Canberra CityNews January 19, 2012

So, what’s it like to be a grave digger?

Graves are not a lot of fun for the people digging them either and cemeteries can be full of surprises as FREYLA FERGUSON discovered when she spent a little time in Gungahlin Cemetery...

GRAVE digging may be considered a dirty job, but someone has got to do it.

And it’s grave digger Luke Triffett, grounds supervisor of Gungahlin Cemetery, and his fellow grave diggers that, despite modern technology, still get down and dirty to dig graves by hand.

“We use the back hoe, mini excavator and sometimes by hand,” Luke says.

“That takes a bit of time. There are certain areas that we have where we can’t get the machinery to.

“Quite often we have to get in there with crowbars and shovels.”

Opened in 1979, the Gungahlin Cemetery is Canberra’s biggest, and covers 40 hectares of ground. And despite coming into its 33rd year, according to Luke, it still has another 70 to 100 years to go, as opposed to the Woden cemetery which “is almost full, probably in about eight years roughly”.

On average, Luke and his grounds team of three dig about a grave a day, among the other general grounds maintenance.

Graves include the typical “6ft-deep” ground burials and 2m-deep vault burials that, unlike ground graves, are filled with cement not soil.

INDEX

January 19-25, 2012

Since 1993: Volume 18, Number 1

Arts&Entertainment 15-16

Australia Day 2012 11-14

Cinema 16

Crossword 23

Garden 20-21

Home 22

Horoscope 18-19

News 3-10

Property 24-35

Social Scene 10

“It’s popular with the Italian and Greek community, who like the sense of being dry,” he said.

“They purchase these, we install them, and they put their monuments on top.”

Although prices are up for review, it would typically cost about $4000 to $5000 for a ground burial and about $10,000 for a vault burial.

As Luke says, “it’s like property, it keeps going up in value”, so it’s no surprise some families invest in groups of allotments.

“A Chinese family came in the other day and bought 10 allotments in one hit,” he said.

“They want to be buried with their ancestors and relatives.”

Luke, a horticulturist, had previously worked on golf courses before wanting a change and a challenge.

And he found it.

“Obviously there’s a lot of work, we are on about 40 hectares here, quite a bit of ground to cover and we only have four guys,” he said.

“Our biggest challenge is time management, getting everything done and keeping everyone happy.

“It’s a job certain people don’t want to do, others relish it. We are empa-

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thetic towards the families, so we are very understanding of where they are coming from and tailor our actions to their needs.

“We give them as much peace and space as we can. It’s more rewarding when families come and ask you for help.”

But although he says he’s comfortable dealing with death on a daily basis, he’s “always mindful of where you are and what you are doing”.

And although he won’t comment on whether there has been incidents of

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graves being tampered with, he says that “you’ll be surprised” about some of the things that can happen at the cemetery.

“We have a lot of families who come in here with their picnic blankets and their dog,” he said.

“I’ve come in here on a weekend for a burial and there’s a family of 15 or 18 with tables and chairs having lunch.”

He also says the job has opened his eyes to new cultures and a new respect for many different burial customs.

“I find the Chinese to be quite in-

teresting to watch because they bring huge big dishes of freshly baked food and roast duck, rice and fruit,” he said. “They leave it on the grave for their loved ones.”

And being surrounded by death, surely it can be at times scary?

“I’ve been out here at night and there’s nothing to be afraid of,” he said.

“Early on a winter’s morning it’s beautiful here, it’s a like a white Christmas. Autumn is also quite beautiful.”

The art of seeing right, from Wong

MAGGIE LU meets a man who has pursued his dream of a multicultural Australia for more than  0 years and is showing no signs of stopping

SAM Wong has just finished a consultation session with a group of elderly residents when I first meet him.

“These people need help; they need a voice,” Sam says and greets me with a big handshake.

Sam is chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum.

“They arrive in Australia for a family reunion, but they have no support for the first five years. They can’t leave the country for two years either, and they can’t even go home and fix their teeth!”

Sam speaks very fast, as if he has so much to tell me but doesn’t quite know how to start.

Ushered to his office, I can overhear people lingering in the function room. They do have their own voices, in Mandarin, Cantonese, or even Shanghainese, but they don’t have a voice that will be heard.

That’s where Sam steps in. He believes that the Federal Government should have an ongoing

tracking system on migrant well being from when they arrive.

“What we are asking is that the Government should not just take the money and give the visa,” says Sam. “The Government has the obligation to care if these people are suffering.”

Newly-retired as a pharmacist from the Australian Government, Sam finds it almost impossible to pick up his long-abandoned hobby: fishing.

In fact, as chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, he has a career he never wants to retire from.

Sam confesses he loves to help those community groups with diverse ethnic backgrounds, or minority groups, which he believes are “important constituents of the Australian society”.

“Australia is doing quite well now as a multicultural society, but certainly there is room to improve,” says Sam. “If I don’t speak, things won’t change.”

He has been speaking up for the minorities since

the early 1970s, when he first arrived in Melbourne as an international student. Born in Hong Kong and brought up under the British colonial rule, Sam inherited a keen interest in

social justice from his father, an active community leader in Kow Loon.

“In the ‘60s I took part in the student movement in Hong Kong, but most of the time I

found I didn’t fit in there – I am not that interested in making money, which is rare in Hong Kong!”

Fortunately, he did “fit in” to Australia.

The early ‘70s was by no means a golden age for Asian migrants though, with the “White Australia” policy still lingering and the widespread grassroots prejudice against Asians. However, Sam saw the possibility of making changes and the potential for Australia to be a multicultural society.

Starting from Melbourne, he has been actively involved in multicultural affairs that are far beyond the Lion Dance or dragon boats; it’s more about empowering the minority communities with an articulate voice.

He facilitates assistance programs for new immigrants, organises inter-faith forums to promote understanding across different religions, and even encourages the registration and recognition of Chinese medicine practitioners.

Being an ethnic Chinese, Sam Wong’s vision goes beyond the Chinese community.

He has just won the 2011 Australian Bluestar Award from the ACT’s Muslim community for his intercultural work, adding to a long list of awards including the most prominent, his Member of the Order of Australia medal.

“I have been very supportive of them (Muslims),” says Sam. “They’ve been misunderstood after 9/11 and profiled in a very negative way. To me it is most unfair. Members of the Muslim com-

munity have made long and outstanding contributions to society.”

With all those awards, Sam has a much longer list of things to do. He wishes to promote multiculturalism as part of the school curriculum, to further the inter-faith dialogue in Canberra, to seek the Australian Government’s recognition of the earliest Chinese migrants’ contribution and much more.

“I know there are people who don’t like me, but I don’t care. I can even work with them,” says Sam.

“Actually, I can work with anybody as long as they promote harmony and social justice in our society.”

And he does. He travels regularly back to China and Hong Kong, where he left 40 years ago, and talks to local officials about issues such as food safety and export quality.

Despite the difficulty, he believes in the power of dialogue.

“Talk to me, instead of tolerating me. Tolerance is a terrible word; if you find something you don’t like about me, mention that to me,” he says. In terms of multiculturalism, Sam ranks Canberra as the best in Australia with ongoing support from the local government.

He is proud to have a very “multicultural” family as well, with his Anglican wife and daughter and him a Buddhist.

“My wife and my daughter are very independent and capable women, not easy to manage,” says Sam with a big laugh. “I am always the minority at home; even the cat is female!”

Susannah’s on the home ‘Straits’

By arts editor Helen Musa SUSANNAH BayesMorton,

one of the stars in ABC TV’s coming mini-series “The Straits”, is living proof of the way the internet has changed life for people in showbiz.

I caught up with the busy Canberra-born actress while she was home to visit family and to prepare for her marriage this month to fiancé, Zahir Salie.

Bayes-Morton’s credentials are impeccable. After schooling at Lyneham High she went on to Dickson College, where inspirational drama teacher Lorena Param suggested she apply to the Victorian College of the Arts.

She graduated in 2005, working on TV shows in Melbourne then moving to Sydney, where she performed with Urban Theatre Projects and in Belvoir Theatre and the MTC’s production of “Man from Muckinupin”.

Itchy feet took her to Berlin, where she immersed herself in German art and theatre. Then she received a surprise email from her Sydney agent about auditioning for “The Straits”.

After an interview on Skype, 48

hours later she was on standby, then four days after that, she got another email from the producers saying:

“We love you, we want you”.

“Luckily we’re flexible,” she told me, so she and Zahir flew to Cairns in May, where she worked on the series and he got a job as a chef in a local restaurant.

She found herself working for the top technical people in the profession, under directors such as Rowan Woods, Rachel Ward and Peter Andrikidis.

It’s been a huge break for BayesMorton, who plays the complex role of Sissi, the youngest sister in a large criminal family headed up by actor Brian Cox as the patriarch criminal Harry Montebello.

“It’s a Torres Straits ‘Sopranos’type story,” she tells me. You can say that again. There are drug deals with Raskols, bikie gangs and maneating crocodiles.

“My character is the youngest sister and the most educated. She’s been to uni. She starts out not wanting to be in the family business, but she gets embroiled. By episode 10 she’s calling the shots.

“For an actor playing the role, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted, meaty and strong… I carry the weight.”

The lurid plot depicts a family business based on running drugs and guns from PNG to Australia, so Bayes-Morton’s mixed ethnicity (her dad is from Bougainville and

her mum from Manchester) has played a part in the casting. She has mixed feelings about that: “I could wish for more colourblind casting, but I must admit I’ve got roles because of skin colour.”

DON’T you hate it when people take themselves too seriously?

Have you noticed how serious everybody seems to be these days?

It might be the continuing insecurity generated by the GFC, or the negative political and media climate, but where has all the fun gone?

Parents agonise about holding Timmy back from starting kinder this year while watering down his orange juice, IT departments block access to Facebook, cameras are banned from school athletics carnivals and ambitious young Gen Ys map their career paths out five jobs ahead and lose sleep over their Klout scores! Here’s a list of things that are really serious; a gravely ill loved one, and… well… nope, that’s about it!

If you are in health care, a social-worker, the police and emergency services, or are serving in Afghanistan, then I give you permission to be serious, but guess what? Clown doctors are proven to help sick children get better, many an old cop has defused a potentially dangerous situation with a well-timed one-liner and Aussie troops are renowned for their battlefield sense of humour.

Why? Because in the words of the iconic (well, iconic to me) DVD yoga instructor Baron Baptiste, they “take their practice seriously, but themselves lightly”. They are able to do their own jobs with utmost professionalism, but know when it is time to lighten up.

So, please, lighten up people, the worst that could happen is that you actually have a good time.

“I really do like TV,” she says, “it suits my personality – it’s fast and trendy.”

The two-hour feature-length premiere of “The Straits” will be screened on ABC1, 8.30pm, February 2 and ABC2, 10.30pm on February 3.

This is her first really big role, so she’s enjoying the experience and hopes there will be a sequel.

Ricky Bryan, marketing manager

“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.

Free magic show

“THE Magic Show”, with master conjurer Elio Simonetti (pictured) and his helper Eva Salleh, is back by popular demand at Cooleman Court shopping centre. The duo brings a mixture of magic, mime, music and humour to their performance.

“Our show is unique,” explains Simonetti, “in that it’s popular with both children and adults from varying backgrounds.”

The free show can be seen at Cooleman Court at 11am and 1pm daily from January 23 to January 27.

Retro fair

AT Home with Vintage, Canberra’s first selling event to mix vintage fashion with retro homewares, will be held at the Albert Hall, February 2426. The fair will concentrate on the ‘40s to the ‘80s and features frocks and clothing, funky furnishings and kitchen kitsch. Contact 0408 380524 or thewaywewearfairs@ bigpond.com or go to www. vintagecanberra.com

Weston Park gets a plan

A conservation management plan has been prepared for Weston Park, on the southern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, to help ensure its heritage significance is maintained into the future, while also continuing to allow a wide range of recreational uses. The park was listed on the ACT Heritage Register in August and has about 720,000 visitors a year. The plan can be read at www.tams.act.gov.au

All about top quality

GREAT quality handbags and shoes will last a lifetime and guarantee a polished look.

Luxury accessories are investment pieces for your wardrobe and Manuka is Canberra’s Mecca for quality leather goods. “CityNews” sought out the most coveted items in enduring neutral tones at Escala and Gertrude Boutique.

Here’s cheers for a leading, local team

By Freyla Ferguson

STUNTING, high-basket tosses, tumbling and high-energy dance moves: little wonder that cheerleading is growing as a serious, competitive sport in Canberra.

Recently, the Canberra City Cheerleading 16-member team made its stamp on the national stage, winning a swag of trophies in pom, cheer and group stunts at the Australian Cheerleading National Championships.

Its under-14 years’ Team Mayhem group stunt won first place in the junior-level, four-stunt category.

Head coach Kayla Morgan said it was particularly outstanding for the under-14s, with most of the team only in their first year of cheerleading.

“The teams they were against were the best teams in Australia,” she said.

“It was amazing, and I think they surprised themselves.”

Ms Morgan has been cheerleading for 16 years and has coached for seven, including two years in America and England.

She said her team trains once a week for two hours at the Woden Valley Gymnastics Club.

“The top teams train three or four times a week, so the fact that our team are keeping up with the top teams is amazing,” she said.

“They put everything into it every training. Their cheer team of 16, came third place and beat some of the top squads in Australia as well and that’s because they work so hard.”

She said although Team Mayhem has exceeded expectations, there is still a way to go before they can compete at an international level in America.

“They still have quite a bit more training to do to build up to that level,” she said.

“But the hope is in two years I can take their age group to the Cheerleading World Championships to compete.”

Ms Morgan said currently her youngest cheer leader is a four-year-old boy and her eldest is a 31-year-old woman.

“Dance, gymnastics, stunting, it’s a hard sport and it actually hasn’t been classed as a sport in Australia, that’s why they love it the most, because they are going out and proving to people that it is one of the toughest sports you can probably do,” she said.

More information, email ccccoach@hotmail. com

At the Subaru XV launch, Rolfe Subaru,

Australia Day 2012 Capital’s the place for a great time

THERE can be no better place to celebrate Australia Day than in the nation’s capital.

With national events including the announcement of the Australian of the Year and the national flag raising and citizenship ceremony, all eyes will be on Canberra.

About 0,000 people are expected to turn out for the free Australia-Day eve concert “Australia Celebrates Live” on the lawns of Parliament House.

Writer Bryce our ambassador

THIS year’s ACT Australia Day Ambassador is author Bryce Courtenay (pictured).

Born in South Africa and educated in Johannesburg and the UK, Bryce arrived in Australia in 1958 and became an Australian citizen the following year.

Best known as one of Australia’s

Concert to be ‘best yet’

INXS is the headline act for the free “Australia Celebrates Live” event on the lawns of Parliament House on Wednesday, January 25.

Starting at 6pm with the Australian of the Year awards, the 8pm concert also features Katie Noonan and The Captains, Sneaky Sound System, Spiderbait and The Potbelleez.

New to the event this year is the “family area” on the grass slope of Parliament House. The area is a glass and alcohol-free zone where families can enjoy a great view of the concert and the big screen in a more relaxed environment.

Organisers are encouraging the public to get a group of colleagues, family or friends together, pack a picnic rug and get there early.

“We‘re so excited to have INXS, one of Australia’s most-loved bands, headlining the concert. What a fantastic line up of Aussie talent we’ve assembled this year, I think it’s going to be our best concert yet,” said National Australia Day Council CEO Warren Pearson.

The concert will be INXS’ final show in the band’s first tour with new singer Ciaran Gribbin.

Irish-born and Grammynominated songwriter/performer, Gribbin has worked with a range of artists including

Snow Patrol, Madonna, Groove Armada and Paul McCartney.

Since he joined the band as the new front man last year, INXS has been touring solidly and continues to write and record new songs for their next album.

The band will launch their new song “United in Australia” at the concert.

INXS’ Jon Farriss said: “It is always a wonderful experience to play in front of our Australian friends and family, but to be invited to headline such a prestigious event, is an honour.”

Also in the concert line up is one of Australia’s most versatile musicians, Katie Noonan, and her band The Captains.

Over her 15-year career Noonan has collaborated with a diverse range of artists across many musical styles.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this event and, as a fiercely proud Aussie, am always excited to celebrate our wonderful country and the great people in it,” said Noonan.

What: “Australia Celebrates Live” Where: Lawns of Parliament House When: Wednesday, January 25, 6pm-10pm, free entry

More information at www. australiaday.org.au

top-selling novelists, his stories are primarily set in Australia or South Africa.

His first novel, “The Power of One”, was published in 1989 and received acclaim all over the world, selling around seven million copies.

The Australia Day Ambassador

Program remains one of the most successful national Australia Day programs.

The Australia Day Ambassador Program enables high-achieving and distinguished Australians to take part in local Australia Day activities, helping to increase community spirit.

Park’s the place for fun and fireworks

IT’S all happening in Commonwealth Park this Australia Day with loads of fun for the whole family.

The “Australia Day in the Park” program kicks off at 7am with Kiwi G and will include the children’s concert featuring Fireman Sam.

Lots of fun and games can be had with the Gecko Gang including rides, activities and amusements. Children can learn about bush craft or be painted with Aussie faces and tattoos. All ages can catch some whip-cracking action or take a ride beside the lake aboard a train after indulging in the Great Aussie Day Breakfast.

From 7pm, enjoy the prefireworks entertainment on Lake Burley Griffin. The best vantage

points are at Regatta Point, and on the lawns of the National Library of Australia, so be sure to get there early to get your spot for the dazzling display, which promises to be a fitting way to end an action-packed Australia Day.

What: 2012 Australia Day Fireworks Where: Best vantage points are Regatta Point/Lake Burley Griffin foreshores When: Thursday, January 26, from 7pm pre-fireworks entertainment on the lake, 9pm fireworks display, free entry.

More information at www. australiaday.org.au/act or from Canberra Connect on 132281.

Three days with lots to celebrate

Wednesday, January 25

Australian of the Year Awards – Parliament House forecourt from 6pm. Free entry.

Australia Celebrates Live – The concert that

starts the party across the nation and showcases some of Australia’s best entertainers and musicians. On the lawns of Parliament House from 8pm. Free entry.

Thursday, January 26

Australia Day in the Park – Children can enjoy the Fireman Sam show, bush craft, Aussie faces and tattoos, rides and activities. At Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park from 7am. Free entry.

Great Aussie Day Breakfast – Enjoy the sounds of Kiwi G while tucking in to the Great Aussie Day Breakfast. At Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park

from 7.30am. Free entry.

Australia Day 1912 at Blundells Cottage –Celebrate Australia Day in old-fashioned style at Blundells Cottage. From 10am. Free entry.

Family picnic day at Lanyon Homestead –Picnic on the lawns or enjoy lunch at the Lanyon Cafe. Discover Canberra’s pioneer history at the Homestead. From 10am. Free entry. Call 6237 5268 to make cafe reservations.

Flag raising ceremony Regatta Point – The Federation Guard will raise the Australian flag on the Canadian flag pole. The band of the Royal Military College will also perform. From 10am. Free entry.

Lucky Dragon Festival at National Museum of Australia – A farewell to the “A New Horizon Contemporary Chinese Art” exhibition with Chinese music and dance. From 10am. Free entry.

The Great Lamington Bake-off at National Portrait Gallery – Three guest chefs will compete to capture the identity of Australia’s coconut-covered icon. From 10am. Free entry.

Flyover and 21-gun salute – A flyover and 21 gun salute at 10.20am.

Australian citizenship ceremony – Canberra’s newest Australian citizens will be welcomed and presented with their certificate of citizenship. At Rond Terrace, Commonwealth

Park from 10.30am.

Australia Day Carillon recital – At the National Carillon from 12.30pm. Free entry.

Chief Minister’s Regatta – One of the largest regattas held in Canberra with more than 100 boats in West Lake and West Basin. At Canberra Yacht Club, Lake Burley Griffin, from 2pm. Free entry.

Fireworks – Fireworks display to an Australian soundtrack at Regatta Point, Lake Burley Griffin from 7pm. Free entry.

Friday, January 27

Australia Day Race Day at Thoroughbred Park – An eight-race program with more than $112,000 in prize money. Music in The Winning Post Bar after the last race. Lunch bookings to 6204 0000. From noon. Free entry.

all about the arts

Soprano under the stars

By Helen Musa “CITYNEWS”

can’t resist a Canberra boy (or girl)-madegood story and this one combines with news of a free event.

Former Canberra soprano, Lorina Gore, will be singing the role of Leila, the Brahmin priestess in Bizet’s opera “The Pearlfishers” for Opera Australia’s Opera in the Domain in Sydney in late January.

The petite ANU School of Music graduate packs a powerful punch on the stage and, since returning from studies and a performance career in London, has become one of OA’s rising stars, with notable roles that include Amina in “La Sonnambula”, Tytania in Britten’s “Dream” and Honey in the world première of “Bliss,” which travelled to the Edinburgh Festival. Gore is no standoffish prima donna. With an

unusual background for an operatic singer, she was a regular at Stephen Pike’s old Tarzan’s Theatre Restaurant in Kippax and an early CAT award winner.

Yet she is ambitious. I once asked her about her domestic life. Her brother-in-law, the tenor Christopher Steele, has a flourishing career in the UK and her husband Jonathan used to be a regular singer with Canberra choir The Resonants. “There’s only room for one diva in this household,” Gore told me, and so it was. These days she has to share the limelight with

son Joshua, who turns three in January, so it’s a busy life. Gore makes many public appearances at openings and launches, and this chance to star in the Domain is a good way to increase her profile.

One of Sydney’s favourite summer nights out, Mazda Opera in the Domain has been an annual event since 1982. It regularly attracts around 20,000 visitors who enjoy one of the year’s best free evenings under the stars.

The opera is a good choice. Its show-stopper duet, “In the depths of the temple”, was once rated No.1 in an “ABC Classic 100 Opera Moments” survey and the exotic setting is also an attraction, even in this semi-staged outdoor version.

“The Pearlfishers”, Mazda Opera in the Domain, from 8pm, Saturday, January 28. Food and beverages for sale from early afternoon or patrons may bring a picnic. High chairs and beach umbrellas are not allowed and, to protect the lawn, plastic sheeting and ice are not permitted on the grass. Free event.

Katy ventures into the Glassworks

CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher ventured into Jon Stanhope territory on January 18 when she opened Masahiro Asaka’s first solo exhibition at the Glassworks. Winner of the 2011 Ranamok Prize, Asaka’s exhibition runs until March 15.

A SIMILAR political burst of interest in culture will be seen on January 27 at 4.30pm when Senator Kate Lundy launches an exhibition of work by members of the ACT Porcelain Artists Association (Strathnairn, 10am4.30pm, Friday-Sunday, 90 Stockdill Drive, Holt, until February 12).

AN exhibition of work from 2003 to now by Canberra fibre artist Nancy Tingey will run at Belconnen Arts Centre from January 21-February 12. Included are constructed textiles, installations, charcoal drawings, wall pieces and watermedia made in collaboration with English papermaker Jackie Scammell.

MURRUMBATEMAN’S Flint in the Vines now has an open-air

arts in the city

Helen Musa

cinema, which will get its first airing next week. The screenings are at sundown as follows: January 25, “American Graffiti”; January 26, “Lantana”; January 27, “The King’s Speech”; January 28, “Sideways” and March 2, “Red Dog”. Tickets are $10, and a dinner and movie package is available. Bookings to 6227 5144 or www.flintinthevines.net.au

THE annual outdoor Summer Sounds Concerts Series at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on the Eucalypt Lawn every Saturday and Sunday in January from 6-7.30pm culminates in a blockbuster final weekend on January 28 and 29, with double the entertainment, commencing at 4.30pm. Entry is by donation. More information at www. anbg.gov.au/gardens

QUEANBEYAN Art Society has found an unusual new sponsor in Goulburn Yurtworks. You might wonder what a yurt-builder sees in the arts, but it’s clear enough to owner Mike Shepherd, who is keen to promote his Mongolian-inspired building as the perfect backyard studio for painters and a good way of getting them out of the house. The ACT Writers Centre has two “How to sell your book to an Australian publisher” workshops with publishing expert Rhonda Whitton in early February. One is open to all participants, and the other is a free session for writers from non-English speaking backgrounds. Visit www. actwriters.org.au or phone 6262 9191.

BOOGIE, blues and soul singer Shaun Kirk will be performing to launch his album “Thank You for Giving Me the Blues”, 8pm, January 27, Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham.

Campus turns to youth music

By Helen Musa

AT this time of the year, Canberra is home to the Australian Youth Orchestra’s annual National Music Camp and this year’s, the 63rd, is running until January 22 at the ANU School of Music.

This is no ordinary camp, the organisers say. More than 215 gifted young players from all over Australia participate in professional concerts and work with top musicians, not least this year’s music director, the cellist, Howard Penny.

Penny, who was born in Canberra, is a member of the faculty at the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne. He was based for many years in Vienna, has been a long-time member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and is a lecturer in performance practice at the University Mozarteum, Salzburg.

Conductors of the orchestras formed at the music camp include William Conway, Christopher Seaman and Mats Zetterqvist.

Around two tonnes of instruments are freighted and 4838 sheets of music used. Best of all, from the public’s perspective, until January 21 there are free orchestral concerts at the Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music.

More information at www.ayo.com.au

P2’s worth the wait

THE much-acclaimed Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest extravaganza

“Love Never Dies” has finally arrived in Sydney and it’s worth the wait.

No matter that the storyline is silly, or that a scenery hiccup on opening night so threatened to mar proceedings that director, Simon Phillips, felt compelled to apologise to the audience.

“Love Never Dies” continues the “Phantom of the Opera” story 10 years on.

The Phantom (Ben Lewis) has now moved to Coney Island where he runs an establishment called “Phantasma” in which he moonlights as a waiter, and pines to hear Christine Daae sing. Christine Daae (Anna O’Byrne), now a famous opera singer married to her manager, Raul (Simon Gleeson), unwittingly accepts the Phantom’s offer to sing at “Phantasma”.

MUSICAL

THEATRE

“Love Never Dies” Capitol Theatre, Sydney Reviewed by Bill Stephens

When Christine and Raul arrive for the engagement with their 10-year-old son, Gustav (Jack Lyall), the Phantom notices that the boy has musical talent, does a few quick calculations and decides that Gustav is his son, leading to the dramatic finale.

I know! It’s all very Mills and Boon, but add Gabriela Tylesova’s remarkable vision of Edwardian Coney Island, which looks absolutely ravishing in the rococo splendour of the Capitol Theatre, a lush, beautifully sung, musical score, handsome cast, gorgeous costumes, carnival freaks and fantastic sideshows and it all seems perfectly logical, hugely enjoyable and definitely a “must see” show.

A small world for the borrowers

“ARRIETTY” (PG)

MARY Norton’s novel “The Borrowers” tells of the Clock family, brave, resourceful little people about 10cms tall, living beneath a house of full-sized humans from whom they “borrow” necessities they have every intention of returning, but somehow a time to do so never happens.

Fourteen-year-old Arrietty, the family’s only child, is surreptitiously harvesting leaves from the garden of a country house when 10-year-old Joe, booked for heart surgery, sees her. Joe and the housekeeper are the only humans in the house. Arrietty’s mother, a good housekeeper terrified that humans will discover her family, relies on Arrietty to forage when her husband suffers a leg injury that limits his hunting ability.

Joe finds the Clock home and replaces its kitchen with that from a beautiful dolls’ house in the human residence. Joe and Arrietty become friends. One day the housekeeper sees Arrietty’s mother and calls the pest exterminators.

Directed by Hiromasu Yonebashi with characters voiced by an English cast, “Arrietty” is a gentle anime, its location backgrounds visually lovely, its characters drawn with the economy of line and modeling that characterises Japanese animation. The drama has good tension and action. The little girl sitting behind me said she greatly enjoyed it. So did I.

At Hoyts and Dendy

cinema

Dougal Macdonald

“THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO” (MA)

COMPARING this English-language version of the first volume of Stieg Larsen’s Millennium Trilogy with its original Swedish filming, which runs six minutes less, is unproductive. As in the vocabulary of lawyers wanting to impress clients, res ipsa loquitor. Each version speaks for itself.

Daniel Craig is very sound as Blomkvist. Rooney Mara is excellent as Lisbeth Salander. Christopher Plummer is a dignified Henrik Vanger. As his brother Martin, Stellan Skarsgaard saves his performance’s best (and the character’s worst) until its last.

Robin Wright is cool as Erika, Blomkvist’s publishing partner. Joely Richardson is appropriately tense as Anita Vanger. As that nasty piece of work Lawyer Bjurman, Yorick van Wageningen does a cracking good job of making us want to vomit.

Is this English-language remake worth seeing so hot on the heels of the original? For those who find reading subtitles a burden, the answer is probably “yes”. Might there be remakes of the second and third? If the box office for this one is strong, the answer is “possibly”.

At all cinemas

“THE DESCENDANTS” (M)

IT’S more rewarding to ignore than give credence to the PR hyperbole accompanying Alexander Payne’s serio-comic family drama. George Clooney plays Matt, lawyer, principal in a family trust of a large parcel of undeveloped Hawaiian real estate in the family for 150 years, whose wife Elizabeth, mother of daughters 17-year-old Alex and 10-year-old Scottie, lies in a terminal coma after a boating accident.

For his screenplay, Payne adapted a novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings. The result doesn’t withstand close scrutiny as a study of a family coping with a pile of crises – internecine dispute among Matt’s siblings about who should be allowed to buy the land, an elder daughter at risk of going down bad developmental paths, a surprise discovery that Elizabeth has had an affair – stuff like mid-afternoon, network TV.

Clooney’s shift in character choice, perhaps in preparation for his advancing years, is a pleasure to watch. Running in shorts and sandals he reminded me of an edible aquatic water-bird unable to fly.

Shailene Woodley is impressive as Alex who after a behavioural sea-change becomes the staff propping up Matt when things get really bad. Playing one of Matt’s siblings is the other, younger, Bridges brother Beau whose career always stood in the shadow of Jeff.

An element of the film worthy of note was how the parts of Hawaii where its permanent residents who drive its economy live, look much the same as Australian seaside communities.

At all cinemas

Pressure to beat the taste for salty foods

“ONCE you develop a taste for salty foods, it can be hard to cut back,” says Lyn Roberts, national CEO of the Heart Foundation.

“Our tastebuds easily become accustomed to salt, so that initially food can seem to lose flavour.

“The trouble with salty foods and salt – including table salt, sea salt, rock salt and salt flakes – is that they can lead to high blood pressure.

“Open any cookbook and if the words ‘season to taste’, or ‘salt’ don’t appear in the recipe, salty ingredients like soy sauce, bacon or stock, will

– and sometimes there’ll be both.”

According to the National Heart Foundation, high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. And recent Heart Foundation research has found more than two million Australians report they have the condition.

“It helps to gradually reduce salt so that you’re less likely to notice any difference in taste,” says Dr Roberts.

•

Here are the Heart Foundation’s top tips for adding salt-free flavour to meals: Add flavour to meat before cooking with herbs and spices such as garlic, pepper, chilli, ginger or favourite herbs.

Balsamic, red wine and white-wine vinegars are also delicious additions to marinades that really boost flavours.

A squeeze of lemon juice adds flavour and helps us better absorb the iron from red meat and green vegetables.

Sprinkle herbs – fresh or dried – over veggies during or after cooking.

A splash of wine is a flavourful addition to marinades for meat. The alcohol largely burns off during cooking.

For favourite recipes that won’t work without salty ingredients here are some salt-reduction tips:

If the recipe calls for olives or anchovies, rinse

When beauty versus the budget

AUSTRALIAN women would rather do their own Brazilian than change to cheaper skincare, according to the “Budgeting for Beauty Survey”.

The survey, for adorebeauty.com.au, says that more than 53 per cent of all respondents identified salon treatments as one of the key areas to cut back on before spending on skincare and cosmetics, closely followed by spending on eating out, and large household purchases.

The website’s founder Kate Morris says some of the smaller more personal purchases such as shoes, clothing and chocolate proved more resilient, featuring further down the list.

“Not surprisingly, family remained a high priority, with less than 10 per cent of respondents saying they would consider cutting back spending on their children,” she says.

“When faced with a favourite hairdresser who put their prices up, survey respondents proved stubbornly loyal, with over 56 per cent preparing to go longer between haircuts in order to stay with the same stylist.

“When beauty spending had to be reduced, DIY salon treatments at home won out over downgrading to cheaper brands of skincare and make-up.

“An overwhelming 60 per cent of respondents would do their waxing, nails and hair colour at home, with less than six per cent of people prepared to switch to cheaper brands of haircare, skincare and make-up respectively.”

them in fresh water before use and use less than the recipe suggests.

Try to use less of the salty sauces such as soy, tomato, fish and oyster sauces than the recipe suggests and try reduced salt versions when available.

Choose ingredients that have earned the Heart Foundation Tick or look for salt-reduced ingredients where appropriate such as canned tomatoes, tomato paste, bacon, ham and stocks.

For free family recipes and quick tips for healthier living, check out heartfoundation.org. au/mumsunited

Win a night in the vines

A meal, a movie and an overnight stay at Flint in the Vines, at Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrembateman is waiting to be won at citynews.com.au/win

YOUR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Rat

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

With charm, style and a friendly manner, Rats get on well with most. They are great at spotting opportunities and have good skills and judgment. Rats like company and particularly value family and social life.

A year of great possibility. New opportunities and chances can open up although, to fully benefit, Rats need to be quick. In work there will be interesting possibilities to pursue, including for promotion or taking on something different. The early weeks of the Dragon year, September and October, could see encouraging developments with Rats having a good chance to build on experience and strengths. Progress can help financially with Rats lucky in some purchases. Home life will be busy but, with much happening and being planned, there needs to be good communication and co-operation. Rats also need to be forthcoming to prevent misunderstanding and allow better chance for hopes to materialise. Social life will be active with Rats enjoying the friendship and support of many. For the unattached, romantic prospects are excellent.

Tip for the year: Make the most of personal talents and act quickly on chances. This is a favourable year.

Famous Rats: Hugh Grant (pictured), Sean Penn, Samuel L. Jackson, Prince of Wales.

Ox

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Determined, reliable and hard-working Oxen put much effort into what they do. They are also careful and well-organised and do not like to leave things to chance. Oxen are loyal to loved ones and admired for their dependable, no-nonsense ways.

THE Chinese New Year is always a time of great celebration, colour, excitement and energy with the Dragon year promising a time of considerable activity, writes NEIL SOMERVILLE. To find your sign and prospects, look up the animal ruling your year of birth. As each Chinese year begins late in January or early in February, if you were born around this time do check the actual year dates to find out which sign you were born under.

with April, May and July interesting months. A potentially important year but, with many pressures, Oxen need to show patience and keep their forthright natures in check.

Tip for the year: Be flexible. Changing situations can open up interesting opportunities which can have present and later benefit.

Famous Oxen: Barack Obama, Meryl Streep (pictured), Bruce Springsteen, Lionel Richie.

Tiger

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Active, enthusiastic and interested in much, Tigers set about their activities with considerable energy. Full of ideas, they are creative and inventive. They are also prepared to take chances to get what they want. Tigers enjoy socialising and have widespread interests.

A year of interesting possibility, but Tigers will need to proceed carefully. To take risks or rush activities could bring problems and disappointment. Work prospects are promising and, with commitment and using strengths well, Tigers can make progress or benefit from a new opening. New skills acquired can help present and future prospects. April, May and September could see encouraging developments. With accommodation costs and other plans, spending needs careful control. Tigers will enjoy the many social opportunities of the year. Home life will be rewarding, but Tigers do need to preserve quality time for loved ones and to listen and consult. To be preoccupied or inattentive could bring problems. A good year, but one to be careful and aware.

situations, Rabbits are careful in their actions and wary of risk.

It’s going to be an action-packed year. Personal activities can go especially well with interests bringing pleasure and having good social opportunity.

Important new friendships can be made and, for the unattached, romantic prospects are good. March, July and August could see much social activity. In home life, shared activities and projects can develop well with Rabbits proud of achievements. In work, Rabbits could face fast-moving situations and need to keep alert and adapt as required.

Dragon years can be demanding, but will give Rabbits the chance to add to experience and prove themselves in new ways. Spending needs to be watched and risks avoided. A demanding year, but with important benefits following on from many actions and decisions.

Tip for the year: Value relations with others. With the year’s pressures and demands, those around can give important support with loved ones helpful.

Famous Rabbits: Johnny Depp, Whitney Houston, Kate Winslet (pictured), Brad Pitt.

Dragon

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

or acted upon could have a pleasing outcome. While income can increase, spending should be watched. Home life will be busy and, with much happening, some early planning and good organisation will help. There could be personal and family celebrations to enjoy.

Dragons will also enjoy an active social life with romantic prospects excellent. A year of great possibility and with fortune favouring the active and enterprising.

Tip for the year: Make the most of chances. This is a year to move forward and act on hopes and plans.

Famous Dragons: Russell Crowe (pictured), Keanu Reeves, Reese Witherspoon, George Clooney.

Snake

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 Snakes are quietly ambitious. They know what they want and are prepared to work hard and wait patiently for the right moment. Snakes can be quiet and reserved, but enjoy wide interests and are loyal to those close to them.

An interesting year, but to do well Snakes need to be flexible and make the most of chances as they occur. In work, there could be opportunity to take on new responsibilities or make an important change and, by rising to challenges given, Snakes can add to skills and gain valuable experience. April, May and August could see interesting possibilities. Although usually careful in money matters, Snakes should be disciplined in spending and look after valuables. A loss could upset. In home life, Snakes should draw on the support and advice of loved ones rather than keeping thoughts to themselves. Shared undertakings can bring considerable pleasure. Personal interests can also have good social opportunity, but Snakes should be wary of rumour or the possible mischief making of another. A potentially significant year.

A busy year and, as situations change and chances arise, Oxen need to be flexible in outlook. In work, Oxen could face increased pressures but will have the chance to broaden experience or take on a new challenge. What is achieved can often be successfully built on and widen scope for later. With many expenses, Oxen would do well to watch spending and make advance provision for more expensive plans. Although often busy, time spent on personal interests can benefit and help keep lifestyle in balance. Home life will be pleasing with shared activities going well and family news to celebrate. Oxen should also make much of social opportunities

Tip for the year: Develop skills and interests. Much good can follow on from current actions. Also value relations with others and consult often. With support more will be possible.

Famous Tigers: The Queen, Tom Cruise, Leonardo Di Caprio (pictured), Demi Moore.

Rabbit

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

With a kindly, understanding nature, Rabbits attach much importance to their home and social life. They enjoy company and conversation and, with refined tastes, are all for an agreeable lifestyle. A good judge of

Born under the sign of luck, Dragons have great determination. They are resourceful, active and use their personality and strengths well. Dragons also have style, are sociable and enjoy many interests, but do value their independence.

A promising year and, by focusing on aims and making the most of opportunities, Dragons can enjoy considerable good fortune. In work, interesting chances can arise allowing many to make headway or move to a more satisfying position.

March, May and October could see encouraging developments.

This is also an excellent year for personal development and, by furthering skills and interests, other possibilities can open up. Some ideas put forward

Tip for the year: Adapt as required. Much can follow on from what is achieved and experience now gained.

Famous Snakes: JK Rowling (pictured), Paul Simon, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Dylan.

Horse

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Active, hard-working and determined, Horses like to be busy and enjoy company and conversation as well as have many other interests. Horses have considerable style and use their abilities well. They are also strong-minded. A busy and sometimes demanding year, but also one of great possibility. Home and social life will see much activity and with plans advanced

HOROSCOPE FOR 2012

and some hopes realised. New friendships and, for some, romance can add excitement to the year with March, April and August busy and promising months. Travel prospects are good and Horses should also give time to interests, with ideas and projects developing well. New interests could also appeal, sometimes allowing Horses to get additional exercise or benefit in other ways. With an active lifestyle, finances need managing well.

In work, good progress can be made but many will face increased pressures and need to adapt as situations and chances require. The year will require effort, but give Horses the chance to show their strengths and gain valuable new experience. A rewarding year with many interesting developments.

Tip for the year: Put in the effort. With determination and willingness much can be achieved and with progress well deserved.

Famous Horses: Sir Paul McCartney (pictured), Barbra Streisand, Billy Connolly, John Travolta.

Goat

1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Goats have a good understanding of human nature. Observant, caring and sociable, Goats like company and having support for the things they do. They also attach much importance to home life.

Born under the sign of art, Goats are creative and enjoy the finer things in life.

A full and exciting year. Events can happen fast this year and, when opportunities arise, Goats need to be quick to take advantage. In work, new possibilities will allow many to make headway and to use skills in other ways. This is no year to resist change or chance. March, May and October could see important developments.

With a busy lifestyle and some expensive plans, spending needs careful control. Relations with others are especially favoured with Goats encouraged by support and advice received. Personal interests can develop well and help introduce Goats to others, with many widening their social circle over the year.

In home life, shared activities and family news can bring much pleasure. An active year containing some good chances.

Tip for the year: Rise to the challenges and opportunities of the year. With support and effort, accomplishments can be significant and far reaching.

Monkey

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Monkeys put much energy into the things they do. They have wide interests, are curious and imaginative and have a fine memory. Monkeys attach much importance to home and social life and also have a good sense of fun.

An interesting and favourable year, during which Monkeys can enjoy a certain luck and, once they have made decisions and take action, chance can often help them along.

In work, this is a year for advance and, by keeping alert for opportunities, important progress can be made. For those seeking change or a position, new chances found. April, September and November could see encouraging developments. Income can improve, but spending needs to be watched. Personal interests can develop well with creative activities favoured. Social life can also bring considerable pleasure with important new friends and contacts being made.

In home life, Monkeys will play an important part, arranging and attending to much and some exciting occasions to enjoy. A year of scope and possibility.

Tip for the year: This can be a successful year but it is a case of taking action and making things happen. With effort great things are possible.

Famous Monkeys: Kylie Minogue, Daniel Craig (pictured), Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston.

Rooster

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

increase in activity with romantic prospects good. April, July and August could be full and interesting months. Home life will be busy. Some practical projects could be disruptive but by joining together and sharing much, there will be many good times to enjoy and achievements to mark. A year of good opportunity.

Tip for the year: Seize the moment and act well on hopes and plans. With determination much can happen and be achieved.

Famous Roosters: Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Zeta Jones, Britney Spears, Cate Blanchett (pictured).

Dog

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Loyal and caring, Dogs are very protective of loved ones. They are also direct and straightforward in manner and prepared to stand up for their beliefs. Dogs have a tendency to worry, but are dependable and much respected.

Dogs may not always feel at ease with the fast-moving developments of the year. In work, many will face increased pressure and will need to adapt as changes take place or chances open up. Progress will require great effort this year, but skills gained can be helpful in the present and longer term. In money matters, Dogs will need to be careful and avoid risks. To help keep lifestyle in balance, time given to personal interests can particularly benefit with Dogs enjoying chances to try new activities or carry out satisfying projects. With family and friends also supportive, Dogs would do well to draw on advice and help offered, remembering a worry shared is often a worry halved. April, May and August could see much social activity. A good year for travel.

Pig

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Outgoing, kindly and trusting, Pigs enjoy good relations with many and with their home and social life especially important. They also like their pleasures and the finer things in life. Pigs are hardworking and use their skills and opportunities well.

A busy year with Pigs facing many demands on their time and attention. However, amid all the activity, important chances can arise and which Pigs can often turn to their advantage.

Roosters have considerable style. They are outgoing, present themselves well and are interesting speakers. Roosters can be direct and forthright in manner but are well organised and like to think and plan ahead. Exciting times await. This is the year to act on hopes and plans with much now becoming possible. In work, new chances can open up allowing Roosters to build on their situation or take on something different. To fully benefit from possibilities Roosters need to keep alert and informed. Progress can help financially, but with expensive plans and chances of travel, Roosters should manage their money well. New interests taken up could be especially satisfying. Social life will also see an

Tip for the year: Preserve time for interests and enjoying with loved ones. This year favours joint undertakings and for sharing much.

Famous Dogs:

In work, some developments may concern, but can open up new opportunity or allow Pigs to move to a different position. Chances can happen suddenly and, to benefit, Pigs need to be swift. Progress made can help financially, but spending needs to be watched. With travel favoured, Pigs should try to go away during the year. There will also be an excellent chance for Pigs to meet others and, whether socially or in work, some met could be especially helpful. March, May and July will see much social activity. Pigs can also look forward to a full and pleasing home life with many domestic plans working out well.

Tip for the year: Keep alert and informed. The year could see some excellent opportunities opening up.

Famous Pigs: Sir Elton John, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen (pictured).

Distributed by Auspac Media. Neil Somerville is the author of “Your Chinese Horoscope 2012”, published by HarperElement.

Win a movie, a meal and

a night in

the vines

Flint in the Vines, at Shaw Vineyard Estate, Murrembateman, has bought an open-air cinema and launches its first four screenings over the Australia Day weekend.

To celebrate, “CityNews” has a special Australia Day prize for one lucky couple to enjoy a twocourse meal (and a glass of wine) in the restaurant, a double pass to see the hit Australian movie “Lantana” at sunset and the opportunity to be one of the first to stay overnight in the newly renovated retro ’60s cottage accommodation (with breakfast provisions).

The prize is valued at more than $300 and it’s waiting to be won at citynews.com.au/win

Garden charm opens at Berry

AT the beginning of 2000, Chris and Carolyn Francis moved to what was then an undulating paddock of thigh-high grass surrounded by a little creek on the outskirts of Berry.

Their dream was to build a home and garden in which their two girls could experience a true country childhood.

That garden has evolved over the past 11 years and will be open to the public as part of the Open Gardens Australia scheme on the weekend of January 28-29.

Although she has no official horticultural training, Carolyn designed the garden.

“I have always just planted the plants I

like and it seems to work,” she said. Chris is a builder and, with some help from Carolyn, has constructed the house and the more structural elements of the garden. Wherever possible he has used recycled materials.

The garden features an octagonal veggie patch that utilises permaculture principles, an English-style courtyard surrounding the pool, an extensive outdoor entertainment area complete with wood oven and fire pit, and a bluestone bridge over the pond.

Open garden, 153 Kangaroo Valley Road, Berry, 10am-4pm, January 28-29.

Adults $6, children free.

garden

Great time for patriotic planting gardening

AUSTRALIA Day is a great day to plant an Aussie tree or shrub.

Here are a few suggestions, starting with our national flower Acacia pycnantha or Golden Wattle, an evergreen, small tree 4m-8m tall with an abundance of golden-yellow flowers in spring.

This plant has had an interesting path to being proclaimed our national flower. The then-Surveyor-General of NSW, Thomas Mitchell, collected the first specimen in 1836. He led many exploratory expeditions to the Murray and Darling River systems.

Archibald Campbell founded a Wattle Club in Victoria in 1899 to promote Wattle Day every September as a symbol of patriotism. On September 19, 1912, by royal warrant, it was introduced into the design of the Australian armorial bearings on the recommendation of Prime Minister Andrew Fisher. This wattle was also engraved on the golden trowel used by the Governor-General Lord Denman and other dignitaries at the laying of the foundation stone for Canberra.

While A. pycnantha was unofficially accepted as Australia’s national flower by most States, interestingly it was not proclaimed as such until 1988, our bicentenary year. A ceremonial planting by the Prime Minister’s wife, Mrs Hazel Hawke, took place at the Australian National Botanic Gardens on September 1, 1988. Four years later in 1992, September 1 was declared National Wattle Day.

WATTLE flowers are, in almost all cases, yellow or cream with one exception, the unusual red wattle, Acacia leprosa. In 1995, two bushwalkers found a single mutant seedling growing in a Victorian forest. They took 12 cuttings to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Two survived to maturity, from which thousands of plants have since been propagated. In 1998, the Melbourne Botanic Gardens applied for plant breeders’ rights over this rare and unusual red wattle and this was granted with the registered name of Acacia leprosa of Scarlet Blaze. In 2001, it was selected as Victoria’s floral emblem for the Centenary of Federation. It has since been developed commercially by Plants Growers Australia, a well-known Victorian wholesale nursery, and is now readily available. This is a truly unique Aussie plant worthy of a place in any garden. You can see it growing at our Botanic Gardens.

MADE famous by May Gibbs and her stories of the Gumnut babies, banksias are available from huge specimens, suitable only for large country gardens,

cedric Bryant

to those with the smallest garden.

For example, Banksia Birthday Candles, a dwarf variety of Banksia Spinulosa, will only grow to 0.5m tall x 1m spread and is a perfect container plant with its rich orange flowers and compact growth. It can even be grown on a sunny unit balcony, demonstrating that one does not have to have a large bush garden to grow Aussie plants.

Hints on growing Aussie plants:

Select a place in the garden that receives full sun for most of the day.

Good drainage is vital as most Aussie plants will not tolerate wet feet.

In heavy clay, add compost and washed river sand. Rotted pine needles are also ideal. Or apply Multicrop liquid Ground Breaker.

Mulch well, but keep the mulch away from the stems of plants to avoid collar rot. Canberra Organic Mulch from Canberra Sand and Gravel is ideal. Spent mushroom compost is not recommended due to its high lime content.

Water-in at planting time with a liquid seaweed solution to encourage new root growth. Do not use fertilisers containing phosphorus such as chicken manure, fresh or pelletised form. Blood and bone is also not recommended for the same reason.

Anna’s right at home amid the history

HOUSE TOUR

Photos by s ilas Brown

“ALL my family love this house, the feeling of warmth it gives, the sense that it has its own history, with our history and changes to it, intertwined,” says Anna Prosser.

Anna, who with husband Bob, has lived in their 1930s Forrest home since 1994.

The house has had only three owners. In building it, the original owner sourced leftover timber and bricks from the site of Old Parliament House. The exterior was originally painted the same colour as bus shelters in Canberra in the 1930s, again using leftover paint.

“The house has an old country feel to it as well as plenty of contemporary living spaces to suit all our needs,” says Anna.

“When we bought it in 1994, the first thing I needed to do was to bring more light in, so all the wallpaper from the ‘70s had to go, carpets lifted, floors sanded back and skylights put in.

“My design style is influenced by my Swedish heritage, especially upstairs, an addition to the house about five years ago, where light streams in and timber floors are the background to family antiques and Swedish designer fabrics.

“Swedish and English antiques are liberally mixed with IKEA furniture and effects throughout the house, I think contemporary design blends beautifully with antiques.

“Swedish tradition has it that dull copper/brass is a sign of an unloved house. So there is a sheen on the copper and brass inherited from my grandparents; well, as often as I can manage it! We grew up as children polishing brass and copper, especially before a festival such as Christmas or Easter.

“Minimalism is not something I relate to, the things we have reflect who we are and where we have been and come from. There are plenty of books, which we struggle to find space for as we love reading.

“Something I hear often from friends and tradesmen alike is that coming in to our house feels like coming ‘home’. I love those comments and am happy to have created an environment that nurtures a sense of well-being and invites people in.”