Canberra CityNews August 25-31, 2011

Solid rock from singer Shane

Casino Canberra is taking a punt on live music with a series of singer-songwriter shows. FREYLA FERGUSON reports...

AFTER all these years, Goanna’s Shane Howard still loves singing the band’s biggest rock anthem “Solid Rock”.

“It’s a song you can’t half sing,” he says. “When you sing it, you have to belt it out.”

Howard will visit Canberra as part of a new series of music gigs put together by Casino Canberra and Songland Records’ owner “Frog” Harris.

Together the Casino and Frog, whose music industry experience spans 30 years, have created a music program which includes Aussie songwriting legends Steve Kilbey, from The Church; Ricky Maymi, from Brian Jonestown Massacre; Redgum’s John Schumann and, of course, Howard.

There will also be a “pub-style” gig performed by rock group Dragon.

Howard spoke to “CityNews” the day after the memorial service for former Hawke Minister Clyde Holding, where he performed his song “Solid Rock” on invitation from the Holding family.

“It’s a beautiful and powerful memory,” he said.

“Mainly because of what Clyde Holding had done, particularly in 1985 when the ownership of Uluru was returned back to the Aboriginal people. I was there for that hand back.”

Howard, a passionate advocate for environmental and Aboriginal issues, burst on to the Australian music scene in the ‘80s with his rock group Goanna.

He has subsequently performed on stage alongside James Taylor, Van Morrison, Carol King, Jackson Brown, Archie Roach and childhood idol Bob Dylan.

He says that, at first, girls “inspired the poet in me”, but it was the songwriting influences of Dylan that inspired him to write about Australian experiences.

“I guess I learnt from my home life, from my mum and dad, a keen sense of justice and respect,” he says.

“As I got older I became more aware of our traditional owners and of disposition and colonisation.

“I became more and more ashamed and never

felt that we honorably dealt with those issues as a nation.”

Howard continues to be a strong advocate for environmental and Aboriginal issues. Last week he was in the Kimberley of WA protesting against the proposed LNG process plant.

He says his Canberra gig will be a “random” mix of his music.

“Sometimes people will call out from the audience, and depending on whether the band knows the song, we’ll play it,” he says.

“I still like to pay homage to old Goanna songs. And if I don’t sing them who will?”

Howard was last in Canberra, working on a project at Manning Clarke House.

“Goanna has really strong support in working-class centres,” he said.

“And then there’s Canberra – it’s funny, you wouldn’t think we’d have an intellectual following.

“I love Canberra, since the days I used to tour back in the ‘80s, it’s really grown and changed into a nice little cosmopolitan community.

“It’s full of memories for me.”

Frog Harris says it’s the music of Australian songwriters including Howard, that fits the brief for live music at Casino Canberra.

“The brief was: quality music, quality acts and a quality venue,” he said.

“In this venue, you can sit down and appreciate the work of singer-songwriters or stand-up and enjoy a rock ‘n’ roll performance.”

He said one of the biggest-selling records at his independent music store Songland Records was John Schumann’s album “Behind the Lines”.

“These are all specifically hand-picked acts,” he said.

“Nothing beats live performance and this is a venue that can deliver that.”

Shane Howard , Steve Kilbey with Ricky Maymi, Friday, September 2.

Dragon , featuring vocalist Mark William, October 21

John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, Friday, November 18

RSPCA loses the plot over Lucky

Get a grip, says MICHAEL MOORE. The RSPCA has really lost the plot. It’s a dog for heaven’s sake!

THE ACT Government should simply ignore the outrageous demands of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals chief Michael Linke in calling for a review of the pound policy of releasing dogs to the Department of Defence.

His impassioned criticism came with the discovery that a bomb-detector dog that was most likely killed in a fire fight in Afghanistan had originally come from the ACT pound.

The golden Labrador, ironically named Lucky, was an Explosive Detection Dog that has been declared “missing in action”. It was not able to be retrieved in the heat of battle in Helmand Province in early July and has still not been found.

I am an unabashed dog lover. I have even owned a beautiful golden Labrador. Dogs have always been part of my family life and our family gathers with other dog lovers and so many Canberrans to support the RSPCA through the Million Paws Walk each year. However, the household also includes people. And it is people who have the priority.

Congratulations not condemnation are in order to the Domestic Animal Service and the ACT Government for providing Lucky to Defence a year earlier. Lucky is a hero. The dog went

August 25-31, 2011

Since 1993: Volume 17, Number 32

Arts&Entertainment 19-21

Canberra Confidential 16

Cinema 20

Crossword 18

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Garden 22

Horoscope 18

Letters 10

News 2-12

Politics 3

Property 23-39

Social Scene 17

Sudoku 18

to Afghanistan playing a bomb-detector role with the express purpose of saving the lives of Australian soldiers who are serving our country.

In the very fire fight in which Lucky disappeared Australia lost Sgt Todd Langley. The loss of the dog is really sad; the loss of yet another soldier is a genuine tragedy.

According to Michael Linke, the RSPCA “won’t home dogs into police combat situations, or military combat situations or as bomb detectors”. It does not believe governments and pounds should be doing this either. He called for the Government and the pound to immediately review their policy. No! It should not.

I have huge respect for the work of the RSPCA but this approach is blinkered. There is no evidence of cruelty in training – in fact, the opposite is true. The dogs are not deliberately exposed to risk when it is not necessary. They are there to minimise risk and loss to our soldiers.

The official comment from the military spokesman was that accurate small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire prevented the immediate retrieval of Lucky. He added: “Unfortunately, Lucky was not recovered and, due to the tactical situation on the ground, we were unable to fol-

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Unlucky Lucky... Loss of the dog is really sad; the loss of yet another soldier is a genuine tragedy.

low up after several hours of intense fighting. Despite repeated attempts to call him back, Lucky was last seen in the vicinity of a major insurgent concentration.”

The RSPCA response raises the broader issue of animals in society. We certainly do not condone animal cruelty – and the RSPCA, by its very name, has a responsibility to be a “watchdog” on this issue.

However, the RSPCA seems to be caught up in the growing movement around animal rights. Perhaps it is understandable why vegetarians may be committed to this movement, but for the vast majority of our community it makes no sense at all.

The bizarre nature of the animal rights movement is the larger the animal the greater the rights. It seems okay to commit huge expenditure in international courts, to run expen-

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sive disruption missions including piracy-like activity on the high seas and mount large efforts in bi-lateral diplomacy in order to protect whales.

Having cattle slaughtered without cruelty in Indonesia, debating the culling of kangaroos in Canberra and the live export of sheep all grab the attention of the community. Where is the comparable effort to protect the baby octopus, the slaughter of escargot or protection of the ecosystem of flies?

I remain a strong supporter of the RSPCA, but I want them to be focused on preventing animal cruelty as their name implies rather than being an extremist group advocating for some vague notion of “animal rights”.

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

Glum ‘Times’

CIRCULATION for “The Canberra Times” continues to fall, according to the latest report of the Australian Bureau of Circulations. In the three months to June 30, “The Canberra Times” weekday sales fell 5.3 per cent to 30,968 copies and dropped 4.7 per cent on Sunday to 31,639. Saturday’s flagship edition slumped 4.4 per cent to 51,186, with readership down to 127,000 (from 139,000). Average weekday readership is now 83,000 (down from 90,000).

Musa for ‘Q&A’

LOCAL poet and rapper Omar Musa (pictured) will be making an appearance on the ABC’s “Q&A” program on Monday, August 29. At the end of the program he will do a short performance – only the third time the program has closed with a performance. He’ll perform at Parliament House on September 20 for the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia.

Music critic dies

CANBERRA music lovers are mourning the death of Australia’s most senior music critic W.L. Hoffmann on August 21. He was 91. He wrote for “The Canberra Times” from the 1960s until 2010. Hoffmann was ACT supervisor of instrumental music, director of the Canberra City Band and the Canberra School of Music’s original executive officer.

The awful lesson of influenza’s bite

Desperately ill, columnist SONYA FLADUN survives doctors, hospital and, possibly worse still, hospital food!

I’VE learnt my lesson, well and truly: don’t delay, don’t equivocate – get your flu shots early – well before winter sets in.

Of course, I had all sorts of excuses; I hate injections and there were always other things to do. In the end, my husband and our children had their flu shots, but not me; I had already come down with a bad case of flu!

It started with a few sniffles, but rapidly got worse. Within a few days, I had a persistent high fever and a bad cough. I was coughing up stuff that was so biologically active that it bubbled. Worse still, I was coughing up blood, so I knew I needed quickly to get to a doctor.

I couldn’t get an appointment with our regular GP, so my husband and I headed over to a new GP super clinic. Now, these facilities are better than nothing, but production-line medicine is what they deliver. A lengthy wait was followed by a cursory examination and the doctor’s advice: “You’ve got flu, we’ve all had it, you’ll get over it”.

Only after I told the doctor that I’d been coughing blood did he reluctantly prescribe an antibiotic.

A few days later, feeling much worse, I went to our regular GP who prescribed a much stronger antibiotic and advised that I return promptly if things didn’t improve quickly.

Too late. By the next morning I couldn’t eat or drink without immediately vomiting. Knowing I was really sick, we headed to Canberra Hospital.

Six hours later, I had been triaged out of the system and sent home with a prescription for anti-nausea pills. Casualty was busy, but it was

briefly

Jessica’s new title

JESSICA Lawless, of Canberra McGrath, has won the group’s Property Manager of the Year title at a Sydney presentation. The branch’s sales team were also finalists in several awards for sales excellence. Canberra principal Craig Chapman said: “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved in a little over 12 months in the Canberra real estate market and would like to thank all of our clients who have given us the opportunity to make a difference”.

surprising to observe the number of quite sick people, including families with obviously sick children, who gave up waiting for treatment and headed home rather than keep sitting in the cold and drafty waiting room.

Apparently, I just wasn’t sick enough to merit any further treatment. Yet within little more than 24 hours I was back. By this time, severely dehydrated with seriously low blood pressure – that, plus the severe chest pains that accompanied a full-blown case of pneumonia, finally got me through the triage process and into a hospital bed.

Diagnosed with Influenza A and severe pneumonia I was given oxygen, put on an intravenous drip and pumped full of high-grade antibiotics. This did the trick and after some days I returned home, where I’m still recovering.

I found the Canberra Hospital staff – doctors and nurses – highly attentive and professional. However, once my appetite returned, I found the hospital food an utter disgrace – barely edible at best.

On one occasion an order for a vegetarian dish (usually the safest pick) resulted in the delivery of what appeared to be regurgitated pork accompanied by something that might have been bits of pineapple.

Maybe our Chief Minister and Health Minister Katy Gallagher could live on hospital food for a week and see whether some improvement is in order.

All in all this wasn’t an experience I would care to repeat. So my advice is don’t delay – go early and get that flu shot.

Red and in the pink

THE 15th annual Spring Racing Charity lunch will be held at The Hellenic Club Woden on Friday, September 9. This year it is in aid of the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign and will feature celebrity appearances by former world champion tri-athlete Emma Carney, former Australian champion cyclist Tracey Gaudry and Australian swimmer Alicia Coutts. Tickets are $68 each. Bookings to 6269 2644 or email brooke.mcilveen@ heartfoundation.org.au

Rare treasures of the budding Arboretum

By Kathryn Vukovljak

THE National Arboretum is “gearing up for a busy couple of years”, according to curator Adam Burgess, who says that “Canberra’s gift to Canberra” will be officially presented to the public for the centenary in 0.

Having planted the very first tree, a eucalyptus benthamii, at the Arboretum back in 2005, Adam says it’s “amazing” to be involved in this long-reaching project from the very beginning.

“Most arboretums are 100 years old, and I’m always in awe of them,” he says. “I find myself thinking about how they were planted, what the arboretum would have been like at the start. And here I am at the beginning of this incredible project.”

The National Arboretum, a 250-hectare site in the Greenhills Forest area west of the Tuggeranong Parkway, was created after the area was burned out in the 2003 bushfires, says Adam. It included the existing Himalayan cedar forest and an 80-year-old cork oak plantation.

“It took us a long time to decide what to plant – Canberra’s already a living arboretum,” he says.

“The challenge was to be different, and we’ve achieved this by planting only rare or endangered trees, including Wollemi pines, dragon trees and monkey puzzles.”

Project manager Alan Franklin says the

topography of the site is beautiful. “There is so much seasonal variation between the trees; it’s a patchwork of colour and texture across the whole site,” he says.

“After the centenary we plan to ramp up the scientific, educational side of the site, and encourage community enjoyment.”

The “100 Forests, 100 Gardens” design is well underway, says Adam, and he estimates that around 80 forests have been planted so far.

“It’s been frustrating at times, when

plantings are unsuccessful and, of course, when the dragon trees were stolen, but it’s a learning curve and we’re working it out as we go along,” he says.

“As our trees are so rare, there’s nowhere to get advice on how they should be looked after.”

But it’s not just about trees, says Adam – there will also be a sculptural visitors’ centre, a grassed amphitheatre, a “reflective pavilion”, and the spectacular Central Valley ceremonial gardens.

“This whole place will be a playground; an experience.

“The next two years are going to be crazy, but I love being a part of it.

“We’re planting today for future generations to enjoy.”

Loos to be replaced

By Freyla Ferguson

EARLY last year “CityNews” exposed the paucity and dreadful condition of public toilets in Civic.

Despite this, the loss of thousands of taxpayer dollars to fix lock breakages, graffiti and damage to tiles and electric doors continues as cleaners battle to keep them hygienic.

But there is hope. The Territory and Municipal Services has prioritised the Exeloo toilets in the Civic bus interchange, near the intersection of Mort and Bunda Streets and Mort and Alinga Streets, to be replaced by new, state-of-the-art Exeloo Titan toilets.

The installation of the toilets is expected to begin within two weeks and completed by the end of September.

So what does the future hold for patrons of the Titan? Well, the manufacturer’s website says this model optionally includes solar panels to generate electricity, rainwater harvesting, black water on-site treatment and recycling, water-efficient toilet pans and flushing systems.

“The latest technological advances at Exeloo provide the capability for a web-based remote monitoring system to be integrated into the automated versions that will enable instant access to extensive data including number of occupations, water usage, power consumption, programmable time settings and provide solutions to trouble shooting.”

None of which suggests that it will stop the locks and doors from being broken, spare the tiles or manage the graffiti.

While coy about revealing the cost of the Titans because “there are a number of factors involved in the installation”, a TAMS spokeswoman told

“CityNews” that the upgrade of the city toilets would be funded as part of the $750,000 allocated in last year’s Budget for toilet upgrades.

“In recent months there were several occurrences of lock breakages, damage to tiles, graffiti and damage to electric doors,” she said.

“Over the past 12 months the total cost of repairs was $7300.

“Maintenance (including cleaning) of public toilets in the city is approximately $50,000 per year.”

She said staff monitor and clean public toilets in Civic up to six times a day Monday to Saturday, and four to six times on a Sunday.

“Staff also respond to Canberra Connect calls if members of the public find the toilets in an unclean condition,” she said.

In coming months, the toilets at the Hughes and Chisholm shops will also be refurbished.

Watch this (parking) space

NEWS that some Canberra developers are looking at options to offer lower-priced residential units and less traffic congestion in return for fewer car parking spaces in housing projects in inner suburbs has been met in some quarters with howls of protest.

Amongst the strongest complaints is the assertion that not providing dedicated carparking spaces under apartment buildings is just another “developer rip-off” that will result in parking chaos.

However, the fact is that not everyone in Canberra drives. Most adults do, but not everyone. I know of people who live close to their work and who prefer to walk or cycle

briefly

Swimmers celebrate

property

and to get a taxi for transport, say, late at night.

The reasoning behind offering some apartments without dedicated parking spots is simple. There is a chronic dearth of affordable housing in Canberra. Reducing (but not removing) some parking spaces under apartments located close to town centres and major employment (with viable transport alternatives to the car), allows the delivery of lower-priced apartments

TUGGERANONG Masters Swimming club will celebrate its 25th anniversary at a special dinner at the Vikings Club Erindale, Sportsman’s Bar from 7pm on Friday, September 16. The cost is $15 for food platters and a limited bar tab. RSVP by September 12 to smyth52@ bigpond.net.au

Walking to work

THE 13TH annual Walk to Work Day will be on September 16. An initiative of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, it aims to encourage better health and well being through regular walking. This year, individuals and workplaces can also choose to raise funds for the Cancer Council. Register at www.walk.com.au

Working with wood

than would otherwise be possible.

Basement parking construction is a significant development cost factor, typically costing around $35,000 to $45,000 per space.

For many first-home buyers, a unit without an associated parking space priced around $40,000 cheaper could be an attractive option.

As with all such initiatives, this won’t suit everyone, but some people don’t require parking and shouldn’t have to pay for it.

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

THE ACT Woodcraft Guild is holding its annual “Treasures in Timber” exhibition, in conjunction with the Timber and Working with Wood Show, September 2-4 at Exhibition Park. It will feature a members’ and an open competition, which will include turning, furniture, toys, tools, pyrography and marquetry. Admission is $15 adults, $13 concession, kids under 14 free.

Dietitian to give talk

YOUNG Canberra dietitian Nerida Bellis will be the guest speaker at the Country Women’s Association Canberra Evening Branch at the CWA club rooms, 8 Barry Drive, Civic, 7pm, Wednesday, September 7. She will talk about women’s health and heart disease.

Silver birthday

PARKINSON’S Awareness Week begins on August 28 and this year is also the 25th anniversary of Parkinson’s ACT. To mark the occasion, there will be a National Unity Walk, starting from Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park, at 11 am on Sunday, August 28. There is a four and twokilometre walk. Registration is open at www.unitywalk.com. au/Events/ACT

Epilepsy seminar

EPILEPSY Action Australia is holding a free awareness seminar, especially for adolescents and adults, parents of children with epilepsy and professional carers on September 9, 10am-noon. For information on the location of the seminar or to register call 1300 374537.

Art of posters

THE National Film and Sound Archive has a new exhibition

“Collective Passions: the Art of Festival Posters”, which features the posters of Australian film and music festivals.

“Many of the most engaging festival poster graphics featured in this exhibition were inspired by imagery and techniques drawn from art or film,” said curator Morgyn Phillips. The exhibition is free and open until December.

Rattenbury’s

been told; now desist

I REFER to Shane Rattenbury’s letter (CN August 18) where he claimed – prematurely as it turned out – that I had “missed the point” when I criticised his actions, as Speaker of the ACT Assembly, in supporting illegal protests.

On the first day of sitting, the Canberra Liberals moved a motion of no confidence in the Speaker. How can we, as lawmakers, support the breaking of laws we are elected to uphold and respect? How can a Speaker maintain respect for his institution when he encourages disrespect to other institutions?

Even the ACT Labor Party recognised the inappropriateness of the stance of Mr Rattenbury, and said so. The Assembly resolved that it “reaffirms the importance of all Members upholding and supporting the principle of the rule of law; and urges all Members to refrain from comments which may be perceived as supporting unlawful protest.”

There is no doubt whatsoever that Shane Rattenbury’s comments could be perceived as supporting unlawful protest – he explicitly stated so.

While he has the support of his Labor Party partners, I hope he listens to the motion they moved against him and he desists in making comments that can be construed to be encouraging others to break the laws we have all been elected to uphold.

Zed seselja, o pposition Leader, c anberra

Speaker should resign

IT is significant Shane Rattenbury MLA (“Zed misses the point on peaceful, even unlawful, protest”, CN August 18) signs off as member for Molonglo and not as Speaker of the Assembly.

This latter appointment carries with it important, if different, responsibilities to others in a legislature, notably – if not always achieved – impartiality and any news-making involvement in political issues weakens the incumbent’s position and the role itself.

Most speakers incur the wroth of a parliament at some time, however not to the extent of a no confidence motion. Mr Rattenbury should either accept public frustrated silence or resign the chair to somebody else.

Greg cornwell, ( a ssembly s peaker, 1995-2001), Yarralumla

Practical use for fences

JUST wondering if Michael Moore (“The creeping blight of school fences”, CN August 11) realises that a lot of these schools now being fenced cater for and include children with a wide range of disabilities, who are at risk of injury if they are unable to determine or independently stay within the school’s boundaries?

By fencing the oval or playground we are actually providing these children with a safe place to run freely, play and exercise. In some instances this is not possible in an area that is unfenced, or has lower fences.

Maybe these fences are not to keep the public out of the area, but actually to enable more access for the children attending these schools. s ascha colley, Watson

Happy with high fences

I READ Michael Moore’s article “The creeping blight of school fences” (CN August 11). Having a child with autism who has no concept of danger and who is a runner, I am more than happy that schools have these high fences. As I was reading the article, I couldn’t help but think that Mr Moore could put his energy into commenting on far more pressing issues than school fences, such as the difficulties ACT families of children with disabilities face in finding suitable childcare.

Liz Mellor, Waramanga

Why make a choice?

THE Gadfly (“Goodbye US, hello China”, Robert Macklin, CN August 18) sees a choice looming similar in character to the one made by John Curtin.

Given our enviable position why make a choice at all? Let us sort ourselves out and, like so many other small powers, assert our right to be ourselves.

As for human progress to alleged democracy; prosperity is number one for the Han Chinese. stuart J. McIntosh, Isabella Plains

Good to see Maurie

GOOD to see the smiling face of Maurie Greig leaping from Page 11 of last week’s “CityNews”. Maurie, who is pictured at the Lifeline Canberra 40th birthday, is an integral part of ACT motor racing history being a former leading local region and east-coast sprint-car racer. Michael attwell, Dunlop

Apologies, but...

I am quite happy to apologise to both Saunders (letters, CN August 18) for confusing their names. However the Patricia Saunders who is not a solicitor should realise that my comments apply to her as well. I note that she has not apologised to Michael Moore so must assume that she regards his explanation as untruthful.

Ric Hingee, Duffy

Spring in Gold Creek

comment

Alan Tongue and the art of playing for the love of it

THE Raiders. What a shocker of a year, made worse by the fact that we entered it with such amazing expectations.

Here we are with just a few games to go, wondering if the Green Machine could perhaps score another wooden spoon. And if you were thinking: “It couldn’t get any worse than this”, it has.

Captain Alan Tongue has raised his head from the bunker to announce that he was done. Captain Courageous has decided it is time to go; that his battered 30-year-old body probably couldn’t stand the rigours of another season.

In the last 12 years, Alan Tongue has been a wonderful servant to the club and to the game.

MARK PARTON salutes the outgoing captain of the Raiders

He plays it the way it is supposed to be played.

He’s a throwback to the times when the game was played for the love of it. Tonguey came to town as a skinny teenage “ranga” from the sticks with a dream to play league at the highest level.

“I came down here just wanting to play footy as well as I could,” Alan told me.

The boy from Dungowan joined the club last century… 1998, before debuting in first grade two years later. He won the club rookie of the

year award in 2000. When Matt Elliott took over as coach in ’02, he made it clear to Tongue that he should “maybe look for somewhere else to play”, but he knuckled down and won the favour of the new coach.

Tongue will be remembered not for his freakish natural ability, but for his heart and his hard work. He’s a tackling machine and a captain who leads more by what he does than what he says.

He has always treated the fans, the club, opponents, media and sponsors with respect. If there were more Alan Tongues out there, rugby league would be a better game.

The retiring captain is thankful for his smalltown roots.

cover story

“I grew up in small, country farming community. We take nothing for granted,” he said. “When my brother turns up to play, he opens up the ground and he cleans out the sheds after the game. He does it for the game,” he added. However, in breaking news, I can reveal that Tongue is already being courted by another club. The Dungowan Cowboys, up near Tamworth, have been twisting his arm for years trying to convince him to have a run with his two brothers.

“It’d be nice to do,” Tonguey told me with a sparkle in his eye. “I might be able to go up there and have a game or two.”

Mark Parton is the

Derek has secrets he wants to share

By Kathryn Vukovljak

ONCE a secret society of mysterious passwords, unexplained symbols and obscure handshakes, the Freemasons are now revealing what goes on behind closed doors, according to Derek Robson, the newly elected Grand Master of the Freemasons in NSW and ACT.

“We encourage men to live an ethical life; it’s not something to be hidden away,” he says.

“We’ve been told by past Grand Masters to ‘dare to be different’ and that ‘Freemasonry is good – let’s talk about it’. I want to promote open discussion.”

Derek, a former Australian Navy officer and now national secretary of the RSL, was installed as Grand Master in early August, something he describes as a huge honour, particularly as he is keen to “break down the veil of secrecy” surrounding the ancient men’s organisation.

“We’re a worldwide fraternity, and although we’ve been called a secret society over the years, it’s time to reverse that,” says Derek, who’s been a Freemason since 1978.

“It’s not a secret society; it’s a society with secrets. And there’s nothing wrong with having secrets. Everyone has a PIN number that they don’t tell anyone else. For us it’s part of the mystique of the craft.”

Secrets such as Masonic passwords and handshakes date from biblical times, Derek says, when stonemasons and skilled artisans with differing dialects would use certain words and handshakes to identify themselves.

“We also use stonemasons’ tools as a visual way to remind us how to live a better life,” he says.

“Members are encouraged to allocate time to work, family, the Lodge and charitable acts. It’s important that no one thing becomes dominant in our lives, which is why we have the 24-inch ruler as one of our ‘tools’ – it reminds us to plan the 24 hours in the day.

“I particularly like the mallet, which represents taking action.”

Derek says there is some crossover between his work at the RSL and Freemasons. “The core values of care and the welfare of others are similar,” he says.

The only subjects banned in the Lodge are religion and politics, says Derek, and this is to encourage camaraderie and togetherness, and to protect the individual views of members.

“While we suggest themes for behaviour, there are no specific answers and members are

encouraged to interpret themes to suit their own beliefs and what they want from their lives,” he says.

Freemason meetings are very simple, Derek says, and usually start out with administrative issues. “We also take part in 300-year-old rituals that we have to memorise,” he says.

“Then we close with a light supper, chat, speeches and toasts. There’s always a social aspect.”

Derek says there’s been a resurgence in interest in the Freemasons of late.

“Happily, we have more young men joining now than we’ve had in decades,” he says. “Our wellworn philosophy is that we make good men better, and people are attracted to that way of life.

“Anyone interested can just ask questions – we’ve taken away the mystery.”

Tools of the Freemasons

The Square – a reminder to be “fair and square” when dealing with others.

The Level – a reminder that all men are equal.

The Apron – as worn by stonemasons, so it serves as a reminder to be honest in work, true to the Lodge and useful in the community. •

The 24-inch ruler – to represent 24 hours in the day needed for planning, work and family.

The Mallet – to suggest the need for action, moderated by self-control, to follow planning.

The Chisel – to illustrate the benefits of education and perseverance.

universities

Why it’s rubbish to

DON AITKIN, a former vice chancellor, believes there are no bad Australian universities. And when choosing one over another university rankings and ratings are more likely to mislead than to help

I READ the news about ANU’s loss of rank in the “Good Universities Guide” with great irritation.

Its vice chancellor was quite correct to point out that the new low rating did not make much sense given that the ANU had scored highly in the same field (teaching quality) in the past rankings. How could it have dropped precipitately in a short time?

My own view is that these ratings are simply rubbish, and should not be taken seriously by anyone. I feel the same about the world ratings of universities, too, where the ANU usually scores reasonably highly. They are also rubbish.

But first, the teaching scores. These have been based on what students say in what amount to exit surveys. The students are not obliged to complete the surveys, and even if they were, nothing can guarantee that the scores the students give mean anything in particular. They can like or dislike the lecturer, be doing well or poorly, be interested or uninterested, and so on. Oh yes, and the lecturer can be competent or incompetent, interested or uninterested in teaching, absorbed or not absorbed in research, and so on.

I was opposed to them when they were introduced 20 or so years ago. But the Government wanted some “key performance indicators”, and the AVCC helped to set up this particular

one, fearing that if we did not the Government would impose something more stringent.

My first examination of the outcome confirmed my fears. The signal-to-noise ratio was terribly small. I wanted UC, of which I was the VC at the time, to use them internally, to look at differences from year to year in the same courses. And we did that, which was why I was unimpressed with the reliability and validity of the measures.

But to use them across universities, and then average them to show that university A is “better at teaching” than University B is just silly. But it is done every year, and produces the same kinds of news stories, right across the country. What it tells us is that people who like numbers, like numbers. Once they can apply numbers to a quality, or attribute, or process, they can perform all their favourite statistical tests on the numbers, get averages, standard deviations, and “indexes” – and to two decimal places, as well. This happens everywhere, not just in universities, where you would think that commonsense, and some knowledge of research methodology, would throw out such bogus findings. But no.

The general ratings of universities are no less sensible, and for a related set of reasons. It all depends on what you measure. What is easiest? Well, income, age of foundation, possession of

rate universities

THE Tertiary Open Day, or TOD as it is commonly known, will be held around Canberra on Saturday, August 

TOD is a collaborative event between Canberra’s five tertiary institutions; Australian Defence Force Academy, Australian National University, University of Canberra, Australian Catholic University and Canberra Institute of Canberra.

Each institution will be open to the public from am to  pm.

More information at www.tertiaryopenday.com

medical school, research graduate production, research income.

It happens that all these attributes are interrelated, at least in our country. It was the oldest universities that gained the medical schools, and the big gifts from wealthy graduates, and the big graduate programs, and the early reputations. That has given them a big advantage in these vacuous ratings games.

In my opinion, there are no bad Australian universities, and I once knew them all quite well. The reasons for choosing one over another for your son or daughter will be quite complex. Some intending students would benefit from leaving home and going into residence; some

won’t; some can’t afford to.

Some know exactly what they want to do; some are unsure; some are going to university because their mates are (a bad reason). All will know a great deal more about themselves and what they should be doing after their first year.

But these ratings ought not to be consulted. They are empty of meaning, and more likely to mislead than to help.

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

Canberra Confidential

Survey a basket case

ACCORDING to a recent survey, Canberrans will find the cheapest average basket of groceries at Aldi. But “Confidential” can reveal Supabarn’s got a beef with the research.

The “Sunday Canberra Times Consumer Test”, published on July 24, was wrong says Supabarn.

James Koundouris, development manager of the Koundouris Group, which owns and operates the Supabarn supermarket chain, says he’s appalled with the report.

“I don’t know where they got their prices from, but eight of the items were priced incorrectly,” he says. “If they’d done their research properly the total cost of the Supabarn basket at the time of the survey was actually $139.16 – almost $20 cheaper than the reported price,” says Koundouris.

The article refers to “The cost of the basket, based on consumer group Choice’s annual supermarket price survey”. But the spokesperson for the consumer group Ingrid Just maintains Choice had nothing to do with collecting the data.

“Choice’s most recent survey was in 2009,” she says. “A number of news outlets have used our methodology, however we were not involved.

“We’ve never surveyed Supabarn or Costco.”

The “Times” corrected the price for Supabarn’s unpackaged chicken on August 14, adjusting the Civic supermarket’s basket price to $151.63.

A pause on public art

MENTION the words “public art” to anyone in this town and it’s likely you’ll wind up in a heated discussion.

Statues, steel grass, flapping bits of metal and an owl are just some of the commissioned works that have created a stir, with many locals suggesting our Government needs to get its priorities right.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has told “Confidential” no new money has been committed to public art. “All money from the Percent-for-Art Scheme has been spent or is committed to artworks in the pipeline. There are about 16 left, all of which have homes to go to,” she says.

“The 2008-09 Budget provided $778,000 for 2011-12, the last year of the Percent-for-Art Scheme funding.” What the last 16 pieces will be and where they will go remains a mystery.

Philippa’s passion

CANBERRAN Philippa Seldon has embarked on a journey to raise awareness of suicide prevention, cycling from Parliament House to Brisbane by Saturday September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day.

Philippa’s brother Dale ended his own life in September 2009 at the age of 35.

“The loss of a loved one by suicide has such a profound effect on so many people and my experience with suicide has motivated me to make a differ-

ence,” says Philippa.

Six people die by suicide every day in Australia. Follow Philippa’s Cycle 4 Life journey in conjunction with Lifeline online at www.cycle4life.org.au Sweaty, hot

and humid

THEY say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. That’s yoga instructor Jacqueline Jansen’s motto and she might just have the proof.

Dubbed the “Torture Chamber” by many, Jansen’s Bikram yoga studio in Mitchell maintains a room temperature of 38.5C with humidity at a staggering 40 per cent. And it’s got everyone talking.

“It’s the ideal situation to make people sweat – but not die,” says Jansen.

The class runs for 90 minutes and Jansen says she doesn’t let anyone

leave the room. “The heat forces you to focus and rids the body of toxins... your skin will glow and your hair will shine,” she says.

Yogis feeling the heat can opt to sit or lie down during the class. But a quick look around the studio might make you think twice about slacking off. “Confidential” can confirm the oldest participant is 86!

Pink and personal

WHAT on earth could Canberra-based hairdresser Tania have in common with American singer-songwriter and musician Pink?

Apart from a striking resemblance, Pink and Tania have a husband and now a baby – both with the same name.

Tania Hart, who owns and operates

Ripe Hair in Fyshwick, was surprised to hear Pink – who married motocross motorcyclist Carey Hart – had named her daughter Willow. “It’s one of those crazy coincidences,” Tania says. But she’s quick to add she didn’t copy Pink. “My daughter’s now two-years-old, so I got in first,” she laughs.

Lisa welcomes your feedback, thoughts and item ideas at lisa@ citynews.com.au or follow Lisa on Twitter @Lisa_Ridgley or at her blog at www.thegirlcantalk.com

Winner: The winner of the Lambert’s Winery $100 dining voucher is Sarah Lattimer, of Forde.

At Max Dupain & Piero Kwong photography exhibition, Aarwun Gallery, Gold Creek

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore

ARIES (Mar  – Apr 0)

Aug 29 – Sept 4

Focus on health and fitness, as the New Moon activates your wellbeing zone. A disciplined approach will lead to more energy and a better quality of life. Business matters are favoured, but make sure you’ve done your financial homework, and don’t skip over important details. Saturday is your pick of the week, as you socialise with family and friends.

TAURUS (Apr  – May 0)

The New Moon and Venus light up your hobby/leisure zone, so you need to do more of what you love. Get physical, sporty, creative, musical – whatever turns you on. Don’t have enough time to have fun? Stop making excuses and instead make recreation a top priority. Bulls are in a buoyant mood on Saturday, as the Sun and Jupiter boost your spirits.

GEMINI (May  – June )

Is your home life a disorganised mess? Are you having trouble communicating with loved ones? New Moon energy helps you spring clean, clear the clutter and rejuvenate rickety relationships. It’s also time to shake off the mental cobwebs and put on your thinking cap, as you find stimulating ways to get your marvellous mind motivated again.

CANCER (June  – July )

Avoid side-step challenges, Crabs! With mighty Mars marching through your sign (until September 19) it’s time to scale mountains and sail stormy seas. Be inspired by birthday great Ingrid Bergman: “I don’t regret a thing I’ve done. I only regret the things I didn’t do.” Adjust the way you communicate this week – one size definitely won’t fit everyone.

LEO (July  – Aug )

Don’t let impulse buys burn a hole in your wallet. Lions love luxury, but avoid spending more than you can comfortably afford. With the New Moon in your cash zone, try a new (and more fiscally responsible) approach. It’s a wonderful weekend for work and business, as the Sun and Jupiter boost your confidence and put you in the right place at the right time.

VIRGO (Aug  – Sept )

With the New Moon and Venus visiting your sign you’re emanating some serious charisma, as you approach life with extra Virgo vim and vigour. Don’t obsess over what might have been – it’s time to start a new project or initiate important changes. Saturn is still moving slowly through your money zone, so focus on being a saver rather than a spender.

LIBRA (Sept  – Oct )

Saturn is testing your mettle (and sending obstacles in your direction) but don’t let it get you down. Be inspired by birthday great Lily Tomlin: “View challenges as hurdles on the road to success.” The New Moon falls in your contemplation zone, so take a break from work, family and social commitments and indulge in some splendid solitude – for a change.

SCORPIO (Oct  – Nov )

The New Moon shines a spotlight on your goals and dreams for the future; the Sun urges you to go for gold; while Pluto helps you follow through with passion and purpose. Get set for a double-dose of Scorpio intensity on Friday and Saturday, as the Moon moves through your sign. You’ll be stubborn and secretive – but also intuitive and insightful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov  – Dec )

Positive aspects between the Sun, Venus and Jupiter promise a pleasurable week. The New Moon stimulates your career zone, so you’re keen to create fabulous fresh work opportunities and explore more of your professional potential. But, with Jupiter going retro, make sure you complete old projects before you launch ambitious new endeavours.

CAPRICORN (Dec  – Jan )

With the New Moon, Venus and Jupiter all activating your adventure zone, jump out of your comfort zone and take some calculated risks. For many curious Capricorns, a business trip or heavenly holiday looms large in your plans for the coming months. The more emotionally unyielding you are on Thursday, the more difficult the day will be.

AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb )

The New Moon indicates a shift of gear in an important area of life. This week, the heavens signal a fresh start for adventurous Aquarians involving intimacy issues or money matters. You’re in the mood to ruffle a few feathers midweek, but be careful who you target with your idiosyncratic ideas and amusing antics. Some people will not be amused!

PISCES (Feb  – Mar 0)

With the New Moon revving up your relationship zone, Piscean partnerships are in for a major rejuvenation. Does your spouse encourage your talents and support your dreams? If the answer is no, it may be time to give them the boot. Singles – make a wish-list of the positive traits you are looking for in a long-term partner. Friday favours travel and adventure.

Across

1 Name the capital of Poland.

8 Which arcs in the sky reflect the prismatic colours?

9 What do we also call a service station?

10 Name a recognition of merit, as an award, honour or public tribute.

11 Which other term describes the oesophagus?

12 To be saintly or godly is to be what?

13 What is one of the main divisions of a long poem?

16 Name the code consisting of dots and dashes.

19 To travel from place to place is to do what?

21 When one corrects something, one does what?

22 Name the immature forms of frogs.

23 What was the surname of the first Australian-born governor-general?

24 When one decrees again, one does what?

25 Name a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural.

2 Which sea lies between PNG and the northern coast of Australia?

3 Name a bright red colour.

4 Which circular band of flowers is left at a grave, etc?

5 What is a word opposed in meaning to another?

6 Name the widow of a man of rank.

7 What is the true substance of anything?

13 Which term describes a taste for literature, the fine arts, etc?

14 What are long narrow pastas?

15 Name a former Turkish empire which flourished for over six centuries.

17 What does a surgeon do?

18 Name the

all about the arts

The driving dance of Patrick Thaiday

By arts editor Helen Musa

FOR a dancer, Patrick Thaiday is what kids these days would call “really, really old” – he’s .

What’s more astonishing, this brilliant artist from the Bangarra Dance Theatre didn’t start his dance career until he was 29, at which age many classical ballet dancers are thinking about being pensioned off. So what drives him? We’ll see when he appears here soon in Bangarra’s double bill “Belong”.

Thaiday joined Bangarra in 2002 after training for three years with the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association Dance College, so this is his 10th year with the company.

One part of this show, Elma Kris’ “About”, touches Thaiday personally. His parents come from the same island in the Torres Strait as Kris (“she’s my mother’s cousin’s sister”).

“Our dance is a celebration of our environment, of hunting and gathering from the sea – we are the Salt Water People,” he says and it’s exciting to be helping recreate the stories of his own people.

Thaiday may have trotted the globe with Bangarra, but the urban environment depicted in director Stephen Page’s new work “ID” is an uncomfortable fit for a boy who grew up in Mackay, Queensland. “I’m still finding my feet in Sydney,” he says. Another shock was learning some ballet skills, yet he now appreciates the discipline of that.

But unlike so many classical dancers, he has no

intention of retiring. “I see aunties and uncles in their 70s and 80s still singing and dancing… I think I’ll keep dancing until I die,” Thaiday says.

If Thaiday is entering his 10th year, the inspirational artistic director Stephen Page is celebrating 20 years at the helm of Bangarra. Page is particularly chuffed that he’s got Elma Kris choreographing for the second time.

“We thought it was time we had a Torres Strait Islander perspective, so we asked her to make a cultural response.”

“About,” he says, is “more abstract, yet simple,” based on the four winds in the Strait.

As for the differences between Torres Strait and mainland dance, Page agrees that it is celebratory, “it’s got a Pacific Ocean feel about it… a good deal relates to the coastal accessories for the body”.

Mainland dance comes from “very different terrain, the colour comes from the earth,” yet “they’re both the same, in the sense that there is repetition and ritual.”

Page comes from an urban background, but he knows that “Bangarra has, in a sense, been entrusted by Aboriginal communities to embrace their stories.”

In “ID,” he looks at identity, challenging stereotypes of indigenous people while rejecting the victim stereotype he believes is now breaking down.

“Will the real Aborigine please stand up?” is a question often asked by white Australians. Increasingly, more indigenous Australians are standing up and Stephen Page will be there to record it.

“Belong”, Canberra Theatre, September 2-3. Bookings to 6275 2700.

Threads, dreams and theatre

arts in the city

CANBERRA theatre artists Camilla Blunden, Liliana Bogatko, Raoul Craemer and Noonee Doronila, styling themselves “the Threads Collective”, are all what we used to call “new Australians”. Now director Barb Barnett has taken on the task of turning their dreams and conversations into an unusual theatre work, “Destination Home”, running at The Street Theatre, August 23-28. Bookings to 6247 1223.

TERRIFIC news that former Canberran Kirsty McGregor has been nominated by the Casting Society of America for her casting of the film “Animal Kingdom” in the “Feature – Studio or Independent – Drama” section. Two of the other nominations are “Black Swan” and “The King’s Speech”.

THE 2011 Ranamok Glass prize has gone to Masahiro Asoka for his cast and cold-worked glass work “Surge 12”. The exhibition of top glass work from Australia and NZ runs at the Canberra Glassworks until September 22.

TEMPO Theatre is holding a charity preview of “The Mousetrap” on September 8 at Belconnen Theatre. Bookings to www.ozharvestcanberra. org. Of course, there’s the rest of the season of Agatha Christie magic, too, September 9-24. Bookings to 6275 2700.

ARTSOUNDFM, will host the national “Technorama” conference September 9-11, bringing together non-commercial broadcasters to discuss new technology issues. Inquiries to Chris Deacon, 0419 311918.

ENTRIES close on September 2 for the Mental Health-focused film festival “Mindscapes”. There are three sections for short films of seven minutes and under. Inquiries to Rachel Muller, 6249 7756, or email admin@mhccact.org.au

IT’S time for the piano section of the Australian National Eisteddfod, culminating with the open recital competition on September 3 at 1pm at Wesley Music Centre. Tickets at door. Full program at www.nationaleisteddfod.org. au/programs/PianoProgram2011c.

AARWUN Gallery at Federation Square, Nicholls, has a retrospective exhibition of fabulous Max Dupain photographs they’re billing as “not to be missed”. They’ll also be introducing works by Piero Kwong, an award-winning photographer based in Wagga. Good match. The show runs seven days a week until September 3.

TESS Horwitz and Ali Aedy are jointly exhibited at ANCA Gallery, 1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, until August 28, Wednesdays to Sundays noon to 5 pm. “Visceral” purports to connect “refugees and invasive species with tea bags and blankets” as the artists create “skins” made from used teabags and works of “spillage”. You’ll just have to see.

Plain ‘Jane’ runs too long

cinema

c ameron Williams

SINCE Charlotte Bronte put pen to paper in the 1800s, the novel “Jane Eyre” has been dissected by critics and hailed a classic. Meanwhile, high school students have tried to find the best film adaptation to avoid having to flip a single page. Fans of the book and academic slobs can now rejoice, as director Carey Fukunaga has delivered a movie that will satisfy both groups.

Jane (Mia Wasikowska, pictured) survives a harsh upbringing after being orphaned, and sets off into the world as a governess. She is employed by the abrupt Mr. Rochester (Michael Fassbender) and a relationship develops.

Fukunaga has taken the traditional approach and given the setting a Gothic feel that adds authenticity to the story.

The cast is outstanding – Wasikowska has maturity beyond her years and gives a lot of strength to her character.

Fassbender is great, while Jamie Bell, Sally Hawkins and Judi Dench provide fine support.

The run time is a problem, as two hours is way too long. Unless you’re a big fan of the source material, you may struggle to engage.

At Greater Union Manuka, Dendy and Hoyts

“THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD” (M)

DOCUMENTARY maker Morgan Spurlock takes a look behind the curtain of the world of advertising in his new film “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”.

Spurlock investigates the way companies use advertising and different forms of media to sell products. Nothing is sacred, from blockbuster films to billboards plastered on high schools.

Along the way, Spurlock endeavours to prove his point – with varying degrees of success – by getting large companies to bankroll his film in return for product placement and endorsements.

As “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” unfolds, it becomes clear that a lot can get done with corporate involvement, and Spurlock’s morals as a filmmaker are questioned. Is he simply selling out or buying in?

The execution is clever and Spurlock is a likable guy, but the message becomes lost at times as he tries to cover a lot of ground and gets bogged down in the detail.

“The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” will help explain why, after watching the latest “Transformers” film, you bought a Chevrolet Camaro.

At Greater Union Manuka

“COWBOYS AND ALIENS” (M)

THE genre of science fiction collides with the western in the blockbuster “Cowboys and Aliens”.

In the old west, Jake (Daniel Craig) wakes in the desert with his memory erased and a strange bracelet attached to his arm. He tries to jog his memory by visiting the town of Absolution, but it’s attacked by aliens, who kidnap many of the locals. Jake becomes an unlikely hero and puts together a posse to mount a rescue.

The action is exciting but it’s mostly an unhappy marriage. The characters are dull, which is disappointing considering the talent involved (Craig, Harrison Ford, Paul Dano and Sam Rockwell).

A whopping eight screenwriters worked on the script and it’s littered with cheesy dialogue and too many clichés. The special effects work against the film and look out of place in the western setting.

“Cowboys and Aliens” is a disappointment, which is a shame because it’s one of a few films this year that isn’t a remake or reboot. It’s a completely original idea bungled and, unfortunately, that gives the Hollywood executives another reason to green-light more rehashed versions of cinema classics.

At cinemas everywhere

Face of success

By Helen Musa

FOR the second year running, the $2000 Tuggeranong Rotary Club Youth Art Award has gone to Hayley Lander from Radford College, this time for her portrait “Journey of a Dreamer”.

Judge Robert Stephens, of Aarwun Gallery in Gold Creek, told “CityNews” that the work, which depicted “an intensity of contemplation”, showed how she was maturing as an artist.

The Aarwun Encouragement Award of $250 went to Adam Veikkanen for his large, striking portrait “Gorilla

– fingerprints in ink on paper”, praised by Stephens as “highly innovative”.

The Oenone Edwards Encouragement Award of $400 went to Claire Nimmo for “Cave Walker” and the Photoaccess Award of $250 in access to facilities and membership went to Robbie Parker for his work “Forgotten”. This is the 17th year of the awards.

The exhibition, curated by Mitchali Meerwald, a student of art history at the ANU, can been viewed 10am-5pm and Saturdays 1pm-4pm until September 14.

When short and sweet meets little and big

By Helen Musa

THE Short+Sweet festival, “the biggest little play festival in the world”, is due to hit town at the end of the month and, for the third time running, we have our own version, with actor-director Jarrad West as Canberra’s artistic director.

Now in its 10th year, more than 700 plays were submitted this year – from Melbourne, Newcastle, Geelong and Griffith, Singapore, Malaysia, India, the Philippines and NZ.

Luckily for West, the script manager at Short+Sweet’s head office in Sydney, Peter Malicki, and his committee handed him just the top 30 to select from.

He’s tried for a balance between plays from the ACT and elsewhere to ensure the

festival will be “neither local nor foreign”. But all the directors are Canberrans, so it’s sort of local.

“It’s such a subjective thing,” West tells me. “There were some things that I thought were strong, but the directors who applied weren’t interested in them.”

Oddly, in the end he believes, because of the number of people involved in the process, it became “quite subjective”.

After a certain amount of haggling, the top 17 plays, ranging from comedy to drama, will run over two weeks, a modest affair compared to Sydney, where it will run for six weeks.

At first glimpse there’s a cronyistic element to the selections. Both Malicki and his

predecessor as script manager, Alex Broun, will have plays staged by Ruth Pieloor (a selected playwright last year) and ACT theatre veteran Liz Bradley. Canberra’s Duncan Driver will direct a play from Victoria, then Jordan Best will direct a play, written by the two Duncans, Driver and Ley.

There’s a sense that the 10-minute play is becoming a rather serious business, so it’s good to report that Burgmann Anglican College, winner of the under-18s festival Fast+Fresh, will have its play performed, too.

“Short+Sweet”, Courtyard Studio, August 31-September 3 and September 7-10. Bookings to 6275 2700 or canberratheatrecentre. com.au

It’s dish after dish of bliss

dining

Wendy Johnson

IF you love Vietnamese, hustle on over to Pho Phu Quoc in Dickson; it’s authentic food that will put a smile on your face – not only because it’s super good, but because it’s served at (practically) giveaway prices.

Don’t expect fancy décor (although the plaster cherubs, cloth flowers and little fairy lights are all pretty flash!); don’t expect to be babied by chatty staff asking how your day has been and don’t expect snob-factor tables, chairs or cutlery.

But do expect to enjoy dish after dish after dish.

The service is lightning-bolt quick, but you can stay as long as you want so your tummy has a chance to settle between courses.

Six of us dined at Pho Phu Quoc on a weekend. Two had been many times before, so they took charge of ordering from the extensive menu that features a tasty selection of house specialties, soups, rice and noodle dishes, vegetarian options and main courses of beef, chicken, pork, lamb, prawns and fish. Entrees start at $4.90 and most mains hover around $17.

The garlic chicken was piping hot and crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside and a super start. Then it was off to the rare beef soup with rice noodles, a traditional and widely popular dish in Vietnam, which is so comforting on a snappy, cold Canberra day. The thin, thin slices of tender beef cook in delicious, piping hot stock.

It’s the all-time favs at Pho Phu Quoc that delight the senses, including campfire beef, which comes in a clay pot over flames. You pretend you’re out in the wilderness cooking and, when the meat is done, carefully wrap it with veggies and pineapple in a rice paper roll, and then indulge (I know, I know,

you don’t often encounter rice paper rolls in the bush, but pretending is free).

The duck is another top dish at this Vietnamese institution and so is the fish with ginger and chilli sauce, cooked whole and tasting as delicate as...

A new dish for all of us was the Vietnamese pancake, which was so massive it caused the conversation to momentarily stop. This special style crepe suzette was stuffed with prawns, pork, bean sprouts, onion and served with fish sauce. Absolute heaven.

And back to price… we ate all this and more for about $25 each (excluding tip).

We washed our meal down with wine (and, for one, cold beer) which we brought with us (byo only), but if you prefer there are heaps of fresh juices and shakes.

Pho Phu Quoc, 4/6 Cape Street, Dickson, Monday-Friday lunch and dinner; weekends open 10.30am-10.30 pm. Call 6249 6662. Groups welcome and banquet options available.

Tickets to opening night

Win one of five double passes to see the premiere of “The Edge”, the opening-night movie of this year’s Russian Film Festival, and attend the after-film party at Greater Union, Manuka on Wednesday, September 7. Full details and entry form at citynews.com.au/win

Life after box hedges

gardening

cedric Bryant

GERTRUDE Jekyll ( -) was always emphatic about her name. “My name is Jekyll, rhyming with treacle”.

Jekyll designed more than 400 gardens in the US, France and Britain and wrote more than 1000 articles for “Country Life” magazine.

It has been said that Jekyll “changed the face of England more than any, save the Creator himself, and perhaps Capability Brown”.

Jekyll worked closely for more than 40 years with the well-known architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who besides residential homes, designed the London Cenotaph and the city of New Delhi.

One article after she died mused “Is there life after Gertrude Jekyll?”

And that same question could be applied to a plant that is used extensively in gardens: “Is there life after box hedging?”

I see box hedging promoted in garden books and garden centres ad nauseam. It has its place, but there are many plants that have advantages over Buxus sempervirens or box plant. It is generally referred to as “English Box”, whereas it is a Mediterranean plant taken to Britain by the Romans and much used in the formal gardens of their villas.

So let us think laterally at alternatives to box hedging.

Most of the following have the added advantage of flowers over box hedging. One plant that makes an ideal low hedge

is the dwarf lavender Lavendula angustifolia “Munstead”. This was first grown at “Munstead Wood”, the home of Gertrude Jekyll in Surrey, in the UK. If you want to harvest the flowers for potpourri it is important to do this immediately after the flowers open in spring. This is when the fragrant oils are at their height. To enjoy the flowers over an extended period, I suggest you plant two groups of lavender, one for cutting/drying and one for enjoying the flowers. Hebe Pretty ‘n’ Pink makes a colourful hedge growing to just 30cm-40cm tall or, for a higher variety with a wonderful romantic name, Hebe “Annie’s Winter Wonder” to 75cm high. Always popular is Escallonia “Pink Pixie”. There is some confusion between this and E. “Hedge with an Edge”, which is almost identical, both these grow to about 50cm.

Erica x darleyensis pink (cross of E. mediterranea and erica carnea) is, as the name suggests, a hardy winter flowering plant from southern France and Spain. An Aussie plant, Baeckea imbricata, growing to 60cm with white flowers, is shown here growing at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens at the bay. This demonstrates that indigenous plants can be pruned into formal hedges just as effectively as exotic plants.

Other plants for consideration, even though they are non-flowering, include Euonymous “Silver Pillar” with tiny variegated leaves and Euonymous “Tom Thumb” with dark green foliage. All the above plants

make ideal dwarf hedges bordering paths or simply planted in groups in the general garden. Yes, there is indeed “life after box hedging”.

CONGRATULATIONS to Bink Cement Products and Pavers, which has been awarded the Master Builder’s Association Supplier of the Year 2011 Award. Binks is celebrating its 50th year in business in Canberra.

Getting going on those hedges:

For any hedge, large or small, always dig a trench rather than individual holes. The roots spread sideways at a faster rate rather than fighting their way out of each round hole. Water in immediately after planting with the addition of a plant nutrient for the young babies. Maxicrop Seaweed Plant Nutrient is ideal for this purpose, specifically promoting root growth.

The ideal time to prune all of the above is early autumn, at the latest before Easter.

Check out second-hand bookshops for “Gardens of a Golden Afternoon” by Jane Brown, the story of the partnership of Lutyens and Jekyll, or check availability on-line. It’s a book all gardeners would enjoy.

Businesses take to strata

By t im Humphrey

OWNER-occupiers are the most active group in Canberra’s strata office market at present with passive investors shying away from weaker conditions.

According to Andrew Smith, director of sales and leasing at Ray White Commercial Canberra, there has also been an overall “flight to quality” as buyers have been picking the best options available on the market.

“Many investors are only interested in high-quality units or units with long-term leases in place to strong tenants,” he said.

Office space which is well located and in good condition is selling relatively quickly and prices are holding up best in this segment.

Owner occupiers, in particular, are showing solid levels of enquiry for these types of properties.

25 Napier Close, Deakin... 402sqm ground-floor space sold for $1.85 million.

Ray White Commercial recently sold a 402sqm groundfloor space at 25 Napier Close in Deakin for $1.85 million to interests associated with Capital Rehabilitation Multidisciplinary Pain & Injury Clinic.

Practice manager Janette Baker confirmed that buying the new office has been a real benefit to patients and staff practitioners.

“We have effectively doubled the amount of space previously occupied and invested heavily in our new office. The fact we own the premises has meant that we have been able to fully fit out the space to a high standard, and offer a better range of services to our patients”.

The suite itself sold with 15

car parking bays and is located in close proximity to the John James Hospital.

However, investors are showing interest in properties with long-term leases and low risk of a drop in income over the coming two to three years.

Ray White Commercial is the selling agent for multiple spaces at 11 National Circuit in Barton and two office spaces at 39 Geils Court in Deakin.

CB Richard Ellis is currently marketing the ALP National Secretariat’s offices in Unit 5, 9 Sydney Avenue, Barton. The suite incorporates 495sqm of space on a 10-year lease to the high-profile tenant. Ten basement car parking spaces are also part of the deal. timh@spatialgroup.com.au

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