movember campaign in full swing, KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK meets a man who motivated himself to beat prostate cancer

“I KNEW something was wrong with me, but I also knew how the doctor would examine that area, so I put off getting it checked out,” says motivational speaker Paul Blackburn of his 2003 prostate cancer diagnosis.

“By the time I did go to the doctor, he said that if I’d gone five years earlier they would have been able to medicate. As it was, I had my prostate gland removed and was given three years to live.”

Paul, founder and chief instructor of Beyond Success, a training organisation that helps people to reach their personal and professional potential, says he found himself the guinea pig for what he’d been teaching others for decades.

“I’d created a near-death experience out of my own fear and ignorance,” he says.

“When I got the news, I was shocked. In denial. I had trouble handling the idea that I only had three years left.

“I took off to the paddock with my dog, boiled the billy, had about a million cups of tea and just talked. I came to the conclusion that in the time I had left I wanted to meditate more, get fitter in the gym so I could fight the cancer, and spend more time with my wife Mary and our girls Julie and Emma.

“Then it hit me that even if I had the all-clear, I’d want the same three things from my life. I realised I wasn’t living my truth.

“That’s why they call it the ‘gift of cancer’. I wouldn’t have been motivated to make a change in my life without that death threat. I wouldn’t have a cigarette now to save my life, whereas before I’d be more careless.”

Paul, who’s worked for 30 years as a success coach, counsellor, author, instructor and keynote speaker, says he’d seen

Screening saves lives, says society

NEW data shows a 10 per cent drop in deaths from breast cancer over the last 10 years – and according to the Australasian Society of Breast Physicians, this underlines the value of breast screening.

However, the society expressed concern that recent media reports questioning the effectiveness of mammograms in detecting the cancer could mean women might turn away from the screening.

“The role of mammograms in early detection of breast cancer is vital,” says society president Dr Sue Fraser, who

says any drop in screening rates among women aged between 40 and 74 would be cause for alarm.

“Physicians working in this field of cancer medicine have always been confident of this, and now a new study has delivered further proof that screening saves lives.”

She says the results prove there’s no room for complacency when it comes to regular screening for women aged 40 and over; three-quarters of breast cancer deaths are in women who have never been screened.

thousands of terminally ill people, who come to him to help them prepare for the inevitable. “We were teaching them that it’s not inevitable,” he says. “Now I’m living proof of that.

“The mind plays an enormous role in healing, and we teach people what that role is.”

Paul says that through positive visualisation, meditation, changing his diet and exercising, he is now 100 per cent cancer free, with the same odds of it recurring as someone who has never had the disease.

“I think people would be well advised to sit down once a year, on their birthday, and ask themselves, if I had a year left what would I do differently?” says Paul. “Who would I make peace with, who would I spend time with, who would I learn from, what experiences would I like to have?

“Cancer made me see that given the choice, I’d spend more time on the veggie patch and with my family than being busy and stressed out. So why wasn’t I doing that?

“Anyone can change anything about themselves. Unless they want to be taller,” he smiles. “It’s just about changing your attitude – if you do that, anything is possible.”

Trophy salutes charity worker

ALVA Crebbin’s astonishing ability to raise funds for the ACT Palliative Care Society has been remembered with a special trophy commemorating her service as a life member of the Federal Golf Club and a major benefactor of the society.

Mrs Crebbin, who died earlier this year aged 93, raised more than $280,000 over 25 years to support palliative care in the ACT and the surrounding region.

Palliative Care Society president David Lawrance presented commemorative trophies to the winners of the Federal Golf Club’s charity golf day.

“Our society is indebted to Mrs Crebbin, to the Federal Golf Club Charity Committee and to all the golfers who are part of the charity work that has delivered so much to Canberra for a quarter of a century,” Mr Lawrance said.

“The Alva Crebbin OAM Memorial Trophy will help us remember the amazing work Alva did and help to continue our long-term friendship with the golfers at Federal.

“The trophy also commemorates what has proven to be a remarkable partnership between our organisations – a partnership I sincerely trust will last another 25 years.”

Chocks away on new terminal

THE long-awaited new terminal at Canberra Airport is to open for operations at 5am on Sunday, November 14 when all Qantas, Virgin Blue, Brindabella Airlines and Tiger Airways flights will have their check in and baggage collection in the new terminal. Passenger drop off for check-in will be on the elevated roadway. We sent snapper SILAS BROWN along for a sneak peek as the finishing touches were being made.

Airport managing director Stephen Byron says that as “things settle over the next few weeks, all passengers will be able to enjoy using the new roads, car parks and terminal without any disruptions, changes or works as the second half of the project is delivered.”

Rotary’s star not

By Megan Haggan

THERE’S

a saying that if you want something done, ask the busiest person you can find – and that person may be Fred Fawke, who has just been named District 2009-10 Rotarian of the Year.

To Fred, serving the community – whether here in Canberra or internationally – is a privilege, not a chore; he’s loath to take credit for his work, instead paying tribute to his fellow Rotarians.

“I’m honoured, for obvious reasons, but it really is a question of just being one among your peers,” he told “CityNews”. “We’re all lucky enough to be able to act on behalf of the community.”

He attributes the award to his being a public face for ShelterBox, displaying the boxes in schools, work environments and other locations.

“Because of the actions of my fellow Rotarians, last year we raised over $200,000 in district 9710 (south-eastern NSW and the ACT) alone.

“I was stunned to receive the award – that night was the quietest I’ve ever been – because I always say that in reality, you never really receive one of these things as an individual: It really is a reflection of the company you keep.”

Fred joined Rotary in 1996, asked by a fellow AFP superintendant: Fred was head of National Criminal Records, while his friend was head of Traffic.

“It was funny, because when I joined Rotary, other close friends said ‘I would have asked you, but you always seemed so busy’. I’d already been part of the Police Head Shave which, in those days, was fund-raising for childhood cancer victims, and basically everyone said that if you wanted to raise money for something, you had to go and ask Fred!

“I joined the [then] Commonwealth Police at just short of 22, and retired at 55, and the majority of that was not only very exciting, it was a privilege to do what I did. I enjoyed every minute of it.

“We were fortunate in that we were allowed to serve the community and be allowed to help establish the Australian Federal Police. We told people at the time that we only had 20 years to do it in and get it right, because after that, we’d be retired.

“When I became a member of Rotary, my fellow superintendent said that when you retire, you have to do something with your life, you can’t just sit there. Now I say to people that I don’t know how they find the time to go to work!”

As well as being very involved with a number of Rotary initiatives including the Jamison Trash and Treasure Markets, and his involvement with ShelterBox Australia, Fred also volunteers at Macgregor Public School, where he helps mentor children in putting together Meccano creations as part of the ACT’s School Volunteer Program.

“If it’s true that once you retire you have to have a life, when I actually retire I’ll let you know about it,” he laughs.

the retiring type

Seeking shelter

SHELTERBOX is a container of essential survival supplies, such as tents and cooking equipment for up to 10 people, which help disaster-affected people around the world begin to rebuild their lives.

ShelterBox has just sent 600 of the kits to Southern Mexico, which has been affected by two hurricanes, leaving thousands homeless.

“The ShelterBox provides shelter for people in situations around the world: Right now there’s been 27,000 provided to Haiti, and they’re currently being distributed in Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala and Niger,” says District 2009-10 Rotarian of the Year Fred Fawke. More information or donations at www. shelterboxaustralia.com.au or call 1300 996038.

Family thrills at zoo

CONSTANCE Johnson, from McKellar, is undergoing chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer, the third bout of cancer she’s suffered in her 33 years – yet when she entered the “CityNews” competition to win a family trip to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, she nominated another Canberra family.

Constance, who was nominated by three different people, won a trip to the Exclusive Family Day at Taronga, a celebration of electrical retailer Bing Lee’s sponsorship of the zoo’s giraffes. The trip included entry to the zoo, a catered breakfast overlooking Sydney Harbour, an exclusive opportunity to feed the giraffes, and an overnight stay in Sydney for Constance, her husband Mike, and their two boys, Willoughby, 4, and Hamilton,3.

“It was fantastic – the kids had a ball,” Constance told “CityNews”. “Hamilton loved the animals who lived in caves, so he really liked the giraffes, because they came out of their cave for us to feed them.

“The highlight for Willoughby was the seal show: we had front-row seats and we all got splashed! He laughed his head off.

“It was an amazing experience, and it was really good to get away from it all. I’d really like thank Bing Lee for providing a really unique and special opportunity.”

Bing Lee treated 24 NSW families to the Family Day and marketing and advertising manager Matt Lee said: “It was great to meet so many lovely families and enjoy an exciting and educational day at the zoo.”

The art and soul of restless Richard Baz

The National Portrait Gallery’s shop owner walks the talk when it comes to Australian designers. On November 20 he’s staging “Undercurrent”, a one-day design market showcasing original Australian works

R ICHARD Baz has strong opinions about art, and he isn’t shy to share them.

“I have a real love and respect for Australian designer makers, whether it be ceramics, glass, fine jewellery, all sorts of textiles,” says Richard, owner of the National Portrait Gallery shop.

“But a lot of art actually gets me upset! Bad design, unnecessary design, plagiarism – you see a lot of sameness in design, especially with jewellery at the moment.

“A lot of the time Australian designer-makers don’t get a lot of support, and that upsets me too, because there are people doing very exciting work.”

Richard is bringing “Undercurrent”, a one-day design market showcasing original Australian works, to Canberra just in time for Christmas, building on the unique focus of the gallery shop.

He studied at the School of Art at the ANU, and from there went to the National Gallery, where he ran its shop for eight years. He followed this with a stint at Paperchain, and then to the National Portrait Gallery.

He’s worked hard sourcing a variety of objects and books that can’t easily be found elsewhere, transforming it into a shopping destination in its own right, not a run-of-the-mill museum kiosk, he says.

phies, humour – it really is, in that sense, an independent bookstore, and a beautiful gift store as well.

“A large museum will often just reproduce its own stuff. When looking at what Australian designers are doing, I’ll often be awestruck just by a piece of jewellery. That’s the kind of excitement I want to impart to the customer.

“That’s what led me to the idea of having a designer market that celebrates Australian designer makers; I put a call out a few months ago to the major craft institutions around Australia and asked them to forward it to members who’d be interested in the idea behind ‘Undercurrent’.

“These are new designers, many of whom have been creating for two to 15 years, trying to get their work out there in a market that often concentrates on the mass-produced.

“It’s a celebration of Australian design, the young designers, not the overtly commercial.”

“Undercurrent” will be Canberra’s answer to Sydney’s Young Blood or Brisbane and Victoria’s Bowerbird markets, Richard says.

“It’s not a craft market as such: it’s fine jewellery, for example, where the designer has really considered its form and how it relates to the body when it’s worn; if it’s a blown-glass piece, it’s how it looks in three dimensions with the light through it. ‘Undercurrent’ is where it will all come together.”

“A lot of big museums sell a lot of mass-produced merchandise,” he says. “We’re a small museum, and it’s a private store within the museum, and we don’t want to go down the mass-produced route. We want to jump in with unique Australian objects instead.

“The shop is probably about 50 per cent books and 50 per cent product. There’s not just art books, but fiction, biogra -

An avid reader and with postgraduate qualifications in graphic design, Richard adds that his “other big interest” is humour. “Within that, sarcasm and irony – I’m pretty self-deprecating and don’t take myself too seriously. What I take seriously is design!”

“Undercurrent” will be held on Saturday, November 20 at the National Portrait Gallery, from 10am to 5pm.

Wobbly Burch finds her feet

A year in the ministry and Joy Burch believes she has performed well, and tells ELERI HARRIS that there’s more to being a minister than performance in the Assembly

BOBBED and blonde and furiously highlighting pages of notes, on the floor of the ACT Legislative Assembly Labor Minister Joy Burch throws verbal punches sideways at Liberal Vicki Dunne, clearly hitting the mark at an increasingly faster pace.

Regularly critiqued on her political theatrics in the chamber, forced to table pages of departmental advice and endure an awkward, failed Liberal censure motion against her, after a year in the job, Minister Burch appears to be finally getting into the swing of things.

The former nurse, community worker and childcare operator openly admits she’s acquired many skills on the go in her two years in the Assembly, one as the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services; Children and Young People; Multicultural Affairs; Ageing; and Women.

“To say it’s been a privilege and a learning curve would probably be an understatement,” Burch told “CityNews”.

“I do remember my first week. I got announced my first ministry on the Monday and I was in the Chamber on the Tuesday. That was a short time between go and whoa! But that’s okay. I will continue to improve and I hope in 12 months time that I bring more maturity and common sense and depth to the portfolio.”

On the back of her censure motion and increasingly targeted by the Opposition in the Assembly, Burch is keen to express disappointment in Liberal tactics and point out there is more to being a minister than participation on the chamber floor.

“Censure motions are a unique experience, you’ve got to go through one to understand,” she says.

“While I don’t take it personally, I think it’s more telling on them than it is on anyone on the side of Government if they have to resort to it. I actually don’t understand why they pick on women.

“A minister should not be determined just by the chamber alone.

“The function of a minister features many layers, it’s around how you talk to your constituency, how you represent their aims and ambitions within caucus and cabinet.

“I believe that I have performed well.”

As Burch ploughs on with the portfolios linked to her previous career in the community sector, she admits the others have fallen by the wayside.

“I don’t think I could have asked for a better set of portfolios that match with my personal interest,” she says.

“When I have conversations with either a disability service or a community service, I actually understand each and every one of their nuances because I’ve been there myself.

“I think my background gives me the strength of understanding how the sector is delivering services and the challenges they face, down to workforce recruitment, service delivery, ensuring their quality and robust systems on the ground.”

But even on Burch’s list of term ambitions, her portfolios of Multiculturalism and Women do not rate a mention.

Flying memories

SERIOUSLY ill children will experience a free day of entertainment, fun and the joy of flying on Sunday, November 14, when the Canberra Aero Club hosts the local leg of the national FunFlight day. The club has organised interesting aircraft and the airport’s fire-fighting services to be there. The Rotary Club of Canberra South will also be on hand to make the event enjoyable for the children and their families.

Golf fundraiser

THE Leukaemia Foundation will be holding a fundraising golf tournament at the Murrumbidgee Country Club, Kambah, on Thursday, November 18. More information on 6286 1111 or 0435 659564 or by email to mhuttley-jackson@leukaemia.org.au

Twilight fair

THERE will be a twilight fair at the Harrison School, Wimmera Street, from 3pm-7pm at on November 20. It will feature rides, show bags, an international food court, cake stall, a raffle, auctions, art and crafts, art show, trash and treasure, community stalls and live performances.

Majura festival

by Silas

Minister Joy Burch… “I will continue to improve and I hope in 12 months time that I bring more maturity and common sense and depth to the portfolio.”

ANU political science visiting fellow Dr Gwen Gray says Burch’s neglect of her role as Minister for Women is emblematic of a national trend.

“Joy Burch is following in the steps of Julia Gillard, who in announcing her first cabinet didn’t have a Minister for Women,” Gray said.

“You could say women’s issues have been put on the back burner, politicians feel that they can ignore them or pay cursory attention to them.”

THE Majura Community Festival, featuring art and craft exhibitions, music and dance performances and an array of food cuisines in various stalls is being held in the car park at the Dickson Shopping Centre from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, November 20. The festival, organised by Northside Community Service, a not-forprofit organisation and primary provider of community services in the ACT for more than 30 years, also features a petting zoo, jumping castle and face-painting for children on the lawns outside the Baptist Church.

Open to aid orphans

By Kathryn Vukovljak

A RESTFUL Red Hill garden, resplendent with roses, will open to the public to raise money for Aids orphans in Zimbabwe, says owner Yvonne Wyer.

Yvonne is the founder of the Canberra-based ZOPOM Foundation, a which she started after a “harrowing” trip to Zimbabwe in 2006.

The foundation’s focus is on keeping orphans alive and in school at Murwira Children’s Home in Marange, and providing aid to grandmothers and the sick and impoverished community there.

Yvonne’s garden will open on Saturday November 13 and Sunday November 14, from 9am to 3pm, at 9 Roebuck Street, Red Hill. She says that her garden is thriving and that the recent spring rain has helped enormously.

“All profits from the open garden will go towards sending a container of school supplies, desks, blackboards, irrigation equipment and sewing machines to furnish the all-purpose building funded by the ZOPOM Foundation,” says Yvonne.

Yvonne’s garden at 9 Roebuck Street, Red Hill, will open on Saturday November 13 and Sunday November 14, from 9am to 3pm. Entry is $5 and children are free.

A cottage garden in Reid, Page 36

Brooches from foxes to flappers

THE “Jewel of Canberra” theme day at the Old Bus Depot Markets will see Sydney jewellery collectibles expert Russell Brooks visit Canberra to exhibit his collection of brooches from Parisian designer Lea Stein.

“Women absolutely swamped his stall at our Portobello Road Market earlier this year,” says

Old Bus Depot Markets owner Diane Hinds.

“These brooches are collected all over the world, and feature everything from the popular foxes, to flappers and flowers.”

The range of jewellery on display at Jewel of Canberra will include not only brooches, but also earrings and pendants

made from silver and titanium, Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stone necklaces, fabric brooches, cufflinks and much more.

Jewel of Canberra will be held on Sunday, November 14 at the Old Bus Depot Markets, 10am-4pm. More information at www.obdm.com.au

letters

Liquor laws are not more liberal

MICHAEL Moore is wrong to “raise a glass” to the new drinking law (CN, November 4).

Firstly, he is wrong to suggest that the alcohol laws have become more liberal over the last few decades. The 1975 Act that is being replaced was at the forefront of a liquor legislation that sought to directly address the issue of irresponsible sale and consumption of liquor – its provisions were never amended to make the Act more liberal.

Secondly, as an evidenced-based politi-

Simmer down

ALL this fighting over water in Australia is like fighting over the deck chairs on the “Titanic” (columnist Michael Moore, CN October 21, “The war for water has begun” and letter writer Terry Dwyer, November 4, “Done over on water”). If Australia hits an environmental iceberg with our river system we ALL go down with the ship.

Maybe if we would all just simmer down and carefully consider our situation as a whole (putting aside greed, politics, infighting and self-centeredness) we could come up with a solution that would save us from sinking this beautiful continent – the SS Australia. It’s certainly worth a try.

a Medcalf, Belconnen A water miser still

OVER the past 10 years, Canberra trained us to be miserly with our water. Now, after one year of above-average rains, we’re told we can, for the most part, “relax and be comfortable” with the water situation.

It’s hard to change behaviours, so I’ll continue on my well-practiced, miserly ways: Pouring dishpan water on to shrubs, piping laundry water on to trees, watering my roses and my veggie patch with shower water, fortified by water-retention mix.

I’ll still “let it mellow if it’s yellow”, take quick showers, and use drippers where I must.

The snapper, at large at the weekend’s Dogs’ Day Out at Diddams Close, Belconnen, found some characters enjoying a quiet moment; from left, there’s Max peering from his tub, bowtied Gomez and some chick in a pink number who was too cool to share a name.

Photos by Silas

cian, Michael should fully appreciate that we should look for credible evidence before concluding that a new scheme will result in improvement. How is a scheme that introduces a fivetiered trading hour system going to be any more effective? He might also wish to consider the effectiveness and participation of the police in regulating liquor since 1975. They have neither shown a propensity to get involved (check the stats on the number of liquor licensee prosecutions undertaken by police in the last five years)

dose of dorin

or the ability to understand the nuances of a regulatory scheme and just what it is that needs to be done to ensure levels of compliance that the community expects from its licensees.

That was under the simpler, more direct, 1975 Act where police had the same powers as liquor inspectors, they just rarely ever used them for disciplinary purposes. There is no chance of a change for the better under the materially more complex 2010 Act.

tony Brown, Fadden

And I’ll install water tanks at my house and rental property, because I believe the day will come soon when availability or price of water will make this a necessity, not a nice-to-have.

I’m sad Canberra’s relaxed its water restrictions. I hope we residents won’t relax our vigilance.

Judy Bamberger, o ’connor

No more insults

PLEASE note that a person from Afghanistan is called an Afghan, not an Afghani, which is the name of their currency CN, October 14, “Dr Ali’s long crusade for children”) I hope there won’t be any more insults to the Afghan people.

Barbara Hayden, Duffy

opinion

Hanson sticks his head into the lion’s debating den

JEREMY in the lion’s den came to mind as the Liberal shadow health minister walked into the Australia Institute’s “Politics in the Pub” debate.

The Australia Institute is an independent think tank which develops and conducts research and policy analysis and seeks to influence public opinion. It describes itself as “the country’s most influential progressive think tank”. Others describe it as “left wing”.

The topic was “You can legislate against laziness” and Hanson was arguing the negative case: That the way to deal with laziness lies primarily in personal responsibility. Governments do not have a role in interfering with personal choices. I had the affirmative side, putting the argu-

politics

Michael Moore

ment that it is possible to legislate about the context in which laziness occurs rather than legislating to punish the lazy.

Not much has changed about the nature of “Politics in the Pub” since I was involved 20 years ago when it was held at the Hotel Ainslie. Now, at the Uni Pub, the idea remains that the debate is kept short and the audience has the opportunity to put down their beers or cocktails and question the debaters or to challenge ideas.

This was a serious question, albeit one that

Rugby: Safer than war!

Erring footballers may want to be seen as silly boys, but they are paid well to behave, writes

YET another footballer has bitten the dust, not on the field, but in the media, and because of what he describes as “dumb” and “a stupid prank”. From what has been reported, it certainly sounds like it, and of course it was fuelled by grog.

Raider Joel Monaghan jumped before he was pushed, and is looking for a way out and forward in the UK, rather than in North Queensland, where Todd Carney went before he returned, apparently reformed. My quick view is that wherever he goes he ought to be accompanied by the great friend who published the photo that caused the trouble.

But the incident points to a pervading problem in our culture. In my view, top football in particular is best seen as “the tribe at war”. William James, the American philosopher wrote a fine essay just over 100 years ago called “The Moral Equivalent of War”, and he outlined what would much later become the Peace Corps in the US — the organisation of young people in a disciplined way to combat problems rather than people.

But in the land of Oz, I think we have it in organised top sport of the biff and bash variety. Its rewards are not unlike those James portrayed for the tribe: “To hunt a neighboring tribe, kill the males, loot the village and possess the females… the most profitable, as well as the most exciting, way of living”.

Don’t get me wrong — I think Rugby League is a lot better than sending troops to anywhere, and safer for everyone, too. But

DON AITKIN

the focus on sport comes with costs, and those who manage the teams have learned to try and control them. One of them is a code of conduct off the field.

I don’t know how the Raiders spell it out, but it’s not hard to guess what its component bits are. Every time that a player offends, there are those who write in to ask us to excuse the offence — they are just boys, what do you expect, they have to let off steam, and so on.

And I have some sympathy with the appeals, because like most males, I can recall incidents, pranks and suchlike that I was involved in as a student that my fading memory mercifully allows me to forget most of the time. But I wasn’t being paid $600,000 or so a year at the time – in fact, barely anything.

There’s the rub. Yes, I recognise that most of these players are only in their twenties and that they have a lot to learn. But they are being paid an annual salary that exceeds, by a considerable margin, what everyone else is earning. And the salary is set in a contract. And the contract says: “Don’t misbehave! Or else”.

Monaghan recognises that he did a stupid thing, and the loss of money and the loss of face will be very hard for him to endure. But with any luck he will learn powerfully from this incident, and the long-run effect may be excellent for him. That’s my hope, anyway.

Don Aitkin, political scientist and historian, served as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra from 1991 to 2002.

was explored through a light-hearted approach. Former Health Minister, Tony Abbott is supposed to have said that rather than restricting advertising of junk food, people should take personal responsibility by grabbing a pair of running shoes and getting their weight under control. His argument recognises the importance of exercise in weight control and, considering his own level of fitness, is certainly not hypocritical. However, it fails to take into account the socio-economic and other factors that influence decision making. The real question being debated was about the extent to which government should interfere in the decisions of ordinary people. As Hanson maintained his debating stance on non-interference, I was arguing that the issue is about domi-

nation rather than interference. The example that I gave was about junk food advertising to children. The conditions are not conducive for parents to make sound, sensible decisions about the health of their children when exposure to junk food advertising is so invasive. Government does have a role to support parents with a level playing field. Jeremy would have none of it, arguing that if the line is not drawn we will continue drifting away from a free society.

It was great fun and an opportunity to explore philosophies, alternative ideas and contra arguments in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry, the essence of our democracy. It is not easy walking into the lion’s den and, like Daniel, Hanson did remain placid through the process.

Surprise party leaves lawyer speechless!

“IT’S unusual for a lawyer, I know, but I can safely say I was at a loss for words for a moment there,” says Michael James, partner at Trinity Law, on the surprise party that was arranged for him by his colleagues to celebrate his 20 years in the law.

The surprise party at Ottoman Cuisine in Barton went off without a hitch, and Michael, 44, says he had a fantastic night.

“I’m not sure how they all kept it quiet, but I know a lot of work went into organising the party and it’s very much appreciated,” he says.

Property lawyer Michael, who was named REIACT Solicitor of the Year in 2009 and has been a  nalist in this category for the last few years, including this year, says that his  rst job was in 1990 with Meyer, Boettcher and Clapham, now Meyer Vandenburg, with his current PA, Angie Patron.

“I had a large plywood desk, six  les and a pen, and I looked very important – I just didn’t quite know what to do next,” he jokes. “Angie gently suggested I might sign a letter, and it all went from there.

“It’s a source of genuine surprise just how much time has gone by.”

Trinity Law was founded in 2004 by Michael and his two partners, John Irvine and Maurice Falcetta, and Angie Patron.

“We started out with  ve people, three mobiles and a whole lot of goodwill and enthusiasm, and we haven’t looked back,” he says.

“Canberra is a fantastic jurisdiction to work in. It’s been a great joy for me because it’s a place that values the strength and longevity of trusted long-term relationships, something I believe very strongly in.

“Trinity Law has gone from a standing start in less than six years to a team of about 25 people, a turnover of $3-4 million annually and a whole range of clients – and now their children and in some cases, grandchildren. That really does mark the passing of time.”

Trinity Law, with its core values of excellence, ef ciency and integrity, is focused on property, commercial and construction legal work, and invests heavily in ensuring that all staff, partners, solicitors and legal clerks are at the cutting edge of developments in these areas. It does not do family, personal injury or criminal law. Property Law is not incidental to its practice; it is an integral and essential part of its business, he says.

The three partners share the common thread of property, with Michael as the traditional property lawyer, John the principal of commercial and commercial property, and Maurice the principal of litigation and commercial dispute resolution.

Michael, who is chair of the ACT Law Society’s Property Law Committee and chair of the Australian Property Law Group, part of the Law Council of Australia, says that by far the greatest thing the law has given him is his wife Lisa Manzoney, a solicitor for the ACT Government, whom he met 15 years ago when she was doing work experience at Meyer Clapham.

“She jokes that when we met it was one of those few times she had to listen to me,” he smiles. The couple now have two children, a daughter Neve, who’s seven, and son Darcy,  ve, who was born the same year Trinity Law was started.

“Family and community is the bedrock for Trinity,” says Michael. “We are the right company for clients who need a long-term relationship, with a business background and an emphasis on property.”

Trinity Law, Level 2, 214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon. Call 6163 5050.

At the ‘Resonate: Tango Festival’, Llewellyn Hall

At the opening of ‘Shanghai Tango’, The Gallery, Canberra Grammar School

Lifeline stars at Suzie’s clinic launch

A NEW premises and a new corporate partnership with Lifeline Canberra make this an exciting time for Canberra’s Clear Complexions Clinic – and founder Suzie Hoitink is thrilled about both.

“We started Clear Complexions  ve years ago, with a clinic at CISAC in Belconnen,” she says. “Almost immediately we needed a bigger premises, so within six months we had taken over the shop next door.

“Two years later, we opened a new clinic on the other side of town, in Erindale; we thought this would take some of the pressure off the Belconnen clinic, but it really just generated a new market on the south side!

“We’ve been looking for a suitable premises which will allow us to expand and grow, and we’ve found one in Bruce. It’s twice as large as our previous clinic in CISAC.”

Suzie attributes the success of Clear Complexions to its professional, medical approach to a wide range of dif cult skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and sun damage.

It employs registered nurses like Suzie, who undertake independent certi  cation to qualify them to practise in the clinics. Clear Complexions also keeps up-to-date with skin technology – for example, it was a pioneer in bringing the internationally acclaimed Fraxel system, which Suzie describes as the “most impressive and the safest technology I have ever seen for the treatment of sun damage, pigmentation and ageing”, to the ACT.

This approach, combining state-of-the-art technology with the care offered by nurses, means that skin conditions too complex to be treated in a beautician’s salon can be managed and improved by nurses using non-surgical tools.

“The new location is quiet and discreet, with private parking,” Suzie adds. “It gives us the space to offer more treatment rooms, and more staff.

“We’re really committed to bringing in new services for Canberrans that have previously been unavailable.”

It’s

all about self-esteem

THERE’S more to good skin than simply looking nice. One of the most important reasons people seek help for awed skin is the effect it has on their self-esteem, says Suzie, who suffered from bad acne in the past. That understanding of the importance of self-esteem, as well as a recognition of the important work the charity undertakes locally, are among the reasons Clear Complexions has forged a partnership with Lifeline ACT.

“It’s a corporate partnership,” Suzie explains. “And it’s a long-term commitment for us.

“Lifeline Canberra provides an extremely valuable service to the community.

“People don’t always feel great about themselves when they come to us. When we help somebody improve their skin, and their general appearance, we often see massive improvements in their self-esteem and self-image.”

Clear Complexions held a combined launch and

BRUCE - NEW LOCATION! Crn of Thynne St & Watkin St Bruce ACT 2617 T. 62518889 E.info@clearcomplexions.com.au

fund-raising event at the new Bruce clinic earlier this week. This included a silent auction of artwork provided by acclaimed artist Rebecca Hillis, and all proceeds went to Lifeline.

Lifeline Canberra CEO Mike Zissler thanked Clear Complexions Clinic and guests for their support, and for the money raised.

“We are delighted to have the Clear Complexions Clinic as our newest corporate partner,” he says. “Their ongoing support will greatly help us to continue our services to the Canberra community and surrounds.”

Clear Complexions Clinic is now open at the corner of Thynne Street and Watkin Street, Bruce.

More information at www.clearcomplexions.com.au or call 6251 8889 (Bruce) or 6231 0003 (Erindale).

More information on Lifeline Canberra or to make a donation, visit www.act.lifeline.org.au

Unit 1, 43 Comrie Street T. 62310003 E.nurse@clearcomplexions.com.au www.clearcomplexions.com.au

Association (ACT Division) 50th anniversary dinner, The Boat House

all about living

The secrets Canberra Rep can’t keep to themselves

By arts editor Helen Musa

IT’S common practice these days to have a theme when you’re launching a theatre season.

Canberra Repertory has continued the tradition at Theatre 3 when former Rep actor, one-time ASIO employee and professional comedian David Callan revealed that the 2011 motif will be “Secrets”.

Well, we can’t help saying it, but the secret is now out! But not to worry. As Rep puts it, “secrets come in all sorts and sizes”.

“Jazz Garters” director Jim McMullen... back with his showbiz blokes and babes.

Corille Fraser… staging “Humble Boy” by Charlotte Jones.

Essentially, the 2011 program is a parade of tried-and-true directors, veterans such as Corille Fraser, Aarne Neeme and Canadian regular for Rep, Walter Learning and who can blame the society for that?

Rep and Callan were at pains to keep the theme going as best they could. For instance, Geoffrey Borny is to direct Elizabeth Coleman’s “Secret Bridesmaids’ Business”, in which “all of the characters having their own secrets, dreams, and desires”.

In the second production, Corille Fraser’s staging of “Humble Boy” by Charlotte Jones, we’ll see “a poem about people, bees and the galaxy”, but, we are assured, “it’s also buzzing with secrets”.

Jim McMullen is back with his showbiz blokes and babes to direct “Jazz Garters III.” Now it’s no secret what this one is about and Rep is not about to hide its light under a bushel, billing this “grand exposition” as full of “sumptuous and scintillating musical numbers, brilliant jazz and show tune arrangements”.

It’s a while since we’ve seen a show directed by Garry Fry, and he’ll be doing Yasmina Reza’s “Life x 3”, translated from the French by Christopher Hampton. This play’s secret is that the story is told from three separate perspectives. Paul Taylor, critic for the London “Independent” wrote

No Mr Nice Guy… ex-con Julian, played by Paul J Murphy, in a scene from “Hobby Farm”.

Paul’s ‘Hobby’ turns to triumph

PAUL J Murphy doesn’t seem like the kind of bloke to have written, produced and played the lead part in a major feature film.

But his $300,000 1970s action movie “Hobby Farm” has achieved the unprecedented, a commercial distribution around Australia and a prize at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.

We’ll be seeing the film, “Hobby Farm” in Canberra soon after it premieres in Adelaide and Melbourne.

It’s a coup for the Lake Tuggeranong College student who became a pilot for Brindabella Airlines after leaving school, then changed his mind.

Murphy, who decided he’d like to act when he was 26 and left flying to do voice-overs and Sportsman’s Warehouse ads, has had no agent, no drama school, no writing or production studies, but a particular talent – “I bullshit a lot.” Now at 32, he is hitting the heights with a film he hopes will pay homage to his favourite movie “Predator” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

By Helen Musa

So apart from wanting to be like Arnie, what motivated him?

“I wanted to do something, but I’m not the best-looking bloke in the world,” he says. “Who would put me in a movie?”

So he wrote the script, cajoled friends and family into lending him $300,000 (“I think they’re mad”) and formed his own company, Hero Films International, which, with Brisbanebased Silver Screen Pictures, has produced “Hobby Farm”.

In addition, he got Cameron Miller to distribute the film, with keyboardist Andrew Giddings, of Jethro Tull, playing the music.

So what is it about? That well-known film critic Chopper Read called it “a film for the thinking man’s psychopath”.

It’s quite an international one. Ex-con Julian, played by Murphy, is no Mr Nice Guy, but he’s

on the part path of redemption. He’s been put in charge of a hobby farm, a front for illegal gambling, drugs and sex slavery. The women are mostly hookers trafficked from Russia and Eastern Europe.

The director is Brad Diebert, former art department expert from “The Matrix” and “Superman”, whom Murphy met on the set of a Canberra film. Diebert helped him finetune the script and track down a dedicated bunch of actors such as Canberran Anthony Giorgio (“a little trouper”), Vince Sorrenti and veteran Gerard Kennedy.

They shot the movie at Kenmore Hospital in Goulburn and, though they were all paid union wages, the actors often became extras and the crew often became actors.

But it’s been tough. In retrospect, Murphy feels that doing the writing, the production and the acting “was too much of a load”. In future he’ll just write.

“Hobby Farm”, Limelight Cinemas Tuggeranong, December 2.

that he had feared that “Life x 3” might equal emptiness cubed. “Instead,” he discovered, “it amounts to pleasure-in-triplicate.”

John Doyle’s suburban Aussie satire “The Pig Iron People” is directed by Aarne Neeme. Set in Liberal Street in 1996 on the day of John Howard’s first election victory, it pokes fun at cantankerous old neighbours who are the Pig Iron People of the title, the Menzies generation.

Finally, the outrageous Walter Learning will stage the “outrageously funny” play “Out of Order” by Ray Cooney, bringing us to the nonsecret of the year, traditional Christmas fare from an enormously successful theatre organisation.

Subscriptions are available. Bookings to 6257 1950.

in the City

Talented cast invades library Arts

By Helen Musa

CANBERRA Youth Theatre has assembled a talented cast of young people aged 15-25 to devise, create and produce “Retrieval”, a site-specific, promenade performance installation through eight spaces, five floors and the inaccessible nooks of the National Library of Australia. It’s on November 19-21, 26-28 and December 3-5 at 7.45pm. Bookings to 6248 5057. Be quick.

ARTSOUND FM 92.7 (90.3 in Tuggeranong) is staging its 2010 Radiothon until November 14. Great coup that Lennock Motors has donated a Nissan Micra 2010 K12 valued at $14,990 to raffle. If you join up or renew your membership, you’ll be in the draw, so, as they say, tune in.

THE National Gallery of Australia and Wesfarmers Arts has announced the inaugural recipients of the Wesfarmers Arts Indigenous Fellowship for arts management. The two fellowships worth $50,000 each have gone to Glenn Iseger-Pilkington, associate curator of indigenous objects and photography at the Art Gallery of WA, and Jirra Harvey, national youth programs co-ordinator, Oxfam Australia, in Melbourne.

“SUMMERTIME and the singing is easy,” Stopera is saying of its concert of summer-inspired songs, to be performed by director Vivienne Winther on the piano, sopranos Rebecca Collins and Rachael Duncan, and mezzo-soprano Christina Wilson. Among other things they will pay homage to the late Joan Sutherland. at Tuggeranong Arts Centre at 2pm November 14. Bookings to 6293 1443.

WE were recently asking in this column what had happened to Janice Kuczkowski, who recently left M16 Studios. The news is that she will join Bea Brickhill, in the Australia Business Arts Foundation ACT (AbaF) offices one day a week.

I HEAR Canberra drummers will be stirring up a storm at the Belconnen Festival on November 13 in Margaret Timpson Park, Belconnen, at the front of Westfield. It’s all part of “Circo Belco and the Future Footprints Sideshow” – the event is preceded with an opening party at the park the night before.

From the window to times long gone

“TEA WITH MADAME CLOS” (G)

AUSTRALIAN film-maker Jane Oehr’s film is a delight, warm of heart, gentle of touch, light of spirit.

In her 97th year, Madame Clos, daughter of one soldier, widow of another, lives alone in the house to which her parents brought her as a toddler. While for four decades a woman from the village has come to clean it, Madame still cooks her own meals.

Madame carries her kitchen shopping home up the hill along the gravel pathway along which pilgrims have walked for centuries en route to the sepulcher of Santiago de Compostella. Each day she sits at her front window with its view of village church and school and doles out Vichy mints to passing children. Her own two children don’t visit as often as she would like.

Win an autographed ‘Rivers’ DVD

“CityNews” has three autographed copies of Griff Rhys Jones’ delightful double-DVD “Rivers” to give away. Details and entry form at www.citynews.com.au/win

Madame is bright, brave, friendly, uncomplicated. With little to do but live for the moment, she laughs a lot and enjoys reminiscing. Other villagers come to talk with her. Jane Oehr lets the conversations run their course without intrusion, occasionally steering Madame in a particular direction. But for the most, Madame controls the film’s content.

Making few demands on us, the film delivers a rewarding experience, the gift of a warm personality leading us through bygone times in a different culture and environment.

At Greater Union

“JACkASS 3D” (MA)

THE Internet Movie Data Base reports that this compendium of stupid, tasteless, dangerous stunts unsullied by creativity, innovation or substance, originally staged and filmed for TV, cost about $US20 million to make and took close to $US87 million in its first week.

That says much about the intellectual and cultural levels of a large slab of the American audience.

In their third film, you have to admire the physical courage of Johnny Knoxville and his team. Many of their capers are obviously painful. Their many urine and faeces stunts are unhygienic, and not in the least humorous.

Director Jeff Tremaine shot the film from

Dougal Macdonald

multiple viewpoints against a constant background of performer laughter staged to induce audience laughter. Little of it is genuinely comical. Most of it is demeaning to the performers who display little social charm. The vocabulary resembles a schoolyard where the kids have just discovered a new word that the teachers don’t like.

The film is notable for the relative scarcity of women. It gives no clear signals about the sexuality of its men. That may not be greatly relevant but it certainly makes you wonder.

At Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight

ON the ABC’s “Movie Show”, David Stratton aptly described this film as “torture porn”. Most horror movies shy away from overt sexual elements, perhaps because of censorship concerns. In this impressive feature debut, a spatter movie driven by teenage sex jealousy, packed with gore, pain and sudden death, Australian writer/director Sean Byrne grasps the nettle.

Lola (a brilliant performance from Robin McLeavy) may be a randy chick who’s not getting enough, but her fury at not being able to find a man capable of meeting her standards drives the film. She expects Brent (Xavier Samuel) to escort her to the high school formal that night. Then she sees him screwing newlylicensed Holly (Victoria Thane) on the front seat (no mean feat in a VW!). Lola and daddy (John Brumpton) are about to punish Brent severely for failing to be available for Lola’s evaluation. Byrne’s screenplay has some possibly deliberate loose ends, particularly by not clarifying whether Lola and daddy share a sexual relationship. In a sub-plot, the principal orders the local police sergeant’s sullen daughter to alleviate her lust away from the school grounds. It will be interesting to see whether “The Loved Ones” travels abroad and, in particular, how US audiences will receive it. While less than lovely, it’s very well made in all respects.

At Dendy, Hoyts and Limelight

Climate change musical we had to have

A delightfully infectious romp, “Urinetown” is the climate change musical we had to have.

Any doubts about a musical based on the worrisome premise of a future when a 20-year drought makes water so scarce that private toilets become unthinkable and unfortunate townspeople are forced to pay inflated fees to pee in the public toilets, are quickly dispelled by the enthusiasm of the accomplished cast who revel in every opportunity offered by the wonderfully devious script and catchy score to sing and dance up a storm.

Adding to the fun is the realisation that “Urinetown” is also a clever piss-take of the popular musical genre. Director/designer Wayne Shepherd and his choreographer, Emma Tattam, have not been shy in sprinkling sly and none-too-subtle, references to musicals such as “Les Miserables”, “West Side Story” and “Fiddler on the Roof” throughout the show, as

MUSIC

“Urinetown – The Musical” ANU Arts Centre, until November 20. Reviewed by Bill Stephens

guilty pleasures for music theatre enthusiasts. Among the strong cast, Dave Evans is excellent as the upright hero, Bobby Strong, and Allison Noble is gorgeous as the pinch-voiced heroine, Hope Cladwell.

Excellent singing from Max Gambale, an impressive presence as tycoon Caldwell B.Cladwell; Michelle Klempke, hilarious as the wonderfully prune-faced Penelope Pennywise, and Derek Walker as Officer Lockstock, together with some eye-catching cameos from Zack Drury, Ylaria Rogers, Martin Searles and Miriam Miley-Read, and a lively seven-piece band led by Garrick Smith, all add lustre to this slick and entertaining production.

Country boys who love to sing

By Helen Musa

COUNTRY music star Adam Harvey is coming to the Canberra Southern Cross Club soon with Troy Cassar-Daley to sing the good, old country songs.

“It’s something I love,” he tells me, singing the praises of old Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson numbers and reminiscing about how he used to strum along on his guitar while his dad played those songs when he was little.

He’s pretty sure it will work because they’ve tried a version of the show out in Sydney where crowds sang along to every line and laughed at their jokes. “We’ve got all the dirt on each other,” Harvey says, “we’re pretty relaxed on stage together all the time.”

Harvey admires the very late albums of his hero Johnny Cash, but it’s the early numbers that fascinate him. “In earlier days,” he says, “a lot of people didn’t distinguish country music from general popular music as they all appeared on the ‘Billboard’ charts.

“Country music deals with real-life situations, people can relate to it.”

Harvey and Cassar-Daley will be performing in Canberra with a country band of six hand-picked musicians who “love the old stuff… it’s important to keep the treatment right”.

Hardy makes no bones about the fact that this is a pure entertainment show with lots of favourite numbers.

“Troy loves Merle Haggard, I love Tom T. Hall we’ve got ‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson, ‘Seven Spanish Angels’ by Nelson and Ray Charles and, of course, ‘Ring of Fire’ by Cash… you get the idea.”

And he doesn’t get too purist about country music either, so he’s got no problem when Russell Crowe or Guy Sebastian turn up in country shows.

Laurie’s wealth of political wisdom

“On The Record”

By Laurie Oakes, Hachette,

(rrp $35).

Reviewed by Robert Macklin

THERE is a wealth of political wisdom in this collection of Laurie Oakes’s columns garnished with new material written specially for the book. It makes a fascinating read and will no doubt turn up in lots of Canberra Christmas stockings.

Usually, collections of journalists’ columns are one step up from vanity publishing. And I must admit, I would have preferred the author to have distilled the material into a more cohesive and engaging narrative of his 40 years in the press gallery.

Instead, the book is divided into six sections – from “Parties and Politics” to “Rudd and Gillard” – and popped the columns in where they seemed to fit best. The result is a little disconcerting, not least where the dating is incorrect. For example, he has John McEwen retiring in 1973 and since I was his press secretary when he bid farewell, I can assure you the real date was 1971.

He’s been to China and learnt enough Mandarin to perform in that language. “Music is universal,” he says. “If it’s good, it’s good… music crosses all the barriers.”

Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey, the Southern Cross Club, November 19, bookings to 6283 7252

However, when he tells his version of the downfall of Kevin Rudd, Oakes speaks with authority. The full story of the rise and fall of the boy from Nambour has yet to be written. But when it is, the Oakes reportage will be an essential ingredient. It must, of course, be read in the light of his hatred for Julia Gillard. He clearly sought to do her as much damage as possible during the election when he confronted her at the Press Club with “questions” about her actions on the night Rudd was deposed. Indeed, he seems very pleased that his intervention was “a disaster for the Labor campaign, reinforcing the impression of a divided party [and] formed the basis of Liberal Party advertising that was still running in the final days of the campaign.”

Perhaps not coincidentally, it also made for good commercial television.

Griffyn with an accent

MUSIC

“The American Songbook” Griffyn Ensemble, Belconnen Arts Centre, November 6. Reviewed by Ian McLean

THE peaceful lake out the side window of the open-spaced Belconnen Arts Centre made a perfect setting for this concert/ cabaret/theatre performance of “The American Songbook”, a meticulously researched and entertaining, educational and enthralling journey through the music of six composers of popular music.

Samples of the music of each were presented in a quirky, poignant and comedic fashion with live and visually projected narration linking this fascinating story.

The obvious joy in the eyes and faces of the performers was infectious as they seemingly coaxed each other to great musical heights. I particularly loved the mesmerising harp of Laura Tanata in music by Silvestre Revueltas, a haunting “Summertime” from silken-voiced Susan Ellis, a beautiful Bennett flute/clarinet duo from Kiri Sollis and Matt O’Keefe, the soaring French horn of Carly Brown in an Alex Wilder extract and the effervescent Wyana Etherington, who displayed percussion virtuosity, comic timing and commanding stage presence in everything she performed.

There were tears with Burt Bacharach’s “Nikki” and a lovely “Blackberry Winter” by Alex Wilder, laughs with “Oklahoma” and Minnie’s “Yoo Hoo” and fascination with the imagination and talent of Michael Sollis. Who else could dream up an arrangement of “Walk on By” for voice, dulcimer and alto flute?

Two 11-year-old boys seated next to me said it was the best concert they’d ever seen. Pretty good commendation for Canberra’s premier chamber ensemble!

Commanding attention dining

BIG tip: A new restaurant at Narrabundah shops is quickly starting to pack out, even though it’s only been open a couple of weeks.

Three of us visited The Artisan Restaurant mid-week and were impressed with the clean, contemporary look and warm, friendly vibe. Where Das Kapital was, it features an appealing new décor, a glistening kitchen that would be the envy of many chefs, spunky artwork and staff with infectious energy.

But it’s the food you’ll love the most. The dishes each command attention. This is thanks to the inspiration and drive of the two young, confident co-owners, Sam McGeechan and David Black. Both have worked in Canberra restaurants, but Sam has also worked in London at the Four Seasons on Park Lane and David in Melbourne with Jacques Reymon at Arintji. They have put together a team big on detailed service.

Entrees start at $9 (oysters) and end at $20. My Kingfish cured in lime, coconut and chilli with witlof and sweet potato was cool, fresh and wonderful. The pan-seared Canadian clearwater scallops were super plump, prepared with precision and served with spec and a refreshing apple salsa – testimony to the owners’ commitment to quality produce. And rabbit lovers will applaud the dish with spring vegetable vol-au-vent with shiraz jus. It’s innovative and super quality.

Wendy Johnson

Mains range from $24 to $35. With a bit of tweaking, the seared duck breast and duck orange pistachio sausage with braised cabbage, crisp lotus root and mandarin compote ($32) could become a signature dish. The duck was slightly overcooked and I found there was too much cabbage, but the combination of tastes kept me wanting more. The crisp lotus root was a lovely visual touch and the mandarin compote was full of flavour.

The others opted for the mustard-glazed rack of lamb with cute baby roasted vegetables and a decorative smearing of green puree ($34). It was exceptional and, as with all dishes, was presented in true artisan style.

The wine list is great and we enjoyed the restaurant’s recommendation. We were desperate for a sweet ending but, alas, no room. We’ve vowed to return, determined to indulge in the chewy meringue that kept popping out of the kitchen and the bitter chocolate and gingerbread pave with lime salsa and mint syrup.

The restaurant also has a well-priced degustation menu.

The Artisan is a great experience and I take my hat off to the owners for providing quality dishes that truly satisfy the soul.

The Artisan, 16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah, call 6232 6482

ENCOMPASSING 150 artworks by more than 40 artists, “Space Invaders” is the first of its kind to be showcased at a major Australian cultural institution.

It comprises stencils, zines, stickers, posters and drawings that are considered to be important works from the most eminent street artists in the country.

The exhibition traces the origins and development of street art from its guerrilla graffiti beginnings of the late ‘70s, to the stencil phenomenon of 2004, as well as current developments.

Many of the works include sampling and appropriation of cultural icons and images to create new meanings and symbols. Ned Kelly, Princess Diana, Yoda and John Howard feature. Stand out pieces include: “X-ray man-machine pointing a ray-gun at the amphibians” (Jumbo and Zap, 2010) – a large and vivid poster that combines explosions of vibrant colour, interlaced lines, science fiction monsters and a gorilla.

The poignant stencil work “Begging For Change” (Meek 2004) portrays a lifesize homeless man holding a sign that reads: “Keep your coins I want change”. Although a gallery environment will never achieve the same authenticity as the street, it does provide a new platform, audience and legitimacy for the artists.

Curator Jaklyn Babington says that “street art is currently morphing into its next phase in which the ephemeral is becoming the collectable”. She also noted that the purchasing of street art by the NGA helps to preserve many works that have long since faded or decayed at their original site.

Invasion of street art

VISUAL ART

“Space Invaders” At the National Gallery of Australia, until February 27.

Reviewed by Johnny Milner

The voice is still The Voice

MUSIC

John Farnham

AIS Arena, November 2-3.

Reviewed by Ian Meikle

THIS was my first John Farnham farewell concert and only the second for the people I was with. What an extraordinary experience!

Farnham is the quintessential pop performer backed by a brilliant group of 10 players and singers and brought brightly to life with that trademark big light show. He is one of only a few Australian performers of his generation who hasn’t succumbed to the club circuit and can still pack a sell-out stadium show. It’s not hard to see why.

Comfortable with his own remarkable talent, the personable “Uncle Johnnie” encouragingly shares the spotlight with his entourage. But what a voice! He may waddle a bit these days and the mullet isn’t what it used to be, but when he sings, the years just peel away and his amazing, tuneful, familiar sound bursts through hit after hit.

There was an inescapable need to endure the cringingly awful “Sadie” (which he condensed and caricatured with sentimental good humour), but the essence of the show came, of course, in the final 30 minutes as the pressure built through the more recent years’ music, climaxing with anthemic “You’re the Voice” and encored by a thundering sing-along version of AC/DC’s “Long Way to the Top”.

Roll on his the next farewell tour!

Of fare and flair now

WHO doesn’t love the experience of café society?

With summer in the wind and warm, alfresco dining so close you can almost taste it, there’s nothing like a great café; one with impeccable service, fine coffee and delicious food, and there’s nothing like the opportunity to see and be seen amid the ambiance and style that great cafés around Canberra can offer.

Mellow at Mud

A MELLOW, relaxing place for a coffee can be the best way to unwind, says Katerina Kolaroska, co-owner of the Mud House Coffee Bar.

“We’re set back from the main street, so it’s not a noisy place, it’s very quiet and peaceful and great for meetings,” says Katerina, who runs the café with her brothers Dean and Vlatko Tomeska. “We provide a family-oriented, welcoming atmosphere. Our customers tell us it’s great to be able to have a chat and a smile from us, and that we’re friendly, outgoing and happy.”

With Dean as the barista, the coffee is always excellent, Katerina says. “Dean is passionate about coffee and, as it’s his business too, he likes to ensure we provide the best,” she says. “The iced

coffees and iced chocolates have been popular in the warmer weather.”

Home-style café food, including hamburgers, Caesar salad, seafood basket, as well as finger food, cakes, pastries (the chocolate baklava in particular gets lots of positive feedback, Katerina says) are all made by their experienced cook, she adds.

The Mud House also offers catering, and Katerina encourages customers to contact her to work out a menu that will suit the occasion. The café is licensed, with Happy Hour on Fridays from 4pm7pm. Opening hours are from 7.30am on weekdays, and 8.30am on Saturday, and til late on Fridays.

Mud House Coffee Bar, U185 15 Coranderrk Street, Civic. Call 6249 1101.

Stylish, exotic summer

BEAUTIFUL things never go out of style, says Josefina Wellings-Booth, owner of online store Carajo, which she says is packed full of gorgeous, sophisticated, hand-picked Argentinean fashion items that will brighten up summer.

“We picked a happy, cool and authentic collection for the hot weather!” she says.

“There are one-of-a-kind trendy leather shoes and bags by Argentinean designers, with a touch of Latin culture, spice and colour.

“Our folk collection is an exotic and unique one – the bright colours, attractive patterns and soft leather make a unique and stunning blend that will catch every eye.

“We are basically a shop of beautiful things, never predictable and always authentic.”

Josefina, along with her brother Walo, who is in Argentina, hand-picks all the shoes, bags, accessories and cowhide rugs they sell.

“We bring to Canberra a blend of contemporary designs, from independent and award-winning South American designers made with the highest quality, traditional materials,” she says.

Carajo is at www.carajoonline.com, or visit Jo at Gorman House markets and Fash’n’Treasure.

that summer’s here

Friendly coffee heaven

HOMEMADE cakes, delicious coffee, light meals and a wide range of gluten-free options make for a heavenly coffee shop experience, says Kelly Robinson, owner of the family-run Perfect Bean café in Florey shops.

“We aim to be consistent, so that every time you come in for a cup of coffee you get the same delicious-tasting coffee each time,” she says.

“Plus we’re a very relaxed, friendly, casual place, we love to welcome everyone and we’re always up for a chat!”

Kelly says her husband Geoff makes 90 per cent of the food and cakes himself. “I think it makes for a very homely vibe – you can tell everything is made with care,” she says.

“I’m a sensitive coeliac so I’ve also made it my mission to offer a wide variety of gluten-free soups, quiches, sausage rolls and pies.”

The Perfect Bean, Florey Shops, Kesteven Street, Florey. Call 6156 0468 or visit www.perfectbean.com.au

Brightening up

SOFT unstructured bags, bright pops of colour and natural elements will help create a relaxed summer weekend look, says Kerry Andrew, manager at Furla in Manuka.

“We have gorgeous hot pinks, but also white, taupe and straw bags which give an elegant, casual look,” she says. “And, of course, black and white bags, which always dresses up an outfit and looks classic and feminine.”

Kerry says that Furla also stocks elegant and matching shoes, jewellery, wallets, sunglasses and scarves.

“We have some stunning bright sandals in orange, yellow, pink and mauve,” she says. “Of course, bags don’t need to match shoes any more, unless it’s a formal occasion, so summer is a great time to brighten up footwear with some lovely hot colours!”

Furla, Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 6004

Taking it slow

SLOW cooking produces incredibly intense, bold flavours, says John Leverink, new owner and chef at Podfood, which is why he favours the European style and has included dishes such as braised pork hock and slow pot-roasted spatchcock on the restaurant’s new menu.

“I’ve always had a passion for cooking, particularly slow cooking, and now I’m looking at a broader aspect of it, combining the best food, wine and service,” he says.

Also on the new menu is a range of delectable garden-themed desserts – to reflect Podfood’s stunning location within Pialligo Plant Farm – including sugared rose petals, lemon verbena and edible flowers, John says.

The new operating hours at Podfood will be Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am-4pm; Thursday to Saturday 8.30am til late (dinner bookings from 6.30pm); and Sunday 8am-4pm.

“We’re opening on Sunday for breakfast, lunch and an afternoon glass of wine and cheese plate,” says John. “We also plan to offer regional wine and food tastings in the new year in collaboration with Mount Majura Vineyard.”

Podfood, 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 3388.

Keep it light and cool

THE lightest, coolest, most breathable fabric for summer has to be bamboo, says Stu Cook, owner of Mooble eco-fashion store in Bailey’s Corner.

“It’s a natural fibre that creates an amazingly soft fabric,” he says. “It’s easy to care for and sustainable, as bamboo grows fast.”

Stu says Mooble has Aussie-made Sahara Bloom t-shirts and dresses in bamboo which will help with staying cool in the summer heat.

“We also have some cute tunic panel dresses with short sleeves and a funky tree print, perfect for relaxed alfresco dining,” he says. “They’re fun and elegant.”

Mooble, Bailey’s Corner, 143 London Circuit, Civic. Call 6162 4985

Relax while the sun sets

A STUNNING spot for chilled-out evening drinks in summer, Red Hill Lookout Bar and Café has a wonderful ambiance with extensive views over Canberra, say co-owners Robert and David.

“The sunsets are fabulous, too,” says David. “Our summer opening hours will start on the weekend of November 13, so people can enjoy the views from outside on the terrace in the warmer weather.”

As well as breathtaking views, Lookout also has spectacular food, says David. “Breakfast with a difference is available from 9.30am on weekends in summer,

with unusual dishes like breakfast pizza and pesto scrambled eggs,” he says.

Gourmet pizzas are available every day, dinner is on Wednesday to Saturday nights and there’s a tapas menu, including a “retro” prawn cocktail, mussels and pesto and Parmesan toast, for those who just want a nibble and a glass of wine.

“All our wine is available by the glass, and it’s affordable – the dearest is $9.50,” David says. Red Hill Lookout Bar and Café, 1 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill. Call 6273 2915.

Think summer, think holidays...

CUTE, comfy espadrilles, reminiscent of summer holidays and Spanish coastlines, will be wonderful in the hot weather, says Escala’s Gail Lubbock.

“Our Aedo and Toni Pons espadrilles, in neutrals, florals or stripes in a medium to high wedge will be ideal for grabbing a coffee with friends and sitting outside,” she says.

“I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but summer is just around the corner and when it arrives you’ll be very happy to have something cool, sparse and beautiful on your feet!” she laughs.

Gail says that the Antonio Barbato range of thong sandals are also perfect for a touch of elegance with a “zing”.

“They’re not ultra high, which is never comfortable in hot weather, but they have a mid-height heel which will look lovely with three-quarter pants, flippy dresses or city shorts.

“There’s a bronze/black crackle style, and a red design with an oval disk trim – great for that dressy side of your wardrobe.”

Escala Shoes, Bougainville Street, Manuka. Call 6232 7666.

How Weston Creek came shining through

WESTON Creek is 40 years old: It’s been four decades of ups and downs, with the area surviving the bushfires of 2003, expecting significant new growth with the introduction of new suburbs, and now with the new-look Cooleman Court shopping centre.

Its eight suburbs were home to nearly 23,000 people at the last census, in 2006.

Weston Creek was named after Captain George Edward Weston, a former officer of the East India Company who arrived in Australia in 1829 and was granted land at the “Yarrow-Lumla plains” in the Weston Creek area in 1831.

Along with the adjacent Woden Valley, the area later became part of the 16,000-hectare Yarralumla Station owned by Frederick Campbell until it was resumed in 1913 as part of a land acquisition scheme after the Federal Capital Territory was declared in 1911.

Weston Creek was established as a residential district in the late-1960s as an offshoot of Canberra’s first satellite city in the adjacent Woden Valley. Construction of Weston Creek’s eight suburbs commenced with Waramanga and Fisher in 1968, and was followed by Weston and Rivett in 1969, Duffy and Holder in 1970, and Chapman and Stirling in 1972.

Each suburb is named after a notable Australian, and the street names in each suburb follow a specific theme such as Australian rivers, native flowers, or names of surveyors.

Weston Creek was hard hit by the January 2003 bushfires, with nearly 500 homes destroyed and four people killed. Duffy bore the brunt of the bushfires with 219 homes destroyed, while parts of Chapman, Holder, Rivett and Weston also suffered significant damage.

Notable residents

Former marathon runner Robert de Castella (pictured) lives in Weston Creek.

Former Australia national rugby union team Captain, George Gregan, grew up in Weston Creek.

Former Australian representative cricketer, Michael Bevan, grew up in Weston Creek. Author and ABC radio host Helen Razer grew up in Weston Creek.

Ideal meeting place

THE newly refurbished Weston Club will be putting on a host of exciting events both regular and seasonal, says general manager Allison Stanhope.

“We’ve got a lot on – there’s meat raffles on Wednesday and Friday nights, we have trivia running on Thursdays, meal specials in the bistro each week and a monster ham raffle coming up for Christmas.

“Basically we try to do something for everyone! We’re also putting in special menus for New Year’s Eve; on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day we’ll also have specials, including $9 schnitzels.”

The Weston Club is fast becoming a meeting place for locals and those coming from further afield, Allison says. “It’s really a whole new venue.”

More information on 6287 8600.

Quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle

THE Jindii Ecospa has been rejuvenated and renovated, and located in Duffy, it provides a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city, says owner Bianca Pritchard.

Bianca says the essence of the spa experience is about embracing well-being and living in the moment – and the new Ecospa also has the dimension of being environmentally responsible. Jindii offers a full range of spa services, including intensive and express facials, massage therapy including ‘kodo’ rock therapy, deep-tissue massage, hand treatments and manicures.

Jindii also offers foot treatments and pedicures, scalp massage, eye-zone treatments, waxing and tinting, and make-up services using Jane Iredale make-up. There’s even services specially designed for pregnant guests.

Bianca says Jindii uses indigenous healing wisdom with an array of native ingredients, organic where possible, to align with the spa’s philosophy.

More information at www.jindii.com.au or call 6257 8777.

Credit union attracting customers from banks, says chief Combining expertise in accounting

“WE’RE seeing more people than ever before coming across to us from the major banks,” says Craig McMahon, head of operations at Teachers Credit Union. “They tell us they’re looking for fairer fees, fair dinkum interest rates and decent service.

“Our new mortgage customers that have left the banks keep saying it’s such a relief to now get personal service and attention throughout the loan process.”

A credit union is a not-for-profit corporation formed under statutory provisions to further thrift among its members, while providing credit for them at more favorable rates of interest than those offered by other lending institutions, he says. A credit union is a co-operative association that utilises funds deposited by a small group of people who are its sole borrowers and beneficiaries.

Teachers Credit Union has been helping teachers and their families improve their financial wellbeing since 1966. It has risen to become the third largest credit union in Australia and has a member satisfaction ranking (87 per cent) that few other financial institutions can match.

“What many Australians still don’t realise is that we are regulated in exactly the same way as the banks, so any perception that the banks are the safest, is just not true,” says Craig. “There are plenty of competitive and secure alternatives like Teachers Credit Union – so shop around.”

Please find attached photos of Brooke Thompson and baby Addison for potential use in the editorial. Quotes from Husband and father Brendan below.

Teachers Credit Union ACT member Brendan Thompson recently transferred his mortgage from one of the big four banks.

“I switched to Teachers Credit Union because their interest rate is a lot better than the rate at the big bank I was previously with, but what really made the difference was the service,” he says.

“When I call Teachers Credit Union I know that I’ll get someone on the other end of the line

who’s familiar with my loan and my circumstances. At the bank, I got a different person in the call centre every single time I rang, and no-one actually took responsibility for my loan.

“That’s what makes such a big difference for us with Teachers Credit Union – being able to deal with people who know us, and care about giving us service.”

COX Sherlock Accountants, in Weston, combines the expertise of Jeffrey Cox and Angus Sherlock.

“We value our relationships with our business clients and offer them more than informing them how much their tax bill is at the end of the year,” says Angus.

“Working with clients and understanding what they want from their business, whether it be retirement, increased profit or leaving their business to their family, are important to know because it affects what we do for them.

“The business has three senior accountants and three accountants as well as a four-member admin team all of whom do a wonderful job looking after our clients.

“The company offers a range of accounting services, including preparation of tax returns for individuals, rental property owners and larger investors, and the provision of taxation advice.”

It also prepares simple financial statements and income tax returns for individual contractors and micro-business, and small-to-medium businesses, and provides taxation and commercial advice.

It provides business reports involving comparisons with industry benchmarks, and analysis of the client’s business and comparisons with the industry benchmark.

It offers business development services which involve the identification of the client’s needs and interests, action points to rectify weaknesses in the client’s business strategies, together with specific services that can be aimed at various aspects of clients’ businesses, such as training in customer service and many other aspects of normal business activity.

More information at www.coxsherlock.com.au or call 6288 0901.

Weston Creek schools advertising feature

Independent and peaceful learning

CANBERRA’S Montessori School moved to Holder in 2004, says principal Jack Rice, and since then it’s grown to the point where it has 250 students from all over Canberra.

“We’re a Montessori school, and the only one in town,” says Jack. “It’s a little bit different in terms of the style of education, in that it really imparts independent learning in children, as well as having a very peaceful atmosphere to go to school in.

“It follows the teachings of a 20th-century educator, Maria Montessori, who started the first school in Rome in 1907 – so there’s been a century of the movement, and there are schools all over the world.”

Jack says Montessori schools take a “child-centred” approach to education which helps them take

responsibility for their own learning, becoming independent thinkers.

“Basically they learn how to learn.

“They start at a very young age, with the toddler program at 18 months, and they start school at five. By the time they’re six or seven, the kids are real independent learners.”

Jack says that Montessori’s central location makes it easy for kids from Gungahlin to the south to attend.

“And we have several independent schools close together: the Steiner [Orana] School, the Islamic College and us, so it’s a nice little community of independent schools.”

More information at www. canberramontessori.com or call 6287 1962.

Choice and tradition at Stromlo

THE introduction of Year Six from 2007 at Stromlo High School, Waramanga, has provided choice to parents and students in a setting where middle schooling practices are practised within a traditional high school setting, says principal Cecily Blake.

Students can commence at Stromlo in either Year Six or Year Seven.

“Students in Year Six at Stromlo High School have the unique opportunity to experience a blend of primary and secondary schooling practices and experiences, within the context of middle schooling concepts,” Cecily says.

“The school operates two classes of Year Six each year, and literacy and numeracy results indicate significant improvement between testing in Years Five and Seven.

“Students commencing in Year Seven also benefit from this approach to education at the school,

which focuses on student engagement and achievement. Stromlo provides a supportive school environment for students of all abilities and talents. The availability of specialist facilities including substantial IT resources provides students with access to 21st-cen

tury learning environments.

“The middle school inter-school sport competition for students in Years Six and Seven, and the middle school dance spectacular, for students in Years Six to Eight, provide students with greater opportunities to represent their school in a highly supportive manner,” she says.

“The school’s extension learning program, Lex@S, involves students in all year groups. Extension classes are formed at the start of each school year in English, mathematics, science and studies of society and the environment.

“Interested students may select

to study at an advanced level in music from Year Seven, and dance or IT from Year Eight. Further extension opportunities are incorporated in units of study for students in Years Nine and 10 in all curriculum areas.

“Extra-curricular Lex@S opportunities include concert and jazz bands for all year groups; the F1 racing challenge; Mathematics Olympiad; writing workshops; and a Years Six to 10 drama performance for identified students.

“Stromlo is continually work-

ing towards providing a quality education for every child, resulting in an extensive array of programs and opportunities for students. Parents are strongly encouraged to be involved with the school in a partnership for their child’s education.”

More information at www. stromlohs.act.edu.au or call 6205 6166.

THE Orana School in Weston, originally known as the Canberra Rudolf Steiner School, has seen amazing growth since it first opened its doors in Yarralumla in 1981, to one teacher and four kindergarten kids, says school director John Davidson.

“The name was changed to Orana, which means ‘welcome’,” John says. “The philosophy comes from where the school started, in Stuttgart, Germany in 1919, when Rudolf Steiner gave lectures after World War I: people said: ‘I can see what you’re trying to do, to give us hope, but what can you do for our children?’”

A local factory owner got behind the idea, and the school was established – and now there are more than 800 Steiner schools internationally, and 40 in Australia. Orana is the largest in Australia, with 630 children.

“A lot of conventional education is about trying to get children to grow up as quickly as possible,” John says. “But don’t children know how to play?

“Children need space and time, rather than teacherdirected play, in those early years. Our kindergarten is just that: a children’s garden.”

As children grow and mature, they can take part in a wide variety of activities and ways to learn at the school, from music to performing arts to woodwork. For example, Year 12 students recently developed a dramatic performance based on the art of Tim Sharp, an artist with autism, which included music and dance. “Artistically, it raised a lot of questions about categorising people,” John says.

“We’re trying to develop the human being, facilitate learning and help the children understand how to be in the world.”

Refurbished and rejevenated

ST JOHN Vianney in Waramanga is a wonderful school surrounded by a strong and supportive community, says principal Vicky van der Sanden – and thanks to the Federal Government’s Stimulus Package, it’s “virtually a new school”.

“We have a whole new wing of classrooms, the hall’s been refurbished and we’re doing some work on the outside that should be finished by the end of the year,” Vicky says.

A Catholic school, it has as its patron saint St John Vianney, “who believed in doing ordinary things extraordinarily”. The French saint was nearly rejected from seminary study due to his difficulty with schoolwork, but in the end was the vehicle for thousands of conversions.

“He wasn’t particularly good at school, but kept on trying, and succeeded – and that’s part of our motto, that we learn from our mistakes and keep trying until we get there,” says Vicki.

The school has 285 students, and is situated in a beautiful part of Canberra, she adds. “We’re a ‘walking school bus’ school, and it’s beautiful walking through the area as it’s dotted with parks here and there and you can hear the birds singing.”

More information at www.sjv.act.edu.au or call 6288 2383

More information at www. stjudesps.act.edu.au or call 6288 7688. Let the children play

More information at www.oranaschool.com or call 6288 4283.

Mind, body, spirit education

“WE have Jesus at the centre of all that we do, and educate the kids in mind, body and spirit,” says Peter Galvin, principal of St Jude’s Primary in Holder.

“A strong point is our sense of community, not just in terms of the students, parents and school, but also with our parish – we maintain strong links between the parish and the school, and the school does the work of the parish.

“Our recent NAPLAN results were, in eight of the 10 tests, higher than the ACT average, and we’re very pleased with that.

“We have a dedicated group of staff who care and support kids with a variety of needs, and there’s also some exciting learning programs.

“And we’ve been delighted with the money from the Federal Government’s under Building the Education Revolution, which has allowed us to refurbish all our classrooms – that was very timely and it’s virtually a new school from the inside out – we have some beautiful learning spaces.”

open garden

Open: A cottage garden in Reid

Wo RDs: Kathryn Vukovljak

PH otos: s ilas Brown

AN immaculate “city-take on a cottage garden” in Reid, with a stunning rose garden in bloom and peaceful retreat-style courtyard draped in wisteria, will be open to the public on November 13-14.

“Many of the surrounding gardens in our street are English cottage style, and this is a heritage suburb, so we didn’t want our garden to stand out for the wrong reasons,” says owner Colin Roberts.

“What we have built is just a little more architectural and structural than a traditional cottage garden.

“Fortunately we have the advantage of being able to rely on our neighbours’ trees as a backdrop. We’re really just filling in the gaps here!”

Colin and his wife Elizabeth’s lovely garden will be open as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of gardening.

Colin says he’s the main gardener, although he admits he leaves anything to do with the roses to Elizabeth. The 11-year-old garden is well-established, something the couple attribute to the deep topsoil in Reid.

“Most things grow well here,” says Colin.

Colin describes his garden as “trees with an understory. We love groundcover – a green mulch is just wonderful.”

Hellebores, rhodedendrons, lamb’s ears, liriopes, wild strawberries, violets and English box hedges surround a curved lawn, with the washing line and shed carefully tucked away behind a camellia hedge, accessed by hidden paths that wind around the parameter.

The couple have screened off their bathroom window with star jasmine, and concealed a tin garage behind a wall and water feature, to create a particularly magical courtyard area.

“I love having trees around the house, creating cool, shady pockets,” says Colin. “This a great garden in summer because of all the tree canopies and the lacy, dappled light they provide.

“I spend a lot of time pottering out here, trimming, shaping and having a good prune.

“Happily, all the heavy work is done. It’s about enjoying the space now.”

9 Geerilong Gardens, Reid, will be open on Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 from 10am-4pm. Adults $6, children under 18 are free. Funds raised will go to the Open Garden Scheme and Reid Pre-school.

Also opening this weekend is “Sanctuary” at 79 Melba Street, Downer. More information at www.opengarden.org.au.

Timeless and elegant appeal of tableware

By Jess Bauer

WHITE tableware, floral designs, sophisticated baroque and innovative shapes are the current trends making an impact on Australian dinner tables, says MaryAnne Fesq, from Villeroy & Boch Australia.

She says the white tableware remains popular because of its elegance and versatility. The style can be mixed and matched with coloured napery, glassware and table accessories, while also being versatile enough to be layered with patterned pieces or glass. With intricate detailing, the floral and botanical pieces are becoming the next big thing, she says. Unusual shapes and contours are also adding sophistication and further depth to dinner tables. Table wear collections are offering new shapes and sizes for further flexibility.

“Table wear needs to promise durability and longevity so as to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. However, perhaps more importantly from the point of view of aesthetics, table wear is a way for people to express their style and personality to those around them,” says MaryAnne.

She also recommends learning what makes a quality product when choosing new dinnerware, “choosing a set made from quality materials, such as premium porcelain, assures superior strength and lasting colours”.

Battle of the boy brands

B y Megan Haggan

TWO groups of local guys have made it their mission to shake up menswear and make it anything but boring.

“Men’s fashion has so much potential to be different,” says Ewen Lee, marketing director of Cyanide Clothing. “In comparison to women’s fashion, we’ve got much less of a range of options and styles to choose from.

“We want to continually push the boundaries so our designs take a more stylish and unique outlook than the average wardrobe. Fashion that has a fresh, modern edge about it is what inspires us.”

Meanwhile, friends Thomas Joyner and Leon Shore were getting tired of overt branding used as fashion; they created Owl vs Pig to finance a gap year travelling, but soon found themselves deeply involved.

“One of our pet peeves, with T-shirts especially, is when just the brand name is slapped across the middle,” says Leon.

“We believe that it should be more about the design and less about the brand. You should enjoy what you wear, not who you wear. That’s part of what we do when we’re designing: we want people to be drawn in by the design and the fit of the shirt, not

Working on Owl vs Pig designs... Thomas Joyner and Leon Shore were getting tired of overt branding used as fashion.

worry so much about the name behind it.”

Leon says he and Tom, who print up the shirts themselves, get constant inspiration for designs.

“Mostly it’s whatever pops into our head at the time. The idea for ‘Birdwatcher’, for example, came from a beanie we found in Civic one night. We took some photos of our mate with it on, sketched it down and with some tweaking, it became a design.”

“We find it’s about tweaking and revisiting designs until we are both satisfied with them,“ he says.

“It can be a bit arduous at times, but you know it when you have something that works, and it’s an amazing feeling printing it for the first time.”

The guys at Cyanide – ANU engineering students Brad Mound, Daniel

Kiley, Nathan McWilliam and Ewen – also aim to create “new and unique” designs that haven’t been done before.

“By being creative and innovative with our work, we’ve done the work for our customers so they can stand out from the crowd,” Ewen says.

“Designs like our ‘Woman Zap’ Tshirt and our lined ‘beaker zip’ hoodie are what we are inspired to continue to produce.

“We enjoy creating and designing fashion products which are unique and have a sense of effortless style. Really, we want to give the young and young at heart, and people like ourselves, a fresh, creative and feel-good look.

“Seeing the products that we invent out in the world is the most rewarding and fulfilling part of what we do.”

Cyanide’s also different in that it has green credentials: the company won the Young Achievement Australia Tertiary Environmental Sustainability Award for the ACT and Southern NSW Region.

“We use 100 per cent biodegradable soy and vegetable-based inks in our printing, and employ textile factories that have waste-water treatment plants.”

And as well as innovative menswear, there’s something for the girls: Both companies also offer women’s T-shirts.

More information at www.owlvspig. com.au and www.cyanideclothing. com.au

Gluten free: Fad or healthy eating?

WHEN walking the supermarket aisles these days, you would be forgiven for thinking that Australia was in the grips of a coeliac epidemic with the vast and expanding array of gluten-free products.

If this were true, it would be disconcerting to say the least, as coeliac disease is a debilitating disease. Yet with 220,000 Australians affected by coeliac disease, and only 25 per cent of this number aware of their condition, it is obvious that the $83 million gluten-free market in Australia is not funded solely by the affected 55,000 people.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that results with a physiological response to the protein gluten found in

Why pay more and taste less when you don’t need to? Food scientist AMANDA DOS SANTOS looks at the gluten-free food fad

grains such as wheat, rye, barley and spelt.

The consumption of gluten by coeliacs results in the flattening of the villi in the small intestine. The functions of these finger-like villi, which line the small intestine, are to break down and absorb the nutrients in food. The flattening of the villi decreases their surface area and subsequently reduces nutrient absorption.

Nutrient deficiencies are potentially the result. If coeliacs eat gluten, they will present with the classic symptoms of bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss or gain. Although

uncomfortable, the real concern is for the untreated coeliacs who continue to eat gluten. Two of the most common complications of untreated coeliacs are gut lymphoma and osteoporosis. Both of these are reduced by early diagnosis and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. With so few coeliacs apparently aware of their condition in Australia, it is confusing to learn that the gluten-free market has achieved compound growth of 12 per cent over the last five years. The market encompasses a plethora of product lines, not just the bread mixes that BASCO foods launched in the 1970s. Gluten-free product lines include soups,

cake mixes, pastas, cereals, frozen crumbed products and muesli bars to name a few.

Even pizza chains, such as Dominos, offer customers the choice of glutenfree bases with suggested gluten-free toppings. The increasing growth of this market is potentially due to the connotation that gluten-free products are health foods or a “better-for-you” choice.

This relationship “gluten-free” has with health could come from its placement within the retail sector, the health food aisle. As a non-suffering coeliac, excluding gluten from your diet does not necessarily have health implications, but why would you pay more and taste less when you do not need to?

If you have any queries about coeliac disease, contact the Coeliac Society of Australia on 1300 458836. Or if you suspect you have coeliac disease, contact your local GP.

Breast may be best, but...

OVER the last few months I’ve been following the debate about the idea of removing baby formula from supermarkets.

One Melbourne-based academic “expert” recently hit the airwaves saying that one way to encourage new mothers to “do their best“ and breast feed their children was to make infant formula available only through pharmacies by prescription from a medical practitioner.

Breast milk banks would fill the gap and infant formula would only be allowed for “medical” reasons and not be a free choice for mothers. By implication, mums who use formula are doing the wrong thing and need to be re-educated.

It’s been my experience that mums are well aware that breast is best and many will turn themselves upside down (literally, in one case I know of) to breast feed.

The “breast is best” message is being heard loudly and clearly. Breast milk contains all the antibodies that a baby needs to protect against illness and its claimed benefits include everything from higher intelligence to fewer allergies. However, for a host of totally valid reasons, breast feeding doesn’t always work for all mums and bubs.

More practical help ought to be available

mum in the city

sonya Fladun

for new mums to help them breast feed and encourage more breast-feeding success stories. And for those of us for whom breast feeding just didn’t work, the establishment of easily accessed breast milk banks would be a great idea if parents were comfortable with that as an option.

But in recent times, the drive to give babies the very best start in life has led some mums to go so far as to buy breast milk over the internet from unregulated sources. This is perhaps a classic case of the best of intentions leading people to do something pretty dumb. After all, breast milk that is not your own needs to be screened for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis before you give it to your baby – and buying it on the internet offers no guarantees.

The primary objectives are a happy, healthy, well-fed baby and a mother who is relaxed and confident in what she is doing and her choices. Formula may not be the first choice, but millions of us have grown up fit and healthy on it, and not being able to breast feed your child is not the terrible failure myopically-focused, breastfeeding zealots would have us all believe.

Don’t overlook small injuries, warns doctor

By Shereen Charles INJURIES

such as sore muscles after a long walk or after a slight fall are often brushed off because they do not appear to be serious, but even the small injuries should not be overlooked, says according to Dr Shane Brun.

Dr Brun, of Sports Medicine Australia, says that an injury not treated within the first two to three days become worse instead of just healing by itself.

“Medical assessment should be sought as soon as possible to ascertain the full extent of the injury, and to commence appropriate rehabilitation,” he says.

The most crucial time after sustaining an injury is within the first 48 to 72 hours, he told “CityNews” “During the first 48-72 hours after an injury there are certain actions that must be avoided. These include the application of heat (for example, use of hot liniments, spas, saunas and hot baths), drinking alcohol, physical activity and massage. These actions all increase blood flow, and therefore swelling and pain,” he says.

Managing soft-tissue injuries such as muscle injuries and tendon injuries are best looked at during the early stages in order for successful rehabilitation and are also crucial in order to help athletes return to their sport quickly.

“Sports injuries never miraculously ‘get better’ with time alone. Most injuries require expert advice from a trained health professional skilled in the management of sports injuries,” he says.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore November 15 - 21

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Rams are a risqué lot (just think of amorous Aries like Casanova, Warren Beatty and Jayne Mansfield). With the Sun heating up your sex/money zone, lust and loot are a volatile mix at the moment. And, with Mercury and Mars activating your adventure zone, you’re in the mood to experiment – physically, mentally and spiritually.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

Relationships are complicated and fiery, and must be handled with care. Charging in like a wounded Bull will only make matters worse. You need to be decisive and diplomatic at the same time (an interesting juggle!) Things improve from Friday onwards, when love planet Venus starts moving forwards again. You need to be patient though.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

A child or teenager requires extra attention and guidance, as Saturn challenges you to be more of an authority figure and less of a “friend.” If you have an unresolved relationship problem, you need to initiate peace talks with your partner. Looking for love? It’s up to you to make the first move. From Friday onwards, opportunities open up at work.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

It’s time for busy, cranky Crabs to enjoy the simple pleasures of home sweet home! Venus is visiting your domestic zone (until November 30) which highlights activities like craft, cooking, decorating, gardening, spending time with the family, relaxing in front of the TV and entertaining at home. Don’t brood on the past – look to the future.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

Lions are susceptible to flattery, especially on Thursday. Don’t let someone sweet talk you into doing something that you really don’t want to do. Have you got a problem that’s too hard to handle on your own – but you’re too proud to ask for assistance? A little humility (and a lot of help from others) will see you zoom forwards on Friday.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Put on your thinking cap! As Ted Turner (born on November 19) reminds us: “The mind is just another muscle.” Make sure your Virgo mind gets a vigorous workout this week. It’s also the perfect time to spring clean as you tidy, organise, pay bills and plough through paperwork. Get out your fine-tooth comb – the devil is definitely in the detail.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

Librans can be a luxury-loving, lazy bunch as you enjoy the good times and do all you can to avoid hard work. But with serious Saturn moving slowly through your sign, it’s time to accept extra responsibilities with grace and determination. Expect love, lust and loot to improve from Friday onwards, as your mojo comes bounding back in spades.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Avoid getting drawn into power struggles. If you are an adaptable Scorpio (sounds like an oxymoron!) you’ll get through the week with less angst. Sunday is a fabulous day to be financially proactive as you tidy up paperwork and discuss money matters. Singles – romantic opportunities will increase, as Jupiter jumps forward in your love zone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

With mighty Mars powering through your sign (until Dec 8) it’s time to be bold and beautiful as you face fears and tackle challenges with energy and enthusiasm. Your motto for the week is from birthday great Georgia O’Keeffe: “I’ve been terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Don’t be a carping critic Capricorn! Avoid becoming bogged down in negatives – this week favours positive thinking as you appreciate the glass being half-full, rather than half empty. Professional relationships are set to improve (from Friday onwards) as Venus zips forward in your career zone. For some singles, love and work are lusciously linked.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Expect a disappointment at work, when you realise you’ve been viewing a person (or situation) through rose-coloured glasses. By the end of the week you’ll have changed your mind about a friend, lover, colleague or important issue. That’s life – especially when you’re an unpredictable Aquarian! Avoid buying things you don’t need.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Having a positive attitude is great but make sure you’re not adopting a “Pisces Pollyanna approach” as you put your head in the sand and avoid real problems in your life. It’s time for Fish to face facts! With Venus and Saturn visiting your shared finances zone, check you’re up-to-date with the details of all joint accounts and business partnerships.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2010.

Peter Blackshaw Woden 0411 414 624 3BR G U

Peter Blackshaw Manuka 0412 997 894 4BR A

Gidabal

Jagara St Peter Blackshaw Belconnen 0414 910 798 4BR E BANKS

Sat 2:20-3:10 5 Adcock Pl Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 5BR I

11:00-11:30 79 Pockett Av Richard Luton Properties 0410 542 667 4BR H

BELCONNEN

Canberra Region Property Summary

BRUCE

Canberra Region Property Summary

CHISHOLM

FLOREY

FLYNN

FRASER

Canberra Region Property Summary

GREENWAY

GRIFFITH

HACKETT

HILL

KARABAR

LATHAM

NARRABUNDAH

Canberra Region Property Summary

NICHOLLS

6BR E

Sun 11:00-4:00 97 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0414 249 449 3BR I

Sun 11:00-4:00 99 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0414 249 449 4BR I

Sun 11:00-4:00

Sun 11:00-4:00

SYMONSTON

THEODORE

Canberra Region Property Summary

WATSON

TORRENS

TURNER