Canberra CityNews December 22-January 18

‘Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan’

Nurses who helped save a nation

THE Australian War Memorial’s latest exhibition, “Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan”, explores the personal stories of Australian military nurses, from the rst known Australian nurse in the Zulu War of 1879 up to the experiences of nurses serving in recent conicts and peacekeeping operations.

Curator Robyn Siers says the exhibition is a walk-in timeline.

“Once you hop in, you follow it all the way around from earliest times and you come out the other end, looking at what our nurses are doing today,” Robyn says.

“Nurses: from Zululand to Afghanistan” (until October 17) draws on the Memorial’s rich collection to tell the story of Australian military nursing.

The iconic veil and cape worn by early nurses together with the technologically advanced equipment used today tells of the changing role and place of nurses in Australian military operations.

Photographs, diaries and personal objects, such as a pencil used by Sister Betty Jeffrey to record her life in a prisoner-of-war camp, reveal a much more personal story.

“One of the most profound aspects of the exhibition are the stories encapsulated in the diaries kept by many nurses,” Robyn says.

“They speak of hardship and adversity, but they also speak of great courage and devotion to the role that nurses play in war. Qualities that continue in our nurses serving today.”

Nurses have never been far from the front line, but often far from home, treating the sick and wounded in the air, and on land and sea.

During World War I, more than 3000 Australian civilian nurses volunteered for active service, a commitment that continued through World War II with

some 5000 Australian nurses.

“Nursing provided a way for the women to be actively involved in the war”, Robyn says.

“It was a great adventure for them, it was a way for them to travel and have independence. It was also a way for them to stay in touch with loved ones, with brothers and cousins and sweethearts who were serving. But of course, if you were a nurse, right up until the 1970s, and you decided to get married, you would have to leave the service.”

Today, men and women serve as Australian military nurses, continuing to work in remote and dangerous places, often under dif  cult conditions. As well as providing essential medical treatment to Australians wounded in war, nurses are also deployed in peacekeeping and

humanitarian operations, providing care to local military personnel and civilians in countries ravaged by war or natural disasters.

Robyn says modern nursing as we know of today, really only began in the late 1850s with British nurse Florence Nightingale.

“Modern nursing really developed out of wartime nursing”, she says.

“It was Florence Nightingale who really instituted all the modern methods of sanitation and hygiene and nurse training and all the stuff that we now take for granted.”

Summer of special programs at the War Memorial

Discovery Zone

THE Discovery Zone is a hands-on learning space. It is an engaging and educational space for the whole family with things to do, touch, and hear. Look for clues and photographs to discover stories of animals during wartime. Open daily during school holidays.

Stories for under 5s

HEAR stories of brave animals,

extraordinary people and faraway places. Don’t miss this special storytime session, where puppets, uniforms and educational toys bring real stories to life. For under 5s, but older children are also welcome.

Fridays at 10.30am.

Hands on History

WHAT jobs do servicemen and women do? What do they wear? What do they eat? Hands on History

answers these questions and many more. You will have the opportunity to try on uniforms, handle real items and hear the incredible wartime stories of Australian men and women. Suitable for kids of all ages and their families.

Daily during school holidays at 11am and 2pm.

Drop-in craft

DROP in and make your own animal

puppet, nurse’s hat or special  ower of remembrance to take home. For children aged  ve and over.

At 11.30am and 2.30pm on Thursdays, January 12 and 19 and Friday, January 27.

Women in war

SEE local actor Leith Arundel in two moving performances: “Last Letters” and “Radio Silence”, presenting the experiences of women in wartime.

At 11.40am, 12.40pm and 1.40pm, Thursday to Sunday, January 5–8, 12–15 and 19–22.

Gallery talks

LEARN the stories behind some of the exhibits on display in the Memorial’s galleries.

At 11.30am. every Monday, Thursday and Friday until February 3 (except public holidays).

The brave world of Sister Beryl

SISTER Beryl Chandler, of Longreach, Queensland, joined the Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service (RAAFNS) in May, 1942.

Her memoirs, now housed at the Australian War Memorial, record a lively introduction to service nursing as she adapted to taking cold showers, sleeping on a bed made of hay and the camaraderie of life in the RAAF.

The RAAFNS was set up in July 1940 in response to the huge wartime increase in RAAF personnel. Applicants had to be registered nurses who were Australian citizens; they also had to be female, aged between 21 and 40, and single. If they married, their appointments were terminated.

During World War II, air evacuation became a quick and effective way to transport seriously wounded troops from the front line in New Guinea and the surrounding islands.

In early 1944, 15 nurses were recruited from the RAAFNS to the newly formed No. 1 Medical Air Evacuation Transport Unit (1 MAETU – nicknamed “meet you”). They began training in in-  ight medicine and care, emergency survival procedures, and tropical hygiene.

Known as “The Flying Angels”,  ight teams comprising of a sister and an orderly  ew in Douglas C47s, carrying

up to 18 stretcher cases at a time, from forward areas back to base hospitals in Australia.

Within the  rst year of operation, some 8000 patients had been evacuated. In 1945, 2 MAETU was formed with 10 new nurses. After the war, both units assisted with the repatriation of thousands of prisoners of war.

Chandler was one of the  rst nurses to join 1 MAETU. For these women, this work brought them ever closer to the front line and introduced a new series of challenges. Apart from their regular nursing duties, Chandler and her colleagues had to contend with air sickness, altitudes of up to 18,000 feet, and anoxia. Some of their pilots appear to have wished they had been  ghter pilots, and  ew accordingly.

Chandler records her many adventures with 1 MAETU, including caring for one patient who chewed through the electric wiring of the plane while in  ight, and nights stranded with her crew in thick jungle. She nursed soldiers suffering burns, gunshot wounds, and terrible shock. But she concluded her memoirs by summing up: “We who have had the privilege of serving with the RAAF feel a great deal of pride… and congratulate all who have served and are serving today with the RAAF and wish it the great future we know lies ahead”.

THE OTHER FACES OF WAR

Australian nurses have been going to war for more than 100 years. This exhibition tells the personal stories of service nurses, from those in the Zulu War of 1879 right up to the men and women serving in recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Explore the challenges they have faced, and their determination to care for the sick and wounded come what may.

Tears in the memories

EVERY school holidays local actor Leith Arundel appears in two moving performances: “Last Letters” and “Radio Silence” at the Australian War Memorial, presenting the experiences of women in wartime.

“The performances help to acknowledge the fact that women have been present because a lot of the content at the War Memorial is male oriented,” Leith says.

In the  rst performance, “Last Letters”, Leith brings to life the experience of a World War I nurse.

In “Radio Silence”, she portrays Violet, a World War II radio operator.

“It helps people get some idea about what it was like to be there during the war. We try to recreate that tension and being just one step away from despair,” she says.

“I make people cry every time I do a show.”

The shows go for less than 15 minutes each and are suitable for all age groups.

Women in War, Thursday to Sunday, January 5–8, 12–15 and 19–22 at 11.40 am, 12.40 pm and 1.40 pm.

Actor Leith Arundel as a nurse in “Last Letters”.

Inside

December 22-January 18, 2011 Since 1993: Volume 17, Number 49

Your year in the stars TANYA OBREZA’s horoscope for 2012, Page 16

Phantom pregnancy hits the right note

HELEN MUSA previews ‘Love Never Dies’, Page 21

Jumbo crossword Page 31

Developer Ron Bell calls it a day

LIBBY HILL meets a man who’s made a mark on Canberra, Page 10

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summer on radio

Loneliness of the stand-in radio host

It’s summer, most of us are on holidays and anyone working is probably bludging, right? Wrong! Try managing a month of talkback radio when there’s no one to talk back to. JORIAN GARDNER describes the loneliness of the long-distance, stand-in radio host...

GOOD Morning… it’s Jorian Gardner filling in for Mark Parton and Mike Welsh over summer on the Breakfast and Drive shows on Talking Canberra 1206 2CC.

Today on the program... the third spear carrier to the left in a new amateur production of “Cats” will join us; the homeless guy who lives outside the Canberra Centre – what are his political views? And, don’t miss this one, but I will have live in the studio today – that’s right LIVE! – an exclusive with that guy who washes your windscreens whether you like it or not on the corner of Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues in Dickson. An interview not to miss!

Ahh, summer. While the big guns get to retire to their summer homes down the coast or somewhere in Europe, it’s yours truly who’s left to carry the can and provide the good people of the national capital with quality talkback.

But you all know Canberra don’t you? It’s a veritable ghost town from just before Christmas to basically the end of January – which just happens to coincide with when I am on air. Pollies, business people and pretty much anyone with a life (obviously, that’s not me) clear out of the capital for summer, leaving me with a roster of guests that’s about as long as the list of friends of Kyle Sandilands!

But fear not talkback lovers – I relish a challenge, and while everyone else might be in holiday mode, I will be scouring the news and getting the guests on that matter.

It’s lonely at 3.30am in the studio, especially in the Silly Season when interview subjects are either hung-over or still drinking. But necessity is certainly the mother of invention and no topic is too large – or for that matter too small – for me to tackle, so expect some, ummm, “surprising” guests.

“Welcome to the program Guido the office cleaner, who’s going to tell us, for the next hour, how recycling really works!”

Don’t you hate it when...

DON’T you hate it when the only way for some people to feel good about themselves is to try to bring others down to their level.

What happened to working hard and feeling a sense of pride for who you are and your own personal achievements... after all, isn’t that what really makes us happy inside?

If we all focused more on what we can contribute to the people around us, our jobs and our community, and less about “what’s the goss” or “the word on the street is...” or “did you hear about so ‘n’ so?” we would breed a much more positive culture.

Canberra is a small community and the fact that the rest of Australia mocks us because it’s where all the politicians hang out, means we have to try even harder to make it a happy, vibey place.

Bad things happen to all of us from time to

But seriously, I am not worried about summer on 2CC, there will be still be great interviews, music, comedy and news and more. The season gives me more time to spend talking with the people who do matter – my listeners.

The stark, and unfortunate, reality of an Australian summer is that there will be bushfires and floods and accidents and all manner of tragedy that the media will report on. But let’s really hope you are listening to me interviewing that third spear carrier from the left, because that will mean that those horrible summer catastrophes aren’t happening.

Jorian Gardner can be heard on the 2CC Drive Show until Jan 13, then on the Breakfast Show from January 15-February 2.

time and when they do, wouldn’t it be great if people promoted the positives instead of jumping on the band wagon with the nay sayers, adding fuel to the fire?

Canberra is a beautiful city full of lovely people, but it’s the ones with a chip on their shoulders or who are just plain happy to be unhappy who make things difficult for good people who often don’t deserve it. So next time you’re having a conversation with someone and you feel the storm clouds gathering, try to look at things from another perspective and watch the sun shine through. Pawl Cubbin, entrepreneur

“Don’t you hate it when” is an occasional column. Inspired readers are invited to contribute by emailing 250 words to editor@citynews. com.au.

mum in the city Summer bliss when life goes off the boil

I LOVE the summer holidays in Canberra. Political and media life goes off the boil. The public service slumps into torpor. Morning and afternoon traffic is light, while many roads are virtually empty through much of the day.

The pace of business is slower and more relaxed. Usually packed venues at Manuka, Kingston and Civic are much less crowded and more friendly as people seem more inclined to linger longer and just have a chat.

Canberra in January really is a different place.

If like me you have children to entertain, places such as the Manuka Pool are open, where you can while away a hot January day under a big, old tree with plenty of snacks, drinks and good books, while the little ones splash about in the pools.

Thankfully, in recent times the ACT Government has been erecting more and more shade covers over kids’ playgrounds, making many a viable option for kids’ entertainment and exercise throughout the day. Indoor play centres will be packed, especially on hot days, but for those of us who require a few hours of coffee and air conditioning they remain a great holiday op -

SONYA FLADUN can barely scratch herself with excitement at the lazy prospect of summer in a lesscrowded Canberra...

tion for families with young kids – just take your ear plugs.

For those who enjoy a bit of a shop, there are the post-Christmas sales to look forward to. In Canberra, these may lack the amazing choice, hype and excitement of Sydney or Melbourne, but unlike the larger cities, we get to browse the bargains at a leisurely pace in the climate-controlled atmosphere of one of our very civilised shopping centres.

Now, okay, there will be nights when it’s a bit too hot to sleep (unless you are lucky enough to have air conditioning) and if you really are a beach person, the bush capital does fall a bit short, but if like me you are into relaxed lazy days with family and friends really Canberra in January – one of Australia’s best kept secrets!

Ron Bell leaves his stamp on Canberra

LIBBY HILL meets Canberra’s first private land developer, who will retire in January after more than 0 years in the game

AFTER three decades developing land in Canberra, Ron Bell will retire in January, leaving an impressive mark on the urban landscape of the national capital.

But he’s not going to miss dealing with Canberra’s bureaucracy.

“It’s not an easy place to work anymore,” says Ron, who has been development manager at Canberra Investment Corporation (CIC Australia) for the past 10 years.

He says one of the problems is that the ACT Government spends too much time listening to minority groups, a problem he found particularly frustrating on the recent development of the Ambassador apartments at Deakin.

“The Ambassador development started 10 years ago. The public consultation period should have gone for six months, but it probably went for 18 to 20 months,” he says.

In contrast, he says CIC has been working on Googong in NSW.

“It’s not a suburb, it’s a whole new town with schools and medical centres and shopping centres and to develop in that area is going to be much easier than trying to develop in Canberra.”

Ron came to Canberra with the Air Force, went to college and got a diploma in management, then entered the workforce as a salesperson before graduating to owning his own company, Bell Management Group.

“I had a brief stint on the Legislative Assembly, which I have to say, I didn’t enjoy. I’m not really a party person, I don’t think. That wasn’t me,” he says. It was as chief executive of Housing Industry Association ACT/Southern NSW, a job he held for about eight years, when the “real excitement started”.

“It was through that position that I struck a friendship with Tom Uren [former Minister for Territories before self-government],” he says.

“There was a land shortage and Tom entrusted me to develop some land in Latham and Florey.

“I formed a builders’ cooperative and we provided land for first-home buyers and low-income earners that has not been done since. That went exceptionally well.”

In 1989, the HIA stepped back from land development. At the time, Ron was developing a parcel of land in Tuggeranong, so he left the HIA and took on the development as a job.

“We then did another five joint ventures with the ACT Government after doing two with the Federal Government

and that provided a lot of land,” he says.

“We were the first private company to undertake land development in the Territory.

“It’s where I got a passion for being in development and during 13 years with my own company, we developed over 3000 blocks of land, built 400 terraces and apartments both here and in Sydney.”

Ron was doing consultancy work for CIC and discovered they were planning to advertise a position that he was interested in.

“That was about 10 years ago and it’s been a very happy relationship with a company that is steeped in integrity and corporate image,” he says.

So why is he retiring now?

“I think a lightbulb comes on and says: ‘It’s time’. Time to pull the pin and say goodbye,” he says.

And while he feels relieved to be retiring, he probably won’t be idle for long.

“I can’t do nothing, I’ll have to do something so I’ll probably head towards a charity at some point,” he says.

Ron will finish at CIC on January 10, the day after the PM’s XI cricket match, which CIC sponsors.

“The last 30 years have been a good time in my life and a really interesting one,” he says.

“As chief executive of the Housing Industry Association, I changed a culture there that wasn’t terribly healthy.

“The work that I’ve done with CIC, with land development and housing has worked. It has been profitable and people have liked whatever we have done so that’s a nice feeling to go away with.”

So does the man who is responsible for sizeable chunks of Florey, Banks, Dunlop, Calwell, Isabella Plains, Palmerston, Ngunnawal feel like he’s made his mark on Canberra?

“There’s a stamp there,” he smiles.

summer swimming holes

Careful strokes for river folks

CASUARINA Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island, Cotter Bend and Uriarra Crossing are the ACT’s most popular swimming spots.

However, according to Murrumbidgee River Corridor acting ranger-in-charge Michael Maconachie, there’s plenty of other river pools, a little off the beaten track, that Canberrans can also enjoy.

“There is a walking track that goes from here all the way down to Point Hut on the east side of the river and connects the Cotter, Kambah Pool and Pine Island, that’s about 25km,” he said.

“There’s many places along there, where there are nice pools.

“But you have to find your own way off the track.”

Although the track isn’t signed, Mr Maconachie has recommended areas including Red Rocks Gorge and, when there’s “a bit of water in there”, Tharwa Sand Wash.

“It’s hard, especially when the vegetation is quite thick and scrubby in areas,” he said.

“If you persevere you can get there.”

But safety is still the key when out along the Murrumbidgee River.

“The water levels have been higher than they have been during those drought years and people need to be aware of those big flood events that bring debris and move a lot of material around the river,” he said.

“People would know that we’ve had a couple of issues with some of the crossings on the river, with timber coming down and a road bridge in Tharwa damaged.

“We’ve lost foot bridges, so there’s an awful lot of timber.”

He said rope swings were something

Murrumbidgee River Corridor acting ranger-in-charge Michael Maconachie.

by Silas Brown

that swimmers should also be aware of, particularly after a recent incident where a swimmer broke their back.

“We do have a problem with rope swings,” he said.

“People put them up, but we are directed to pull them down.

“The problem is, if you didn’t put the swing up you don’t know how long that rope has been there, you don’t know how strong it is or will the rope hold you, so you have to be really wary.”

But swimmers need to be careful every time they enter the water.

“People have to be really careful when in the water with people going off rope swings, diving and jumping, you just don’t know what is in there,” he said.

“And just because last week there was nothing there, it doesn’t mean stuff hasn’t moved down.

“Walk in unless you have really checked and know what’s in there.”

Every week, the main swimming holes are tested by ACT Health for bacteria levels. If there are any issues with bacteria or flood levels, signs at the entrance of each swimming hole will show whether or not the area is safe or not.

But it’s up to each individual to take responsibility in reading the signs.

Dogs are also not allowed at Casuarina Sands, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Cotter Bend, however, dogs are welcome at Uriarra Crossing.

More information on the Murrumbidgee River Corridor at www.tams.act.gov.au.

Tips when swimming in the river:

• do not enter the water if signage indicates the conditions are unsafe;

• watch the flow – flowing water is stronger than you think;

• never drink alcohol and swim;

• never let children out of your sight and avoid swimming alone;

• never dive into water if you are unsure of the depth; and

• keep an eye out for submerged logs, other hazards and wildlife.

Don’t you hate it when...

DON’T you hate it when people are given different levels of punishments based on who they are?

The law pseems much more lenient in relation to who it punishes. Is it hidden agendas? Is it for personal gain? What compels one to twist the law to let one person slide?

The question doesn’t come any clearer than with celebrity cases.

Stars get treated differently and don’t cop major punishment, although they dish out the same crimes as every other normal person in the world.

If one of us were to drink and drive, we’d lose our licence or worse, spend time in jail.

And that’s fair, isn’t it?

It’s fair to say that people with higher statuses should be acquitted for their crimes and ordinary, everyday people should be punished lawfully. Is this another case of social injustice? Does personal taste influence a decision?

It seems so, but all that should be pushed aside when someone has committed a crime; all bias, all opinion, all preference needs to be left at the door.

The law is in place to avoid social anarchy and rebellion, but if different outcomes are constantly coming into play, what’s the point?

There wouldn’t be a need for any prerequisites or any laws. Why?

Because the law bends for different people.

If a person is court-ordered to participate in community service, they do it with no questions asked.

They take it with a grain of salt, but the few who appeal so they don’t need to see it through, do it because they know they can. With perks like that, what’s going to stop them from getting away with worse?

Nicole Katipunan, student

“Don’t you hate it when” is an occasional column. Inspired readers are invited to contribute by emailing 250 words to editor@citynews.com.au.

2012: YOUR YEAR IN THE STARS

By Tanya Obreza

Aries –

The Ram

March 21 to April 20

Love While work and money contribute to our lifestyle, love is essential to our feeling of wholeness. But to give relationships a chance, first you must be prepared to trust. Sure, you’ve been hurt in the past, but that’s part of life’s learning curve. Now, give someone else the opportunity to get to know and love the real you. Be open and honest with those you love.

Work and Money

Thanks to Jupiter’s positive input and your tireless effort, success beckons. Further growth comes via work-related travel but possibly at the expense of domestic commitment. Sometimes, though, when faced with the prospect of success, there’s a sense of dread rather than anticipation. Push ahead and overcome such fears. You’re ready and able to cope with the most daunting pressures.

Taurus –

The Bull April 21 to May 20

Love Your moods have been wavering for a while now. Remember though, that you’re warmly loved and this is never more the case than this year, when love and friendship are revived. In October, Saturn steps in and sets a more romantic scene at work – although it’s not until early December that you get to truly mix business with pleasure. Apparently, it will be worth the wait.

Work and Money

The old adage about “being in the right place at the right time” rings true – your time is now. You’re no longer prepared to settle for second best, and tired old situations are discarded. Others are about to learn just how single-minded you can be. 2012 offers a glimpse through the cosmic peephole. What you see is another path, leading you towards your true vocation. A new era of prosperity awaits.

Gemini –The Twins May 21 to June 21

Love

It’s a year to indulge your desires. Established relationships are injected with renewed spontaneity, while singles find love in unexpected places. In summer, a special someone opens your mind and sexuality to previously untapped desires. At the same time, friendships deepen. For

couples too, sexuality soars. You find that comfortable balance between commitment and independence.

Work and Money

2012 sees work moving in the right direction. Your potential is limitless. The only thing likely to distract you is inconsiderate colleagues. More fool them. What they make you lose in one circumstance, you gain in another. Once, your inexperience would have let you down. Now, a fresh surge of mental agility allows you to capitalise and expand. It’s your year to be truly assertive.

Cancer –

The Crab June 22 to July 23

Love Some Cancerians have loved and lost, and sworn never to love again. It’s time to dismantle those protective barriers, or you could miss out on this year’s promise of romance. In February, the Sun invites singles to dance to a wilder beat. If feeling lost for moves let someone else take your hand and show you how. Couples learn to balance professional responsibilities with an active love life, perhaps with room for a new-born as well.

Work and Money

Last year, you stayed calm and did your best. No one could possibly have asked for more. In 2012, you make up for lost ground. New technology isn’t as intimidating as it once seemed. One hint: work on your presentation. It’s all in the way you tell it and sell it. Travel is likely, although most trips look like being short dashes. But, no matter how brief, there’s much to be said for exploring new territory.

Leo –

The Lion July 24 to August 23

Love

If you’re wondering where to direct Jupiter’s blessings, the choice is yours. But why not take a chance on love? After all, here’s a year where your playfulness is all but irresistible. Flaunt your assets, Leo. If the planets have their way, others will take notice. Most of 2012 hints at a fulfilling love life, except August, when suspicion alienates loved ones. Perhaps, though, it’s freedom that you want.

Work and Money

Demanding responsibilities keep testing you, but it’s good practice for this year’s public debut. Whether you’re trotting the globe or buried in paperwork, 2012 promises achievement and a renewed sense of purpose. Saturn sees you taking the spotlight, while Jupiter throws extra cash your way. Just remember to occasionally step off the

treadmill. Take the occasional breather.

Virgo –The Virgin August 24 to September 23

Love

The most basic issue this year is to discover what truly makes you happy. If emotional barriers have grown higher than intended, carefully dismantle them. Be open and honest with those you love – happiness rests with the ability to trust yourself as well as others. We invariably discover that each of us is different in our own way. In all, Virgos now take a far more serious attitude to love.

Work and Money

Virgo minds are on the move and the shift looks positive. If you’re wondering where best to invest, try property or home-related industries. Travel is not off the list of possibilities, either. And should the occasional obstacle need a determined nudge, you have plenty of planetary power behind you. Ditto for friends and family. Alongside your own ambition, this year their love can also play a big part in your success.

Libra –

The Scales

September 24 - October 23

Love

You find the courage to be yourself and let your thoughts and feelings be known, without apology. With the bedroom a prime outlet for releasing tension, most erotic wishes should be granted. You may partner up with an individual from a completely different background or country. For those who are closely involved with children, their achievements make you particularly proud.

Work and Money

Expect a year of progress, though it won’t all be smooth sailing. When resources are looking stretched to the limit, don’t immediately assume the worst. Challenges often work to your advantage. Perhaps you should consider taking up a different line of work or restart a stalled project. But the real upside? Although there’s no guarantee of a lottery win in 2012, a little extra cash is a strong possibility.

Scorpio –

The Scorpion October 24 to November 22

Love

A sense of belonging becomes increasingly important. Singles feel the urge to settle, though it pays to be choosy.

Early February is instantly keen to drop you in the sexual playpen. You might think you’re in for a quick fling, but there’s more than meets the eye here. Sensational trends continue until late October. Soon after, love and anger become disturbingly entangled. You want to feel loved, not claustrophobic.

Work and Money

Because there are so many out there who’ll gun down anything vaguely heartfelt or imaginative, being granted the opportunity to let your true character shine can be rare. Not so now. There’ll be changes of direction, for sure. But one of the remarkable things about you is your amazing tenacity. So if anyone stands a chance of succeeding in what others find a difficult year, it’s you. Just work your magic.

Sagittarius –

The Archer November 23 to December 22

Love

Expect a dynamite 2012, which promises more than the occasional flirtation. Someone could even be special to the point of keeping. But should work pressures increase, passions may decline. If some relationships slip through your fingers, ask yourself why. Despite your allure, you can be equally self-absorbed – though not deliberately so. Don’t let emotions stray out of reach, and love should flourish.

Work and Money

Career and finances have all suffered a severe reality check of late. Looking back, though, you recognise that each challenge has been a valuable lesson learnt. As a means of reward, the cosmos sets about restoring considerably more than was forfeited. With the courage of your convictions also onside, others’ opinions won’t matter. As your birthday approaches, make a wish – you just may get it.

Capricorn –

The Goat

December 23 to January 20

Love

Last year, you struggled with suspicion, incertitude and anger. Let’s face it, you struggled. Difficult times, for someone who is used to being in control. Of course, you’ve grown as a person, but that’s little consolation when feeling lonely. The good news is that you will love again – with more passion, and fewer inhibitions. More importantly, you won’t settle for anyone less than the best.

Work and Money

You’re entering a new professional phase, and a busy one at that. Expect a new job or a change of occupation. If this sounds unnerving, that’s

understandable. Take comfort in the knowledge that this is the planets’ way of encouraging success. And don’t be afraid to put your money where your mouth is. Sure, you may spend a little extra, but you’re on a winning streak. This should be remembered as a year of great accomplishment.

Aquarius –

The Water Bearer

January 21 to February 19

Love

All relationships promise a new intensity. Singles still searching for that special person, take heart – and look in the least likely places. If already happily involved, 2012 is one of those rare times of merged souls and mutual sympathies. It’s also a fine time for wedding plans. Couples move towards deeper commitment. As a result, July offers some of the finest carnal pleasures this year – with the best yet to come.

Work and Money

Nothing less than prestige and worthy recompense will cut it now. This year delivers a professional pace that’s fast and furious. Even if presented with the occasional hurdle, know that you’re a stayer who’s in for the win. When you believe in yourself, others do, too, so hold on to your dreams. Not everything offers immediate rewards, but plans put in motion through 2012 promise plenty of gain by year’s end.

Pisces –

The Fish

February 20 to March 20

Love

If given the chance to begin a promising new chapter in your love life, guard your secrets well. Not everyone is as forgiving as you. 2012 promises passion, with the odd clash of egos thrown in for good measure. Rapture or wreckage, you’re in for a raunchy time. Perhaps it’s a good thing when late summer calls for a review. A possible change in relationships could be the fitting end to an unpredictable year.

Work and Money

You find yourself at a turning point, with the cosmos keen to throw you optimistic challenges. Although this may mean having to shed some of your resentments, in their place arrives a surge of opportunities that could trail blaze a path towards unequalled success. There’s a promise of new roles, travel or even promotion. After September, it becomes easier to take a well-earned break.

Distributed by Auspac Media www.tanyaobreza.com

Puesta Del Sol at Northbar

Friday’s mellow moods

CIVIC nightspot Northbar has a new Friday afternoon offering, Puesta Del Sol.

General manager Bede Morrow says Puesta Del Sol (which means “sunset” in Spanish) is all about sharing drinks and food with friends.

“We’ve found that when people do come out for a drink after work they want a venue where they can have something to eat,” he says.

The aim is for Northbar to offer something different to the pubs around Civic with its relaxed, mellow vibe, music and tapas menu.

“We concentrate on  ne service and with the food we’ll be doing table service. We want to offer really good food, but still keep it informal.”

The new tapas menu includes slow-cooked pork in a Jack Daniels and barbecue sauce and

pan-fried sh cakes with a Thai caramel dipping sauce.

Puesta Del Sol has been on for the past six weeks and will continue every Friday night.

Northbar, 46 Northbourne Avenue Civic, call 6262 9050 or go to www.northbar.com.au

Inside Northbar… Offering something different to the pubs around Civic with its relaxed,

At the ‘CityNews’ cocktail party at the National Press Club, Barton

all about summer

When Phantom pregnancy hits the show’s right note

By arts editor Helen Musa

THE latest Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to hit Australia, “Love Never Dies”, is not just the “Return of the Phantom”, but it’s “Son of the Phantom”, too.

In a double-whammy, Lloyd Webber’s sequel reveals that the tormented Phantom of the Opera has been spirited away to the glitter of Coney Island where, 10 years later, he is a successful entrepreneur.

Meantime, the love of his life, diva Christine, has given birth to a son displaying a musical talent that he could not possibly have got from her drunken husband, Raoul.

According to Lloyd Webber’s Asia Pacific producer and managing director, Tim McFarlane, the production of “Love Never Dies” is “like our child”. McFarlane can justly make that claim, because the Australian stage production, reworked by Lloyd Webber in conjunction with Melbourne director Simon Phillips, has rescued a dismal show from the dust heap in London and breathed new life into it. The new version is tighter by 15 to 20 minutes.

“We need to get through the Sydney season,” McFarlane told me, but a spectacular DVD is to be released in February that will become the production’s international calling card.

Ben Lewis, who plays the Phantom, is one of Australia’s brightest young singers. A graduate of the WA Academy of Performing Arts, he is the son of Opera Australia star baritone Michael Lewis. His younger brother is currently understudying the original Phantom while playing Raoul and his mother teaches at WAAPA.

“We spent a lot of time on the ending,” Lewis tells me, “going through various permutations to resolve it.” He won’t say more, but I’ve heard the whole show on CD, so I know.

In McFarlane’s opinion, the women in the audience were always more turned on by the Phantom. To Lewis, it’s as if he inhabits the role – “I’ve been lusting after power and riches, but it’s really Christine who inspires me... now I’m forced to connect with people.”

Even so, his relationship with Christine remains confrontational. The Phantom, in bi-polar fashion, “flicks” from volatile to benign, shown musically.

Here’s the spoiler. The sequel reveals that from a weird night of passion immediately preceding Christine’s marriage to Raoul, the Phantom

becomes a father.

Back in character, Lewis tells me: “I like to think I’d make a terrific father… there is hope; the boy is the perfect version of what I could have been.”

“Love Never Dies” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Capitol Theatre, Sydney from January 12 until further notice. Bookings to 1300 723038.

Duckling in a new guise

By Helen Musa

“HONK! The Musical” is Ickle Pickle Productions’ version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Ugly Duckling” story.

It stars one of Canberra’s up-and-coming talents, 12-year-old Kaitlin Nihill, who played the guardian dragon Mushu in last year’s production of “Mulan” and now takes on the role of the little duckling, or should we say swan?

Justin Watson is producing the show, another in his company’s long line of scripts never before seen in Canberra, alternating with local products such as the pantomimes of Peter MacDonald that are set to original music.

“We develop brand-new scripts,” Watson says, “but this one is a finished work with finished music.”

“Honk! The Musical” will be directed by Cornelia Carson in her first role for Ickle Pickle. She’s a teacher at Queanbeyan Public School who staged “Cinderella” for Phoenix Players last year and has lots of experience with kids. She’ll need it to cope with 30 young people aged 10 to 18 playing all the characters in the barnyard.

Long-time Ickle Pickle designer Wayne Shepherd has come up with a set built to reflect the scale of the animal characters.

“Honk” won an Olivier Award in 2000 for Best New Musical. The script Ickle Pickle has the rights to is a “Broadway junior show”, but not too cut down, Watson says.

As you’d expect, it puts forward a message of tolerance, exactly as Hans Christian Andersen did in the original. These days, it’s often produced by schools, as well as regional and community theatre groups, in Britain, the US and Canada.

The show is for children and their parents and is set in the countryside and features Ugly, the little duckling who is rejected by everyone but his mum, Ida. There are other barnyard creatures, as well as an evil tomcat who wants Ugly for his dinner.

“Honk! The Musical”, Belconnen Theatre, January 13-28, bookings to 6262 6977.

Art classes come together for summer

By Helen Musa

ARTISTIC classes are surely the best way to spend the summer holidays and some local arts organisations have seized on this.

CANBERRA Glassworks has quick, easy classes as well as more in-depth three-hour classes for anyone over the age of eight.

Participants can create a glass tile in 20 minutes using “Summer Fun” as the theme. It’s a good way to explore the medium of glass and these classes are held on various dates from January 4 to 27.

“GLASSICLES: Ice that Never Melts” is a threehour children’s class with an in-depth, educa -

tional (yet fun) focus learning from Canberra glass artist, Luna Ryan, running January 18-20 and 25 to 27.

Bookings to 6260 7005.

SEVERAL years ago Ausdance ACT successfully changed its summer school to the more advanced Master School. Running from January 16-20 at Gorman House Arts Centre, we are told it’s “a dancer’s dream to spend a week dancing and learning from some of the industry’s most inspirational mentors.”

The Australian Ballet’s Tim Harbour will head the classical division, while James Taylor, a former dancer with the Royal Ballet, will take classes in contemporary dance. Producer, cho -

reographer and dance teacher Katie Kermond will take this year’s theatre jazz classes, Jesse Rasmussen the hip hop classes and Adelina Larsson will be taking the contact impro classes. Esther Mooney will hold the Pilates classes. Inquiries to 6247 9103.

THE Artists’ Society of Canberra’s Summer Art Experience runs from January 9 to 13. It’s always a lot of fun and you get to study under tutors keen to share their artistic skills. On top of that, social activities like a Monday morning tea and a Friday barbecue lunch are also being planned. The 2012 SAE will be in the new buildings of Kingsford Smith School in Holt. Bookings to sae@asoc.net.au or 6242 9699.

‘Brothers’ return to Queanbeyan

STEPHEN Pike’s production of “Blood Brothers”, the Willy Russell musical that’s been playing on the West End for more than 20 years, is back at The Q, January 19-28. It’s the story of the Johnstone twins, separated at birth when their mother is forced by economic necessity to give one of them away. Bookings to 6285 6290.

BEN Drysdale, at the Belconnen Gallery, tells us it will be called “gallery@bcs” from now on. While this is a re-branding across the whole of Belconnen Community Services, it will help with the confusion between that gallery and the one at Belconnen Arts Centre. Good idea, I’ve mixed them up more than once.

BUNGENDORE Wood Works Gallery has an exhibition of fabulous marquetry by Michael Retter (of Parliament House fame) and furniture by Canberra’s own designer/maker Scott Mitchell. The two first met in the early 1990s working on a large, commissioned work for Dick Smith in association with the Gallery. At Bungendore Wood Works Gallery,

until January 30.

BETH Hatton, Christine James and Julian Laffan are exhibiting 2D and 3D works sug gesting the memories of “work” within the living landscape in Karen O’Clery’s gallery in the Old Tanja Church, Friday-Monday, 10.30am-5.30pm, until February 20, 1140 Tathra-Bermagui Road, Tanja.

CARL Rafferty has alerted us that his popular Opera by Candlelight will run at the Albert Hall, February 10-12. Doors open at 5.30pm, performance commences at 7pm. Bookings to raffertycarl@internode.on.net

IN “Connect”, French glass artist Nadège Desgenétez explores the sculptural aspects of glass using her own life as inspiration. Awarded in Europe, Canada, the US, Asia and Australia, she has most recently been

These are precised versions of DOUGAL MACDONALD’s latest movie reviews. The unabridged work is at www.citynews.com.au

CHARLES Martin Smith’s film about the rescue of Winter, the dolphin, off the Florida coast combines veterinary science and engineering of prosthetic replacements into a feel-good story. It is true that Winter’s tail was amputated to prevent the spread of infection. But writers Karen Janszon and Noam Dromi tell a fictional story of Sawyer (Nathan Gamble) and Hazel (Cozi Zuehlsdorff) and their respective single parents (Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr).

At all cinemas

WRITER/ DIRECTOR Phillipe Le Guay goes back to the 1960s to tell of stockbroker Jean-Louis (Fabrice Luchini), who owns a Paris apartment building in which he lives an essentially unexciting home-life. On the sixth floor live housemaids earning money to support their families in Spain. The women and Jean-Louis become increasingly companionable.

The result is moderately charming and sweetly humorous.

At Dendy and Greater Union

husband of Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) has funded an ostentatious wedding reception for her sister Justine, who is a psychological mess. Kirsten Dunst plays her magnificently, covering a full gamut from luminously magnificent to drably plain.

I think idiosyncratic film-maker Lars von Trier is reminding us that we are microcosms of a wider universe, vulnerable to forces beyond our control. But, regardless of Dunst’s beauty and acting, I doubt we need 136 minutes of slow-paced film to work that out.

At Dendy

summer movies Stars come out for summer

From December 26

“ToWER hEIST” (M)

A CONCIERGE (Casey Affleck), lift operator (Michael Peña), former resident (Matthew Broderick), and Jamaican cleaning woman (Gabourey Sidibe) enlist a petty criminal (Eddie Murphy, to brighten a well-worn plot with a few laughs) to train them to burgle the apartment where they believe the staff pension fund manager (Alan Alda) is hiding part of the fund for his nest egg. Brett Ratner’s caper thriller set in a high-rise New York apartment building looks like being a well-performed potboiler.

“WE BouGhT A Zoo” (PG)

SCARLETT Johansson and Matt Damon head the cast of writer/director Cameron Crowe’s family comedy based on Benjamin Mee’s memoir about buying the dilapidated Dartmoor National Park and its 200 exotic animals. The implication is that the Mee family faced a steep learning curve. This has interesting filmic possibilities. From the trailer I infer that nobody connected with the film, from director down, knows much about keeping animals. I hope I’m wrong.

“ThE IRoN LADy” (M)

IN the third cinema feature directed by Phyllida Lloyd (best known in Britain for directing opera, best known here for “Mamma Mia”) and written by Abi Morgan (writer of the series “The Hour” currently on ABC1), Meryl Streep plays Margaret Thatcher. Jim Broadbent plays Denis. The film focuses on how her job-choice affected their private life. That should be enough information to help your viewing choice. Australia sees it before the rest of the world.

“ALBERT NoBBS” (M)

IN the famine and poverty of 19th century Ireland, Albert is fortunate to find work in an English viscount’s country house. For three decades Albert serves loyally. Then everything comes unstuck. For Albert is in fact female. Mia Wasikowska, Jonathan Rhys-Myer, Brendan Gleeson and Janet McTeer play important roles in Rodrigo Garcia’s film. Glenn Close plays Albert. She also wrote the screenplay adapting a short novel by George Moore.

“ThE SkIN I LIVE IN” (MA)

QUOTES from iconoclastic film-comment website Rotten Tomatoes about a film in which a plastic surgeon (Antonio Banderas) invents an artificial skin after his wife is disfigured in a car crash: “a fascinating and

Film reviewer DOUGAL MACDONALD takes a look at the movies heading to the silver screen these summer holidays

quite disturbing story about insanity, desire and obsession”; “…lacks Almodovar’s famously charged romance, replaced with a wonderfully bizarre and unpredictable detour into arthouse ick.” Note that director’s name. Seventy-nine per cent audience rating. What more need be said?

“hAPPy FEET TWo” (PG)

ANOTHER penguin picture by George Miller. Mumble (Elijah Wood) now has a son Erik (Ava Acres). Mumble tends to play it safe. Erik is a risk taker. Brad Pitt and Matt Damon voice a pair of krill. A big iceberg has blocked access to the ocean. There’s danger and scary bits. This sequel won’t be competing for an Oscar.

“ThE ADVENTuRES oF TIN TIN” (PG)

STEVEN Spielberg directed this performance-capture CG animation based on three of Belgian cartoonist Herge’s early 1940s comic books. Jamie Bell voices Tin Tin, Andy Serkis does Captain Haddock, Daniel Craig is the villainous Sakharine and his ancestor Red Rackham. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are the two bumbling Scotland Yard detectives. Peter Jackson’s CG images look good. Adventure for kids of all double-digit ages.

“WAR hoRSE” (M)

APART from a gallant but futile Polish cavalry charge against Hitler’s Panzers, the 1914-1918 war was the last in which horses played a military role. Fifteen-year-old Albert (Jeremy Irvine) has a close bond with his horse Joey. Joey gets requisitioned for army use. Albert lies about his age and enlists to save his beloved friend. Steven Spielberg both directed (for Disney) and digitally edited. I suspect the film may distress horse lovers, indeed animal lovers

generally, which is no reason to avoid it. From December 29

“ALVIN AND ThE ChIPMuNkS” (G)

ALVIN and his pals get chip-wrecked on a tropical island where reality is different from what’s in the cruise line’s brochures. Strictly for the younger fry. Anna Farris and Christina Applegate are among the voices. The name of the cruise ship captain is Corelli. Wanna bet he plays the mandolin?

From January 12

“ThE GIRL WITh ThE DRAGoN TATToo” (MA)

THIS version is for American audiences unable to read the subtitles of the original Swedish version. The cast includes Daniel Craig, Robin Wright, Christopher Plummer, and lots more. David Fincher (“Social Network”, “Benjamin Button”, “Fight Club”) directs. Filmed in Sweden, Norway, Los Angeles. Much will depend on Steven Zaillian’s adaptation of Steig Larsson’s novel and Rooney Mara’s portrayal of Lisbeth.

“ThE DESCENDANTS” (M)

HAWAIIAN land baron Matt (George Clooney) takes his three daughters, whose mother is on life support after a boating accident, to confront the man with whom Matt believes she was having an affair. Written and directed by Alexander Payne, whom I most remember for “About Schmidt” with Jack Nicholson.

“ThE MuPPETS” (G)

A human cast joins the Muppets to foil Tex Richman’s plan to drill for oil under the Muppet Theatre. Nothing more needs to be said. Even I might like it!

“ThE SECRET WoRLD oF ARRIETTy” (M)

JAPANESE anime with the tag-line: “Do not be seen by humans. That’s been the law of children of the underfloor”. A family of people 10-centimetres tall living under the floor of a house “borrows” necessities from the full-sized people above, who are unaware of their guests until their son discovers 12-year-old Arrietty. Comes well recommended.

Release dates correct at time of going to press.

summer messages Poppa’s for faster pasta

“POPPA’S Pasta is unique, convenient and, above all, our pasta dishes are fresh and delicious!” says Steve Dawn, owner of the Kingston Hotel.

“Our drive-through pasta restaurant is the only one of its kind in Australia and is exactly what a busy Canberra population is in need of.”

With a menu designed by Melbourne “two-hat” chef’ Andy Logue, prices between $9 and $13 and represent “the perfect way to feed the family and friends over this summer/ New Year period”.

Poppa’s Pasta also offers

fresh salads, oven-baked garlic bread and a selection of wine and beer to take away.

Open from noon-9pm, seven days a week and conveniently located on Canberra Avenue, Poppa’s Pasta is an answer to catering for those impromptu soirees with friends and family.

“Simply phone through your order and five minutes later drive through and pick it up. It’s that easy.” Steve says.

Browse the menu at www. poppaspasta.com.au and then call 6232 6026.

Holiday kids biz at the G

FROM Monday, January 9 to Saturday, January 14, 10am2pm daily The G Gunghalin is presenting free craft for kids under 12.

There will be donut decorating from Monday, January 16 until Saturday, January 21, 10am-2pm daily. Particpation is a gold coin to raise funds for Heart Kids.

From Monday, January 23 to Saturday, January 28, there is more free craft for kids under 12, 10am-2pm daily.

Ian Moss to rock in the New Year

NEW yEAR IN ThE CITy

Civic Square and Garema Place, Canberra City

7pm until late, Friday, December 31

THIS New Year’s Eve, celebrate a night of fireworks, free entertainment and music at two of the city’s prominent sites. Enjoy a big street party in Garema Place and a family-friendly concert in Civic Square starring Ian Moss, Heuristic and Bridge Between. Fireworks at 9pm and midnight. Entry is free.

NEW yEAR’S EVE

k ing o’Malleys Irish Pub

A night aimed at raising more than $10,000 for the Salvation Army. Cover charge is a donation to the Salvos from 4pm.

SAFIRE WhITE MAGIC

Albert h all, Commonwealth Avenue

6pm until late, Saturday, December 31

CELEBRATE 2012 in unforgettable style with an exciting under 18s New Year’s Eve dance event. Entertainment includes DJ Ashley Feraude, Glow Circus, White Butterflies, acrobatics plus the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. Dress all in white. Alcohol and drug free event. ACTION bus service available to and from the venue. Strictly under 18s.

Australia Day

AuSTRALIA DAy LIVE

Parliament h ouse lawns

Wednesday, January 25

AUSTRALIA Day Live is back, featuring an all Australian line-up of the country’s most-loved music acts. This year’s line-up includes dance floor favourites, Sneaky Sound System. Celebrations start with the Australian of the Year Awards,

followed by the Australia Day Live concert. Pre-show entertainment starts 3pm, main event starts from 5.30pm-10.30pm. People are urged to arrive early to secure a spot.

FIREWoRkS SPECTACuLAR 2012

Lake Burley Griffin, Central Basin

Thursday, January 26

CELEBRATE Australia Day at the Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Entertainment will be staged from Regatta Point, the lawns of the National Library and Rond Terrace. Firework displays begin at sundown, accompanied by an Aussie soundtrack. Entry is free.

AuSTRALIA DAy IN ThE PARk

Commonwealth Park

Thursday, January 26

CELEBRATE being an Australian at Australia Day in the Park, a fun-filled event for the whole family. Kick the day off with the Great Australia Day breakfast, presented by ActewAGL and the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. Watch the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. Other Australia Day activities include live entertainment, children’s

concert, face painting, games and much more.

National Museum of Australia

“A NEW hoRIZoN: CoNTEMPoRARy ChINESE ART”

AN exhibition that presents contemporary Chinese art from the National Art Museum of China. See artworks, which have been created since the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The exhibition reflects the changes in art for the Chinese culture and the significant social changes of the past 60 years. Entry is free and disabled access is available. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

“INSIDE: LIFE IN ChILDREN’S hoMES AND INSTITuTIoNS”

REMEMBER and learn about the Forgotten Australians. Listen to the stories and hear the voices of child migrants and children in homes and institutions. Entry is free. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

“oFF ThE WALLS”

AN exhibition featuring art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs agencies from 1967-2005. The exhibition includes artworks by internationally-renowned artists Rover Thomas, Narritjin Maymuru and Fiona Foley. Entry is free. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

The Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston

“PoRToBELLo RoAD”

THE markets reopen on Sunday, January 15, with the Portobello Road antiques and collectables. Market stalls include weird and quirky collecta -

bles, antique jewellery, retro decorative art and much more.

Canberra Glassworks, Kingston

“CoNNECT – NADÈGE DESGENÈTEZ”

GLASS Sculptor Nadège Desgenétez’s latest exhibition “Connect” looks at the ideas of connection and the feeling of belonging. Runs until January 12. Entry is free.

SuMMER FuN oFF-ThE-STREET

ART enthusiasts can create their own glass tiles at a special summer class at the Glassworks. The 20-minute course will run on various dates from January 4 to 27. There will be 10 sessions per day, starting at 10.30am with the last session at 3.30pm.

“GLASSICLES – ICE ThAT NEVER MELTS – WITh LuNA RyAN”

KIDS can learn how to create their own ice-like glass sculptures in a three-hour class run by glass artist Luna Ryan. The class is perfect for children aged over eight years. From January 18 until January 27.

“MASAhIRo ASAkA – ARTIST TALk”

MASAHIRO Asaka, award-winning artist and recent Thomas Foundation artist-in-residence at the Glassworks, will talk about his new series of work, including his award-winning piece “Ranamok”on Saturday, January 21.

Australian National University Bar

DEATh GRIPS (SACRAMENTo, uSA)

7.30 pm, Wednesday, January 25

COMING from Sacramento, California, Death Grips are a dark and intense experimental trio that perform hip hop with an unadulterated attitude. Over 18s only. Tickets at www.ticketek.com.au.

Australian Institute of Sport Arena

WoMENS NATIoNAL BASkETBALL LEAGuE

CANBERRA TransACT Capitals will play Sydney Uni at 7pm on January 6, Bendigo Spirit at 1pm on January 15 and Logan Thunder at 7pm on January 20. Tickets $20 for adults, juniors $10. Canberra Museum and Gallery

“FAShIoNED hERE”

“FASHIONED Here” takes a look at Canberra’s fashion over the years. See the work of fashion designers and related private businesses. Open daily; weekdays, 10am-5pm; weekends, 12pm5pm.

“kING o’MALLEy”

KING O’Malley injected colour into Australian politics from his election until his death. Displayed together for the first time, the remnants of his life are exhibited in an attempt to better understand the man who made an impact on our country’s history. Open daily; weekdays, 10am-5pm; weekends, 12pm-5pm.

National Library of Australia

hANDWRITTEN: TEN CENTuRIES oF MANuSCRIPT

– TREASuRES FRoM STAATSBIBLIoThEk Zu BERLIN

THE exhibition spans more than 1000 years and features manuscripts, letters, sketches and musical scores handwritten by major figures in history, including Machiavelli, Galileo and Goethe, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and a rare manuscript by Albert Einstein. Entry is free. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

summer messages

Fun for little fairies

THE Fairies North Canberra offers children a magical fairyland experience. All its activities are created and managed by a qualified teacher and taught by experienced staff trained in The Fairies programs. Birthday parties are a hassle-free experience with Rainbow, the birthday fairy, and her helper entertaining the children for the entire party.

The dance classes offer a series of fun, movement-based activities and exercises aimed

THROUGHOUT JANUARY

RoLLER SkATE IN ThE CITy

Garema Place, Civic

January 6 to February 5

THE first open-air roller skate rink will open at Garema Place this summer. Open Wednesday to Sunday nights, special programs include roller derby demonstrations, retro video discos, outdoor movie screenings and feature skate shows. To book visit http://www.inthecitycanberra.com. au/skate/

FuTSAL NATIoNAL ChAMPIoNShIPS

COME and see the Futsal National Championships, experience the skills as the best players from Australia and Oceania compete to be crowned national champions. At various locations from January 9-January 13.

More information at www.futsalnationals.com.au

The National Archives of Australia

“SMALLToWN”

AN exhibition of large-format colour photographs by Martin Mischulunig with words by Tim Winton show the reality of rural Australia, its starkness and unattractiveness, but also its beauty. Open daily, 9am-5pm.

Exhibition Park

SuMMERNATS CAR FESTIVAL

FROM January 5-8, Summernats Car Festival is for car enthusiasts and features a concert headlined by The Screaming Jets, Drapht and Children Collide.

at developing core strength and gross motor skills, enhancing auditory skills, rhythm and counting, spatial awareness and balance, as well as music interpretation in a non-competitive, safe and nurturing environment.

It offers fairy dancing, ballet/jazz, tap, hip hop, and all stars, which includes dance, singing and drama.

The Fairies’ holiday program offers three hours of fairy fun including dancing, craft, games and food.

Peter lends a hand

PETER Barclay (pictured) believes it’s important to help out those in need, which is why the owner of King O’Malleys Irish Pub takes part in the annual CEO sleepout. It’s also why he uses New Year’s Eve to raise more than $10,000 for the Salvation Army.

“A lot of establishments have a cover charge on New Year’s Eve, but every year we ask people to make a donation to the Salvation Army,” Peter says.

“We recommend people give $5, but many people are much more generous and give $20 or $50.”

He says it’s a win for

everyone. Not only are people most in need getting support, patrons feel good about giving something back and the staff at the Civic drinking spot feel good about what they do, too.

“This year we are hoping to raise another $10,000 to help the many disadvantaged people in need,” he says.

National Portrait Gallery

“oF kINGS AND MEN”

THIS exhibition celebrates 100 years of the Historic Memorials Collection, featuring early portraits of parliamentary and judicial figures, reflecting early Australian portraiture. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

“IMPRESSIoNS: PAINTING LIGhT AND LIFE”

AN exhibition of portraits from 1885 to 1915 by artists such as Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin, sourced from public and private collections around the country. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

“Jo’S Mo ShoW (WITh BEARDS)”

AN illustrated timeline showing the changes in the facial hair trends from the 1780s to the 1980s. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

SuMMER SouNDS CoNCERT SERIES

6pm-7.30pm, every Saturday and Sunday from January 7 to 29

ENJOY blues and roots, and jazz, under the trees at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. A new feature for 2012 will be the vibrant dance demonstrations, everything from swing to salsa. There will also be free activities for the kids. Entry by donation to Friends of the Gardens.

National Gallery

“ouT oF ThE WEST”

AN insight into the art from WA from pre-settlement until today. The diverse range of media includes painting, sculpture, drawing, print-making, photography, video installation, jewellery, furniture, decorative arts and design. Entry is free. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

“RENAISSANCE”

AN exhibition featuring 15th and 16th century Italian paintings from the Accademia Carrara,

Bergamo. A rare chance to see the Early and High Renaissance paintings by some of the great artists of Europe. More than 70 works on canvas and panel will be on display, made between 1400 and 1600 by painters in northern and central Italy. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

Roller rink in Civic

By Nicole Katipunan

GAREMA Place will be turned into a vibrant roller-skating rink this summer.

Canberra CBD Ltd will be recreating the fun of July’s ice-skating rink and CEO Stephen Gregory is again keen to show Canberrans that Garema Place is the place to be.

“The large leafy plain trees in Garema Place, multiple fans and mist machines and a ‘skate up’ drinks stand will also give visitors one of the coolest experiences in town,” he said.

“Roller skating is a fun and family-friendly activity for all ages and we’re encouraging everyone to come into the city to be part of this month-long event. We expect the roller derby demonstrations to be very popular as well.”

This summer, Roller Skating in the City will be taking a step back into the ‘70s with retromovie nights, including “Xanadu”, roller disco nights and roller derby demonstrations.

Roller Skate in the City, Garema Place, from January 6.

The perfect brow system

ELEGANT Image, Canberra’s own Skin Body & Day Spa Centre, is now licensed to provide the Anastasia of Beverly Hills perfect brow system, says owner Joyce Beacham.

“Anastasia is the queen of beautiful eyebrows, with her Beverly Hills client list chock-full of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities. She has trained a select few… teaching them the secrets of her eyebrow transformation techniques,” she says.

“The techniques pioneered by Anastasia, a former architect, are based around a range of eyebrow stencils she created. These help to achieve that perfect shape for your face and camouflage inconsistent growth patterns, holes and scars in the brow.

“Elegant Image believe, under Anastasia’s guidance, professional eyebrow shaping has now evolved from a trend to an essential beauty ritual. Nothing else gives the face an instant lift and a noticeably enhanced and elegant look.”

Bookings to 6293 2992.

Quiksilver Lying Eye black polka dot full piece, $119.99.

Quiksilver Street of Dreams coral polka dot bandeau,$99.99.

Poolside pretty

Byl ibby Hill

BE poolside pretty this summer with swimwear in feminine shapes and prints.

Choose sweet shades or the latest printed styles to make you stand out from the crowd.

The task of finding a new swimsuit is often tricky. Make it easier by working out the shape that suits your figure first, then try different

prints and patterns in this style.

Small on top – fringes, ruffles or frills as embellishments help to create volume.

Bit of a belly – try a belted one piece as cinching the waist will help create an hourglass curve.

Big busted – try a V-neck to show just the right amount of cleavage and elongate the figure.

Pear shaped – try a strapless swimsuit to draw the attention above the waist.

summer message

Fabulous, affordable fashion

WHETHER it’s women’s work wear, casual or evening wear, the team at Sorbet can help you find the perfect outfit or wardrobe to make you look and feel great, says Sorbet managing director Ian Perkins.

“Fabulous service and stylish, affordable fashion have kept the women of Canberra coming back for more since the opening of Sorbet’s first Canberra store at DFO, Fyshwick, earlier this

year,” Ian says.

Offering sizes 8-24, Sorbet stocks LRD by Lavender Road and Threadz.

“With our Nothing Over $50 Storewide Sale now on, it’s the perfect time to update your wardrobe with some fabulous bargains,” he says.

Sorbet, Shop T161a, DFO Canberra, Fyshwick. Call 6112 6220

Soft options for a new look

By Nicole Katipunan

AN inexpensive, creative and easy way to freshen up the look of any room without too much effort is with cushions.

Style-up any room with duck feather cushions, with this season’s trends favouring vibrant patterns. Try a striped or geometric pattern to give your room a new and complementary design.

Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, cushions will keep you comfortable and have your place looking stylish.

Funky look at gadgets

FUNKY designs and practical functions combine in the new range of Chef’n kitchen gadgets.

“We exist to improve upon everyday kitchen basics, making cooking easier, and food healthier and tastier,” says David Holcomb, inventor and CEO at Chef’n.

“We’ve found that the best way to achieve this is in making perfectlydesigned tools that help cooks cut time and effort in the kitchen. So this

new collection is stylish, fun to use and yet ever so practical,” he says.

The range includes a selfsharpening pizza wheel, avocado masher and retractable vegetable peeler.

The “CityNews” favourite is the freshforce silicone potato masher (pictured). This swirl-ended gadget makes the fluffiest mashed potatoes around.

An angled-spring design traps potatoes and mashes them with ease. Top-rack dishwasher safe, $29.95. Chef’n freshforce potato masher.

summer garden

Rain may have saved the summer holiday garden

UNTIL the rain in late November and this month, it was shaping up as a very dry year.

However, things have changed rapidly and the countryside and gardens have never so looked so green. At the time of writing more rain is forecasted, which means we can go away on holidays with confidence knowing the garden will still look green on our return.

However, outdoor pots will still need attention. Summer is the time for a brilliant display of annuals with petunias and zinnias heading the list.

It is important to maintain regular feeding for these and other annuals using my suggested “weakly, weekly” program – a weak solution once every one to two weeks. At the same time, deadhead to encourage new shoots and subsequently more flowers.

MANY perennials also make a stunning display in summer and one of my favourites is the Princess Series of Alstroemerias. These hardy plants flower continuously from late spring to autumn and even when not in flower the leaves form a great ground cover. So easy to divide to fill bare spots in the garden, in fact no garden should be without Alstroemerias.

ONE dubious advantage of our cool start to summer is that we have had copious amounts of rain. I say dubious and feel for those who sustained storm damage with

gardening

Cedric Bryant

water into homes or fallen trees, usually eucalypts. During the holiday season more time is spent around the home and in the garden, so a word of warning: do not park vehicles, put play equipment or outdoor settings/barbecues under eucalyptus trees. It can be a dead still summer’s day when crack and a branch falls.

MANY readers may have relatives and friends visiting over the holiday season. Besides all the usual sights and sounds in Canberra, our National Botanic Gardens are often overlooked.

These unique gardens are a must, particularly if your visitors are from overseas. Garden entry is free.

Do not forget the ever-popular “Summer Sounds” concerts on the Eucalypt Lawn, starting on Saturday, January 7, with the DeeJay Gospel Band, followed on Sunday with Key Grip. These are free except for a gold-coin donation. Why not have a picnic on the lawns?

Details at www.friendsanbg.org.au or the Visitors’ Centre on 6250 9540

IF you are at the coast, why not call into the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, seven kilometres south of Batemans Bay, off the Princes Highway. Besides super children’s adventure trails, there are ornamental lakes, the arboretum plus the

Chef’s Cap cafe. Free entry, for details see www.erbg.org.au or call the visitors’ centre on 4471 2544.

More garden hints for while you are away:

Unless your lawn is very long do not mow before you go away. If you must mow, set the mower blades on the highest setting.

If your indoor plants are small enough, place in the bath (put a towel down first to prevent scratching) or laundry tub/kitchen sink. Fill with about 30-50mm of water. Let the plants drain well when you return.

If you are staying at home, water early morning. Hand watering can take place at any time, however under the Permanent Water Conservation Measures sprinklers and other irrigation systems may only be used before 9am and after 6pm (until May 31).

Clean out all gutters, not connected with gardening, but remember our fires in the 2003 holiday season and potential for flooding.

Finally, as the New Year begins my second year with “CityNews”, I would like to thank all my readers for their many kind, personal comments, letters and emails over the past 12 months.

summer jumbo crossword

your week in the stars

With Joanne Madeline Moore December

26-Jan 1

ARIES (Mar 1 – Apr 0)

Many Rams will feel increasingly restless (and reckless) as the week develops. Try to pace yourself – otherwise you may end up doing and saying things that you later regret. You thrive on excitement and hate it when life gets too predictable and humdrum. And things certainly won’t be boring on the weekend, as the Moon and Uranus spice up the New Year party mix!

TAURUS (Apr 1 – May 0)

Bulls feel comfortable when others behave in predictable and logical ways, which is hardly ever – and especially not this weekend! So stay grounded, and don’t let jealousy mar your New Year’s Eve celebrations. With adventurous Jupiter moving forwards through your sign until June, it’s time to explore new horizons (physically, mentally and emotionally).

GEMINI (May 1 – June 1)

Geminis and New Year’s Eve are a fabulous fit because you love to break out and celebrate like a pro. So it’s time to shake out your dancing shoes, shimmy into your favourite party gear, and turn the music up – loud! Choose your words carefully on Sunday. As birthday great Rudyard Kipling wrote: “Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind.”

CANCER (June  – July )

New Year’s Eve is usually an emotional time for sentimental Crabs, as you reflect over the past year – and your successes and failures. So pace yourself and don’t drink too much. You may have a sudden epiphany that your world view is way too narrow. 2012 is the year to be a cosmopolitan Crab, as you expand your overseas contacts (whether in person or online).

LEO (July  – Aug )

Have you become so obsessed about something (or someone) that you can’t see the wood for the trees? Compulsive behaviour is a danger on Thursday, as you blow things way out of proportion. You’re in the mood to party to perfection on Saturday night. Bright lights, music, dancing and celebrating – New Year’s Eve must have been invented by a loud and lively Leo!

VIRGO (Aug  – Sept )

This week, think twice before offering advice! New Year’s Eve should be fun but resist the urge to be argumentative or critical on Sunday, as Mercury and Mars square up. Aim to start the New Year in a positive frame of mind. With two eclipses (and Jupiter) activating your career zone, 2012 will be a busy year. The harder you work, the luckier you’ll be.

LIBRA (Sept  – Oct )

New Year’s Eve will be memorable, as the Moon and Uranus shake up your relationship zone. It’s the perfect time to do something unusual with your partner, or go looking for a new love. You could surprise others with your flirtatious behaviour – plus plenty of late night funky moves on the dance floor! 2012 is the year to be spontaneous when it comes to love and lust.

SCORPIO (Oct 4 – Nov 1)

This week’s stars encourage you to break out of your daily routine and explore new territory. Move beyond your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before. Many Scorpios will prefer to spend a low-key New Year’s Eve with loved ones. The romance factor is high, as Venus and Neptune make beautiful music together in your home zone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov  – Dec 1)

The Moon and Uranus stir up your ‘kids zone’ so it will be an eventful New Year’s Eve. Expect children to be high-spirited (and keep a close eye on tear-away teenagers). But you’ll survive to see in 2012 with lashings of love and plenty of good will. Unattached? With two eclipses (and lucky Jupiter) in your romance zone in 2012, you won’t be single for long!

CAPRICORN (Dec  – Jan 1)

On Thursday, the Sun links up with Pluto which increases your personal magnetism – and your compulsive Capricorn side. Do you remember the old TV show called “Family Feud”? This New Year’s Eve (with the Moon and Uranus shaking up your home zone) you’re in for a personal re-run. When it comes to domestic matters, expect the unexpected in 2012.

AQUARIUS (Jan 0 – Feb 1)

Aquarians will feel a tad temperamental this week and – if you’re cooped up inside – you’ll just drive yourself (and others) crazy. With vivacious Venus in your sign, you’re in the mood to party hard on New Year’s Eve. Children and creativity are a magical mix in 2012, as you enjoy spending time with your kids (or you re-connect with the spontaneous child within).

PISCES (Feb 1 – Mar 0)

The Sun and Pluto pair up in your friendship zone on Thursday, so you may turn to a close mate for some special words of wisdom. As birthday great Marlene Dietrich observed: “It’s the friends you can call up at four in the morning that matter.” Fragile Fish are set to get a bit teary on New Year’s Eve, as you look back over the highs and lows of the closing year.

Across

3 Name the annual feast of the Jews, also known as "Pesach".

7 Who wrote "The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll", Ray ...

8 In which US state is Chicago?

9 Which mineral is used as a refractory when opaque, and as a gem when transparent?

10 Name the seeds of a tropical fruit, used in beverages and food.

11 What describes intense, overpowering fear?

14 Which disembodied spirits are imagined as haunting living persons?

17 Name the fee paid to secure services, as of a barrister.

18 What is a sweet dried grape?

19 Which word describes something extremely unpleasant?

20 Name another term for a cashier.

21 Name the disease in which the ability of the body to use sugar is impaired.

Down

1 Which term is descriptive of the diameter of a bullet?

2 What is an extended mass of ice?

3 Which computer machine records typed information?

4 Name an annual herb cultivated for its succulent leaves.

5 What is a more appropriate term for "fiddles"?

6 When one dwells somewhere permanently, one does what?

11 To have destroyed a building by having set fire to it, is to have done what?

12 Name a popular NZ spa resort.

13 To cover with a coating of rust, is to do what?

14 What is an alternative word for attics?

15 Name the Australian

Rent or buy? The gap is closing in Canberra

THERE is a slight improvement in housing affordability across Australia, but the change is small and, despite recent interest rate cuts, housing affordability remains a very real issue, according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of Australia.

The improvement can be attributed to an increase in wages and a slight softening of house prices. As with most quarters, the ACT has fared better than other States and Territories across Australia with the proportion of income required to meet home loan repayments at 17.9 per cent.

To make a comparison, 12 months ago home buyers in Canberra were devoting 18.8 per cent of their income to home loan repayments.

This sounds like good news at face value, but it is important to note that the main contributor to the improvement we are seeing in our data is an increase in wages.

Although a saving in actual loan repayments is not evident, Canberra is closing the gap between the cost of owning a home and the cost of renting a home.

The proportion of income required to meet weekly rent payments takes 16.4 per cent of the average Canberra wage.

This means that on average, without including the additional costs and taxes that come with buying a home, it costs an extra $41.25 a week to pay off a mortgage in Canberra than it does to rent a property.

Although this is a very small difference, it is important to remember that, unlike renting, buying a house is buying an asset.

To put this in context with the rest of Australia,

AMANDA LYNCH can’t see the price of housing crashing any time soon...

in Sydney, the gap is larger with the average home buyer committing $542.78 to weekly loan repayments while the average renter commits $386.23 to weekly rent payments.

For this reason, affordability is high on the REIA’s agenda and will remain so until a time when we see an improvement.

Given that we haven’t seen a great deal of change in the Canberra property market during 2011, what is the outlook for 2012?

Well, despite what you’ve heard, there is no housing bubble so don’t expect to see the housing market crash next year or the year after that.

REIA has conducted research and written a paper on this issue which bursts the housing bubble myth.

Property is a sound investment, particularly in Canberra because, despite small hurdles along the way, we have higher wages than the rest of the country and a good unemployment rate.

The market will remain steady during the first half of 2012, but we will start to see a pick-up in the 2012 spring/summer selling season.

With house prices down on what we have seen over the past few years, a reduction in interest rates and an increase in wages, the next nine months would be an opportune time for firsthome buyers to consider entering the market.

Amanda Lynch is the chief executive officer of the Real Estate Institute of Australia.

2 February, 2012, 7:15am – 9:00am National Press Club, 16 National Circuit Barton Ticket prices

Members: $80.00 ($750/table of 10)

Non-members: $125.00 ($1200/table of 10)