Canberra CityNews May 12-18, 2011

Stanhope resigns

The two sides to Jon Stanhope

Jon Stanhope dramatically resigned this week after 0 years as Chief Minister, 4 years as Labor leader and a month after his 60th birthday. Here “CityNews” columnist and former political adversary MICHAEL MOORE reviews the ups and downs of the ACT’s longest-serving leader

THERE are two sides to Jon Stanhope: The human rights and social justice attitude that define his aims for himself and the community, and his absolute ruthlessness in the pursuit of his goals.

Entering the Assembly for the first time for any elected member is daunting. It was even more daunting for Stanhope who was elected by his Labor colleagues early in 1998 to become Leader of the Opposition even before the Fourth ACT Legislative Assembly had its inaugural meeting.

He is the only member of the Legislative Assembly to have never served in any other position but leader and, in that capacity, his significant contribution to the ACT community is undeniable.

In his inaugural speech as Leader of the Opposition, Mr Stanhope identified three “facts” that he believed would allow Labor to win and retain government: The intelligence of the electorate, Canberrans’ support for social justice objectives and Labor’s capacity for self-renewal.

He promised to make Labor’s “self-

INDEX

May 12-18, 2011

Since 1993: Volume 17, Number 17

Arts&Entertainment 19-23

Cinema 21

Crosswords 32

Dining 23

Fashion 26

Health&Fitness 25

Home&Garden 27-31

Horoscope 32

Letters 12

News 3-13

Property 33-48

Social Scene 17-18

Sport 11

Sudoku 32

FRONT COVER: Catherine and Steven Lé. Story page 6.

ishness, complacency and taking the people for granted” a thing of the past. His persistent quest to achieve Labor’s goals would deliver government for him at the next election.

However, it was not just the pursuit of Labor’s goals but his relentless and ruthless pursuit of his arch rival, Liberal Kate Carnell, that would allow him to achieve government.

He had made a promise to all members of the Assembly “to work together co-operatively, constructively and with mutual respect” at the time of his appointment as Leader of the Opposition.

However, within a short while it had become apparent that for so long as Carnell was leading the Liberals, his quest for government would become elusive. The unremitting accusations of “breaking the law” over Bruce Stadium would eventually force her to step down. Charges would never be laid, but the political goal was achieved.

He would win an election against her replacement, now-Senator Gary Humphries.

Many would think that the main

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thing that drove Jon Stanhope was his passion about human rights. This would become the case. However, an electronic search of the Hansard shows that he only mentioned the term for the first time after being in the Assembly for a year on a motion put forward by Labor MLA Bill Wood. In fact, the first question Jon Stanhope asked in the ACT Legislative Assembly was about jobs. It was not an unexpected start for a newly elected Labor MLA and would remain a constant part of the Labor mantra.

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However, he would become, the driver of Australia’s first “Bill of Rights” legislation. He claims this as one of his great achievements – and that undersells the case.

The way he developed the legislation with that same relentless pursuit of his goals would deliver an outstanding contribution to the community, to his concepts of social justice and to genuine freedom of the people. The way he framed the legislation undermines the criticisms that people like me initially raised of transferring power from

elected representatives to the nonelected jury.

The testament to the genuine success of this legislation in protecting rights was when he took the step of applying the legislation to the Alexander Maconochie Centre – the ACT jail.

The same principles of social justice and his same relentless drive are behind his legislation for protection against discrimination for gay and lesbian people as well as for all members of the ACT community. This is why he has pursued the recognition of civil partnerships. He is justly proud of such achievements.

It is interesting that Chief Ministerin-waiting, Katy Gallagher describes Jon Stanhope as an introvert. This attempts to explain what I have often perceived to be abruptness. If it is true, it is something that he has hidden extraordinarily well or it is something he has conquered just as effectively. Under his leadership, Labor has had its ups and downs and after a term with majority government Stanhope lost two seats in the last election. Gallagher must be wondering if he has handed over a poison chalice. She is certainly expected by Labor stalwarts to deliver an Anna Bligh turn-around at the next election.

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

A kiss and he was gone

In this edited version of the speech announcing his decision to resign, JON STANHOPE reflects on his major achievements

MY driving commitment during my 10 years as Chief Minister has been to embed the core principles of social justice, freedom from discrimination, human rights, equality of opportunity and the rule of law ever more firmly into our community.

These are basic human principles, they are Labor principles and they are my own personal principles.

Some would expect me at this time to reflect on initiatives such as significant infrastructure, or economic indicators, or the Arboretum, or perhaps on Canberra as a creative city.

But my greatest satisfactions derive from the ways in which I and the Government I have led have managed to implement this human, and Labor, philosophy.

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I am thinking of: the ACT’s Bill of Rights, which was the first in the country; the first prison built according to human rights’ principles;

the removal of all legislative discrimination against gays and lesbians and the introduction of civil partnerships; the ACT’s first indigenous elected body; the repeal of legalisation that made abortion illegal in the ACT; the development of anti-terrorism legislation that is human rights compliant; child and family centres in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen; and the complete review and overhaul of health and education infrastructure and services.

I am pleased with the improvements that have been made within our community to deliver better outcomes for disadvantaged Canberrans, for people with a disability, and for those among us who are homeless, isolated and ageing. And, of course, I am glad that today Canberra is one of the safest places to live in Australia and is now objectively rated in the top few most

liveable cities in the world.

Massive investment has been made in our community infrastructure over the past 10 years and we have secured water for future generations, and commissioned health facilities and schools that, on most measures, lead the nation.

The path has been laid for the development of a public administration that will be second to none in Australia. Our Territory’s right to legislate and the very size and shape of the Assembly are also ready to evolve.

I am confident that, with the splendid leadership which Katy [Gallagher] can provide, the Territory will gain a right-sized Assembly, and will ultimately achieve, if not statehood, constitutional equality with the States.

I am naturally a soul who

values moments of solitude, I am not naturally gregarious, and the “stage-life” of public office was not one that was immediately comfortable for me. But I have grown to hold some affection for the media, and to enjoy the “three-way dialogue” it has offered me with the people of Canberra.

The support of my wife Robyn, and my children, Matthew, Chris, Mike and Anna, has of course been invaluable to me, and I am deeply grateful for their love, forbearance and generosity of spirit over these past 14 years, and I am looking forward to seeing them and my grandchildren more frequently in coming months.

I am also wondering if I might spend a little more time this year in preparing my winter garden for the coming spring.

Power of walk and talk

BUILDING connections and creating meaningful conversations can change the world, according to South Tuggeranong priest Fr John Armstrong who has a simple goal; he wants to get people all over the world to walk and talk together.

“When I walked the Camino in Spain, I found that the actual act of walking slowed me down to a pace where I could listen to myself and to another person,” says Fr Armstrong.

“I could actually figure out where I was part of the story. I came back from that walk more confident that I could be myself in whatever life throws at me.

“This is what I want to offer people, the opportunity to be different in how we encounter events in our lives.”

Fr Armstrong’s aim is to have at least 250,000 people worldwide – he’s even invited the Pope – to take part in his “Walk and Talk” for an hour on May 15 between 2-3pm.

“Just slow down for an hour – invite a friend for a walk and share what touches your lives,” he says. “Their circumstances may not change immediately, but by being involved in a conversation they won’t be overwhelmed by those circumstances.

“I believe that by talking, people will view themselves dif-

By Kathryn Vukovljak

ferently. Basically, these conversations will lead to actions that will change the context in which we live in the world, and by these actions we change the world we live in for the good of another person.”

There will be two organised walks in Canberra – one from the Sacred Heart Church in Calwell to the Holy Family Church in Gowrie, led by Fr Armstrong, and another from the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton, which will go from bridge to bridge. However, Fr Armstrong is encouraging people to walk wherever they are.

“The decision where people walk is up to them, but I would suggest the place between the two points needs to have some significance to them,” he says.

For his own project, Fr Armstrong says he wants to become a pilgrim pastor within his commu-

Fr John Armstrong… “I want to offer people the opportunity to be different in how we encounter events in our lives.”

nity, which means he will walk with people either for a short time or for the longer term.

“I run the sixth-largest parish in Australia, look after three parish primary schools and a community of 17,000 Catholics,” he says.

“In many ways it seems impossible for one person to be responsible for so many people. I can’t visit them all and yet by taking a contemplative focus, of regularly

slowing down in my prayer, in my activities and in my work, I have found that miraculous things happen.

“By listening to what people have to say, by being present to the community where they are, I have found I can make the world of a difference.”

Find out more at www.facebook. com/pages/Walk-Talk-City-witha-Soul/170349246346577

Sculthorpe recognised

EMINENT composer Peter Sculthorpe has been awarded the Encomienda de la Orden de Isabel la Católica by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, in recognition of his contribution to strengthen the ties between Spain and Australia through music. Professor Sculthorpe who holds an MBE, an OBE and an Order of Australia, will be awarded at the National Library on Saturday, May 14.

High tea on Sunday

THE Zonta Club of Canberra is holding an autumn high tea to raise funds for the Inanna Crisis Service for Women at the Burrunju Aboriginal Gallery, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Ridge from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, May 15. There will be live music and the cost is $15 a ticket. RSVP to marybroome@optusnet.com.au

Chopper’s new sponsor

THE Snowy Hydro SouthCare chopper dropped on to the lawns of Old Parliament House the other day to make a special pick-up – a major sponsorship from Bendigo Bank and its local community branches. The bank’s regional manager Dion Christie, left, presented SouthCare’s general manager Steve Gregory with a cheque for $50,000, which positions the bank as the second-ranking sponsor of the regional emergency helicopter service. Contributing community banks include Braidwood & Bungendore, Calwell & Wanniassa, Boorowa and Pambula.

Leaking ceiling dampens Royal wedding

By Eleri Harris

WHEN Catherine and Steven Lé’s wedding reception at the Royal Canberra Golf Club was interrupted by a December storm last year, the couple remained calm as the wait staff morphed into an emergency services crew and the ACT Fire Brigade arrived to the sound of alarms.

But they were not so calm when the bill arrived in February, fully intact with no discount for the mayhem.

“We would have expected a gesture of goodwill,” Catherine told “CityNews”.

“We took it well on the day, assuming it would be followed up.”

Unfortunately for the bride, her bucket-bearing good humour was not rewarded with compensation, but with lawyers’ letters.

“We had just sat down at the bridal table when the rain started coming through the roof, firstly as a small trickle, which we didn’t worry too much about, until everyone started yelling at us to get out of the way because it was really gushing through the roof,” says Catherine.

“The ceiling tiles were starting to sag due to the weight of the water coming through,” Steven remembers.

“It appeared the guttering wasn’t working,” Catherine says.

“Then the fire alarm went off and the fire brigade came,” Steven says.

For over an hour the staff, guests and bridal party mopped up water and collected rain in buckets.

“It was very disruptive because we were just about to start the speeches and we had to delay them because obviously the alarms were very loud,” Catherine explains.

“Everybody had to get up and move.

“Our guestbook is full of jokes like, ‘we hope your marriage is tighter than the roof of the Royal Canberra Golf Club’, ‘we hope your relationship’s not as stormy’.”

“The table staff were so busy cleaning up the mess they weren’t serving drinks, so we probably weren’t having a full hour’s drink service,” says Steven.

calm we were, how calm our guests were and our parents.

“Not once have they said, ‘we understand this was your wedding day’.

“No one from management approached us on the night and the manager has never approached us since.”

After exchanging letters with the club and its lawyers, the couple paid up, minus the room hire and a bottle of champagne they were presented with on the night.

Then the fire alarm went off and the fire brigade came.

“The staff kept using the phrase ‘act of God’ and I was saying: ‘What, the guttering not working is an act of God?’.”

“But, we want to be absolutely clear, it’s not about the staff on the night,” Catherine says.

“We understand it’s a bit difficult. On three occasions we’ve been told how well the staff handled it, but not once have they acknowledged how

Mr and Mrs Lé say theirs is a lesson for other young couples.

“We didn’t feel it was worth it to fight,” Steven said. “And we can’t afford to. We’re a young couple who have just gotten married, they are an established club with substantial finance behind them.

“We feel we’ve been bullied into paying with threats of legal proceedings,” Catherine said.

“We couldn’t risk paying legal costs.”

Disappointed at their treatment, the couple wrote to every member of the club’s board without receiving a single reply.

“CityNews” contacted the Royal Canberra Golf Club and was told the matter was closed and the club had no comment.

Big kids in the kitchen

By Kathryn Vukovljak

A SMALL group of enthusiastic, food-loving ANU students are busily making and selling “simple, wholesome, healthy, organic, vego meals” on campus at the Lunch at the Co-op Food Shop, according to coordinators Ross Jones and Kai Kamada-Laws.

“We’re all keen to see good, cheap food available, and we also love food and cooking,” says Ross. “So far it’s been a sell-out every day – usually within an hour or less!”

Ross says he came up with the idea when he came to Canberra after studying in Melbourne, when he found that there was nothing on campus for lunch that was “really good and healthy; just simple food that’s cheap”.

“We believe that food is such an important aspect of everybody’s lives, and while the Co-op already does a great job supplying organic and locallyproduced food as a grocer, we wanted to take it a step further and get cooking and provide amazing food for people in a relaxed, informal environment.

“This isn’t going to be a boring version of some vego soup kitchen – we will be constantly looking for new meal ideas. It’s all very democratic, with vol-

unteers suggesting new meal ideas all the time, so the menu is always changing.

“And all the volunteers get a free lunch!”

Lunch at the Food Co-op costs $4, or $5 with a cup of tea, says Ross.

“We are looking to vary the meals as much as possible, with an emphasis on simplicity and health,” he says. “For example, we’ve done pumpkin soup with bread, a chickpea, bean, and tomato salad and a red kidney bean dip, and on another day, soba noodles in a kombu and shiitake mushroom soy broth, with a sweet cucumber salad, a warm cabbage, leek and mustard seed salad tossed with

creme fraiche, and loose-leaf rooibos tea.”

Ross says the project has been, in part, inspired by the organisation Real Food Canberra, which has similar goals.

“By selling people good, cheap food at the Co-op we are subtly and indirectly showing people how easy it can be to eat healthy. How easy it can be to eat vegetarian. How easy it can be buy organic. Or even to think about where their food comes from,” says Ross.

Lunch at the Food Co-op, Childers Street (next to the Street Theatre), open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from midday during university semester times.

Assassination – all in the timing

Why did it take the Americans 0 months to act on intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden? ROBERT MACKLIN thinks he has the answer...

THE most intriguing aspect of the operation that ended with the death of Osama bin Laden is the timing.

By President Obama’s own admission they had good intelligence concerning his whereabouts at least as far back as August 2010 – that’s a full 10 months ago.

So, why the delay?

Presidents and Prime Ministers tell lies... not all the time, of course, just when it suits them. Their justification is “the national interest”, and occasionally it is. But more often it’s in the leader’s political interest and after a very short time in office they tend to confuse the two.

For example, if in August last year you asked President Barack Obama: “Do you know the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden?” he would say: “No”. But all the evidence suggests that this is simply untrue.

At the time the Americans called the terrorist, “The Man Most Wanted” but the last thing they wanted was to capture or kill him. They wanted him just where he was. Their calculation was perfectly understandable. Once they had him in their sights they could follow his couriers, break his communication

codes and gain a good understanding of the spread and extent of the Al Qaeda network.

However, after nearly a year they probably had all they needed. It allowed them – and their allies – to take out key operational leaders in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia and most recently Iraq.

But now there was another vital factor to consider: Mr Obama’s reelection. And that, I suggest, is why they acted now.

It was important that they kill rather than capture the man. If brought to court, he would use his trial in the US as a propaganda platform, ably assisted by some publicity seeking American lawyer (is there any other kind?) thereby playing into the hands of Al Qaeda recruiters.

But the truth is that Al Qaeda is now the bogeyman that governments use to frighten the citizenry. And if you doubt it, consider what has NOT happened during the war on terror.

How is it, for example, that they have not struck at our most vulnerable commodity – our water supply?

It requires the insertion of only a minute amount of deadly poison in

the dams and lakes that feed into the reticulation systems of any major Western city from London to New York to Canberra to kill untold thousands. And they are simply impossible to protect and defend. Indeed, we barely try. I know this because recently I walked around our Canberra storages. Had I been a terrorist I could have poured deadly toxins into the dams till the cows came home; there wasn’t a security officer within cooee.

This, of course, is all good news. It looks as though we’ve had a big win.

The trouble is that in the interim governments have passed laws restricting our freedoms and built gargantuan security services; and they rather like the collective control that has over our lives.

So they will never actually declare victory and even a nice man like Barack Obama will continue to tell big fibs to his friends and allies. robert@robertmacklin.com

Of Canberra Cats…

THE Canberra Cats, an official supporter group for the Geelong Cats AFL side, is inviting fellow followers to join them to watch live games on the big screen at the Woden Southern Cross Club, in the downstairs community room. The Canberra Cats have 70 members and during June will get together to watch Geelong play Western Bulldogs (Saturday, June 4, 2.10pm) and Adelaide (Sunday, June 26, 1.10pm ). More information from canberracats@gmail.com … and a lost dog

THIS is Eli, Marcia Malone’s much-loved, missing six-month-old puppy. “He ran to our neighbour because he is very friendly and playful, but the neighbour drove off. Goodness knows then where Eli went,” says Marcia,of Dunlop, who took two days from work and walked “100 miles and knocked on a 1000 doors”; put signs up; contacted the vets, the pounds, the RSPCA and bailed up the postie and letterbox deliverers, but to no avail. “We are a very sad household without our little buddy,” she says and is offering a reward for his safe return. Marcia’s mobile is 0431724813.

mum in the city

Share the love on the road

ISN’T it kind of weird what happens to some people when they get behind the wheel?

Normally quiet, reserved personality types can be transformed into impatient, aggressive monsters. Speed, sudden lane changes, jumping red lights, honking horns and hurling abuse are all part of the picture, especially in peak hour traffic.

Looking in the rear-view mirror the other day, I was horrified to catch my five-year-old girl happily flipping the finger at a passing motorist. On interrogation, she told me she had thought that was the equivalent of a sort of “silly wave” because she had observed so many people giving others the finger.

I must admit, I hadn’t really noticed. But once my attention was triggered, I was appalled by just how rude all too many Canberra drivers can be especially, I regret to say, younger drivers who clearly have not acquired any roadside manners.

I can understand people getting frustrated and bad tempered in traffic in Sydney and Melbourne. But in Canberra there really isn’t much to complain about. Here the roads are wide, traffic density low and peak hour so short

By sonya Fladun

as to barely merit the term.

I think we might have just forgotten the basics. Many years ago when I was learning to drive, the clear message was that no matter how rushed you are, being careful, polite and helpful on our roads was always the way to go.

And when someone does do something really frustrating, silly or even aggressive on the road, isn’t it best just to give them a wide berth so you get yourself and your family safety to your destination?

It might be wishful thinking, but just maybe if our kids see us practising a little anger management and being a bit more gracious in times of stress, they might learn to practise this when one day they are behind the wheel.

And if you need a reminder of how important this can be, just take note of the number of roadside crosses decorated with the flowers and photos for all those Canberrans who have not survived on our roads. Courtesy and caution are clearly the way to go.

Canberra University team tops the nation

“BRAIN Speller”, a student invention allowing people with limited movement or speech to use a computer, has won this year’s Microsoft Imagine Cup.

Team UCEEG is the fifth University of Canberra team in six years to be named the best in Australia in the competition. The team will represent Australia at the international finals in New York in July.

The invention uses a headset originally designed for gaming to enable people whose physical movements are restricted or who cannot use their voice to communicate using a special piece of software.

“This invention uses technology to give people with a variety of physical disabilities and motor conditions a better quality of life,” team leader Paul Du said.

Big Harts drive Matthew’s passion Search for virtual city

This is an article you should read if you are feeling depressed about the spiraling costs of your children’s sporting endeavours, writes TIM GAVEL

CHILDREN ’S’ sport: There’s registration fees, boots, shoes, socks... the list goes on, but it could be worse.

Imagine for a moment what life would be like if your son or daughter had a passion for motor sport with the dream of becoming the next Mark Webber. Forget the cost of soccer or swimming, imagine travelling the world as a driver in the circus known as “Formula One”.

The road is costly to say the least. Allan Webber, Mark’s father knows all too well just how hard it is to raise enough money to fund a Formula One dream. In the end, David Campese came to the rescue and helped Mark achieve his goals.

Not surprisingly, Rod Hart has sought advice from Allan Webber. You see, Rod’s 16-year-old son Matthew has a similar goal.

The Year 11 student at MacKillop College is no regular young man with a dream.

Matthew started racing carts at the age of seven and won 15 State titles. He has already attracted interest from professional racing teams, which is not surprising as many of the top drivers have a background in cart racing.

Six years on the national carting circuit has a hefty price tag with costs in excess of $40,000 a year. That pales into comparison when you decide to take the next step towards Formula One. In fact, the road to Formula One is littered with broken dreams and financial despair.

This hasn’t deterred Rod and his wife Nicole; they believe their son has what it takes and they have already borrowed against the family home more than once. Rod, who runs a skip bin business with his brother, isn’t what you would describe as well off, but both he and Nicole are prepared to do all they can to give their son the best-possible chance of being a Formula One driver.

The costs associated with this dream are staggering. This year alone, in a bid to allow Matthew to compete in the domestic Formula Ford season, will cost about $120,000. If that doesn’t take your breath away, then consider this; Matthew is keen to compete in the British Formula Ford season next year at a cost

of $200,000 a year. All up that is $320,000 over the next two years and the meter is still ticking.

Rod, though, believes anything is achievable. You have to admire his determination but, as Matthew says, the family’s finances have “maxed out”. I assume that means they can’t borrow any more to fund his passion. They need to find money from sponsors; sponsors with a passion for motor sport and a vision for the future beyond the initial outlay.

To a certain degree it’s a punt, a gamble on a young man with obvious talent.

It is hoped that for Matthew there is another David Campese on the horizon as the search for potential sponsors continues.

CAPITheticAL , a new international ideas competition for a hypothetical capital city, has been launched in Canberra.

The competition, which offers total prizes of more than $100,000, is a project of the 2013 Centenary of Canberra celebrations and comes 100 years after the original call for design entries for a capital city for Australia. Centenary of Canberra creative director Robyn Archer said: “Core to our celebration of Canberra’s origins, is the recognition that 100 years ago, the desire for a new capital for a new nation was bred of a genuinely altruistic nation-building spirit.

“A century later, CAPITheticAL provides an opportunity for the world’s best thinkers and designers to let their imaginations soar once again – to consider and present 21st century ideas addressing the kinds of challenges that would be faced if they were placed in that situation today.”

Stage one competition entries are due on January 31, 2012.

CAPITheticAL is a Centenary of Canberra project presented by the ACT Government and administered by the Australian Institute of Architects. More information at www.capithetical.com.au

Cold, cruel punishment dose of dorin

THIS morning, as I was on my morning power stroll down Printer’s Way in Kingston, I heard the mournful sounds of a child in distress.

I saw a small child, about three years old, locked between the front door of the house and the locked wrought-iron gates at the edge of the property. The temperature was minus three.

It appeared that this child had, perhaps, accidentally locked himself out of the house and couldn’t get back in, but it also could have been some sadistic form of parental discipline.

I didn’t know what to do. What sort of person would I be if I just kept on walking? Yet, what sort of person would I appear to be if I approached the child? It was most distressing and all the while all I could hear was the lament “I’m cold”. How long had he been there?

As I stood there wishing I had my phone so I could call the police and feeling generally bloody useless, the mother opened the door, chastised the child and let him back in.

It had been a cruel punishment after all. I walked away wondering why people didn’t need a licence to breed and vowing if I saw it again I will call the police. In this day and age where parents get prosecuted for giving their kids a smack on the bum, I can’t help thinking that a smack on the bum would be more beneficial than throwing your child out of the house on a freezing cold morning.

I deeply resent the dilemma this callous parent put me in and am so angry. Even now, I am struggling to decide whether I should report this incident to the child welfare authorities.

trevor Melksham, via email

Separate memorials

BECAUSE World War I and II follow each other closely and have memories for so many Australians, and despite the Australian War Memorial facing Anzac Parade, they still merit separate identities on the parade.

Harold Grant, c ampbell

Enlightening reader

DONNER und blitzen! Great to see Bonnie-Jade Ashley achieving in the fashion field (“Teen with a taste for fashion”, CN April 21) but surely at lightning speed and not lightening speed? I humbly submit that only the fabulous but flawed, late and great Michael Jackson is in the “lightening speed” category though recent speculation suggests sister LaToya may have joined him in the “lightening/whitening” process.

Barry Rollings, via e-mail

Editor’s note: We also had a couple of other howlers in last week’s edition, too. The Christchurch family on the front cover were described inside as having survived the Auckland earthquakes

(my error) and in the article, the family’s shattered home’s second storey was written incorrectly as “story”.

Jensen’s scare tactics

NICK Jensen (“Why ratings won’t work”, CN May 5) is yet another in a vocal minority who are using scare tactics to push their agenda.

I also work with children, and I have also experienced children playing games above their age range, but Nick and I differ in our opinions of the root cause of the problem and how best to change it.

Nick makes a lot of assertions about kids being “able to get their hands on just about any game available”, but uses only statistics that assist his argument.

Perhaps a more relevant report would be the “FTC Underground Shopper Survey” conducted in the US between November 2010 and January 2011, which had unaccompanied 13-16 year olds attempt to buy media content not available to their age groups.

In this survey only 13 per cent of minors were able to obtain video games above their age range, well down from all other forms of media retailers such as DVD retailers and movie theatres.

The conclusion that can be gained from this is that it is not children that are obtaining violent video games, but adults who are either unaware of what they were buying – or simply don’t

care. Why is it then the retailers who are blamed for doing their jobs – and doing them very well, too!

Shouldn’t most of the blame be passed to the adults buying the games, and in turn shouldn’t we be focusing on educating these adults as much as possible by offering a clearer line between what is and is not appropriate?

Gamers have received a bad rap over the years, despite vast and growing numbers of us, and many cannot be bothered to speak out about it. This R18+ rating has united us, though; the public consultation by the Attorneys-General received 6239 official submissions, and only 11 were against it. There is overwhelming support for

it amongst the Australia people – and what is democracy for, if not to enact the will of the people?

Dave Ellis via email

Sub-prime, Ric?

PERHAPS Ric Hingee (letters, CN April 21) would like the ACT Government to invest their super funds in the US’s subprime mortgage market, which was performing in excess of expectations in the 2002-2007 financial years. Five years of solid growth is nothing to sneeze at, and being based on bricks and mortar investments, can’t possibly fail. a lex strappa via email

Values fall as Labor’s tax goes up, up, up

By c atherine c arter

THE new tax on housing, announced in the ACT Budget, will apply to lease variations, will tax any land that is redeveloped and is to apply from July 1.

It is also set to increase each year from here on in.

The new charges will hit particularly hard on unit development, with the cost of building residential units to increase by up to $50,000 each in some areas. This cost will either be passed on through higher prices, or stop new projects altogether – raising unit prices further because of the ensuing shortage of supply.

Yet, with the help of some fairly twisted logical massage, this new charge has been described as a “concession” or a “subsidy” for the property industry.

The final (tripled) amount has apparently been defined as the “real” amount that “should” be charged. And the interim amounts, progressively increasing year by year, have been defined as the “real” amount minus a reducing discount.

To those who face the tax and its consequences this is not a discount at all. It is a new charge, and one which, because it grows, will progressively worsen the ACT’s housing situation each year.

Inevitably, a higher tax affects behavior, leading to less investment, a shortage of residential redevelopment, higher cost of existing multi-unit residences, more pressure on greenfield sites and greater strain on supporting infrastructure. All of which undermines government policy.

It is therefore good news that the Treasurer has indicated she is prepared to listen and has agreed that there can be further redevelopment work done on this Budget item. Maybe it can undergo a change of use!

Catherine Carter is ACT executive director of the Property Council of Australia

opinion Stopping the lady brain drain

THE recent Women in Science and Engineering Summit aimed to address why Australian women are dropping out of science and engineering, often when they’re at the peak of their careers.

Within half an hour the scissor graph was dragged out showing an alarming gender split in career trajectories; the number of women plummeting with increasing seniority versus men is all too familiar.

It has been shown at every women in science forum, meeting and lecture that I have attended in my brief career.

I wondered if this would be another frustrating, preach-to-the-converted, teasipping-and-sharing event, in which inspiring women share their stories of hardship experienced in the field, where we all vow to make a change and then part ways feeling uplifted only to meet up at the next event and repeat this cycle with slightly less vigor and enthusiasm.

But the WiSE summit in Canberra was different; real commitments to change were made.

The ANU’s Prof Carola Vinuesa, the head of the immunology group at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, spoke to the 160-strong forum of how she struggled to balance her career with her children.

“A career in science doesn’t allow you to

The

reality of Australia’s lady brain drain in science was confronted at Parliament House with a gathering of some of the best minds in white coats, writes scientist EMMA BURROWS

take even a year off,” she said.

Her ability to secure research money and the salaries for herself and her fellow researchers depends upon constant research output and, in order to remain competitive, she could not afford to stop.

Winning the Science Minister’s Life Scientist of the Year award in 2009 allowed Vinuesa to devote the $50,000 prize money to childcare and remain on par with her male colleagues.

President of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies and WiSE organiser, Cathy Foley, says the summit isn’t looking at the problem as a women’s issue, rather it’s about productivity, the economy and our culture.

‘’We have so many well-educated women who we are not making the most of,” she said.

“These women are not available to fill the shortfall of scientists and engineers who are in demand to solve a lot of major issues from ageing, energy, water, to climate change.”

Dr Foley said the absence of women at the top isn’t due to a “lack of talent, but unintended bias and outdated institutional structures that hinder success of women”.

But, the solution simply can not lie in making it necessary for women to work like men. How can we make this system fairer?

The nation’s two main research funding agencies committed to remove barriers to the promotion of highly skilled women in science and engineering and to increase incentives to encourage women to return to the workforce after maternity leave.

The Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council said they would change grant application processes to make them fairer to women.

Others offered targeted financial help, more flexible working conditions and transparency in pay levels and opportunity for promotion.

“We have some pretty big problems that need some pretty big brains”, said Dr Foley closing the WiSE summit.

In the midst of alarming speculation the Australian Government plans to cut million of dollars from medical research funding and science education in schools in the upcoming Federal Budget, this action to keep these big brains where they are needed is essential.

Emma Burrows is an early-career scientist at the Florey Neuroscience Institute in Melbourne. Her research has shown that increased physical and mental stimulation through environmental enrichment can reverse schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice.

We’re protecting rights, says society president

ACT Law Week is an opportunity for Canberrans to enhance their understanding of the law, the legal system and how lawyers may be able to assist them.

During Law Week, which is celebrated across Australia, the Canberra legal profession will hold a number of events which will raise funds for OzHarvest.

OzHarvest was founded in 2004 and is a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food which would be otherwise discarded. The excess food is distributed to charities supporting the vulnerable in Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Adelaide.

The wider Canberra community is invited to attend Law Week events, which include the Law Week debate and lunch to launch Law Week on May 16, the Women and Justice Forum, a mock

By at H ol o pas , act l aw society president

trial organised by the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions and tours of the ACT Supreme Court.

A highlight will be the Sir Richard Blackburn Lecture, to be delivered this year by Justice Virginia Bell, of the High Court of Australia. This year’s theme – “Protecting Your Rights” – is especially significant in the wake of the ACT Government’s attempts to make changes to compulsory third party insurance.

These changes, which have been shelved for now but are by no means “off the table”, mean that the rights of ACT road users to access fair compensation will be severely restricted.

Should you be seriously injured in a road accident, by someone else’s carelessness, whether you’re driving, riding a bike or crossing the road, you may get no compensation for pain and suffering. The amount you receive for future medical treatment, future loss of wages and future care will also be severely cut.

The ACT legal profession is united in its opposition to the ACT Government’s proposed removal of compensation for wrongfully injured motor accident victims, which the legal profession believes are unfair, unjust and unnecessary.

For more information about Law Week and its events call 6247 5700 or visit the Law Week 2011 page at www.actlawsociety.asn.au.

First step to solving personal legal issues

IF you have a legal problem and you don’t know what to do or you think you have a legal problem, make an appointment for a free discussion with a member of the Law Society.

Between 12.30pm and 2pm, members support the Legal Advice Bureau at the society’s Civic office. LAB solicitors do not draft documents or make court appearances. If necessary, you may be referred to another solicitor or, if eligible, Legal Aid.

Members everywhere

THE ACT legal profession is made up of about 1700 members from a vast array of backgrounds and members of the ACT legal profession can conduct business in 39 languages, including Malay, Portuguese, Tamil, Indonesian and Cantonese.

Who to call

SHOULD you require a lawyer, but are unsure who to contact, call the ACT Law Society, on 6247 5700, who will help you get in touch with firms that practice in the area of law you need.

Legacy of good

WHEN making a will you may wish to leave a legacy of good through the creation of a named commemorative charitable fund. It can be achieved easily and cost effectively through the facility of GreaterGood, the Capital Region Community Foundation. In your will, you can leave a capital sum in perpetuity knowing each year the income will go to support your favoured charitable causes.

GreaterGood is now the umbrella foundation for 41 charitable accounts holding a total capital of $7 million which, since inception, have distributed more than $1.4million in income to 70 charities.

More information from greatergood.org.au or the Public Trustee for the ACT on 6207 9800.

Special on wills

OVER Law Week and until June 14, City First Solicitors is offering to prepare a last will or a power of attorney for $99. The firm, located at 175 City Walk, also specialises in residential conveyancing. It undertakes personal injury and compensation matters and some family law matters on a “no-win-no-fee” basis. Call 6230 0466. Some conditions apply.

At Rider Levett Bucknall

Where

all about the arts Latin pride hits the big screen

The seventh annual Latin American Film Festival in Australia is bound to be quirky, unpredictable and full of emotion, says arts editor HELEN MUSA

“WE are so proud of being Latin American,” says Chile’s ambassador Pedro Pablo Diaz, just one in a formidable line-up of Latin American envoys who briefed me about the upcoming Latin American Film Festival.

Brazil’s ambassador Rubem Antonio Correa Barbosa agrees: “It is important for Australians to know of our bright future.”

This year the Embassy of Colombia is promoting the event, so will open it on May 16 with “The Invisible Children”, which takes us into a 1950s world of children looking for the magic recipe for invisibility.

“It’s not a comfortable film,” says Colombian ambassador Diego Betancur.

Nor is its opening-night companion Federico Veiroj’s “A Useful Life”, from Uruguay, in which real-life film critic Jorge Jellinek faces a crisis when his beloved art house cinema is forced to close down.

Mexican minister/counsellor Gilberto Limón emphasises social history in “Spiral”, a film by Mexico’s Jorge Pérez Solano. Set in rural Oaxaca, it depicts a society bereft of men, who have all gone “north” (to the US) for work.

Chile’s ambassador Pedro Pablo Diaz looks back on a miserable year of natural disasters in his country, saying “we have suffered a lot”. The antidote is a romantic film, “The Gift”. A bereft widower is taken by his friends to a spa where he meets an old love, Carmen, played by Delfina Guzman, the mother of Chile’s Finance Minister.

The arts are shown in exploitative mode with Cuba’s offering, “The Beauty of the Alhambra”, where a young female artist proves hell-bent on becoming a singer at Cuba’s top cabaret joint of the 1920s.

Peru’s ambassador Luis Quesada says he’s adding “a bit of pepper” to the mix with the 1985 classic “The City and the Dogs”. Directed by Francisco J. Lombardi, the film explores the “rigidity of values” within a military academy in Lima.

From Argentina comes “The Die is Cast,” where two loser half-brothers look for a way out of their misery. Soccer offers sal -

vation in “Brother”, from Venezuela, which focuses on two boys, Daniel and Julio, who are spotted by a scout for Caracas Football Club.

Ambassador Barbosa represents the huge Brazilian film industry, loved all over Latin America. His offering, “Noel the Samba King”, pays tribute to the legendary Rio samba composer and satirist of the 1930s, Noel Rosa.

“My Time Will Come”, a prizewinner at Biarrtiz, is directed by noted Ecuadorian documentary-maker Víctor Arregui. It concerns the Quito city morgue’s brooding Dr. Arturo Fernandez, who develops an interest in the personal lives of his cases.

“It’s not propaganda,” says Ecuador’s Raul Gangotena, “it’s a work of art.”

The Latin American Film Festival, May 16-20, sessions 6pm and 8pm, at the Visions Theatre, National Museum, admission free. More information at www.argentina. org.au

arts&entertainment

Screamingly funny Molière

THEATRE

“The Imaginary Invalid” By Molière, directed by Jordan Best, Courtyard Studio until May 14.

Reviewed by Helen Musa

TONY Turner holds centre stage as the hypochondriac Argan in this very modern production of a great French classic.

In a quiet, restrained performance, he shows us both the humanity and the absurdity in Molière’s last stage role. You can believe in him as a loving father, but at the same time a deluded man.

Revolving around Argan is a world of commedia dell’arte and slapstick and the assortment of pompous doctors, infatuated lovers and scheming connivers work their way through a jungle of rhyming couplets.

On the clever side is Erin Pugh in her best performance ever as Toinette the eccentric servant. But comic actor Jim Adamik, who has long made pompous stupidity his trademark, comes close to stealing the whole show in his brief appearance as Monsieur Purgon, the physician. It all makes for a screamingly funny night.

An endearing feature of this production, played out on Cate Clelland’s wacky set and in detailed costumes by Emma Sekuless, is the sheer joy of the actors, especially Kiki Skountzos and Riley Bell as the young lovers Angélique and Cléante.

In a remarkable show of strength, director Jordan Best has stepped on to the stage as Argan’s hypocritical second wife Béline, replacing

at

Production triumphs, drama strains

THE biggest round of applause for “Humble Boy” should be for its production team.

Jan Smith’s set is simply breath-taking; an English country garden, super-saturated with vivid colour and perfectly finished to the finest detail. Costumes, lighting and sound were also all faultless.

“Humble Boy” is an English drama set in the 1990s. Its protagonist, Felix Humble (James Scott), is an astrophysicist attempting to come to terms with the sudden death of his father, an entomologist who had a love of bees.

The main relationship in the story is between the depressed and possibly mildly autistic Felix and his ageing fashionista mother, Flora (Naoné Carrel). Solid, consistent performances by these actors ensure that the nuances of their interaction are warmly conveyed. Other relationships

THEATRE

“Humble Boy” By Charlotte Jones, directed by Corille Fraser, Theatre 3 until May 21.

Reviewed by Simone Penkethman

are less consistent. Some golden moments of physical comedy are handled far better than the dramatic turns.

Jones’ script is rich, but challenging. Aspects of its plot strain credibility, high points of conflict seem to spring from nowhere and its denouement and conclusion leave one dubious as to whether any of the characters are better off.

“Humble Boy” is a thought-provoking, witty and compassionate play, but some of its character journeys require more clarity.

Stunningly beautiful and affecting

“6 BREATHS” begins with a movement depicting the beginning of life.

Five other depictions of “breaths” ensue, culminating in the “last breath”. Between movements, a 3D image appears on an invisible screen, seeming at first like smoke, forming a female entwined with a man.

No sooner created, than the image disperses, transient as breath and life itself.

Choreographer Rafael Bonachela creates an overall feeling of beauty and tension, aided once again by his collaboration with composer Ezio Bosso, whose Philip Glass-esque compositions are often relentless with a frantic dénouement, a return to calm.

Uniform costumes created an effective androgyny. All sequences were danced to the extremely high standard continually delivered by SDC. Several new faces will benefit from experience to ground their dancing and perfect awareness and emotional conviction, but every controlled legline was amazing, every toe pointed with an impossible arch. It was a stun -

DANCE

“Between Breath & Form” Sydney Dance Company, at Canberra Theatre, season closed.

Reviewed by Samara

Purnell

ningly beautiful and affecting piece, followed by “LANDforms”, inspired by the Australian landscape.

A stark black set allows Mark Dyson’s lighting design to create dawn and sunset, and an impressive spotlight effect, all showcasing the dancers’ muscular bodies. The rare opportunity to see males dance a pas de deux is a privilege – to witness the beauty in juxtaposing physical strength and masculinity with softness in interaction.

Bosso’s hauntingly beautiful “Music for Weather Elements”, combined with soft but powerfully executed dance sequences, is like being slowly gathered in a perfect embrace and transported to a place and time of pure beauty.

arts&entertainment

Power, pain and an emotional shame cinema

“THE ROuNDuP” (M)

WRITER/ DIRECTOR Rose Bosch’s docu-drama follows 13,000 Jews from the Butte de Montmartre to the train and trucks that in 1942 eventually carried them to the Auschwitz killing factory.

It is difficult to challenge its authenticity. Only 25 victims remained alive when World War II ended. One of them, Jo Weisman who escaped from Loriet holding camp, has a small role in the film.

The narrative focuses on the Weisman and Zygler families and Dr Sheinbaum (Jean Reno) as well as nurse Annette (Melanie Laurent), who refused to abandon the people incarcerated in the Paris Velodrome without food, water, sanitation or ventilation.

France has a history of large-scale termination of groups disliked by its regime. What made the velodrome incident so disgusting was that while Hitler and Goebbels gave the orders for it, the Vichy Government’s Marshal Petain and politico Laval provided the bureaucratic and enforcement resources for its implementation.

Our knowledge of the event’s awful outcome allows us to cope with the film’s rising level of shame and fear – the brutality, the anguish of families torn apart, the innocence of children to whom what they were experiencing was a kind of game that, for some at least, slowly developed into a challenge to survival. It is not until the timeline reaches the search for the missing in 1945 that the film’s full power comes into play. That’s when I took out my handkerchief.

At Greater Union and Dendy

“BABIES” (G)

IN Namibia, Bayar’s mother lives in a rudimentary shelter with only the most meager of domestic artefacts. Children play in the dirt. They have no toys. Their and their mothers’ clothing covers only their genitals and sometimes not even that. Their coppery skin glows with vitality. They give every indication of being comfortable in a lifestyle and environment that offers no comforts.

In Mongolia, Ponijao’s nomadic family lives in a yurt among their herds. They wear clothes. A solar panel provides power for domestic appliances. Ponijao’s playground is the grassy, treeless steppes. In Tokyo, Mari’s middle-class family lives in an apartment. In San Francisco, Hattie’s parents practise a new-age suburban lifestyle.

The film has no screenplay nor any sense of contrivance or direction. Bayar and Ponijao live at ground level among livestock and vegetation. Mari and Hattie live in social stipulations that shield them from risk while failing to prepare

Dougal Macdonald

them for risk’s existence.

The children are delightful. Film-maker Thomas Balme, apparently offering them as exemplars for the future of humankind, imbues his film with a subtle suggestion that the further humankind develops from nature, the less likely that humankind will have a future. Does that make sense?

At Dendy and Greater Union

“SOuRCE CODE” (M)

THIS sci-fi thriller proposes that a nutter detonates a bomb in a commuter train, killing all aboard.

Army helicopter pilot Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is among them. The winsome young woman (Michelle Monaghan) sitting opposite him seems to know him well. He has no idea how that might be. After the explosion, Stevens awakes in front of an interactive screen on which army captain Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) tells him that he is part of the beta-test of an invention to stop disasters after they have happened. Stay with me on this. There may be a rational explanation. Films of this kind as often as not depend on a mad scientist, in this case Rutledge (Geoffrey Wright). Source code will allow Stevens eight minutes to return to the train, locate and disable the bomb and identify the bomber. Stevens gets blown up, revived and returned to complete the mission more often than he finds comfortable. While learning that he died two months ago on an Afghanistan battlefield shocks him, we are less so. “Source Code’s” tensions work moderately well, but getting involved with its underlying premise isn’t easy. At best, it’s an imaginative pot-boiler. At all cinemas

Michelle Monaghan and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Source Code”.

Win a ‘Doc Martin’ boxset

The award-winning and top-rating ABC television series, “Doc Martin” has been released as a beautifully packaged nine-disc set. The “Doc Martin Comedy Cure” includes series one to four and “On The Edge”. And “CityNews” has four boxed sets, valued at $99.95 each, to give away.

Entry details at citynews.com.au/win

arts in the city Canberra artists running hot

By Helen Musa

IT may be cold, but our artists are hot: Canberra sculptor John Topfer is the winner in the Toorak Sculpture Festival for his work “Growth”; Canberra Classical Guitar Society and Wesley Music Foundation’s Classical Guitar Composition Project has been won by two of our brightest stars, Michael Sollis and Bradley Kunda; Kangaroo Valley’s Arts in the Valley festival director Belinda Webster has won the 2011 Don Banks Music Award; a painting by Canberra artist Steve Roper has been accepted for the major Muswellbrook Open Art Prize and The Canberra Symphony Orchestra has scored ACT Government funding of $201,000 over three years for “Noteworthy”, which offers school kids free, interactive concerts.

WILDLIFE and botanical art-lovers should get along to a meeting hosted by Wildlife and Botanical Artists from 1pm-3pm on May 14 in the Theatrette at the Australian National Botanical Gardens. It features presentations from wildlife artist Lesley Wallington, flower painter Nilavan Adams, illustrator Peter Marsack and president of WABA Julia Landford.

“FROM Inside Out” is an unusual exhibition from Australian/Filipino artist Ivabelle Bernabe running at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre until May 23, which the artist blends her heritage with her Australian experiences.

THAT uplifting musical “Breast Wishes” is on tour to 46 venues around the country

with a top cast. Based on a concept on Anne Looby, it’s about, well, boobs. Seen a year or so ago at the Canberra Theatre, but will now be at The Q, Queanbeyan, from May 17-21. Bookings to 6285 6290.

THE hugely popular piano trio Trioz – pianist Kathryn Selby, cellist EmmaJane Murphy and violinist Niki Vasilakis, together with guest Yvette Goodchild on viola – return to town in a Selby and Friends concert at the James O. Fairfax Theatre, NGA on May 16 at 7pm. Children 12 years and under are free. Bookings to (02) 9969 7039.

The Tasmanian Theatre Company is coming to The Street Theatre from May 18-28 with “I Am My Own Wife,” about author Doug Wright’s fascination with Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite caught up in the maelstrom of the 20th century. Bookings to 6247 1223.

BELCONNEN Arts Centre could well exhaust us with three new exhibitions – “The Edge,” an exhibition of sculptural works about “living on the edge”, “Southern Deserts”, by Beverley Thomas and “Forget-me-not forget-me-not”. All run until May 29.

NICOLE Mackay is a local artist and interior stylist who has recently formed her own residential styling services business. Right now she’s exhibiting paint and photographic works on canvas at Artespresso in Kingston.

Where fish are always biting

By Wendy Johnson

A FISH shack. Conjures up images in my memory bank of a ramshackle place, near a body of water, that sells fresh, scrumptious fish.

Well in Canberra The Fish Shack, which opened a few months ago, is much trendier and, while it’s nowhere near the ocean, quality fish is the catch of the day.

Owner Brendon Sedaitis is ramping matters up now that his supply lines are established and will soon expand his menu to include swordfish, tuna, albacore and more.

The current menu has an Asian influence, partly reflecting Brendon’s time in Hanoi where – as an Australian Agency for International Development volunteer – he worked as a certified hospitality trainer for KOTO (know-one-teach-one), helping former street kids gain the experience

needed to gain meaningful jobs in restaurants.

While overseas, Brendon also learned from others, including a Japanese chef who shared his delightfully light tempura batter recipe, which is used on The Fish Shack’s soft-shell crab ($12.50).

Fish and chips are on the menu – classic beer battered (but made only with premium beers for a tastier batter), grilled with lime and mild chilli (gluten free), steamed with lemon grass and ginger (also gluten free) and crumbed with lemon and pepper.

The latter was my choice and I couldn’t complain. The Flathead was tasty and the coating a coarse crumb mixed with lemon zest, black pepper and chopped parsley ($8.50 medium, $11.50 large and $14.5 for a two pack, with hand-cut chips $2 extra).

The crumb mixture, as with the dips (lime aioli, roast garlic aioli, wasabi mayo and tartare), are made in-house.

My friend’s chowder ($10) was piping hot – perfect for a cool Canberra day (although The Fish Shack has heaters). It was made with Snowy Mountain trout, which was “as creamy as”. Our only suggestion is to add a few more chunks of trout in the chowder.

The current menu also includes Thai coriander fish cakes ($8.50), salt and pepper squid and chips ($10.50) and tempura prawns and chips ($12.50). If you’re craving a burger, The Fish Shack has fish, vegetable or prime beef options (all $9.50).

Brendon, whose uncle is Alby Sedaitis, of Barocca Café and Café Chaos fame, got the idea to open The Fish Shack when he returned from abroad.

In Manly with overseas friends – right near the beach – he could only find “frozen pre-battered rubbish”. He vowed to open his own fish shack, cooking in-house and to order. Now he is casting his line even further out to sea and will eventually source self-sustainable Australian fish.

The Fish Shack, Petrie Plaza off Bunda Street, Civic. Open 9.30am to 7.30pm Mon-Thurs; till 9pm Friday and 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday. You can call ahead to order on 6248 5885.

Dull roar against childhood obesity

Food scientist AMANDA DOS SANTOS sees some hope on the horizon in the fight against obese children

THERE is a still a dull roar about the obesity epidemic in Australia, especially with our children.

This is founded on statistics such as the obesity rate tripling from 1985 to 1995. Yet recent statistics from a NSW school survey, amongst other studies, have shown that the rate of overweight and obese children is levelling out at 20-25 per cent.

Levelling or not, this figure is incredibly concerning. The overweight and obese population (including adults) cost Australia approximately $58 billion a year. From a health and an economic perspective, these figures are scary, but how do we tackle this problem as a nation and as parents?

The health issues that develop from being overweight or obese include type 2 diabetes with elevated blood glucose and insulin, fatty liver, sleep apnoea, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, orthopedic issues such as bone development, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Emotional and social concerns include poor self-esteem, poor body image and psycho-social issues. Overweight and obesity in childhood is also strongly associated with becoming or remaining overweight or obese as an adult and some adolescents are developing adult onset, type 2 diabetes.

The Federal Government has put a lot of resources around programs and initiatives to combat the obesity epidemic evident in Australia’s children. Some of these include the school canteen programs such as “Fresh Tastes @School” that operates on a traffic-light system by which red, amber and green foods are positioned according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Purchasing restraints are enforced depending on what category a food falls into.

Another Government-backed program is the “Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program”.

The philosophy that underpins it, according to the website, is “that by setting good examples and engaging children’s innate curiosity, as well as their energy and their taste buds, we can provide positive and memorable food experiences that will form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits.”

The program began in 2001, and has since steadily and successfully been rolled out in 180 primary schools across the country.

Another $12.8 million has been committed to engage another 190 primary schools with grants of up to $66,000 available for each school.

Hopefully, some of these government initiatives help schools, carers and parents achieve a better balance when trying to teach their kids about eating habits and that some of them result in the reduction of the number of obese children.

More information at www.kitchengardenfoundation.org. au, www.kidspantry.com.au or www.healthykids.nsw.gov. au/campaigns-programs/fresh-tastes-@-school.aspx

Replacing fat with muscle

GOOD health isn’t just about losing weight – it’s about where we store the fat we have, according to Scott Williams, managing director of Alive Health and Fitness.

“People who store most of their body fat around their waists have an increased risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke compared with those who have the same amount of body fat stored around their hips and thighs.”

Because of the way they tend to store fat, this puts most men at greater risk than most women.

“In the fitness industry, we use the analogy of: ‘Are you an apple or a pear?’” says Scott. “Measuring your waist-to-hip ratio is an easy way to see how much weight you are carrying around your abdomen, as opposed to around your hips.

“Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your hips at the widest part of your buttocks. Then measure your waist at the smaller circumference of your natural waist, usually just above the belly button.

“To determine the ratio, divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement.

“Research shows that people with apple-shaped bodies, with more weight around the waist, face more health risks than those with pear-shaped bodies who carry more weight around the hips.”

Apple-shaped people are also at greater risk of some types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer, as well as insulin resistance, low levels of “good” (HDL) cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnoea and gall bladder problems in women.

“In addition, a recent study uncovered a connection between central obesity, particularly visceral belly fat, with risk of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Even worse, a 2008 study reported in the ‘New England Journal of Medicine’ has

discovered that people with the most belly fat had about twice the risk of dying prematurely as those with the least amount of belly fat,” Scott says.

“Obesity itself incurs many of these risks, too, but belly fat increases the risks, and must be controlled to counter its greater health threats.”

So what to do about it? Scott says that as with any other area of the body, it’s not possible to “spot reduce” the area.

“We cannot control where the weight comes off once we start to lose weight,” he says. “It is different for everybody.”

He suggests that we replace the notion of dieting with eating healthy meals.

“Healthy meals consist of lean protein, lots of vegetables, healthy fats and some fruit. You should consistently choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural state. Steer clear of anything processed.”

Exercise, of course, is vital, and Scott says that while cardiovascular exercise reduces body fat levels, lifting weights is also important.

“Regular weight lifting has several beneficial effects for those folks trying to reduce their body fat levels. Muscles burn extra calories.

“The more muscle you carry on your frame, the more calories you burn in a 24-hour period, which translates into extra fat burning power. Muscles take up about one third less space than fat. Muscles give you the power to carry on your daily activities more effectively and with energy to spare.”

Roughly, each extra kilo of muscle we carry means we burn an extra 35 calories a day. “It doesn’t seem like much, but adds up to roughly 4kg a year less in body fat!”

Win a sizzling night out

The sizzling “Bar at Buena Vista – The Grandfathers of Cuban Music”, returns to Canberra Theatre on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 – and “CityNews” has six doubles to the opening night to give away.

The tickets are valued at $89.90 each and they’re waiting to be won at citynews.com.au/win

fashion Clothes maketh the mum

GOOD-quality, transitional clothing can actually make the experience of being pregnant easier, says Beck Daly, owner of Motherly Instincts in Greenway – and today’s fashions offer a lot more choice than in the past.

“Dresses are a must – not only are they comfortable, but easy to wear. Women want a dress to give them shape, and not just hang from the belly – they want to feel gorgeous and sexy.”

Black dress pants, Latest Addition, $65, and Cargo pants, Latest Addition, $70, www.dressingfortwo.com.au

Ripe

Maternity

Gemini

Cowl Knit

Tunic

$84.95, Motherly Instincts.

The same goes for breastfeeding, she says. “Having a breastfeeding top allows you to breastfeed anywhere without concerns about having the top of your tummy exposed, or the top of your bust.

“You don’t have to struggle with a wrap hanging over your shoulder. The tops allow bubs easy access when they demand a feed and have easy access by pulling to the side or up and have your baby attached without having to make sure the top or dress is sitting correctly.

“Breastfeeding mums will normally breastfeed for up to 12 months so spending money on this type of product is worth it.”

The right clothes can help with the self-esteem issues which affect some women as their body shape changes, Beck says – it’s actually a hard time in many women’s lives.

“The extreme change to the body in a short period of time can really upset some women. All I can say is we are never happy, whatever size or shape we are. We just have to remember the amazing outcome and worry about the body after. Most of us will never be the same, but it is all worth it when you have your child in your arms.”

all about home&garden

A wander in Weston’s secret garden

By Kathryn Vukovljak

WOODLAND paths, rare trees, exotics, a secret garden, pretty ponds, a wellestablished arboretum and several muscly kangaroos are all hidden away in a soon-to-be public park in Weston Creek – and the community doesn’t even know it’s there, says Tim Dalton, chair of the new Fetherston Gardens Working Group.

The disused gardens – not set to be open to the public for another 12 months – were formally the grounds of the Canberra Institute of Technology Horticulture College in Heyson Street, and hadn’t been touched since the campus closed in 2002. The former classroom buildings became part of the Canberra Islamic School in 2010, with boundaries between the park and the school currently being rearranged.

Since the land was acquired by the Weston Creek Community Council for public use in November 2010, a small and determined group of volunteers have been meeting on the last Sunday of every month to help nurse the gardens back to a presentable state – and enjoy a Rotary barbecue afterwards.

“It was a bit like Miss Havisham’s garden in ‘Great Expectations’,” he says. “We’ve been climbing trees to get the ivy off, clearing paths and weeds.

“All sorts of species have been uncovered, some of which were still labelled, but it’s a lot of hard work, with a long way still to go.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers, but anyone is welcome on the working bee days to come along and have a look.”

Named after the first and longest-serving head of the Horticulture College, Tony Fetherston, Tim says the aim is for the gardens to be a community hub.

“We’d like it to be open all the time, locked at night, but a place to come for quiet time in the secret garden, or to kick a ball around with the kids in the open areas.

“It will have multiple uses; we can see Christmas markets here, mums and bubs groups, a community room and a stage, like a mini Stage 88. Weston doesn’t have anything like this.

“The plan is to host the Weston Creek Festival here next autumn, so we’re starting to plan that now and it gives us a timeline to work towards.

“At the moment we’re waiting for more government funding to be allocated; they have been very supportive so far.

“Just keeping the garden going and watered is expensive, but we need to get the master plan in place and start to move forward with building and re-irrigating.

“There’s a lot to do but a place like this will be so valuable to the community. It’s going to be a great district park.”

gardening

Why size matters...when picking the right trees

By cedric Bryant

WATCHING the royal wedding as a gardener, I thought the use of large trees in Westminster Abbey was fascinating.

I am sure this is a first but not sure of the reason behind the inclusion of the trees, which I understand was the bride’s idea.

But I looked at the symbolism as the emerging new leaves in the British spring as a sign of life starting afresh being synonymous with the start of married life for the royal couple.

Here the autumn leaves are still providing a wonderful palette of colour and I just had to include this picture of a Pistacia chinense or Chinese Pistachio growing in a Campbell garden. Do take particular note of its size.

As we go into winter, a wide variety of trees become available as “bare-rooted” or “open ground”. Before buying any tree decide if you really have room in your garden. There is a wealth of information from your local garden centre or the internet.

The ultimate size can vary according to soil conditions and climate. For example, the Chinese Pistachio can, according to some sources, grow to 8m tall with a 6m spread. This one is considerably larger, being at least 10m tall with a similar spread.

Especially in new suburban gardens, I see the ubiquitous Manchurian pear trees (12-15m tall with a 7-10m spread) planted literally one metre from the back fence or in front gardens several planted 1-2m apart!

Often builders/developers are not familiar with trees, or any plants for that matter, and decide to do the landscaping themselves by popping down to the local garden centre and buying a selection of trees and shrubs, then plant them out irre -

spective of their size; include some artificial grass and the property is advertised as “fully landscaped”!

The only folk who will benefit are the arborists in a few years, having to remove over-sized trees, often with no access to backyards. One advantage in new suburbs is that there are no overhead powerlines to worry about.

Please, spec builders, developers or home owners, check if there is space for the tree to grow. Equally important, do not plant over underground services, gas, sewer pipes, phone lines etc. In reality, with many blocks of only 500-600sqm with a “McMansion” on top, there is simply no room for trees of any description.

FIGURES from seed companies continue to indicate the rise of vegetable seeds over flower seeds as more people are growing their own vegetables; this coupled with the desire to grow them organically. By growing your own, you have complete control on what pesticides and fertilisers are used. Once again, with limited space in gardens, raised metal

garden beds are the answer. They are rot proof, possums and other pests find it hard to clamber up the sides, excellent for those with bad backs etc. Check out the range of sizes with 20 colours to chose from to match your home at Enviro-Friendly Products, 65-67 Colbee Court Phillip.

THE season’s last Actew Free Garden Workshop will be held this Saturday at Rosary Primary School, Watson at 9am. There will be a barbecue breakfast from 8am. Everything from installing drip irrigation (have you noticed how dry it is getting?) to dealing with clay soils, drought-tolerant plant lists, fertilising and more. These are conducted by irrigation expert Austin Goodfellow and yours truly. Bookings are essential during business hours on 6248 3131.

This week:

Finish planting Australian grown garlic (not the imported garlic treated with chemicals on arrival).

Keep leaves off hedges. The weight of dead leaves can cause real damage to hedges.

Raise containers on to pot feet to prevent damaging water-logging. Prune now Acers (maples) vines and other plants that “bleed” badly in spring.

Warm and cosy and keeping

Making your home as cosy and comfortable as possible on cold days is always a priority at this time of year, but avoiding huge energy bills is equally as important, according to ACTEW Home Energy Advice Team (HEAT) and Monergy, an ACT Government energy efficiency campaign.

“Heating is a large part of your energy account, yet there are many simple ways of reducing the cost,” they say.

“For example, instead of heating the entire bedroom, use an electric blanket to warm up the bed.

“And on sunny winter days, take advantage of free warmth by pulling back the curtains and letting the sun through the windows. If you do need to heat your home, set your thermostat to between 18° and 20° C.

“Every degree can reduce your costs by 10 per cent,” they say.

Insulate ceilings to keep heat in during winter and out during summer. “With the use of good insulation in your roof, walls and

floors, you can save up to $100 every year,” according to Monergy.

“Cracks and gaps in houses can account for 10 to 15 per cent of heat loss, so save energy by sealing up gaps and install draught excluders under doors, soft rubber weather strips around windows, and seal around skirting and architraves.”

Installing good-quality and well-fitted curtains with pelmets and blinds can save you up to 10 per cent on your heating bills.

HEAT also suggests installing double-glazed windows, closing off areas being heated, blocking off chimneys when not in use and using time switches to provide heating when required.

Primer is time well spent

By Kathryn Vukovljak

DON’T be tempted to skip the primer when painting walls, says Erwin Brouwer, – it might seem like more work but in the long run it will save time and money.

“A primer, or undercoat, will make the paint job last longer,” says Mr Brouwer, national sales manager of Zinsser Asia Pacific.

“It’s all in the preparation. It also reduces the amount of coats of paint needed, and can prevent common paint problems like cracking, peeling and blistering so the top coat will retain its original colour longer.”

He says that even if you are painting over a wall in a similar

colour, using an undercoat helps to make the new colour “pop”.

“It just creates a better surface,” he says. “And it will mask stains, like water marks, crayon and marker, lipstick or nicotine, which will otherwise bleed through paint.”

Painting a glossy, slick surface without using an undercoat usually means the paint won’t stick, says Erwin.

“Undercoats are formulated to have tenacious adhesion to all surfaces, even ceramic tiles and laminate cabinets,” he says. “Without an undercoat paint will just stick to old paint, and can easily chip and peel.

“If you do the job properly then it will need doing less often.”

keeping warm

the energy bill down

Cosy up with a rich, knit blanket and a deep armchair on winter nights. Elsham Natural blanket, $329, Brandon leather chair, POA, Laura Ashley. For stockists call 1800 033453.

These textured cushions, by Logan & Mason ultima, are crafted in a range of jewel-like colours – choose from a soft-ruffled finish (Raffles) or a surface of shimmering petals (Izzy). Raffles cushion, $59.95. For stockists visit www. loganandmason.com.au

An easy-to-use fireplace tablesetting for indoor and outdoor use – fuelled by ethanol, this creates an enchanting miniature designer fireplace in an instant. They come in three designs. Black and Stone mini fireplace, from $99.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore May 16 – 22

ARIES

(Mar  – Apr 0)

The Full Moon takes your fiery intensity up a notch (or two) but pace yourself, otherwise you risk Aries burn-out – which is not a pretty sight! It’s time to lay down arms and build bridges with loved ones. Lucky Venus moves into your money zone so financial dealings are favoured and the more proactive you are, the more your bank balance will grow.

TAURUS

(Apr  – May 0)

Taureans are fabulous flirters and this week, with the Full Moon in your relationship zone (plus four planets in your sign) it’s time to give those charisma muscles a workout as you radiate your sensual charms far and wide. Do you want more love and success in your life? Flutter those eyelashes (or flex those Bullish biceps) and you shall receive!

GEMINI (May  – June )

Twins are feeling super creative, as you tap into your unconscious mind, pluck ideas from your imagination, and discuss them with like-minded souls. The Full Moon highlights health issues so make sure you’re up-to-date with medical checks. Geminis love to gossip but if you are told something in confidence, have the sense to keep your mouth shut.

CANCER

(June  – July )

If things get fiery and over-emotional with a child, teenager or friend, try seeing the situation from their point of view. With deeper insight, you’ll discover the path to a comfortable compromise. Wednesday through to Sunday is the time to shake up your usual routine. Do things differently, as you banish boredom and initiate positive changes.

LEO (July  – Aug )

It’s not the best week to host a family reunion or bring up sensitive childhood issues. The Full Moon falls in your home zone so be on domestic drama alert. Confiscate all sharp implements and choose your words wisely, as loved ones are liable to make mountains out of molehills. Creativity is high on Sunday but don’t confuse fact with fiction.

VIRGO (Aug  – Sept )

Villa Virgo is usually a place where efficiency reigns, routine is revered, and surprises are unwelcome. This week you’ll find that life’s complicated, relationships are unpredictable, and the rules are constantly changing. The weekend is the perfect time to study a subject that has always intrigued you. Singles – love and travel are linked.

LIBRA (Sept  – Oct )

Have you been shopping up a storm when you should be saving or paying off debt? If the answer is ‘yes’, then there could be some dramas this week, as the Full Moon fires up your finance sector. Passion is high on the weekend, as Venus and Pluto make beautiful music together in your intimacy zone. Time to snuggle up close with someone special!

SCORPIO (Oct 4 – Nov )

The Scorpio Full Moon increases your magnetism – and your tendency to obsessive behaviour. Are you being unreasonably stubborn about a situation? Keep in mind the quote from Edward de Bono born on May 19 “If you never change your mind, why have one?” The weekend favours creative communication and passionate partnerships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov  – Dec )

A Full Moon doesn’t usually throw you! You love the rush of energy it brings so use it to shine a spotlight on your hidden strengths and secret dreams for the future. You could hear some startling news that makes your ears burn but think twice before you pass it on. On the weekend, avoid taking on more commitments that you can realistically handle.

CAPRICORN (Dec  – Jan )

Clever Capricorns – this week you’ll be given the opportunity to creatively turn a pig’s ear into a silk purse, which is one of your specialties. Don’t underestimate your professional talents or limit your long-term dreams. Your motto for the week is from birthday great Liberace “Nobody will believe in you unless you believe in yourself.”

AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb )

Your unpredictable ways will be very predictable this week, especially at work, as the Full Moon boosts your temperamental tendencies. Rebellious? Eccentric? Contrary? Pushing everyone’s buttons for your own personal amusement? A big yes to all the above! The best way to get out of a money mess is to stop buying things you don’t need.

PISCES

(Feb  – Mar 0)

Communication is the buzzword this week. Perhaps you have to speak in front of a group or your creative efforts find an appreciative audience? Soak up the spotlight Pisces! With the Full Moon activating your adventure zone, it’s also time to channel the intrepid explorer within as you plan a weekend escape or overseas getaway for some time soon.

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore

Canberra Region Property Summary

BELCONNEN

6242 9777 3BR I U ARANDA

Sat 10:00-10:45 25 Bindaga St Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 3BR B

Sat 11:00-11:45 32 Bandjalong Cr Luton Properties 0415 104 200 3BR H Sat 11:00-11:45 1/37 Bindaga St Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 3BR H Sat 12:00-12:45 4/24 Bindaga Pl Elders Belconnen 0428 486 692 2BR H Sat 2:00-2:45 33 Noala St EthicsRealEstate.com.au 0403 246 800 4BR F

Call Agent 11 Gingana St Ray White Canberra 0411 037 137 4BR A BANKS

Sat 12:00-12:30 14 Angell Pl Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0418 822 144 4BR G

Bellchambers Cr Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0402 017 912 3BR B

Bellchambers Cr L.J. Hooker Tuggeranong 0424 288 717 3BR J

6/48 Betty Maloney Cr L.J. Hooker Tuggeranong 0438 627 772 3BR I

L.J. Hooker Tuggeranong 0438 627 772 4BR G

McIntyre Property 0417 263 678 4BR H

Cct Luton Properties 0409 015 400 3BR I

L.J. Hooker Tuggeranong 0417 285 528 4BR A

Cr Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 3BR

0412 773 938 3BR

BONNER

BRUCE

BUNGENDORE

Canberra Region Property Summary 100%

THE

FLOREY

FLYNN

HACKETT

Canberra Region Property Summary

HARCOURT

HARRISON

100% OF C ANBERRA HOME BUYERS

MURRUMBATEMAN

Canberra Region Property Summary THE

NARRABUNDAH

B

Sat 10:40-11:10 61/12 Albermarle Pl Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0413 701 073 3BR I Sat 11:00-11:45 4/43 Port Jackson Cct Philip Kouvelis Real Estate 0412 622 420 2BR I

Civic 0408 868 511 2BR J

9/8 Antis St Independent Civic 0427 961 568 2BR J

Corinna St Peter Blackshaw Woden 0408 848 622 2BR I

Sat 10:00-10:30 7/24 Bungendore Rd Go Gecko Queanbeyan 02 6299 4400 2BR J Sat 10:00-10:30 19/39-43 Crawford St Luton Properties 0405 135 009 2BR J Sat 10:00-10:30

10:15-10:45 1/16 Charles St Maxwell & Co Real Estate 0416 182 379 2BR K

10:30-11:30 6 Webber Pl L.J. Hooker Queanbeyan 0415 735 777 4BR A

WARAMANGA

STIRLING

STROMLO/URIARRA

SWINGER HILL

THEODORE

TURNER

C

Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

1:15-3:00

G Section Bh First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 3BR I Sat 1:15-3:00 Block Q Section Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H Sat 1:15-3:00 Block R Section Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H Sat 1:15-3:00

15 Section 75 First National Gungahlin 0411 740 035 3BR I Sat 1:15-3:00 73 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

Sat 1:15-3:00 87b Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 2BR J

Sat 1:15-3:00 91 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0408 413 405 6BR D

Sat 1:15-3:00 97 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0408 413 405 3BR I

Sat 1:15-3:00 99 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0408 413 405 4BR I

Sat 1:15-3:00 103 Plimsoll Dr First National Gungahlin 0408 413 405 4BR G Sat 1:15-2:15 23 Ronald Walker St McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin 0407 777 601 4BR H Sat 3:00-3:45 1/50 Victoria Owen Cct McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin 0407 777 601 3BR I Sun 1:15-3:00

1:15-3:00

Sun 1:15-3:00

L Section Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

C Sec Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

Q Section Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

R Section Cd First National Gungahlin 0433 557 337 4BR H

Sun 1:15-3:00 Block 15 Section 75 First National Gungahlin 0411 740 035 3BR I

Sun 1:15-3:00

Canberra Region Property Summary 100%

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