EXCLUSIVE DUNNE BUSTED!
Forbidden photos of Liberal net shopping in the Assembly
Celebrating better days from the old ways
ROBERT MACKLIN
Dark side to sport’s mighty dollar
TIM GAVEL
How super are superfoods?
AMANDA DOS SANTOS
In praise of the ancient maple CEDRIC BRYANT
Meet Natasha Roberts, this year’s Face of Canberra Racing
Earth Hour, go beyond the hour 8:30pm Saturday 26 March 2011
By Eleri Harris
MANAGER of Opposition business, Vicki Dunne, has been snapped by “CityNews” photographer Silas Brown, shopping for Ikea furniture on her laptop computer during Question Time in the ACT Legislative Assembly, but we are forbidden to show you the photographs.
Nor, despite days of trying, have we been able to find out directly or indirectly why the Liberal MLA was using Assembly time on the last day of the last sitting period on Thursday, March 10, to compare “Billy” bookcases.
Brown, who is well known to Assembly members, was on assignment openly taking photos, as he is permitted to do, of members from behind the Government and opposition benches. He was photographing Chief Minister Jon Stanhope over Mrs Dunne’s shoulder.
However, publication of close-up shots of members’ “papers” is not permitted under the Assembly’s guidelines for broadcast, nor are images showing members who are not reacting or speaking on the chamber floor.
Images published for the purpose of satire or ridicule are also not allowed.
The punishment for publication is a ban from the Assembly, to be decided at the discretion of the Speaker, Shane Rattenbury. It could be a ban for a week, it could be a ban for six months or a year, we don’t know.
What we do know is Vicki Dunne is paid an annual base salary of $118,071 and an extra $11,807 for her role as chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, so roughly $129,878.
We also know that within 13 minutes of the
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pictures being taken, at 2.32pm on March 10, she was on her feet moving to dissent against the Speaker’s warning to Steve Doszpot, arguing she had not heard Mr Doszpot being disruptive.
“Mr Doszpot is probably the most mild-man-
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nered and quietest man in this chamber,” Mrs Dunne said.
“I could not hear Mr Doszpot, and I sit much closer than you. I could not hear what he said. I do not believe that Mr Doszpot’s intervention on this occasion was in any way disruptive, unpar-
liamentary or any of the things that you might like to throw at the opposition.”
Hansard records Mr Doszpot had interjected seven times in Question Time that day, with three interjections in debates earlier on in the day and one in which he called Minister Simon Corbell a “grub”.
When Mr Doszpot was interjecting, Mrs Dunne was looking at “Billy” bookshelves, priced at $89 and $79 each from ikea.com.au.
Her failed dissent against the Speaker’s warning cost 38 minutes of time in the chamber, where 16 members, Assembly clerks and political staffers were standing by, waiting for business to resume.
“CityNews” has spent the best part of last week emailing and phoning the nominated Liberal spokesperson seeking a response from Ms Dunne. A direct approach at a city cafe to Opposition Leader Zed Seselja on Friday was met with a refusal to comment and we were referred back to the same stonewalling spokesperson.
By Monday, the Liberal line was they would not be quoted saying they would not comment.
The Assembly Administration and Procedure Committee agreed on August 14, 2009 that members could bring laptops into the chamber and that the network cables already in place would be activated.
It also agreed: “In relation to possible guidelines for their use, the committee was of the view that there should be no formal guidelines and that Members should exercise good judgement and the Speaker would monitor their use as a matter of order.”
“It’s a scientific approach to mind-reading.”
Photo by Silas
By Kathryn Vukovljak
“I THINK Harry Potter had a lot to do with it,” muses 9-year-old magician and mind-reader Joe Shellard on his interest in magic, which he says started when he was about six or seven with the gift of a magic set from his parents.
“I practised a trick on my friend at school and he was impressed. Then I learnt another, and another,” says Joe. “I started developing my own tricks, and it grew from there.”
Joe, a UK gap-year student from Hertfordshire and member of The Magic Circle’s Young Magicians Club, is tutoring drama at Canberra Boys Grammar School – although magic is his “first love” – and says he loves Canberra.
“It’s an exciting city; nothing like London,” he says. “There are fresh things happening here. I like that.”
Joe will appear in his first Aussie magic show “Wonderland” at The Q in Queanbeyan on Saturday, March 26, and says his act is centred around mind-reading, with a few card tricks thrown in.
“The card tricks are fun, but I’m really interested in how people make decisions, and how you can influence that,” he says. “I used to love watching people get on the bus and guessing where they would sit based on what I could tell about them.
“In my shows I get people up on stage and see if they can lie convincingly – I can always tell!
“There’s nothing unique or spiritual about what I do; there are no special powers involved. It’s a scientific approach to mind-reading. I read psychology books, learn about things like neurolinguistic programming, and study body language. And, of course, it requires sleight of hand.
“Every show I perform is different, and I love that so much. It’s always a gamble, so it’s exciting for me.
“Especially because it doesn’t always work out the way I want!”
Joe Shellard is appearing in one show only – “Wonderland” at The Q, Queanbeyan, Saturday, March 26 at 8pm. Bookings to 6285 6290 or www. theq.net.au
PEOPLE bitten or scratched by bats in recent weeks have been seeking anti-rabies treatment from ACT Health.
The injuries have occurred when people attempted to free bats from netting over fruit trees or when an animal has become trapped on fencing.
“People should not handle bats at all, even if they are trapped or injured,” ACT acting chief health officer, Dr Paul Kelly said.
“All Australian bats have the potential to carry the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABL), which is in the same virus family as rabies and can be fatal in humans. ABL is spread by the saliva of infected animals through bites, scratches or licks on broken skin.
“Bats with ABL may appear sick or be unnaturally aggressive, but this is not always the case.
“If you are bitten, scratched or licked by a bat it is important to wash the wound or area thoroughly with soap and water for approximately five minutes. If available, an antiseptic or alcohol solution should be applied after washing.
“If saliva from a bat went into your eyes, nose or mouth, flush well with water. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible,” Dr Kelly said.
Anyone finding a trapped or injured bat should call the RSPCA on 6287 8100 or the wildlife after-hours number on 0413 495031.
More information at www.health.act.gov.au
KATHRYN VUKOVLJAK discovers a new group with a new way of raising money for charities
“OUR aim is to connect the people in Canberra who have money to the people here who are in need,” says Allan Williams, chairman of unique new charity Hands Across Canberra.
The charity was launched quietly late last year; initiated by Sandra Lambert, then-CEO of the Department of Housing and Community Services, and set up by a group of Canberran community, business and government leaders keen to take a new look at philanthropy, according to Allan.
“People here are already pretty generous,” he says. “But we wanted to explore who was giving in Canberra, how much, who to, and how easy it was. And then to increase all that.”
Allan, who is ACT regional general manager of Qantas, says that the charity’s objectives are to build stronger links within the community, to improve the understanding of need in Canberra, to increase donations to support Canberrans in need, and to assist community service organisations to increase their capabilities – ultimately it’s all about helping people.
“It’s not about animals, the arts, overseas aid, flood or earthquake relief, worthy though those causes are,” he says. “We want to focus on the people here in Canberra who are desperately in need – homeless people, battered women, neglected children.”
The charity has set up an online portal at handsacrosscanberra.org.au to make donating easy, including a list of charities most in need.
“We look at the small organisations who don’t have a business plan or a marketing manager,”
Founding chairman of
Hands Across Canberra, Allan Williams… “We want to focus on the people here in Canberra who are desperately in need.”
he says. “The portal is very simplistic, it’s quick and easy to make a donation and you get a receipt immediately.
“We have minimal overheads and all monies will stay within the ACT, and are handled by the ACT Public Trustee; so people can have complete confidence about where their money is going.”
Allan says that going through this process has opened his eyes to the need in the community here.
“Because Canberra is so prosperous, with high
average incomes, well-educated people, good jobs, the public service and so on, we think there’s no need here, but scratch the surface and you see a different side,” he says.
“It’s great opportunity for me personally to give something to the Canberra community.”
Visit www.handsacrosscanberra.org.au for more information or to make a donation; either directly to a specific cause or to the Hands Across Canberra Foundation.
“CITYNEWS” is rarely moved to burden readers with its opinions, however the recent, innovative Enlighten Festival is something we feel that shouldn’t be allowed to slip by without being fully praised.
ACT Tourism and its Minister Andrew Barr deserve enormous credit for having the courage to book world-class stars (guitarist George Benson; rocker Chris Isaak and veteran pop star Frankie Valli) and use them, by challenging the stereotype of the national capital, to attract visitors to Canberra in autumn.
This was first-class entertainment, professionally staged over two weekends in a setting that only Canberra could offer. It seemed another world away from the community-based Canberra Festival running simultaneously across the lake in Commonwealth Park. And, the weather was about perfect, but for a little drizzle on the finale night of Frankie Valli’s Canberra-only, crowd-pleasing performance.
We hope it worked for Tourism, but whichever way the finances pan out this year (and our guess, looking at all but for the Valli show’s big attendance, is that it lost money), it should be seen as an inspired start to stimulating interest in Canberra in a different and innovative way.
APRIL is set to see a ladylike sea of hats, gloves and high fashion come to Government House at Yarralumla for the third annual Hats and Gloves High Tea, in aid of Malkara School.
The school, in Hughes, provides an early intervention and pre-school program for children with developmental delays, and a primary school program for children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.
“The High Tea was meant to be a one-off to help the school,” says Lisa Tremopoulos, who with Kylie Krinas is organising the event.
The first Hats and Gloves High Tea was organised by Myriam Rivetti, to thank the school for the help it gave her daughter.
The Hats and Gloves High Tea, Government House, Yarralumla, Friday, April 1. Highlights will include a fashion parade, an art auction, a display of jewellery from Briolette and an auction. All costs are covered by major sponsor SAP, so all funds will go directly to the school. More information at malkarahatsandgloves@gmail.com
By Megan Haggan
“The community embraced it, so I decided I wasn’t busy enough with four kids and just having had a baby, and decided with my best friend to turn it into an annual event,” Lisa says.
Lisa’s son Yianni, who has a rare genetic disorder, attends the school.
“I can’t sing their praises highly enough. Being at a school like Malkara means that as a parent you’re able to get a co-ordinated approach to services,” she says.
Therapy ACT (part of the Department of Disability, Health and Community Services) works with the school so that students can access services such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychologists and social workers among other programs.
“A lot of children need multiple areas of support,” says Lisa. “Twentyfive per cent of our kids at the school have autism, which is a growing area of disability. Five per cent of children in schools have a disability overall, and to me that’s quite a large fraction.
“Yianni really couldn’t be anywhere else. There’s no other option for children with a disability [on the southside]. The kids can be accepted into mainstream school, but they don’t have the support, and that’s the
situation for a lot of the kids.
“The problem is that everything we need to buy for the school, or acquire for the children with disabilities, is a little more technical and a little more expensive than any other school.”
“In a school that’s 40 years old, a lot of our technology needs to be replaced, and there’s a lot of maintenance to do.
“There’s also fantastic new technology that replaces some of the old communication devices, and for the students to get access to these basic needs... it’ll cost.
“It’s not just a wishlist. It’s basic stuff: to be able to communicate and to be able to learn. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn.”
THE Canberra branch of Make-A-Wish Australia is holding a trivia night at the Italo Australian Club, Forrest, from 7pm on Friday, April 8. Make-A-Wish Australia has been granting wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions since 1985. Trivia night bookings to 0410 685793.
THE third annual Canberra Harvest Festival will be held from midday to 5pm on Saturday, March 26, in front of the Canberra Environment Centre (by the National Museum, on the corner of Lawson Crescent and Lennox Crossing), Acton. The festival, which promotes and celebrates local food and its benefits, will feature stalls, displays and workshops (including “Build your own Strawbale House”, “Homemade tomato sauce” and “Keeping Bees”) , plus music from The Wedded Bliss, The Cashews and Dr. Stovepipe. For more information visit www.ecoaction.com.au, call 6248 0885 or email canberraharvestfestival@gmail. comvisit
ENTRIES are invited to the 20th Canberra International Walking Weekend on April 2-3. The walk starts and finishes in Barton each day and on Saturday the course will take walkers around Black Mountain and over Red Hill on the Sunday, with a diversion to Capital Hill and Parliament House. The walk is not a race, and participants are encouraged to enjoy a café or two along the way. Entries will be received up to and on the day. More information at www. aussiewalk.com.au or from 6288 6401.
By Kathryn Vukovljak
“I WAS so ecstatic to win!” says Natasha Roberts, the 20 Myer Face of Canberra Racing, of her new title as fashion ambassador for Thoroughbred Park.
“It didn’t really sink in until the day after, but it’s wonderful. I’m really excited about what the year holds.”
Natasha, 25, says she was attracted to the competition because she loves the races and racewear fashion.
“I love entering Fashions on the Field as well, it’s just the best opportunity,” she says. “I’ve made so many like-minded friends through the races, which has been great.”
Natasha, who won more than $10,000 in cash and prizes as the Face of Canberra Racing, says she made her own outfit for the competition on March 11.
“I really enjoy making my own clothes, it’s a bit of a hobby of mine,” she says. “I’m really into 1950s styles with a full skirt.
“I had an overlocker for Christmas, so my sewing is improving, too!”
Busy studying a double degree in law and psychology at UC, Natasha is looking forward to taking on her new duties as a fashion ambassador for the Thoroughbred Park alongside her studies.
“I dedicate specific time to my degree, to make sure I can fit everything in,” she says. “I’m interested in going into forensic psychology once I graduate, so being the Face of Canberra Racing is something fun to do on the side – I can’t wait!”
As a role model for all fashion activities at Thoroughbred Park, Natasha says one of the things she’s most looking forward to is presenting the new Thoroughbred Park TV, to be broadcast on Outincanberra.com.au, YouTube and the Thoroughbred Park website.
of
Natasha
“I was attracted to the competition as I love the races and the racewear fashion.”
“When I was little, all I wanted to be was a ‘Getaway’ presenter!” she laughs. “So this is going to be so much fun for me. It’s exciting to be part of something new and fresh.”
By Eleri Harris
AINSLIE’S Olims Hotel is set for a frothy malt weekend on April 9 and 0, with the fourth annual National Craft Beer Festival.
Showcasing familiar brewers such as Little Creatures and Coopers, the festival is known for its range of microbrewery stalls from the Canberra region and beyond, including Matilda Bay, Lord Nelson, Barons, Snowy Mountains, Prickly Moses, Macs and 1842, brought to you by the capital’s own Strickland family.
“This is the first time we’ll be at the beer festival with our beer,” says Mick Strickland, one of the five brothers behind 1842, a pilsner brewed in Geelong and distributed only within Territory borders.
“We’ll be the only Canberra brewers at the festival showing off our beer,” Mick smiles proudly.
The story of 1842, a beer only commerically available for the past seven months, is quite a tale.
Mick, Sam, Ned, Dinny and Tom Strickland are stone masons who ventured into the world of beer brewing less than two years ago, armed with a German beer recipe found in the journal of their great-great-great-great grandfather on a page marked November 16, 1842.
“We wanted to make a go of it,” Ned says.
“There’s a quick following once people try our beer, but it’s tough,” Mick says.
“Tooheys and Fosters bash us every step of the way.”
Festival organisers, All Bar Nun owner Dan Gaul and Schwartz Group bar manager Jenny Farrell, say the festival aims to exhibit boutique
Australian beers Canberrans might not have tried before.
“We try to keep the big boys out of it,” Gaul told “CityNews”.
“Olims take the mainstream beers off tap for the day and put all the smaller boutique breweries on tap and their wares in the bottle-shop.”
To help educate punters, brewers take to the stage during the festival, answering questions and extrapolating on techniques, before engaging in a little ping pong.
“The Canberra Home Brewers get very involved,” Gaul says.
“They’re extremely knowledgeable and they run what we call ‘expression sessions’ where the brewers will get up in front of a group of people and discuss beer, how it’s made and different styles of beer they produce.”
“We thought it would be a male-dominated event, but the ladies love it,” Farrell smiles.
“They were asking all the right questions, the brewers couldn’t believe the knowledge they were hungry for, it’s not just the taste!
“And we’re having a head brewers table tennis competition. You’d think that would be a bit old fashioned and funny, but it is enormous because everyone wants a brewery to win the table tennis if they like that brewery’s beer.”
Farrell says the festival features more than beer, with two mystery bands headlined by hiphop group The Fundamentals.
“This year it will be more of a family day,” Farrell says.
“We’ve got the beautiful Clydesdale horses coming and a jumping castle for the kids.”
All proceeds go to the Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group.
Festival tickets from www.moshtix.com.au
THE flu season is only a matter of weeks away and it is time to think about protecting yourself and others, says Dr Rashmi Sharma.
Dr Sharma, president of the ACT Division of General Practice, says in order to protect the community against this year’s flu virus, we need as many people as possible immunised.
“The impact of flu cannot be underestimated given that complications from influenza kill more than 2500 Australians each year – that’s more than the average annual national road toll of 1500 people,” said Dr Sharma.
Dr Sharma also dispelled the myth that
“influenza vaccine gives you the flu” as it is not a “live” vaccine.
“Being fit and healthy does not protect you from a serious bout of influenza,” he said.
“We’re also reminding Canberrans who received a flu vaccine last year to be boosted again this year to maintain their immunity, as the vaccine provides protection for only about a year.”
Eligibility for the free seasonal influenza vaccine under the National Influenza Vaccination Program includes: Adults aged over 65; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 15; people over six months of age with chronic illnesses and pregnant women.
Even the artist thinks it’s weird. ELERI HARRIS tries to get her head around an academic art project that involves baking and bartering loaves
BEARING bread and bearded, artist Robert Guth bakes 40 loaves a day in white overalls while his PhD is gathering momentum.
“In many ways the whole idea is weird,” he says, “But, once I eliminated anything truly ridiculous, this was what was left.”
Entering the final phase of “Art-isan-Bread”, a participatory artwork project involving strangers swapping stuff for sourdough, Guth has just finished a week-long residency at the You are Here festival in Civic’s old Dick Smith shop.
“It comes from wanting to make participatory artworks that use food. I wanted to keep using food and feed people, I didn’t want to use it symbolically, deny access or waste food,” Guth says.
“There are people who swap food for food, there are people who swap bric-a-brac for food and there are people who swap things of sentimental value for food.
“Many of them are about the trade, not the objects. So there’s the ocker Aussie who came in, had a look around, went out, came back with a fishing rod, which fitted his personality perfectly. There’s the sheep stud owner who swapped 25grams of some of the best wool in Australia.
ed 500 objects, 500 photos of people holding bread and their object, and the basis for his doctorate at ANU’s School of Art, looking at how people value objects and participation.
“The objects will be re-exhibited alongside photographs of the person at my graduating show for my PhD,” Guth explains.
“They’ll be offered at a silent auction, so we’ll see what these objects are worth when they enter the art economy.”
Guth has also swapped bread for stuff at The Front in Lyneham and the Boorowa Show and he says country folks are a bit different.
“I’d say there were a lot less smart arses in Boorowa,” Guth says.
“A much greater consideration on the actual value of a loaf of bread, as opposed to the conceptual value of an art project.”
An exhibition of Guth’s objects and images will be held at the ANU School of Art in late 2011, after that he says he will become a professional baker.
By a manda Dos s antos
TODAY the competition to sell food is fierce; a simple jingle no longer moves the toothpaste or bananas off the shelf.
Food manufacturers have extensive budgets to promote new and existing manufactured products, and the latest marketing push is to define a food as “super”.
Some of these superfoods include cacao beans, açai, goji berries, macadamias, green tea, bee pollen, wild salmon, chia seeds and olive leaf extract.
There is no legislated definition for superfood and it encapsulates a host of different food items with unique qualities and nutritional capacities.
“I might go work in a bakery for six months to hone my skills, because I make a great loaf of bread, but there’s things I could learn from industry,” Guth says in all seriousness.
The fresh food he is given just gets eaten “because I couldn’t figure out any way to preserve the fresh food.”
By the end of the week Guth want-
“There’s the woman who’s had breast cancer and a mastectomy and she’s just handed me a bra and gone: ‘Here you are, I don’t need this any more!’.”
“Making 50 kilos a day is my limit, it’s well below commercial, but when I’m performance cooking I can do 150 kilos a day.”
Today’s colloquial definition is for a food product that has a high bio-availability of antioxidants and other nutritional compounds such as essential fatty acids.
However, other sectors of the food industry have termed superfoods as functional foods, which are food items fortified with a compound such as a vitamin. An example is orange juice fortified with calcium.
In academia, superfoods are sometimes used to describe energy dense foods, atypically confectionary or “junk food”.
One promise of a superfood is its bountiful array of antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and essential fatty acids.
CANBERRAN Anthony Thornton (pictured) has been elected the new president of the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia. Mr Thornton, awarded an MBE for his service in the RAAF, has been a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society for 17 years. He was formerly president of the society’s Canberra-Goulburn central council and, more recently, the society’s national secretary
PRIMARY schools are invited to be part of a fundraising campaign that calls on students to donate old mobile phones to Can Teen’s You Can national youth cancer appeal. Funds from the phone recycling will help establish specialised youth cancer centres across Australia. The co-sponsor, the Sony Foundation Australia, will reward all schools that collect at least 65 phones with educational products such as interactive white boards, laptops, etcetera. Schools can register at www.youcanschools.org.au or call 1800 You Can.
CANBERRA Grammar’s Junior VIII rowing team has won the Men’s Under 17 Coxed Eight division (2000m) at the Australian Rowing National Championships in Adelaide.
THE inaugural head of the ACT Schools Authority has been remembered with the renaming of the Centre for Teaching and Learning in Stirling to the Hedley Beare Centre. The renaming ceremony was attended by dozens of former school principals and teachers who had worked with Prof Beare between 1975 and 1980. Prof Beare died late last year.
Looking at phytochemicals alone, there are more than 5000 of them found in fruits and vegetables, and the complex behaviour of these is still not understood. Scientific research suggests that it is the synergistic behaviour between the phytochemicals that produce protective effects against diseases such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. It is also not just one food item that will give you the health benefits, but a variety and combination of phytochemicals present in more than one food.
Of course, you would think that is not harmful to consume these foods, as they are all natural, whole foods. Generally, the answer is yes. The problem lies when other non-superfoods are avoided or the superfoods are consumed in excess. Examples of why this is a concern is, firstly, the energy density of many superfoods; excess energy leads to weight gain and obesity.
Secondly, a hardened drinker who justifies a 5pm tipple of red wine for its antioxidant levels is kidding themselves. Defining a food as “super” is confusing and relatively irresponsible as no single food is able to provide all essential nutrients. Unfortunately, the boring truth is that a balanced, varied diet is the best one and to spice it up with superfoods is fun, but as with all foods, they should be eaten in moderation and not at the expense of non-superfoods. And, really, aren’t all foods super?
TIM GAVEL admires sportspeople who take a stand; but there are fewer of them around these days
IT’S not easy bucking the trend in professional sport where money is the driving force.
It seems to be an endless quest to make increasingly more money at the expense of principles.
There are fast-food companies, alcohol brands and betting agencies queuing to be associated with sports idols, who have enormous influence over the community with studies showing that sports stars endorsing products have a major effect.
It’s a “Catch 22” with the stars holding sports to ransom. They will stay if the price is right. In many respects it forces the sports to embrace whoever is willing to pay, even if it runs against the idea of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sport.
It has now reached such a saturation point that it is hard to differentiate between what is part of the sporting broadcast and what passes for an advertisement.
There is the constant reminder to bet during sporting events, even though we have significant gambling problems in the wider community, not to mention issues with sports people being seduced by illegal betting. I am not against gambling as such, but why do sports need to have such a close association?
Fast-food companies have now aligned themselves more than ever with sporting organisations. Over summer, it was obvious that kids were being targeted, with Australian players endorsing particular fast-food companies.
Even though you don’t see stars spruiking alcohol products anymore, the teams they play for are heavily backed by alcohol companies.
While gambling, fast food and alcohol are legal products and can be enjoyed in moderation, the impact of association with sport cannot be underestimated.
There is also the issue of lesser-known sports stars and sporting organisations forced to grab whatever sponsorship they can get to stay afloat.
Yet, in the middle of this conundrum, you find sportspeople who say: “Enough is enough”.
Cricketer Stuart MacGill is one who has revealed that he said no to endorsing KFC when he was part of the Australian team. He realised that it could affect his Cricket Australia contract, but he took a stand. George Gregan didn’t endorse alcohol when he was playing for the Wallabies and marathon champion Robert De Castella refused to endorse fast food because he had a moral objection, with obesity a widespread problem, particularly amongst children.
The problem I have with the association sport has with certain products is that it seems to be an “open slather” approach. There’s a mad scramble for a dollar with little regard for the impact it is having. It is becoming increasingly difficult to work out what is sport and what is advertising.
IS the ACT closer to Sodom or Gomorrah? It is so long since I have made a close reading of the Bible, I am just not able to make the call.
When prostitution was legalised in the ACT in 1992, the society did not collapse, moral attitudes were not eroded and the ACT did not suddenly become the haven for all things immoral.
Rather, the workers were empowered, the rights of consenting adults were not infringed and the risk of police corruption, a hallmark of other jurisdictions at the time, was avoided. The risks of the spread of sexually transmitted infections were minimised. Moral values were enhanced through tolerance and acceptance rather than making the most vulnerable into scapegoats.
The Justice and Community Safety Committee of the Assembly that is examining the Prostitution Act is in the process of considering legislation that delivers these benefits.
Vicki Dunne, the chair of the committee, and the other members will invariably find the moral challenges quite difficult to manage. The eight submissions to the committee already reflect diametrically opposed views.
The issues go to the very essence of freedom. The submissions reflect a swing away from the tolerance of 1992 when the Anglican and Catholic Bishops argued
By Michael Moore
for decriminalisation of the then-illegal industry.
Moral attitudes are easily cloaked in pseudo-academic arguments. Hence, a dissertation announced by the Catholic Church, prior to submission to the committee, is cloaked in feminist arguments around the Swedish model.
The irony is not easily missed. The bastion of male power is using a feminist argument. Purchasing sexual services from women is somehow “enticing” or “intimidating” the worker into providing sexual favours which must therefore be “exploitation”.
The same logic, of course, would mean that every employer, no matter what the industry, somehow “entices”, “intimidates” or “exploits” each of their employees. This is the same tool that has been used to generate the Swedish laws that has driven prostitution underground at the risk of a significant increase in the spread of HIV infection and which former High Court Judge Michael Kirby describes as “an overreach of the law”.
Questions of sexual morality should fit into the general moral framework and include values such as tolerance, respect and the protection of the vulnerable. In societies where these mores have not applied, prostitution has resulted in the
spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is the poorest and most vulnerable who have suffered.
A regulated prostitution industry supported by good laws facilitates action against abhorrent human trafficking and the employment of underage sex workers.
Kirby explained to an international conference in October the human rights issues that must inform the Assembly Committee when he said: “Universal human rights extend to all people. Sex workers are not exempted or excluded. They enjoy all the rights guaranteed to human beings by international law. Those rights include the ‘right to work’ which is defined to include ‘the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts.
“Likewise, workers are guaranteed by international treaty law, the ‘enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work’. These include ‘safe and healthy working conditions’. It is the duty of the law in every nation to support the achievement of these global attributes belonging to every human being everywhere. And this includes sex workers.”
Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health in the Carnell government. He was chair of the Assembly Select Committee on HIV, Illegal Drugs and Prostitution and introduced the Prostitution Act 1992.
THE property industry provides a component vital to the success of any community – a built environment.
Without it – there would be no homes, no public buildings, no hospitals or schools or workplaces, or shops. There would be no roads, rail or buses. No water or power delivery systems. No communications systems.
And the property industry isn’t just made up of developers and builders. The people employed by the industry include a huge range of professions from labourer to lawyer, from engineer to architect, from manufacturer to delivery driver, from clerk to company director. In fact, outside government, the property, building and construction sector is the largest employer in the ACT.
A government that works with the property industry is not selling out. It is buying in – to a sizeable percentage of the community it serves. It is not caving to pressure – because it is not in the industry’s best interests to push concepts and ideas if they don’t enhance and enrich the community it occupies – it is accepting input from its own citizens. Property development, like any other
business, requires a return on investment to succeed, but not at the expense of good citizenship and environmental responsibility. This is a simple truth that has been well known in the property industry for years.
Co-operating with government in creating viable, intelligent, strategic plans for the future are all practical ways to support and, perhaps, enhance profits.
We all have the opportunity to be heard, especially in Canberra, where our government, with all its complex and occasionally contradictory responsibilities, makes of point of asking for its citizens’ views and listening to them. If you don’t like what the property industry suggests, try presenting your own alternative. We are very lucky to be in a community where the people – all the people – have a voice. We shouldn’t squander such good fortune.
ONE of the joys of watching old movies is discovering the way social mores have changed... often for the better.
This hit home at the Tuross beach house recently when we were losing to England in the cricket and a brace of those East European female tennis players were making embarrassingly orgasmic screams each time they hit the ball.
We retreated to Billy Wilder’s “The Fortune Cookie”, starring Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau, about a workers’ compo scam. It was made in the early 1960s and all the bad guys smoked. In fact, villainous Walter Matthau smoked in hospital; and worse, he dropped his butts on the floor and squashed them with his foot... and no one said a word.
Yep, that’s the way we did things then. These days hardly any of our friends smokes; in fact, those who do are regarded somewhat sadly. And no one would consider lighting up in a hospital, much less grinding the butt on the lino. By happy coincidence, Tuross provided the perfect exemplar of today’s values in the form of a concrete walkway that runs along the beach side of the boulevard starting at our street, Monash Ave.
It has been built by donations from the people of Tuross (itself a sign of the times) with a top up from the local council. And each morning I walk the one kilometre to the shops, mostly for the exercise and the social interaction.
Oh yes, we have an unwritten rule: if you pass someone on the walkway, you at least say, “Good morning”. Other pleasantries might follow, particularly if you’re walking the dog.
Robert Macklin
This happens a lot because Tuross is the canine capital of the coast.
But here’s the thing. There is never, ever a dog dropping to be found on the walkway. Every dog owner either carries a pooper scooper and plastic bag or takes Fido off the path and into the bushes to do his business.
Compare that with, say, Paris of only a decade ago when we were last there. We renamed the Champs-Elysees, the Rue de Poo. We spent half our walking time dodging poodle poop. Readers who have visited recently might correct me, but I’d be very surprised if they hadn’t cleaned up their act in the interim.
In China the change has been quite dramatic. When we first went to Beijing in 1995 the roadside from the airport to the city was festooned with thousands of discarded plastic bags on the verges and hanging on the trees. Today it’s pristine.
It is this capacity for humanity to change its behaviour for the better that must give us real optimism for the future. I realise that the movement to counter climate change, for example, has had a pretty rocky start. Part of the reason is that the media are always overstating things (and politicians are untrustworthy) so we take the warnings with a grain of salt.
But once we realise that the science is fair dinkum I think we’ll respond in a way that will make the reactionaries’ heads whirl.
In fact, as a species I reckon we’re on the right track. I think of it as our global Turossian walkway. robert@robertmacklin.com
AS Belconnen descends into complete rubbish and dead trees, I would like to just say before the weeds choke me, that I would vote for a political party that could do a few basic public admin type things.
Keep Canberra looking decent: Drive along Southern Cross Drive and there are weeds everywhere, long grass, bushes encroaching on to the road, dead trees and fallen branches.
Get the price of housing to a reasonable level: The young and the poor are priced out of the market.
Privatise the education system: The private school system costs the taxpayer far less and provides better education. Give parents a voucher for about $8000 a year per child and just watch the mass exodus from public schools.
Get rid of this idiotic bush capital theme: Bring in a crushed granite theme. Canberra is a mess and crushed granite is the way to go. Canberra – the Crushed Granite Capital.
Fix the traffic lights: Put in software that can tell that all the cars at the intersection are
looking at red lights, and the green light hasn’t had a car for 30 seconds!
John c leland, Latham
THANK you for bringing up such important issues as junk food’s effects on children that Michael Moore’s column touched on last week (CN, March 17).
The human body craves for real food. It also is an amazing organism that continually wants to renew and regenerate itself. But without vital nutri-
of dorin
ents it is unable to do so. These principles should be taught in schools so that the next generation is capable of living longer than their parents. tom Bialkowski, curtin
Letters are invited from “CityNews” readers. Let loose to editor@citynews. com.au or write to the editor at GPO Box 2448, Canberra 2601. Letters of 200 words or less stand a better chance of publication.
Ladies’ Garage Nights, a cool cafe and wide range of the latest motorcycles
FORGET all you thought you knew about Harley-Davidsons and the people who ride them, says Kris Macauley, general manager of Robbo’s Harley-Davidson in Fyshwick: Robbo’s Harley-Davidson in Fyshwick is a bright, modern showroom that’s home to one of Australia’s top-performing Harley-Davidson dealerships, a modern, open cafe, a function room, an extensive range of merchandise, parts and accessories plus an up-to-date workshop.
The dealership has been on its current site since 2006, in a new, purpose-built building.
Part of the new concept was Cafe @ Robbo’s, an open-plan kitchen serving up home-made cakes, all day breakfast,
risottos, wraps, Lavazza coffee and more.
Kris says: “What we wanted to do when we built the new store was include the lifestyle.
“We wanted people to have somewhere to come to as a destination, to spend time here, meet friends and be social, and the cafe’s a really important part of that.”
Kris says she hopes Canberrans will be pleasantly surprised when they pop in for a coffee, a bite to eat or a look at the dealership’s wide range of Harleys.
“The thing is, just because somebody drives a Ford, you don’t assume they’re a certain type of person,” she says.
“So why do we judge riders because of their bike?”
“A LOT of people are still hesitant to come in for a coffee,” laughs Cafe
@ Robbo’s manager Vicki Smith.
“It’s because of the name: Especially women think, ‘oh, the Harley dealership, it’ll be full of bikies with beards’ and so they’re standoffish.
“But when people walk through the door, it’s nothing like they expected.”
She says that friends and acquaintances were initially surprised when they heard of her decision to come on board at Robbo’s – but they’ve since come to appreciate its location.
“It was a great opportunity
WOMEN’S role in riding is also a focus for Robbo’s: The dealership holds Ladies’ Garage Nights twice a year, and the next one’s coming up on Wednesday, March 30.
“The nights aren’t just for Harley riders – they’re for any lady who rides a motorcycle,” says Anne Goodworth, Robbo’s merchandising manager. “Whether they’re starting out, or they’ve been riding for years, it’s a social gathering where they can have snacks, a glass of wine or juice, listen to a
discussion about a bike, and take part in a mechanical Q&A.”
to own my own business, and the environment it stands in is extraordinary,” says Vicki.
“I do all my own baking on the premises, from sausage rolls to muffins. If you can see the preparation area, it speaks for itself.
“It’s that little bit upmarket, and it’s such a good spot for business people to have meetings: it has a quiet, friendly atmosphere.”
There’s also an upstairs meeting or function room where guests can dine in privacy.
“It’s a really unusual venue,” says Vicki. “We’ve had the Canberra Business Council here, Rotary, several different organisations.”
The nights also feature a fashion show, and prizes for the newest L Plate and P Plate on the night.
Women are, in fact, the fastest-growing market for Harley-Davidsons, Kris says: New riders as well as wives and girlfriends of existing riders.
More information call 6280 6939 (ask for Anne or Hannah).
“IN our minds, there’s no comparison,” says Kris.
“A Harley is all about lifestyle, and this is especially true of baby boomers, coming down to the younger age groups: When you’re young you’re busy getting married and having kids.
“What happens is that people start to think, ‘If only I could...’ and a Harley becomes a representation of that freedom people long for, things they would do if they had time.
“There’s no comparison between Harley-Davidson and other brands. With other brands, the point of difference is competitiveness. With HarleyDavidson, it’s lifestyle.”
THE HIA Home Ideas Centre is holding its Home Ideas Expo on Saturday, March 2 between 0am and pm at 2 Collie Street, Fyshwick.
Entrance is free and the expo will showcase the latest building services, technology and innovation exhibitors have to offer.
Visitors can learn more about building products and services and find out everything there is to know about the build and design process from planning to practical completion of renovating or building a new home.
This can be done by speaking to exhibitors at their displays or consulting through the HIA’s “ask an expert”.
In addition, consumers can attend one of the centre’s always-popular consumer seminars that are tailored to new-home buyers and renovators or those looking to build and renovate in future years.
The consumer sessions offer a large variety of topics, including Government incentives for installing solar panels or solar hot water systems and tips to better understand the Canberra climate in order make homes more energy efficient.
The information is presented in an easy-tounderstand way to allow consumers to gather as much information as possible in readiness for their home projects.
The expo shouldn’t be missed by anybody contemplating building, renovation, home improvement or refurbishment now or in the coming years.
THERE is a chance to win a 32” Samsung LCD TV at the expo. Just complete a brochure-request card and place the entry in the barrel during the expo.
FINDING a qualified tradesman that’s conveniently located is often hard.
HIA’s web-based Tradebuild business directory (at tradebuild.com.au) can help make this daunting task easy. Tradebuild offers a full list of industry professionals from architects and interiors designers to local plumbers or painters.
The directory is open to all HIA members who want to advertise their business-builders, tradespeople, home designers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Tradebuild is also a free service for consumers that puts them in touch with a skilled tradesperson or builder. To access the directory consumers, click the type of service they are after and key in the relevant postcode.
James Ludzioweit, from the ACT Home Ideas Centre, said Tradebuild is a more
effective way of connecting consumers with quality services in the home building industry.
“It takes the hassle out of finding the tradesperson required,” he said.
Tradebuild also provides details of HIA Greensmart Professionals who can help design and/or deliver a more sustainable environmentally project.
“With severe skills shortages across the entire building and construction industry, this service will assist consumers who have found it difficult getting a tradesperson” Mr Ludzioweit said.
Tradebuild is also linked to HIA’s eQuote service, allowing consumers to send details of the work they require, which is listed on an on-line noticeboard.
“These services will save consumers both time and money. I encourage anyone planning to build or renovate to visit tradebuild.com.au and make their journey hassle-free,” said Mr Ludzioweit.
HIA Home Ideas Expo, March 26, 10am to 3pm. Free entry
10.30am-11am, Ian Freebody, of MMM Interiors: “Bathrooms, Taps and Tiles”.
11.15am-11.45am, John Payne, of Enviro Friendly Products: “Government incentives for installing solar panels and solar hot water, it’s time to act.”
Noon-1pm, Peter McCoullough, of Today’s Homes & Lifestyle : “Understanding the Canberra climate to make your new home energy efficient.” ACT TP 11/00813
Now for something completely luxurious – the home health studio and more!
WAS it just 60 years ago that a sizeable proportion of Australian homes still had outside toilets?
Moving the loo inside, with the consequent adjustment in plumbing, was at the cutting edge of bathroom design in those days.
Since then, bathrooms have been the greyhounds of home design, outstripping even the kitchen, with their constantly changing fashions and technologies.
There was a brief and totally impractical fad for wall-to-wall carpets, then underfloor heating brought tiles to the fore.
Bathrooms got bigger, took on the style of luxury palaces based on Ancient Rome with the addition of the latest high-tech devices such as power showers and spas.
Even that is not enough for today’s high-rollers – make way for the “super bathroom”, the health spa at the end of the hall: Exercise machines, steam “cabins”, spa baths complete with chromotherapy mood lighting, even a sound system and a plasma screen television that slides down into a recess when not in use.
It must also be equipped with the latest energy and water-efficient features.
As one ACT-based designer says: “Today’s bathroom should mean that you do not have to go to the gym or the beauty salon.
“You can chill out and pamper yourself without facing crowds and traffic jams – surely, it’s worth avoiding all that stress, time and money.” Maybe, but money is a factor. The “super bath -
room” is going to cost in the region of $30,000. Real estate experts are predicting that even that kind of money can still reward you with increased property values.
It’s amazing how quickly luxuries become necessities in the bathroom. People are beginning to realise they are leading such stressful days that a way to wind down at home is absolutely essential.
The installation of a “super bathroom” or, for that matter, any bathroom renovation or refurbishment matter is going to be a great investment.
If all this is just a bit beyond your means, perhaps the addition of a single feature, such as a steam cubicle or cabin, will be better for the budget.
One new to the market has several functions
apart from the steam, including a freezing shower for contrast, side jets, an MP3 player and atmospheric lighting – let the good times roll!
To find out more on the latest bathroom design, construction methods and products attend the HIA Home Ideas Open Day. There will be kitchen and bathroom professionals on hand to assist you with your kitchen or bathroom project.
THE market offers many options to consider when thinking about building or renovating an existing home.
When weighing up the advantages and disadvantages there are key issues to consider.
Before starting any project it is important to set out a specific plan to achieve the desired goal, and ensure a budget is also planned out before the project is started.
If you have decided that the kitchen needs updating or wish to add a deck or additional room, be sure to consult with the experts in the field, make sure you don’t just take the advise of one expert, make several enquiries to be sure you are doing the project right. When renovating, try to continue with the existing style of your home and ensure that your choices reflect the designs, features and fixtures that will complement the home.
A new home whether a project home, kit home or custom built will always have the distinct advantage of being new.
Custom designs have the benefit of suiting our lifestyles and needs, many designs focus on outdoor living and open-plan designs. Due to regulations and requirements new homes are greener than older homes as they specifically need to pass energy efficient regulations.
Investigate all your options prior to signing any contracts.
Know the contract price and what the inclusions are.
Have your builder draw up detailed plans including any variations.
Make sure that a structured payment plan is set in place within your contract .
Visit the HIA Home Ideas open day to discuss your ideas and options with our expert builders.
FEW homes have specialist wine cellars and, even at the high end of the market, cellars rank far behind home theatres and games rooms as luxury add-ons.
The reason is likely to be a combination of cost – a good cellar is expensive to build and maintain, and that’s before you fill it with pricey bottles of quality wine – and poor knowledge of wine storage requirements.
Poor storage, especially in Australia’s climate of fluctuating temperatures, can ruin potentially good wines and, if you are a serious collector and drinker, the rack in the corner of the living room or in an ordinary basement, just won’t do.
A refrigerated wine cabinet is a less expensive alternative. A typical refrigerated cabinet can hold up to 120 bottles and has variable zones so that
different wines can be stored at their ideal temperatures. Smaller versions are scaled down to between 20 and 30 bottles. Built-in wine storage units are well on the way to becoming an almost automatic accessory in the modern kitchen. Of course, for the dedicated wine buff, nothing short of a full-scale cellar will do and one real estate agent believes that the additional cost of installation is worthwhile, even if you are not going to fill it with your favourite shiraz or chardonnay.
“Because they are so rare, a good cellar can actually put between five and 10 per cent on the value of a home,” he says. “And in the meantime you can use it as just another room.”
Be sure to use a professional you can trust. HIA members adhere to a strict code of conduct. To get the most out of your next project, contact an HIA member near you by visiting tradebuild.com.au.
ANYONE designing a kitchen for a new home has an advantage over someone with an existing home.
Since a new kitchen will be the most used room in a new home (and becoming a gathering place for family and friends while entertaining), you need to consider all of the products that will go into it. Research will be needed on many kitchen products and appliances. There are so many options to consider from cabinetry to counter tops to refrigerators to ranges to dishwashers.
Building a new house means there is an opportunity to build it around the kitchen design. There will be more choices as to the size of the kitchen and what kitchen layout will be the best for the space. There are five basic kitchen layouts – the L, the U, galley-style, single wall, and double L. Depending on the amount of space available, you could provide room for a pantry off of the kitchen. You could provide plenty of room for more professional quality appliances. If you are building a new home you should be able to make sure you have enough counter space and storage room for all of your smaller kitchen appliances, and make certain to have enough power outlets in just the right areas for them.
Before preparing the blueprint of the kitchen’s design, you need to think about how you will use the kitchen. If you or other members of your family really love to cook then you will want to make sure that the kitchen has adequate storage space, as well as having an efficient design.
Do you need your kitchen to be functional and efficient in addition to being aesthetically pleasing? Are there young children or pets in your home that could get at storage areas? Do you plan to have guests over to your home a lot? You can prepare your kitchen design plan by looking at how you live and you and your family’s lifestyle. If you plan to use your kitchen for entertaining, you will
want it to have enough room for comfortable seating. You will want to provide your kitchen design with open views to the other areas of your home such as the dining room, living room or outdoor patio. This way you can be more involved with your guests when it comes to socialising. Regardless of whether the kitchen will be needed to provide a forum for entertaining, you still want to make sure that you have provided a spacious dining area in the kitchen.
Investigate all options before signing any contracts. Know the contract price and what the inclusions are. Make sure that a structured payment plan is set in place within your contract.
Visit the HIA Home Ideas open day to discuss your ideas and options with our expert builders.
By Megan Haggan
LOCAL event planners don’t need to import acts for conferences and functions: There’s lots of home-grown talent right in here in Canberra, says Tina Meir, who founded the vocal trio The Stilettos, with Sally Jackson and Janie Lawson.
Many entertainers move interstate to seek success, she says, but it doesn’t need to happen that way.
“There’s been some great trios previously, but a lot have disbanded because there’s not a great deal of work in Canberra, and we have to work hard to both get a profile and get consistent work,” Tina says.
“People do have a tendency to go interstate, especially to Sydney, to try and get into the musical theatre scene: people I’ve worked with before have done fantastically well overseas and interstate. But the three of us want to stay here!”
Tina has been performing professionally since the days of Tarzan’s Theatre Restaurant in 1992; Sally’s a professional vocalist who has performed with bands such as Next of Kin, The New Black, A Minor Groove and Jaxon (and is a physiotherapist during the day); while public servant Janie has performed in theatre restaurants, corporate and cabaret shows since the mid’80s, and was most recently seen as Judy Garland in “The Boy from Oz”. Tina says she wanted to create the group for several reasons, but mostly “because there is a great depth of talent here in Canberra.
“I wanted to form a professional outfit, with a long-term vision, that would be competitive with acts that
were sourced from interstate.
“I notice that many entertainers are currently sourced from Sydney or Melbourne for Canberra-based events, so we aim to provide a great alternative.”
The Stilettos have a couple of different acts, including an Andrews Sisters routine, and hits ranging from The Supremes and the Jackson Five through to ABBA and Elton John.
Tina, who also also runs
Drawcard Entertainment and has been a real estate agent, functions co-ordinator and executive PA, did move to Sydney like so many other entertainers – but on having kids, moved back “for the lifestyle and because it makes sense to be here; it’s a great place to bring up kids.
“We were recently flown to Brisbane for a corporate event, and the other entertainers for the evening were the famous comedy duo The Scared Weird Little Guys.
They said to us, ‘wow, it’s not often that entertainers are being flown out of Canberra: they’re usually flying entertainers into Canberra’.
“They were really supportive of our act; however, were genuinely surprised we were from the ACT.
“We’d love Canberrans to get behind us and support the notion that you don’t have to be based in Sydney or Melbourne to possess creativity and talent!”
By arts editor Helen Musa
WHY is it that the arts are so good for young people as they struggle with their age-old personal and social issues?
National Youth Week co-ordinator Anna Voronoff has plenty of reasons to believe that commitment, community and focus involved in creating can combat much of the alienation and disaffection in our youth.
Voronoff, star of Canberra’s radical theatre scene in the heyday of late actor-director David Branson and now a formidable cabaret star, is used to making an impact.
Now, working for the peak youth affairs body, the Youth Coalition of the ACT, she is organising the Youth Week Expo, which opens on April 1. Voronoff is mindful that many young people really love competitions, so long as they’re not too heavy-duty.
So highlights are the When Science Meets Art Competition, where young people their show works of art inspired by science, on April 8 at 7pm in the CSIRO Discovery Centre, and the Wearable Art Awards showcased on the upper floor of the Canberra Centre on April 8 at 4.30pm. Both of these have generous prizes.
Then there’s a series of fun and talkfests, such as the National Gallery of Australia’s National Youth Week Draw Fest on April 5 and its Youth Homelessness Matters Day on April 6, where the results of art-making workshops for young people will be on show.
At the Multicultural Youth Forum on April 8 current issues for Canberra’s young people will be thrashed out with Minister Joy Burch in the chair. The Bimberi Expo on April 7 gives a chance for young people in the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre to establish further contacts with services and workers in the community and to have fun.
That just the surface of it, with substantial seeding grants, Youthbeyondblue grants and ACT Schools grants, performances and projects have emerged, such as “A Krewd” Ensemble’s performance “The Black Dog”, directed by Katie Woodward, April 6-9, at Daramalan College at 7pm, a clothing swap event promoting sex and gender diversity, a street-art mural workshop and Canberra High School students’ documentary “Overcoming Depression and Anxiety in a Young Person’s World”. The Youth Week Expo and official ACT launch is on April 1 from 2-7pm in Garema Place. Information at www.youthweek.com
MUSIC
“Doctor Zhivago”
Lyric Theatre, Star City, Sydney until April 2
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
IF your reason for seeing “Doctor Zhivago” is to experience Anthony Warlow playing the title role, then you would be wise to confirm that he is actually performing when buying your tickets.
At the performance I attended, neither Warlow nor his Lara, Lucy Maunder, were in the show.
The brave understudies, Anton Berezin and Belinda Wollaston, had to overcome an initially cool response from the disappointed audience to win well-deserved cheers by their curtain calls. Bravo!
Based on the sprawling Boris Pasternak novel, “Doctor Zhivago” is a stirring musical which tells an epic story and demands concentration to absorb all the twists and turns of the plot. Regardless of who is playing the main roles, there is much to enjoy.
Not the least being how cleverly director Des McAnuff, utilises Michael Scott-Mitchell’s strikingly mobile set to propel the action seamlessly through scenes of lavish balls, weddings, assassinations, murders, suicides and yearning lovers to finally pull all the threads together. There’s Teresa Negroponte’s lavish period costumes, and the many fine performances from a cast which includes Peter Carroll, Bartholomew John, Trisha Noble, Shaun Murphy, Martin Crewes and Natalie Gamsu.
But mostly, there’s Lucy Simon’s superbly tuneful score, which includes at least two lovely songs destined to become classics
when this show eventually finds its way to Broadway.
“Doctor Zhivago” will also be performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, from April 12 and the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane from July 6.
ENLIGHTEN FETIVAL
“Cartoons in the Courtyard” Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, March 18. Reviewed by Joe Woodward
A PROVOCATIVE linking of cartooning and comedy from “Thank God You’re Here” and “The Hollow Man” provided for a most agreeable night’s entertainment.
Following a beautifully prepared and presented meal in the courtyard, audiences moved upstairs for a jovial exchange with Mike Bowers from ABC’s “Talking Pictures” and cartoonists Jon Kudelka and David Pope. The spirit of the night was such that I doubt anyone in the audience was put off by the obvious improvisation with the AV display. It was engaging and theatrical.
The actual cartooning and improvisation scenes referenced issues identified by audience members. This, of course, made for some hilarious moments. While budgie smugglers were referenced many times, the biggest laugh of the evening came when an audience member responded to a request by describing Julia Gillard as “inspirational”.
The event organiser, Greg Lissaman, exhibitions and events manager at the
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, aimed to involve audiences in the presentation of cultural events that link each of us with our history and heritage. “Cartoons in the Courtyard” certainly provided such a link in an engaging and entertaining way.
“The Displaced” Impro Theatre ACT, at The Street Theatre, season closed.
Reviewed by Samara Purnell
“THE Displaced” was a series of stories about leaving; be it a place, a person, a situation.
Some amusing scenarios arose throughout the evening, such as a gay couple trying to explain relationships to their adopted son after discovering him attempting to make his toy soldiers kiss and a large banking corporation trying to introduce McDonalds into every Australian town. But the scene where a farmer was forced to abandon his family after cyclones destroy his farm was vivid and harrowing.
Some awkward timing made for a slightly rough feel, some actors managing better than others in that regard, and was a reminder that the performance was not completely scripted.
However, it was, on the whole, professionally handled and presented and, despite an odd moment or two where a name changed mid-scene, it was an entertaining experience.
A STRIKING brunette emerges from “The Bally” tent. Her muscular back and poses, held with perfect balance, quickly indicates she is a strong dancer.
“Bluebird” Liz Lea makes her way through the gathering crowd, dressed in flowing silk garb, taking on the strut of a bird, exploring her environment. She interacts briefly and flirtatiously with the crowd, before pausing over a grate for a coy Monroe impersonation.
She eventually makes her way to a large hanging piece of royal blue silk. As if on cue, the wind picks up and billows through it, creating a lovely effect. Utilising the silk as shelter, then an antagonistic entity to be destroyed and eventually embraced, Lea dons it as part of her costume. Inviting onlookers to pull on an intricate and previously hidden web of ribbons,
“Bluebird”
Choreographed and performed by Liz Lea, “You Are Here” festival, now ended. Reviewed by Samara Purnell
the silk is seamlessly pulled into various gowns, miraculously remaining untangled.
The half hour performance had a tangoesque feel. It was engaging, but included only a small amount of strictly choreographed dance, with high kicks and quick footwork. The show’s appeal was derived mostly from the beauty and clever use of the silk.
“Bluebird” is a celebration of women, through various forms of dance styles, and is a pleasant addition to the current plethora of accessible festival and street performances around Canberra.
A RIGOROUS workshopping of characters and situations in Julie Kincade’s screenplay for Gale Edwards’ Oz version of “Brassed Off” might have done wonders for its credibility.
Musical wizard Edwin (William Zappa) conducts the Marching Band in a small Queensland coastal town. Twenty years ago, when the band hoped to win the annual championship on its home turf, rain turned its performance into a mud-bath. This year, the geriatric players are desperate to wipe away that sad memory.
Mayor Riddick (Colin Friels) wants to build a multisquillion tourism development on the band’s clubhouse land featuring a Big Lobster.
Edwin’s son Kevin (Sebastian Gregory) plays guitar in a rock group practicing for a big gig on the same night as the band finals. But when Kevin’s unpunctuality leads to Edwin’s hospitalisation after a road accident, his mother (Tammy MacIntosh) offers him to replace his father conducting a brass band in a musical genre that he doesn’t like.
Get the picture? Musically, it’s by no means a writeoff, doing honour to the brass-band ethos and winding up with a crashing good rendition of “Macarthur Park” in a play-off during pouring rain. Terrible shame that someone left that screenplay cake out in it.
At Hoyts Belconnen
“GRIFF THE INVISIBLE” (M)
WRITTEN and directed by former Telopea Park student Leon Ford, it’s about a young man convinced that he can become invisible in order to battle wickedness on the city’s night-time streets, this quirky and gently-engaging romantic fantasy combines comedy with pathos and a charming picture of honour and innocence. It’s slow to get going, implying that here may be another Australian film blighted by an inadequate screenplay. But Ford knows the dramatic path along which he intends his story to lead us. Griff (Ryan
Kwanten) works in a dull office where a colleague takes pleasure from humiliating him. Living alone among a comprehensive set of surveillance and communications gear, Griff buys his necessities at the corner store run by Benson (Marshall Napier) whose winsome daughter Melody (Maeve Dermody) shares his conviction that there is a way to make oneself invisible.
Ford and his players spin the story’s fibres into a thread which the film uses to bind its audience into sympathy with a young man’s right to dare to be different. It’s a satisfying feeling that was not apparent when the film began.
At Dendy
”WAGNER AND ME” (G)
STEPHEN Fry’s film pilgrimage in 2009 traces the passage of his musical hero Richard Wagner from St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, where Wagnerian opera was first performed, to Bayreuth Opera House where the queue for a ticket to the annual Wagner festival is currently seven years.
Hitler recognised that Wagner’s music was good for whipping up support at Nazi party rallies. Although Fry had relatives who died at Auschwitz, he does not let that diminish his passion for the music, especially after filming an interview with a woman who, as an 18-year-old, escaped the gas chamber when she played
Wagner’s “Traume” on cello in the hearing of Josef Mengele.
The film is selective about the material used to illustrate Wagner’s music, theatrical genius and family life. Unsurprisingly, the musical performances are sublime. Alas, the film pays scant attention to the Wagner composition that reduces me to tears – the Siegfried Idyll which he composed for his son’s birth.
If Fry’s film paean to his musical deity had run twice its 90 minutes in the same vein, I would not have found it a burden. But before I was 10, Ethel Mary WilmotBuxton’s “Told By The Northmen”, had told me the Norse mythology that Wagner immortalised in the Ring Cycle and my musical palate was cleared for other composers.
At Greater Union, Manuka
PRODUCER Aaron King has been awarded Best Film and Best Student Film for the romantic drama “Saying Goodbye to Jane” in the Canberra Festival’s short film competition Lights! Canberra! Action! It is the first time a student film has won Best Film. Each of the 40 entries had to be produced in 10 days, run for seven minutes or less and feature 10 themed items to earn the big points from the judges. The category winners were: Best Film: “Saying Goodbye to Jane”, producer Aaron King; Best Use of Theme: “Making the Cut”, producers Clare Martin & Hana Tow; Best Student Film: “Saying Goodbye to Jane”; Best Use of an Item: “Parcel”, producers Liz Weir & Mike Kennelly; Best Director: “Tavi”, director Ed Telfer; Best Sound Design: “Invasion”: Jimmy Ennett; Best Original Music: “Tavi”, Jo Telfer; Best Actor: Tavi Telfer; Most Memorable Performance: “RSVP”, Bridgette Black by George; Best Cinematography: “Tavi”, Ed Telfer; Best Screenplay: “Thank You She Said”, Adam Lynch; Best Editing: “Invasion”, Jimmy Ennett; Best Art Direction: “Invasion”, Sophie Brown & Jimmy Ennett.
There will be an encore screening of the winning films as part of the Heritage Festival at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, Black Mountain on Friday, April 15.
A FOODIE friend of mine is always a good “sauce” of places to dine, so when friends returned from the Philippines wanting some tasty Asian fare, I shot her an email.
I had already visited every place on the list she sent back, but for one – Tien Vietnamese in Dickson. Bingo! A chance to eat Asian-style in a restaurant none of us had ever been to before.
The interior of Tien Vietnamese is clean, contemporary and full of natural light. The slate feature wall is a lovely touch, but my favorite part of the décor is the large image of four, elegant Vietnamese women on bicycles wearing the country’s famous conical hats. It adds a warm, cultural touch to the restaurant which has been in the heart of Dickson on busy Woolley Street for about 18 months.
We lucked a table right by the window
Wendy Johnson
(people-watching in Dickson is always entertaining) and started studying the extensive menu.
To begin, we indulged in the fresh-tasting salad rolls with prawns, which got our taste buds dancing. Next in line was a large bowl of soul-satisfying pho ga, a trademark Vietnamese noodle soup (the restaurant also serves Malaysian laksa, a nice multicultural touch). The broth was piping hot, the chicken tender and the tastes clean. The staff were happy to allow us to share the soup and provided us with individual, smaller bowls. Indeed, at Tien Vietnamese, the service is flexible and the staff easy going and highly accommodating.
We were looking for something different and were told that the crepe from the chef’s house specialties list would be a highlight.
The recommendation was spot on, with all three of us agreeing the dish was delightful.
The crepe (more of an omelet in style) was stuffed with mince pork, bean sprouts and shrimp. A second recommendation, rice noodles with veggies and beef, was as exquisite.
Other house specialties include ca kho, caramelised fish fillet in a clay pot, and canh chua, hot and sour soup made with the chef’s special touch. On our next visit we will try the famous Vietnamese steam boat – a hot pot of stock placed in the middle of the table with a range of ingredients presented in individual bowls and plates. It is always fun to cook your own “Chinese fondue”.
The prices are right at Tien Vietnamese Restaurant, with entrees from around $4 and mains mostly well under $20.
The competition to attract diners seeking the delights of Asian cuisine in Dickson is stiff, but Tien Vietnamese holds its own – and with good reason.
Tien Vietnamese, 19-27 Woolley Street, Dickson. Byo, open seven days for lunch and dinner. Call 6162 1988.
THAT clever Canberran Adam Spreadbury-Maher (just plain and Maher to us) is the founding artistic director of London’s Cock Tavern Theatre, which has just won an Olivier “New Opera Production” Award for its hugely popular presentation of the “La Boheme”. He should have a few clues – he’s a graduate in opera singing from the ANU School of Music.
ANOTHER such graduate, UK-based tenor Christopher Steele, has just been singing Verdi and Puccini in the “UK-Vietnam Gala Concert” at the fabulous Hanoi Opera House on March 22. This was to celebrate the Lord Mayor of London’s visit to Hanoi and the 100-year anniversary of the building.
MORE opera: Adelaide’s Co-Opera will be in the Street Theatre at 7.30pm, March 29-30 with a new and, we are told, “racy” production of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”. Canberra singer Jeremy Tatchell will be the profligate Count Almaviva, while our own Karen Fitz-Gibbon will be Susanna, the object of his roving eye. It’s directed by former Canberran Tessa Bremner, and musical director is Brian Chatterton. Bookings to 6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.au
CHINESE-born artists Fifeng Tan and An Pan are exploring uncertainty, beauty, and even “cultural and political flux” in a show running at Belconnen Arts Centre until April 10. While An Pan studied painting at Inner Mongolia University and was artist in residence in the Chinese Army in Inner Mongolia, Yifeng Tan is a successful graduate from the ANU School of Art.
ONE of our most brilliant young guitarists, Bradley Kunda, will perform classical works and Graeme Koehne’s “A Closed World of Fine Feelings and Grand Design” in the Wesley Music Centre’s “Wednesday
Lunchtime Live series” from 12.40pm to 1.20pm on March 30. No bookings required; $2 or paper note entry.
JOHN Spicer is a legendary character in the Canberra theatrical scene, having directed about a dozen productions here from 1986 to 1995. Friends in Rep, and Tempo will be pleased to learn that he has triumphed over glaucoma and, at age 87, has mastered the computer and written two books and two plays. As I write, his second play “Doctor Rossi and the Bishop of Goulburn” is running at The Lieder Theatre in Goulburn. Bookings to 04821 5066.
A MUSICAL afternoon to raise money for the Queensland Flood Relief appeal will be held in the grounds of 25 Mugga Way, Red Hill, on March 27, 1-3pm, with gates open from 12.30pm. The Blamey Street Big Band, conducted by Ian McLean will play swing hits and jazz, with Leisa Keen the vocalist. Entry is by donation to the appeal.
FOR the first time, the Griffyn Ensemble will present northside and southside performances, with concerts of “inflamed desires and rapture” under the title “Illicit Passions”. Compositions include the world premiere of “Letter to a Greek Nymph” by Griffyn director Michael Sollis. It’s on at the new Calwell Performing Arts Centre, 7pm,
Friday, April 1 and at the Belconnen Arts Centre, 5.30pm, Saturday, April 2. Bookings to https://griffyn.iwannaticket.com.au
THERE was certain piquancy to Labor Chief and Arts Minister Jon Stanhope’s announcement that planning is underway to commission a life-size statue of Sir Robert Menzies for the lake foreshore. Mr Stanhope said: “Sir Robert Menzies made a strenuous effort to advance the development of Canberra… he enjoyed frequent, long contemplative walks across the ACT and… around the Lake Burley Griffin lakeshore.”
CANBERRA comedian Jay Sullivan returns to the Civic Pub with his show “Whatever Suits” at 8pm, on April 6 and 7. Sullivan, a national “Green Faces” winner, spent two hard-working months honing his craft in New York City last year, but declares that nothing compares to the Civic Pub. Tickets are $10 at the door.
GOOD to see that mastermind of the huge ActewAGL sculpture In Civic, Robert Foster, will exhibit his works at the Gallery of Australian Design on the southern foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin until April 26 under the title “Strange Planet”. It’s a collection of new lighting sculptures. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
WITH the astonishing growth of Gungahlin and its surrounds, Mitchell is strategically placed to serve the needs of new and established home owners. A light-industrial estate, Mitchell was named in honour of Maj Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell, surveyorgeneral and explorer of NSW. All the streets in Mitchell are named after Australian industrialists.
This is a special spotlight on the treasures of Mitchell – the place to go for all your homeimprovement needs.
“I’VE been the official importer of the Oppo Blu-Ray disc player – a cult DVD player – for five years now, and it’s just become more and more popular,” says Ken Francis, owner of Merlin Audio Design.
Ken says the Oppo, which is made by a small company in San Francisco, is a superior product. “It’s won award after award, because it gives richer colours, a great picture and so much more detail. It’s also extra fast-loading.
The latest model, the Oppo BDP-93, came out in December and is a full-featured universal Blu-ray disc player that delivers first-class video quality for Blu-ray and DVD, according to Ken.
“All players come with 12 months Australian warranty, Aussie power cable, pre-sale checks and free shipping,” he says.
“I’ve got loyal customers because once you get an Oppo, you never go back!”
Merlin Audio Design, 30 Essington St, Mitchell. Call 6253 9777
“WE have a straightforward approach to installing pools and portable spas,” say owners of Capital Country Pools Paul and Sharyn Duggan, who have a store in Goulburn as well as their Mitchell store, which has been open for 12 months.
From compact pools designed specifically for smaller areas and townhouse situations, to large fibreglass pools ideal for training, Capital Country Pools sells a huge range, according to Sharyn.
Having been in business for 30 years, Sharyn and Paul say they have extensive experience and expert knowledge, backed by the best in pool shells and equipment.
Capital Country Pools, 52 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 1800 816 516 or 6238 0035.
“WE don’t aim to be the biggest; just the best,” says Peter Bonelli, owner of Tileflair, which he says is Canberra’s premier tile supplier offering affordable elegance.
“We’ve been in the tiling industry for 25 years, and we pride ourselves on providing quality products from all across the globe,” he says. “We sell the most beautiful porcelain tiles on the market today, and have a large, modern showroom that’s open seven days a week – even on Saturdays and Sundays until 3pm, when most people close up at around midday.”
A locally owned and family-run business, Tileflair even offers a kids’ area to keep the littlies occupied while their parents shop.
“We can help you make your home look and feel beautiful – and increase its value,” says Peter. “And if you can’t fit your order in the boot of your car we can arrange free delivery.”
Tileflair, 22 Essington Street, Mitchell. Call 6162 3080.
“WE understand that selecting an interior solution for your residential or commercial application is a big investment,” says a spokesman from Dollar Curtains and Blinds.
“With over 45 years experience in the industry, we remain ‘the one and only complete window covering specialists’, assuring you the highest quality materials, design, manufacture, service and installation.”
From curtains in a classic elegant, eclectic chic or a modern contemporary style, to a vast variety of stunning customised blinds, Dollar Curtains and Blinds offer the largest range of fabrics available in Australia, they say.
“Hundreds of swatch booklets are at your disposal, and the choices available are endless to help you create a timeless ambiance in your home.”
1 & 2 Dacre St (corner Hoskins St), Mitchell. Call 6255 5293.
THERE are great deals to be had at tile suppliers Northside Ceramics, according to “The Slate Man” Ziggy Kozak.
“There’s a massive clearance sale on right now, with stunning tiles, mosaics, and slate floor tiles from all over the world available at really low prices, to really help you create a special bathroom or kitchen,” he says.
Ziggy has run the local family business for 28 years and says he has extensive experience and knowledge of tiles.
“We’re open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, and weekends from 9am-1pm.
“We can also arrange a laying service if people require it,” he says. The Slate Man, 4/125 Lysaght Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 7117
With Joanne Madeline Moore March 28-April 3
ARIES (Mar 2 – Apr 20)
Rushing Rams – with Mercury reversing through your sign (from March 31-April 23) slow down, otherwise there’ll be mix-ups and general mayhem. Mighty Mars marches into Aries on Saturday, so it’s time to be bold and brave. Be inspired by birthday great Casanova: “It is necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless.”
TAURUS (Apr 2 – May 20)
You need to temporarily escape the hurly-burly of the outside world and spend some quality time on your own. You’ll be drawn to the hidden and mysterious side of life – anything from a good mystery novel to digging up a fascinating family secret. Do you have to make an important decision? Your intuition will point you in the right direction.
GEMINI (May 2 – June 2)
Gemini gadflies love to multitask at great speed, but retro Mercury is asking you to put on the brakes. The main quality you need to cultivate this week is patience. You’re keen to power through present difficulties, but the motto for the moment is: “Good things come to those who wait” – especially when it involves love, children, teenagers or friendship.
(June 22 – July 22)
You’re keen to forge ahead but seem to be moving sideways. Don’t be an impatient Crab! Slow down and re-assess your current position – perhaps you are moving in the wrong direction? You can also expect computer hitches and communication glitches at work (from March 31 through to April 23) as Mercury reverses through your career zone.
LEO (July 2 – Aug 22)
Your authority may be challenged early in the week, but resist the urge to retaliate. Others are looking to you for fresh ideas and creative inspiration so it’s time for confident Cats to lead the way! An adventurous approach will transform your world and bring more love and passion into your life. Single Lions – lust and loot are a seductive combination.
VIRGO (Aug 2 – Sept 22)
It’s time to be more sensitive towards the feelings of others. They may not share your close attention to detail, but they have many other talents to offer. Singles – love is in the air, as you let go of the hurt from a former liaison and begin to heal. With Mercury reversing though your joint finances zone, avoid signing contracts until after April 23.
LIBRA (Sept 2 – Oct 2)
The Sun shines on your love life (until April 20) and gives your partner an extra golden glow of gorgeousness. So it’s the perfect time to pamper them with lashings of love as you keep the lines of communication open and show them how much you care. For lonely Librans who are sick of being single – love and work are lusciously linked.
SCORPIO (Oct 2 – Nov 2)
Are you being a stubborn Scorpio? Knowing when to hold on and when to let go is the secret to success early in the week, when the Sun and Pluto square up. Your health or job is in a state of flux, as retrograde Mercury and unpredictable Uranus disrupt your usual routine. Come the weekend, you’re in the mood to socialise with family and friends.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 2)
Jupiter opposes Saturn this week, so your optimism and confidence will be curbed. Take your time; avoid making important decisions; and pace yourself. You need to balance energetic enthusiasm with plenty of patience. With six planets in your sport/hobby zone, pull on your running shoes, hit the gym, or turn the music up loud and start dancing.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 9)
You’ll feel uncharacteristically restless during the week, as Saturn opposes Jupiter. You’re keen to move ahead in leaps and bounds but is something (or someone) holding you back? Home sweet home is the place to be on the weekend, as you leave work problems outside the door and enjoy the comforts and conversation at Casa Capricorn.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb )
You’re keen to stir things up in your local community as you convey your innovative ideas with passion and panache. You’re in the mood for freedom and change but be careful how you communicate with others, as they may find your Aquarian ideas threatening in some way. Aim to get the balance right between spending and saving.
PISCES (Feb 9 – Mar 20)
With six planets (including retro Mercury, reckless Mars and unpredictable Uranus) stirring up your money zone, watch that your urge to splurge doesn’t get out of control. Avoid making impulsive business decisions that see you getting deeper into debt. What looks like a divine deal now could end up being a financial fiasco further down the track! Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011
Across
4 Name the term which relates to the wolf.
7 What is a popular carbonated soft drink?
8 Name a type of tape used as a fastening, comprising two particular strips of fabric.
9 Which slenderly built, hollowhorned ruminant is found in Africa and Asia?
11 What is a social worker attached to a hospital?
13 To be extolled as holy is to be what?
15 What do we call the islands of the central and southern Pacific?
17 To be severe or forceful, is to be what?
20 What are those who question the validity of things purporting to be knowledge?
23 Name Eskimo huts, built of blocks of hard snow.
24 Name a swinging blow directed upwards to an adversary's chin.
25 Which plant is used as an emblem of love and held sacred by Venus?
Down
1 Name the capital of Switzerland.
2 Which celestial bodies move about the sun in elongated orbits?
3 Name the radiance surrounding the head of a sacred personage.
4 Which device is used for adjusting something to a horizontal surface?
5 What is an unnatural paleness?
6 Which word relates to ancient Scandinavia generally?
9 If one has moved at an easy gait, one has done what?
10 In horseracing, where are the horses saddled prior to a race?
12 Name the sixth book of the New Testament.
14 What is a person accompanying another to a dance, party, etc?
16 Which blood vessel conveys blood from the heart to any part of the body?
18 Name an extremely popular game of football.
19 What is another term for offspring or progeny?
21 To see at a distance is to what?
22 What describes a vital, basic point?
Words: Kathryn Vukovljak
Photos: silas Brown
A COTTAGE garden in Garran with an extensive veggie patch and chickens keeps its owners in “good, clean food” all year round, say Heather and Michael Rosenberg – and it will be open to the public for the second time this season.
“The garden was originally open in spring, when everything had just been planted, but now that it’s harvest time there’s a different feel,” says Heather.
The Rosenbergs’ garden will be open on the
weekend of March 26 and 27 as part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme, and the couple say they want to be able to show people how things have changed since before the summer.
As well as the veggies, the lush garden hosts hardy shrubs including wattles, roses, honeysuckle, magnolia and lavender, as well as less-hardy hydrangeas, camellias, azaleas and large flowering clematis, and hardy perennials such as peonies, hellebores, daffodils, jonquils, tulips, poppies and bluebells.
In true cottage garden style, many of the plants have been taken as cuttings from friends’ gardens, or propagated from hardy species within the garden, according to Heather.
“I look around and see friends everywhere,” she says.
Michael says the veggie garden – his domain – was constructed when they moved in 29 years ago, and consists of several raised beds that facilitate better drainage, provide space for addition of compost or manure to the beds and
allow for the paths between them.
“The veggies and chooks have been part of my life for 30 years,” he says. “I love the cyclical nature of it.
“There have been no harsh chemicals used in this garden and principles of organic gardening are always at the fore.
“This includes crop rotation, companion planting, natural means of pest control and moon planting.
“At the moment we’re eating zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, beans, spring onion, leeks, all kinds of herbs, capsicum, chili, silver beet, rocket, bok choi and carrots. And we’re growing pumpkin, broccoli, kale, raspberries, loganberries and figs.
“There’s nothing like picking clean and tasty food fresh from the garden.”
The garden at 13 Stone Place, Garran, open on Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, 10am-4.30pm. Adults $6, children under 18 free. Funds raised will go to the Open Garden Scheme. More information at www.opengarden.org.au.
ALSO opening on Sunday, March 27, is Redbrow Garden, a spectacular lakeside rural oasis, according to owners David and Elisabeth Judge.
Since the 1997 purchase of a bare and windy 10-hectare sheep paddock on the outskirts of Canberra, David and Elisabeth have transformed it into an environmentally sustainable and bountiful sanctuary, including farmstay guest accommodation and a wedding venue.
Redbrow Garden, 1143 Nanima Road, Murrumbateman, open only on Sunday, March 27, 10am-4.30pm; adults $6, children under 18 free. More information at www.opengarden. org.au and www.canberraguesthouse.com.au.
cedric Bryant
AUTUMN is the perfect time to select deciduous trees for their rich display of leaf colour, particularly the maples.
Maples have been grown for their sheer beauty and for the timber for over 2000 years.
“There is some obscurity of the origin of Acer, their botanical name used since Roman times, writes author James G.S. Harris in his book “The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Maples” (Blooming Books Melbourne, last published 2005).
“The Romans used the timber and Ovid tells us the Romans used the wood for making writing tables on account of its hardness and firmness. The common name of ‘maple’ was derived from the Anglo-Saxon ‘moepul’ and is mentioned by Chaucer”.
So maples have a proud heritage and are worthy of a place in every garden.
There are at least 120 species belonging to the genus plus varieties and cultivars. Maples originate across the northern hemisphere from Canada, with their National Maple Leaf flag, to the European maples such as Acer platanoides
The best known are the Japanese maples, Acer palmatum with more than 250 cultivars.
Maples in their native lands grow considerably larger than in cultivation as they have adapted to their own environment of climate and soils. The great beauty of maples is the variation in leaf shape, colour, bark and seeds. The winged seeds when they fall from the tree twirl around like a helicopter to the ground or carried by wind further afield.
For some of the features of maples, the more popular varieties are those found at most garden centres. For example, Acer palmatum “Sango-Kaku”, also known as A.p. “Senkaki” with a common name of the Coral Maple due to its crimson-pink bark in winter and spring. The bright green foliage changes to golden-yellow with tones of red in autumn.
For dark purple leaves all spring and summer, I recommend Acer “Bloodgood”, a strong grower to five metres, with leaves changing to scarlet in autumn. An additional feature are the dark-red tinged, white-winged seed pods. This is growing in our garden along with Acer “Tropenburg”, which has a particularly good form to four metres. These two have similar leaf colouring. I saw this growing where it was first cultivated at the Tropenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam about 20 years ago.
In addition, there are many grafted
maples trained to grow to only one to two metres tall with finely dissected leaves. Look for Acer dissectum varieties that weep to the ground.
Many of these are particularly suitable for containers if you only have a balcony or townhouse garden.
I WOULD like to mention two great autumn flowering perennials, not only for their splendid show as we move into autumn, but their ease of propagation: Chrysanthemums and Asters or Michaelmas Daisies. When they have finished flowering simply dig them up and literally pull the roots apart. Trim off the stalks and scaggly roots and replant to fill gaps in the garden, keeping in mind that weeds generally only grow in bare ground. Don’t forget to pot some up for the spring school and church fetes. They are available at garden centres now.
THE next free Actew Garden Workshop is on at the Rosary Primary School, Watson, from 9am on Saturday, March 26. I conduct these with Austin Goodfellow, irrigation expert, with great advice on dealing with clay soils, fertilising, planting, watering and more. If you have not booked, don’t worry, just turn up. More information at 6248 3131.
AS the season changes, the mellow hints of autumn make Pialligo a wonderful spot for keen home gardeners to pick up new plants or garden decor, or just a beautiful place for anyone to enjoy a stroll through gorgeous nursery gardens.
Pialligo is Canberra’s own “country village” – a rural suburb built along Beltana Road that includes nurseries, garden and landscaping supplies, and a restaurant.
The name Pialligo has been used for the area since at least 1820, and is likely of Aboriginal origin. Streets in Pialligo are named with Aboriginal words.
WITH apple season drawing to a close and cooler weather already setting in, Podfood is getting ready to switch over to its autumn menu after Anzac Day, says head chef and owner Jon Leverink.
“With the changing seasons, it’s time to focus on hearty food; things like braised rabbit, venison and wagu,” he says. “We like to keep the menu seasonal and use local, Pialligo-sourced ingredients where possible.
“We have an apple crumble on the menu at the moment, with red Gala apples from an orchard here, which has been very popular.
“It’s wonderful to be able to work with so many local ingredients from so close by. We also have figs, herbs, plums, quinces, four different pear and apple varieties and crabapples on hand, which most definitely influences the menu.”
Jon says that Podfood is also preparing for its first Lerida Estate wine dinner on April 14.
“There’ll be a Pinot theme, with food that suits its lightness,” he says. It’s $110 per head, with availability for up to 65 people. Podfood, 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo, 6257 3388
THIS time of year, everyone’s thinking about making their homes warm and cosy, say owners of Bliss Garden and Giftware Iain and Kylie Eaton.
“We have some gorgeous new cushions and pouffes in bright shades of hot pink and yellow, as well as colourful Anna Chandler coffee mugs and crockery that are perfect for cosying up your home,” says Ian.
“The Ecoya candles smell beautiful, too, and another coolweather item – and at the moment, there’s an offer where if you buy any two of their products you’ll be entered in a draw to win a trip to Hamilton Island.”
For balconies and courtyards, Ian says Bliss stocks fabulous, easy water features and some stunning lightweight pots.
“The glazed fountain pots are great, totally self-contained, you just plug and play,” says Ian. “Everything’s included so they’re so easy to use.
“And the contemporary, rectangular, fibre clay planters are ideal for balconies because they’re so lightweight – perfect for carrying up many flights of stairs! They’re stylish, too, available in plain or striped, and cream or grey.”
Bliss Garden and Giftware, 8 Beltana Road, Pialligo, 6257 8358
OVERFLOWING with alpaca wear in a range of colours and styles, Anuk Peru has opened its doors to a second season, according to owners Irene Lilford and Christine Reid.
“After a fantastic reception last year, we were emboldened to extend our range of beautiful garments,” says Christine.
“Of course, a return trip to Peru was necessary, but this time there was the added benefit of knowing that our love of alpaca had been infectious.”
Warm, light and breathable, alpaca fibre is the perfect foil to the Canberra winter, says Irene. A luxurious fibre, softer than cashmere and warmer than merino, Peruvian baby alpaca is ideal for the production of clothing for the cooler months.
“Suritex is one more exclusive label gracing the shop this year, showcasing beautiful baby alpaca and silk combinations,” she says. “Extended ranges from Sol Alpaca and Ethnic Peru, together with a new shipment of handmade boots and our own label Anuk Peru will make for a rewarding visit to Pialligo!”
Open only Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment until early July, Chris and Irene say they offer an intimate and personal shopping experience, and are looking forward to the return of their existing clientele – and for the opportunity to “introduce alpaca to those who have not yet experienced its luxury.”
Anuk Peru, 20a Beltana Road, Pialligo, 6230 1211
THE Pialligo Plant Farm specialises in flowering plants for courtyards, particularly roses, says owner and founder Geoff Cleary.
Geoff is a horticulturist, and offers expert advice regarding any flowering plants. The shop on site sells a wide range of Fair Trade items, wind chimes, candle holders and other gift ideas.
Geoff founded Pialligo Plant Farm 26 years ago, and leases areas of number 12 to Posh Pots and Podfood.
Pialligo Plant Farm, 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo, 6247 5752
POSH Pots has been selling a broad range of quality pots, featuring a large array of colours and styles for 31 years, according to owners Allan Buerckner and Hylkia de Greve.
“The shop maintains its uniqueness through careful selection and direct importing of quality garden pots, planters and decor from overseas,” says Allan.
Posh Pots also sells a range of unique garden decor, wall art, exterior mirrors and giftware.
Allan says that Posh Pots works hard to offer the fairest prices possible. “We don’t have to inflate our prices in order to offer large discounts to customers,” he says.
“We have a great team, who are dedicated to giving exceptional customer service.
“Many of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years.”
There is also a flagship warehouse and store operating out of 80 Hoskins Street, Mitchell, he says.
Posh Pots, 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo, 6242 6511
“MY husband has no interest in decorating – he just doesn’t see what the big deal is,” says Lisa Barrett, stay-at-home-mum and the creative mind behind handmade “home and wardrobe” accessories label Tango & James.
“It’s okay though, because this way I get to do what I want; I get my own say all the time!”
Lisa’s creative craftiness shows itself throughout her colourful, quirky home, especially in her home-made art, re-upholstered chairs and bold curtains in fabric she designed herself, and a hand-painted monochrome chevron rug.
“I don’t spend lots of money on my home, and if I can make something myself, I will,” she says.
“I’ve always been creative. I get bored if I’m not making something.
“Lots of my furniture and accessories come from Ikea and junk shops, like the cane coat rack, which just needed to be yellow. I always have an eye out for things.”
Kathryn Vukovljak
“Their designs really fit with my aesthetic, which is sort of mod, whimsy and eclectic, with a slight Scandinavian influence,” she says.
“When we moved in nine years ago, the house was all gumball colours; a bit scary. It looked like an oompa-loompa had exploded in the hallway!”
Lisa and her husband extended their “humble Higgins” home when son Hugo was a baby, adding two new bedrooms for the now six-year-old, and (future son) Dylan, four, as well as a light and airy open-plan family/play room.
“The space is great for the boys; they play up a storm in here, and it gets lovely light from our first and only north-facing windows,” she says.
“We always eat breakfast around the coffee table in the living room, but I love the big dining table, Ikea pendants and Harry Bertoia chairs. I saw a set of these come up on AllBids and blogged about it – stupid, stupid!
“I was outbid then, so when I saw this set come up I didn’t tell anybody!
“For someone who’s a stay-at-home mum, and a bit out of the interior design scene, I’ve managed to keep my finger in the pie. I’m daring to do more and more now with my designs.
“If I make something for Tango & James that I really adore, I’m not tempted to keep it – I just know that someone else will love it.”
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