Canberra CityNews July 21-27, 2011

Too many dogs, not enough love

By Kathryn Vukovljak

TOO many dogs and not enough people to pat them, that’s the frustration facing Annie Kenning, the ACT branch co-ordinator of the Delta Society Australia, a volunteer organisation that brings dogs and their owners into facilities where people have limited access to animals.

“There may be a resident of a nursing home who was once a dog owner, but the facilities don’t allow for pets so they feel they may never see another dog,” says Annie. “It can mean a lot to them to have that interaction again.”

Both dog and owner undergo an assessment and training period before they can volunteer, but Annie says the ACT branch now has 10 therapy teams and not enough nursing homes.

“It’s a shame because we can see the benefit the dogs bring to the residents.

“It gives them something to look forward to, and we build a rapport and provide a routine. It also gives the carers a point of discussion, especially with dementia patients where communication stops.

“And the great thing is, dogs are just dogs; they’re just themselves. They have a wonderful time.”

Animals can lift the mood, spark conversation

and stimulate the senses of the people they visit, says Annie.

“It brings the outside world in for them and can really brighten their day,” she says.

“We bring our own dogs. George has such a good life; he needs to earn his keep!”

Long-term volunteer Marilyn Beaverstock takes her dog Ollie, a seven-year-old Japanese Spitz, to Villagio Sant’ Antonio nursing home in Page.

“Ollie gets so excited when he sees me put my Delta shirt on, he’s waiting by the door,” she says.

“He gets to know people at the home, for example there’s a guy in a wheelchair who likes to scratch Ollie’s back, so he’ll back up to him. It’s lovely to see.”

Marilyn says that a very strong, trusting bond with your dog is required for volunteers, because it’s a foreign environment for them.

“They can get over-cuddled, and you do have to watch for signs of stress in the dog, even if it’s been a short visit,” she says. “I once saw Ollie shaking after about half an hour, so I just took him home.”

Annie, who visits Upper Jindalee nursing home in Narrabundah with George, an 18-monthold West Highland Terrier, agrees.

“The dogs do get tired, but they love it and definitely pick their favourite people to visit,” she says.

For more information visit www.deltasociety. com.au

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

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

Advertising sales executives: Mara Stroppa, 0431 245130 Lyn Cram, 0458 028990

Advertising

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

Journalists: Freyla Ferguson, freyla@citynews.com.au

Kathryn Vukovljak, kathryn@citynews.com.au

Libby Rolfe, libby@citynews.com.au

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

Design and photography: Silas Brown, 0412 718086

Graphic designer: Louise Brooks

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

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

Contributing photographer: Andrew Finch

Fascinated by Fyshwick

INDUSTRY, sex, retail, even journalism – it’s all part of Canberra’s most underrated, but nevertheless most exotic suburb, Fyshwick.

Named after Tasmanian politician Sir Philip Fysh, with the “wick” thrown in to suggest townspeople, it’s largely uninhabited by night. But by day?

That’s been fascinating Canberra photographers Barb Smith and Andrée Lawrey for ages, and now they’ve come up with an exhibition that pays tribute to “the evanescence that is the lot of us all”. Deep maybe, but it’s a challenging look, as PhotoAccess’s David Chalker puts it, at “a Canberra suburb few people have seen as a suitable place to make art”.

“Fyshwick” is at the Huw Davies Gallery, Manuka Arts Centre, until July 31. –Helen Musa

Brave Daniel’s gut-wrenching way of life

FOR Daniel Jamieson, it’s the small things that make a difference to his day.

He suffers from a rare condition, Hollow Visceral Myopathy, which means his gut goes to sleep sometimes, which sees him in hospital often for extended stays.

The day I visited the 10-year-old, it was a Nintendo 3DS handheld game, which he had borrowed overnight from the staff at the hospital, that made his day.

Daniel, along with his mother Joanne Bateman, had been at the hospital for a week and had no idea when they may be able to go home.

“One of the great things about this hospital is that the parents can stay in the same room overnight,” says Joanne. “The staff here make it very comfortable for parents so we can help tend to the needs of our kids as well.”

Joanne says Daniel’s condition affects the whole family. When Daniel is in hospital, Joanne stays with him while her husband Malcom Jamieson stays at home with their 11-year-old daughter Caitlin.

“It’s probably hardest on my husband because he does work, home, school, hospital,” she says. “It’s tough on Caitlin as well.”

Since he was born, Daniel has spent significant amounts of time in hospital with his visits generally lasting anywhere from five days to 11 weeks.

By Libby Rolfe

“I’ve lost track of how many times we’ve been here. We tend to know when he comes to hospital that we’re not just going to be home again in a couple of days.”

Daniel was born with the condition and it’s so rare that it took 11 months to diagnose.

“No one here had seen anything like it before so he was diagnosed at Westmead [Children’s Hospital in Sydney],” Joanne says.

“When his gut falls asleep, his whole system stops. He can’t eat enough nutritous food to grow. He has enormous amounts of vomit – there is a lot of vomit in our house!”

Joanne says she can’t praise the hospital enough for the services offered to Daniel.

“The play room is a wonderful thing for him and he gets a tutor which helps him catch up on school he’s missed. It’s made an amazing difference to his education.

“What we’re trying to do is give him a good education so that he’s got choices. He will be quite independent but if we can get a good education for him, that is the most important thing.

“The people here are really amazing people. Obviously they care for Daniel but they keep me sane as well. They can

tell when things are getting too much.

“Daniel’s life has changed and our lives have changed because of the hospital.”

PaTCH (Pediatrics at the Canberra

Hospital), consists of several clinical areas; a 40-bed inpatient ward including a separate adolescent area, a day stay/ surgery unit, outpatient clinics and the administration and research areas.

PatCH (Paediatrics at the Canberra Hospital) is one of three charities benefiting from this year’s Majura Park $10,000 Charity Challenge. The other two are Sids and Kids aC t and Ronald McDonald House Canberra Building Appeal.

The challenge is supported with the “Big Book of Kids’ Savings”, which has been delivered into households in Canberra and Queanbeyan. It contains six weeks’ of coupon deals from stores at Majura Park, Canberra a irport, and a “donation slip”.

The charity with the most donation slips by Sunday, August 14, will receive a $5000 donation from Majura Park, with $3000 and $2000 donations for the other charities according to the number of donation slips submitted. Donation slips can be placed in collection boxes at any participating store, including Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, Lollipop’s Playland, Chemist Outlet, trade Secret, 3 Seeds and McDonald’s Majura Park. a n additional donation slip is published in this week’s “CityNews”.

Cup proves the point

THE Kanga Cup has once again proven itself to be the prototype for mass-participation sporting events that Canberra should be chasing under the sports tourism banner.

Teams came to Canberra from across Australia. It was organised within a centimetre of its life. The match officials were well-coached and in control and there was a professional feel about the way the event was conducted.

The influx of tourism dollars in an otherwise “dead” time of the year during the winter school holidays in Canberra was apparent. Convoys of mini buses travelling from hotel to venue or parked outside fast-food outlets were testament to this.

Canberra lends itself to such events because of the ease of getting to and the apparent abundance and availability of sporting grounds. The only issue I had with the grounds was the variable quality. But this was minor in the overall scheme of things and the ravages of the drought and impact that it has had on our sporting grounds needs to be taken into account.

It has become increasingly obvious that Canberra is struggling to attract major events such as a cricket test, a Bledesloe Cup or the Commonwealth Games because of the role that money plays in where major events are staged. It is for that reason we need to look at staging more mass-participation events rather than the so called “blockbusters”.

I know this goes against some of the things I have campaigned for over the years, such as

By t im Gavel

a rugby test match each year or a cricket test. However, when we have staged rugby tests at Canberra Stadium it has been a hard sell to encourage people to buy tickets to see the Wallabies play an under-strength Fiji or Samoa. It was even a struggle to get people to watch the Wallabies play Argentina.

If we are not going to get the top teams, why bother?

The 2013 British and Irish Lions tour is different with a game against the Brumbies, in many respects, bigger than the Wallabies versus a second-tier side.

If we are limited by our budget in attracting major events, then we need to look outside the square and play to our strengths by getting behind concepts such as the Kanga Cup and junior cricket’s Kookaburra Cup.

Another area that we should be looking at is the non-traditional, mass-participation sporting events following on from the success of the 24-hour mountain bike races. Adventure sport is another growth area with the terrain around Canberra lending itself well to this style of sport. It is an issue I have raised in the past because I can see Canberra missing out if we are not proactive with financial support offered from ACT Government.

It is hard to guarantee how much money will be spent by people coming to an event such as the Kanga Cup, but we need to take a punt on more mass-participation events whether it be in schools sport, adventure sport or masters games.

Swinging all over town

BIG bands, vintage frocks, perfect pin curls, lindy hopping, three days and four nights of dance parties – it must be Canberräng time!

More than 200 swing dancers from across the country will be in town for the ninth annual swing dance festival, says Canberräng founder Liam Honer.

Largely organised by volunteers, Canberräng 2011: Swingin’ Cities USA, will be held on August 11-14, and includes eight bands and 10 dancing events spread over a weekend, with local and interstate jazz bands and dance troupes coming to perform.

“We always have fun choosing the theme and the venues – this year there’ll be a few old favourites and some new spots as well,” says Liam, who’s also the president of Jumptown Swing, Canberra’s swing dancing society.

“Canberräng is a boost to Canberra and to local musicians, and it’s just a really fun time.”

Dancer Vanessa Burgess says that since jazz music and swing dancing originated in the US, particularly in Chicago, LA, New Orleans and New York, they wanted to look at the history this year.

“Swing dancing has spread all over the world and we certainly make the most of it here,” she

By Kathryn Vukovljak

says. “It’s a fantastic, invigorating, high-energy, social dance.”

The Lindy Charm School will host workshops over the weekend to teach girls how to create hairstyles and make-up looks from the ‘30s to the ‘50s, and understand vintage fashions.

“At first, people thought they had to dress up in vintage gear to do swing dancing, but that’s not the case at all,” says Liam. “We actually dress down to dance, it’s very casual, and we only get the vintage clothes out for special occasions.”

Many of the events and balls are being held in iconic Canberra buildings, says Liam. Parliament House will host the Saturday night’s Chicago Mobsters gala ball, Old Parliament House is the venue for Friday night’s New Orleans Mardi Gras ball, and there are events at Regatta Point, Garema Place, the Kurrajong Hotel, Kingston Bus Depot markets and Lake George Winery.

“Sometimes after Canberräng I sit down and think about how many hours of dancing I just did,” says dancer Jo Perry.

“I should be exhausted! But the energy of it just keeps you going.”

For more information visit www.canberrang. org

Local ‘worm’ game wriggles to success

THEY’VE done contracts for Defence, created mining applications for Rio Tinto and developed a health database for the Tibetan government-in-exile – and now they’re turning their hand to the competitive world of puzzles.

Canberra company Inventerprising, which partner Nigel Griffiths describes as “a very small, efficient company with just two core employees” – himself and Tenzin Ringpapontsang – has created “Lord Word Worm”, a Facebook game which is also available in a pen-and-paper version.

“Basically, we noticed that on Facebook there are a lot of games out there, but they all seem to be fairly simple,” Nigel explained. “We thought, there’s probably demand out there for something that would appeal to people who want something more strategic, to think things through a bit more.

“We’ve been keeping it small and testing it – it’s been up a couple of months and we now want to expand it.”

The pen-and-paper version was developed after early players indicated an interest in playing the game away from the computer screen.

“Lord Word Worm” is a word-tile placement game that requires players to alter a series of words by one letter to create a long “worm” moving around a game board

Game creator Nigel Griffiths... “There’s probably demand out there for something that would appeal to people who want something more strategic.”

which features a variety of different tiles. Could “Lord Word Worm” be the next Sudoku or Farmville? Nigel says that already, at least, some players are finding it addictive, with one enthusiast logging on for a couple of hours most days on Facebook – “it’s all quite positive.” More information at lordwordworm.com

LORD WORD WORM

LORD WORD WORM

Create a continuous chain of four-letter words by filling in missing letters and drawing lines to join hexes together. Every hex must be joined to two adjacent hexes (some hexes are already joined). Each pair of joined words must have only one letter different. Words cannot be repeated.

Create a continuous chain of four-letter words by filling in missing letters and drawing lines to join hexes together. Every hex must be joined to two adjacent hexes (some hexes are already joined). Each pair of joined words must have only one letter different. Words cannot be repeated.

Difficulty

Difficulty

LORD WORD WORM

Create a continuous chain of four-letter words by filling in missing letters and drawing lines to join hexes together. Every hex must be joined to two adjacent hexes (some hexes are already joined). Each pair of joined words must have only one letter different. Words cannot be repeated.

TRY the “Lord Word Worm” challenge... solutions on Page 19.

advertising feature

Rupert’s charm curdles

RUPERT Murdoch can be a very charming fellow, as I discovered on the first (and only) time I met him.

It was 1968 and I was a very young press secretary to the then Deputy Prime Minister “Black Jack” McEwen.

Rupert was about to make his first newspaper purchase overseas and he sought McEwen’s help to navigate his way through some financial regulations that would permit him to transfer the necessary funds to complete the deal.

I have been vividly reminded of the occasion because the paper in question is the one that has brought his vast media empire into such bad odour and may well bring it all tumbling down: “The News of the World”.

Murdoch sat with me at my desk while waiting to see the boss. And he was all smiles and bonhomie. He was even happier after their meeting when McEwen agreed to clear the way for the purchase and enlisted Prime Minister John Gorton in the cause.

At the time, I must say, I wondered why he’d want to buy such an awful rag. Even

letters

Book price shocks visitor

I RECENTLY visited the National Gallery of Australia, which concluded with a browse of their shop and was very tempted to purchase an art book. However, the high price of $69 was a deterrent.

Out of curiosity, I used my iPod Touch to check the price online from Amazon.com. The same hardcover publication was just $23.90 plus (an acceptable) $6 postal charge. I placed an order.

No wonder booksellers are going broke.

Rod Peterson, sydney

Archive

‘fortunate’

the gadfly

Robert Macklin

then it was the least reputable of all the UK papers. It lived on a diet of scandalous divorces and disgraced vicars. But the decision was actually quite revealing of a strain in the Murdoch character. He has always been attracted to grubbiness.

His first editor of “The Australian”, for example, was the notoriously foul-mouthed alcoholic, Maxwell Newton who later became a professional pornographer. And under Murdoch’s stewardship his London tabloids led the way ever downwards from genuine newspapers to the sexploitation rags they have now become.

His activities in America have been just as reprehensible. They are a more puritanical bunch than the Brits, so his race to the bottom there has taken a different path, if no less obscene. His Fox News scrapes the bottom of the political barrel with its perfervid promotion of the right wing reactionaries that people the Republican Party these days. Their ignorance and bigotry make Australia’s shock jocks seem almost civilised by comparison... almost.

His Australian tabloids are marginally more presentable than, say, his “New York Post”. However, beneath the facade they are just as virulent in their hate campaigns against their perceived political enemies, particularly Julia Gillard and her ministerial colleagues.

Indeed, they are the more dangerous simply because of their cosmetic credibility. And this applies even more pertinently to the broadsheet “The Australian” where the reporting of the regular Newspoll, for example, is invariably slanted to put Gillard and Co in the worst possible light.

So, will it all come crashing down in a journalistic replay of Richard Nixon’s Watergate calamity? Certainly the parallels are intriguing as the villain at the top jettisons those closest to him in a vain attempt to ensure his own survival.

Much will depend on the investigations now underway in America. If the FBI finds that News International committed criminal acts overseas, he could be in real trouble. But in the end, I suspect, it’s his shareholders who will have the final say.

One can but hope.

robert@robertmacklin.com

I WRITE in response to Jake Harris’ letter (“Student shocked by fi lm archive”, CN July 7).

Jake’s letter deserves a response, particularly in regard to the suggestion that the NFSA’s display supports the myth that Australian films are “sub-standard, irrelevant and niche”.

The NFSA’s central role is to acquire, carefully preserve, provide access to and interpret the rich breadth of Australia’s audiovisual heritage.

As is the case with all cultural institutions, we are both fortunate and challenged by having a wide range of audiences, service users and stakeholder expectations.

Our Canberra exhibition gallery is overdue for redevelopment but we have planning underway, which I hope will meet the expectations of Jake and many other visitors in the future.

In the meantime, we are building our audiences for Arc cinema and australianscreen online, which provides access to over 4000 clips of Australian films.

We are touring more Australian films to a growing number of regional locations, and are moving ahead in leaps and bounds with our education programs for school students who both visit Canberra and connect online and are continually improving our library, which arguably houses the largest range of audiovisual specialised texts in Australia.

With access centres in every capital city of Australia, including the very popular Australian Mediatheque in Melbourne, the NFSA provides national access to a national collection of over 1.65 million items.

In October, the NFSA welcomes its new CEO, Michael Loebenstein, who will oversee a significant redevelopment of the NFSA’s Canberra site, which will ensure Australia’s audiovisual heritage continues to be a source of pride, enjoyment and meaning for all Australians.

steve Vogt, acting c E o, n ational Film and sound a rchive of a ustralia

Greenpeace hypocrisy

NEXT time any Green utters anything about the need to look at science it should be treated with great suspicion in light of Green approval for destruction of CSIRO GM crops.

The outrage of scientists and researchers is entirely justified, and the evident hypocrisy of Greenpeace wanting action on climate change, but to oppose the potential of biotechnology to mitigate climate change.

For Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury to endorse the raid as a “peaceful protest” is astonishing.

This is the modern era’s equivalent of book burning by the Nazis. What next? You destroy research that you religiously oppose, where does this end? You denounce heretics, a few show trials and summary justice? This is dangerous anti-science fanaticism.

Martin Gordon, Flynn

Untangling the politics from city planning

If the Government wants to influence the ACT Planning and Land Authority, it should be done in an open way on the floor of the Assembly, says MICHAEL MOORE

THE pride Canberrans feel in their planned city is once again at risk; recent revelations about planning decisions, especially around a supermarket development in Giralang, are a cause for concern.

Opposition Leader, Zed Seselja and his team have been doing the hard, grinding work around Freedom of Information and have found an opposition’s goldmine of scathing accusations and counter-claims embroiling the former Chief Minister, the chief planner and the Department of Land and Property Services.

There have always been some developers who attempt to increase their level of profit by bending the rules and a system has been set up to provide a fair playing field that does not undermine the community interest. Arguments are constantly put to politicians that seem plausible enough, but provide the advantage to a small number instead of the community as a whole.

This is why we have a statutory body – the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) – to ensure planning decisions are at arm’s length from government.

If the Government wants to influence such a body, it should be done in an open way on the floor of the Assembly in the broad light of day.

The Legislative Assembly has deliberately appointed a planning body to remove the influence of politics over individual developments.

The separation of power should be based on the Assembly setting the parameters and ACTPLA using its statutory authority in implementing them with regard to specific developments.

This is not dissimilar to the Assembly setting laws and having the courts implement them with regard to individuals.

Documents released under Freedom of Information by Chief Minister Katy Gallagher reflect a new openness in government. However, in doing so she seems to have approved the release of cabinet-in-confidence documents that illustrate the high level of tension between the former Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope, and the ACTPLA chief planner, Neil Savery.

Mr Savery argued that “this level of influence would not be tolerated by other statutory office bearers such as the auditor-general, the privacy commissioner, the chief magistrate etc.”

However, he went further – suggesting that the appropriate method for political interference was to use the Government’s “call-in powers”.

These are the powers that allow the Govern-

ment to interfere in a public and accountable way if it believes the community interest is at stake.

Mr Savery’s comments were even more scathing about the then-Department of Land and Property Services (LAPS), which is now the Economic Development Directorate. He argued that it also interfered too much in his statutory role. When the ACT solicitor-general needed to be brought in resulting in withdrawal of Mr Savery’s comments, Mr Stanhope reacted by stating: “Suffice it to say, the Government’s confidence in Mr Savery has been severely shaken.”

The Opposition has taken the first steps and Mr Seselja rightly argues that “the community has a right to expect that any political input into the planning system is conducted in an open way in accordance with proper process”.

He wants the current Government to fully investigate and such an investigation should be conducted completely independently of the players involved if it is to provide confidence in the system.

There are too many examples of where the planning of the city has gone awry in favour of developers for these revelations not to be taken seriously. Brindabella Park should not house the office blocks that it does when such development would have enhanced Gungahlin town centre and made the area work (although this was a Federal rather than ACT decision) and there are a range of other historical examples in places such as Civic and Barton.

Just as Thomas Jefferson argued “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance”, it will take a similar level of vigilance to ensure that the planning and orderly development of Canberra is not forfeited to developers and investors.

Michael Moore was an independent member of the ACT Legislative Assembly (1989 to 2001) and was minister for health.

CORRECTION

IN his political column, “Where insults and porkies fly” (CN July 7), Michael Moore asserted that former MLA Ted Quinlan, in an interjection, had used the expression “a condescending bloody woman” in the Assembly (August 9, 2001) and had been forced to withdraw the comment. This is incorrect. A censure motion was moved to force a defiant Quinlan to withdraw the comment, but it was defeated. Mr Quinlan denied at the time and continues to deny ever having used that expression.

Small businesses seek your support

Local businessman JASON GRAHAM explains why supporting local businesses helps everyone

I H aVE been in business in Canberra for almost 20 years. In this special advertising issue I have pulled together some business associates and friends of mine who see how important it is for local businesses to join together in promoting and advertising the top service and products we have to offer!

Small business is the backbone of this city, without the support and loyalty of Canberra’s community these family-type businesses would not survive. In the present economic times we see that figures are down across the board in all facets of business, especially during the harsh winter months of Canberra.

So that is why we have put together this special advertising feature in “CityNews”, who might I add have been fantastic and supportive of our team ideal. By joining together, we can show the people of Canberra a little bit about our business and, hopefully, these businesses will see you more often. It seems these days the

consumer is absolutely drowned in advertising from big business, such as the supermarket wars going on at the moment between Woolworths and Coles.

The average small business cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on advertising themselves, which makes it hard for us to get our name out into the community.

Hopefully, the little we do does work and people can appreciate the struggle to build a reputation in the Canberra market.

More and more, the shopping centres become stereotyped and franchised, which pushes out the smaller local family business battling away with little or no support.

Whether it be a bottle of wine, a classy suit, a chicken dinner or perhaps a new bike or even a new boat and, last but not least, maybe a lunchtime treat of good, old fish ‘n’ chips, we will be here in Canberra to provide you with that service. So come on Canberra, support us and all your local businesses!

local business showcase

Chaparral boats get a Canberra launch

“CHAPAR RAL australia has been around australia for a few years, with dealers selling these top-quality boats in Melbourne, Sydney, adelaide, Perth and on the Victorian coast,” says Canberra spokesman Jason Graham.

“Now Chaparral is here in Canberra and through Aussie Boat Sales ACT we are giving Canberra, the south coast and south-west NSW the opportunity to own one of the best-quality boats in the world.

“The Chaparral range extends from the 196 which is an entrylevel family/ski boat to the awesome dream of a lifetime, a 42-foot cruiser!

“Canberra is surrounded by water with the south coast so close and local dams at our doorstep, not to mention our own Molonglo river, so it is about time Canberra was provided with a reputable international supplier of leisure boats to provide sales, service and support to the local market, rather than have to travel to Sydney or Melbourne.

“Keeping local dollars local is

very important to me.

“With the Aussie dollar doing so well and Chaparral boats being fully imported from the US, we really do get a great deal of value for our money these days.”

28 to August 1. More information from aussieboatsales@gmail.com or at www.chaparralboats.com

Winter brings fish and chats at the city Shack

EVER wondered how to meet new people in Canberra? try the Fish Shack, says Brendon Sedaitis, owner of the Petrie Plaza hot spot.

“It’s been great this winter, we have a few bar stools inside and we’re getting to know the customers,” he says. “And they’re talking to each other, too – the other day a group of customers who’d never met before went out for a drink together.”

Brendon says they’re offering laksa, winter curries, a chowder with smoked ocean trout and a Thai jungle curry to take off the winter chill.

“We’re also planning ahead to our new summer menu and looking to go BYO, so people can bring their own bubbly and come along to enjoy the fish and the warmer weather,” he says.

The Fish Shack also offers gourmet burgers, a family Shack pack to serve four and a fantastic new beer batter made with a 1970s-style pale ale that’s getting great feedback, says Brendon.

“In the summer we’ll also be opening later on Saturday and Sunday nights,” he says. “It’s not that far off!”

Combining science with mystique

a PASSION for combining the science of viticulture and wine-making with the art and mystique of a truly great wine is what drives Julie Chitty and Bob Furbank, proprietors of Barton Estate winery.

“Our background in plant biology led us to experiment with some unusual grape varieties,” says Bob. “Our super premium wines include petit verdot, shiraz, sangiovese, a cabernet blend comprising all five of the great grape varieties of Bordeaux, trophy-winning riesling and sauvignon blanc semillon.”

Barton Estate, located on the Barton Highway between Hall and Murrumbateman, is a fam -

ily-owned producer of premium cool-climate Canberra district wines from estate-grown fruit.

“While we have made small experimental batches of wine since 1999, 2002 was our first commercial vintage,” says Bob.

“Our wines were successfully shown at the Canberra District Wine show for the first time in 2003 and have continued to be awarded a spectrum of medals after every release.”

the wines are available by mail order and at selected Canberra liquor outlets and restaurants.

The winery is often open from 11am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays. Call 6230 9553.

The chicken dinner winner ready for the oven

FOR an easy weekday dinner, try freshly made spinach and feta chicken wrapped in filo pastry, ready to go in the oven – you don’t even need to transfer it to another dish to cook it, say the owners of Perfect Poultry, Cameron and Amanda McLaughlin.

“We have a range of flavours available – ham and cheese, smoked salmon and brie, avocado and prawn, mango and cream cheese and sundried tomato and mushroom flavours – these are our biggest seller,” Cameron says.

Located in the Canberra Centre, Perfect Poultry has been in the city since 1987 and sells a huge variety of poultry products with a friendly approach and cooking advice, says Cameron.

“We always suggest to our customers the best way to cook the meat, and we can dice anything as required at no extra charge,” says Cameron. “We also offer specialty cuts if needed.”

As well as selling a range of chicken burgers, cooked chooks, organic, turkey, marinated chicken for barbecues and a family-sized roast, they also make their own gluten-free sausages in-house.

“You can choose from plain, sun-dried

tomato and basil, spinach and pine nut or mango and chilli,” he says. “We also make our own kievs.”

Cameron says they also sell game, including rabbit, quail and duck.

“We also do all our own smoking in-house, and can offer smoked chicken breast and thigh, duck fillets.

“a nd we have fresh turkeys all year round, not just for Christmas!”

Shop A, 20 City Market, Canberra Centre, Civic. Call 6247 8559.

Exclusive range of formal wear to buy or hire

Xavier Orsucci… “Everyone wants something different, but quality is the common thread.”

LOCARTED in a private studio overlooking Petrie Plaza, Black t ie by Xavier offers an exclusive collection of formal wear and accessories for hire or purchase, says owner Xavier.

“Guys like that our studio is totally private and not overlooked from the street,” he says. “At the moment, we’re seeing a lot of guys coming in to choose a suit for upcoming spring weddings, and they’re looking at charcoal, traditional black and tails – everyone wants something different, but quality is the common thread.

“We have all our hire stock on the premises, we don’t need to order in, and we also offer handmade neckwear in fabrics to match the bride or bridesmaids.”

Xavier says the studio provides suits off-the-rack, but can also offer a tailormade service from the “finest fabrics in the world”.

Call 6257 3937 to make an appointment or visit Level 1, 75-79 Petrie Plaza, Civic.

New year’s bikes already in stock

WHILE only the “hardcore” riders keep cycling over the winter months, accessories such as outerwear, gloves and lights are popular now, with retro-style lights a current trend, according to Claire Whiteman, manager of Onya Bike in Civic.

“ there’s also a trend happening for real ladies’-style bikes, with a basket on the front – they’re really popular with uni students,” she says.

“We have many of the very latest 2012 styles already in stock. The main brand we sell is Giant.”

Whatever the requirements or budget, Onya Bike can offer mechanical repairs and services, expert advice, bicycles, parts and accessories, says Claire.

“Everyone who works here rides, whether it’s full downhill, cross country, track or road riding, so between us we have it covered; we have a good idea of what people need,” she says.

Onya Bike, 75 Petrie Plaza, Civic, call 6230 0044; and 61 Lathlain Street, Belconnen, call 6253 2149.

the home ideas expo

Saturday, July 2

Inspiration galore for home work

THE HIA Home Ideas Centre is holding another of its popular Home Ideas Expos showcasing the latest building services, technology and innovation that exhibitors have to offer.

The free expo will be held at 2 Collie Street, Fyshwick, between am and  pm, on Saturday, July 2 Consumers can learn more about building products and services and find more about the build and design process from planning to practical completion of a new kitchen or bathroom by speaking to exhibitors at their displays or consulting with one of HIA’s “ask an expert”.

In addition, visitors can attend one of the centre’s popular consumer seminars that are tailored to newhome buyers and renovators, or those looking to build and renovate in future years.

There is also an opportunity to win $000 off a bathroom renovation, compliments of Vogue Bathrooms. All consumers need to do is complete an entry form and place their entry in the barrel during the expo.

Winning builder’s passion for value

BUILDER Brendan McCoullough, who takes a hands-on approach from the design stage to handing over the key, has seen his Today’s Homes & Lifestyle grow to the multi-award winning business it is today.

the awards are a result of the company’s flexible approach to customers’ needs and budgets.

He says: “We specialise in custom design, energy-efficient homes built from premium products, delivered by exceptional on-site supervision and communication, delivered on time without paying a premium.”

Today’s Homes and Lifestyle has been awarded the HIA major award, ACT and Southern NSW Professional Small to Medium Builder of the Year, for the past three years and was the national winner in this category in 2009.

Other major HIA Southern & NSW 2010 awards include: Energy efficient home. Custom home $500,000 to $700,000.

•

Finalist custom home to $350,000.

“Today’s Homes are truly proud of these achievements and •

It also holds a 2010 ACT Telstra small business award and was a finalist in the Social Responsibility award, for demonstrated leadership and contribution to the environment, people, education and the community.

recognise that these awards are a team effort and would not be possible without the dedication and support of our staff, subcontractors

State-of-art kitchen to debut at expo

ETHEREAL Joinery will be showcasing a new display kitchen at the HIA Home Ideas Centre, which will be ready for the Kitchen and Bathroom Expo on Saturday, July 23.

The display kitchen will have technologically advanced features and state-of-the-art BLUM components and hardware, including Aventos Servo-Drive Blumotion soft-closing doors and

drawers and an Intivo Servo-Drive, electricopening support system.

a lso on display will be a new Durotech colour “Charred Oak” in high gloss. Durotech vinyl doors offer an alternative to laminate doors with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty and 185 colours and finishes.

Ethereal Joinery, a family owned and operated

business established in 2010, has an in-house interior designer and, what it describes as, “great” working relationships with various other trades.

The company offers a complete design solution with the option to view your kitchen in 3D to help visualise the end result.

More information on 0434 220324

There’s more to kitchens than cooking!

WHEN it comes to kitchens, always focus on what you want your kitchen to do for you.

For instance, if you are planning to get into gourmet cooking, providing new and exotic meals for the family and for dinner parties, then you will want a highly functional kitchen with plenty of storage space and up-to-date appliances.

If several members of the family are going to be using the kitchen at the same time then space becomes a priority.

One of the most important things in kitchen design is the “work triangle”, with the sink, the cook-top and the refrigerator at the three points. The total walking distance on a round of the points should be between seven and 10 metres, depending on the number of people you expect to be working in the kitchen at any one time.

Once you have assembled your ideas, find an HIA architect who can prepare a plan for you, or look for an HIA specialist kitchens and bathrooms designer.

Work with your architect or designer on how big an extension you plan, its effect on other parts of the home,

One-stop bathroom renovation shop

VOGUE Bathrooms is a family-owned business based in Mitchell and has been operating since 2005 by brothers Daniel and Adrian Kos.

Focusing on always providing exceptional service, the team at Vogue Bathrooms is always prepared to “go that step further” to exceed clients’ expectations.

The Vogue team believes that all its work should receive a high level of care and attention to detail, whether it is a basic bathroom face lift or a $50,000 renovation.

Daniel Kos says: “We wanted to make the renovating process as easy as possible for clients, rather than sending them store to store in order to select their inclusions, our showroom has allowed us to become a one-stop-shop.”

To get the most out of your next project, contact an HIA member by visiting tradebuild.com.au.

and your ideal materials. Try to get these decisions made early and stick to them. People who change their minds halfway through a project often face delays and extra costs. a carefully planned kitchen renovation or extension will be a pleasure for the enthusiastic cook, make life more convenient for the family and add value to the home. Be sure to use a professional you can trust. HIA members adhere to a strict code of conduct.

Vogue Bathrooms has donated the expo’s major prize of a $1000 discount off a bathroom renovation by Vogue.

all about the arts

Grimethorpe’s famous band on the run

By Helen Musa

MUSICAL director Brian Grant

is pretty sure that Grimethorpe Colliery Band is the busiest band in the world.

He’ll be conducting it on a tour to Canberra this month, its first in 10 years

Formed in 1917, it’s won 96 brass band competitions, but its international fame arises from the involvement of its musicians in the 1996 film “Brassed Off!”

the story? the band was about to contest the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in 1992 when the British Government announced Grimethorpe was on the list of mines to be shut. Despite, or maybe because of the turmoil, the band became the Champion Band of Great Britain.

Grant wasn’t around for the movie. Officially he only started full-time in September last year. A serious musician with a military training, he played the cornet (sibling to the trumpet) at school, joining the army as a junior musician at age 15. There followed an intensive and “excellent” training at the army’s music school in England, Kneller Hall, where coincidentally “CityNews” music critic Ian McLean also trained.

Grant is looking forward to coming to Australia with his 29 male musicians (the fact that there are no women in the band is “no

special thing”), all of whom have regular day jobs, including Grant himself, who works as a logistic manager.

Grant is unimpressed by the idea that Grimethorpe has been put on the map by the film.

“It’s one of the top bands in the country,” he says, but he does concede that the film brought it into the public light.

So viewed historically, why is it so good?

“If you have a favourite famous orchestra or a football team, people are attracted to join. Only the best players join the band.”

a s for the repertoire, there’ll be “March of the Cobblers” and Respighi’s “The Pines of the Appian Way”. Also a favourite piece from the film known as the “Concierto d’Orangejuice” (actually “Concierto de Aranjuez”). Australia’s Tara Morice played that piece in the movie.

“A top-class brass band sounds exciting, doesn’t it?” he asks. “It’s got an ‘everyman’ quality about it… you don’t need to be very musically educated to play in a brass band so it has the common touch.”

Bring tissues for the Percy Grainger arrangement of “Danny Boy”, especially sad in light of the recent death of actor Pete Postlethwaite, who played the role of the bandleader in the film.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Llewellyn Hall, 7.30pm, July 30. Bookings to 132849 or www. ticketek.com.au

Good, bad and the untrained

By Helen Musa HERE at

“CityNews” we just love stories about young Canberrans doing well.

The coming production at the Playhouse, “Untrained”, features four such Canberrans – professional dancers Dean Cross and James Shannon and novices a llan Marc Raeyers and Richard Merzian.

It’s a kind of dance adventure where the two professional dancers interact over four days’ of intensive rehearsals and two shows with two untrained male dancers. Melbourne choreographer Lucy Guerin places instruction cards on the stage floor and off they go.

I caught up recently with the 24-year-old Cross, a former Radford College student who went on Canberra’s youth dance company Quantum Leap, trained for four years at the Queensland University of Technology, and catapulted into the profession.

He hasn’t yet met Raeyers and Merzian yet, but expects them to be “brave – to put themselves out there.”

Cross lives in Sydney, but works regularly in Perth and Melbourne, too. “I’m lucky,” he says, “I don’t have to have another job”. But this season is special. “When I got this job,” he tells me, “I was so proud to be able to come home and show people what I can do.”

As soon as he finishes with “Untrained”, he’ll rejoin the physical/aerial theatre company Legs on the Wall for a Brisbane Festival show.

Compared to classical ballet dancers (“never part of my world”) Cross sees himself as a late starter – “I didn’t know I wanted to be a dancer until I started dancing”. But he was for 10 years a gymnast at the AIS so had an “awareness of

Dancer Dean Cross... “When I got this job, I was so proud to be able to come home and show people what I can do.”

skills”. Mind you, he’s had reconstructions of the shoulder and knee.

He and his fellow Canberran, James Shannon, have already toured with Guerin’s “Untrained” on a regional tour to Victoria last year.

“Untrained”, The Playhouse, July 29-30. Bookings to 6275 2700. Free poetry slam “Blast’ in the Link at 9pm after the show.

How three goes into two arts

THREE members of Strathnairn Arts Association are exhibiting Friday to Sunday until July 31 in two new exhibitions, “Potters Sisters” and “Little by Little”. Potter Annette Leahy is originally from the Papua New Guinea Highlands. She is exhibiting with her sister-in-law, the Canberra artist Maryann Mussared. Jo Hollier is exhibiting small composite prints, and mixed media works.

CONGRATULATIONS to Tempo Theatre for having snaffled up the rights to perform Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” in the 60th anniversary of its record run in London. Season runs from September 9-24, bookings to 6275 2700 or www.canberraticketing.com.au

ARTIST’S books, framed prints, drawings, images, lenses, cabinets of display, ribbons, pigments, herbarium boxes, ephemeral sounds and voices can be experienced in “Re-Imaging Nature: Hidden Visions and Ground Truth” by artist-scientist Mary Rosengren, at CSIRO Discovery Centre until August 2. Dr Rosengren is a recipient of the Australian Network for Art and Technology Synapse grant.

IT’S jazz night again at the Alliance Française, 66 McCaughey Street, Turner, on July 29, 7pm-9 pm with the provocatively

Wonderful tales of the jungle

CHILDReN’S THeATRe

“The Jungle Book”

Adapted and directed by B J Anyos for Child Players ACT’s Child Play children’s theatre group, at the Belconnen Theatre until July 23.

Reviewed by Helen Musa

I HAVEN’T enjoyed myself so much in ages attending a play performed by young people.

By sheer coincidence I recently re-read all of Rudyard Kipling jungle tales, so was right up on Mowgli the man-cub and his forest mates.

Canberra writer and director B J Anyos successfully steers right away from the Disney travesty, keeping close to the original and showing Mowgli caught between the laws of man and of animals.

“The Jungle Book” is as much an educational process for the performers as shown the audience, though the costumes are simply magnificent. Anyos divides the kids up into two casts (Pride and Power) and they play wolves, monkeys, bear, panther, tiger and nasty jackal with enormous relish.

Bookings to 6257 1950.

in the city

Helen Musa

titled Brass’ere, a Canberra-based group in the style of the New Orleans brass band. Bookings to 6247 5027.

LEIPZIG-BASED soprano Hannah Berenson and harpsichordist Chris Berensen, will perform Purcell, Blow, Haydn, Nadel and more in the Wesley Music Centre, 3pm, July 24. Berensen will be playing the music centre’s 18th century French style 2-manual harpsichord. Tickets at the door.

OUR Artist of the Year, cellist David Pereira, is at it again with “Yearning for Home”, Program 2 in this year’s Cello Series. Pereira, pianist Tamara Anna Cislowska and violinist/director of the Canberra Music Festival Chris Latham will play Chopin, Liszt, Dvorak and more. They’re playing at the Finnish Embassy (pre-booking essential) on July 29 or the following day in the Wesley Music Centre at 2pm. Bookings to www. davidpereira.com.au or 0404 499348

HURRY to enter the Australian Stencil Art Prize. The winner will take home $2000. Last year’s winner was Canberra’s E.L.K. but he’s

not entering this year. Enter online at www. australianstencilartprize.com by August 1.

STUDENTS from Canberra Grammar School and Canberra Girls’ Grammar School will join the British Tiffin Boys’ Choir at a concert featuring Tallis and Britten, at Canberra Girls’ Grammar School on July 27. Bookings to 6260 9805 or beth.mcconchie@ cgs.act.edu.au

Passing on Potter

“DEATHLY Hallows Part 2” takes 130 minutes to unroll, including closing credits but not a self-praising prologue in which cast members pat each other on the back. Self praise is always cause for suspicion.

With a plot unblemished by novelty, surprises, suspense or excitement, it’s a tedious, awkwardly-constructed, lacklustre paean to visual effects. Too much of it involves Harry and his evil nemesis Voldemort using wands to shoot destructive auras at each other without apparent effect, or director David Yates destroying buildings and their contents.

Spectacular, perhaps, but scarcely justification for so much of a film that was going to be over-long even before shooting began.

The only smile moment in a dour film comes when Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall expresses pleasure from invoking a spell that she never expected to use.

It looks grey. Colour appears mainly in flashbacks and a coda in which Harry and his wife, together with schoolmates Ron and Hermione, send their children off on the Hogwarts Express.

In a film populated by a considerable tribe of highly-regarded British actors, the performances are unremarkable. In a role that literally drove him to drink, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry appears wan and listless.

Ralph Fiennes, aware that Voldemort’s on a hiding to nothing, overplays him with a mixture of relish and fatalism.

It has been said that by giving birth to Harry, author J K Rowling served an important function by persuading a generation of youngsters to read a book. I wonder how many of them went on to read any other author. Some cinemas are showing the film in 3D. I watched the 2D version by choice at a mid-afternoon session among perhaps a score of secondary students and as many others.

For me, the film’s most satisfying moment came when working-class Neville Longbottom decapitated that monstrous serpent that followed Voldemort around like a loyal dog. Not because it eliminated a threat to Harry’s on-going well-being but because as any herpetologist will tell you, it was a zoological improbability by any measure.

The improbability of the Harry Potter stories is acceptable, just as was “The Lord Of the Rings” that, when you think about it, has much the same plot, but the time has come to give it a well-earned rest. Oh happy day!

At just about every cinema in the country

Ona mission for fine coffee

dining

I LOVE coffee houses

– the aroma, the buzz, how owners, staff and patrons worship all things coffee.

Such is the case with Ona Coffee House. I was rushing about by myself in Fyshwick doing chores recently and popped in for a caffeine hit and a quick bite for lunch. I walked out very satisfied indeed.

Let’s start with what really matters and that is the coffee, with the beans roasted by Ona’s master roasters. Classic cappuccino, flat white, latte and long black are all beautifully made ($3.30 for small and $4 for large). Or try from “The Brewery” selection – siphon, pour over filter or cold drip.

Coffee aficionados will love the specialty coffees of the month and the ristretto, espresso, piccolo and macchiato – it’s all serious business.

But Ona Coffee House isn’t just passionate about coffee. The head chef is passionate about food, especially rustic style made with fresh ingredients. Ona has eight items for the regular lunch menu (concentrating on quality, not quantity) and runs a small number of rotating specials, including a chef’s favourite, a fish, curry and pasta.

The oriental duck burger caught my eye and the confident, efficient and friendly person who served me promised I wouldn’t be disappointed. She was right. The tender, twice-cooked hoi sin duck is shredded and packed into fresh turkish bread with

mushrooms and picked Asian vegetables ($17). A real treat.

There are also ocean burgers (marketfresh fish), chicken burgers, beef burgers and steak sandwiches (from $12 to $16, and with chips). Or you can order lemon pepper calamari, beer-battered fish ‘n’ chips or a roasted pumpkin salad.

Breakfast has some usual suspects but, based on my lunch experience, I bet the dishes are all a great kick start to the day. How about two rashers of bacon with free range eggs (poached, scrambled or fried) on sourdough toast for $8?

Or, for a bit of spice, the Spanish style breakfast wrap with chorizo sausage, eggs

and warm salsa in a toasted tortilla? I keep dreaming of the sour cherry toast with orange mascarpone ($6).

When at Ona Coffee House, take a look at the display of fresh artisan bread by Brasserie Bread. The range includes olive and rosemary as well as quinoa and soy.

Ona has won multiple national and international awards, including for its latte art. It’s a happening place that is well worth a visit.

Ona Coffee House, Fyshwick, 68 Wollongong Street, 6162 3320. Open Monday to Friday, 7am-4.30pm and Saturday 8am-3pm.

Laughs with a punchy message

FEROCIOUSLY handsome

Captain Clam is a figment of the imagination – but whose imagination? Schoolboy Petie’s? His big sister Joanne’s? The teacher Ms. Willowbark? Or their mum’s?

Maybe that’s never fully resolved in this witty, one-hour romp for young children, but that’s because director/writer Mico is really suggesting that only people with a lively sensibility can appreciate an interesting character such as Clam.

The small cast is experienced, the costumes by Christine Pawlicki are lots of fun and the set, by a ndrew Hackwill, is a workable representation

CHILDReN’S THeATRe

“The Pirates of Lake Tuggeranong” Written and directed by Domenic Mico, Tuggeranong Arts Centre until July 22. Bookings to 62931443. Reviewed by Helen Musa

of a Tuggeranong boy’s bedroom. Mico’s script gets plenty of laughs from the little ones, but nevertheless conveys a punchy message about sibling rivalry and the stultifying aspects of a computer society.

Dress for the slopes

By Libby Rolfe

COMFORT is key when it comes to dressing for the slopes this ski season, but there’s no reason you can’t dress to impress.

Kathmandu has options to keep your bub warm against the chill in a gorgeous jumpsuit available in pink and blue. And Rip Curl has introduced the revolutionary S-Bomb Vest to warm your insides at the flick of a switch. “CityNews” has found something for the whole family.

‘The Gundown’ DVDs to be won

“CityNews” has five copies (including two in Blueray format) to give away of “The Gundown” (M) a movie about a reclusive gun-for-hire who travels the Arizona desert bringing fugitives to justice, dead or alive. It stars Peter Coyote and William Shockley. Entry form and details at citynews.com.au/win

When food facts don’t add up

NUTRITIONAL information in all restaurants equals a disaster waiting to happen.

According to a recent survey by Unilever Food Solutions, 70 per cent of Australians want more transparency with nutritional information when they eat out.

Apparently the top things they are interested in are fat (64 per cent), MSG (50 per cent) and the sugar (49 per cent) content of their meals.

Another statistic highlighted from this survey is that more than 50 per cent of Australian consumers believed it was the food operator’s responsibility to provide this information.

It is great that the consumer is so interested in the nutritional status of their food, but what is scary, is that many food operators would not be able to provide this information correctly, or worse for the consumer, would need to outsource or employ a person to calculate this information leading to an increase in the price of meals.

briefly

Kids get gutsy

THIS year’s Gutsy Challenge is underway with students across the country eating fruit and vegetables to raise money for Gastro-Intestinal cancer research. Running until September 30, the Gutsy Challenge encourages students to get sponsored to eat two pieces of fruit and four vegetables each day for a week in Term 3, and to raise money for digestive cancer research.

More information at www.gutsychallenge. com

Too much nutritional information can be a huge mistake, says food scientist AMANDA DOS SANTOS

accurate, third-party nutritional evaluation can cost more than $500 per food item!

For a full-day menu, that is one costly exercise, let alone the time and effort to coordinate samples for testing and publishing of materials post analysis.

Research shows, that although people are interested in nutritional information, with 90 per cent of supermarket shoppers looking at it, 40 per cent of them still cannot choose the healthier option.

So after all this effort of labelling up nutritional claims, the consumer will not even be able to choose the healthier product! Or as the theory goes at McDonalds, when salads are advertised, Big Mac sales soar.

Some nutritionists suggest a logo-like approach on healthier options for a restaurant’s menu.

Eye health in focus

aUSTRALIANS suffering from diabetes are 25 times more likely to develop vision loss. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ Eye Foundation is encouraging all Australians to get their eyes tested as part of its annual campaign. Foundation CEO Jacinta Spurrett says: “Highlighting the link between diabetes and eye health, we will urge people with diabetes – no matter their age – to make regular eye checks part of their diabetes management plan.”

Interesting and simple, but then comes the question of what parameters are chosen to index a healthier option? Similarly to a junk food tax, the criteria list is fraught with danger.

Too much information from a nutritional point of view is often not very helpful. The consumer becomes swamped and does not often have the background education to be able to make a better choice.

However, so long as consumers have access to an ingredient list, which is often far simpler to collate, they will be able to understand what menu choices are better to make.

Amanda dos Santos is a food scientist and freelance writer. To read more of her writing and ideas, go to www.foodactive.org

Cough medicine warning

WITH the cold and flu season in full swing, experts are warning against giving babies cough medicine. While there are many cough medicines available for children in australia, researchers say there is no evidence that these products relieve cough symptoms or help a cough to get better. there have been overseas reports of severe side effects in infants, mostly due to dosing errors. Parents concerned about their child’s cough, should consult a GP.

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

July 25–31

You’re in your element this week (the fire element). The New Moon falls in fellow fire sign Leo, so you’ll feel energetic and enthusiastic. It’s time to be creative, sporty and super social. If you’re lacking motivation, look to a child or friend to provide you with the inspiration you need. Singles – love is likely with someone who is older and wiser than you.

TAURUS (Apr 21 – May 20)

The New Moon is a magical time of beginnings and the promise of things to come. Family and home life are where you need to make some changes and adjustments – the sooner the better. It’s also the perfect time to add value to your residence via repairs, renovations or a quick paint job. When it comes to money, you may need to make a snap decision.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Have your relationships become boring and ho-hum? Sunday’s New Moon urges you to find fresh ways to communicate with those around you whether at home, at work or in your local neighbourhood. You have the Gemini gift of the gab so don’t waste it. But be careful what you say to a fragile family member, as your words may be misconstrued.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Show me the money! You’ve been talking about paying off debt or saving for something special (like a car, holiday or home deposit) for a long time. This week (with the New Moon stimulating your cash zone) you need to put your money where your mouth is and take action. It’s time to walk your talk. Friday favours financial deals and group activities.

LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)

What a wonderful week for lively Lions, as Venus and the New Moon light up your sign. You’re bound to be the centre of attention (which is just the way you like it). And you’re in the mood to indulge in extravagant shenanigans. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great (and uber-Leo) Mick Jagger: “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.”

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

You won’t feel wildly social this week. Put aside some ‘me time’ to unwind, as you concentrate on the three R’s – rest, relaxation and renewal. You’ll be amazed what you can pick up if you step back and observe others from the sidelines. And don’t rush things at work – with Mercury moving into your sign on Friday, the devil is definitely in the detail.

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 23)

If you are depending on loved ones to be punctual and organised then you’ll be disappointed. If you expect them to be unpredictable and exciting, then you’ll have a stimulating week. Don’t be dragged down by current challenges that Saturn is sending your way. As birthday great Helen Mirren reminds us: “The trick in life is learning how to deal with it.”

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 21)

Are you reaching your full potential at work? With the New Moon in your career zone, you need to create professional opportunities and explore all your career options. Beautify your work environment and have some fun, as Venus enhances on-the-job charm, enjoyment – and love. If you’re looking for employment, the early bird catches the worm!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You’re in the mood to be even more open and honest than usual (especially at work). But are others ready for your special brand of Sagittarian truth serum? Sunday’s New Moon activates your travel/adventure zone so you’ll feel restless, fired up and ready to go. Try to arrange a challenging project (or weekend trip) to channel all that excess energy into.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your emotional composure impresses others mid-week. Many conscientious Capricorns will be in worry-wart mode on Friday, but try not to make mountains out of molehills. Sunday’s New Moon boosts your leadership qualities – and your tendency to bossy behavior. Avoid the temptation to dictate to others. The best way you can lead is by example.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Is a close relationship going nowhere fast? Sunday’s New Moon provides a golden opportunity to patch things up and start afresh. It’s the ideal time to resuscitate a tired old romance (or navigate an exciting new one). Single Aquarians – look for lasting love with a lusty Leo or a luscious Libran. The key to peaceful partnerships is calm cooperation.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Do you feel dismally disorganised? Is your work or home routine letting you down? Perhaps it’s time to tune into the energy of the New Moon and try a different approach. You need to focus your mind and pay attention to small details. If you confuse fact with fantasy on Friday, you could end up with a complicated mess on your hands. Keep it real!

Daily astrology updates at www.twitter.com/JoMadelineMoore

Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2011

general knowledge crossword

Across 4 What is a colloquial term for a sailor?

8 An altar attendant of minor rank is known as a what?

9 Which other word describes a plumber?

10 What is a tabular surface of high elevation?

11 Name an especially private place or retreat.

12 Which other term describes xenophobia?

14 What are lorries also called?

18 One who trades in drugs is called a what?

21 Which custard-like food is prepared from curdled milk?

22 What is the patella? 23 What is a white ant also known as?

24 One who strives against, or opposes, does what?

4 What is another name for a jellyfish?

5 Name a set of railway carriages. 6 Which term describes an insane person?

7 To play a guitar in an idle, unskilled manner, is to do what? 13 Which short, thick sticks are used as weapons?

15 What do we call the fastest shearers of the group? 16 The Roman symbols XVI designates which number?

Which subterranean chambers are used as burial places?

Name a very popular card game. 19 What do we tie our shoes up with?

20 Name the Roman god of love.

1 Name a substance for household use as an insect deterrent. 2 Which eel is found lurking amongst rocks and weeds? 3 What are buildings, devoted to instruction by lectures?

Turn up the heat, outdoors

WITH outdoor heating units, you can use outdoor areas all year round, enjoying fresh-air drinks and dinners in a cosy and warm environment.

Chimineas and fire pits, which use wood as the energy source, radiate heat and make an attractive focal point for outdoor gatherings, says leisure buyer Cameron Rist.

“New chiminea designs incorporate grill plates to enable them to be used as a barbecue,” he says. “Alternatively, a table-top, gas heater is perfect for warming up an alfresco dining table.”

Outdoor patio heaters use gas bottles, and are effective in heating small to medium-sized areas, he says.

“Gas heaters are more energy-efficient than heat-radiant strips, which consume a lot of energy.”

However, be safe, he cautions: “Ensure heating units are kept far away from flammable material, such as dry leaves and wooden furniture which can easily catch fire.”

–Kathryn

Vukovljak

Brad Fire Pit, from $1100 medium fire pit with 850mm dish, Robert Plumb (www. robertplumb.com. au) – and there’s an Angelina one, too!

Large, cast-iron chiminea, $199, Barbecues Galore.

“Creating a warm look in your home can help transform a crisp house into a cosy nest for winter,” says Renata Bayer-Volf.

Keeping it toasty

NO matter how cold it gets outside, the home can always be kept warm and cosy, according to Renata Bayer-Volf, general manager at King Furniture – and it’s not just about turning up the heating.

“Creating a warm look in your home can help transform a crisp house into a cosy nest for winter; and the living room is the perfect place to start,” says Renata.

“Use a throw rug or some cushions to add warm colours like deep yellows, reds or oranges to the room.”

Renata says it’s all about employing some clever tricks and updating your accessories for winter, and that browns, beiges, tans, muted reds and greens are also good choices for creating a luxurious, toasty warm feeling.

Adding muted light, whether with a flickering fireplace or a glowing lamp, can be another great way to create a feeling of extra heat, she says.

Harvesting autumn’s hard work

I ALWAYS consider autumn the start of the gardening year rather than spring. Autumn is the time bulbs are planted and now, in midwinter, we are rewarded by those autumn plantings.

In our garden, bulbs such as Galanthus or Snowdrops are coming into full flower, as are the jonquils.

Reports tell me that the first of the daffodils are already in flower. An important change to traditional thinking regarding Snowdrops in recent advice from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Previously it was suggested that they are moved, propagated or planted immediately after flowering. It is now recommended that these take place after the leaves turn yellow towards late spring to avoid root damage.

If you did not plant Snowdrops early in autumn, some garden centres have these for sale potted and in flower now.

A winter flowering shrub that seems to

gardening

Bryant

have fallen out of favour is the Erica. Ericas flower for an incredibly long time from early winter to late spring.

Coupled with this feature they are extremely hardy, as experienced in our coast garden. Eurobodalla Shire had water restrictions far more severe than here. During the drought, gardeners were allowed a quarter of an hour watering every second day!

Our garden there was only watered once every few months and the Erica did not seem phased at all. Illustrated is Erica x darleyensis pink, which grows to half a metre tall with a similar spread. It is of Mediterranean origin and will fit into the dry Mediterranean garden. Check out your local garden centre for other varieties. As an acid lover, it is ideal planted in partnership with camellias, azaleas and pieris.

ON the subject of pieris, I have recently planted more in our garden. One only has

This week for your exercise:

•

•

•

•

Prune wistaria to 2-3 leaf joints on each main stem. Remove accumulations of leaves from around stems of plants to avoid collar rot. Plant rhubarb and cover with an open-topped pot to encourage long stems. I always advise to cut the old leaves of hellebores to ground level in late autumn to allow a maximum of winter sun for flower production. However, do not despair. This can be done right now; cutting off all last season’s old leaves, being careful not to damage any emerging flower buds.

•

Rose-pruning demonstrations by the Friends of the Old Parliament House Rose Gardens at the rose gardens, Sunday, July 24 from 11am.

to look at the photo to see why.

The common name is Pearl Bush due to the clusters of white or pink flowers resembling strings of pearls. These appear in late winter/spring with new, bright red leaves appearing at the same time as the flowers. The most readily available varieties include Pieris japonica “Christmas Cheer” (flowering in the northern hemisphere at that time), an extremely hardy form from Japan. P. j. “Flamingo” has long racemes of flamingo-pink flowers in clusters. P.j. “Mountain Fire” is a taller-growing variety to 2m. Possibly one of the most spectacular is P.j. “Forest Flame”. This is a superb shrub, also to 2m, with the young red leaves changing to pink, then creamy-white and finally to green. I saw these varieties for sale at the Heritage and Yarralumla Nurseries. Check out your local garden centre, they may have other varieties.

CONGRATULATIONS to Graham Ross, garden presenter of “Better Homes and Gardens” for the last 17 years, who was presented with the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s “Veitch Memorial Medal” in London recently.

It is the RHS’s highest honour that can be awarded to anyone not born in the UK who have made an outstanding contribution to the art, science or practice of horticulture.

FOLLOWING my hints about pruning, a comment from Sister Lydia (aged 91) in charge of the gardens of St. Michael’s Convent in London: “Plants are just the same as children; you know what’s good for them and when they need taking in hand”. How true!

Expansive family home in an excellent setting Substantially proportioned and impeccably maintained, this superb family home offers a great selection of living spaces and a lifestyle of supreme convenience Other features include a spacious timber kitchen, formal lounge/dining plus separate family room and rumpus, king sized bedrooms, all of which have built-in wardrobes completed with immaculate landscaped gardens. The residence´s location is easily accessible to Tuggeranong Hyperdome, several schools, local restaurants and recreational options, while also being just 20 minutes drive from Canberra´s CBD.

FRANKLIN 157 Hoskins Street

5 3 2

Chic designer appointments across fresh modern interiors lend an ambience of space and quality to this as new four bedroom plus study home Spread out in style with over 239sqm of quality living This opulent property offers a spacious open plan design, including a large formal lounge/dinning room with a spacious family/meals area. It has ducted heating and cooling for comfort all year round, and an alarm system for your security. The indoor flows seamlessly outside to the superb covered entertaining area. Set in the ever popular lifestyle location of Franklin, it is conveniently positioned close to the Gungahlin town centre and restaurant precinct of Dickson

commercial property

Lucky break for law firm

By t im Humphrey

CANBERRA’S innersouth office leasing market has recorded another deal over 000sqm.

HWL Ebsworth is planning to set up a new office in Canberra from August 1 and has committed to 1588sqm of premium-grade space in the Minter Ellison Building at 25 National Circuit, Forrest.

The legal practice, which has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, recently poached seven high-profile partners from DLA Piper’s ACT office.

According to George Marques, one of the local partners moving across to HWL Ebsworth, the leasing deal was a lucky break and suits his colleagues perfectly.

“It was an amazing coincidence really that the space was just sitting there ready to go,” Mr Marques says. “It meets all of our requirements in terms of the location, quality of the building and existing fit-out

in place. Also the fact that we knew people at PricewaterhouseCoopers (the sub-lessor) meant we could do the deal directly (without involving a leasing agent)”.

PricewaterhouseCoopers recently merged its Canberra operations with WalterTurnbull and recently consolidated into the latter’s premises at 44 Sydney Avenue.

Mr Marques confirmed that Canberra city was never on their radar when they were out looking for space.

“The CBD is a real problem in terms of client parking and our new premises allow for five dedicated spaces for our visitors. Forrest / Barton is

just as convenient a location and where most of our clients already are,” he said. In other news, Baptist Community Services has leased 745sqm of office space on level 1 of the Canberra Eye Hospital Building at 14 Wormald Street in Symonston. Like the HWL Ebsworth deal, BCS secured fitted-out space. the three-year lease was brokered by Duane Dawson, director of office services at CB Richard Ellis.

Tim Humphrey is editor of Property Daily, a market news and intelligence service focused on commercial property markets nationally. timh@ propertydaily.com.au

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

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

13 Booderee Pl L.J.

0409 015 400 3BR I

Cct Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0402 017 912 3BR I

Cct L.J. Hooker Manuka 0412 624 412 3BR J

6231 3100

BELCONNEN

Canberra Region Property Summary

100%

CHAPMAN

CHARNWOOD

Canberra Region Property Summary

CHIFLEY

CHISHOLM

FADDEN

FADDEN HILLS

FARRER

FLOREY

FLYNN

FORDE

GOWRIE

Canberra Region Property Summary

HARCOURT HILL

GREENLEIGH ESTATE

GREENWAY

GRIFFITH

Cromwell Cct Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 3BR J Call Agent 8/146 Ellerston Av Independent Tuggeranong 0407 245 177 3BR J Call Agent 8 Jasper Cl L.J. Hooker Tuggeranong 0412 281 735 3BR I

Call Agent 8 Jiggi Pl Peter Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0412 726 025 4BR H Call Agent 16 Tumbleton Pl Go Gecko Woden 0401 218 325 4BR H

JERRABOMBERRA

Sat 1:30-2:00 8 Burgan Gr McGrath Belconnen/Gungahlin 0413 503 312 4BR A

Sat 9:45-10:30 9/17 Brudenell Dr Ray White Queanbeyan 0412 000 841 2BR J

Sat 12:00-12:45

12:00-12:45

Brudenell Dr Luton Properties 0417 681 981 3BR I

Elm Wy Ray White Queanbeyan 0414 629 996 4BR H

1:15-2:00 7 Melaleuca Pl Luton Properties 0411 781 863 5BR E

KALEEN

THE ONLY MARKETING YOUR PROPERT Y NEEDS

LYNEHAM

Canberra Region Property Summary

MCKELLAR

MELBA

MONASH

Blackshaw Tuggeranong 0413 701 073 4BR H

678 3BR I MACGREGOR

Sat 12:45-1:45 6 Bryan Hudson St Independent Gungahlin 0405 660 842 3BR

MURRUMBATEMAN

NEWACTON

NARRABUNDAH

NGUNNAWAL

PIALLIGO

QUEANBEYAN

STIRLING

STROMLO/URIARRA

SWINGER HILL

SYMONSTON

THEODORE

Canberra Region Property Summary THE ONLY

WANNIASSA HILLS

WARAMANGA

TORRENS

TURNER